Second Harvest Heartland Summer Food Service Program
Second Harvest Heartland is working to promote the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and connect students with meals throughout the summer. SFSP is a federally funded, state-administered program, which provides free meals and snacks to anyone 18 and under.
At Second Harvest it is their goal to connect as many students with free meals as possible. Currently, there is a mobile app where students can find meal site locations, hours of operation, and types of meals the are served.
For more information, contact Sophia Alhadeff, SNAP Outreach Intern, Second Harvest Heartland, Email: salhadeff@2harvest.org
OR CLICK BELOW FOR THE FLYER IN ENGLISH AND SOMALI
Neighborhood Announcement re June Board Vote
Recently, Seward Neighborhood Group (SNG) filled 5 board seat vacancies. The manner in which SNG hosted this election came into question just before the July board meeting and time was spent at the July board meeting trying to determine the error. A task force met to determine a resolution, and upon looking back at how the election was conducted deemed that it was a legitimate election and the results of the newly elected board members stand. See below for more explanation.
Pre-pandemic, SNG would fill board vacancies one at a time, welcoming the member to a
meeting to get to know the board and SNG activities. At the next meeting, when the candidate was not present, the board would vote on that person taking the vacant seat. This has been a very atypical year of adapting our processes and procedures to work within the confines of the Covid-19 pandemic coupled with proposed bylaw revisions that were pending approval from the board.
Between the February and June meetings, five board seat vacancies happened for a variety of reasons (moving, career change, personal life). Also between February and June, the board’s plate was very full responding to needs in our community related to a potential development, COVID, and then the unrest, such that the board was unable to fill board vacancies in our typical way. We were thrilled to have 14 candidates step forward over the course of nearly a month of notifying the neighborhood about the vacancies and working on recruiting efforts. At two SNG board meetings in June (a special board meeting was added due to the amount of business to cover), prospective board candidates were welcome to attend. The SNG board is accustomed to voting via email for matters that cannot wait until the next board meeting. The board could not wait until the July meeting to have the election, because its membership would have dipped below 12 and become an inactive board. Therefore, the plan to conduct the election via email was planned and explained at both June meetings in which candidates were
in attendance.
The question about the election was that it did not permit those in attendance at the regular June board meeting to vote in the election, as the Bylaws indicate: “Directors and any SNG members present will elect a director to fill the vacancy….” However, since the vote was conducted via email between meetings, that clause did not apply to this election.
A task force met to determine our board’s options on how to proceed. The SNG board reviewed the options and overwhelmingly decided that the election was valid and that the results of the election stand.
As two board vacancies are expected to open during the month of August, SNG invites
interested members to apply for the board seats. The introduction of candidates and election will take place during the September board of directors meeting on September 23rd. As had been the process for pre-Covid meetings, attendees will be asked to fill out a check-in form and potential SNG members will have the opportunity to opt-in to being a member through this process. By opting in for membership, attendees will have the opportunity to vote for board candidates.
We take these matters very seriously and welcome any feedback you may have regarding this process.
Seward Neighborhood Group’s Board of Directors
National Night Out recommended date changes to Sept. 15 for 2020
The Minneapolis recommended National Night Out date for 2020 is Tuesday, Sept. 15. Residents can find out if their block is already signed up by emailing crime.prevention@minneapolismn.gov. Registered block leaders received notices directly about closing their streets to hold their event, but a block without a block leader could still hold a COVID-19 safe event by spreading out across three or four yards to make enough space for physical distancing.
Event safety in a pandemic
A safe event during a pandemic follows guidelines from the Minneapolis Health Department, Minnesota Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
- Events are outdoors.
- People keep their masks on when they’re not eating or drinking.
- People keep at least 6 feet from others not in their household.
- Households bring their own food, beverages, utensils, tables and chairs.
National Night Out is an annual nationwide event that encourages residents to get out in the community, holding block parties and getting to know their neighbors to prevent crime. It’s a great way to promote community-police partnerships and enjoy a Minnesota summer evening surrounded by friends and family.
Find out more about National Night Out at www.minneapolismn.gov/nno.
The Powderhorn Art Fair: Turing 29 With A Twist
The Powderhorn Art Fair: Art, Activism & Community
The Powderhorn Art Fair is going online to celebrate it’s 29th year! In partnership with over a hundred artists, we will honor creativity and resilience during this pandemic by
embracing flexibility. Art aids in healing, elevates activism and forges community bonds.
With these tenets in the forefront of our mind we’ll be highlighting the intersection of art, activism, and community throughout the fair.
This popular and beloved fine arts and fine craft experience will take place on
August 1st & 2nd. Art enthusiasts and supporters of artists can shop the event at
powderhornartfair.org. There will also be a small market experience at 35th Street and Chicago Avenue South from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on August 1st & 2nd featuring
community arts.
The Powderhorn Art Fair is known for its vibrant selection of high-quality artwork, and
embodies the iconic artsy and eclectic Powderhorn community. Our artists are still creating work and you’re going to want this work in your home!
Get ready to support and celebrate the 29th Annual Powderhorn Art Fair online experience at powderhornartfair.com.
Facebook Event (Online): https://www.facebook.com/events/410496093242004/
Powderhorn Art Fair
Saturday, August 1st, 2020 / Open at 8:00 a.m.
Sunday, August 2nd, 2020 / Closes at 11:59 p.m.
Online All Weekend at powderhornartfair.com
Splash Market Featuring Community Arts
35th Street & Chicago Avenue, Minneapolis, MN
Saturday, August 1st, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, August 2nd, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
COVID-19: Please be prepared to practice COVID-19 safety protocol. Bring a mask, socially
distance and stay home when sick. A maximum of 250 people will be allowed to enter the
market at any given point of time.
Google Sign up for Food & Supplies to Matthews Park
Pinwheel Arts and Movement and Seward neighbors have started a google doc for signing up to bring supplies/food for the folks staying in Matthews Park. Here is the sign up doc if you would like to contribute.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1v4-u653-mru5QFPV8zPBCXT9eXKpazrO50P7JRKzr1Y/edit?usp=sharing
Thanks for considering!
Staff Changes at SNG: Letter from Kerry Cashman
Dear friends and Neighbors in Seward,
I have big news. After over 11 years working for Seward Neighborhood Group, I have decided to leave my position on staff. I will be ending my term at SNG at the end of July. In September I will increase my hours at Seward Montessori School as the Family Liaison (I will not be leaving the beautiful bubble that is Seward).
I have been so honored to work for and with all of you all these years. Over the years, I have worked with so many of you and have seen the amazing amounts of work that many Seward neighbors give to this neighborhood. We are all truly blessed to have each other and to live in a neighborhood with a strong community, great bike and walking routes, great local businesses and the beautiful Mississippi River.
In another time I would have loved to host a party to say goodbye to all of you in person. Ideally, that party would be my last chance to make my mark as Executive Director at SNG. I would have asked you to come celebrate with me and possibly give a donation to SNG in my name. Sadly, Covid 19 has made that party impossible.
In lieu of my party, I have a different request for all of you. As a way of celebrating the end of my tenure at SNG and the wonderful new staff that will be hired in my place, I ask that you spend the last week of July doing activities that support Seward. I am sure you all have wonderful ideas of ways to do this on your own but to make it easy I will list a few suggestions of activities that will make a difference.
Clean a few storm drains to protect the Mississippi
Pick up trash along Franklin, I94, the river or anywhere
Order take out from a local restaurant
Stop by a local business or call in an order
Buy gas in Seward
Bring cookies to a neighbor or go shopping for them
Donate to one of the great non-profits in Seward
Go for a walk and greet every person you see
DONATE TO SEWARD NEIGHBORHOOD GROUP
I look forward to seeing you around the neighborhood as we all continue to make Seward a better place to live work and play.
Until we meet again,
Kerry Cashman
PS When all this is over Seward Montessori School is always looking for neighborhood volunteers to help in classrooms. Give me a call 612-688-4950.
MPRB announces dates for reopening parkways closed to motor vehicles
East Bde Maka Ska Parkway reopens July 30 following parkway maintenance project. Cedar Lake, Lake Harriet, West Bde Maka Ska and West River Parkways begin reopening Aug. 3
All Minneapolis parkways closed to motor vehicle traffic and open to trail users will go back to allowing motor vehicle traffic by Wednesday, Aug. 5.
East Bde Maka Ska Parkway is scheduled to reopen to motor vehicle traffic on Thursday, July 30. The parkway surface is scheduled to receive a chip seal maintenance project that will close the parkway to all users on July 29. This schedule may change if there’s bad weather.
On Monday, Aug. 3, workers will begin removing barriers and other traffic control in place at Cedar Lake, Lake Harriet, West Bde Maka Ska and West River Parkways. All parkways will be open to motor vehicle traffic by Wednesday, Aug. 5.
In late March the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) began closing parkways or park roads adjacent to its most popular trails to allow more space for trail users to follow social distancing practices and limit the spread of COVID-19. Several adjustments were made throughout the spring and summer in response to parkway conditions and demand, as well as efficiently use funds allocated toward maintaining the closures.
At its May 6, 2020 meeting, MPRB Commissioners passed Resolution 2020-202, which granted MPRB Superintendent Al Bangoura authority to spend up to $250,000 on a series of parkway closures enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Those funds will be exhausted by Aug. 3.
Please continue to stay at least six feet apart from people not in your own household while using parks and trails. Other guidelines park users are asked to follow to limit the spread of COVID-19 while using parks and trails:
- Bring a water bottle. Most MPRB water fountains are not operational.
- Bring disinfectant wipes or hand sanitizer. Most MPRB restroom buildings remain closed.
- Do not use parks if you feel sick or have COVID-19 symptoms, including fever, body aches, coughing, nasal congestion, runny nose and sore throat.
- Cover your cough with your elbow, don’t cough into your hands.
- Wash your hands immediately before and after visiting a park or trail.
Stay Updated: Visit minneapolisparks.org/coronavirus for more information on the MPRB’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Receive timely email updates by visiting minneapolisparks.org/subscribe, entering your email and selecting the “COVID-19” topic in the “News Updates” section.
SNG Virtual Board Meeting June 24
Join us for the SNG Board of Directors meeting Wednesday July 22, 2020.
Zoom Meeting ID: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/415887073
AGENDA
6:30 Introductions with Pronouns &
Icebreaker Question: What is your favorite flower or plant?
6:40 Agenda & Minutes Approval
- June BoD Minutes:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1h_zCCQ-48oEeIhXWcLpCShGbAhtGwSbnGHHFnch1zEI/edit?usp=sharing
6:45 Ward 6 Update – invited Yusra Arab and Ryan SanCartier
6:55 Ward 2 Update – Councilmember Cam Gordon
7:05 Financial Review – Paige
- Vote on 990
- June financial reports
7:15 Committee Motions
- Executive Committee
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- SNG retains Kerry Cashman as SNG staff to work up to two hours per week to support the executive director transition at an increased hourly pay of $50.00 hour. Mark Moves, Lisa seconds. Motion passes.
- SNG hires as a contractor Michael Jon as an interim executive director at an hourly rate of $50.00 for 5-10 hours per week for a term not exceeding 3 months. Start date will be July 27th. Lisa moves, Paige seconds. Motion passes.
- Motion: SNG will create a youtube account to share meetings and other items of community interest with the public. Lisa moves, Paige seconds. Motion passes.
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- Community Development Committee
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- SNG co-authors a letter with Newport Midwest documenting the community engagement for the developer’s use with funding applications, namely one due at the end of July to the Metropolitan Council. The committee approved use of the draft letter with slight edits as deemed necessary by Alexis. Sheldon moves. Lisa seconds. Motion passes. Chris abstains.
- Action: Article in next SNG newsletter about compassion toward neighbors in tents in Matthews Park. (draft article for review/discussion)
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- Community Building Committee
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- Motion on discussing support from SNG for Defunding Police. Tiger to draft a statement defining what defunding the police might mean. This is a draft that will be offered to the Board for discussion. Tiger moves. Chris seconds. Motion passes.
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- Equity and Inclusion Committee
- SNG’s Equity and Inclusion committee advocates for defunding the police department as described in the proposed Charter Commission Amendment and we ask SNG to endorse efforts to pass the Charter Commission Amendment. Tiger moves, Lisa seconds. Motion passes.
7:30 Ward 6 Town Hall Recap
7:35 Seward Business Relief and Rebuild Fund Update (SCCA, Redesign, SNG)
7:40 Contractor for Staff Job Duties & ED Search Update
7:50 Staffing Updates
- Kerry is SNG’s liaison on SCCA board
- Would entertain motion to allow Kerry to stay on as our liaison to their board.
- Staff reports should be in board folder by meeting
- Updates on staff engagement
8:00 Community Engagement During Covid
- Check-in with the board about our current plan of no in-person events, meetings, or community engagements.
- Current strategy is to not have or limit in-person engagements to ensure higher-risk neighbors don’t have to be exposed to participate in activities.
8:05 Seeking Leadership Positions
- Vice President
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- Voting in August to allow newer board members to see potential candidates in action
- Treasurer Vote in July
- Paige moving/leaving in August
- Abdi has been nominated by Lisa
- CDC Chair – Without a staff person attending these meetings, it is best for a board member to chair the committee, rather than a community member.
8:15 Review Bylaws
- No substantial update since 2010.
- Current proposed changes were worked on in Fall 2019.
- Asking board members to review proposed bylaws and make comments/suggestions for changes.
- Potential to vote on proposed revisions as soon as August.
8:20 Discussion of Defunding the Police (discussion request from CBC)8:30 Adjourn
Be Safe on the Water
Warm weather is back, but most beaches around Hennepin County aren’t staffed with lifeguards due to COVID-19. It’s more important than ever to know these basic water safety tips before going for a swim. The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office wants to make sure you’re taking every precaution when swimming during our warm summer months. Whether it’s in a lake or a kiddie pool safety and supervision is always important. Watch this video to learn a few more tips:
https://youtu.be/1rbM6sSN1g0
Public Safety Gathering invite from Cam Gordon
You are Invited to a Community Gathering on Proposed Reframing of Public Safety in The Minneapolis Charter.
The killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police set off a worldwide wave of protests, including an uprising here in our city that left hundreds of businesses and homes damaged or destroyed. It is clear that the status quo is broken, and that it is time to make a transformative change to the way that we approach community safety. I believe that we have a unique opportunity and an obligation to transform the way we provide for each other’s safety this year in our City. The Council unanimously passed a resolution committing to do just that on June 12, stating that “the City Council will commence a year long process of community engagement, research, and structural change to create a transformative new model for cultivating safety in our city”: https://lims.minneapolismn.gov/Download/File/3810/Transforming%20Community%20Safety%20Resolution.pdf.
As a next step, on June 26 the Council voted unanimously to put forward a Charter amendment, which I hope will be on this year’s ballot. Folks can find it here: https://lims.minneapolismn.gov/Download/File/3866/MPD%20Charter%20Amendment_VII%20062420%20Final.pdf.
This amendment, if placed on the ballot, will do a few major things. It will remove the Police Department as a Charter department, and replace it with a new Community Safety and Violence Prevention department, which will “have responsibility for public safety services, prioritizing a holistic, public health-oriented approach.” It will not preclude the City from continuing to employ licensed police officers, but will also not require us to do so. The law enforcement division, if we choose to have one, will report to the Community Safety department, and the director of Community Safety will appoint the head of law enforcement, with the Council’s approval.
I strongly favor this change, which in my view is a necessary first step that will give us the flexibility we need to make the deep community engagement we will be doing on the future of community safety meaningful. Whatever the results of that engagement, and the path forward we all choose together, this Charter amendment will give us the ability to move forward.
I believe that it’s time for that engagement to start now, so I am hosting a number of community gatherings to discuss the Charter amendment, answer any questions people may have, and discuss further how this might move forward this year. Keeping in mind that we are still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, I will be hosting these meetings in neighborhood parks. Please feel free to join the meeting in your neighborhood, or that is most convenient for you. Please remember to bring your mask, and expect to remain physically distant from other attendees.
Brackett Park, Saturday, July 4, 11:00 am
Murphy Park, Sunday, July 5, 1:00 pm
Luxton Park, Monday, July 6, 6:30 pm
Matthews Park, Saturday, July 11, 1:00 pm
Van Cleve Park, Sunday, July 12, 2:00 pm
I also understand that some of these times may not be ideal for everyone. I want to assure everyone that this will definitely not be the last opportunity to get engaged on this important topic.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out, if you have any questions, ideas, or concerns. You can email me at cam.gordon@minneapolismn.gov, and my Policy Aide Robin Garwood at robin.garwood@minneapolismn.gov.
