Category Archives: Summer Festival

August 8, 2016 eNews

ANA Summer Festival

Thank you sponsors!
MPRB_Logo  SWBAlogo_Page_1  Anytime Fitness      Minneapolis Tap

Monday, August 8, 2016
6:00-8:30 pm
Armatage Park

Movie in the Park at dusk 
WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE
Bring a blanket or chair and stay for the movie in the park

WE NEED YOU!
 Please help for 30 minutes at a game or selling tickets!

2016 Volunteer Sign-Up

Celebrating 25 years working for the neighborhood!

*Note: the ANA accepts credit cards for wristband and raffle ticket purchases. Food vendors may only accept cash.

 

August 3, 2016 eNews

ANA Summer Festival

Thank you sponsors!

MPRB_Logo  SWBAlogo_Page_1   Anytime Fitness   Minneapolis Tap

Monday, August 8, 2016
6:00-8:30 pm
Armatage Park

Movie in the Park at dusk
WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE
Bring a blanket or chair and stay for the movie in the park

WE NEED YOU!
Please help for 30 minutes at a game or selling tickets!
2016 Volunteer Sign-Up

Celebrating 25 years working for the neighborhood!

  • Skate park activities with 3rd Lair
  • Live music by Invisible 2 Women
  • MPLS TAP water station (bring a water bottle or buy one for $2)
  • Event photography by Janelle Nivens (watch Facebook and our website for photos after the event!)

*Note: the ANA accepts credit cards for wristband and raffle ticket purchases. Food vendors may only accept cash.

 

July 15, 2016 eNews

July Meeting Agenda

July 19, 2016
6:30pm in the Armatage Community Center

  • Welcome
  • City Council Update
  • Park Update
  • Committee Updates
    • Safety
    • Community Engagement
    • Summer Festival
  • Coordinator Update
  • Treasurer Report
  • Secretary Report
  • New Business

Please submit agenda items and any special requests at least 3 days in advance.

ANA Summer Festival
Monday, August 8, 2016
6:00-8:30 pm
Armatage Park

Movie in the Park at dusk – Where the Wild Things Are

Volunteer sign-up now available. Learn about all that will be happening that night including

live music • food trucks • carnival games for kids* • face painting and henna tattoos* • bounce houses and giant slide* • NEW games for adults including Kan Jam • great info booths with games and prizes

 

Bring a water bottle to fill up at our water station donated by Minneapolis Tap

Thank you to our additional sponsors  Anytime Fitness   SWBAlogo_Page_1   MPRB_Logo

MPD
Burglary Alert

There have been 5 reported burglaries since July 11 in a 2-3 block area in the Tangletown neighborhood. The burglaries occurred overnight between the hours of 10pm and 6am while the homeowners were asleep. In three incidents the burglar was unable to make entry into the home because the windows and doors were locked. Entry was made in the other burglaries through an unlocked window and in one case, pry marks were found on the side door.

If you have any information that could lead to a suspect on these burglaries, please contact our property crimes investigator Sgt. Warnberg at (612) 673-5599.

Home Security Prevention Tips

  • Lock your home, apartment, and garage doors and windows at all times, even if you are in the home or yard.
  • Do not leave valuables in plain sight. This includes laptops, purses, wallets, keys, and anything else that may contain personal information. Remember: Treat your garage door opener as a key to your property.
  • Record the make, model, and serial numbers on your valuables and keep in a safe place. This information can greatly assist in recovery of items. Photographs may also be of assistance. NOTE: You can register you bicycle for free with the City. This can help recover your bike if it is ever stolen.
  • Secure windows and doors in homes and garages.
    • Use deadbolt locks with at least a 1” throw on all exterior doors. Use 6” strike plates and 3” case-hardened screws that enter the studs behind the doorframe.
    • Pin or add auxiliary locking devices to windows and sliding glass doors.
    • Place an opaque material over garage windows.
    • Install a solid core door with a deadbolt on garage service door.
    • Secure overhead garage door tracks with a padlock.
    • Consider installing security film on windows near or on doors to prevent access to door locks via breaking a window.
  • Consider using timers on lights, radios and/or a TV when you are away from home.
  • If you have a security system, use it even while at home. Dogs can be a deterrent as well.
  • Know who is in your home; service providers and contractors should do background checks on their employees.

How to report a burglary

Call 911 to report a burglary, whether or not you witness the burglary in progress. Note missing items, suspect description, tools, objects, or DNA evidence left at scene, possible time and date of occurrence, video surveillance, etc. See http://www.minneapolismn.gov/police/crimeprevention/index.htm for additional tips and resources.

Call 911 on all suspicious activity including suspicious persons and vehicles loitering near homes and in alleyways, or unfamiliar noises such as breaking glass.

 

2016 logo_tag
National Night Out
Tuesday, August 2

You can request your block closure for free until July 19! After that, it costs $100! So act now!

Minneapolis has already had 1,000 parties registered! We continue to be one of the most engaged communities in the nation and hope you will help us all continue this trend. NNO is a great way to meet your neighbors and improve area safety.

This year we will be putting blocks with new event registrations, or where we haven’t had a registraiton in a long time, at the top of our list for team visits. These are investigators, lieutenants, commanders, and our top brass who visit many events throughout the night. We should have as many as 80 teams rolling around on August 2nd! As always our Crime Prevention Specialist and other officers from the precinct will be “party-hopping” too!

Also for many years we’ve included Mall of America Nickelodeon Mystery Tickets which are always a hit with kids at NNO block parties, and this year is no different. Register your party today!

vote
Early voting has started for the Aug. 9 Primary Election. Although Minnesota voters already had a chance to participate in selecting each party’s presidential candidates in the caucuses held by the parties in March, there are other races on the primary ballot. Every seat in the state legislature is up for reelection this year, and several of those seats will be on primary ballots in order to decide which candidate will be moving forward for each major political party in the November General Election. Check out What’s on the ballot for more information about what contests are on the primary ballot, and to get a copy of your sample ballot.

In-person early voting

Voters can come downtown to cast an absentee ballot for the primary in-person. In-person voting is at the newly opened Early Vote Center located at 217 S. Third St, one block from City Hall. Early voting can be done Monday – Friday, from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., through Monday, Aug. 8. The Early Vote Center will also be open the final two Saturdays before the primary, on July 30 and Aug. 6, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Early in-person voting is convenient. It can be especially helpful for voters who need special accommodations, such as language support, by providing the extra time, attention and onsite resources more readily afforded at the Early Vote Center than across all polling places on Election Day.

Vote by mail

Voters who choose to vote early by mail just need to submit an absentee ballot application to have a ballot sent to them along with a postage paid envelope to return that ballot. This can be done by completing the application online or by completing a paper application and submitting by mail, email, fax, or in person to the Elections Office. Get downloadable forms available in 11 languages and full instructions for returning the application and mail ballots on the absentee voting section of vote.minneapolismn.gov.

More election judges needed

Several hundred more election judges are needed to serve in the City’s 132 polling places on Election Day, for the Aug. 9 Primary and the Nov. 8 General Election. Judges can work in the polls on either or both dates to help voters cast their ballots, and run polling place operations. Election judges are paid for their service, at $13.30 per hour beginning Aug. 1, and also receive pay for the required training they will complete prior to Election Day.

You must be an eligible voter in Minnesota in order to serve as an election judge. The Elections & Voter Services website has more information about serving as a judge, and is also the place to go to get signed up by completing the online application.

MPRB_Logo
Fall Park Program Registration Open Now

You can register online or in person at the Summer Festival (or at the park building). Youth sports including football and soccer are just some of the popular offerings through our parks.

Through August, adults can also take advantage of a new Zumba class on Wednesday nights!

Home Energy Squad


Home Energy Squad Visits

Interested in saving money on your home or rental property?  A Home Energy Squad visit is a great way to have a trusted  expert come to your home and install free energy efficient materials, safety check your heating and water system and evaluate energy savings opportunities.  This typically costs $70 and over 9,000 Minneapolis households have participated.  For a limited time, the City of Minneapolis is offering FREE visits for income qualified residents along with 0% financing for insulation and/or air sealing upgrades.  To learn more call 612 335 5874 or visit mncee.org/hes-mpls.

MinnehahaCreekCleanup2016
Minnehaha Creek Cleanup: July 24

Registration is now open for the 2016 Minnehaha Creek Cleanup on Sunday, July 24! RSVP here.

As the event marks its 10th anniversary, volunteers now have three cleanup locations to choose from – Minnetonka, St. Louis Park and Lake Hiawatha Park in Minneapolis. The expansion to Minnetonka provides opportunities to clean the creek all the way from the creek’s headwaters near the Gray’s Bay Dam to Minnehaha Falls – 22 miles downstream. This year’s goal is to collect 4 tons of trash. Learn more at www.minnehahacreek.org/Cleanup

2016 Summer Festival Planning (Jan mtg notes)

Thanks to those who could make it last night – it was great to get the ball rolling.

A few things we have set already:
Date – Monday, Aug 8 (6-8:30)
Showmobile is reserved
We have “Where the Wild Things Are” for the Movie in the Park to take place after the festival
Decided to make the wristbands $5 (with a $10 cap per family) — if we are able to have success with sponsorships this should be a fine change financially
Because of the sponsorship focus and the success of the raffle, we will focus on raffle prizes, pulled throughout the event — and move the drum out closer to the Showmobile so we can announce winners from the stage

A few things we have folks working on nailing down:
Denis will contact the Melvilles to see if they can play again this year
Anne & Nikki will contact some food vendors
Ryan & Nikki are going to meet to carve off some of the sponsor contact duties (others welcome to help with this as well!)
Judy spoke with a realtor in the neighborhood – we will try to follow up regarding hosting something (maybe like Keith’s cake walk)

Things we are working on:
Always looking for good contacts for sponsorship — we are developing a more sophisticated program, and I will forward a document for everyone to review — this will outline the opportunities and then we can work on matching up places with areas that make sense, etc.
We had 4 carnival games last year (the Elephant for pre-schoolers, Football Toss, Putting Green and Plinko) — looking for ideas for some easy to run games that we might be able to add. Especially interested in ideas for the non-elementary school ages (middle, high school, and those without kids). Some ideas: Giant Jenga, the Mathnasium might have a large chess board, Corn Hole (bean bag toss), Shoe Kick

We plan to meet again in early April. Feel free to send ideas my way and I will gather them to share with the committee. Since most of the board seems interested in helping (hurray!) I will continue to update you all. If you want a “job” let me know and we can chat about what works best for your schedule/interest!

Thanks!
Nikki Lindberg, Coordinator

Summer Festival Business Sponsorship 2016

ANA Summer Festival

Dear Area Business:

The Armatage Summer Festival is a family-friendly event held in partnership with Armatage Park and the Armatage Neighborhood Association (ANA). We attract thousands of area residents to enjoy:

  • live music
  • food vendors
  • a collector car show
  • raffle
  • fun and games for kids of all ages.

Plus, we will host a Movie in the Park right after our festival. (This year’s movie is “Where the Wild Things Are.”)

This event helps reinforce our values and vision for the neighborhood and helps connect neighbors with each other and our local businesses, and this year is extra special as it is the ANA’s 25th anniversary.

Armatage Neighborhood Summer Festival
Monday, August 8, 2016  •  6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
at Armatage Park (57th & Penn Avenue South)

This year we are offering a variety of ways to get involved as an event sponsor. With the number of options, there is sure to be a way that you can help support our neighborhood festival! We promote our event through our newsletter, the park, the Southwest Journal, online, direct mail and social media.

Your tax-deductible donation to our event gives your business the opportunity to gain visibility and develop new customer relationships.

Your Business Sponsorship Form (2016ANASponsorForm) is due by July 29th

(NOTE:To be included in our Southwest Journal promotion, sponsorship materials [including a high-res logo] must be received to the ANA by July 15, 2016.)

  1. Please mail your donation if possible.
  2. Or, make arrangements for us to pick up your donation (contact information below).

The Armatage Summer Festival strengthens our community by bringing people and businesses together for a memorable event. Thank you for your support!

January 25, 2016 eNews

January Meeting Highlights

Quarterly Safety Update

Jennifer Waisenen, our Crime Prevention Specialist, presented 2015 crime statistics. Compared to 2014 we were almost identical for total numbers of Part 1 Crimes that took place at 71. A map was handed out showing the location and Part 1 Crime classification for these incidents. She shared some breakdown details to help clarify a couple categories noted below.

  • Homicides (0)
  • Rape (3) NOTE: all were known to the victim/family
  • Robbery (0)
  • Aggravated Assault (3) NOTE: all domestics
  • Burglary (20)
  • Larceny (42) NOTE: 14 were thefts from cars
  • Auto Theft (1) NOTE: occurred near the end of December, car left running
  • Arson (2) NOTE: park dumpsters (kids involved were caught)

We had a noted drop in unforced entries, so people are locking their doors and garages. Our next safety update will be in April.

Regular Meeting

The ANA has set some community engagement goals for 2016. They will include:

  • Hosting a neighborhood happy hour
  • Trying to connect better with both renters and older residents.
    • Establishing relationships with rental owners/managers
    • Getting our paper newsletter delivered into apartment complexes
    • Creating programming at the park for older residents (survey in progress)
  • Improving neighborhood organics recycling involvement to 40% (currently at 32.7%)

Planning for our annual Summer Festival will kick off on Wednesday, February 3 at 7:00pm in the park building. Anyone is welcome to attend.

Armatage will host a table at the Southwest Home Improvement Fair on Saturday, March 26 from 10:00am-2:00pm at Burroughs School.

The FixIt Loan program has now pooled all remaining dollars from the involved neighborhoods, so any resident from the four areas can apply for these funds for home improvement projects.

Park Programming for Older Residents

The ANA and our neighborhood park want to offer programming to older residents that they would like to participate in! Some ideas we have come up with are listed below. Let us know what interests you!

  • Complete the online survey located on our homepage
  • Mail to the ANA (2500 W 57th St, Mpls 55410)
  • Email your suggestions to anacoordinator@armatage.org
  • Chime in on Facebook, Twitter or Next Door

Book club    ~    Adult sport league (volleyball, basketball, other)    ~    Walking club    ~    Classes (cooking, yoga, other)    ~    Gardening club    ~    Monthly event (cards, dancing, other)

2016 Paint-A-Thon

Interested homeowners and agencies can find more program details including eligibility requirements outlined on the 2016 homeowner application available online or by contacting the Metro Paint-A-Thon at 612-276-1579, Molly Chandler (mchandler@gmcc.org), Director of Senior Services.

Nominations for the
2015 MPRB Volunteer of the Year Awards
are being accepted through February 15th!

Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB) staff, volunteers, and community members are encouraged to nominate an outstanding park volunteer.

Nomination criteria is offered below; nominations are accepted via the official nomination form.
Attached is the program flyer and nomination form for you to print and share as you wish.

Please let us know if you have any questions about this program. Thank you!

Help for Dislocated Workers

The MN Teamsters Service Bureau is a nonprofit organization providing services, not only to Teamster members, but  also to Dislocated Workers throughout the metropolitan area.

We hold contracts with the state to provide career counseling, training, and placement services to laid off workers qualifying for unemployment insurance. We have funding to serve such individuals in your neighborhood. Learn more online.

Interested in becoming a Minneapolis CERT Volunteer?

Or learning about how to prepare for a disaster?  CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) is an opportunity to learn about how the emergency response system works, how to prepare for a disaster – everything from what supplies to have in your disaster preparedness kit, to how to use a fire extinguisher – and how you can support emergency responders in case of a large disaster.  The course is great for individual preparedness, as well as those wanting to be part of a disaster response team.

Steps to become a Minneapolis CERT Volunteers:

  • Take the FREE online FEMA introductory course, “IS317: Introduction To Community Emergency Response Teams”
    • Once completed, print out the Certificate of Completion and bring a copy to class
    • It’s RECOMMENDED that you take this online course before starting the in-class sessions, but NOT REQUIRED
    • Complete 5 in-classroom sessions on various CERT topics, all held from 6-8pm at the Minneapolis Police 5th Precinct. The dates of the classes and the topics are listed below.
  • Send an email with your:
    • Full Name:
    • Address:
    • Telephone number (cell phone preferred):
    • Email address:
    • Dates of the 5 classes you would like to take (see selection below):
  • Once you complete the online IS317 course, and 5 classroom sessions, you will receive a CERT Volunteer Certificate and a CERT Backpack (free while supplies last)
  • Questions? Contact Casidy Anderson at Casidy.Anderson@minneapolismn.gov or 612-673-3184

ALL SESSIONS ARE FROM 6-8PM AT MINNEAPOLIS POLICE 5TH PRECINCT (3101 NICOLLET AV S)

DATE / TOPIC
Tuesday, Feb 2: Terrorism and CERT
Tuesday, Feb 16: Disaster Psychology
Tuesday, March 1: Search & Rescue

Monday, March 14:Disaster Preparedness & CERT Organization
Monday, May 2: Fire Safety
Monday, May 16: Terrorism and CERT
Monday, June 6: Disaster Psychology
Monday, June 20: Search & Rescue

Monday, Sept 5: Disaster Preparedness & CERT Organization
Monday, Sept 19: Fire Safety
Monday, Oct 3: Terrorism and CERT
Monday, Oct 17: Disaster Psychology
Monday, Nov. 7: Search & Rescue

Monday, Nov 21: Disaster Preparedness & CERT Organization (TENTATIVE)

Home Tour needs nominations soon

The Minneapolis & Saint Paul Home Tour, April 30-May 1, 2016, is accepting nominations at www.MSPHomeTour.com, click on “submit a home” for the option to apply online. Or request an application by calling Margo Ashmore at 612-867-4874.

For 11 hours, homeowners and contractors open their doors to share ideas with other home enthusiasts, based on their remodeling experience. Visitors are particularly interested in period-accurate restoration and expansions sensitive to the surroundings. Being on the tour gives homeowners great feedback as well as the incentive to finish those last few projects.

If you or someone you know needs more information, contact coordinator Margo Ashmore at mfashmore@aol.com. Organizers want to have visited nominated homes by early February, so inquire “today.” Later nominations will be considered if they help reach tour goals.

September 16, 2014 Minutes

Armatage Neighborhood Association Meeting

Meeting was called to order at 6:30 by Board President, Denis Houle.

ANA board members in attendance: Kelly Falsani, Denis Houle, Lance Custer, Sarah Broich, Tom Alagna, Jeff Forss, Nikki Lindberg, Betsen Phillip, Keith Swanson

Others in attendance: Tina Erazmus, ANA staff member; Nikki Friederich, Park Director; Ken Dahler, Staff member from Ward 13 office

Park Update by Nikki Friederich, Park Director

  • Fall sports are in full swing. Lights in Armatage Park are kept on until 9:00 pm. Fall program registration still underway.
  • It was a great partnership between the board and park for the summer festival. A health inspector arrived during the event and the inspection passed without any issues.
  • Park Director made a request for support from the ANA for the upcoming Halloween event at the park. She asked if ANA can pay for half of the horse and wagon hayride ($350). There was a short discussion in support of contributing to event. A motion was made to contribute $350 to pay for half of the hayride.   The motion was seconded and passed.
  • A question was asked about whether or not the park would be affected by funding cuts. Park Director informed the board she is not aware of any cuts affecting the park at this time.
  • There was another question about crime in the park. Park director reported activity seems to be very minor and nothing very out of the ordinary. She also reported that teens are encouraged to come to utilize building from 6-9 (later hours), which has helped with congestion during busy times.

Councilmember Update by Ken Dahler, Ward 13 Staff

Ward 13 staff reported on 3 main things.

  1. The city passed a series of small changes in zoning laws to help with new construction; there was collaborative effort to come up with policies; they are effective October 1st
  1. Councilmember Palmisano is the chair of audit committee. The former director had resigned so there was no staff support for awhile. They now have some top candidates for a new director, and that person will hire 2 other staffers. The audit committee will have a fresh start with nearly all new members.
  1. Mayor Hodges presented her budget and the detailed version came out a couple weeks ago. There is a 2.4% property tax increase proposed. Curbside collection for composting is exciting. Encourage feedback from boards, residents. Body camera pilot program approved. Officers volunteered to participate in pilot. 3 precincts will participate.

A question was asked about the planned park near Vikings stadium- Ward 13 staff said information about this is still unclear.

It was expressed to Ward 13 staff that there might be an organized discussion on the zoning laws at the next city council meeting as citizens are possibly organizing to express displeasure about this.

A board member expressed being unhappy about process that led to the current roundabout on Upton. At the meetings regarding traffic on Upton this option was never presented to citizens and citizens were in favor of other options. The process points to the city not listening to what citizens are saying.

Ward 13 staff member explained that the reason this decision was made was because the largest voice from citizens was saying they wanted “traffic calming.” Public works suggested the roundabout option because stop signs are often not effective at traffic calming. The city will conduct a traffic study while the roundabout is being tried. Most feedback is negative so far but might be skewed. A 4 way stop could still be an option if neighbors continue to provide negative feedback. There is concern about it being too narrow but it was emergency vehicle tested and passed.

Neighbors are invited to look at the conversation about this on the website, Nextdoor.

A couple other concerns were raised:

At Penn and 56th, kids have to push button to get the walk sign and aren’t always realizing it. Would like to change this stoplight to have an automatic walk sign.

With the narrower street on Penn, school buses are having a hard time and hitting the curb.

Good news- the portion of Penn Ave under construction will be open again on Thursday this week!

Neighborhood gateway structure is being constructed for entrance into neighborhood.

There was a question raised about “mother-in-law apartments.” Ward 13 staff member reported it is in the beginning stages and there have been 4 public meetings about it. It is a project of Councilmember Bender. There will be talks around regulations. Currently these are not allowed and there are no rules around it now.

Coordinator Update, by Tina Erazmus, ANA Coordinator

Armatage has been chosen as an organic drop off site. To get started, volunteers will be onsite to monitor the drop offs. Then people will receive a code to access the drop off site anytime. This is the first step in citywide composting. It starts the first weekend in October and drop off times will be Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings 9-12.

CEE discussion- Home Loan Program

  • We have $256,000 for the Home Loan Program for the neighborhood
  • CEE has a November 1st deadline for us to decide if want to continue with them. They charge 5000.
  • GHMC charges 450 per loan
  • Tina presented the option of partnering with other neighborhoods to market together and administer the program
  • The interest on these loans comes back to neighborhood
  • The board needs to decide between 3 options of administering this program.
  1. Stay with CEE which costs 5000
  2. GHMC which costs 450 per loan
  3. Partner with other neighborhoods, combine funds, but interest on the amount from ANA still comes back to the neighborhood.

    There was a discussion about pros and cons of each option with an emphasis on the importance of getting this money available to neighbors as soon as possible.

    A motion was made to pursue option of partnering with other neighborhoods with the stipulation that each neighborhood has first access to their loans, and an option to pull out of partnership on an annual basis. The motion was seconded and carried.
    Tina will email the board if other neighborhoods are not interested in partnering.

CPP discussion

As a board, we need to allocate CPP funds of 30,000/year

Board discussed options of allocating money and came up with the following budget:

  • Staff Expenses 16,500
  • Professional Services 200
  • Occupancy 100
  • Communications/Outreach 6000
  • Supplies and Material 1500
  • Meetings/Community Building events 5500
  • Development 200
  • Total for Contract = 30,000

A motion was made to approve proposed budget. Motion seconded and carried.

NPP Discussion

Ideas were discussed on how to use NPP funds.

Ideas suggested were having a printed newsletter on safety 2 times a year, hosting a block leader training, and hosting a home safety seminar.

A motion was made to allocate $4,000 to 2 safety newsletters and a safety event, including prizes and all marketing.

Summer Festival Recap

Ideas for next year:

  • Wrist bands for kids, better signage, new t-shirts, tickets $1 each, move food truck away from ticket table
  • More food trucks
  • Band was great- feedback was band was too loud
  • Maybe have an iPod with a playlist
  • Magician on stage

Marketplace- went well; would like to do outreach to get more people next year.

Silent auction- would like to grow this next year; need help from board members to follow up on donations

Treasurer Report

We reviewed the expenses and revenues from the festival. Net profit was $1702.08.

There was a motion to approve; the motion was seconded and carried.

A question was asked about whether or not we got reimbursed the $5,000 for the façade grant. Coordinator reported that yes, we did.

New Business

There was no new business.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm.

June 17, 2014 Minutes

Armatage Neighborhood Association Meeting

Meeting was called to order at 6:30 by Board President, Betsen Philip

ANA board members in attendance: Sarah Broich, Kelly Falsani, Denis Houle, Steve Johnson, Bri Keeney, Nikki Lindberg, Betsen Philip, and Keith Swanson.

Others in attendance: Tina Erazmus, ANA staff member; Matt Perry, NEHBA; and David DeNamur.

Park Update by Nikki Friederich, Park Director

The movie in the park was a big success, with over 200 people in attendance. Our park is participating in the Community Connects Creek Series taking place in July (info and registration online at www.minneapolisparks.org). Fall programing is comin together, but she is always looking for more class leaders. Football registration is open, and soccer registration will open in July.

Coordinator Update by Tina Erazmus

  • Garage sales went well. Kenny neighborhood had over 30 registered sales, and we had only 10. We may want to think about ways to improve involvement. (Tina also mentioned the great success of the garage sale held for the charity, Gracie’s Room, which raised $5,000 to help create spaces for healing for kids facing life-threatening illnesses.)
  • The annual meeting went well. Food is still a good draw, but may just pick up something at Sam’s club in the future. Wagners also seemed pleased with how things went and the traffic we drew in for shopping.
    The home loan program which we originally thought would be best moved to CEE, because of changes in the costs to manage/process each loan, would be better held through GHMC. A motion to move the funds to this program was made and carried. Details for the loan program will then be able to get pulled together once the funds are moved.
  • Summer Festival flyer will be distributed through the SW Journal to both Kenny and Armatage neighborhoods, at an additional cost, but much greater coverage of homes getting the information. Tina will look into the cost of getting additional signage made to help promote the festival. She has confirmed with City Church for the ice cream, the face painter, magician, food donations and initial reservation on the bounce house, etc. In an effort to broaden our event appeal, we will add a 1-on-1 basketball game along with two hamster balls. Jooners has been updated for volunteer recruitment. Following the lead of some of the other area festivals, we will offer tables for $25 to local businesses, in the hopes of creating a little marketplace area. We will also contact a couple of other food vendors which can offer more variety for people attending, including a vegetarian option. Music hasn’t been finalized, but one option could be a band featuring one of the neighborhood boys.

Board Elections

Motion was made to elect Denis Houle, President; Kelly Falsani, Vice President; Lance Custer, Treasurer; and Sarah Broich, Secretary. Motion carried.

New Business

  • Matt Perry announced that the 70/30 amendment will be on the ballot in November.
  • Denis also noted that he was elected President of the NCEC for the next 2 years.

Meeting adjourned at 7:19 p.m.

September 18, 2015 eNews

September Meeting Highlights

  • City Council Update: Linea Palmisano was present to give some updates, including:
  • Safety Committee Update: Block leader recruitment continues. Only 16 blocks in Armatage don’t have a block leader at this point (watch for a listing of open blocks in the October Safety News).
  • Community Engagement Committee Update: Engagement ideas were gathered, including: the ANA hosting a social hour; supporting a winter festival; more activities (perhaps in partnership with the park) for kids and adults, specifically older adults; etc. More to come!
  • Summer Festival Committee Update: Overall the event was deemed a success. Thanks to Mother Nature for her support, as well as a big shout out to all our volunteers, sponsors and board members for helping make it all happen. Feedback has been collected through the Survey Monkey and direct comments, and will be reviewed as plans for 2016 get underway.
  • Other Business:
    • We welcomed three new members to the ANA board! That brings our board membership to 10 (out of a maximum 11). We continue to encourage involvement, if not on the board, on one of the above mentioned committees!
    • The ANA is considering a micro grant program. This type of program has been done in other neighborhoods such as East Harriet and Fulton, supporting such activities bully prevention workshops, Earth and Arbor Day celebrations, hosting a household hazardous waste drop-off site, etc. More to come.
    • The board received notice that Kwan’s Chinese (at 54th and Penn) has begun the application process for a beer and wine license. The new owner has “received wonderful welcoming support from our customers.” They are also considering adding outdoor seating in the near future.
    • Information about solar garden programs was shared. At this point the board would like to learn more about the pros and cons of these programs, to see if this is something we think would be a good fit for our community.

Experience Southwest

The Nicollet-East Harriet Business Association (NEHBA) would like to introduce you to our new name. Taking a cue from our expanded service area and our popular “Experience Southwest” brand, the organization is excited to announce its new name: the Southwest Business Association (SWBA). (Also you can follow them on Facebook and Twitter!)

FixIt Fund

This home improvement loan co-op brings together resources from partnering neighborhoods to offer low-interest home improvement loans to our residents. The initial phase restricted fund access with monies put into the “pot” by each neighborhood being only available to their neighborhood residents. Armatage was the largest contributor to this program, but currently has the lowest participation rate. Soon our funds with be co-mingled, and people from all four neighborhoods will access to the merged dollars from all four neighborhood associations.

Openings on City Boards

Applications are now being accepted for a number of open boards and commissions positions that the City Council and Mayor will appoint this fall. Board and commission members in the City of Minneapolis provide valuable insights, help shape key policy decisions and provide community-based input into administration of services. The City is seeking applicants with a diversity of backgrounds and experiences to strengthen the work of the City.

There are open positions on the following City boards and commissions:

Applications will be reviewed beginning October 23, 2015. However, the positions are open until filled. Visit the City’s website for a list of appointment opportunities, position descriptions and to apply:
www.minneapolismn.gov/boards/openings/index.htm.

August 11, 2015 eNews

What a lovely evening for a festival!

Thanks to our donors and volunteers who help make this event possible. And thank you to the over 2,000 residents that joined us at the park for an evening of music, games, food and fun!

Check out some event photos on Facebook (and please add yours)! Already looking forward to August 8, 2016!

Event Feedback

We did a lot of new things this year and we want to hear what you think. Please take a few moments to respond to our event survey or feel free to email our coordinator with your thoughts.

 

The Fix It Fund – Armatage Home Improvement Loan Program

Low-interest home improvement loans are available to area residents. Learn details about both programs and get application materials online through our loan administrator GHMC.

 

Organics in Armatage

Many area residents who opted in to the program will be getting (or already have) their organics collections bins! To learn more about organics and how you can get started in organics recycling, visit the City organics website.

 

Do It Green! Guidebooks

Available at the park or you can pick one up at any ANA meeting. Learn more online!

 

Notice of Public Hearing

Monday, August 17 at 4:30pm in Room 317, City Hall (350 S. 5th St)
City Planning Commission will hear the recommendation by the Planning Department regarding restaurants servng alcohol  (Title 20 of the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 536)

 

Notification of an Application for a Zoning Variance

5324 Oliver Ave. S.
Owner: Magnate Investments, LLC

The Board of Adjustment generally meets every other Thursday at 4:30 p.m. at City Hall, Room 317.

The property owner at 5324 Oliver Ave. S, is proposing to demolish the existing structure and build a new Single Family Residence. The existing structure was built in 1923 and is approximately 750 sf with a basement and single story living space. The house is situated at the rear alley property line and a new single family home is proposed to be built on the lot. The proposed new house will be approximately 2900 sf, a full two stories with unfinished basement.

The applicant is seeking a variance to reduce the 44’-0” front yard by 10’-0”. This variance would allow for a detached garage with entry from the lane thus allowing for a landscaped backyard. The variance setback would locate the front of the house 34’-0” from the front property line. All other aspects of the house design are within the Zoning guidelines of the R1 district.

 

Xerxes Construction

There will be construction on Xerxes in Edina through the Sidewalk Participation Program between 56th and 60th. This is an initiative coming out of Edina, but we wanted to let you know as it will be across the street.

Volunteer Coaches Needed

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s (MPRB) Fall Youth Sports programs begin in August and we are seeking volunteer football, soccer, and volleyball coaches at recreation centers in Minneapolis.

  • Athletes range from 6 to 18 years old
  • MPRB’s fall sports programs end in November/December
  • Teams practice 1-2 times per week
  • Games are scheduled 1-2 nights a week and/or Saturdays
  • All new coaches will be provided with orientation by the MPRB

Can’t coach this Fall? We’ll need coaches for Basketball, Hockey, Wrestling, and Gymnastics this Winter, too.

Contact Nicole at 612-499-9258 or email recvolunteers@minneapolisparks.org for more information about coaching and other volunteer opportunities.

 

Register now for Pain.Pill.Problem

What: Join stakeholders across our state to define the problem with prescription painkillers and determine how to adress it.
Registration: The event is free. Space is limited and registration is required. Lunch is provided to those who register. To register, visit www.PainPillProblem.com
Where: University of MN, TCF Stadium, DQ Club Room (420 Southeast 23rd Ave., Minneapolis, MN)
When: Tuesday, Aug. 25, 8:30am-5pm
Who: We encourage anyone interested in this topic to attend including the faith community, health care professionals, law enforcement, community leaders, educators, and parents.
More: Credit will be available for pharmacists, physicians, dentists, nurses and LADC’s. POST credits have been applied for, details to follow on the registration site.
Featured speakers: Governor Mark Dayton, Senator Amy Klobuchar, Congressman Tom Emmer, and Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek are among the speakers.

What makes your neighborhood special?

Please take this opportunity to be part of a research study about the character of your neighborhood. This study is being conducted by Madelyn Sundberg from the University of Minnesota for her Master of Science in Architecture: Heritage Conservation and Preservation thesis.

This anonymous online survey will take you approximately 15 minutes to complete. As an incentive, you will be given the option to enter your email address at the end of the survey for a chance to win an iPad Air. To participate, click the link below or copy the url into your browser.
https://umn.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_40ldE75vDG1KSIR