NRP Policy Board Neighborhood Representative Election Set for November 18th

Deadline for filing:	12:00 noon Friday, September 17, 2010
Policy Board Elections:	Thursday, November 18, 2010
url:	http://www.nrp.org/R2/News/NewsArch/2010/20100818.html

The process to elect neighborhood representatives and alternates for seats on the 2011 NRP Policy Board is underway. The election will be held Thursday, November 18, 2010. Those interested in filing as a candidate must complete a Candidate Filing Form and return it to the NRP central office no later than noon on Friday, September 17, 2010.

What is the NRP Policy Board?
The NRP Policy Board is the governing body of the NRP. Its members provide overall direction to the Program and are responsible for the review and approval of Neighborhood Action Plans. Neighborhood residents hold four of the 18 seats on the Board and serve for a one-year term. Policy Board meetings are typically held on the fourth Monday of each month from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Who is eligible to run for a seat on the Board?
Candidates who seek election as a neighborhood representative under one of the three neighborhood categories (i.e. Protection, Revitalization, Redirection) must reside in a neighborhood that falls within that category for a minimum of 30 days prior to the election. All candidates for neighborhood representative to the Policy Board - including those who seek the At-Large position - must be at least 21 years old when their term of office begins in January 2011. A neighborhood representative and alternate will be elected for the At-Large position as well as each of the three neighborhood category positions.

Candidate forums and election proceedings set for Thursday, November 18, 2010
Each Minneapolis neighborhood organization will select an elector and alternate to vote on behalf of the neighborhood. Information on this process is being sent to each neighborhood organization. A Voter's Guide listing the candidates and their responses to several questions will also be prepared by NRP and distributed in October. Election proceedings, including candidate forums, will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 18, 2010 at the Crown Roller Mill Building, 105 Fifth Ave S. For more information on the election, call Carsten Slostad at 612-673-5150. The candidate forums and election proceedings are open to the public.

Click on the link below to download the filing forms and other important Policy Board Election documents. You will need a copy of Acrobat Reader to view these documents. For more information on the election, call Carsten Slostad of the NRP at 612-673-5150.

2010 Election Packet

38th and Chicago Open House and Info Night on September 13

When:	Monday, September 13th 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. Presentation at 5:00 Fire Art Center Tours begin at 5:30
Where:	3734 Chicago Ave
url:	http://www.bancroftneighborhood.org/
Contact:	Jessica Thesing 612-867-7773 38thandchicagoplan@gmail.com

Swing by, have some wine and cheese, tour the Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center, meet other area business owners, and find out about available property and opportunity in the area!!!!!!

Draft Community Participation Program Guidelines Available for Review and Feedback: Informational Meetings in September

---

August 27, 2010

Dear Neighborhood and Community Leaders,

At its August 24, 2010 meeting, the Neighborhood and Community Engagement Commission (NCEC) completed the first draft of the Community Participation Program Guidelines to be submitted to neighborhood and community organizations for a 45-day review and comment period. The draft guidelines outline how $3,000,000 will be provided to neighborhood organizations in Minneapolis to assist with community engagement. The draft guidelines were developed following several weeks of meetings with neighborhood organizations throughout the summer. The input helped inform development of these draft guidelines, and we now look forward to your further comments.

The NCEC expects to make its final recommendations to City Council in November 2010 (tentatively presented to Council Committee of the Whole on Nov 4). The NCEC will continue reviewing the guidelines and allocation formula through September and October. Input from neighborhood organizations is an important part of that process. Final recommendations for program guidelines and allocation formula, including variables used or weighting assigned, may change based on community input and ongoing commissioner discussions. The NCEC is anticipated to formulate the final recommendation to Council at its meeting on October 26, 2010.

Click on the following links to review documents including 1) the Draft Community Participation Program Guidelines (August 27, 2010) and 2) a chart that shows the frequency of annual allocations for neighborhood organizations under the draft allocation formula illustrating the number of currently recognized neighborhood organizations that would receive an annual allocation in each $10,000 interval range. This is subject to change if any portion of the formula changes. This is subject to change if any portion of the formula changes. These documents and the base data can also be found electronically at http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/ncr/.

Please provide your written comments by Monday, October 11, 2010.
You may email your comments to NCR@ci.minneapolis.mn.us (email preferred).

To mail or deliver your comments please use the following address.

Neighborhood and Community Relations Department
Tri-Tech Center, Room 220
331 2nd Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55401

To help answer questions or provide clarification, NCR Staff and NCEC Commissioners have arranged three city-wide informational meetings (comments provided in writing may also be submitted at these meetings). The dates, times, and locations for the two informational meetings are:

Thursday, September 9
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Van Cleve Recreation Center - Multi Purpose Room
901 15th Avenue SE

Thursday, September 30
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
North Commons Park - Multi-A
1801 James Avenue North

Tuesday, October 5th
6:00 – 8:00
Martin Luther King Park
4055 Nicollet Ave S

If you have questions, please contact David Rubedor by phone at (612) 673-3129 or by email at david.rubedor@ci.minneapolis.mn.us.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Lastoka
Neighborhood and Community Relations Department
City of Minneapolis
Tri Tech Center, Room 220
331 2nd Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55401

Office: 612.673.3163
Cell: 612.240.9241
www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/ncr

Bicycle Master Plan Public Meetings in August and September

---

Public meetings set to seek input on Minneapolis Bicycle Master Plan

The City of Minneapolis is seeking comments on it draft Bicycle Master Plan, which establishes goals, objectives, and benchmarks to improve safety and mobility for bicyclists and also increase the number of trips taken by bicycle. The draft plan details policies and practices around bicycling in Minneapolis, and includes an update to the 2001 Bicycle Master Plan Map. The draft Minneapolis Bicycle Master Plan is now available for public review. Visit the project website to view the document.

Five public meetings will be held to allow for public input. The meeting times and places are as follows:

• Monday, August 30th, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., Edison High School Auditorium, 700 22nd Avenue NE


• Wednesday, September 1st, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., Roosevelt High School Auditorium, 4029 28th Avenue S


• Wednesday, September 8th, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., Washburn High School Auditorium, 201 W 49th Street


• Monday, September 13th, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., Minneapolis Central Library, Pohlad Hall Auditorium, 300 Nicollet Mall


• Wednesday, September 15th, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., University of Minnesota Urban Research and Outreach/Engagement Center, 2001 Plymouth Avenue N

The comment period for the Minneapolis Bicycle Master Plan will last 45 days and be open until Oct. 1, 2010. Leave your comments online, or contact Don Pflaum at 612.673.2129 or donald.pflaum@ci.minneapolis.mn.us.

Minneapolis Trends Report and Major Development Project Maps

---

CPED announces the release of the 2010 Second Quarter Minneapolis Trends and Major Development Project Maps, available at the following links:

2010 – 1st Quarter Minneapolis Trends
July 1, 2010 Major Development Map – Downtown
July 1, 2010 Major Development Map – Citywide

Minneapolis Trends, the City’s quarterly report on economic and housing trends, shows a faster-than-expected recovery from the recession.

• After peaking in 2008, YTD foreclosures in Minneapolis are holding steady with last year’s reduced pace, compared to a first half metro-wide increase of 13.3% and state-wide increase of 17.3%. This is due in large part to significant assistance of the federal government which began last year. The Neighborhood Stabilization Program has capitalized local housing initiatives developed by the Mayor and Council, the Northside Home Fund and the City’s vigorous housing partners: the Family Housing Fund, the Twin Cities Community Land Bank, the Greater Minneapolis Housing Corporation, Urban Homeworks, Project for Pride in Living, the Housing Stabilization Trust, PRG, Northside Neighborhood Housing Services, Alliance Housing, City of Lakes Community Land Trust, and Habitat for Humanity. See the City’s foreclosure web site for further detail. The most dramatic of the foreclosure recovery stories is the Eco-Village, which will be celebrated as an example of neighborhood revitalization in early October by Habitat for Humanity and PPL. Council President Johnson has joined HUD Secretary Sean Donovan in applauding the City’s Foreclosure Recovery System as a national best practice.


• The unemployment rate in Minneapolis continues to be better than national or state rates on average. Mayor RT Rybak and Councilmember Robert Lilligren briefed the press on the Minneapolis recovery at Zeus Jones, a booming marketing firm on Lyndale Avenue South. They addressed the 5,200 jobs created or retained by City efforts in 2009. See a snapshot of the impact of some of these efforts in 2009. I am aware of no City in the nation that has taken such a stand against the recession. CPED leadership has helped the local economy weather an economic storm. In 2009, fully three quarters of the housing units built in the City were closed or assisted by CPED staff.


• The rental vacancy rate declined in the second quarter for the second quarter in a row. The City has been carefully monitoring this vacancy rate to ensure that people just starting their careers continue to choose City life as we work to grow the City. The rental vacancy rate has returned to 5% and that’s good news. 550 units of apartments have been brought to the Lyn-Lake area over the last two years, where the urban lifestyle includes a Greenway, dog parks, fitness centers, and nightlife.


• Some long-term negatives continue to plague the City. The ballpark excitement has not yet turned the dial on the retail vacancy rate downtown, although building permit data suggests that the Twins have fired up hospitality business in hotels, bars and restaurants. We remain grateful to the Twins, the Ballpark Authority, and Hennepin County for their big civic vision for the ballpark. The County Board and City Council worked closely with the Ballpark Authority and Twins to design a pedestrian and transit-friendly facility. That should pay off in continued retail excitement around Target Field. CPED staff is monitoring building permit data around the stadium and reporting into Twins leadership now on a quarterly basis.


• New construction is up, but continues to lag our expectations. You will see CPED closing major affordable housing and other real estate transactions in the second half of the year. The Mayor and Council continue to support investments to grow our City and this Trends report reflects the strength of the housing and public facilities sectors in recovery from the recession.

A summary of major development projects underway as of July 1st is as follows; this table corresponds to the two maps above:

Major Projects Under Construction or with Completed Planning Applications as of July 1st, 2010
	2nd quarter 2009	3rd quarter 2009	4th quarter 2009	1st quarter 2010	2nd quarter 2010
Downtown:
Total projects	33	25	20	19	21
Total estimated construction cost	$ 685,752,722	$ 390,208,327	$ 86,203,909	$ 77,010,638	$ 75,225,283
Residential units	2,049	1,490	1,394	1,394	1,479
Hotel rooms	570	0	0	0	0
Rest of City:
Total projects	87	84	74	69	66
Total estimated construction cost	$783,287,905	$479,648,203	$390,760,434	$405,680,400	$431,910,059
Residential units	3,104	2,956	2,583	2,462	2,669
Hotel rooms	0	0	0	156	0
Total:
Total projects	120	109	94	88	87
Total estimated construction cost	$1,469,040,627	$869,856,530	$476,964,343	$482,691,038	$507,135,342
Residential units	5,153	4,446	3,977	3,856	4,148
Hotel rooms	570	0	0	156	0

Notes:

1. Quarters are not additive ; most projects appear in multiple quarters
2. The decline in 4th Quarter 2009 total construction cost was primarily due to the completion of the Minnesota Twins Ballpark.

---

Mike Christenson, Director
Community Planning & Economic Development
City of Minneapolis
105 5th Avenue South, Suite 200
Minneapolis, MN 55401
mike.christenson@ci.minneapolis.mn.us
Phone: (612) 673-5122
Fax: (612) 673-5100
Deb: (612) 673-5134

Waite Park Fall Festival and Push Cart Derby on September 11

When:	Saturday, September 11 11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Where:	Waite Park 1810 34th Ave NE, in Northeast Minneapolis
url:	http://www.waiteparkneighborhood.org/

Join your neighbors and friends for a fun-filled day of music, food, park events, kids games and the Second Annual Push Cart Derby at this year's Fall Festival!

If you are interested in entering a team into the Push Cart Derby, check out the rules and information at the Push Cart Derby page.

---

A Common Question Asked About this Year’s Push Cart Derby:

Can I put wheels on a couch?

Answer: Yes, as long as your “couch” meets the safety criteria (If not, your “couch” is only eligible for the art portion of the event).

For complete entry details and rules, visit WaiteParkNeighborhood.org/push-cart-derby.html

Be creative! Build Your Push Cart Today! For more information email Mary Farnham at farnhamm@aol.com.

We need you: Vote for NRP for the Reinhard Mohn Prize 2011

Would you like to help the Minneapolis Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) gain additional international recognition? Well, this is how you can help.

NRP is number 108 of 158 government initiated programs that has been nominated for the very prestigious Reinhard Mohn prize for 2011. This prize is sponsored by the Bertelsman Foundation of Germany and will be awarded in June, 2011.

The competition is focused on recognizing outstanding government initiated programs that have helped vitalize democracy by providing incentives for citizen participation and encouraged citizen empowerment. Nominations were submitted by August 22 and the 158 nominees will be narrowed to 20 semifinalists in October. The selection of the semifinalists will be based on reviews conducted by a distinguished panel of international experts and ratings submitted by individuals from around the world who submit their assessments of the nominated programs. Any person can rate any proposal – all it takes is a computer and 10 minutes of your time.

As of the date of this message, the most reviews that have been submitted on any single program is 24. Seven have been submitted on NRP. We need your help to increase those numbers and let the review panel know what NRP has meant to Minneapolis and its residents.

Rating programs is quick and easy (there are only seven questions) but it needs to be done as soon as possible. I hope that you will consider taking the time to use the instructions that follow and go to http://www.vitalizing-democracy.org/index.php to rate the NRP program for this competition. As the process continues we will do our best to let you know how we fared.

Sincerely, and thanks,

Robert D. Miller

---

---

Reinhard Mohn Prize 2011 – Please support NRP’s submission

Here are instructions on how you can support NRP’s proposal to the Bertelsmann Foundation (German: Bertelsmann Stiftung) for the Reinhard Mohn Prize 2011. This year’s Prize focuses on the topic of "Vitalizing Democracy through Participation."

INSTRUCTIONS:
Go to the Foundation “Vitalizing Democracy” website at: http://www.vitalizing-democracy.org/index.php

On the left hand side of the page click on: “Register” – You’ll be asked to provide a user name, password and valid email address; to agree to the “terms of use” for your access to the site; and, to indicate whether you’d like to be updated about the process. Once you register, you’ll receive an email to confirm your registration. And, you’ll be able to login to the site and rate NRP’s proposal (and others from around the world if you wish).

Go back to the Foundation “Vitalizing Democracy” website and login at:
http://www.vitalizing-democracy.org/index.php

Once you’ve logged in, click on: “My ratings” – A list of submitted projects will pop up, and you’ll be able to read and rate any projects you wish. The NRP proposal should be #108 but be sure to check (because some of the submitted programs may be rejected for not meeting the criteria for eligibility).

The Foundation’s rating system asks you to rate the proposal on seven different questions using a 1-5 scale (with 1= not at all and 5= to a very high degree). It also asks for any explanation that you are willing to offer to explain your response.

The questions are:

1. To what extent has the project/ program made a contribution to solving a significant public problem, was effective in reaching its goals and had an impact on public policy?

2. To what extent was the project/program able to address a wide range of people and able to represent all groups and individuals affected by the public problem?

3. To what extent has the project/program strengthened democratic capacities, structures and behavior in politics, public administration and amongst citizens?

4. To which degree did the project/program succeed in including marginalized and otherwise disadvantaged groups?

5. To what extent was the project/program implemented efficiently and in a sustainable manner - can it be continued or repeated?

6. To what extent was the project/program innovative?

7. Are the problems addressed and the solutions proposed by the project/ program comparable with those in other regions and countries, and transferable?

That’s it.

Thanks for your help and for your support of NRP and the neighborhoods and residents of Minneapolis!

Neighborhood and Community Engagement Commission meeting on Tuesday, August 24

When:	Tuesday, August 24, 2010 5:00 – 7:00pm
Where:	Minneapolis Police Department 4th Precinct Community Room 1925 Plymouth Ave N
url:	http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/ncr/NCEC_Meetings.asp

August meeting materials are available at www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/ncr/NCEC_Meetings.asp

Commission meetings are open to the public. If you would like to learn more about the commission, visit www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/ncr/NCEC_Home.asp

We Want You Back Wants You!

Volunteer Training:	Wednesday, August 25th 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Hennepin County Board Room A-2400 Government Center 300 South 6th Street Minneapolis, 55487-0241
RSVP:	Jo Haberman 612-673-2720 wwyb@ycb.org.
Contact:	Jo Haberman Youth Coordinating Board 673-2720 wwyb@ycb.org
url:	www.wewantyoubackmpls.org

Help Minneapolis drop-outs finish credits and get diplomas!

We are inviting you to join a citywide effort to reach school dropouts and to send them a clear message: We Want You Back!

Minneapolis Public Schools and the Youth Coordinating Board have joined forces to raise public awareness about the dropout crisis in Minneapolis and enlist the entire community’s help to resolve it. We Want You Back is a grass-roots effort to identify, connect with, and invite un-enrolled young people to complete their credits and get their diploma. The program’s ambitious first year goal is to attract back 200 youth.

We are only one month away from Saturday, September 11th - our citywide door-knocking event. Please volunteer – and ask 5-10 of your colleagues, friends, congregation members, etc.

Visit www.wewantyoubackmpls.org to learn more, sign up and help out.

Teams of community and school district volunteers will fan out across the city to connect young people with resources, support and information. Minneapolis Public Schools staff will re-enroll students on the spot.

PLEASE VOLUNTEER! Volunteer training: Wednesday, August 25th, 10 - 11:30am, Hennepin County Board Room A-2400, Government Center, 300 South 6th Street, Minneapolis, 55487-0241 RSVP: Jo Haberman 612-673-2720 wwyb@ycb.org.

Volunteer training will also be held on Saturday, September 11th, one hour before morning and afternoon door-knocking (sign up for morning or afternoon at www.wewantyoubackmpls.org)

Questions? Contact Jo Haberman, Youth Coordinating Board, 673-2720 or wwyb@ycb.org.

Bancroft Hiring Community Organizer

Job Title:	Neighborhood / Community Organizer
Type:	Part time / 12 hours per week
Salary:	DOQ/DOE
Deadline:	6:00 pm, August 20, 2010
Location:	Bancroft Neighborhood, South Minneapolis
Organization:	Bancroft Neighborhood Association (BNA)

Organization Summary

Bancroft Neighborhood is a small and vibrant residential community located just minutes south of downtown Minneapolis. It is bordered by 38th Street to the north, Cedar Avenue to the east, 42nd Street to the south and Chicago Avenue to the west. Bancroft is comprised mostly of owner-occupied single family homes built before the 1940s. There is a growing population of residents from diverse backgrounds throughout the neighborhood. The neighborhood also has a number of small businesses located along Chicago, Bloomington and Cedar Avenues and 38th Street.

The BNA is an active volunteer-based non-profit organization that is managed by the Community Council and supported by committees that work on projects to achieve the goals that have been identified by the Neighborhood.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Neighborhood / Community Organizer works at the direction of and in cooperation with the BNA Community Council.

Organizational:

Help to organize and work with BNA volunteers, neighborhood residents, businesses, community organizations, and NRP and City staff to:

• Recruit, help organize, help motivate and support volunteers
• Help to identify tasks to achieve goals
• Investigate and actively participate in resolving community concerns and issues
• Manage neighborhood communication and networking tools:
• Quarterly newsletter
• E-newsletters and email updates
• Neighborhood website & Facebook page
• Community Events

Administrative

• Help plan and attend monthly Executive Committee and Board meetings
• Support community council and committees as needed
• Understand BNA Bylaws and Neighborhood Plans (NRP)
• Execute NRP, NCR and grant contracts
• Prepare NRP, NCR and grant funding reimbursement requests
• Process invoices and assist treasurer to maintain bank accounts
• Process payroll (as approved by Vice President)
• Identify grant and other funding opportunities
• Manage office (mail, filing, database systems and equipment)
• Manage insurance policies and claims

Experience and Qualifications Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• Three to five years of community based work experience
• Ability to work effectively with others
• Strong organizational skills
• Excellent writing and oral communication skills
• Conflict resolution skills
• Experience working with diverse populations
• Familiarity with Minneapolis and its neighborhoods
• Able to attend daytime and evening meetings and to work occasional weekends

Desired Qualifications:

• Event planning and community organizing experience
• Basic accounting, bookkeeping and budgeting practices experience
• Fundraising and grant experience
• Ability to communicate in Spanish
• Bancroft Neighborhood resident

Additional Information:

Bancroft Neighborhood is an equal opportunity employer.

How to Apply:

Email (preferred) or mail cover letter, resume, and three references to:

Bancroft Neighborhood Association
4120 17th Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55407

bancroftneighborhood@gmail.com

$100,000 in grants available to help bridge the digital divide in Minneapolis

url:	http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/news/20100804DIF-RFP.asp

The Minneapolis Foundations’ Digital Inclusion Fund, which was created as part of the Community Benefits Agreement between the City of Minneapolis and USI Wireless, is seeking requests for proposals from eligible organizations in Minneapolis that are working to promote technology access and literacy throughout the city. Approximately $100,000 is available and the grants will be good for one year. The maximum grant size for this cycle is $10,000.

Nonprofits and public institutions that provide access to technology to underserved populations in the city are eligible to apply. Past grantees of the Digital Inclusion Fund are not eligible to apply for a grant this cycle. Applicants must provide programming in the City of Minneapolis for the benefit of Minneapolis residents to be considered.

Requests for funding from the Digital Inclusion Fund should demonstrate how the proposed activities will accomplish long-term change in the city in at least one of the following areas:

• Affordable internet access
• Technology literacy
• Local, relevant and accessible content
• Adequate, affordable hardware and software tools

Preference will be given to funding requests that address one or more of the goal areas in a clear and measurable way with special interest in proposals addressing the needs of elders and people with disabilities.

For information on the RFP process and instructions on how to apply for a grant visit the Digital Inclusion Fund website.

Proposals must be received by 4:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10. Grant recipients will be notified in December 2010.

About the Digital Inclusion Fund

The Digital Inclusion Fund supports efforts to bridge the digital divide in Minneapolis by providing qualified organizations with financial resources to promote technology access and literacy for low-income people, people of color, people with disabilities, immigrants and refugees, displaced workers, seniors, and other new users of technology. It was established at The Minneapolis Foundation in 2007 as part of Community Benefits Agreement between the City of Minneapolis and USI Wireless. USI Wireless is the vendor responsible for establishing a wireless network in the City of Minneapolis.

Neighborhood Programming Update from NCR

url:	http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/ncr/

Posted Aug 3 – During the months of May, June and July 2010, the Neighborhood and Community Engagement Commission (NCEC) and staff from the Neighborhood and Community Relations Department (NCR) facilitated over 60 listening sessions with neighborhood organizations and held a series of 5 public meetings to gather input from residents for a new funding program for neighborhood organizations in 2011 and beyond.

Summary of Findings: Please see the summary of initial findings from May – July meetings:
Finding Summary Memo and Finding Summary Appendixes

We asked five questions as a guide for the discussion. However, the focus was on listening and allowing residents to tell us what they think. The questions were:

• What are the future goals and plans of the neighborhood organization?
• How can city resources such as a new community participation funding program be used to meet these goals and plans?
• How detailed should the allocation of funds be?
• Are there ways that a new program could help neighborhood organizations be more effective at what they do?
• Are there other things that we should consider when developing the new program?

The commission and department staff will use input gathered from the meetings to help develop a draft set of guidelines for the new program.

Come see the City’s newest and greenest building on August 15

The City of Minneapolis has finished construction on its Hiawatha Public Works Facility, an innovative building that will save money through lower energy costs and also have a reduced impact on the environment. You can check out this innovative green building at an upcoming open house.

What:	Hiawatha Maintenance Facility Open House
When:	Sunday, Aug. 15 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Where:	1901 E. 26th Street
url:	http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/news/20100805HiawathaOpen.asp

Just two blocks north of the LRT Lake Street Station, and a half block north of the Hiawatha Bike Trail.

Built a century ago as a place to treat the Fire Department’s sick horses, the Hiawatha Maintenance Facility has just undergone an extensive renovation to meet strict standards for energy efficiency and sustainability. Come see this unique and innovative Public Works Facility: the first City building to meet strict Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards. The open house will include guided tours of the facility. There will also be free ice cream for visitors.

In 2006, the Mayor and City Council adopted LEED standards for the planning, design, construction and commissioning of municipal facilities financed by the City of Minneapolis and used by the City’s Charter Departments. By adopting these standards standards, the City is continuing and intensifying its use of environmentally friendly design for new and renovated City facilities. Minneapolis joins Boston, Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Seattle and other cities in adopting LEED standards for the construction of City buildings.

For more information on the Hiawatha Maintenance Facility, go to www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/HiawathaFacility.

15th Annual Lynnhurst Summer Festival on August 11

When:	Wednesday, August 11 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Where:	Lynnhurst Park West 50th Street & Minnehaha Parkway

• Food & Drinks
• Games & Activities
• Fire Truck Rides
• Live Music
• Much More!

Sponsored by the Lynnhurst Neighborhood Association
A ZERO WASTE EVENT!

Walking Tour: Red Cedar Lane and thePurcell and Elmslie Homes on August 28

When:	Saturday, August 28 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Where:	2606 Cromwell Court one block east of 54th and Upton Ave South)
Guide:	Richard Kronick
url:	http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/cped/docs/2010_Summer_Walking_Tours.pdf

Red Cedar Lane, one of the most beautiful secrets in the Twin Cities, was laid out by architect John Jager beginning in 1904. Jager planted red cedars along the street that now form a luxuriant and aromatic canopy that makes the street seem like an outdoor room. The area has Jager’s own house and several others designed by William Gray Purcell andFrederick Strauel. Tour begins with a short slide lecture to introduce these designers and their architecture.

Walking Tour: West 49th Street on August 14

When:	Saturday, August 14 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where:	Intersection of West 49th Street and Knox Avenue South
Guide:	Robert Roscoe
url:	http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/cped/docs/2010_Summer_Walking_Tours.pdf

Located between Knox and Queen Avenues just south of Lake Harriet, West 49th Street features a handsome collection of bungalows, Prairie Style houses, and elegant Period Revival Style residences.Discover the residential architecture that transformed Minneapolis in the early 20th century.

Walking Tour: The City Tree Canopy on August 14

When:	Saturday, August 14 10:00 a.m – 12:00 noon
Where:	Minnehaha Park 4801 Minnehaha Ave meet at the north side of Minnehaha Pavilion
Guide:	Ralph Sievert
url:	http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/cped/docs/2010_Summer_Walking_Tours.pdf

This tour is limited to the first 24 people, call 612.673.2615 to reserve a spot. Trees are an important part of our city’s identity – learn about local tree history, the current state of our city’s tree canopy, identification tips, planting efforts, benefits, and care tips. Tour begins in the Minnehaha Falls and Wabun picnic areas, then proceeds along Minnehaha Parkway, Hiawatha Avenue, Lake Street, and Franklin Avenue. Passenger vans will provide transportation from Minnehaha Park to other locations on the tour.

Walking Tour: Elliot Park and the 9th Street Historic District on August 14

When:	Saturday, August 14 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Where:	Elliot Park Recreation Center 1000 E 14th Street
Guide:	David Fields
url:	http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/cped/docs/2010_Summer_Walking_Tours.pdf

Elliot Park was one of the first residentialneighborhoods in downtown Minneapolis. Visit thelandmarks which make it a charming urbanneighborhood as well as survey the promise for newdevelopment. Visit the Band Box Diner, 19thcentury brownstone row houses, North CentralUniversity, and survey the hospital district that hasdefined Elliot Park as a health sciences center.

Kenny Summerfest on August 14

When:	Saturday, August 14 5:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Where:	Kenny Park 1328 W 58th St
url:	www.kennyneighborhood.org

Music!	Headlining on the Borton Volvo Stage The Belfast Cowboys Opening Bands: Twin Town Guitar Band & One Time
Food!	Famous Daves BBQ Liberty Custard Roasted Corn & Hot Dogs Mexican Mini-Donuts Popcorn Sno-Cones FREE Starbuck's
Fun!	Bounce Tent Sand Candy (edible art) Face painting/Crazy Hair
Friends!	Classic Car Show Betsy Hodges' Ward 13 Safety Fair Bring your own lawn chair or blanket

Come visit the KNA information table to find out more about an upcoming home energy saving program and then pick up your FREE KNA shopping bag!

Thanks to our Summerfest sponsors:

• Kenny Neighborhood
• Borton Volvo
• Diamond Lake Rental
• Starbucks Coffee
• Dr. Kaye Otter

8th Annual Peace Games on Thursday, August 12

When:	Thursday, August 12 12:00 noon – 3:00 p.m.
Where:	Washburn Fair Oaks Park 200 E 24th St
url:	http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=988

The 8th annual Peace Games will take place at Washburn Fair Oaks Park, 200 E 24th St on Thursday, Aug. 12, from noon-3 p.m. Learn about Minneapolis' diverse cultures through dance, art, music, sports and snacks. This program is a partnership with MPRB's Youthline program, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, and many neighborhood organizations.

Past celebrations have featured Hmong Butterfly dancers, Filipino Tinikeling, Mexico Lindo dancers and African dancers. Activities includes India Henna Painting, Chinese Calligraphy (translating names into Chinese), soccer, Thai dancing, rugby and Kufi Hat making.

For information on the Peace Games please contact: Sherenia Gibbs 612-230-6496 or Heidi Pope 612-230-6474

Celebrate the River Gorge with FREE Ice Cream on August 9

When:	Monday, August 9, 2010
Where:	near East 36th Street along West River Parkway
url:	http://www.longfellow.org/

The Longfellow Community Council’s River Gorge Committee will be holding its annual Ice Cream Social August 9th from 5:30 to 8:00 PM near 36th Street along West River Parkway. The event is free and open to the public. The Committee hosts this event to thank the community for their support of River Gorge restoration activities. Like previous years, walking tours of the River Gorge will be held emphasizing the on-going native plant restoration activities along the gorge. The event is a great way to learn about volunteer opportunities to help protect the River Gorge, meet some of your neighbors and, most importantly, enjoy an evening along the river.

MPS Student Placement Services Center to extend registration hours

---

MINNEAPOLIS – If you are new to Minneapolis or have recently moved, the Minneapolis Public Schools Student Placement Services Center will help you find the school that is right for your child. Student Placement Services is located at 1250 W. Broadway in the lower level of Broadway School.

Families whose first language is not English should visit the New Families Center for help with school placement. The New Families Center is located at 3345 Chicago Ave S.

Service hours at both sites are as follows:

• Regular hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Extended hours: August 23-31, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Seats are still available, so register your child today.

The first day of school is August 30 for students in grades 1-12 and September 1 for high five and kindergarten students.

---

Gael Ellis
AreaC/Zone3 Community Liaison
gaelellis@comcast.net
612-987-2344

NORTHSIDE ADULT BASIC EDUCATION is moving this summer!

New Location:	North High School 1500 N James Ave Minneapolis, MN 55411-3199
url:	http://commed.mpls.k12.mn.us/ABE.html

• Why? As some of you know, Minneapolis Public Schools is building a new district administrative building where Broadway Community School is now located. While the building is under construction, Northside ABE will relocate to North High School in our own section of the building. ABE will have more space at North High School than we currently do at Broadway so we are quite excited about the possibilities!
• When will the move take place? We’ll be moving the week of August 24th and be settled into our new space by the time school begins September 7th.
• Where is North High School? Is it far from our current location? North High School is .6 of a mile away from the Broadway Community School within easy walking distance or 3 minutes driving time. The ABE door at North High School will be DOOR #1 off of Knox Avenue.
North High School is located at:
1500 North James Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55411-3199
• Will the phone number be the same? Yes! Our phone and fax numbers will remain the same! Call August 16th to make a testing and registration appointment.

---

Northside ABE • 1500 James Avenue • Minneapolis, MN 55411 • (p) 612-668-1863 • fax: 612-668-1866

Polling Place change for Ward 5-Precinct 8 (in Jordan neighborhood)

Where:	River of Life Church 2200 Fremont Ave N
Precinct map:	Ward 5, Precinct 8 (downloads pdf map)

River of Life Church becomes a double polling place for 5-8 and 5-10

August 2, 2010 (MINNEAPOLIS). The Minneapolis Office of Elections has designated River of Life Lutheran Church (in the gym) at 2200 Fremont Ave N, Mpls MN, 55411 as the new polling place for that Ward 5-Precinct 8 for both the Primary and the General election. Election officials were notified that a recent inspection found the building that had been designated as a polling place for Ward 5 Precinct 8 is currently unusable as a polling place.

River of Life Church is outside of the precinct but is nearby and also serves as the polling place for Ward 5 Precinct 10.

The Hennepin County Elections office will send a postcard to all registered voters in the precinct alerting them to the change. Signs at the former polling place will direct voters to the address of the new polling place.

For further information

The Minneapolis Office of Elections and Voter Registration is responsible for administering elections in the City of Minneapolis. For information about registering and voting in Minneapolis, or to serve as an election judge, residents can visit the Web site at www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/elections or call Minneapolis 311, which can also be reached at (612) 673-3000 or TTY/TTD 612-673-2157.