June 23, 2022 eNews

June 21 Meeting Recap

The ANA met outdoors at Armatage Park this week to re-elect Vice President Sharla McIntosh-Ziegler, Treasurer Judy Vecere, and Secretary Nikki Lindberg and approve a new meeting code of conduct. The Board planned its summer newsletter, discussed recruiting more neighbors to join the board (there are a few open seats!), debriefed on spring and early summer events and programs, and approved funds for upcoming events including a replacement pop-up tent.

We have a few open neighborhood board seats so if you’re interested in learning more or are a “do-er” and want to dive right in, please email us at anacoordinator@armatage.org

Sponsor Armatage Summer Jam

Showcase your company’s name to thousands of neighbors and community members at Armatage Summer Jam! The event will include six food trucks, a live band and other family friendly activities and games. To make this event a success, we are looking for local businesses to sponsor and are offering a wide range of options to support at various investment levels.

By sponsoring the event, you’ll have the opportunity to reach the Armatage Community through event advertising including our local newsletter (reaches nearly 5,000 residents), website and social media. Additionally, there will be acknowledgement of sponsors at the event on August 6.  To learn more about the sponsorship opportunities available, please click here.

Apply for Pollinator or Rain Garden

We are now accepting applications for this year’s Pollinator & Rain Garden Program, which has received funding from the State of Minnesota’s Lawns to Legumes Neighborhood Demonstration Program!

All are welcome to apply. Slots are competitive and the subsidy and support will vary. Most participants can expect to pay $300 – $400 for their garden (about a $2000 value!). This year we are also able to offer several scholarship gardens; qualifying residents will pay a $50 consultation fee with NO other costs. Learn more and apply at  armatage.org/programs/rain-gardens/

All Are Welcome Here Lawn Signs

Get your All Are Welcome Here lawn sign to support your neighborhood organization and proudly spread the message that ALL are welcome in Armatage!

Signs + stakes are $20 each and your tax-deductible donation goes to supporting the ANA’s work in the community. Order online here.


Yard Waste Collection Moving to Every Other Week

As of this week, yard waste pickup will change from weekly to every other week for Armatage to adjust for a Solid Waste & Recycling staff shortage. Going forward, please plan to….

  • Leave properly prepared yard waste at their curb or alley line until it’s collected if they can.
  • Call the Solid Waste & Recycling office at 612-673-2917 if their yard waste has not been picked up for more than two weeks.

For more details and a map of the changes, visit www.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/garbage-recycling-cleanup/yard-waste/yard-waste-collection-map/


Happy Pride Month!

June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month—a time to recognize and celebrate Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer + communities, honor the history of Pride, and commit to working together to ensure continued progress.

The origins of Pride Month are deeply rooted in community and political activism. The historic Stonewall uprising that took place the morning of June 28, 1969 served as a galvanizing event. The Stonewall Uprising was a series of clashes between police and LGBTQ+ protesters that stretched over six days. It was not the first time police raided a gay bar, and it was not the first time LGBTQ+ people fought back, but the events that would unfold over the next six days would fundamentally change the nature of LGBTQ+ activism in the United States.

One year later, to commemorate the riots, thousands of marchers took to the New York City streets in the nation’s first gay pride march. In 1978, what is perhaps the most recognized symbol of Gay Pride, the rainbow flag, made its debut at the San Francisco event. Thanks to decades of tireless advocacy, LGBTQ+ people now hold visible leadership roles in local, state, and federal government; can openly serve in the U.S. Military; and legally marry in all 50 states. This includes our current Minneapolis City Council President, Andrea Jenkins.

Celebrate Pride Month in Minneapolis with several events include Family Fun Day, the annual Pride Celebration & Parade and more listed at https://tcpride.org/events/category/tcpride-2022-events/   Huge thanks to Sheila Dingels for this article!


Check Lake Water Quality

We’re sharing this handy website to check our Minneapolis lake water quality. With the recent blue green algal blooms that are toxic to people and pets in Lake Harriet and Lake Hiawatha, keep this site bookmarked and check for water advisories before heading to the lake: MPRB Lake Water Quality Map.

Free Puppet Show This Sunday

We’re sharing this fun puppet show co-hosted by local business Kid A at Lake Monster Brewing this Sunday, June 26 from 12:00–2:00pm. Admission is free. Tables are first come first serve, so feel free to bring a blanket and/or chairs to watch the show. 

The story – Tucker is a young boy who needs to go back in time to face a group of neighborhood bullies. How do you go back in time? With a time-traveling robot, of course! Together, Tucker and his robot discover the importance of friendship and the courage to face bullies. Full of surprises, a little danger and some really funny characters. Contains puppetry, live music, and fun for families and children of all ages. Learn more here.

Tangletown 4th of July

Our friends in the Tangletown Neighborhood are hosting their annual 4th of July event and you’re invite!  Join in the free fun with a short kids parade, live music from Roe Family Singers, food trucks, kids’ activities, and a free festival at Fuller Park on July 4th.

Event Webpage: https://tangletown.org/4th/

Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/442516103961631

Minneapolis Music & Movies in the Park

Enjoy free movies, music, performances, art and games outdoors this summer with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, Hennepin County, and the Peavey Plaza Performing Arts Series.

Home Help MN

If you’ve fallen behind on your mortgage, property taxes, insurance, association fees or lot rent because of COVID, you can now apply for the State’s Home Help MN program. Visit https://homehelpmn.org to learn more and tap the “Apply Now” button.

July 1 Minimum Wage Increase

On July 1, 2022, the minimum wage in Minneapolis is going up to $13.50 at small businesses (100 or fewer employees) and $15 at large businesses (more than 100 employees). Increases in Minneapolis’ minimum wage directly benefit tens of thousands of families and the economy. For more information about the ordinance, visit the City’s website.

The City’s Department of Civil Rights oversees enforcement of the municipal minimum wage and wage theft prevention ordinances, and workers are encouraged to report violations online. Tips and gratuities do not count toward payment of a minimum wage.

Hennepin County Deconstruction Grants Available

Hennepin County is offering deconstruction grants again this year AND they’ve expanded the program.  Learn more and apply at https://www.hennepin.us/building-reuse for one of the following:

  • Residential Grants: funding up to $5,000 per project for residential properties built prior to 1970 to deconstruct building materials for reuse.
  • Commercial Grants: funding up to $10,000 per project for commercial properties, including multi-family apartment buildings over 4 units, to deconstruct building materials for reuse.
  • Structural Move Grants: funding up to $15,000 to physically relocate a building to another location, avoiding demolition waste and preserving the cultural and historical integrity of the building
  • Used Building Materials Grants: a new grant to “close the loop” by funding remodel, renovation, and new construction projects up to $5,000 per project that incorporate used building materials into project designs.

COVID-19 Vaccines and Testing

Vaccines: if you haven’t been vaccinated or gotten a booster yet, get a free vaccine as soon as you can. Visit mn.gov/vaccine to use the Vaccine Locator Map (more options listed below). Learn more about  boosters here.

Free Rapid Tests: you can now order a 3rd round of free tests at https://www.covid.gov/tests And free rapid tests are also available at https://mn.gov/covid19/  Ordering takes just a couple minutes.

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The Armatage Neighborhood Association works to make Armatage a place where all are welcome, empowered, and connected through safety initiatives, community-building events, environmental work, advocacy and communications that keep you informed and engaged.

Big or small, EVERY donation matters!  Give today at www.givemn.org/organization/Armatage-Neighborhood-Association  As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, every donation to the ANA is tax-deductible and eligible for an employer match.