September 9, 2021 eNews

Playground Reopening Celebration Today!

Thursday, September 9
4:30-6:30pm

The Armatage Playground Reopening Celebration is happening today (Thursday, September 9) from 4:30-6:30pm!  We’re excited to share FREE popsicles and cold treats (donated by the ANA and Jonny Pops!) and celebrate the new play equipment with the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board and Armatage Elementary!

Learn more about the planning process at bit.ly/armatagepark and read how neighborhood funds were used to make completing this project possible at armatage.org/armatage-park-play-area/

Meet Armatage Author Metra Farrari

Saturday, September 11
9:00am-12:00pm

Come meet local Armatage author, Metra Farrari, AND check out her debut novel, All the Blues Come Through, at the park next Saturday, September 11 from 9:00am-12:00pm.

While you’re out, you’ll have another chance to grab an All Are Welcome Here lawn sign from the ANA AND to check out the Armatage September Safety, Equity & Outreach meeting, which is also happening outside at the park from 10:00-11:00am. Can’t wait – see you there, neighbors!

Meet Your Community Helpers Event

Saturday, September 25
2:00-5:00pm

You’re invited to an outdoor event at Armatage Park with the helpers that serve our community including the Minneapolis Fire Department, Solid Waste & Recycling, USPS, MPD, EMTs and more! There will be educational demos, activities, and TRUCKS to check out.  Take a look at Armatage Elementary’s school supply wish list (coming soon at armatage.org) and bring items to donate to get entered to win a door prize (including a Ring doorbell).

Please plan to wear a mask and distance when you’re able at the event. 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 helpers, neighbors, staff and volunteers safe! Learn more at https://armatage.org/meet-your-community-helpers/

Give Input on Minneapolis American Rescue Plan Act Funding

The City of Minneapolis is seeking feedback from residents, businesses, and neighborhood and community organizations as it considers funding priorities for the second round of American Rescue Plan Act funding awarded to the City to address economic and public health impacts from the pandemic.The survey will be open through Friday, September 24. Results will assist City leaders as they determine funding priorities for the remaining federal funding awarded to the City. Take the survey to rank funding priorities here.

Upcoming Candidate Forums

We’ve teamed up with our neighboring communities to host non-partisan City Council and Park Board candidate forums as well as an educational series on the proposed charter amendments to help you get ready for Election Day on November 2!

Jim Crow of the North Free Screening & Discussion

Thursday, October 7
6:30-8:00pm

The Armatage Safety, Equity and Outreach Committee is hosting a FREE community screening and discussion of the TPT documentary, Jim Crow of the North, on the history of redlining in the Twin Cities on Thursday, October 7 from 6:30-8:00pm outside the Armatage Rec Center. Dress for the weather and plan to distance. Free hot cocoa and popcorn provided.

Learn more and sign up at https://armatage.org/jimcrowofthenorth/

Fall Neighborhood Clean-up

Saturday, October 2
9:00-11:00am

Join the Armatage Green Team for our annual Fall Clean-up on Saturday, October 2 from 9:00-11:00am! This is a great opportunity for kids, teens and adults to show neighborhood pride and keep trash and recycling out of our waterways. Sign-up at https://armatage.org/events/clean-ups/

Early Voting Opens Sep 17

The Minneapolis Early Vote Center at 980 E. Hennepin Ave. opens at 8:00am Friday, September 17 for voters who wish to cast their ballot early and in person. Also September 17, Minneapolis Elections & Voter Services begins mailing ballots to voters who have requested to vote early by mail. Learn more at https://vote.minneapolismn.gov/voters/vote-early-in-person  And see what’s on the ballot at https://vote.minneapolismn.gov/voters/ballot

Minneapolis voters will use ranked choice voting this fall! Ranked choice voting is a way of voting that eliminates the need for separate primary elections. Voters rank up to three candidates for each office. The ballot has three columns, and choices are made from left to right in those columns. Ranked choice voting in Minneapolis is used only for municipal elections. Learn more at https://vote.minneapolismn.gov/ranked-choice-voting/

Free Minneapolis Home Energy Squad Visits

For a limited time, the City of Minneapolis Sustainability Division is offering FREE Home Energy Squad visits for residents living in 1-4 unit homes, including renters. A team of energy experts will evaluate energy saving opportunities in your home and install materials to help you start saving on the spot. These upgrades can include door weather stripping, high-efficiency water fixtures, LED bulbs and a programmable or smart thermostat.

If the Home Energy Squad recommends insulation or air sealing, you will receive a personalized quote and an opportunity to schedule the work with a qualified contractor. Minneapolis residents also have special access to 0% APR financing to complete insulation and air sealing work, or to upgrade to heat pump electric water heaters, air source heat pumps, or solar. Sign up at https://www.mncee.org/mpls?energy-audits or call 651-328-6220 to schedule.

All Are Welcome Here Lawn Signs

Get your All Are Welcome Here lawn sign and proudly display to spread the message that ALL are Welcome in Armatage! The ANA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit so your donation is tax deductible and eligible for employer matching contributions.

Signs + stakes are $20 each and your donation goes toward supporting the ANA’s work in our community. Order online at armatage.org/allarewelcomehere/ and, if you’re in the neighborhood, we’ll deliver your sign to your front yard. You can also find signs at the park this Saturday, September 11 from 9:00am-12:00pm and at the Meet Your Community Helpers event on September 25 from 2:00-5:00pm at Armatage Park.

Minneapolis Public Schools Travel Reimbursement for Families

Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) is encouraging families who can transport their students to school on their own to do so. The district shared that sporadic school bus service is expected this fall due to a continuing shortage of bus drivers faced by school districts across the country. MPS will also offer travel reimbursements to families who are able to transport their students to and from school. Learn more at https://transportation.mpls.k12.mn.us/bus_reimbursement

Free COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics

Haven’t gotten your COVID-19 yet? The strongest defense against the delta variant is through vaccination. Free COVID-19 vaccines are available at Minneapolis Health Department clinic. Walk-ins are welcome, and the vaccinations are free. You don’t need insurance, you don’t need an appointment and you don’t need an ID. Learn more here.

Upcoming Free Vaccine Clinics

  • North Community YMCA, 1711 W. Broadway Ave. (Mobile Bus) 4-7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 27 & Oct. 18. Pfizer (12 and older) Registration
  • Man Up Club – God Flow Festival, 1250 West Broadway, 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11. Pfizer (12 and older)
  • AMLA – God Flow Festival, 2929 Fourth Ave. S., Unit 207, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11. Pfizer (12 and older)
  • North Community YMCA, 1711 W. Broadway Ave. (Mobile Bus) 4-7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 27 & Oct. 18. Pfizer (12 and older) Registration

You can also sign up for the Minnesota COVID-19 vaccine connector in English, Spanish, Somali or Hmong to get contacted about vaccine in your area