Seward Neighborhood Group June 2011 Update
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sewardpSeward Neighborhood Group June 2011 Update
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sewardpSNG E-NEWSLETTER June 16, 2011
this edition Kings Fair National Night out Special rebates and Home Improvement AssistanceSeward WalkersOpening on the SNG Board of Directors !!!
I. SNG News and Events II. SNG Committee Calendar III. Seward Longfellow Restorative Justice Partnership News IV. Community News and Events
. In
I. SNG News and Events
Kings Fair Planning meeting setJune 20th 7PM @ SNGVolunteers Needed
Kings Fair has been scheduled for Saturday September 17th, now all we need to do is plan a fun exciting event. Please come to our first planning meeting on June 20th at 7PM in the SNG offices, 2323 Franklin Ave. Please email Kerry at kerry@[Link] or call 612-338-6205 ext 119 if you want to be involved in planning this great Neighborhood event, but cant come to this meeting.
National Night OutSave the Date!!
It is getting to be that time of year. NNO is set for Tuesday, August 2nd. You register your block party online at register your event or call 311 . If you register before July 19 there is no charge for blocking off your street. Act now!! If you need help planning a block party or just want to know if you already have a block leader contact Kerry at kerry@[Link]
Seward Environmental Committee Rebate
The Seward Environmental Committee is offering a special $150 rebate to members of the Seward community who are participating in both the Minnesota Energy Challenge and Community Energy Services! To receive this rebate, you must be a member of the Seward Energy Challenge team (check!), have received a home energy visit through Community Energy Services and completed one of the recommended upgrades* from that visit between 9/1/2010 and the end of this year. To receive this $150 rebate, you need to submit the following: 1. Copy of your "Home Energy Report - Reduction Plan" that you received at your home visit; 2. A signed invoice from your contractor for the completed work; 3. A print-out of your Energy Challenge dashboard ("My Challenge"). Submit these forms to Kerry Cashman at kerry@[Link] or the SNG office at 2323 East Franklin Avenue. *Qualifying upgrades are: attic insulation and air sealing, attic air sealing, wall insulation, new furnace or boiler and new water heater. **This rebate is in addition to the rebates of up to $400 from the Center for Energy and Environment and up to $350 from Center Point Energy for participants in the program. For further information see
[Link] or contact
Carol Greenwood at carolgwood@[Link]
SNG Home Improvement Assistance
Spring is the perfect time to start tackling those home improvement projects. Whether you are looking at smaller home maintenance projects, a major home remodeling or an addition, the Seward Neighborhood Group can help. Homeowners in the Seward neighborhood can take advantage of special loan programs available through a partnership between the Seward Neighborhood Group and the Center for Energy and Environment at interest rates from 3.99%-5.99%. The SNG Revolving Loan Program provides loans up to $12,000 to income eligible homeowners for exterior, energy, mechanical, electrical and code improvements. The Minnesota Fix-up Fund provides loans provides loans up to $35,000 for home improvements including additions at 5.99%. Income eligible Seward homeowners can have their fix-up fund interest rate reduced to 3.99% on up to $20,000 for up to 15 years. The Seward Neighborhood Group also offers a unique service to homeowners interested in improving their homes. Doug Wise, SNG's Housing Coordinator is available to provide assistance in planning your project, as well as help you obtain financing, hire contractors and provide advice during construction. Doug can be reached at (612) 338-6205, ext. 102 or doug@[Link].
Seward Walkers 7PM Every Thursday at Matthews and Tuesdays & Thursdays at Welna
Meet at Matthews at 7PM and walk with your neighbors for 1 hours. This is the perfect chance to get exercise, meet new neighbors and check out the emerging gardens. Walk every Thursday or just once a month whatever fits your schedule. The west Seward Walkers group meets in the parking lot behind Welna Hardware, 7PM on Tuesday and Thursday Those interested in "signing up" for the walkers can contact sewardwalkers@[Link] ... or just meet at Matthews Center 2318 29th Ave S or Welna Hardware. For more information on the Seward Walkers, please contact Kathy Sikora: 612-375-1696 or ksikora@[Link].
One More Board of Directors Opening
There is still one more opening on the SNG Board. The board meets on the 4th Wednesday of the month. Board members are expected to attend board meetings and join a SNG committee. This is a great way to make a difference in your community. Email admin@[Link] to express interest or if you have any questions or come to the June 22th Board meeting and check it out. Meetings are at the Seward Towers East (NE corner of Franklin Avenue and 29th Avenue) in the 2nd floor meeting room (it is handicap accessible). To get there, enter the north door (off the parking lot) and go through the door immediately to your left. Follow the long hall to the Advantage Center.
II. SNG Committee Calendar
- Community Development Committee July 12 7:00 p.m., Matthews Center, 2318 29th Ave. S.
For further information, contact Doug Wise at doug@[Link] - History Committee June 13 10AM 12PM, SNG office, 2323 E. Franklin Ave. For further information, contact Dick Westby at sandrich22@[Link]. - Environment Committee Meeting June 20 6:55 p.m., Sierra Club office, 2618 East Franklin Ave. For further information, contact committee chair Carol Greenwood at carolgwood2@[Link] - Crime and Safety Committee July 11 7:00 p.m., Matthews Center, 2318 29th Ave. S. FFI, contact committee chair Kathy Sikora at ksikora@[Link] -Board of Directors Meeting June 22 7:00 p.m., Seward Towers East, at the intersection of 30th and Franklin Avenues Board meetings are open to the publicall residents and those who work or own property in Seward are invited to attend. FFI, contact board chair Sheldon Mains, smains@[Link].
II. Seward Longfellow Restorative Justice Partnership News
Our next Advisory Committee meeting is July 11 from 6:30-8:00pm at Longfellow Park. Join us to get updates about the program's work, learn about upcoming events and discuss ways to increase our visibility and viability. Contact Michele at michele@[Link] or 612-338-6205 x108 for more information about SLRJP and to learn about how you can be involved. Follow SLRJP on Facebook! [Link]/SLRJP
III. Community News and Events
Matthews Park Wading Pool is open!! Fare for All
Do you want to eat healthy without "breaking the bank?" Check out Fare for All, a cooperative food buying program with a new location in south Minneapolis! Open to everyone, Fare for All sells packages of fresh fruits and vegetables and frozen meats for up to 40% less than grocery store prices. Food sales take place one Wednesday a month at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 2730 E. 31st St. 2011 dates are: June 15, July 20, Aug. 17, Sept. 14, Oct. 19, Nov. 16, and Dec. 14. Come between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. to visit the distribution. No pre-registration is required. Because Fare For All buys food in bulk, the more people who participate, the better!
Franklin Avenue (County Road 5) 2011 Mill & Paving Overlay Maintenance Project
Scope Two Seward segments will be paved: 1) Mississippi River Bridge to just west of 30th Avenue 2) 28th Avenue to 21st Avenue Segment near Riverside Avenue (30th to 28th Avenues) will be coordinated with the Citys Riverside Reconstruction project July - September Schedule For Segments 1 and 2:
Pavement milling starts June 14th Overlay paving anticipated to begin June 22 Features Striping in Segment 1 may be accomplished as part of the Citys NTP bikeway project (otherwise county will stripe consistent with the NTP plan in conjunction with the paving). Striping in Segment 2 will be consistent with Seward Pedestrian Safety NTP project layout, and completed in conjunction with the paving. Bikeway striping on 26th Avenue (Midtown Greenway to Franklin Avenue) is anticipated to occur at the same time as Franklin Avenue work.
Kids Soccor Day at the National Sports Center
Get in the Action. Come out June 23rd at 11am and watch as the NSC Minnesota Stars professional soccer team plays a game just for the kids! Following the game all kids are invited down to the field to meet players and get autographs. Easy bus access and free parking Meet the players Autographs after the game Bring your own lunch or purchase a $5 bag lunch*
Tickets $5 Feel free to call or email with any questions that you might have or have a flyer email sent to you. Travis Petschl -- NSC Minnesota Stars Direct: 763-792-7334 Email: travis@[Link]
FREE Lunch for School Age Children
If you know of any school age children under 18 who are in need of a free healthy lunch, they may go to Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) in downtown Minneapolis. It is a block from the light rail and on bus lines. Many students miss out on healthy meals over the summer so be sure to spread the word if you know families that could use the assistance. Thanks for your help. Details: Monday through Friday No appointment is needed 9:30 am -11:00 am and 11:30am -1:00 pm Location: HCMC cafeteria
FREE Dinner and Snack at Matthews Center
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and the United States Department of Agriculture offer a summer food service program for parents and children at participating recreation centers. Matthews Park serves dinners but other parks offer lunches. The meals which include lunch, an afternoon snack and dinner are offered as a public service on a first-come-first-serve basis, Mondays through Fridays, June 13-Aug. 19. The food service will be closed on July 4. For more information about the program call the Matthews Center @ 370-4925.
Seward Market Community Mural
In the wake of last years tragic fatal shooting at Seward Market, Seward Stands Together signs are still visible in windows all around the neighborhood. Realizing a need to both memorialize the three Somali men who died and to celebrate this diverse community, in 2010 ArtiCulture secured a grant from COMPAS to facilitate a youth public art project create a mural on the side of Seward Market. Our hope is to create a celebratory photography mural to bring together those directly and indirectly affectedgiving community members an opportunity to heal while honoring and celebrating the increasingly diverse community in Seward. During the project (May 31st through mid July), we will be posting updates, photos, and opportunities for community support on here on our website, our Facebook page, and the Seward e-democracy forum. We also welcome thoughts and comments via e-mail at info@[Link] Leading the teen artists in designing the mural are local photographers Jennifer Larson and Mohamud Mumin. Want to be part of the project? Email Deb! deborah@[Link]
Minneapolis Park Board Concert Series
The outdoor concert series has begun! For more information, see the news release [Link] or visit [Link].
Emerald Ash Borer As part of the ongoing effort to slow the spread of emerald ash borer (EAB), the
Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) will soon introduce tiny, stingless wasps as biological control in several locations in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Read more about this here: [Link]
Raingarden Workshops for Clean Water
Get ready for spring by planning a garden that beautifies your yard and helps keep our water clean. Register now for a two-part workshop series, taught by landscape design specialists from the nonprofit group Metro Blooms. Workshop Saturday, June 18, 10 AM - Noon Plan your own raingarden: Location! Location! Location! Landscape designers and Hennepin County Master Gardeners will provide one-on-one design and plant selection assistance. Workshop participants are also eligible for a Hennepin County Native Plant Reimbursement Grant (up to $75 for native plants and other materials) and for a low-cost onsite consultation and design drawing. Workshops are presented by Metro Blooms at Phelps Park, 701 E 39th St., Minneapolis. The cost is $10 per workshop. Sponsored by the City of Minneapolis,the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District and the McKnight Foundation. For more information, visit [Link] or call 651.699.2426.
Music and Movies at Minneapolis Parks
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board has announced its summer 2011 music and movie schedule. Watch the RiverCurrent for information about the concerts at Nicollet Island, Hennepin Bluffs and
Minnehaha Falls, and for more information on all of the music offerings: [Link]
Midwest Mountaineering Wilderness Opportunities for Teens
Midwest Mountaineering has a special opportunity for teens who couldn't otherwise afford to go to camp. Up to 20 teens can go to YMCA Camp Menogyn, and 3 to 5 teens can go to Outward Bound in northern Minnesota! [Link] <[Link] [Link] <[Link] Midwest Mountaineering, YMCA Camp Menogyn, Outward Bound and other sponsors have partnered to send kids to camp to enjoy canoeing, climbing or backpacking. Camp Menogyn campers spend two nights in camp before heading out to experience the wilderness first hand on a multi-day wilderness trip (canoeing, backpacking or rock-climbing). Ages 13 18. Sessions available are 8, 11 and 14 days long. Here's a itinerary overview for Camp Menogyn <[Link] Outward Bound participants will start their course on day 1 and do a multi-day expedition in the Boundary Waters. The course will also include a climbing day, a service day, a ropes challenge course, a solo and a final challenge event that will enhance the lessons of the expedition. The course is meant to be challenging and to develop character, an ethic of service and leadership. Students must be between the ages of 14-18 to qualify for this particular program. Here's an itinerary overview for Outward Bound. <[Link] If you are interested in sending your child to a wilderness camp this summer, please fill out an application(s) below and cut and paste it in an email to rjohnson@[Link] It will be forwarded to Menogyn or Outward Bound who will select the kids. There are several sessions available ranging from 8 days to 15 days in length, and all scheduled between June 9 and August 31st. Please email your application as soon as possible. All application information will be kept strictly confidential.
Graffiti Removal
As the temperatures rise, it's now again possible to remove graffiti. In case you don't already know it, the Minneapolis graffiti reporting site is: [Link] Please consider bookmarking the URL in your browser so you can submit reports easily and quickly after seeing graffiti in the neighborhood. If we all report tagging whenever it appears, it might discourage the proliferation of crosstagging that sometimes shows up in the same locations.
Picture yourself in a Minneapolis park Photo contest returns for second year; deadline Sept. 5 The Picture A Park photo contest has returned for its second year. The contest, sponsored by the
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB), People for Parks (PFP) and National Camera, is designed to highlight the life and times in Minneapolis parks year round. So, next time you're sailing Lake Calhoun, riding your bike around the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway, twirling on ice skates or simply playing in a neighborhood park with friends, bring a camera! Entries can depict people, activities, nature and places in the Minneapolis parks system from any time of the year. The contest is open to amateurs of all ages, Minneapolis residents and non-residents. Photos must be unpublished and taken in Minneapolis parks. Photographs from all seasons are encouraged. Photographers can submit up to four entries. There is no entry fee.
Photographs and entry forms must be submitted by Sept. 5, 2011. Submissions are done through the National Camera website at [Link] Please do not mail your submission. Photos entered in the contest will be open for vote by the public for a Peoples Choice Award. Contest rules and entry submissions are available online at [Link]. More information will also be available at National Camera Exchange's website at [Link]
Photographer Categories: Youth (ages 17 and under) Adult (ages 18 and up)
Subject Categories: Beauty in the Parks Events in the Parks Fun in the Parks
For complete contest rules and entry form, visit [Link] or call 612-230-6400.
Seward Photo Blog
Our neighbor and photographer Jenny Larson has created a photo blog focusing on businesses in Seward. Check it out at [Link] ______________________________________________________________________ This newsletter was compiled by SNG with the assistance of neighbors who contributed suggestions and news items. To subscribe, send an email to admin@[Link] with subscribe in the subject line. To unsubscribe, send an email to admin@[Link] with unsubscribe in the subject line. If you know of an upcoming event, meeting, or news item that should be included in a future newsletter, please email admin@[Link]. Thank you!
Common questions
Powered by AIThe Seward Neighborhood Group promotes energy efficiency and home improvement primarily through two mechanisms: rebate programs and special loan programs. The Seward Environmental Committee offers a special $150 rebate to community members participating in both the Minnesota Energy Challenge and Community Energy Services. To qualify, members need to complete certain energy efficiency upgrades recommended during a home energy visit, such as attic insulation and air sealing . Additionally, SNG facilitates home improvement through loan programs in partnership with the Center for Energy and Environment, offering loans at interest rates from 3.99%-5.99% for various home improvements .
The Seward Neighborhood Group fosters community involvement by organizing and promoting volunteer opportunities and participatory events. They host planning meetings for events such as the Kings Fair, encouraging residents to volunteer and participate in planning . Additionally, SNG encourages block parties for National Night Out by facilitating registration and offering assistance with planning . They also involve community members in decision-making by promoting openings on their Board of Directors, inviting residents to attend meetings and join committees .
The Minneapolis Park Board contributes to cultural enrichment and public engagement through initiatives like the outdoor concert series and the Music and Movies at Minneapolis Parks program. These initiatives provide free cultural entertainment to the community, encouraging residents to participate in shared cultural experiences in a natural setting, thus strengthening community bonds and enhancing local culture . Additionally, the Picture A Park photo contest engages the public in capturing and appreciating the city's parks, which stimulates interest in local environments and fosters community pride .
Community walking groups like Seward Walkers positively impact both physical and social well-being. Physically, regular walking promotes cardiovascular health, reduces obesity risk, and improves overall physical fitness. Socially, these groups provide opportunities for residents to make new connections, strengthen existing relationships, and foster a sense of community involvement and support. Regularly scheduled walks, such as those on Thursdays at Matthews and Tuesdays and Thursdays at Welna, encourage consistent participation, enhancing both individual health outcomes and collective community cohesion .
The Minneapolis graffiti reporting system plays a crucial role in urban maintenance by enabling rapid identification and removal of graffiti, which helps maintain community aesthetics and property values. It serves as a tool for community involvement by encouraging residents to report graffiti sightings actively, thereby participating in the upkeep of their neighborhood. This system helps curb the spread of graffiti by enabling timely intervention and discouraging further vandalism, promoting a clean and appealing urban environment .
The significance of offering workshops on raingarden planning lies in their role in promoting water conservation and landscape aesthetics. These workshops educate residents on designing and implementing raingardens that reduce runoff and improve water quality, contributing to community sustainability efforts. They also offer practical gardening and landscaping skills, making them attractive to homeowners interested in eco-friendly yard improvements. Target participants include local residents interested in environmental conservation, as indicated by the Metro Blooms workshops supported by local foundations and governmental bodies .
The Seward Longfellow Restorative Justice Partnership (SLRJP) promotes community development by engaging in restorative justice practices, which aim to address harm and repair relationships within the community. Residents can get involved by attending advisory committee meetings, such as the one scheduled for July 11, to receive updates, discuss the program's work, and identify ways to enhance its visibility and success . SLRJP also promotes engagement through social media and encourages community participation and input at their meetings .
The availability of loan programs such as the SNG Revolving Loan Program and the Minnesota Fix-up Fund facilitates improved housing quality by providing financial resources necessary for homeowners to undertake both basic and extensive home repairs and improvements. The SNG Revolving Loan Program offers loans up to $12,000 for various home improvements, including exterior, energy, mechanical, and code upgrades . The Minnesota Fix-up Fund offers larger loans up to $35,000, enabling more significant home enhancement projects. By reducing financial barriers, these loans help maintain and improve the housing stock in the Seward neighborhood .
To combat the spread of the emerald ash borer, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture is introducing biological control by releasing tiny, stingless wasps in several locations in Minneapolis. These wasps are natural predators of the emerald ash borer and are expected to help control its spread by targeting larvae in infested trees. The expected effect is a reduction in the infestation levels of ash trees, which would help preserve urban forests and prevent ecological and economic damage caused by the widespread loss of ash trees .
Events like the Kings Fair and National Night Out provide significant economic and social benefits to the Seward neighborhood. Economically, these events can support local businesses by increasing foot traffic and encouraging spending within the community during event days. Socially, they strengthen community ties by bringing together residents in a festive and cooperative atmosphere, fostering a sense of belonging and collective identity. These events also encourage community participation and volunteerism, which are crucial for building strong social networks and mutual support systems .