Street Sweeping starts this Week

Posted on April 10, 2017 by staff

The City’s comprehensive street sweeping program begins Tuesday, April 11. Drivers should watch for temporary “No Parking” signs to avoid a ticket and tow. Signs will be posted at least 24 hours in advance to make sure streets are clear of parked vehicles. Drivers need to follow street sweeping parking rules or they may have their cars ticketed and towed to the Minneapolis Impound Lot.

“No Parking” signs – Crews will post “No Parking” signs at least 24 hours before sweeping any streets. Parking will be banned from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the day a street is swept. The “No Parking” signs will be removed as soon as possible after a street has been completely swept to allow people to resume parking. Drivers should not park along these streets until these temporary “No Parking” signs are removed.
Phone calls to residents – In addition to the “No Parking” signs that will be posted the day before sweepers come through, the City will make about 3,500 automated phone calls each evening to let residents know their street will be swept the next day.
Interactive Web tool – Folks can use a tool on the City’s website to find out when the sweeping crews are coming through their neighborhoods. People can go to www.minneapolismn.gov/publicworks/streetsweeping and click on “street sweeping schedule lookup” to find out which week a street is scheduled to be swept. The weekend before that week, they can revisit the website to find out which day of the week the street is scheduled to be swept.
Videos – Street sweeping is explained in English, Spanish, Somali and Hmong in short videos at www.YouTube.com/cityofminneapolis and on City cable channels 14. Residents who have friends or neighbors who speak these languages are encouraged to share links to the videos.

English:  See how and why Minneapolis sweeps streets and what you can do to help keep streets and waterways clean.
Spanish:  Vea en este video de las series “Sabia Usted” como y porque Minneapolis barre las calles y limpia las vias fluviales.
Somali:  Ka daawo fiidyowga taxanaha… ee Minneapolis ee loo yaqaan “Ma Ogtahay” siyaabaha iyo sababaha minneapolis jidadka ay u xaaqido oo ogow sidii aad uga caawin lahayd ilaalinta nadaafada jidadka iyo biyo mareenada.
Hmong:  Yog xav paub ntxiv, sais nroog Minneapolis cov tshooj xov xwm hu, “Koj pos paub.”
Clean streets mean a healthier environment

Posted in Crime and Safety, Uncategorized | Tagged , | Comments Off on Street Sweeping starts this Week

Meet our newest board member

Posted on April 9, 2017 by staff

Stephanie PetersonStephanie Peterson, our newest board member recently moved to Columbia Park with her husband Drew.  She has already jumped into the role by training to be a facilitator for the upcoming Neighborhoods 2020 discussions about the future of Minneapolis’ neighborhood organizations when the TIF district funding stream ends in 2020.  Welcome!

Posted in Neighborhood Issues | Comments Off on Meet our newest board member

Draft Agenda for Board/General Meeting Monday March 20, 2017

Posted on March 17, 2017 by staff

The regular Board/ General Meeting of the Columbia Park Neighborhood Association will be held Monday March 20,2017 at 6:30 pm at the Columbia Golf Manor 3300 Central AV NE, main floor Bride’s Room at end of the south corridor.

Need Accessible entrance opened call Liz at 612-390-3735
6:30 – Call to Order for Board Actions

 6:31 – Approval of the Agenda

 6:35 – Approval the Draft Minutes for Feb 27th CPNA Meeting

 6:39 – Treasurer’s Report- Receive and File

 6:45- Open Time

 6:59 – General Meeting

 7:00 – Old Business

          2016 Year End Report approval

          Nextdoor update on number of participants

          Open Streets date confirmed as August 6, 2017

  7:15 – New Business

           Draft letter about no Eastside Meetings

           Annual Meeting, motion to approve Liz making expenditures to reserve park, tent,

           tables and chairs and other items that will incur expenses over $500 with deposits.

  7:30 – Crime and Safety Update

           2PAC report

 7:45 – Announcements/ Communications

   Seasonal Food Permit – Is it right for you?

Are you a food vendor planning to participate in three (3) or more events  or farmers markets in Minneapolis from April 1, 2017 through March 31, 2018?

Consider applying for an annual Seasonal Food Permit instead of a Short Term Food Permit for each event.  The Seasonal Food Permit is replacing several licenses. The Seasonal Food Permit can be used at both events and farmers markets.  Beginning in 2017, the Seasonal Food Permit will be issued by the Minneapolis Health Department Environmental Health division. Formerly it was issued by Business Licensing. 

The annual fee for a Seasonal Food Permit is $232. The fee for a Short Term Event Permit is $87 per event. Food vendors participating in three events save $29 with a Seasonal Food Permit.

The Seasonal Food Permit has been updated to make the application easier to understand and to complete. The application includes:

  • A checklist that identifies the business categories requiring a Seasonal Food Permit.
  • A checklist of the items that need to be submitted with the Seasonal Food Permit application. No more overlooked items!
  • Four easy ways to submit the application and payment to Environmental Health: by email, fax, US mail, or in person.

Applications may be submitted any time during the year, but must be submitted at least 10 BUSINESS DAYS before the event or farmers market.

To be approved for a Seasonal Food Permit, all mechanical refrigeration MUST be NSF or NSF equivalent. Seasonal Food Permit holders are NOT allowed to use ice in place of mechanical refrigeration for keeping Potentially Hazardous Foods cold.

Food trucks licensed by the City of Minneapolis do NOT require a seasonal food permit.

Find the updated Seasonal Food Permit on the Civic Events webpage. (www.minneapolismn.gov/CivicEvents)

Questions? Contact 311 or the Health Department at 612-673-2301 or EnvironmentalHealthPermit@minneapolismn.gov 

                          Programs at Eastside Neighborhood Services

Vital Fitness

Tuesdays, 11:00am-12:00pm

Drop by for East Side’s Vital Fitness group! The group meets weekly for a variety of exercises that improve balance, strength, and coordination. There is no cost to participate. Contact Gloria with any questions at (612) 787-4076.

 

Music & Movement Fitness

Thursdays , 11:00 am-12:00 pm (Starting April 13) 

Join us for our new music and movement class! We will be focusing on moving to the beat with standing and seated exercises. All levels are welcome and there is no cost to participate. Contact Erin with any questions at (612) 787-4102.

Elder and Caregiver Resource Assistance at East Side

Tuesdays, 12:30 pm-2:30 pm, Drop-in Hours

Stop in to meet Peggy, our Outreach & Resource Advocate. She will help connect to trusted and affordable resources for chores, financial help, personal care, activities, transportation, medical issues, legal issues and more. Peggy is also available by appointment Monday – Thursday. Please call (612) 787-4104 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Tax Preparation with Prepare + Prosper
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 PM – Saturdays at 8:30 AM
Saturday, January 21 – April 15 at East Side
The times given are the sign-in times. Clients are asked not to arrive more than 10 minutes before the sign-in time, as assistance is NOT based on first-come, first-served. Everyone who is present at the sign-in time has an equal chance of being served. Order is determined randomly. Prepare + Prosper is for anyone with an annual income of $35,000 or less for individuals, $55,000 or less for families or those who are self-employed.

AARP Tax Assistance 
Assists people who are 55+ and/or who are disabled, by appointment only. Income guidelines are $35,000 or less for individuals, $55,000 or less for families or those who are self-employed. Appointments are currently all full. If you would like to be added to the waiting list, call (612) 781-6011. You can also try the Prepare + Prosper service (see above).

Friendship Too: Caregiver / Loved One Support Group

Tuesdays, March 14 – April 18, 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm 

East Side is hosting a Caregiver Support Group at Adult Day at Friendship Center, 1717 Second Street NE (across the street from East Side’s main building) for anyone serving as a Care Partner for a loved one. The Care Receiver is invited to participate in the Adult Day program while their Care Partner attends the 90 minute support group. For more information and to register, please contact Donna at dkavanaugh@esns.org or (612) 781-2052.

Aging with GUSTO: Community discussion on aging

Thursday, March 23, 2017, 10:00 am to 2:30 pm 

This event is full! Call (612) 787-4045 to be added to the waiting list or email eva@esns.org.

Living Well Workshop
April 13 – May 18, Thursdays, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm at East Side
Gain skills to live a healthier life! Living Well with Chronic Conditions workshop covers many topics including healthy eating, exercise, medication usage, as well as managing fatigue, pain, and emotions. All participants receive a reference book. The cost of these classes is based on ability to pay. No one will be turned away due to financial constraints. To register, call (612) 787-4102 or email Empowering Vital Aging at eva@esns.org.

Roadwise RX

Wednesday, April 19, 11:00 am-12:00 pm, East Side Dining Room 

Join us and learn how medications can affect your driving. AAA Minneapolis Driving Programs expert will help you learn about a free, confidential tool that adults can use to explore how medications may affect safe driving. Contact the EVA office with questions (612) 787-4045 or eva@esns.org. This class if free, and refreshments will be provided.

A Matter of Balance

Tuesdays, May 2 – June 20, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm 

In A Matter of Balance, you will learn how to view falls as controllable, make changes to reduce fall risks at home, perform exercises that improve strength and balance, and set goals to increase physical activity. This eight week workshop includes group discussion and exercise. Classes are held at East Side. The cost of these classes is based on ability to pay. No one will be turned away due to financial constraints. To register, call 612-787-4102 or email Empowering Vital Aging at eva@esns.org.  

SAVE THE DATE

Join us for the 13th Annual Hotdish Revolution
Sunday, April 23, 2017
Solar Arts (15th and Quincy NE)

Whose tater tots will be the crispiest? Whose jell-o sculpture will astound and amaze? As always, we hope you’ll try your hand at entering and bring your friends to vote for you. See you there!

(last years spicy hotdish champion was CPNA’s own Liz Wielinski)

8:00- Adjourn        

Posted in CPNA Agenda, CPNA Meeting, CPNA Minutes, Crime and Safety, Gateway Gardens, Northeast Area Issues, Public Meetings, Special Events | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Draft Agenda for Board/General Meeting Monday March 20, 2017

HomeStretch Workshop Homebuyer Education

Posted on March 12, 2017 by staff

Smart, sustainable homeownership starts with solid information. Our Home Stretch course is an in-person, classroom-style workshops taught by experienced professionals. Get objective, practical information to make the best homeownership choices for you and your family.

March 18 – $40 per household
Emerge – 1834 Emerson Ave N Minneapolis, MN 55411 

Learn how to:
• Determine your financial situation
• Manage credit to make homeownership more affordable
• Choose your best mortgage options
• Select the right home for your family
• Understand the loan closing process
• Find down payment help, special loans for first-time homebuyers, and other offers
• And more!

Receiving a homestretch certificate makes you eligible to receive numerous down payment and first-time homebuyer assistance funds and programs. The certificate is good for 12 months.

View the Facebook event
Register through Eventbrite 

*This class does not satisfy the NeighborhoodLift education requirements, but DOES satisfy most other down payment assistance education requirements. Please check with your lender for more information*

50% discount when you sign up via your neighborhood organization, just use discount code Neighborhood50 at registration.

Posted in Homeownership | Tagged , , | Comments Off on HomeStretch Workshop Homebuyer Education

2017 Gateway Garden Lottery and Meeting March 20th

Posted on March 9, 2017 by staff
The Gateway

The Gateway

The annual meeting for the community garden plots at the Gateway Arts corner at 37th AV NE at University AV will take place Monday March 20, 2017 at 6:00pm.  We will meet at the Columbia Golf Manor, 3300 Central AV NE in the Bride’s Room (main level at the end of the hall towards the left as you come in the main door).   We have 28 plots and they are rented for $20. We also charge  a $20 deposit, refunded when your plot is cleaned out at season’s end.  We provide water, a composting area and wood chips from the Tree Trust.  If you are interested in a plot but can not make the meeting please contact Liz at contact@columbiapark.org for a mailed application or to answer any additional questions.  Spring is coming!!!

Posted in Gateway Gardens, Neighborhood Programs, Public Meetings | Tagged | Comments Off on 2017 Gateway Garden Lottery and Meeting March 20th

Draft Agenda for Board/General Meeting Monday February 27, 2017

Posted on February 25, 2017 by staff

The regular Board/ General Meeting of the Columbia Park Neighborhood Association will be held Monday February 27, 2017 at 6:30 pm at the Columbia Golf Manor 3300 Central AV NE, main floor Bride’s Room at end of the south corridor.

Need Accessible entrance opened call Liz at 612-390-3735
6:30 – Call to Order for Board Actions

6:31 – Approval of the Agenda

6:35 – Approval the Minutes for CPNA meeting January 23,2017

6:39 – Treasurer’s Report- Receive and File

6:45- Open Time

6:59 – General Meeting

7:00 – Old Business

Motion to approve last of Raingarden funds to go to Heidi Hodorowski and Anne Ferreria through Metro Blooms program

2017 Gateway Garden Meeting, before next board meeting March 20, 2017 at 6:00pm

Liz is willing to serve as coordinator but would like the stipend if she is going to do so.

Finalize 2017-19 budget

7:15 – New Business

Request to sign onto a Letter to a resolution regarding abolishing Neighborhood Organizations removed from the staff report on the 2040 Comprehensive Plan update.

Discuss possible Eastside neighborhoods resolution

Open Streets 2017

Annual Report to NCR (year end 2016) edit/approve

7:30 – Crime and Safety Update

2PAC report

7:45 – Announcements/ Communications

Park Board Summer Activity Guides are now available…sign up for classes, sports and camps.  Check it out here.

From the Tree Trust

Minneapolis residents, mark your calendars:

This year, due to increased demand, the Minneapolis Tree Sale will be functioning differently.

Residents of Wards 3-7 and 10 will be able to order their tree on March 6 through March 12, starting at 9:00am. Tree Trust will be collecting orders for these wards ONLY during this time.

Residents living outside of Wards 3-7 and 10, will be able to register for the tree lottery during the week of March 13-18. The lottery will be open the entire week, so there is no need to come racing to the website on March 13. When you register on the Tree Trust website, you will be entered into the lottery for a chance to purchase a tree through the program. Your address can only be registered one time through this process.

The lottery draw will take place during the week of March 20, with selected participants notified by March 22.  If you are selected, you will be given further instructions (all via email) during this time. Be sure to check your email regularly!

There are 14 tree species to choose from, including two duos, so make sure to do your research to pick the best tree for your yard! Trees are $25 and selected residents can order one per property.

If you live elsewhere in the metro, check with your city of residence to see if they offer a tree sale. If not, have them contact the Tree Trust Community Forestry department.

For more information on all tree sales, please visit our Get a Tree webpage.

2017 Metro Blooms Workshops

$15 workshops: Creating Weather Resilient Yards

 Unseasonably warm weather, long droughts and flooding rains are the new normal for spring and summer in Minnesota. Learn how your yard can adapt to and even help mitigate threats posed by these extreme weather events. 

 Participants receive:

 • An overview of Minnesota’s changing weather patterns and ways to minimize their impact in your yard by using alternative turf, raingardens, and other resilient-yard practices.

 • 1 on 1 design assistance from Metro Blooms and Blue Thumb landscape designers and U of M Extension Master Gardeners from Hennepin County.

 For more information and to register, go to metroblooms.org or call 651-699-2426.

Space is limited.

8:00- Adjourn

Posted in CPNA Agenda, CPNA Meeting, Crime and Safety, Northeast Area Issues, Parks, Public Meetings, Uncategorized, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Draft Agenda for Board/General Meeting Monday February 27, 2017

Conversation on Minimum Wage

Posted on February 22, 2017 by staff

The City of Minneapolis is hosting a listening session next week to gather feedback on a potential minimum wage policy:

 

Monday, February 27, 5 – 6:30 p.m.

Firefighters Hall & Museum, 664 – 22nd Avenue NE

 

All are welcome. This is one of several listening sessions that are being held across the city to offer opportunities for community stakeholders to share viewpoints on this topic. Questions and feedback can also be sent to minwage@minneapolismn.gov.

Posted in General News, Public Meetings | Tagged , | Comments Off on Conversation on Minimum Wage

Activities at Eastside Neighborhood Services

Posted on February 12, 2017 by staff

 

Tax Preparation with Prepare + Prosper 
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 PM – Saturdays at 8:30 AM
Saturday, January 21 – April 15 at East Side
The times given are the sign-in times. Clients are asked not to arrive more than 10 minutes before the sign-in time, as assistance is NOT based on first-come, first-served. Everyone who is present at the sign-in time has an equal chance of being served. Order is determined randomly. Prepare + Prosper is for anyone with an annual income of $35,000 or less for individuals, $55,000 or less for families or those who are self-employed.

AARP Tax Assistance 
Assists people who are 55+ and/or who are disabled, by appointment only. Income guidelines are $35,000 or less for individuals, $55,000 or less for families or those who are self-employed. Please call (612) 781-6011 to make an appointment.
ServSafe® Food Safety Manager

Thursday, February 2, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday, February 18, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

East Side Neighborhood Services’ 1-day certification class will prepare you for a career in food service preparation and safety. Call the Training Coordinator at (612) 787-4022 for more information.

Forklift and Bobcat Operator Training

February 7th – 10th at East Side

This course will provide you with industry recognized certification to operate sit-down and stand-up forklifts and Bobcat Skid Steer Loaders. Classroom training held on site at ESNS. Transportation to the off-site facility for hands on training is provided. To apply come to an information session held every Tuesday at 9:30 am or Wednesday at 3pm. Call (612) 787-4022 for more information.

A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns about Falls
Tuesdays, February 7 – March 28, 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
In A Matter of Balance, you will learn how to view falls as controllable, make changes to reduce fall risks at home, perform exercises that improve strength and balance, and set goals to increase physical activity. Classes are held at East Side. The cost of these classes is based on ability to pay. No one will be turned away due to financial constraints. To register, call 612-787-4102 or email Empowering Vital Aging at eva@esns.org.

Living Well with Chronic Conditions
Wednesdays, February 8 – March 15, 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Gain skills to live a healthier life! Living Well with Chronic Conditions workshop covers many topics including healthy eating, exercise, medication usage, as well as managing fatigue, pain, and emotions. All participants receive a reference book. This class will be held at the Skyway Senior Center located at 950 Nicollet Mall #290, Mpls 55403. The cost of these classes is based on ability to pay. No one will be turned away due to financial constraints. To register, call 612-787-4102 or email Empowering Vital Aging at eva@esns.org.

Leadership in Hospitality
February 13 to March 23, Monday – Friday, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
This FREE program is designed for adults with experience working in the customer service, sales, food service, and hospitality fields that have the potential to move into supervisory and leadership positions. To apply attend a weekly information session Tuesday at 9:30 AM and Wednesday at 3:00 PM. Call (612) 787-4022 for more information.

Employment Orientation Meetings at East Side

February 14 and February 28, starting at 9:30 am, at East Side

ESNS’ Senior Community Service Employment Program is in search of low income seniors (55yrs+, Hennepin County residents) who are interested in paid on-the-job training in a variety of community based settings. We are seeking those with interest or experience in these types of work: janitors, office help, and kitchen workers, to name a few. Information about the program can be found at www.esns.org/SCSEP or call Macey with questions (612) 787-4090.

Senior Appreciation Valentine Luncheon
Thursday, February 16, at East Side – 11:30 AM seating
Admission with ticket only – Cost $4.00. Community members 55+ welcome. Tickets are available at East Side and the Senior Food Shelf.

Tai Ji Quan: Moving For Better Balance

Mondays and Wednesdays, February 27 – May 17, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM

This Tai Chi class reduces risk of falls by improving balance, muscle strength, flexibility, and mobility through mindful movements in a slow, flowing motion. All classes are held at East Side. The cost of these classes is based on ability to pay. No one will be turned away due to financial constraints. To register, email eva@esns.org or call (612) 787-4102.

Living Well Workshop
March 23 – April 27, Thursdays, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at East Side
Gain skills to live a healthier life! Living Well with Chronic Conditions workshop covers many topics including healthy eating, exercise, medication usage, as well as managing fatigue, pain, and emotions. All participants receive a reference book. The cost of these classes is based on ability to pay. No one will be turned away due to financial constraints. To register, call 612-787-4102 or email Empowering Vital Aging at eva@esns.org.

A Matter of Balance

Tuesdays, May 2 – June 20, 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM

In A Matter of Balance, you will learn how to view falls as controllable, make changes to reduce fall risks at home, perform exercises that improve strength and balance, and set goals to increase physical activity. This eight week workshop includes group discussion and exercise. Classes are held at East Side. The cost of these classes is based on ability to pay. No one will be turned away due to financial constraints. To register, call 612-787-4102 or email Empowering Vital Aging at eva@esns.org.

Posted in General News, Local Services, Seniors | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Activities at Eastside Neighborhood Services

I-94 Construction from Brooklyn Center to Hiawatha in 2017

Posted on February 4, 2017 by staff
Construction Coming to I94

For anyone who commutes via I94, a large construction project will reduce I-94 east of Highway 55 to two lanes each side for much of 2017. MnDOT will also be doing work on the Lowry Tunnel that will require one side of it to be closed for about seven weeks at a time.

MnDOT will also need to close one side of I-94 for four weekends in August while crews lay asphalt. The bridge at I-94 west in Brooklyn Center will be repaired and Highway 252 south will be closed for about three months.

For more information on the project, visit the project website HERE.

There will also be an open house on February 23rd, from 4-7pm at the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Building (2117 West River Road, Mpls) in the Nokomis Room to learn more about this project and others.
Posted in General News, Neighborhood Issues, Public Meetings | Tagged , | Comments Off on I-94 Construction from Brooklyn Center to Hiawatha in 2017

Free Tax Prep Service for Low Income and Seniors

Posted on January 24, 2017 by staff

Trained volunteers will be available at these nearby sites.  AARP Tax aide is for seniors and VITA is for low income families.  For more information on income/age requirements check  here.

  • EAST SIDE NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES (AARP TAX AIDE)
    1700 2ND ST NE
    MINNEAPOLIS, MN   55413
    County: HENNEPIN
    Program: AARP Tax Aide
    Site Availability: 2/1/2017 – 4/18/2017
    Days Open: MONDAY, WEDNESDAY
    Hours Open: MONDAYS 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM AND WEDNESDAYS 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    Appt or Walk In: By Appt. Only
    Phone: 612-787-4000
    Accessible to persons with mobility issues
  • EAST SIDE NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES VITA
    1700 2ND STREET NE
    MINNEAPOLIS, MN   55413
    County: HENNEPIN
    Program: VITA
    Site Availability: 1/21/2017 – 4/15/2017
    Days Open: TUESDAY, THURSDAY, SATURDAY
    Hours Open: TUESDAY AND THURSDAY 5:15 PM – 9:00 PM, SATURDAY 8:15 AM – 1:00 PM
    Appt or Walk In: Walk-In Only
  • MURZYN HALL SENIOR CENTER
    530 MILL ST NE
    COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MN   55421
    County: ANOKA
    Program: AARP Tax Aide
    Site Availability: 2/2/2017 – 4/13/2017
    Days Open: TUESDAY, THURSDAY
    Hours Open: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (NOON)
    Appt or Walk In: Walk-In Only
    Accessible to persons with mobility issues
    Comments: WALK-INS SERVED AS TIME PERMITS. RETURNING CLIENTS WILL BE SERVED ON 4/6 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM FOR PROPERTY TAX REFUND ONLY.

 

Posted in Local Services, Northeast Area Issues | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Free Tax Prep Service for Low Income and Seniors