Members present: Mary Jane Mitchell – President, Tony Proell – Vice-President, Bruce Bruemmer – Secretary, Tjody DeVaal, Carolyn Dungan, Jane Elias, Ryan Fisher, Jeff Gears, April Heers, Lynell Voigt

Here’s a chance for your kids to…

… earn a $1,000 college grant and win great prizes

… try lots of sports and games in a fun, non-competitive environment

… learn that giving back to others can be a very good time!

The Washburn Games features 15 different sports stations for children ages 5 [...]]]> The Washburn Games

Here’s a chance for your kids to…

… earn a $1,000 college grant and win great prizes

… try lots of sports and games in a fun, non-competitive environment

… learn that giving back to others can be a very good time!

The Washburn Games features 15 different sports stations for children ages 5 – 12, including baseball, football, basketball, running, soccer, cricket and more.

To participate in the Washburn Games, children are asked raise donations for Washburn Center for Children, a nonprofit that has provided brighter futures to children in the Twin Cities for 126 years.  Join us in helping children in our community who are struggling with depression, anxiety, loss or trauma.

The Washburn Games

October 3 ~ 1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Bryn Mawr Meadows, 400 Morgan Avenue South, Minneapolis (at intersection of 394 and Penn Avenue)

The top fundraiser will receive a $1,000 educational grant. All children raising $100 or more will be eligible for prize drawings! Register today at: www.washburngames.org

Board members present: Mary Jane Mitchell – President; Tony Proell – Vice-President; Mary Davidson – Treasurer; Bruce Bruemmer – Secretary; Steve Bieringer; Tjody DeVaal; Carolyn Dungan; Jane Elias; Ryan Fisher; Lynell Voigt

1 . The meeting was called to order at 7:03 pm [...]]]> Tangletown Neighborhood Association

Regular Board Meeting

Monday, July 19, 2010

7:00 P.M.

Fuller Park

Minutes

Board members present: Mary Jane Mitchell – President; Tony Proell – Vice-President; Mary Davidson – Treasurer; Bruce Bruemmer – Secretary; Steve Bieringer; Tjody DeVaal; Carolyn Dungan; Jane Elias; Ryan Fisher; Lynell Voigt

1 . The meeting was called to order at 7:03 pm by Mary Jane Mitchell.

2 . The June meeting minutes were approved.

3 . Mary Jane recapped the 4th of July Parade and Festival.  There was a meeting of the subcommittee which summarizes some of the suggestions for improvement.  The festival just about broke even, and not having all of the food at the top level (because of the threatened rain) did affect sales.

4 . Mary Jane raise the idea of a Taste of Tangletown event.  The group was looking at the Kingfield neighborhood celebration.  The board discussed the idea and many variations.

5 . Tony Proell reported on the CEE Home Energy Audit Program.  We need to get people to attend the information meeting to make this a success.  The informational meeting will likely be held in October.  There will be a meeting August 24th at 6:30pm at Mayflower Church for leaders and planning.  Tony will contact Amy Lavender of the Minneapolice Police to see about contacting block leaders.

6. NRP Phase 2 projects update – Tom Balcom had not arrived yet.  Mary Jane reported that there were funds available from the interest rate buy down program.  This discussion would be taken up by the NRP subcommittee made up of Tom, Ryan, Mary Jane, and 2 other non-board members.

7 . Tjody led the discussion of the Welcome Packet/Business Directory.  She asked people to proof and said that board members to seek out tags lines and listings in the brochure with their respective businesses (same as the 4th of July assignments).  Board members should report back to Tjody ASAP.

8 . Mary Jane discussed the Home Tour scheduled for September 18th.  Though Sarah Cortright is off the board, she said she would help coordinate the tour.  Discussion was laid over to the next meeting.

9 . Tjody noted stories for the newsletter and the timing for the Fall

10. The discussion of the Strong Clean energy petition was passed onto next meting.

11 . The board opened discussion on the support of the Kingfield dog park.  The group was generally in favor of better dog park facilities in Southwest.  Mary Davidson offered to craft a letter.  The Board unanimously passed a resolution that we thought the Kingfield proposal was a great idea.

12 . Mary Jane noted that Carrie McCade had advocated the establishment of a Facebook page for Tangletown.  This has been set up and Board members were encouraged to refer to it.

13. Tom Balcom and Bruce reported on the past Lyndale Avenue Bridge update meeting at Burroughs School. Lyndale Ave. south of the creek will be completely closed next summer with roadwork extending down to 58th Street (see http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/cip/lyndale2/index.asp for more details).  Input is still being taken on the Bridge design, with various option for the look of the bridge facade.  Bruce reported some concerns over the Park Boards plans to connect the bike path with the new path under the bridge.

14 . Mary Davidson passed out information about the current budget.

15 .Carole Anderson reported on Fuller Park  and urged board members to look at http://www.minneapolisparks.org/home.asp to see all of the activities.

16 . Jane Tjody were forming a committee of the arts.  Tom called attention to the Citizens for Minnehaha Creek Art Exhibit, October 22-23 at Burroughs School.  He will also be conducting a historical walking tour on August 4th.

17 . The meeting was adjourned at 8:36 pm.
Next Meeting: Monday, August 16

Meals consist of a hot entrée (meat or fish, potato [...]]]> South Minneapolis Meals on Wheels (SMMOW) is a nonprofit program that delivers a nutritious noontime meal, Monday through Friday, to eligible clients. The Tangletown Neighborhood is one of the neighborhoods served by SMMOW. Patrons generally have difficulty with meal preparation because of illness or limited mobility.

Meals consist of a hot entrée (meat or fish, potato or pasta, vegetable), salad, dessert (usually fruit), bread, and milk. They can be prepared to meet a client’s dietary needs, such as diabetic or low salt. The cost is $4.75 per meal.

SMMOW has existed since 1973 and is supported by over 20 local churches. Drivers are volunteers from member churches.

Meals on Wheels is more than a food-delivery program. It also serves as a safety check for clients. Drivers alert the program coordinator if a client cannot be accounted for or if a client seems to be experiencing any difficulty. In some instances, emergency personnel may be called.

For some clients, the Meals on Wheels driver is the only personal contact they have during the day. Don S., for example, an elderly widower, waits by the door for the driver to arrive and is always eager to chat.

If you, a family member, or a neighbor would benefit from this program, please call SMMOW’s coordinator, Pat Bolstad, at 721-5487.

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 [...]]]>

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 ultimately 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.

Saturday, September 11 is our citywide door-knocking event. We Want You Back Wants You!

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.

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

1. The meeting was called to order at 7:03.

2. One item was [...]]]> Tangletown Neighborhood Association

Board Meeting, Monday, June 21, 2010

7:00 P.M.

Fuller Park

Minutes

Board members present: Bruce Bruemmer – Secretary, Mary Davidson — Treasurer; Tjody DeVaal – editor; Carolyn Dungan, Jane Elias;  Jeff Gears; Mary Jane Mitchell – President; Tony Proell, Tom Steichen, and Lynell Voigt.

1. The meeting was called to order at 7:03.

2. One item was added to the agenda and the agenda was approved.

3. The May meeting minutes were approved without change.

4. John Dillery, Senior Transportation Planner,  and Jill Hentges, Community Outreach, for the Metropolitan Transit Commission presented on the bus rapid transit system and the new 46th St. transit station.  Dillery noted the reduced service for Diamond Lake Road and 35W because buses could not move safely from the center transitway to the Diamond Lake exit.  Other issues discussed were the basic philosophy over the north-south arteries (35W) and the crosstown (east-west) routes, the demands of Washburn High School, and the reduced service for certain areas from the adjustment to the new scheme.  The last public meeting for comments was scheduled for June 29 at noon, but both representatives urged comments from the public (35W-BRT station@metc.state.mn.us).  Service changes and the opening of the 46th St. Bus Rapid Transit station are scheduled for December 4.

5. Mary Jane welcomed Jeff and Carolyn to the Board.

6. Charley Dean presented on the Kingfield Dog Park proposed for the northwest corner of King Park.  Information is available at the Kingfield Neighborhood site (http://kingfield.org/dog-park/).  The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board will hold a public meeting on July 22, 7 pm, MLK Park after a 6 pm MLK Park Ice Cream Social.  Charley asked TNA for a letter of support.  The group is hosting “Yappy Hours” and hopes to see the dog park open next spring.  The dog park would be one of the few serving south Minneapolis.

7. Mike Cronin from Michael Cronin & Associates present on behalf of the Holiday station at Diamond Lake and Nicollet.  Holiday was upgrading signs at certain locations in order to attract more sales within their stores because of the decreasing profit margins over the sales of gasoline and tobacco.  They would need to apply for a variance to erect an electronic sign within the existing sign in front of the station.  He emphasized that Holiday would not be adding “motion to this electronic sign<” and at present the ideas would be to change sign content every eight seconds.  He was soliciting input from neighborhood groups.  The Board had concerns about the effect on nearby traffic at stoplights, and one member suggested the new sign be used to help advertise fund raisers (like car washes) so participants weren’t standing near Nicollet traffic to solicit business.  Cronin welcomed questions about the signage at 612 554 1184.

8. The entire board worked out plans for the TNA 4th of July party, including food, awnings, aprons for ticket sellers, ticket prices, prizes for the raffle, hand washing stations, etc.

9. Tony Proell reported on the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) energy conservation workshop and the group discussed various promotions. Mary Jane moved to use the use of certain designated funds (around $1600) to help promote the workshop.  Mary Davidson seconded.  The motion passed.

10.  Mary Davidson gave the Treasurer’s report.  The ending balance for the NRP account as of May 31, 2010, was $13,295.42. Mary moved that Carolyn be authorized to purchase up to $200 of prizes for the 4th of July event. Motion was seconded and passed.

11. Tom Balcom updated the Board on improvements to the Water Tower (railing and water).

12.  Tjody DeVaal reported on the Tangletown brochure and will send a out a PDF of the brochure for final approval.  She mentioned that the discount coupons that the group wanted to include was problematic because the businesses were hard pressed to finalize their offer.

13.  Because of time, other items were laid over until the next meeting, The meeting was adjourned at 8:59 pm.

1. The meeting was called to order [...]]]> Tangletown Neighborhood Association

Annual Board Meeting, Monday, May 17, 2010

7:00 P.M.

Fuller Park

Minutes

Board members present: Steve Bieringer, Bruce Bruemmer – Secretary, Chris Burns, Sarah Cortright, Tjody DeVaal – editor; Jane Elias; Ryan Fisher – President; Mary Jane Mitchell – Vice President; Tony Proell, Tom Steichen, and Lynell Voigt.

1. The meeting was called to order at 7:11.

2. One item was added to the agenda and the agenda was approved.

3. The April meeting minutes were approved without change.

4. State Senator Scott Dibble and Rep. Frank Hornstein reviewed the recently concluded legislative session.  Among the items mentioned were successful actions on composting projects, licenses for food carts, transportation, Minneapolis’ pensions, and tobacco products ban.  Both exhorted constituents to call or write with concerns.  Their web sites are at http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/members/ and http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/members/hmem.asp.

5. Brian Elliot from U.S. Congressman Ellison’s office followed with an update of Federal legislation relating to health care, the environment, credit card reform and a jobs bill.  He welcomed any input from constituents and said the best way to contact his office is through the phone at 612-522-1212.

6. City Councilmember John Quincy gave an update of city issues relating to public safety, schools, transportation, and road construction in his ward. He reminded the Board that he has a newsletter available at http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/ward11/Ward_11_Speeches-Publications.asp and can be contacted at 612-673-2211.

7. Amy Lavender, Minneapolis Police Dept., gave a crime and safety update of the neighborhood and noted an uptick in theft at Washburn High School, largely attributed to students bringing expensive items to school (phones, mp3 players, etc.).  One member asked about reporting of small crimes, and Amy asked that people report thefts and such at 311 or at http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/police/e-report/ .  If a squad car is needed, always call 911.

8. Marylynn Boone and Linda Conley gave an update of Washburn High School neighborhood issues.  They have focused on trash, talked to neighborhood merchants, and are bridging with others schools.  They were interested in hearing from the neighborhood how the school is doing.  Urged people to call the main number (612-668-3400) and ask for Marylynn.

9.      Ryan read an update to the Creekside Commons project, which is expected to be completed in August.

10.      Tony Proell reported on the CEE Home Energy Audit Program and Ryan and Tony will work on a proposal for an energy workshop in August.  Other neighborhoods have seen participation of about 100-200 so TNA will be expected to generate interest in the energy program.  There is a fee for participation (~$30), but the value of the program is estimated at about $400.

11.     Ryan reviewed NRP projects undertaken by TNA for the benefit of people attending the annual meeting for the first time.

12.     Ryan noted that there were five position open on the board; ten Board members were returning.  April Heers, Jeff Gears, and Carolyn Dungan were nominated and the entire slate unanimously elected.

13.     Mary Jane Mitchell was nominated for president with Ryan stepping down.  Her election was passed unanimously.  With Mary Jane now president, Tony Proell was nominated for vice president.  His election was passed unanimously.  Mary Davidson continues as Treasurer and Bruce Bruemmer as Secretary; both were elected unanimously.

14.     Steve reported on a successful Tangletown garage sale.  There was discussion about moving the date next year and Ryan suggested that discussion be tabled until the event was closer to planning.

15.     The subcommittee for the Tangletown 4th of July event had not yet met although there was a call for volunteers and a follow up email would be sent out before the next TNA meeting.

16.      Tjody reported on a new item, the BLEND award (see http://www.blendaward.org/), a southwest Minneapolis beautification project.  Steve and Tjody are judges fro the event, and the group requested funds from the neighborhoods for mailing expenses.  Ryan moved that TNA support the award up to $100.  The motion passed unanimously.

17.     The Tangletown staffing update was tabled to the June meeting because of time.

18.     Tjody, Jane, and Mary Jane reported on progress over the Tangletown brochure/Welcome packet.  There was a discussion about whether to include home businesses and businesses across the street from Tangletown boundaries.  The general feeling was to include business bordering the TNA, but go no further; this discussion will be continued a the next meeting when Tjody has a mock-up of the brochure.  Tjody asked about quantity and Ryan suggested that we double the quantity produced for the newsletter.

19.     There was no Treasurer’s update.

20.     Carole Anderson updated the board on Fuller Park activities, include the June 10 ice cream social and July 10 blood drive.

21.     Announcements: Ryan thanked Sarah Cortright, Chris Burns and Dick Fiala for their past service on the board. Matt Perry updated the board on a new grant received by the Nicollet-East Harriet Business Association (http://www.nehba.org/). Scott Brooks introduced himself; he is running for State representative for district 60B.

21.     The meeting was adjourned at 8:59 pm.

Calling all art and garden lovers! Don’t miss Tangletown Gardens’ 2010 Garden and Art Tour, Saturday July 24th, 9:00-4:00, and evening reception. This year’s tour features nature and garden-themed works by dozens of the region’s finest contemporary [...]]]> Featuring contemporary art by dozens of the regions finest artists installed for the day in private Twin Cities Gardens

Calling all art and garden lovers! Don’t miss Tangletown Gardens’ 2010 Garden and Art Tour, Saturday July 24th, 9:00-4:00, and evening reception. This year’s tour features nature and garden-themed works by dozens of the region’s finest contemporary artists, installed in some of best private gardens in the Twin Cities. Expect the un-expected, enjoy complementary refreshments and wine tasting throughout the day, on this self guided tour of natural and creative beauty. All proceeds support public garden and art projects throughout the Twin Cities.

View the event flyer

For more information, please visit http://www.tangletowngardens.com/