Tidbits

NCEC Elections and Public Meeting

The NRP (Neighborhood Revitalization Program) is ending soon. The NRP Policy Board will be replaced with something new called the Neighborhood Community Engagement Commission (NCEC). That commission has several appointed seats (appointed by the Mayor and other City officials) and 8 elected neighborhood seats. The 8 seats will come from 8 districts that the city has been divided into. Como is in District 8, along with the neighborhoods of Hiawatha, Howe, Cooper, Longfellow, Seward, Cedar-Riverside, University, Prospect Park and the Mid-City Industrial Area. Neighborhood groups, including SECIA, are being asked to choose a representative elector who will vote for the District 8 seat on the commission. More information on the voting process will soon be available on the City of Minneapolis website.

There will be a citywide meeting on June 16th, 6 pm, at Van Cleve Park, to meet the candidates, including the 5 candidates for District 8. The meeting will be moderated by the League of Women Voters and is open to all city residents. The goal of this election process is to have the 8 elected members of the NCEC in place by June 23rd, the next scheduled meeting of the full NCEC. In the meantime, if you have questions about the election process, or the NCEC in general, please contact David M. Rubedor, Neighborhood and Community Relations, City of Minneapolis, 612-673-3129 (Office), 612-807-5781 (Cell).

Live Near Your Work

Here’s a helpful aid for your suburban colleagues and friends who work downtown or at the U. The new www.LiveNearYourWork.net web site can help them get rid of that long commute by checking the homeowner-oriented property listings there. Residents of the U neighborhoods can also market their homes on the site to new owner-occupants, or let their realtors know about this listing opportunity.

Fare for All

Fare For All is a program to help stretch your food dollar. Each month you can order from a variety of 5 packages of food, pay for it and pick it up the following month. Packages contain a variety of healthy, fresh, quality food items, including fruits, vegetables, frozen meats and staple items. It is open to all - there are no income-based requirements. Pick up your food and order the next month’s food every third Saturday from 9:00-10:00 AM at Southeast Christian Church. For more information or to order food, call Fare For All at 763/450-3880 or visit their website at www.fareforall.org.

MDA Invites Metro Area Residents to Informational Meeting on Emerald Ash Borer

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) will hold two open houses in the Twin Cities in early June to provide the latest information on the fight against emerald ash borer, a destructive tree pest recently discovered in St. Paul. The department will host the open houses to update residents about the threat emerald ash borer poses to the environment, steps being taken to protect the state's trees, and recommendations for property owners looking to protect their trees. In addition to MDA's Plant Protection Division staff, the open houses will feature experts from local government, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the University of Minnesota, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

The open houses will also provide information to residents about the state quarantine now in place in Ramsey and Hennepin counties. The quarantine is designed to prevent the accidental spread of emerald ash borer to new areas. It prohibits the movement of hardwood firewood, ash limbs and branches, and certain other ash tree products. Open house participants will have the opportunity to share oral and written comments regarding the quarantine, and MDA will accept additional written comments until June 30, 2009. Comments can be mailed to Robert Koch, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, 625 Robert St. N, St. Paul, MN 55155. Comments will also be accepted by email at robert.koch@state.mn.us and by fax at 651-201-6108.

MDA continues to work with its state, local and federal partners to identify the extent of the St. Paul infestation and prevent the insects from infesting more trees around the area. More information about the emerald ash borer can be found on the department's website at www.mda.state.mn.us.

St. PAUL OPEN HOUSE DETAILS
Date: Thursday, June 4, 2009
Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: South St. Anthony Park Recreational Center, 890 Cromwell Avenue, St. Paul

ST. LOUIS PARK OPEN HOUSE DETAILS
Date: Monday, June 8, 2009
Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: St. Louis Park Recreational Center, 3700 Monterey Drive, St. Louis Park

Community Garden Dates
All garden dates are updated at the SECIA calendar.  Upcoming dates for June: 

6/2 at 6:30 at Como Corner

6/3 at 6:30pm at Gateway Garden

6/16 at 6:30 at Como Corner

6/17 at 6:30pm at Gateway Garden

6/20 at 10 am at Accord Community Garden

Let this be the year you become a Community Gardener.

MNLA Garden Plastic Recycling Program

Recycle your PLASTIC GARDEN POTS, POLYSTYRENE TRAYS &

HANGING BASKETS with MNLA's Garden Plastic Recycling Program!

Many sites April 15th through November 1st, and others June 20-21 and September 19-20. We are thrilled to announce that we will again be offering our popular plastic garden pot-recycling program to the public this season! Just bring clean, plastic garden pots to the drop site listed below. Many companies will take plastic from April 15th through November 1st, while some sites will take pots only on June 20-21 and September 19-20.

Please note:
• Do not bring household plastic or clay pots
• Dump all soil and remove metal hangers
• Your garden center will only take plastic for a limited time. Ask a staff person for more details
• Each garden center is ONLY able to take PLASTIC pots, trays & baskets.

The closest participating garden center is Hermes Floral Garden Center - 1750 Larpenteur Ave, St Paul, MN 55113

The Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association began this environmental initiative in the spring of 2006. Plastic pots take up substantial space in landfills; they do not readily decompose and remain intact for many years. Do your part to rescue plastic from the landfills, and recycle your plastic pots, trays and baskets at a neighborhood garden
center.

MPRB Sets Water Park, Pool, and Beach Openings

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) has set dates for opening its water parks, swimming and wading pools and beaches. Lupient Water Park’s preview weekend is June 6 and 7 and opens for the season on Friday, June 12. Webber Pool opens Friday, June 12. Neighborhood wading pools open for the season between June 10 and June 13; Wabun’s wading pool opens Saturday, June 6. Beaches open with lifeguard service on Saturday, June 13. All opening dates are weather permitting.

Don’t know how to swim? Lupient, Webber and Lake Nokomis Beach offer swimming lessons for children and adults, call 612-370-3920 or visit www.minneapolisparks.org for details.

SWIMMING POOLS AND WATER PARKS

The Jim Lupient Water Park is open Monday through Friday from 1-8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. The water park is located at 1520 Johnson St. NE and features three large water slides, a log water walk, interactive sprayers, lap swimming lanes and zero depth entry. Younger children can enjoy a separate spray pool. Other amenities include colorful shade structures, concessions, a grassy sunbathing area and outside shower towers and lockers. Covered shelters are available by reservation and seat 15 people. Regular admission is $5-$6 daily; $3-$4 after 6 p.m. weekdays. Individual and family season passes, lap swim punch passes, shelter and facility rentals, group rates and birthday party packages are also available. For details, call 612-370-3989 during business hours.

WADING POOLS

Many of MPRB’s 62 wading pools are located near playgrounds, picnic areas, sports fields, walking paths and restrooms. Lifeguards are not on duty at MPRB wading pools. Visit www.minneapolisparks.org – Water Recreation Opportunities or call 612-230-6400 for a nearby wading pool (such as Van Cleve Park), list of amenities and park contact information.

BEACHES

MPRB’s 11 lifeguarded beaches are located at Lake Calhoun, Cedar Point, East Cedar, Lake Harriet, Lake Hiawatha, Lake Nokomis and Theodore Wirth parks. Lifeguards are on duty from noon-8 p.m. seven days a week at Calhoun North, Calhoun Thomas, East Cedar, Harriet North, Nokomis Main and Wirth. Lifeguards are on duty from noon-8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays at Calhoun 32nd, Cedar Point, Harriet Southeast, Lake Hiawatha and Nokomis 50th. Cedar South Beach is not lifeguarded.

For more information on water recreation at MPRB parks, visit www.minneapolisparks.org – Activities and Programs – Water Recreation Opportunities.

Shakespeare in the Park at Van Cleve

Bring a blanket, a picnic dinner and enjoy a performance of Shakespeare Soup, Friday June 26, 2009 at 7pm. Puck, the merry wanderer of the night, needs the help of boys and girls of all ages. She's trapped in only one shape until she can perform three impossible tasks. Join her and some of Shakespeare's best-loved characters as they weave a plot around highlights from great comedies. Presented by the Cromulent Shakespeare Co.

MPRB Listening Sessions

The 2007-2020 Comprehensive Plan, which was based on broad community outreach and research, outlines the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s (MPRB) values, visions and goals. The MPRB’s 2008-2009 budget strategies were tied to the Comprehensive Plan. During 2009 the MPRB will use a variety of methods to continue gathering information on the public’s priorities for park programs and services. This information, along with the Comprehensive Plan, will help guide development of the MPRB’s 2010 budget.

The MPRB will have a series of Listening Sessions for the public to share their priorities with commissioners at six sessions held during the first board meeting of the month, May-October. The MPRB is seeking responses to the following questions:

· Which programs, services and infrastructure do the public most value in the Minneapolis park and recreation system?

· Of the activities they enjoy, what opportunities does the public see for cost savings or revenue generating?

Future Meetings Locations

JULY 1 – POWDERHORN PARK

AUG. 5 – ELLIOT PARK

SEPT. 2 – FOLWELL PARK

OCT. 7 – PEARL PARK

MEETING SCHEDULE

4:30 p.m. – Tour of the Park

5 p.m. – Board Meeting*

5:30 p.m. – Listening Session

* Board meeting resumes following the listening session.

Visit www.minneapolisparks.org for MPRB meeting agendas the Friday before the meetings. For more info, call 612-230-6400.

SECIA Safety Walk

The SECIA Safety Walks will be continuing in June. The first walk is scheduled for Thursday, June 4th. The group will meet at Joe’s Market around 6 pm. This is an excellent opportunity to see Como, meet new neighbors, exercise and contribute to making Como a safer place for everyone. Everyone is welcome to join the walk, whether a Como resident or not. The Safety Walks are organized by the SECIA Safety Committee, which meets regularly on the final Tuesday of each month, 7 pm, at Van Cleve Park. All are welcome to attend and contribute to making Como a safer neighborhood.

MPD Citizens Academy

Twice a year, the Minneapolis Police Department holds a Citizens Academy at which you can learn how the department is organized, about the various units of the department, and police policies and procedures. Applications are now being accepted for the fall 2009 academy and it is recommended that interested individuals apply early for the program. For more information, and the application form, please go to: http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/police/about/citizens-academy.asp or call Crime Prevention Specialist Carol Oosterhuis, (612) 673-2874.

Inspector Skomra’s Retirement Party

Join the entire eastside community as we thank Inspector Bob Skomra for his many years of service with the Minneapolis Police Department. His dedication and leadership have made our community a better place to live, work and do business. A reception in his honor will be held on Monday, June 8, 2009 from 6-9 p.m. at Jax Café. Refreshments and a cash bar will be available.

Monday, June 8, 2009

6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

To RSVP click button below:

http://www.minneapolischamber.org/events/rsvp.php

Jax Cafe • 1928 University Ave. NE Minneapolis, MN 55418

Thank you to the sponsors:

Moose on Monroe • 22nd Avenue Station • Jax Café • Elsie’s • MN 100

Northeast Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce • St Anthony East Neighborhood

MPD releases 2008 Internal Affairs Report

Minneapolis Police Department released the 2008 Internal Affairs report.  This report, which documents both complaints against department personnel and use of force, is available online.  The Minneapolis Police Department is one of just a handful of police agencies in the country that release such data so openly for public scrutiny.  The release of the data coupled with the adoption of technology such as the TASER® CAM™, public safety cameras, squad car cameras and GPS tracking will help to cement the Department’s commitment to transparency and professionalism.  The 2008 report is available at http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/police/about/IADAnnualREports.asp.

National Night Out

National Night Out (NNO) in Minneapolis is an annual event that involves all segments of the community in building a healthier, safer community, generating support for anti-crime programs and strengthening the police/community relations on the first Tuesday of August. NNO is not just one night of the year, but also the culmination of yearlong crime prevention activity in all Minneapolis neighborhoods: people working together in block and apartment clubs and other networks to prevent and address crime and other neighborhood problems. It is an occasion to celebrate past successes, discuss current challenges or issues, and rededicate to collaborative efforts with neighbors, police, businesses and others to improve the quality of life in our city. National Night Out is the largest event of its kind in the nation.

It’s Free to Register and Close Your Street for NNO. To do one or both visit www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/nno or if you don’t have Internet access, call 612-673-3000. If you register by July 14, you’ll be eligible for a door prize drawing. Remember it’s not essential to close your street to have a successful NNO event. Many groups meet in yards, parks, vacant lots, or inside. If you apply to close your street by July 21, street closure will be free. Between July 22 and July 30, street closure costs $100. Applications for street closure not accepted after July 30.

3rd Annual Minneapolis Bike Tour, presented by Toyota

Minneapolis Bike Tour offers two routes for cyclists to experience and celebrate the Grand Rounds Byway unhindered by motorized traffic.

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and Toyota present the Third Annual Minneapolis Bike Tour featuring 14- and 37-mile routes. Parkways and roadways along the routes will be closed to motorized traffic. The routes include rest stops with refreshments and bike mechanics. The Tour is Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009. Participants must begin the tour between 7:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. Both routes begin and end at the Parade Field located at 400 Kenwood Parkway in Minneapolis. The long course spans the entire scenic Grand Rounds Byway System, highlighting several Minneapolis lakes, and traveling along the Mississippi River and Minnehaha Creek. The short course offers a circuit around Lake of the Isles, Lake Calhoun and Lake Harriet. For a map of the tour, visit minneapolisbiketour.com. The Minneapolis Bike Tour provides individuals and families the opportunity to enjoy Minneapolis’ spectacular park and byway systems

at their own pace, unhindered by motorized traffic. Proceeds benefit The Foundation for Minneapolis Parks to support and enhance the Minneapolis park system. Visit www.minneapolisbiketour.com to learn more and register. Preregistration

begins June 15 and continues through Sept. 16. Weekend registration is available Sept. 19 and 20. In order to ensure a quality event, registration is capped at 8,000 riders.

Route support and refreshments are included in the registration fee. Registrations are accepted online until 11:59 p.m. CST Sept. 16. Weekend registration is available 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 19 and 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. Sept. 20 at Parade Field. 18 and older $30 ($40 weekend registration) 6 – 17 $10 ($15 weekend registration), 5 and younger Free

New for 2009: Registration fees have been lowered to $30, with the option to purchase a T-shirt for an additional $5. T-shirts are only guaranteed for pre-registered participants who have ordered them. T-shirts will not be available for purchase the day of the ride or during weekend registration. The 2009 T-shirt was designed by local artist Adam Turman.

Hundreds of volunteers are needed to help with all aspects of the Tour, from preparing registration packets and helping along the route to post event clean up. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit www.minneapolisbiketour.com. CONTACT: For additional information, to volunteer or to register visit www.minneapolisbiketour.com,

e-mail info@minneapolisbiketour.com, or call 612-230-6400

Celebrate July 4th with a Boom!

The historic Minneapolis Riverfront District is once again the site of the 2009 July 4th celebration, “Red, White and Boom!” This year’s event, presented by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and Riverfront District, will be better than ever with great entertainment, children’s activities and delicious summer foods. The spectacular fireworks show concludes the event at 10 p.m.

NEW THIS YEAR! Quality street entertainers are being sought to add to the vibrancy and excitement of this event. Street performers, commonly known as ‘buskers,’ are encouraged to submit an application for the opportunity to share talents and perform in front of thousands of visitors along the riverfront before the fireworks.

For more information on the event and to download the Buskers application, visit http://www.mplsredwhiteboom.com/.

Pratt Summer Body Shaping/Body Building

Tues & Thurs mornings, 7:45-8:45 am, May 26 – July 30

Choose your dates and prepay @ $5 per class, Or Drop In @ $6 per class

Pratt Gym, To register contact:  Connie Balcom, 612 339-5133, or conniebalcom@comcast.net

Body Shaping is a dynamic system of strength training and flexibility exercises that combines weight lifting with calisthenics and yoga in a group format. A basic routine is easy to follow with enough variety to keep your interest. Body Shaping tones the full body including arms, legs, chest, abs and back with special attention to arms and abs.  You’ll feel and see the results very quickly. This is a fun, challenging workout that you can start today and continue for life. All levels welcome. No experience necessary. Use our weights or bring your own (storage available), Bring exercise shoes and water to class.

Connie Balcom has been teaching Body Shaping for Pratt Community Education for 5 years.  Her enthusiastic students are all ages (19 – 82!) and experience levels. Exercisers come from both sides of the river and the SE/NE neighborhoods. They return time after time not just because of the good workout but also the fun. Connie is an American Council on Exercise (ACE) certified trainer.