May 7, 2020 eNews

Armatage Park Play Area Improvements Survey

Dreaming of when we’ll be able to safely play in parks again? Us too! In the meantime,  please help weigh in on upcoming improvements for the Armatage Park Play Area by taking the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board’s survey and signing up for project updates at https://bit.ly/ArmatagePark

This survey is open through May 22 and is expected to be first in a series on prioritizing and designing improvements. Thanks in advance for sharing your ideas and opinions for our beloved park! Click here to take the Armatage Park survey.


Gardening Happy Hour on May 12

Tuesday, May 12
8:00-9:00pm
Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/502813335

Social distancing got you craving connection? Our Happy Hour topic of the month is gardening, so come discuss your adventures with vegetable gardens, perennials, annuals, hard-scaping and dealing with the urban critters who disrupt our plans (🐿+🐇). Open to all, even if you don’t live in the neighborhood.

Thanks to the Armatage Green Team for hosting this month’s Neighborhood Happy Hour!


Monday, May 18
7:00-8:00pm
Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83728133761

Thinking of making a change that will have a huge impact on your family’s environmental footprint? Now is the perfect time to start organics recycling and check out our free Organics Recycling How-to Workshop on May 18! We’ll cover what can and can’t go into the green cart, tips and tricks, and lots of ideas to affordably set up your home. Open to all, even if you live outside Armatage. Learn more at https://armatage.org/online-organics-recycling-workshop/


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

There’s still time to help ensure Minnesota gets its full share of funding for schools, health care, roads and public services by getting more of your friends, family and neighbors to take the 2020 Census.

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. All Minneapolis residents are eligible to enter.

Help is Available

Safety at Home: Stay at Home should never mean you stay somewhere unsafe. There are places of sanctuary open for anyone facing abuse or violence. Please call Minnesota’s statewide crisis hotline – available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – at 1.866.223.1111 or text 612.399.9995.

Unemployment Support: Minnesota is one of the first states to implement both the $600 per week additional compensation and the 13 week extension of benefits. Find these and answers to other unemployment questions here.

Mental Health: If you’re worried about a loved one, or if you want someone to talk to, know you can reach out. We have a website with mental health resources. You’re not alone in this challenge.

Find info on assistance programs, free food and meals, chore help, local businesses, volunteer opportunities, kids activities and more at https://armatage.org/covid19.  Please keep sharing this link!



Sign up for the Rain & Native Garden Program

We’ve teamed up with local nonprofit, Metro Blooms, again this year to help Armatage residents install a low cost rain or native garden. Slots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis and there are just a couple left!  Apply today at armatage.org/programs/rain-gardens/

Participants pay an average of $300-$450 and are responsible for planting and maintaining their garden. Additional need-based grants are available through the ANA for residents who meet income guidelines: click here for guidelines and to apply for additional assistance. We’ve been busy retooling the program with your safety in mind so site visits and installations will take place through social distancing – learn more at armatage.org/programs/rain-gardens/.


Adopt-A-Tree with Brewing a Better Forest

In honor of Arbor Day and the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day, consider adopting a tree.  There’s no housebreaking or litterbox training. No obedience classes. All an adopted street tree asks of you is water – once a week through the current growing season.

Brewing a Better Forest has thousands of public trees available for adoption, including many in Armatage: Select yours today.



Free Virtual Home Energy Visits

The Home Energy Squad is now offering free virtual home energy visits to help you find your biggest energy savings. The cost-free visit is conducted online to help you discover low cost energy-saving opportunities. They’ll also help identify possible future projects to save you even more, so you’ll be ready for action when the time comes. Learn more and sign up at https://www.mncee.org/home-energy-squad/sign-up/

You can also sign up to borrow the Armatage Thermal Camera to pinpoint energy waste through a no contact pick-up and drop-off at https://armatage.org/thermal-camera/



Doors Open Minneapolis Facts & Photo Contest

Learn about your community as you enjoy Doors Open Minneapolis’ new project, Strolls Through the Streets. Check out facts and addresses of notable landmarks around the city here.

You can also enter this year’s photo contest on Instagram and share the exterior of your favorite venue to win $250 for you + $250 for a COVID relief charity of your choice. Learn more at https://www.doorsopenminneapolis.org/stroll


Transportation Action Plan Open House

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.

One more Open House is scheduled for you to hear about the plan, give input, and interact in real time:


NRPA Social Distancing Graphic

Minneapolis Park Closures

The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board made the difficult decision to close playgrounds, skate parks, athletic fields, and courts last week. Check out the closure details at https://www.minneapolisparks.org/coronavirus-covid-19-information/

Parks and trails are still open during this time. Please do your part to keep them safe for everyone, which means…

  • Bringing a water bottle, hand sanitizer, etc. while buildings are closed
  • Not visiting parks or trails if you feel sick with a fever, body aches, coughing, nasal congestion, runny nose and/or sore throat.
  • Staying at least six feet away from anyone who doesn’t live with you.
  • Washing your hands immediately before and after visiting a park.
  • Walking or rolling to your local parks. The MPRB has asked that folks don’t drive across the city or metro to visit popular park attractions.
  • Not holding any group activities with people who don’t live with you.

Extended Stay at Home Details

ICYMI, our #StayHomeMN order is extended through May 18 but many retail and other businesses can start offering online sales and curbside pick-up. Learn more at https://mn.gov/covid19/