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A Publication of the Neighborhood and Community Relations Department
of the City of Minneapolis
January 27, 2012
Welcome to the 18th issue of the Minneapolis inTouch! Send any tips on events, activities or news you would like to share with others to NCR at stacy.sorenson@minneapolismn.gov. Please include links to online content. Thanks!
This issue of Minneapolis inTouch can be viewed on the Neighborhood and Community Relations Department website . Past issues and community news are also available.
Neighborhood and Community Engagement Commission (NCEC)
Community Connections Conference
1st Annual Community Connections Conference on Saturday, February 11
Register by Friday, February 3
This new conference is specifically designed for neighborhood organizations, cultural communities, nonprofit organizations, City departments and residents to share best practices of neighborhood engagement. In addition, the conference will introduce people to new and innovative ideas for working within communities and neighborhoods. A major theme of the conference is building diversity and increasing participation in neighborhood organizations and communities.
Angela Glover Blackwell, president and CEO of PolicyLink, a national research and action institute working to advance economic and social equity, will give the keynote address.
Volunteers are still needed at a variety of stations during the conference. You can indicate your interest in volunteering through our registration system on the website. NCR staff will contact you to discuss your availability.
Groups are also invited to register for an information table. The conference will include a Neighborhood Café and 16 workshops, and will be held at St. Mary’s University Event Center - formerly known as the Zuhrah Shrine Event Center - 2540 Park Ave. S.
Learn more about the Community Connections Conference
NUSA Board of Directors applications – deadline: Wednesday, February 1
If you’re ready to make a difference by helping to build stronger, healthier and safer communities and neighborhoods, now is the time to consider becoming a Neighborhoods, USA (NUSA) board member. Board members serve three years and are elected by the NUSA membership during the annual conference, which will be held May 23 – 26, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Learn more, see the NUSA Board of Directors applications (pdf)
NUSA 2012 Award applications – deadline: Tuesday, February 14
Each year at Neighborhoods, USA's annual conference, awards are given for Best Neighborhood Program, Neighborhood Newsletter Competition, Who’s Who in America’s Neighborhoods, and Neighborhood of the Year. Announcement of awards will be made during the 2012 NUSA Conference, May 23 - 26, in Indianapolis.
Learn more at: NUSA award applications
One Minneapolis, One Read: Continue the Conversation
New this month is One Minneapolis One Read: Interviews Premiere. A group of Minneapolis teens teamed up with MVStudio last fall to interview family members or someone in their community about their experiences with race relations. These videos will be shown on Sunday, February 5, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. at North Regional LibraryAdditional One Read events include discussions at Washburn High School and Pratt Community Center and a session on the Challenges of Black Geneology. .
Learn more at: OneMinneapolisOneRead.com and
Powderhorn Art Sled Rally on Saturday, January 28
Are winter’s short days too much for you? Get outside and come to the Art Sled Rally! The Art Sled Rally is a fun-filled spectacle produced by the South Sixteenth Hijinks. All ages can work with a cadre of artists to make and adapt sleds and sled-like art objects. This rally will be held from 2 - 5 p.m. at Powderhorn Park.
Learn more at: PPNA upcoming events
Fire and Ice Festival on Saturday, February 4
Attend Prospect Park’s annual winter event. There will be a bonfire, horse-drawn hay rides, music, food and good cheer. This event runs from 5:30 - 8 p.m. at Luxton Park.
Learn more about the Fire and Ice Festival
SNO Ball on Saturday, February 4
Join Sheridan residents for the annual SNO Ball from 7 p.m. – midnight at the PNA Hall, 1304 4th St. NE. Dress fancy, and wear your dancing shoes. Proceeds benefit Sheridan Memorial Park.
Learn more, see the SNO Ball poster (pdf)
Kingfield Empty Bowls on Thursday, February 9
Come to Kingfield’s first “Empty Bowls” event. Guests are invited to a simple meal of soup and bread. In exchange for a cash donation, guests are asked to keep a bowl as a reminder of all the empty bowls in the world. All money raised will be donated to Nicollet Square, which houses 42 formerly homeless youth in the community. This event will be held from 4 -8 p.m. at Nicollet Square, 3710 Nicollet Ave.
Learn more at: http://kingfield.org/filling-empty-bowls-in-kingfield/
Phillips West Winter Social on Thursday, February 9
The Phillips West Neighborhood Organization and its community partners invite you to enjoy a free dinner of cultural foods, door prizes, entertainment and a fun-filled evening. Neighborhood resources and networking opportunities will be available. This event will be from 5 – 8 p.m. at the Lutheran Social Service Center for Changing Lives, 2400 Park Ave.
Learn more at: PhillipsWestWinterSocial.pdf
Whittier Dog Days on Sunday, February 19
This fun and free neighborhood event is open to all residents, dog owners, dog lovers, families, and people who just want to come out and get to know their neighbors. Attendees will have a chance to talk with their local pet-friendly businesses, partake in treats for dogs and humans alike, get their picture taken with the kids and Fido, and be entered for a chance to win one of many great door prizes. This event will be held from 1 – 3 p.m. at Washburn Fair Oaks Park.
Learn more at: http://www.whittieralliance.org/ and Whittier Do Days (pdf)
Drum and Pipe Ceremonies at the Minneapolis American Indian Center – next ceremony is Monday, January 30
The Minneapolis American Indian Center will be holding a drum and pipe ceremony every Monday at 8:45 a.m. to open the center and breathe life into the walls, and will also hold a closing ceremony at 3:30 p.m. on the last Thursday of each month. The Center is looking forward to bringing the community together for these ceremonies each week. Ceremonies will be held at 1530 Franklin Ave. E. Everybody is welcome.
Learn more at: Drum_and_pipe_ceremony_flyer.pdf
First Thursday in the Arts District on Thursday, February 2
Join artist and non-artist alike for First Thursday in the Arts District, as a multitude of painters, sculptors, printmakers, photographers, ceramists, textile and fiber artists, jewelers, furniture showrooms and more open their studios. Studios will be open from 5 – 9 p.m. at Casket Arts Building, 1700 Madison St. NE, and the Northrup King Building, 1500 Jackson St. NE.
Learn more at : http://www.northeastminneapolisartsdistrict.com/calendar/events/index.php?com=detail&eID=6467&year=2012&month=2
STEP-UP Achieve Summer Jobs for Youth – February 3 application deadline
Many teenagers are having a hard time finding work during this difficult economy, but thanks to the STEP-UP program, increasing numbers of Minneapolis young people are finding great summer jobs. Applications for the City of Minneapolis STEP-UP Summer Jobs Program are now available. The STEP-UP summer jobs program is seeking motivated and reliable candidates with a positive attitude. STEP-UP is open to Minneapolis residents ages 14-21 that meet income guidelines and are not yet enrolled in college. STEP-UP recruits, trains and places youth in paid, professional summer jobs. Last summer nearly 2,000 students worked in jobs through STEP-UP. You can help by making sure this message reaches parents and community members in your neighborhood who can encourage young people to apply.
Learn more at: STEP-UP summer jobs application
Immigrant and Minority Farmers Conference on Friday and Saturday, February 3 - 4
Attend the Immigrant and Minority Farmers Conference at North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters Event Hall, 710 Olive St., St. Paul. This conference is brought to you by the Minnesota Food Association, the Association for the Advancement of Hmong Women of Minnesota, USDA- Farm Service Agency, and the Natural Resource Conservation Service.
Learn more at: http://www.mnfoodassociation.org/content/12915
Drawing a Better Minneapolis on Saturday, February 4 and Saturday, February 18
Common Cause Minnesota is organizing two trainings for individuals to learn how they can draw their own maps and other ways that they can have their voice heard in the redistricting process. The February 4 training will be held from 10 a.m. – Noon at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs and will focus on how redistricting works at the local level. The February 18 training will be held from 9:30 a.m. –12:30 p.m at the UROC and will show attendees how they can draw their own maps.
Learn more at: http://www.drawminneapolis.org/2012/01/minneapolis-residents-asked-to-draw-a-better-minneapolis/
Cornerstones: A History of North Minneapolis on Saturday, February 4
Join Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Daniel Pierce Bergin for a public showing of his documentary on the history of North Minneapolis. The film explores the neighborhood's diverse past through the power of place. Bergin will answer questions after the film. This showing will be held at the Sumner Library from 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Learn more at: http://www.hclib.org/pub/events/AllEventsAction.cfm?mo=2&da=4&ye=2012&agency=su
City of Lakes Loppet on Saturday and Sunday, February 4 - 5
Registration for the annual City of Lakes Loppet is under way. This year, the City of Lakes Loppet is celebrating its tenth anniversary with a move to Hennepin Avenue in Uptown. Participants will ski from Lake Calhoun and up Lake Street before turning down Hennepin Avenue. The weekend events will radiate from the lagoon on Lake of the Isles and Theodore Wirth Park, with all courses finishing in Uptown. Information is available for participants and spectators alike.
Learn more at: http://www.cityoflakesloppet.com/
African American Lobby Day at the State Capitol on Monday, February 6
Join Minnesota residents, elected officials, and business, school, and faith-based community leaders for African American Lobby Day! Events run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Learn more at: AfricanAmericanLobbyDay.pdf
Winter Wonder Walk Ride on Saturday, February 11
Come to the Greenway entrance of the Sheraton Midtown Hotel between 11:30 a.m. and noon to pick up your map of Greenway fun! Whether you're an experienced winter biker, a year-round walker, or a fair-weather cyclist just itching to get back on the trails, come out and show winter that it can't force you indoors.
Learn more at: http://midtowngreenway.org/ridesandwalks/WinterWonderWalkRide.html
Joyce Foundation Grants Information Session on Thursday, February 16
Since 2003, the Joyce Awards have distributed $1.8 million to support the commissioning of new artwork from artists of color in Chicago, Cleveland, Indianapolis, Detroit, Milwaukee and Minneapolis/St. Paul. Beginning in 2013, the Joyce Awards program will open its application process, so that any nonprofit organization, not solely art institutions can apply to commission work and create a project with an artist of color. Annually, a minimum of four awards of $50,000 each will be granted. An information session for grant applicants will be held from 12 – 1:30 p.m. at the Loft Literary Center, 1011 Washington Ave. S. RSVP ( rsvp@joycefdn.org) is required for attendance.
Learn more at: Joyce_Awards.pdf
“We Love Our Presidents” Walk on Saturday, February 18
Northeast Minneapolis has always had a special connection to Presidents’ Day because of the many streets names after our presidents. Join neighbors for this 1.5 mile “We Love Our Presidents” walk. The celebration kicks off at 10 a.m. at the Edison High School Gym, stops midway at Eastside Food Co-op where you can warm up with a cup of hot cocoa, and concludes at Northside Middle School for a short program and a chili lunch.
Learn more at: http://www.weloveourpresidents.com/
Photo exhibit, cultural presentation featuring resiliency of Oromo women on Saturday – Sunday, February 25-26
A photography exhibit and cultural presentation that documents the ways the Oromo women of Ethiopia cultivate beauty despite great challenges in their lives will be held Feb. 25-26 at Foss Center, Augsburg College. The event is sponsored by Resources for the Enrichment of African Lives (REAL), with the support of Augsburg College Women’s Resource Center, and Bareedina & Siiqqee (Beauty & Solidarity), which celebrates the Strength of the Oromo Women of Ethiopia through art. The exhibit, open from 1 - 4 p.m. each day of the program, is free and open to the public. A cultural presentation is from 2 - 3 p.m. in Sateren Auditorium.
Learn more at: bareedinafina.pdf
NeighborWorks Training Institute in Los Angeles, February 27 – March 2
Attend the NeighborWorks Training institute in Los Angeles. Enjoy the highest-quality community development skill-building, knowledge-sharing and networking, with a warm, sunny backdrop. This training features 100 community development courses.
Learn more at: http://nw.org/network/training/upcoming/LANTI12.asp
Hennepin County Citizens Academy – Registration now open
The Hennepin County Citizens Academy is a twice-yearly citizen engagement session that offers residents the opportunity to meet in person with county government leaders and learn about all the services that keep county employees busy year-round. The Citizens Academy begins April 4 and runs through May 23. The seven weekly Wednesday sessions run from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and are held at a variety of facilities throughout the county.
Learn more at: http://www.hennepin.us/citizensacademy
Local Government News and Events
Minneapolis Digital Inclusion Survey being mailed to households in January
About 8,800 Minneapolis households are being mailed surveys about digital inclusion. The City hopes to get resident perspectives about how people use computers, mobile devise and the internet to better their daily lives. If you receive a survey, please make a few minutes to complete the survey and mail it back in the envelope provided.
Learn more at: Digital_Inclusion_Flyer.pdf
Low-cost radon kits available to Minneapolis residents
January is Radon Action Month, and the City of Minneapolis is offering radon test kits to residents for $9. Radon is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that occurs naturally in Minnesota soils and can enter homes primarily through cracks and openings in basement or foundation floors and walls. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and more than 21,000 deaths are attributed to radon each year. Radon detection kits are available for purchase at the City of Minneapolis Development Review, 250 S. Fourth St., Room 300, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Thursdays from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Learn more at: http://www.minneapolismn.gov/news/employees/WCMS1P-084959
Boards and Commissions – openings available, deadlines vary
Openings are available on several Minneapolis Open Appointment Boards and Commissions. The application review process begins soon for vacanies with the Family Housing Fund (review process begins January 27,) the Capital Long Range Improvement Committee – “CLIC” (review process begins February 3) and the Animal Care & Control Advisory Board (review process begins February 24).
Learn more at: http://www.minneapolismn.gov/boards/openings/index.htm
Minneapolis Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) Planning Grants and Mini Grants - 3 p.m. February 1 application deadline
Water pollution comes from many different sources, including our everyday activities. How we care for our yards and grounds, wash and maintain our cars, and even dispose of pet waste can contribute to water pollution in the Mississippi River. The hard surfaces of our driveways, sidewalks, and pathways increase the amount of stormwater entering the stormdrains. There are many choices we can make to reduce these harmful impacts on water quality. Become a partner organization with the MWMO by applying for a Stewardship Fund grant to work together to improve water quality. Both Mini Grants (up to $2,500) and Planning Grants (up to $10,000) are available.
Learn more at: http://www.mwmo.org/planninggrants.html
Public Meeting on City’s Climate Change Action Plan on Wednesday, February 1
In 2012 the City of Minneapolis will update its Climate Action Plan, a roadmap to help reduce greenhouse gas pollution in the city. A public meeting has been scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at the Pohlad Hall in the Minneapolis Central Libraryto help understand the plan and the process Minneapolis will conduct to update the plan. At this meeting climate experts will explain climate science, the climate history of Minnesota, and the health impacts of climate change.
Learn more at: http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/news/WCMS1P-085380
Webber Park Public Hearing on Wednesday, February 1
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) Planning Committee will hold a public hearing on the new Webber Park master plan. The plan, developed over the last several months in consultation with community members, MPRB staff, and technical consultants, provides guidance for future development of the entire park. The hearing will be at 6:30 p.m. at the MPRB headquarters, 2117 West River Road.
Learn more at: http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=52&prid=1698
Community Meeting on Lake Nokomis Weir Renovation on Thursday, February 9
The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board are hosting a community meeting to discuss the renovation of the Lake Nokomis weir -- a dam-like structure that holds back water that was constructed in 2000 -- at 6:30 p.m. at the Lake Nokomis Community Center.
Learn more at: http://www.minnehahacreek.org/
FASFA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Febrauary Launch Eventon Sunday, February 12
Every year, hundreds of students do not get federal financial aid because of problems completing the application. These students are 70% less likely to apply to college. Minneapolis Public Schools and AchieveMpls present FAFSA FEBRUARY, a chance to help all students get their federal financial aid. Come use your financial skills to help MPS students and their families complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Work one-on-one or with small groups of families to complete their income tax returns and fill in the FAFSA. This event will be held from 2 – 5 p.m. at Minneapolis Community and Technical College, 1501 Hennepin Ave.
Learn more at: http://www.achievempls.org/events/fafsa-february-launch-event
Walking Tour: Minneapolis City Hall and Courthouse on Wednesday, February 15
Regularly scheduled building tours are offered the third Wednesday of every month beginning at 12 p.m. by the Father of Waters.
Learn more at: http://www.municipalbuildingcommission.org/Tours.html
City-owned vacant lots available for lease for community gardens
The City of Minneapolis has 10 vacant lots available for qualifying groups to lease for community gardens. The Community Garden Program is part of Homegrown Minneapolis, a citywide initiative started in December of 2008 to expand the community’s ability to grow, process, distribute, eat and compost more healthy, sustainable, locally grown foods within the city and the surrounding region.
Learn more about Community Gardens.
Residents can play an important role in redistricting – Public hearings on February 29 and March 1
The new year brings a once‐in‐a‐decade opportunity for people in Minneapolis to participate in redistricting the city, creating boundaries for elections in 2012 and beyond. It’s an important process, because having districts with equal populations helps ensure there is fair representation no matter where you live. Redistricting happens every ten years, following the U.S. Census, and for residents who are interested, there are many opportunities to play an important role in the redistricting process that’s about to start. Public hearings on the first draft maps will be held February 29 and March 1.
Learn more at: Redistricting Release (pdf) and Redistricting Brochure (pdf)
Municipal Building Commission (MBC) seeks Tour Guides
Are you interested in learning more about the City Hall and Courthouse building? Do you want to share that knowledge with others? The MBC is looking for volunteer tour guides to lead the monthly scheduled tours and occasional special group tours.
Learn more at: http://www.municipalbuildingcommission.org/Tours.html
Volunteer with Hennepin County
If you can contribute a few extra hours each month to help, Hennepin County needs your enthusiasm, your time and your willingness to make a difference. A wide range of opportunities are available.
Learn more at: hennepin.us/volunteer
Our Power seeks Youth Organizer - application deadline: January 28
Learn more at: http://grandaspirations.org/ourpower/apply
Cleveland Neighborhood Association seeks Community Coordinator - - application deadline: January 31
Learn more at: CNA_Community_Coordinator.pdf
Tangletown Neighborhood Association seeks Coordinator
Learn more at: http://www.tangletown.org/?p=798
Twin Cities Media Alliance seeks Community Engagement Coordinator and Neighborhood Engagement Coordinator
Learn more at: http://www.minnesotanonprofits.org/job-details?id=50854
http://www.minnesotanonprofits.org/job-details?id=50859
NRP Transition Update
As many of you already know, on January 1, the Neighborhood and Community Relations Department (NCR) assumed responsibility for administering the Minneapolis Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP). Our goal throughout this transition will be to continue NRP policies, programs, and practices as we continue to develop new neighborhood programs such as the Community Participation Program.
Learn more at: http://www.minneapolismn.gov/ncr/programs/Changes_For_Neighborhoods
NCEC Committee of the Whole (CoW) Meeting on Wednesday, February 8
Regular meetings of the CoW are usually held on the second Wednesday of each month, from 5 – 6:30 p.m. The location of the January meeting will be annoucned soon.
Learn more at: http://www.minneapolismn.gov/ncr/boards/ncec/WCMS1P-083351
Senior Citizen Advisory Committee Meeting on Thursday, February 9
The Senior Citizen Advisory Committee (SCAC) meets the second Thursday of every month. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, February 9 from 1 - 2:30 pm in Room 333 of Minneapolis City Hall.
Learn more at: http://www.minneapolismn.gov/ncr/boards/scac/index.htm
Minneapolis Advisory Committee on People with Disabilities (MACOPD) Wednesday, February 15
Full committee meetings of the Minneapolis Advisory Committee on People with Disabilities (MACOPD) are held on the third Wednesday of each month. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 15 from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. in Room 132 of Minneapolis City Hall.
Learn more at: http://www.minneapolismn.gov/ncr/boards/macopd/index.htm
Neighborhood and Community Relations Department
City of Minneapolis
Tri Tech Center, Room 220
331 2nd Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 673-3737
Mission:
To strengthen our city’s quality of life through vigorous community participation, resident involvement in neighborhood and community organizations, and supporting clearly defined links between the City, City services, neighborhood and community organizations.
The City of Minneapolis invites and encourages participation by every resident to each program, service and event within our city. Should you require an accommodation in order for you to fully participate, or should you require this document in a different format, please let us know by contacting 311 or 612-673-3000. TTY users may call 612-673-2157.
The primary purpose of this newsletter is to provide news and information by and about our neighborhood and community partners, the Neighborhood and Community Relations Department, and City departments. The primary audience is neighborhood and community leaders like you.
You may be receiving this email because you have signed in at an NCR or NCEC meeting or event, are a member of a Minneapolis neighborhood organization board, or requested that you receive email updates from NCR.
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Published Jan. 12, 2012