Category Archives: Summer Festival

Summer Food Truck Night

Thank You

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our Summer Food Truck Night! It was amazing to spend the evening outdoors enjoying good food, music and sunshine with neighbors. Huge thanks to our volunteers, vendors and partners for a great event!

Summer Food Truck Night

Get ready for another Armatage neighborhood Food Truck Night!

Five fabulous food trucks will be in the Armatage parking lot to take distanced orders. Enjoy music and free paper marbling (seriously, it’s awesome!) led by local artist Donte Mearon!

Swing by the ANA table for free kids books generously donated by Jump! Library at 54th & Penn, and to order your All Are Welcome Here Lawn Sign. Bring your blanket or chairs and find a spot in the park to picnic.

We have a GREAT lineup of food trucks at the event including:

Safety info: with cases high again, please plan to distance and mask up if you’re in close proximity to someone else, wash hands, and stay home if you’re experiencing any symptoms, were recently exposed to someone who has COVID-19 or are waiting on a COVID-19 test. Thanks for keeping our neighbors, staff, vendors and volunteers safe!  See you this summer at the park!

Questions? Give us a shout at anacoordinator@armatage.org  This event is being held in lieu of our annual Summer Festival. In case of severe weather, we’ll post cancellations here and on Facebook, Twitter, and Nextdoor.

July 24, 2020 eNews

July 21, 2020 Meeting Recap

Officer Elections for two open positions were held. Kevin Ross was elected as Vice President and Patty Grabski was elected as Secretary. After this summer’s community conversations, the ANA voted to partner with the Theater of Public Policy to hold small group facilitated workshops on talking about race and being anti-racist (more details to come). The board approved funds for these workshops and to plan a safe and distanced neighborhood Food Truck Night in August pending permit approval. The ANA will continue working with the park on getting an event permit approved as the City of Mpls isn’t issuing residential food truck permits at this time. The Green Team presented plans for a few programs and events this summer and early fall including a new Native Plant Rebate program, an Adopt a Storm Drain campaign, and the annual Neighborhood Litter Be Gone Clean-up. The Board voted to approve funds for each initiative and to hold a regular monthly meeting on August 18.


Comments Sought on a Second Proposed City Charter Amendment

The Minneapolis Charter Commission has proposed another possible change to the City Charter, our City’s constitution, and is seeking public input on this proposal. This new proposal removes minimum funding requirements for the Police Department without eliminating Police as a required department.  Read this second proposed Charter amendment here. The public hearing for the second proposed Charter amendment is scheduled for Monday, July 27 at 5:00pm (access meeting info here).

This is the second of two proposed Charter amendments. The City Council submitted the first proposed amendment, which if passed would eliminate Police as a required department in the City Charter and instead require the creation of a Department of Community Safety and Violence Prevention, which may include a police division. See answers to frequently asked questions about the City Council’s proposed Charter amendment here. If both proposals are approved by the deadline of August 21, then they could both appear as ballot questions this November.

How to comment:


Statewide Mask Order Starts Saturday

Governor Tim Walz signed an executive order requiring Minnesotans to wear a face covering in indoor businesses and indoor public settings starting tomorrow, July 25. Minneapolis has had an indoor mask order in place since late May and researchers have advocated for masking, calling it a simple and effective step to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. For information and resources on the mask mandate, including frequently asked questions, visit mn.gov/COVID19.

Individuals with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that makes it unreasonable for the individual to maintain a face covering are exempt from the order. Children ages 5 and younger are also exempt. Children under 2 should never wear a face covering due to the risk of suffocation.


Armatage Summer Festival – Until Next Year

Under usual circumstances, we’d be hard at work preparing for our annual Summer Festival and looking forward to spending our favorite day of the whole year with the neighborhood. While we can’t safely hold any neighborhood events this year, we’re grateful to see so many of you on Zoom and look forward to when we can gather as a community again. Until then, check out our calendar for upcoming virtual meetings and events at armatage.org/events (Image of Sheridan Ave next to Armatage Montessori)

Guidelines Passed for Park Encampments

Last week Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution that will reduce the number of parks with temporary encampments for people experiencing homelessness to 20, limit the number of tents per encampment to 25, and establish a new encampment permit requirement. The MPRB is not pre-selecting the 20 sites and is instead allowing those applying for a temporary encampment permit to request the park they wish to stay in. If a permit is approved, the MPRB will provide restrooms or portable toilets, hand washing stations (as vendor supplies allow), and trash/recycling containers to the encampment within 48 hours of issuing a permit.

Encampment permit applications are available by contacting the MPRB at encampmentpermit@minneapolisparks.org.  Once an encampment permit is issued, the MPRB will communicate with the neighborhood association where the park is located and list the park at www.minneapolisparks.org/encampments


Low-cost Pet Vaccinations Available

Minneapolis Animal Care & Control is now offering low-cost pet vaccinations by appointment only to follow safe COVID-19 guidelines and ensure there aren’t too many people in the shelter at one time. Getting animals vaccinated is an important public health and safety service and helps pets live happy, healthy lives.

Services: Rabies vaccination: $10; DA2PP (distemper combination for dogs) vaccination: $10; PRC (distemper combination for cats) vaccination: $10; and microchip: $10.

This service is only open to Minneapolis residents who have or buy a current pet license. Residents can sign up for an appointment using this form or by calling 311 or MACC at 612-673-6222. Appointments are available 1:00-4:00pm on most Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Polling Place Changes

50 polling locations throughout Minneapolis are changing for both the 2020 Primary and General Election. Of the 50 relocated polling places, 16 were in senior homes, high-rises and other residential sites and another 32 had insufficient space for people to keep at least 6 feet apart. Double check your polling place today at pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us

Vote by Mail

All Minnesota voters are eligible to vote by mail, no reason needed. This year in particular, we encourage you to stay safe and minimize direct contact with others while exercising your civic duty. It only takes a couple minutes to request absentee ballots, which will arrive with postage-paid envelopes for return. Complete the vote by mail application online here.   You can even track the status of your ballot and confirm that it was received and accepted without problem.

Vote Early In-person

Visit the Minneapolis Early Vote Center (980 East Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis MN 55414) Monday-Friday between 8:00am and 4:30pm (Saturday hours start in August) to vote early in-person for the August 11 Primary.  Hours and details are posted at vote.minneapolismn.gov/events/ and please don’t forget your mask!


Emergency Rent Assistance & Evictions Suspended Through Aug 12

Hennepin County is still accepting applications for its emergency rent assistance program. Learn more and apply at www.hennepin.us/residents/human-services/emergency-rental-covid19

With the extension of MN’s peacetime emergency through August 12, evictions are suspended but rent is still due so please continue to share this resource widely.

Last Chance to Comment on Park Master Plans

You have one last chance to comment on two Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Master Plans that impact our Armatage. Click on each link below to learn more about the project, view the final plans, and submit your comments:


Be Counted in the Census

Here’s our last plug in July to complete the 2020 Census if you haven’t yet! Census data determines how billions of dollars in federal funding is allocated and impacts representation at the local, state, and national level.

Minnesota is currently leading the nation with a 71.5 percent response rate! You can help maintain our lead by responding online here, by phone, or by mail.

April 13, 2020 eNews

April 21 Meeting Agenda

6:30-8:00pm | Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/94646891472
All meetings are open to community members. Please allow time to sign in at the link above.

  • Welcome & Introductions
  • Annual Meeting & Board Elections
  • Virtual Happy Hours & Coffee Breaks
  • Social distancing engagement:
    • Collect art, photos, poems
    • More summer ideas
  • Other Business
  • President’s Report
  • Minutes – need to approve
  • Treasurer Report – financials emailed
  • Committee Updates:
    • Green Team:
      • Rain & Native Garden Program update
      • Virtual Organics Workshop – May 18
    • Mini Grants: Approve 2020 grant recipients
    • Complete Count: 2020 Census social media campaign
    • Summer Festival: alternatives
  • Coordinator Update:
    • Armatage Park playground construction

Virtual Neighborhood Happy Hour Tomorrow!

Tuesday, April 14
8:00-9:00pm
Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/502813335
Topic: Supporting Local Businesses

Join your neighbors on Zoom for a virtual Happy Hour. We know this is an isolating time for many so grab a drink or snack of some kind and come share all the ways we can support our local businesses.

Kids, pets and funny background filters welcome! Open to all, whether you live in Armatage or not. We recommend downloading the free Zoom app on your device.

Win a $50 Gift Card and Help Our Community Count in the Census

The 2020 Census is HERE and we need your help to ensure Minnesota gets its full share of funding for schools, health care, roads and more.

Help out and enter to win one of four $50 gift cards to local businesses:

  1. Take the 2020 Census: my2020census.gov
  2. Take Action. Choose from the following list…
    • Snap a selfie and share with hashtags #WeCountMN #Census2020 #ArmatageTakesTheCensus
    • Share a social media post with my2020census.gov/ and hashtags #WeCountMN #Census2020 #ArmatageTakesTheCensus
    • Reach out to a neighbor (or two!) about completing the Census using #socialdistancing. (This is a perfect chance to check in remotely).
  3. Visit armatage.org/2020census and enter your info for a chance to win one of four $50 gift cards to local businesses.

Thanks to support from the State of MN and the Minneapolis Foundation! All Minneapolis residents are eligible to participate.

COVID-19 Resources & Links

Do you need to…

  • Learn about all the new small business, nonprofit and individual emergency loan programs available,
  • Access Hennepin County assistance,
  • Find free food or meals,
  • Request help around your home (esp. if you’re a senior or have a disability),
  • Get more ideas to keep kids busy during the day,
  • Check the details of our extended #StayHomeMN order?

We couldn’t find these links all in one place so we’ve gathered these and MANY more at https://armatage.org/covid19 and update it daily. Thank you to everyone who has shared this resource with their block’s e-list or on social media. Please email additions to anacoordinator@armatage.org.


Transportation Action Plan Open House Today

Check out the draft Transportation Action Plan website to read the draft plan and provide feedback. The interactive website includes opportunities to provide your input on specific strategies and actions during the public comment period, which is extended until May 22.

Attend the Online Open House TODAY, Monday, April 13, from 4:30-5:30pm on the Minneapolis Facebook page to hear about your plan, give input, and interact in real time.


Updated Comprehensive District Design Plans

Minneapolis Public Schools has released its final draft for the Comprehensive District Design. The updated plans outline changes to community school boundaries, magnet programs like Armatage Montessori, school pathways, special education, and more.

Community members can view the plans at https://www.cdd.mpls.k12.mn.us/ in advance of the School Board’s scheduled vote on May 12. If you would like to submit a  comment on the plans, please visit https://board.mpls.k12.mn.us/public_comment for detailed instructions. Voicemails will be played during virtual board meetings.


Last Chance to Comment on the SW Parks Master Plan

The comment period for the Southwest Service Area Master Plan ends on April 25, 2020. With park buildings now closed, visit www.minneapolisparks.org/sw to view and comment on the plans.

https://www.nrpa.org/contentassets/e8a6e296777f473f9859cc482e5e7d7b/covid19-urban-parks-1000.jpg

Park Event and Facility Closures through August 31

ICYMI, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board made the difficult decision to cancel all park/neighborhood events and close recreation centers, restrooms, pools and beaches through August 31. Parks, trails, athletic fields and courts, parkways, dog parks, and golf courses will remain open.  Read the full list of what’s open, closed and canceled here.

The ANA is working on ways to support the neighborhood this summer without our usual events.  In the months to come, [lease stay safe while enjoying parks and trails with these tips from the MPRB:

  • Stay six feet apart – if you are able to, please move aside for families with young kids, seniors, and people with disabilities.
  • No group sports, play dates, or activities
  • Don’t drive across the city or metro to visit popular parks
  • Use parks in moderation
  • Don’t visit parks or trails if you feel sick or have symptoms like a fever, runny nose and/or sore throat

April 3, 2020 eNews

Win a $50 Gift Card and Help Our Community Count in the Census

The 2020 Census is HERE and we need your help to ensure Minnesota gets its full share of funding for schools, health care, roads and more.

Help out and enter to win one of four $50 gift cards to local businesses:

  1. Take the 2020 Census: my2020census.gov
  2. Take Action: choose from the following list…
    • Snap a selfie and share with hashtags #WeCountMN #Census2020 #ArmatageTakesTheCensus
    • Share a social media post with my2020census.gov/ and hashtags #WeCountMN #Census2020 #ArmatageTakesTheCensus
    • Reach out to a neighbor (or two!) about completing the Census using #socialdistancing. (This is a perfect chance to check in remotely).
  3. Visit armatage.org/2020census and enter your info for a chance to win one of four $50 gift cards to local businesses.

Thanks to support from the State of MN and the Minneapolis Foundation! All Minneapolis residents are eligible to participate.

COVID-19 Resources & Links

Do you need to…

  • Find a food shelf,
  • Apply for unemployment or an emergency small business loan,
  • Look up high risk grocery shopping hours,
  • Request help around your home (esp. if you’re a senior or have a disability),
  • Find ideas to keep kids busy during the day,
  • Check the details of our the #StayHomeMN order?

We have links to these and more in one place and are updating our page daily: https://armatage.org/covid19 If you haven’t done so yet, please send it to your block’s e-list or share on social media. Email suggestions for additions to anacoordinator@armatage.org.

https://www.nrpa.org/contentassets/e8a6e296777f473f9859cc482e5e7d7b/covid19-urban-parks-1000.jpg

Park Event and Facility Closures through August 31

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board made the difficult decision to cancel all park events and close recreation centers, restrooms, pools and beaches through August 31. This includes the cancellation of neighborhood events like Armatage Summer Festival that are held at parks. Parks, trails, athletic fields and courts, parkways, dog parks, and golf courses will remain open.  Read the full list of what’s open, closed and canceled here.

Stay safe while enjoying our parks and trails:

  • Stay six feet apart – if you are able to, please move aside for families with young kids, seniors, and people with disabilities.
  • No group sports, play dates, or activities
  • Don’t drive across the city or metro to visit popular parks
  • Use parks in moderation
  • Don’t visit parks or trails if you feel sick or have symptoms like a fever, runny nose and/or sore throat

mnhealth on Twitter: "Viruses don't discriminate, and neither ...
Check Out this Message from Mayor Frey and Chief Arradondo

There have been increased incidents and attacks against Asian American communities across the nation as a result of racism coupled with coronavirus fears. Watch and share Mayor Frey and Chief Arradondo’s video to learn about how the City is responding.

Call 311 to report discriminatory actions to the City’s Civil Rights Department and call 911 in an emergency.

The Minnesota Department of Health also has some great anti-discrimination posters available on its website.

Minneapolis City Trees Program

Low-cost Tree Sales for Minneapolis Residents

The Minneapolis City Trees Program is now open to ALL Minneapolis property owners! Sales are happening on a new online system through May 1 or until trees are sold out.

Unlike past years, there is no lottery and available trees will be smaller in size (#5 and #7 containers) in order to make more trees available to more property owners. Visit https://mpls-tree-sale.myshopify.com/ and please spread the word to your neighbors!


SW Parks Master Plan Comment Period Extended

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board extended the comment period for the Southwest Service Area Master Plan through April 25, 2020. With park buildings now closed through until May, visit www.minneapolisparks.org/sw to view and comment on the plans.


Transportation Action Plan Comment Period Extended

Check out the draft Transportation Action Plan website to read the draft plan and provide feedback. The interactive website includes opportunities to provide your input on specific strategies and actions during the public comment period, which is extended until May 22.

Attend the Online Open House on Monday, April 13 from 4:30-5:30pm on the Minneapolis Facebook page to hear about your plan, give input, and interact in real time.

Comment Period Extended to July 15

The City of Minneapolis has extended the public comment period for the Neighborhoods 2020 Draft Guidelines through July 15, 2020.

Proposed funding levels for neighborhoods like Armatage will significantly decrease in 2021 and beyond to shift more funding toward areas of the City with greater equity needs. Base funding levels will drop to 1/3 of their current level for Armatage, which will impact our ability to serve the neighborhood. Read the draft guidelines and learn more at www.minneapolismn.gov/ncr/2020

We Love Our Neighborhood

Thank you to Armatage neighbors Linda and Maggie for sharing their sidewalk poetry with us during this turbulent time!

Let us know how you’re making Armatage a bit brighter so we can share it with the neighborhood by emailing anacoordinator@armatage.org.

August 9, 2019 eNews

Armatage Summer Festival

Sunday, August 11
4:00 – 7:00pm
Armatage Park

Celebrate Armatage with music, games, food trucks, inflatables, face painting, raffles to support the neighborhood, demos and activities for all ages at our annual Summer Festival this Sunday, August 11 from 4:00-7:00pm at Armatage Park.

Wristbands – $6 each/$18 family max (credit card or cash) give you access to…

  • Unlimited use of four inflatables for big kids and toddlers alike
  • Face painting
  • Make and take art project with ArtStart

Screen printing:

For just $12, screen print your own heavy duty cotton tote for library books, groceries, etc. Or bring your own plain cotton t-shirt to screen print for $8. Perfect for showing your Armatage neighborhood pride year-round!

Free activities:

  • 4:30 pm • Magic by Bruce
  • 5:00-7:00 pm • KidZone interactive entertainment
  • Check out all the awesome vintage, hybrid/EV and plug-in electric rides and vote for your favorites at our annual Car Show
  • Lawn games for all-ages (Giant Jenga, Kan Jam, and more!)
  • Sidewalk chalk and bubbles station
  • 3rd Lair Skateboarding demonstrations and lessons
  • Info tables and activities including:
    • The O’Neil Group – KW Integrity Lakes
    • Eli Johnson – Engel & Volkers
    • Fireside Hearth & Home
    • Penn Avenue Family Dental
    • Family Housing Fund
    • Minneapolis Public Schools
    • Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board: Armatage Park, Neighborhood Naturalists and Parks for All
    • Metro Transit E Line
    • Minneapolis Millers
    • Minneapolis Institute of Arts: Art in the Park

Raffles:

$5/ticket or $20/5 tickets support our neighborhood and enter to win fabulous items donated by our generous neighborhood businesses!


Food trucks:

  • Red Wagon Pizza
  • KCM Eggrolls
  • Twin Cities Paella
  • Sonny’s Ice Cream
  • Lady Kay’s Build Your Own Snow Cones


We appreciate your help in making our event zero waste and composting or recycling your discards at one of three zero waste stations in the park. (Photo credit: City of Ann Arbor)

Please bring refillable water bottles to the festival and fill up at the water station courtesy of Tap Mpls!

Thank you sponsors!

Without the generous support of these organizations, the Summer Festival wouldn’t be possible! Click to learn more about each organization:

Presenting Sponsor

Gold Sponsors

     

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

                  

July 12, 2019 eNews

July 16, 2019 Agenda

  • Welcome & Introductions
  • Park Update:
    • Ice Skates
    • Fall Activity Registration
  • Guest: Ira Jourdain, Minneapolis Public Schools Board Member, on MPS Comprehensive District Design
  • Summer Festival
    • Screen printing
    • Event volunteer schedule
    • Board t-shirts
    • Zero waste (Green Team)
    • Tables and raffles
    • Set up and take down
  • Other Business
  • President’s Report
    • Neighborhoods 2020 community message
  • Minutes – approved via email
  • Treasurer Report – financials emailed
  • Committee Updates
    • Green Team:
      • Save the date for Mpls Litter Be Gone Clean-up – Oct 5
    • Mini Grants:
      • Approve 2019 Grant Recipients
  • Coordinator Update
    • Business facade grant application
    • Washburn Tot Lot Celebration volunteers
    • NCEC elections
    • Website PHP upgrade
    • No ANA meeting in August

***Upcoming meetings/events

Jul 17 – NCEC Elections (6:00 pm, Crown Roller Mill – 105 5th Avenue South)

Aug 6 –  National Night Out

Aug 11 – Summer Festival (4:00 – 7:00 pm)

Aug 22 – Washburn Tot Celebration (5:30-7:30 pm)

Armatage Summer Festival

Sunday, August 11
4:00 – 7:00pm

Celebrate Armatage with music, games, food trucks, inflatables, face painting, raffles to support the neighborhood, demos and activities for all ages at our annual Summer Festival on Sunday, August 11 from 4:00-7:00pm at Armatage Park. Click here to learn all about this year’s event!

We’re still looking for a few more neighborhood businesses, food vendors, artists/makers, and community organizations to table or serve food at the Summer Festival. Sign up here.

Sign up for the Summer Festival Car Show

Got a vintage, unique, hybrid or plug-in/EV car? Sign up to showcase it at the Summer Festival’s Car Show on Sunday, August 11 from 4:00-7:00pm! Festival attendees will vote on Kid’s Favorite and Overall Favorite with the winners taking home a gift card to a neighborhood spot. Sign up to be a part of the 2019 Car Show!

National Night Out

Tuesday, August 6

Learn more about NNO and register your block today! The deadline to register for a free permit to close your street is July 23.

The following blocks in Armatage don’t have a block leader registered yet. If you live on one of them and are thinking of getting to get more involved, hosting a National Night Out potluck block party with your neighbors is a great way to try it out:

58XX WASHBURN AV S59XX WASHBURN AV S61XX WASHBURN AV S56XX XERXES AV S57XX XERXES AV S59XX XERXES AV S60XX XERXES AV S59XX VINCENT AV S65XX THOMAS AV S61XX THOMAS AV S56XX PENN AV S57XX PENN AV S60XX PENN AV S61XX PENN AV S59XX OLIVER AV S61XX QUEEN AV S

Upcoming Meetings on Southwest Park Designs

The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board is in the midst of discussing updated concept designs for parks and park-owned properties in Southwest Minneapolis.

If you’ve been meaning to get to a Community Advisory Committee meeting, you still have a few more chances.  Snacks and passive children’s activities are provided. Please contact Cindy Anderson at 612-230-6472 or canderson@minneapolisparks.org to request language, access or interpretation accommodations.

CAC Subcommittee Meeting on Fields/Diamonds at Kenny/Armatage/Pershing/Linden Hills

Monday, July 15, 2019, 6-8 pm

Lynnhurst Recreation Center, 1345 W Minnehaha Parkway

CAC Meeting #12

Thursday, July 25, 2019, 6-8 pm

Pershing Recreation Center, 3523 W 48th St.

Can’t make it?

Minnehaha Creek Master Plan

New concept designs are also available for the Minnehaha Creek Master Plan. Follow the link above for more information on that project.

Free Summer Events & Activities with Hennepin County

Events at Target Field Station:

  • Monday Movie Nights: July 15 and 29, 7:00-9:00pm
  • Thursday Trivia Nights: July 25, 7:00-8:00pm.

Events at Hennepin County Government Center:

  • Tuesdays: Farmers Market: 10:00am-1:00pm
  • Wednesdays: Yard Games and Activities: 11:30am-1:30pm
  • Thursdays: Piano Music: 12:00-1:00pm

Learn more at mplsdowntown.com/gooutside/. Follow along on social media using #mymplsdt

July 5, 2019 eNews


July Neighborhood Happy Hour

Tuesday, July 9
7:00-9:00pm
Red Wagon Pizza

Meet neighbors and catch up on all things Armatage at our July Neighborhood Happy Hour. Pizza is free, cash bar, and help tipping our servers is always appreciated!

Armatage Summer Festival

Sunday, August 11
4:00 – 7:00pm

Celebrate Armatage with music, games, food trucks, inflatables, face painting, raffles to support the neighborhood, demos and activities for all ages at our annual Summer Festival on Sunday, August 11 from 4:00-7:00pm at Armatage Park.

We’re still looking for a few more neighborhood businesses, food vendors, artists/makers, and community organizations to table or serve food at the Summer Festival. Sign up here.

Upcoming Town Hall on July 9

Join Rep Jamie Long, Senator Scott Dibble and Rep Frank Hornstein at their upcoming Town Hall this Tuesday, July 9 from 6:00-7:30pm. Hear about the 2019 legislative session, ask questions, and then head on over to our Neighborhood Happy Hour at Red Wagon.

Upcoming Meetings on Southwest Park Designs

The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board is in the midst of discussing updated concept designs for parks and park-owned properties in Southwest Minneapolis.

If you’ve been meaning to get to a Community Advisory Committee meeting, you still have a few more chances.  Snacks and passive children’s activities are provided. Please contact Cindy Anderson at 612-230-6472 or canderson@minneapolisparks.org to request language, access or interpretation accommodations.CAC Meeting #11
Thursday, July 11 2019, 6-8 pm
Lynnhurst Recreation Center, 1345 W Minnehaha Parkway

CAC Subcommittee Meeting on Fields/Diamonds at Kenny/Armatage/Pershing/Linden Hills
Monday, July 15, 2019, 6-8 pm
Lynnhurst Recreation Center, 1345 W Minnehaha Parkway

CAC Meeting #12
Thursday, July 25, 2019, 6-8 pm
Pershing Recreation Center, 3523 W 48th St.

Can’t make it?

Minnehaha Creek Master Plan

New concept designs are also available for the Minnehaha Creek Master Plan. Follow the link above for more information on that project.


Minneapolis Minimum Wage Increase

The minimum wage in Minneapolis increased this week! For more information, visit minimumwage.minneapolismn.gov and review the FAQ’s. For additional questions or consultation, email minwage@minneapolismn.gov, or call 311 and request a callback from a minimum wage outreach specialist/attorney.


Turning Garages, Basements, and Backyards into Housing

More than 130 local families have added an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) to their homes in the four short years since Minneapolis adopted an ADU ordinance. If you’re curious about how an ADU could help your family, then check out our free Home + home: Twin Cities ADU Guidebook, found at www.fhfund.org/adu/.

What is an ADU, you ask? You probably know them as basement and attic apartments, mother-in-law units, and backyard cottages. Whatever you call them, you can use one to downsize while staying in your own neighborhood. You can provide an affordable home to elderly or young relatives alike. And you can strengthen your family’s finances by renting the ADU out. Check out the guidebook to learn more! Article by David Wade, ADU Outreach Coordinator, Family Housing Fund

Free Summer Events & Activities with Hennepin County

Events at Target Field Station:

  • Monday Movie Nights: July 8, 15 and 29, 7:00-9:00pm
  • Thursday Trivia Nights: July 11 and 25, 7:00-8:00pm.

Events at Hennepin County Government Center:

  • Tuesdays: Farmers Market: 10:00am-1:00pm
  • Wednesdays: Yard Games and Activities: 11:30am-1:30pm
  • Thursdays: Piano Music: 12:00-1:00pm

Learn more at mplsdowntown.com/gooutside/. Follow along on social media using #mymplsdt

August 6, 2019 eNews

Armatage Summer Festival

Sunday, August 11
4:00 – 7:00pm
Armatage Park

Celebrate Armatage with music, games, food trucks, inflatables, face painting, raffles to support the neighborhood, demos and activities for all ages at our annual Summer Festival on Sunday, August 11 from 4:00-7:00pm at Armatage Park.

Click here to learn all about this year’s event!

New this year: screen printing!

For just $12, screen print your own heavy duty cotton tote for library books, groceries, etc. Or bring your own plain cotton t-shirt to screen print for $8. Perfect for showing your Armatage neighborhood pride year-round!

Thank you sponsors!

Without the generous support of these organizations, the Summer Festival wouldn’t be possible! Click to learn more about each organization!

Presenting Sponsor:

Gold Sponsors:

     

Silver Sponsors:

Bronze Sponsors:

            

National Night Out

Tonight – Tuesday, August 6

National Night Out is tonight!  Thanks to everyone who registered their block! Tonight’s weather looks perfect and we hope you have a wonderful time reconnecting with neighbors!

Zero waste

This year, instead of creating a mountain of garbage at your block party, take these easy steps to go zero waste:

  • Before the event: opt for recyclable packaging and 100% compostable tableware (look for the BPI certified logo) and ask neighbors to do the same. Or, have everyone bring their own washable plates, cups and utensils.
  • Event set up: Create a zero waste station with large organics and recycling bins and a small trash bin. Find links to download free colorful bin labels with pictures at armatage.org.
  • At and after the event: Help neighbors understand where items go. Keep an eye on the bins and pull out items that land in the wrong spot. Take pictures of what you collect at the end of the party and send them to neighbors with a thank you.

Sign up for the Summer Festival Car Show

Got a vintage, unique, hybrid or plug-in/EV car? Sign up to showcase it at this weekend’s Car Show at the Summer Festival on Sunday, August 11 from 4:00-7:00pm! Festival attendees will vote on Kid’s Favorite and Overall Favorite with the winners taking home a gift card to a neighborhood spot. Sign up to be a part of the 2019 Car Show!


Volunteer at the Summer Festival

Need some fun volunteer hours for you, your older child or teen? The ANA has just a few volunteer openings left to help make the Summer Festival zero waste. Volunteer from 3:45-5:30pm and get a free wristband or raffle ticket as a thank you.  Sign up in a team or solo: it’s quick, easy and we’ll help you learn everything you need to know at the start of your shift!

Sign up here and help support our community!

The new hands-free law took effect last week.  Drivers are only allowed to use their cell phones to make calls, text, listen to audio and/or get directions only by voice commands or single-touch activation without holding the phone. While driving, phones may NOT be held in the driver’s hand. Watching videos, video calling, Snapchat, gaming and similar activities on a cell phone are prohibited at all times while driving. Learn more at https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ots/hands-free/

Southwest Parks Master Plan Summer Schedule

The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board is in the midst of discussing plans for parks and park-owned properties in Southwest Minneapolis.

If you’ve been meaning to get to a Community Advisory Committee meeting, you still have a few more chances.  Snacks and passive children’s activities are provided. Please contact Cindy Anderson at 612-230-6472 or canderson@minneapolisparks.org to request language, access or interpretation accommodations.

SW Service Area Master Plan CAC Meeting #13

Thu, Aug 8, 2019 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Lynnhurst Recreation Center, 1345 W Minnehaha Parkway
Community Advisory Committee (CAC) members will review and discuss preferred park concept designs and provide recommendations to the project team for Board review. All CAC meetings are open to the public and include light refreshments and passive children’s activities.

CAC Subcommittee Meeting #2 on Fields and Diamonds at Armatage, Kenny, Linden Hills, and Pershing

Wed, Aug 14, 2019 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Lynnhurst Recreation Center, 1345 W Minnehaha Parkway

Community Advisory Committee (CAC) members who represent the areas where Armatage, Kenny, Linden Hills, and Pershing are located, along with city-wide representatives, will review and discuss the fields and diamonds mix for Armatage, Kenny, Linden Hills, and Pershing parks.

SW Service Area Master Plan CAC Meeting #14

Mon, Aug 19, 2019 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Kenwood Recreation Center, 2101 West Franklin Avenue
Community Advisory Committee (CAC) members will review and discuss preferred park concept designs and provide recommendations to the project team for Board review. All CAC meetings are open to the public and include light refreshments and passive children’s activities.

Can’t make it?

Minnehaha Creek Master Plan

New concept designs are also available for the Minnehaha Creek Master Plan. Follow the link above for more information on that project.

June 25, 2019 eNews

June 18 Meeting Highlights:

  • The ANA held Officer Elections for President, Treasurer, and Secretary:
    • President (2 year term) – Joel Federer
    • Treasurer (2 year term) – Judy Vecere
    • Secretary (1 year term) – Rotating among board members
  • The board voted to approve funds for each of the following:
    • Supplies for the Movie in the Park
    • ANA’s summer ads in the SW Journal.
    • Neighborhood lawn signs and digital marketing for Summer Festival.
    • Printing and mailing Armatage News in July.
  • Summer Festival is under two months away!  The deadline to apply to sponsor, table at or as a food vendor is July 11.
  • 5th Precinct Inspector Amelia Huffman & Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Waisanen from the Minneapolis Police Department gave an overview of recent crime activity in the neighborhood.

***
Upcoming meetings/events
Jul 9 – Neighborhood Happy Hour (7:00 – 9:00 pm)
Jul 16 – Monthly Neighborhood Meeting (6:30 – 8:00 pm)
Jul 17 – NCEC Elections (6:00 pm, Crown Roller Mill – 105 5th Avenue South)
Aug 6 – National Night Out
Aug 11 – Summer Festival (4:00 – 7:00 pm)


Sign up for the Armatage Summer Festival

Sunday, August 11
4:00 – 7:00pm

The ANA is looking for neighborhood businesses, food vendors, artists/makers, and community organizations to participate in this year’s Summer Festival. Sign up by July 11 to sponsor the event, table, serve food, or donate a raffle prize.

The Summer Festival is a great way to connect with attendees, highlight your work, and get lots of recognition for making this much-loved event possible. Our 2018 Summer Festival brought out tons of neighbors to enjoy music, great food vendors, an awesome car show, raffles, and fun and games for kids of all ages.

Interested in sponsoring the event? Sponsors are featured in neighborhood communications that reach every address in Armatage, in advertising for the event, on our website, through our social media channels and the eNews, and are recognized at the event through a banner or lawn sign (attendance ranges from 500 – 1,500). To sponsor the Summer Festival, visit our website at https://armatage.org/events/summer-festival/ or contact our Coordinator at anacoordinator@armatage.org.

Feedback Needed on Southwest Park Designs

The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board is in the midst of discussing updated concept designs for parks and park-owned properties in Southwest Minneapolis.

The plan for Armatage Park will be discussed at the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Meeting tonight (Tuesday, June 25)! Snacks, refreshments and passive children’s activities are provided. Please contact Cindy Anderson at 612-230-6472 or canderson@minneapolisparks.org to request language, access or interpretation accommodations.

Lynnhurst Subcommittee Meeting #2
Tuesday, June 25, 2019, 5-6 pm
Fuller Recreation Center, 4802 Grand Ave. S
Focused on Lynnhurst Park & Minnehaha Creek Plans

CAC Meeting #10
Tuesday, June 25, 2019, 6-8 pm
Fuller Recreation Center, 4802 Grand Ave. S

CAC Meeting #11 *if needed
Thursday, July 11 2019, 6-8 pm
Lynnhurst Recreation Center, 1345 W Minnehaha Parkway

CAC Meeting #12 *if needed
Thursday, July 25, 2019, 6-8 pm
Pershing Recreation Center, 3523 W 48th St.

Can’t make it?

Minnehaha Creek Master Plan

New concept designs are also available for the Minnehaha Creek Master Plan. Follow the link above for more information on that project.

Local 4th of July Celebrations

Staying in town for the 4th? The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board put together a great list of celebrations and event in the parks and around Minneapolis!

Join the Neighborhood and Community Engagement Commission (NCEC)

Representatives of Minneapolis neighborhood and cultural communities sit on the NCEC and advise the Mayor and City Council on a wide range of community engagement issues. Armatage is in District 2, and our area is in need of someone to represent our district! Learn more about the NCEC and apply to run by June 30. Elections are July 17 at 6:00pm at Crown Roller Mill, 105 5th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55401.

Southdale Library Building Project

The Hennepin County Board authorized staff to negotiate a lease agreement to relocate Hennepin County Library – Southdale to the nearby Southdale Center mall last week.

Under the current proposal, mall developer Simon Property Group will demolish the former Herberger’s building and construct a new building that would house the library. Construction will start in 2020 with completion anticipated in 2022.

In 2015, due to the age of the building and projected cost, the county determined that renovations to the nearly 50-year-old library building would not be prudent. As a result, Hennepin County developed a strategy to relocate services housed at the library. The service center relocated to Southdale Center in 2016. District Court functions also moved out of the building in 2019.

Building the library at the Southdale Center allows for seamless library services, as the library won’t have to close during construction. The new location, accessible by public transit, may also attract new library patrons. Sign up for updates on the project here.

National Night Out

Tuesday, August 6

Learn more about NNO and register your block today! Register by July 23 and your permit to close your street for National Night Out is free!

June 13, 2019 eNews

June 18 Meeting Agenda

  • Welcome & Introductions
  • Officer Elections for President, Treasurer and Secretary
  • Officer Reports:
    • President’s Report
    • Secretary Report – April minutes approved via email
    • Treasurer Report – financials emailed
  • Park Update:
    • Movie in the Park
  • Summer Festival Planning
    • Entertainment activities
    • Food vendors
    • Sponsors update
    • TapMpls (booked)
    • Facepainting search
    • Car Show
    • Volunteers for sponsor/table recruitment
    • Summer marketing & communications
  • NRP Phase II Contract Closeout
  • Other New Business
  • Guest: Inspector Amelia Huffman & Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Waisanen, Minneapolis Police Department 5th Precinct
  • Committee Updates
    • Community Engagement:
      • July Happy Hour
      • Movie in the Park: Princess Bride.
    • Green Team:
      • Rain & native garden program
      • 6/1 Rain & Native Garden Tour
    • Mini Grants:
      • Application update
      • Process after application deadline (June 15)
  • Coordinator Update
    • Selection of NCEC Elector & Alternate Elector (Date of Election now July 17, 2019)
    • Kenny/Armatage Neighborhood Garage Sale update
    • July newsletter – approve budget and article requests

***
Upcoming meetings/events
Jun 19 – Movie in the Park – Princess Bride (dusk)
Jul 9 – Neighborhood Happy Hour (7:00 – 9:00 pm)
Jul 16 – Monthly Neighborhood Meeting (6:30 – 8:00 pm)
Jul 17 – NCEC Elections (6:00 pm, Crown Roller Mill – 105 5th Avenue South)
Aug 6 – National Night Out
Aug 11 – Summer Festival (4:00 – 7:00 pm)

Last Chance to Apply for an Armatage Mini Grant

If you have ideas to make our neighborhood an even better place and want to implement them, the ANA is looking for a couple more applications for this round of grants. Grants are available for up to $1,000 and subject to the City requirements that prohibit spending on food or entertainment.

The deadline to apply for a Mini Grant is this Saturday, June 15. Learn more and download an application form at armatage.org/programs/mini-grants. Award notifications will be made by August 1, 2019 and grant recipients will have up to a year to complete their projects. Questions? Please contact us at anacoordinator@armatage.org.

Sign up for the Armatage Summer Festival

Sunday, August 11
4:00 – 7:00pm

The ANA is looking for neighborhood businesses, food vendors, artists/makers, and community organizations to participate in this year’s Summer Festival. Sign up to sponsor the event, table, serve food, or donate a raffle prize here.

The Summer Festival is a great way to connect with attendees, highlight your work, and get lots of recognition for making this much-loved event possible. Our 2018 Summer Festival brought out tons of neighbors to enjoy music, great food vendors, an awesome car show, raffles, and fun and games for kids of all ages.

Interested in sponsoring the event? Sponsors are featured in neighborhood communications that reach every address in Armatage, in advertising for the event, on our website, through our social media channels and the eNews, and are recognized at the event through a banner or lawn sign (attendance ranges from 500 – 1,500). To sponsor the Summer Festival, visit our website at https://armatage.org/events/summer-festival/ or contact our Coordinator at anacoordinator@armatage.org.


Princess Bride at Armatage Park

Join the Armatage Neighborhood Association and Armatage Park this Wednesday, June 19 for this summer’s movie in the park: The Princess Bride! The movie will start at dusk (around 9:15pm) but come for snacks and to snag a great spot at 8:00pm!

Weigh in on SW Park Concept Designs

The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board released updated concept designs for parks and park-owned properties in Southwest Minneapolis:

The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) meetings listed below are open to the public and anyone interested in the refinement of these park concepts is encouraged to attend! Snacks, refreshments and passive children’s activities are provided. Please contact Cindy Anderson at 612-230-6472 or canderson@minneapolisparks.org to request language, access or interpretation accommodations.

Lynnhurst Subcommittee Meeting #1
Monday, June 17, 2019, 6-7:30 pm
Lynnhurst Recreation Center, 1345 W Minnehaha Parkway
Focused on Lynnhurst Park & Minnehaha Creek Plans

Lynnhurst Subcommittee Meeting #2
Tuesday, June 25, 2019, 5-6 pm
Fuller Recreation Center, 4802 Grand Ave. S
Focused on Lynnhurst Park & Minnehaha Creek Plans

CAC Meeting #10
Tuesday, June 25, 2019, 6-8 pm
Fuller Recreation Center, 4802 Grand Ave. S

CAC Meeting #11 *if needed
Thursday, July 11 2019, 6-8 pm
Lynnhurst Recreation Center, 1345 W Minnehaha Parkway

CAC Meeting #12 *if needed
Thursday, July 25, 2019, 6-8 pm
Pershing Recreation Center, 3523 W 48th St.

Minnehaha Creek Master Plan

New concept designs are also available for the Minnehaha Creek Master Plan. Follow the link above for more information on that project.

Summer Home Security Tips

The Fulton neighborhood recently experienced an increase in burglaries. Minneapolis Police Department 5th Precinct Inspector Amelia Huffman and Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Waisanen will be at our Armatage Neighborhood Meeting on June 18. Check out the following tips for protecting your property (insider tip: ANA covers up to $100 of home security updates for Armatage residents through our Safety Rebate Program!).

  • Always keep your home and garage secured and locked. Also, always lock your vehicle doors inside your garage and take all valuables out of the vehicle. (including small change, insurance and registration information)
  • Never leave your garage door opener in your car outside of your garage unlocked.
  • Consider in investing in Wi-Fi Security Cameras. This aids in helping investigators identify potential suspects.
  • Motion lights on garage doors and homes are also a good deterrent for burglars.
  • Call 911 to report suspicious activity. This includes strangers walking down your alley and looking in garages, loitering, or vehicles circling the block with occupants you don’t recognize.
  • Burglars commonly knock on doors to see if anyone is home. Please call 911 to report any suspicious persons who knock on your door or ring your doorbell. For example, someone giving you a name of a person they are looking for, who doesn’t live there!
  • If you are burglarized, do not contaminate the crime scene. Do not enter your home until police have cleared it of possible suspects. Do not touch any suspected entry points or items that may have been moved or touched by the burglar. Do not “clean up” until after police have investigated.

For a free home security survey, please call the 5th Precinct at (612) 673-5407 and ask to speak to your Crime Prevention specialist, Jennifer Waisanen.