Neighborhood and Community Relations (NCR) Department Open House on March 25

When:	Thursday, March 25, 2010 3:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Where:	NCR Office Tri Tech Center 331 2nd Ave South Room 220 (Skyway level) Minneapolis, MN 55401 (Click here for information on using public transportation)

You are invited to the Neighborhood and Community Relations (NCR) Department Open House!

Entrance to the Tri Tech Center is on the corner of 4th St and 2nd Ave. Once you enter, take the stairs to the skyway level (elevators are also available) and keep walking straight towards the Public Service Center.

Come learn more about the department, services it provides and meet the NCR staff! Also, check out NCR online at the City’s Web site at www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/ncr

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Pa Vang
Neighborhood and Community Relations
City of Minneapolis

Sustainable Communities Conference on March 12 and 13

When	Local Government Sustainability Workshop March 12 12:00 noon – 5:00 p.m. Neighborhood Sustainability Conference March 13 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where:	Central Lutheran Church 333 12th St S, Minneapolis (next to the Minneapolis Convention Center)
url:	http://www.afors.org/

3rd Annual Local Government Sustainability Workshop
Friday, March 12
12:00 noon – 5:00 p.m.

FREE please pre-register. Box lunch $5 Parking $5 Agenda Workshop Flyer

Through the generous support of our sponsors we are able to offer this quality workshop at no cost, but ask participants to pre-register so we can plan for food and workshop space. Thank you!

Learn about

• new state and federal funding opportunities for your projects, and
• simple, cost-effective best practices from the state’s new MN GreenSteps Cities Program.

Workshop Topics - MN GreenSteps Cities, using sustainability indicators, funding for energy retrofits and renewable energy projects, Complete Streets, protecting and diversifying urban forests, organized collection and organics waste collection, sustainability ordinances, community-wide energy initiatives, Blue Star Cities, local food policies and urban and suburban place making.

The free Friday March 12 Local Government Workshop will be followed by a free Saturday March 13 Neighborhood Sustainability Conference for community volunteers from neighborhoods, congregations and schools. Agenda Conference Flyer

5th Annual Neighborhood Sustainability Conference Saturday, March 13 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

FREE please pre-register on line or call 612-331-1099
Contact: Sean Gosiewski
Program Director
Alliance for Sustainability
612-331-1099
sean@afors.org
http://www.afors.org/

Goals:	Support volunteers to green their neighborhood, congregation, school or businesses – with project tool kits, free materials, lawn signs a resource guide and speaker lists Support citizens to partner with their city to enact sustainable local policies - through becoming a MN Green Step City, eco-municipality or transition community and sustainability indicators. Support citizens to advocate for wise state policies to secure a sustainable shared future.
Audience:	500 citizen leaders and volunteers from neighborhoods, congregations, schools, businesses and city environmental commissions will get practical resources for their hands-on projects and will learn from other citizen leaders who have partnered with their city to bring about sustainable local policies.
8:30 a.m.	Registration and Refreshments
9:00 a.m.	Reclaiming the Commons – Julie Ristau, On the Commons Placemaking: Reclaiming our Public Spaces – How the City Repair Project works with neighborhood residents to reclaim public spaces through public art, street painting and greening projects to build community, calm traffic and restore habitats. Mark Lakeman, City Repair Project, Portland Oregon
10:00 – 11:30	Grassroots Project Workshops
11:30 – 12:30	Participate in Extreme Makeovers for a city block, suburban congregation and transit corridor
12:30 – 1:30	Geographic Break Out Sessions
2:00 – 3:30	Organizing and Outreach Skill Building Sessions – learn ways to grow your green team
3:30 – 4:30	Networking, exhibitors and reception

Geographic Follow-Up Sessions- April/ May/ June 2010

Mini Grants Available For Water Quality Projects

What:	$250,000 is available annually through three types of grants in areas covered by MWMO, including parts of Minneapolis, Saint Paul, the City of Saint Anthony Village, and Lauderdale
Due Date:	Letters of Interest due Monday, March 22, 2010, by 3:00 pm
url:	http://www.mwmo.org/stewardshipfund.html
Boundaries:	http://www.mwmo.org/map.pdf
Contact:	Nancy Dilts Grants Specialist (612) 465-8780 ext. 208 (612) 465-8785 fax Mississippi Watershed Management Organization 1224 Marshall Street NE, Suite 201 Minneapolis, Minnesota 55413-1036 www.mwmo.org

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 Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) by applying for a Stewardship Fund Mini Grant to work together to improve water quality in the MWMO. The MWMO includes parts of Minneapolis, Saint Paul, the City of Saint Anthony Village, and Lauderdale.

The MWMO is now accepting applications for Stewardship Fund Mini Grants up to $2,000 each. $20,000 is available in the Spring 2010 cycle to fund projects that address the following goals:

1. Improve water quality or improve water and natural resource management
   Projects may reduce pollution (both point and non-point source) entering surface and groundwater, prevent flooding, lessen the effects of drought, increase the capacity of the watershed to store water, and/or restore or maintain habitat and native plant communities.


2. Build community understanding, knowledge, and initiative related to water and natural resource issues and solutions
   Projects should educate and engage people in the watershed regarding watershed issues, resulting in awareness and changed behaviors. Organizations receiving grants will increase their capacity to lead and promote water quality efforts.

Nonprofit organizations, officially recognized neighborhood groups, schools, local units of government, and business and professional associations are eligible to apply. Individuals, home owners associations and condominium associations, and private businesses may partner with eligible applicants in order to apply.

Letters of Interest due Monday, March 22, 2010, by 3:00 p.m.

$250,000 is available annually through three types of grants:

• Mini Grants up to $2,000
• Planning Grants up to $10,000
• Action Grants up to $50,000

For information about the application process, visit http://www.mwmo.org/stewardshipfund.html

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Nancy Dilts
Grants Specialist

(612) 465-8780 ext. 208
(612) 465-8785 fax

Mississippi Watershed Management Organization
1224 Marshall Street NE, Suite 201
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55413-1036

www.mwmo.org

13th Annual Chilly Chili Fest on Sunday, February 28

What:	CARAG's annual Chilly Chili Fest fundraiser
When:	Sunday, February 28 12:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Where:	Bryant Square Park Recreation Center 3101 Bryant Ave S

The 13th Annual CARAG Chilly Chili Fest is Sunday, February 28... Come over to the Park and have a bowl or two of good, hot chili. It's only $3 per bowl including crackers, fixings, goodies and a drink. Proceeds from the event go to the Joyce Uptown Food Shelf, which is located in CARAG.

The Chili Fest also features:

• fabulous DOOR PRIZES from area businesses
• a food drive for Joyce Food Shelf (Bring non-perishable food items)
• info about CARAG programs and activities

Community Partners: Bremer Bank, Medica, UCare & Urban Bean

Arts of the Community, March 19th-April 16th—call for artists

What:	An exhibition feature South Minneapolis artists to be held at Intermedia Arts
When:	March 19-April 16
Where:	Intermedia Arts 2822 Lyndale Ave S
Contact:	info@southminneapolisarts.org or www.southminneapolisarts.org

Calling All Artists: The South Minneapolis Arts Business Association (SMARTS) is sponsoring The Arts of the Community, March 19th-April 16th, 2010, an exhibition feature South Minneapolis artists to be held at Intermedia Arts at 2822 Lyndale Ave S.

Who May Submit:	All artists living and working in South Minneapolis. The borders are roughly south of Franklin Ave, east of Lake Harriet, Lake Calhoun, Lake of the Isles, north of HWY 62 and west of the Mississippi River.
Media:	All visual media are welcome, including video. The exhibition has some restrictions in terms of size and form.
How to Apply:	Send accurate jpegs of the work you plan to show to info@southminneapolisarts.org. Statements about the work are welcome. Please provide complete name, email, website, address and phone # in the body of the email. Accepted artists will be expected to provide a resume and artist’s statement about their work and press clippings, if available.
Sales & Insurance:	Intermedia Arts will retain 40% of artwork sales during the span of the exhibition. Intermedia Arts will ensure the work for the duration of the show.
Publicity:	At least 1000 postcards will be distributed, local, area and national press kits will be sent, and email publicity.
Dates:	February 15th – send jpegs for up to 5 works due at info@southminneapolisarts.org March 12 or 15th – Accept work due (ready to hang/install) at Intermedia Arts from 10-6PM Friday March 19th – Artists reception, 7-10PM at Intermedia Arts Monday April 19th – Pickup of artwork from 10-6PM
More Info:	Contact info@southminneapolisarts.org or visit www.southminneapolisarts.org

Como Avenue Bike Lane Public Meeting on Wednesday, February 24

When:	Wednesday, February 24th 7:00 p.m.
Where:	Van Cleve Park Recreation Center 901 15th Avenue SE
url:	http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/bicycles/boulevards.asp

On Wednesday, February 24th, Public Works will host a public meeting (pdf) to present the draft proposal of bike lanes on Como Avenue, between 11th and 23rd Avenues. The meeting will also cover proposed bike lanes on 15th Avenue SE, between Rollins and Como Avenues. The meeting will be held at 7:00 pm at Van Cleve Park Recreation Center (901 15th Avenue SE).

For more detail about the proposed layout, view the draft proposal (pdf). As part of this project, note that parking removal is being explored on Como Avenue between 18th and 22nd Avenues, north side only, as well as 15th Avenue SE between Rollins and Como Avenues, east side only.

Additionally, Public Works continues to accept feedback on proposed bicycle boulevards on 5th Street NE, 22nd Avenue NE, Bryant Avenue S, Fillmore Street NE, and 6th Avenue SE. Visit the bicycle boulevards website to learn more about these projects. The deadline for receiving ballots on these projects has been extended to next Wednesday, February 24th. Ballots can be found as links on each project website. Ballot information and feedback can also be manually entered online.

NRP Policy Board: February 22, 2010 Meeting Agenda

What:	NRP Policy Board Meeting
When:	Monday, February 22 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Where:	Hennepin County Government Center Room C-2350 300 South 6th Street
url:	http://www.nrp.org/R2/AboutNRP/PB/PBAgenda2010/PBA20100222.html

The Agenda and meeting materials for the Monday, February 22nd NRP Policy Board Meeting are now available on the NRP Website.

1. APPROVE AGENDA

2. APPROVE MINUTES of January 25, 2010

3. POLICY ITEM
   
   1. Report of the Nominating Committee

      ACTION REQUESTED: Receive the report of the Nominating Committee and elect Policy Board Officers for 2010.

4. ACTION ITEM
   1. West Phillips NRP Phase II Neighborhood Action Plan

      ACTION REQUESTED: Approve the West Phillips NRP Phase II Neighborhood Action Plan and authorize the use of up to $623,869 of NRP Program funds to support the projects and activities in the plan.

      Download the Related Staff Report

5. PRESENTATIONS & REPORTS
   1. Reighborhood Community Relations Department Update

      ACTION REQUESTED: None. David Rubidor will present a status report.

6. ADJOURN

Community Power Grants Available

What:	Grants to help your organization educate and encourage action among your stakeholders to address waste issues.
Letters of Interest due:
	March 15, 2010
Informational Meetings:
	Monday, February 8 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm Hennepin County Environmental Services 417 5th St N, Minneapolis, MN 55401 Tuesday, February 23 12:00 pm – 1:00 PM Neighborhood House 179 E Robie St, St. Paul, Room 212.
url:	http://www.rethinkrecycling.com/grants

GRANT FUNDING AVAILABLE for community-based waste reduction, toxicity reduction, and recycling projects! Non-environmental groups are the focus of the program. Past recipients include neighborhood organizations, schools/youth organizations, faith communities, immigrant organizations, arts groups, senior citizen organizations, and many others in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

Community POWER (Partners on Waste Education and Reduction) is a project of the Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board that supports innovative, community-based approaches to waste reduction. For nine years, Community POWER has educated and actively engaged over a half million residents of the six-county metro area in waste reduction by partnering with non-environmental organizations and schools. $168,000 is available, supporting projects up to $12,000 each.

Letters of Interest for this funding are due by March 15, 2010.

The Request for Application is available in a Microsoft Word or PDF document and can be downloaded at http://www.rethinkrecycling.com/grants.

Two free, optional information meetings regarding the grants will be offered on February 8th and 23rd. See details on page five in the Request for Applications document.

City and University Provide Resources to Help Neighborhoods Promote the 2010 US Census

January 27, 2010 - The City of Minneapolis and the University of Minnesota's Center for Urban and Regional Affairs have developed a variety of resources to encourage neighborhood groups to help residents understand the importance of the upcoming U.S. Census and to keep them up-to-date on census-related news and activities.

The City of Minneapolis has created a new web site and email listserv to keep people informed about local efforts to promote the upcoming 2010 Census. Those interested can visit can visit the City of Minneapolis 2010 Census web site and sign up for the City's email updates by going to:

www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/2010census/index.asp

With City support, the U of MN's Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA) Census project staff have also created a toolkit that includes a variety of background information about the upcoming Census, including sample outreach and messaging techniques, drop in articles, press releases, and posters - including some items in Spanish and Somali - all designed to help organizations promote the importance of the Census within our community. Download a copy of the toolkit at:

www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/2010census/CensusToolkitforNeighborhoods_Jan19.pdf

For further information about this toolkit, please call Margaret Kaplan at CURA/MN Center for Neighborhood Organizing: 612-624-2300.

Ice Follies at Matthews Park on Feb 6

What:	Ice Follies at Matthews Park
When:	Saturday, February 6 12:30 – 2:30 pm
Where:	Matthews Park 2318 28th Ave S

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Join your neighbors for some winter fun in the park! The Follies will offer indoor and outdoor activities, including bingo, games with prizes for the kids, an “Ice Fishing Pond,” a horse-drawn hay ride, hot dogs (no pork), popcorn and other snacks, an art project, and more. Kids will have a blast singing along with The Teddy Bear Band. Meet a professional hockey player. A roving snowman will be looking for friends and photo opps.

This FREE event is sponsored cooperatively by Minneapolis Public Schools, Community Education, and Matthews Center (Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board).

FFI, contact Rita Keltgen, 612-668-4828 or Rita.Keltgen@mpls.k12.mn.us