Hawthorne Voices

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Hawthorne Neighborhood Association Annual Meeting Had GREAT FOOD!

Photos By John Hoff

Though the September 25 event was billed as the "Annual Meeting," the food almost stole the show. In fact, the food would have easily stolen the show if not for the fact there was such an exciting and participatory election.

But let's get back to the food. A lot of the food was provided by For All Occasions Catering. ("Considerate People...Considerate Service...Consider It Done.") Their baked chicken was so delicious that Executive Director Laban Ohito expressed an interest in getting the recipe.

Other great food was provided by Bangkok Market, located in our own neighborhood. Some of their food included an exotic "shredded papaya salad" which was delicious. The owner of Bangkok Market is in the bottom picture.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

"Rebuilding Together" In The Eco-Village

Photos Contributed By An Eco-Village Resident

Many of the faces at Saturday's event were familiar, but there were lots of new volunteers as well. Every worker was welcome, and everybody worked hard.

"Rebuilding Together" In The Eco-Village

Photos Contributed By An Eco-Village Resident

Here are some photos from Saturday's "Rebuilding Together" event in the Eco-Village. It was hard work, but everybody had a lot of fun.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Exciting Progress In The Eco-Village

Photos By John Hoff

Yesterday, a surveying crew was in the Eco-Village near 415 31st Ave. N. They were working for CPED and said they had six properties on their list, one of which was "415."

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Hawthorne Business Committee Meeting: 9/19

Join us on Friday, September 19th at 8:30 AM at US Bank, 1030 W. Broadway, for a special session of the Hawthorne Business Committee.

We'd love to update you on several special issues coming up including:

Our upcoming annual dinner of the Hawthorne Neighborhood Council on September 25th at Farview Park that's open to you and your employees.

We'd like to talk with you about the open positions on our board of directors, where we're looking for skilled leaders with an interest in helping to transform our neighborhood into a great place to live, work, learn and play. We could really use your help identifying great people to represent our business community.

We also have updates on the reimbursements for the Step Up Achieve program for the interns many of you hosted, and other news.

If you have the time available this Friday morning we'd love to see you. And if you can't make it, but are still interested in learning more, please let us know by calling (612) 529-6033 or e-mailing our committee chair, Jim Wentzell at JOWSR@aol.com and he'll be happy to share more with you.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Interested in becoming a board member?

Help us make a difference in our city and join the Hawthorne Neighborhood Council Board.

Board Members:
Attend monthly board meetings
Attend all board trainings
Attend special events and functions of the Hawthorne Neighborhood Council
Serve on one or more committee or sub-committee of the organization.
Serve as a representative of HNC when designated by the board.
This takes ca. 5-8 hours a month.

Board members are elected during the Hawthorne Annual meeting for 1 or 2 year terms. This year there are 8 seats that are available to residents and representatives of businesses, non-profits and youth working in the Hawthorne neighborhood.

To have your name formally on the ballot, please contact us by September 19th by 5PM, although it is possible to nominate yourself during the Annual dinner as well. For more details: (612) 529-6033 or lohito@hawthornecommunity.org.

Residential representative of the Hawthorne Neighborhood must live within the borders of the Hawthorne Neighborhood:
East of Emerson Ave. N, West of the Mississippi River, South of Lowry Avenue N. and North of West Broadway Ave. N.

Non-profit organization and business representatives of the Hawthorne Neighborhood must be with businesses or organizations with a physical presence in the Hawthorne neighborhood. Youth organization representatives must belong to organizations that conduct at least 60% of their activities with youth.

Thursday, September 04, 2008

Call for Volunteers: Pedestrian/Bike Counts

On Tuesday, September 9th, and Wednesday, September 10th Minneapolis Public Works will be conducting bicycle and pedestrian counts, and we need your help! Volunteers will be asked to count the number of cyclists and pedestrians at several locations around Minneapolis , in 2-hour shifts around the clock. We are in need of volunteers at the following times on each day. We are in particular need of volunteers during the afternoon rush hour, between 4:00 and 6:00 pm :

Tuesday, September 9th

12:00 to 2:00 am

2:00 to 4:00 am

4:00 to 6:00 am

6:00 to 8:00 am

8:00 to 10:00 am

10:00 to 12:00 noon

12:00 to 2:00 pm

2:00 to 4:00 pm

4:00 to 6:00 pm

6:00 to 8:00 pm

8:00 to 10:00 pm

10:00 to 12:00 midnight

Wednesday, September 10th

4:00 to 6:00 pm

Those interested in volunteering may contact Shaun Murphy at shaun.murphy@ci.minneapolis.mn.us or 612.275.5128. Please leave your e-mail address, phone number, a preferred day and time slot, and if desired, a neighborhood where you would like to volunteer. Since these counts are city-wide, we will do our best to place volunteers in convenient locations. Public Works can use up to 100 volunteers, so please pass this e-mail along to friends and family who may be interested in helping.

Background: This is the second annual city-wide count. These important counts will begin to establish trend lines showing the impact of biking and walking on Minneapolis streets and trails. The counts will also measure the impact of several bike lane and path improvements. View our report on last year’s city-wide bicycle and pedestrian count (pdf) to learn more. These counts will include a rare 24-hour manual count at up to two locations. 24-hour counts will help to establish new knowledge about non-motorized travel during the evening and nighttime hours. Minneapolis Public Works is partnering with Transit for Livable Communities (TLC), which will be organizing similar counts on the same day. If you have received a solicitation from TLC as well, please choose the organization for which you will volunteer.

Tuesday, September 02, 2008

Housing Committee Moved to HNC Offices for Sept. 3rd

As a reminder: due to the park closure until September 12th, this month's housing committee meeting on September 3rd is at the Hawthorne Neighborhood Council Office at 2944 Emerson Avenue North. The meeting takes place from 7 to 9PM. We look forward to seeing you there!

Friday, August 29, 2008

Hawthorne Huddle: September 4th!

Please join us at the Hawthorne Huddle on Thursday, September 4th when we will hear from two non-partisan organizations about the upcoming primary and general elections. Experts from the Minneapolis League of Women Voters and the Citizens League will share information on how to register to vote, as well as discuss the different races this fall and the referenda that will impact our community and state. This is an exciting year, and we hope you join in this important discussion.

The Hawthorne Huddle will be held from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. in the Multipurpose Room at Farview Park, located at 621 29th Avenue North. A continental breakfast will be available at 7:15 a.m.

A G E N D A

 WELCOME Ellen Luger, General Mills Foundation
 SAFETY UPDATE Minneapolis Police Department 4th Precinct Representative
 MAIN PROGRAM TOPIC: Fall 2008 Elections

Panelists:
• Melissa Metzler, Outreach Coordinator, Minneapolis League of Women Voters
• Lee Anderson, Vice Chair, Citizens League

 ADJOURNMENT

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Reminder: Hawthorne Annual Dinner: Sept. 25th

This year’s annual meeting will take place at Farview Park on Thursday, September 25th!

The evening will start at 6 PM and our special keynote speaker is Inspector Mike Martin of the City of Minneapolis Police Department who will speak on a variety of issues and his experiences with the city and our community.

This is a free dinner for the community and all residents, businesses and other community stake holders are invited to join us as we take a look at
our year in review and give our annual report to the community. Daycare will be provided that evening for families, but please RSVP by September 15th if possible.

There will be door prizes, entertainment, and other special activities and give-aways.

The annual meeting is also important because this is the opportunity to vote in new members to the Hawthorne Neighborhood Council board of directors. There are seats open in all 4 residential quadrants, as well as at-large and other special positions, including seats to represent business,
non-profit and youth interests in our community.

If you are interested in becoming a board member, there’s still time to apply. Just contact HNC and let us know by calling our office at (612) 529-6033 or e-mail HNC at chair@hawthornecommunity.org.

As A Reminder: No Business Committee Meeting This Friday

As a reminder: There is no Business Committee Meeting this Friday. It was convened last Friday, August 22nd. The next meeting is Friday, September 26th. Thank you!

Hawthorne Visits Nelly Stone Johnson!

On Wednesday, August 27th, the Hawthorne Neighborhood Council was pleased to join the Nelly Stone Johnson School at their open house to welcome new students and families. Our staff promoted the upcoming annual dinner and connected with several other positive non-profit organizations working with Hawthorne families to discuss future ways to meet our community needs. We also handed out free pencils and pencil sharpeners, as well as books and other supplies to the children. Good luck to all of the students and families! Study hard!

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Hawthorne REACHOUTABOUT

The Hawthorne Neighborhood Council is making some big changes for 2009 to help non-profit organizations in Minnesota connect strategically with residents, businesses and other stakeholders in our neighborhood of over 6,000 people from all walks of life who want to make this a great neighborhood to live in.

If you're a non-profit organization interested in discussing outreach opportunities in the Hawthorne neighborhood, we'd love to hear from you! Drop us a line at (612) 529-6033 or e-mail our communications director, Bryan Thao Worra at bworra@hawthornecommunity.org!

We still have a very open calendar in 2009 and would love to connect with you about the possibilities!

McKnight 2nd Annual Neighborhood Outreach Gathering

The McKnight Foundation celebrated the innovative outreach efforts of neighborhood organizations in the Twin Cities on August 26th at their headquarters, including a celebratory barbecue at the end of the day.

Among the key programs highlighted this year:

APAC's Alliance for Change was held to judge the scope of the threat MNDot road projects posed to affordable housing in the Twin Cities, especially in the form of manufactured housing. They also worked with CURA to develop a GIS map to identify other communities that may be threatened, and working on their project they developed and documented successful organizing strategies to confrotnt displacement policies.

Harrison Hmong high school summer organizers have used bingo over the last 2 years to help Hmong residents identify top neighborhood concerns, take on safety and park issues and connect Hmong families with Harrison block leaders and board members. They explained how to squeeze 60 Hmong into a room designed for a dozen people and other amazing skills in community organizing.

Lyndale Youth and Family Safety Initiative is a collaboration between Lyndale Neighborhood Association and the Youth Farm and Market Project to address public safety issues facing youth and familines living around Horn Towers. Neighborhood Art on Wheels complements and adds to the initiative by developing connections between community members and the area around Horn Towers and the gardens.

Seward wanted to create a master plan for the Franklin Avenue Corridor that reflects the expertise/knowledge, vision and values of the community. The goal was to engage as many people as possible in different ways and create an organic model of interaction. They used community walks, community-wide meetings and task forces to engage residents over several months of planning. A draft of work to date includes core values documents and vignettes of implementation strategies in each focus area.

Little Earth spoke out against efforts to bring the Phillips burner to their community to keep the pollution the burner would have brought to their community from sickening their children.

West Side Citizens Organization created a project connecting a neighbor who had done fishing clinics all over the country with West Side youth and families to an understanding of our natural environment. Over 200 youth fished, met neighbors and connected with the neighborhood lake. As an incentive, WSCO gave away free fishing poles to youth participants and one free bike, rigged with a fishing pole carrier.

Leadership in Support of Neighborhoods develops the talents of emerging community leaders who are committed to strengthening the Hamline Midway (District 11) and/or Thomad-Dale (District 7) neighborhoods of Saint Paul through a year-long program that combines twice monthly peer sessions, staff support and the design and implementation of a community-based-project. Currently 12 Fellows are participating in the program, organizing projects including: backyard chicken raising, a neighborhood health festival, a folk music festival, a local food group and an environmental issues group.

Harrison Neighborhood Association has worked for years to get a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) for Bassett Creek redevelopment. During this year's presentation, they discussed the nuts and bolts of developing and negotiating a community benefits agreement, and the advantages and potential pitfalls of such a process.

Latinos En Accion. The group works to address the needs of Latina women in Corcoran, Powderhorn Park and Longfellow neighborhoods. The group meets in the Park building each week to share a pot-luck meal, discuss issues facing Latina women, develop basic computer skills such as sending e-mail, enjoy an aeorbics session aimed at improving overall health and plan the next meeting. They also invite speakers on topics of interest such as child immunizations. They have removed access barriers to Powderhorn Park, improved community connections, built valuable skills among group members and encouraged park staff to hire a Spanish speaking staff member.

Longfellow Community Council was the first in Minneapolis to reach a Community Benefits Agreement with old Purina Mills site in their neighborhood and offered insightful perspectives on negotiating an effective CBA in other neighborhoods.

District 7 in Saint Paul is using GIS and GPS technology with community organizing to sustain good communication with residents. They use the technology to quanitfy the results of doork-knocking to organize the community. They partnered with U-Plan, a community planning studio, to help create interactive maps with current GIS data and grassroots field data.

From a Hawthorne neighborhood perspective, which of these would you be interested in hearing about in the future for similar activities within our neighborhood?

Monday, August 25, 2008

Hawthorne Tree Nursery Arrives!

Hawthorne now has a special tree nursery near our EcoVillage project, one of the key steps in creating a livable, ecologically and environmentally sound neighborhood environment. During the groundbreaking ceremony in August, we received visits and support from our community partners as well as Mayor Rybak and City Council member Diane Hofstede! Thanks go to all of our amazing supporters and we look forward to keeping all of you up to date on the next important steps in making the Hawthorne neighborhood a great place to live!

Minneapolis Issues Picnic A Success

On Friday, August 22nd, community residents from across Minneapolis met in the Hawthorne Neighorhood to celebrate community and discuss key issues affecting the quality of life in our neighborhoods. The picnic provided a great atmosphere for friendly conversation.

A big thanks to everyone who came to participate and help make it the success it was!

Annual Meeting: September 25th!

Hawthorne visited by national authors

This July, the Hawthorne neighborhood was visited by two nationally acclaimed authors.

New York-based writer Ed Lin, author of the novels Waylaid and This Is A Bust, and Chicago-based Nnedi Okorafor-Mbachu, author of The Shadow Speaker and Zahrah the Windseeker came to see our neighborhood.

The two were in Minneapolis to read from their latest books. The authors took a tour of the Hawthorne neighborhood including our EcoVillage project and other local landmarks.

Both found the Hawthorne neighborhood to be quite interesting and look forward to the next time they can come to visit more with the residents and see the best that Minnesota has to offer.

We look forward to future visits from other artists and authors to our community in the future.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Hawthorne Business Committee: August 22nd

As a reminder, due to the August holiday weekend, this month's Hawthorne Business Committee Meeting is this Friday, August 22nd at 8:30 AM at US Bank, 1030 W. Broadway and we look forward to seeing you there.

On the agenda:

Facade Improvement Update. Hawthorne has money available to help you improve your business facade! Find out how.

The new Hawthorne Business Social Hour. We'll soon be convening special gatherings for Hawthorne businesses and professionals, and we'd like your input.

Meet Our New Executive Director. Laban Ohito will be present to meet you and hear your interests and concerns for business growth and development in the Hawthorne neighborhood!

Board Positions available on the Hawthorne Neighborhood Council: Next month's Hawthorne Annual Meeting also includes our board of director elections, and a seat is available for a Hawthorne business representative. Find out how you can get involved to help take the Hawthorne Neighborhood in a great direction.

2009 Strategies: Where have we been, and where would we like to go?

Northside Chess Tournament Followup: What happened, and what's next?

Step-Up Achieve Review: We'll hear about the results from this year's Step-Up Achieve partners and their youth interns, and what's next.

Additional business.

We look forward to seeing you there!

August Board Meeting Canceled

Due to conflicts of schedule, this month's board meeting has been canceled.
The next board meeting is scheduled for September 11th, 2008. For additional questions, please feel free to call us at (612) 529-6033.

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Crime and Safety Meeting: Monday at 7 PM

The Hawthorne Crime and Safety Committee Meeting is this Monday at 7PM - 9 PM at Farview Park. Our agenda this month:

Introductions
4th Precinct Reports
August 21st Popsicle Social
Problem Addresses
New Business
Buy Back Contract
Staff Report on NRP Crime and Safety Funds and NRP overall
Adjourn

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

National Night Out 2008 In Hawthorne!

Monday, August 04, 2008

This week at Hawthorne:

The Hawthorne Neighborhood Council invites the community to the Hawthorne Huddle on Thursday, August 7th at 7:30 AM at Farview Park and welcomes the community to National Night Out on Tuesday, August 5th around the neighborhood.

We look forward to seeing you all there as we celebrate community!

Hawthorne Huddle This Thursday!

Please join us at the Hawthorne Huddle on Thursday, August 7th.

During this time of year, many of us start to think about what is just around the corner -- the beginning of the school year and all the excitement and preparation that entails. Students and the schools that they attend both need the community’s assistance to provide optimum learning experiences for the students. We will hear from representatives of the Minneapolis Public Schools about their priorities aimed at helping students achieve a high level of success at school. We also will learn from the panelists what we all can do to support the schools and the students throughout the upcoming school year.

The Hawthorne Huddle will be held from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. in the Multipurpose Room at Farview Park, located at 621 29th Avenue North. A continental breakfast will be available at 7:15 a.m. We hope you can attend and participate in the discussion.

A G E N D A

WELCOME Ellen Luger, General Mills Foundation

Safety update Minneapolis Police Department 4th Precinct Representative

MAIN PROGRAM TOPICS: BACK TO SCHOOL
Panelists:
Eleanor Coleman, Minneapolis District
Catherine Jordan, Achieve!Minneapolis
Lydia Lee, Minneapolis Public Schools Board Member
Nichole Randolph, Nellie Stone Johnson Community and Parent Liaison
Assistant Principal, Nellie Stone Johnson School

Monday, July 28, 2008

Hawthorne Community Standards

It's been a while since we've talked about the Hawthorne Community Standards that emerged from the late 1990s, but many of the points remain valid and interesting today. From the revised standards (June, 1999):

The Hawthorne Community is working together to build a strong, pleasant and livable community. We as a community in partnership with a variety of stakeholders, have worked hard to develop standards for our community.

Based on information we have gathered from our community, the month Hawthorne Huddle has identified several short-term and long-term steps for improving our community. Our immediate priority is to address those problems that are disrubtive to our community life for the entire commmunity. We invite you to work with us in this endeavor.

Please help us in taking a stand against the following behaviors in our community and in supporting strong implementation of each positive standard.

-Excess noise in our neighborhood. This includes loud car stereos, horn honking and loud parties. We believe that everyone in our neighborhood has the right to peace and quiet, and these activities adversely affect the livability of our neighborhood.

-Litter and garbage around homes and in the streets. This neighborhood is YOUR neighborhood, also. We all have a right to a well-kept neighborhood. Each of us needs to do our part to make it a place we can be proud of.

-Disrespect for people and property. This includes harassing people, yelling obscenities, stealing, writing graffiti and picking fights. We believe all people should be treated with respect, and getting along with people is one of the most important actions we can take to build a stronger community.

-Violence, drugs and crime. Specifically, dealing and using drugs, and carrying and using a weapon. We believe in a violence-free community. We all have a responsibility to be law-abiding citizens and to set an example for one another.

Thank you!

The Hawthorne Huddle, including community residents and participants from Hawthorne Block Clubs, Hawthorne Neighborhood Council, Hawthorne Churches and Clergy, Hennepin County Social Services, Hennepy County Probation Office, Minneapolis Public Schools, Minneapolis Police Department, Community Crime Prevention/SAFE, Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Department, and other community organizations.

Monday, July 21, 2008

This Week At Hawthorne

The July Hawthorne Business Committee meeting is July 25th at US Bank, 1030 W. Broadway at 8:30 AM. Doughnuts and coffee provided! Already we are planning on discussing:

Facade Improvement. If you've been thinking of improving and updating your storefront, we have free funds for you! Learn how to make the changes you've wanted to your exterior through a matching grant of up to $10,000 for $20,000 of facade improvements.

Hawthorne Marketing Program: Hear the latest updates on our marketing efforts to energize Hawthorne businesses! We have world-class businesses as well as many new start-ups in Hawthorne. This is a chance to learn what we're doing to help you succeed.

Northside Chess Match: Find out about the great Northside Live Chess Match
( http://northsidechess.blogspot.com ) that is part of our strategy to connect residents to businesses and the city.

Also: The Northside Chess Match is this Saturday! Stop by the Vogel Sculpture Garden on the corner of 2nd St. N and W. Broadway (across from Johnny A's) and see our fun and exciting festival for all members of the community!

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Hawthorne At Third Ward CARE

On July 16th at the monthly 3rd Ward Care Meeting was convened by Minneapolis City Councilperson Diane Hofstede (diane.hofstede@ci.minnapolis.mn.us).

Jeff Skrenes, Housing Director of the Hawthorne Neighborhood Council presented a ten minute report on the progress made in the EcoVillage project and discussed current directions and challenges our neighborhood faced.

There is much to be excited for but the Council recognizes the continued need for community input and support, which has clearly made a pivotal decision in recent discussions of public policy and process.

Your presence and input at 3rd Ward CARE meetings is effective! Join us next month on August 20th, 2008 at Eastside Neighborhood Services at 1700 2nd St. NE Room 103e in Minneapolis MN (612) 781-6011 and let your voice be heard.

Welcome Laban Ohito, our new executive director!

Please join the Hawthorne Neighborhood Council in welcoming our new Executive Director, Mr. Laban Ohito!

Mr. Ohito has over 12 years experience in development, leadership and fundraising.
Laban also has a Masters degree in Public and Nonprofit Management and is an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.He has been the Director of Development with the Fort Snelling Tennis and Learning Center and Director of Development with St. Paul/Ramsey County Children's Initiative, among others, including KFAI.

Mr. Ohito has been very impressed with the direction and growth of the neighborhood and wants to work with everyone to continue that tradition and help Hawthorne grow in exciting and positive ways.

Please join our staff and board in welcoming Laban Ohito. Stop in and introduce yourself and answer questions he may have about the organization and our neighborhood.

You can e-mail him at lohito@hawthornecommunity.org or (612) 529-6033 x 202.

Photostudy: Flowers in Hawthorne

Here are some great examples of flowers growing in the Hawthorne Neighborhood this year!

Thanks to everyone who works so hard to make Hawthorne a vibrant and environmentally friendly neighborhood that everyone can enjoy!

Monday, July 14, 2008

Crime Prevention and Family Safety Committee Meeting, Monday, July 10th

Crime Prevention and Family Safety Agenda
Monday, July 10th, 2008
7:00–8:45 p.m.
Farview Park – 29th and Lyndale

Introductions

Approval of Minutes

4th Precinct Updates

Problem Addresses

Old Business:
Northside Chess tournament, July 26th
National Night Out, August 5th
Popsicle Social, August 21st
Annual Meeting, September 26th

New Business:
Police Buy-Back Program Contract Extenstion to 2010.

Adjourn

Friday, July 11, 2008

All About Family BBQ: July 12th

This Saturday, July 12th, at Farview Park (29th and Lyndale Ave. N) from 2-5 PM,is the 3rd Annual BBQ Off organized by All About Family.

It's free to watch, with hot dogs and orange drink for families interested in watching. There is a $25 fee for teams of 2-10 if you would like to compete. It is an exciting family-friendly event. To learn more information about this activity you can contact:

Brian Kelley, Director of All About Family at kelley01@visi.com or visit http://www.allaboutfam.org

Have a great weekend!

Thursday, July 10, 2008

July Hawthorne Huddle: Youth Mentoring

With a packed house led by Donna Svendsen of General Mills Community Action, the July Hawthorne Huddle was filled with diverse voices to discuss many issues, particularly focusing on the importance of youth mentoring.

Among our expert panelists this time were Joellen Gonder-Spacek, Executive Director of Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota, Penny Kallas, the director of Community Partnerships for Kinship of Greater Minneapolis, Lori Strong, the executive director and co-founder of Parents With Purpose, Franklin Rich, the Community Outreach Coordinator with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Twin Cities, and Becky Palarzyk and Keisha Blackman from the program department of Bolder Options.

You can visit them online at:
http://www.mentoringworks.org/
http://www.parentingwithpurpose.org/
http://www.bigstwincities.org/
http://www.kinship.org/
http://www.bolderoptions.org/

It was also a great opportunity to meet the Hawthorne staff and board members including Treasurer Jim Wentzell, Communications Director Bryan Thao Worra, Housing Director Jeff Skrenes, and the new Hawthorne Neighborhood Council Executive Director, Laban Ohito.

The next Hawthorne Huddle is scheduled for Thursday, August 7th at Farview Park. We hope to see you there!

Monday, June 30, 2008

Photoessay: Hawthorne Businesses

Here's a glimpse at many of the businesses located in the Hawthorne neighborhood!

Hawthorne at the Pride Festival '08

The Hawthorne Neighborhood Council staff and board were volunteers with Community Shares during the Twin Cities Pride Festival at Loring Park in Minneapolis on the weekend of June 28-29th to help celebrate diversity and community.

It was also an excellent opportunity for us to connect with members from other non-profit organizations including the Wedge, Tenants' Union, Youthforce, NAMI and the Alley newspaper. Thanks to everyone who stopped by to say hello!

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Northside Poverty Advocacy Training

Do you want to make a difference?

Have you wanted to tell politicians what you really think?

Learn to be your own best advocate!!!

Northway Community Trust & The Pubic Policy Project
Presents
The Northside Poverty Advocacy Training

If you are a low-income person living in North Minneapolis (Between Xerxes and the Mississippi River and Highway 394 and 53rd Street North) you should participate in this 8-month poverty advocacy training to learn how to –

• Effectively address policy decisions around poverty that impact north
Minneapolis

• Proactively organize around legislative issues

• Build working relationships with other low-income residents from around
the state who are working to end poverty in Minnesota.

Training will be held twice a month, each month,
beginning Thursday, July 17th and end with a
"Day-on-the-Hill" event at the Capitol in February.

SPACE IS LIMITED to 25 PATICIPANTS.
ACT NOW!!!!!

For more information: www.thepublicpolicyproject.com or contact Loren
Niemi @ 651-271-6349 or James Trice @ 612-722-1677

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

26th Avenue Greenway/Bikeway survey

Please take some time to complete the 26th Avenue Greenway/Bikeway survey the Metropolitan Design Center put together.

Also, please forward the link to your email lists or to others who may be interested.
This survey will help us improve 26th Avenue and help create a better neighborhood for our community.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=fU_2b5K0mwkd01yxXI6_2b989Q_3d_3d

Monday, June 23, 2008

Hawthorne Business Committee Meeting this Week!

Help us make a difference!

Join Us At The Hawthorne Business Committee:
Friday, June 27th at 8:30 AM
US Bank, 1030 W Broadway Ave, Minneapolis

Hawthorne has many unique advantages and opportunities for business owners. This committee is chance to network with other businesses about exciting news and opportunities that can help you grow and succeed in our neighborhood.

It’s free and refreshments are served! We’ll be done by 9:30 AM.

NORTHSIDE COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO BE HONORED FOR THEIR EFFORTS

NorthWay Community Trust will honor 40 community members who are working together to improve North Minneapolis at a special event on Monday, June 23. These individuals will be recognized for their commitment and participation in the Public Policy Neighborhood Leadership Training Program at Babalú Latin Caribbean Restaurant, 800 Washington Ave. No, Minneapolis. A program takes place from 5:45-8:00pm

Since June 2006, the Public Policy Neighborhood Leadership Training Program has prepared Northside community members to make their voices and views heard through direct participation in advocacy, organizing and community policy.

The curriculum, developed for NorthWay by The Public Policy Project, includes classroom training, presentations by elected officials and community leaders, and hands-on organizing experience. The next 8-month training session begins July 17, 2008

NorthWay Community Trust invests in collaborations and advocates for systemic change to reduce poverty and increase wealth in North Minneapolis. For more information, please contact Loreda Berry at lberry@northwaycom.org or 612-521-4500.

Green Carpet Film Festival Call For Entries

The city-wide competition is sponsored by Linden Hills Power & Light, funded by the City of Minneapolis and promotes energy conservation and renewable energy.

Green Carpet Film Festival
Forget the Red Carpet! Linden Hills Power & Light (LHP&L) invites residents to create a digital video 30 seconds to 2 minutes in length for a GREEN carpet event. There are three prizes of $300, three prizes of $150 and a grand prize of $500.

Videos should promote one of the following themes:
1. The MN Energy Challenge (get information at www.mnenergychallenge.org);

2. Organics Recycling -benefits or "how to" (research on the web or get information at www.lhpowerandlight.org);

or 3. Waste reduction/ Conservation or Anaerobic Digestion (you can research on the web, or find information at www.lhpowerandlight.org).

Entries are due September 15th, with a screening date of mid September. It's a great summer project for kids and families!

Some Ideas for your Green Themed Digital Video Include:

An ad for the MN Energy Challenge –imagine you're trying to get as many people as possible excited about signing up.

The benefits of recycling organics material

How easy it is to recycle organic material

What's compostable and what's not.

What is anaerobic digestion?

How can people reduce waste?

Music video featuring your own original music
Entry forms, rules and full details can be found at www.lhpowerandlight.org

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

IN-DEPTH TRAININGFOR NEIGHBORHOOD VOLUNTEERS

IN-DEPTH TRAININGFOR NEIGHBORHOOD VOLUNTEERS

The Minnesota Center for Neighborhood Organizing is offering in-depth training for neighborhood volunteers.

The training gives participants the opportunity to get individual direct hands-on help for specific neighborhood projects. Do you need to get more people involved in your organization? Raise funds for a project? Clean up a problem property or close down a drug house? Organize a well-run and energized neighborhood meeting? Do outreach to immigrants in your community?

You can get help for your project at this training.

This in-depth training is designed to help volunteers learn organizing fundamentals and apply them effectively to their community groups. The training combines comprehensive coverage of organizing basics, trainings individually tailored to the individual needs of each volunteer and group, long-term follow-through, and group support from fellow neighborhood volunteers.

The training will take place once a week on Wednesdays for two hours for five weeks.

The first topic will be RECRUITING VOLUNTEERS.

Other topics will be chosen by the participants and can include such areas as:
*Leadership development
*Issues identification
*Grassroots and foundation fundraising
*Organizing and involvingnizing under-represented groups
*Running effective meetings
*Research
*Media and communication

These trainings will be given primarily through questions, problems-solving, and direct experience. The first meeting will be on:

Wednesday, July 16, 7:00 P.M.
Northeast YMCA2304 Jackson St. NE
Minneapolis

The Northeast YMCA is at the northwest corner of Jackson St and 23rd Ave. NE

Directions. Take I-94 westbound. Exit at Broadway. Turn left at Washington, then right at Broadway. Turn left at Central Ave. NE turn left at 23rd Ave. NE. Go west one block.

If you are interested in participating, or have questions, call Jay Clark at 625-2513.

TRAINING IS FREE.

MINNESOTA CENTERFOR NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZING
------------------------------------------------------------------------
330 Humphrey Center, 301 19th Ave. S.,
Minneapolis, Mn., 55455
Phone: 612-625-2513 Fax: 612-626-0273
E-Mail clark037@umn.edu

Sunday, June 08, 2008

Board Of Directors Meeting: Thursday, June 12th

Open to the public!

Board of Directors Meeting
Thursday, June 12th, 2008
7:00–8:45 p.m.
Farview Park – 29th and Lyndale

Tentative Agenda
7:00–7:05 Roll Call
7:05–7:10 Approval of Agenda
7:10–7:15 Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
B. Approval of Financial Report Pending Audit

7:15-7:25 Staff Reports (10 Minutes)
7:25-7:30 Motions From Committees
7:30-9:00 Old Business/Updates
9:00 Adjourn

Crime & Safety Committee Meeting June 9th

Crime Prevention & Family Safety Committee
Monday, June 9th, 2008
7:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.
Farview Park

Come join us for the Hawthorne Neighborhood Council Crime Prevention & Family Safety Committee and discuss key issues affecting our neighborhood.

Monday, June 02, 2008

Volunteers needed for live Chess game!

On Saturday, July 26th, a very special chess tournament will be held in Hawthorne using real human chess pieces representing the different walks of life in our community and we need you! :)

We're looking for residents and representatives of community organizations and businesses who would be willing to volunteer for this exciting project!

For more details, contact Mindy Isaacs at misaacs1@comcast.net

June 4th: Housing Committee Meeting

This month's Housing Committee Meeting will convene June 4th at Farview Park at 7:00 PM- 9:00 PM on the corner of 29th and Lyndale Avenue N. For further questions and notes on the agenda, contact Jeff Skrenes at (612) 529-6033 x 204 or e-mail jskrenes@hawthornecommunity.org

NorthForce Newsletter now available.

The NorthForce newsletter, the City of Minneapolis’s bimonthly newsletter about the collaborative efforts underway to improve livability on the Northside is now available.

The most recent newsletter can be found at http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/residents/north/Northforce.asp.

Hawthorne CanDo BookAway a success!

The first Hawthorne CanDo BookAway was a great success at Farview Park on May 31st as residents and neighbors gathered together to celebrate literacy and community and to take home free books donated by their fellow neighbors, residents and local businesses and non-profits.

They also had a chance to meet many of the members of the Hawthorne Neighborhood Council, including Peter Teachout, Jim Wentzell, JoAnne Kelty, and Dee Phillipps and Communications Director Bryan Thao Worra. A special thanks goes to Paul Jaeger and the staff of Farview Park for their support!

Pictures will be up soon!

Friday, May 30, 2008

HAWTHORNE HUDDLE, Thursday June 4th

Please join us at the Hawthorne Huddle on Thursday, June 5th, for a topic of importance to all.

The collapse of the 35W bridge and the flooding in southeast Minnesota last summer, as well as recent world-wide disasters, remind us that disasters happen and they can happen to us. Emergency preparedness is a topic of current interest and concern.

From individuals and families to businesses and organizations, it is important to be prepared for anything from severe weather to disease outbreaks.

Being prepared not only helps to minimize personal injury and/or property damage; it also helps to assure the continuation of important services provided by businesses and community organizations.

This presentation will focus on individual and family preparedness, preparing for pandemic influenza and continuity of operations planning for businesses and organizations.

The Hawthorne Huddle will be held from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. in the Multipurpose Room at Farview Park, located at 621 29th Avenue North.

A continental breakfast will be available at 7:15 a.m. We hope you can attend and participate in the discussion.

A G E N D A

WELCOME by Donna Svendsen, General Mills Community Action

Safety update by Minneapolis Police Department 4th Precinct

MAIN PROGRAM TOPICS: EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Panelists:
From the City of Minneapolis, Department of Health and Family Support:
· Marie Hauser, Pandemic Preparedness Specialist
· Janet Mengelkoch, Community Preparedness Specialist
· Erin Schroeder, Emergency Preparedness Specialist

ADJOURNMENT

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Business Committee Meeting: May 30th at US Bank

This month's Business Committee Meeting will take place at US Bank at 1030 W Broadway Ave in Minneapolis Minnesota at 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM and you're invited!

Topics include: Marketing Hawthorne Businesses, our Facade Improvement Program, an exciting new event during this year's upcoming Peace Jam for local businesses to get involved in, and more. You don't want to miss this one!

For more details, e-mail Jim Wentzell at jowsr@aol.com and he can give you more details!

Clean Sweep 08 A Success!

Clean Sweep 2008 was a great success as over 44 volunteers from across Hawthorne and our friends gathered together on May 10th to pick up and throw away over 200 bags of trash and litter and 80 tires in our neighborhood. Thanks again to everyone who helped! You made a difference!

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Position Available: HNC Executive Director

We're looking for an Executive Director!

JOB POSTING: Executive Director
ORGANIZATION: Hawthorne Neighborhood Council
CATEGORY: Executive Director

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY: Hawthorne Neighborhood Council is 501 (c) 3 working for over 30 years to improve the quality of life in the Hawthorne neighborhood of North Minneapolis. With over 6,000 residents, the Hawthorne neighborhood features a diverse mixture of residential properties as well as retail, light industrial and non-profit organizations.

LOCATION: Twin Cities Metro
SALARY: DOQ
TYPE: Full Time
DEADLINE: May 30, 2008

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Executive Director (ED) provides vision, leadership, financial stewardship, and strategic direction. Working in partnership with the Board of Directors, the ED is responsible for implementing the strategic plan. In addition, the ED is the primary development officer for the organization, assuming direct responsibility for generating sufficient funding to meet budgetary and strategic goals.

The Executive Director needs to skilled in managing and supporting collaborations between organizational and grassroots coalitions and has a passion for working with the Minneapolis neighborhood system. They will also have an interest and skill in organizational marketing and representation and is effective in fundraising from federal, regional and local funding sources. The ED will also be responsible for the management of several innovative housing development efforts in the Hawthorne Neighborhood and surrounding area.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
· Understanding of the philanthropic world and potential funding streams
· Working knowledge of NRP structure and funding
· Understanding of organizational hierarchies and reporting structure
· Financial management skills at an organizational level
· Understanding of Minneapolis and Hennepin County governmental structure
· Knowledge of the Twin Cities’ nonprofit community and diverse neighborhoods.
· Understanding of community collaborations and be able to lead and manage those efforts
· Understand what it means to be the "public face" of the organization and effectively represent the board
· Effective communication strategies with the executive committee, board, committees and staff
· Direct experience and/or familiarity with management in the nonprofit sector.
· Understanding of project management, evaluation practices and reporting as related:
Youth development, housing, business, environment and crime and safety.
Provide leadership in order to increase capacity of the organization through:
- Funding
- Recruitment and retain quality staff, board and committee members

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor's degree in related field or a substantive combination of education, work and/or relevant volunteer experience. Must have a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience with non-profit, neighborhood organizations or like organizations.

HOW TO APPLY:
E-mail your cover letter, resume and references to: chair@hawthornecommunity.org
Executive Search Committee
Hawthorne Neighborhood Council
2944 Emerson Avenue N.
Minneapolis, MN 55411

Hawthorne Neighborhood Council is an equal opportunity employer.

Thursday, May 01, 2008

Hawthorne Huddle A Success

This month's Hawthorne Huddle went very well with a packed crowd attending to hear the amazing speakers from the Twin Cities media discuss their companies' visions and how they hope to connect with the community.

Among those on hand were Steven Brandt of the Star Tribue, Lisa Peterson De La Cueva for the Twin Cities Daily Planet, Al McFarlane of Insight News, Allan Malkis of the Northside Marketing Task Force and Donald W.R. Allen II of Twin Citiy Business. Representatives from Minnesota Public Radio and KFAI were also on hand, and community organizations from across the Twin Cities and North Minneapolis.

Ellen Luger of the General Mills Foundation once again ably facilitated the discussion and we received a positive safety update from the local representative of Minneapolis Police Department's 4th Precinct.

And in case you missed it, here are some scenes from the April Hawthorne Huddle:

The next huddle is scheduled for June 5th, and the July huddle is set for July 10th. We hope to see you there!

Monday, April 28, 2008

Hawthorne Clean Sweep Coming!

May 10th, 2008
8:30 AM to Noon

We need volunteers for our annual Clean Sweep across the Hawthorne neighborhood to clean up the sidewalks and boulevards of our neighborhood!

Help us make our neighborhood beautiful and help the environment and make our streets sanitary for our kids and community.

Last year, we collected over 60 bags of garbage from the street and 250 tires were disposed of. In the past we’ve cleaned up as many as 450 tires in the neighborhood.

We always appreciate all of your support and we look forward to your help if you can join us!

Keeping homes and neighborhoods in good condition makes it easier to create economic and
social stability.

Free breakfast and lunch provided at Farview Park for volunteers like you!

Please meet us at Sat. May 10th at 8:30 AM at Farview Park and we will provide everything you need to help!

Great exercise, fresh air and a chance to make wonderful new friends in Hawthorne!

For more details:
Call: 612 529-6033
Or e-mail: bworra@hawthornecommunity.org

The Great Hawthorne CanDo Bookaway!

Join us in Farview Park on Saturday, May 31st for the very
first Hawthorne CanDo BookAway from 10AM to 3PM!

We’ll be giving away free books to everyone who comes to Farview Park, from mystery and science fiction novels to children’s books, cookbooks and more! Bring your friends and family and
help us celebrate reading and literacy in our neighborhood! It’s fun for all ages!

The Hawthorne CanDo BookAway is also collecting tin and aluminum cans to recycle them and help preserve our environment and keep the Hawthorne Neighborhood a beautiful place to live.

If you have canned goods you’d like to donate to the local food shelves we can also take those too!

The Hawthorne CanDo BookAway is a great way for you to meet the excited staff, volunteers and board members of the Hawthorne Neighborhood Council who work to improve the quality
of life in our neighborhood by working with you to identify our community needs and opportunities to improve the physical, cultural, social and economic needs of our community.

If you have a great idea to improve our neighborhood, contact us! We’d love to hear from you!

Paint-A-Thon for Seniors!

It’s that time of the year again for the Metro Paint-A-Thon. Applicants must be seniors (age 60 or older) or individuals with a permanent physical disability, own a single family home and meet low-income guidelines. Paint-A-Thon provides this service free of charge.

If you, or someone you know who is interested in applying for this program, please contact Deidre Pope, Director, Metro Paint-A-Thon at 612-721-8687, ext. 321 or e-mail him at: dpope@gmcc.org.

The Metro Paint-A-Thon is a program of the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches, co-sponsored by the Jewish Community Relations Council and the St. Paul Area Council of Churches

Hawthorne Huddle This Week!

Please join us at the Hawthorne Huddle on Thursday, May 1st, when representatives of the local media will share their ideas on how to build relationships that will support more positive press for North Minneapolis. We will discuss developing news releases that provide “newsworthy” information, and teaching youth effective ways to tell their stories through the written word,
videos, and photography. We will learn how to leverage the various forms of news media and how nonprofits can encourage the media’s interest in their work.

The Hawthorne Huddle will be held from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. in the Multipurpose Room at Farview Park, located at 621 29th Avenue North. A continental breakfast will be available at 7:15 a.m. We hope you can attend and participate in the discussion.

A G E N D A

WELCOME Ellen Luger
Safety update Representative, Minneapolis Police Department 4th Precinct

MAIN PROGRAM TOPICS: MEDIA AND NORTH MINNEAPOLIS

Panelists:
– Steven Brandt – Star Tribune
– Jay Bryson – One Nation Press
– Jeremy Eggers -- Twin Cities Daily Planet
– Tracey Williams – Spokesman Recorder
– Al McFarlane – Insight News
– Allan Malkis -- Northside Marketing Task Force
– Donald W. R. Allen II – Twin Cities Business

Q&A -- Hawthorne Huddle Attendees

Monday, April 07, 2008

April 10th: Hawthorne Board of Directors Meeting

Open to the public!

Board of Directors Meeting
Thursday, Arpil 10th, 2008
7:00–8:45 p.m.
Farview Park – 29th and Lyndale

Agenda
7:00–7:05 Roll Call
7:05–7:10 Approval of Agenda
7:10–7:15 Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
B. Approval of Financial Report

7:15-7:25 Staff Reports (10 Minutes)
7:25-7:30 Motions From Committees
7:30-9:00 Old Business/Updates
A. 2008 Budget Update
B. Update on ED process
C. Organizational/Strategic Planning proposals
– Review, Update and Discussion
•Organizational/Strategic Planning document
•St. Thomas Community leadership Institute –
Fall board training
•Current options
New Business
NCRC Conference Update
2944 Emerson Office Purchase

April 14th: Crime Prevention & Family Safety Committee

Crime Prevention & Family Safety Committee
April 14th, 2008
7:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.
Farview Park

Come join us for the Hawthorne Neighborhood Council Crime Prevention & Family Safety Committee and discuss key issues affecting our neighborhood.

Agenda

7:00 – 7:05 Introductions

7:05 – 7:10 Meeting Agenda Approval

7:10 – 7:15 Approval of March Minutes

7:15 – 7:45 Crime Update

7:45 – 8:30 Clean Sweep: Litter Pickup.
Wafanna’s Update

8:30 – 8:40 Other Business

8:40 - 8:45 Agenda for May

Adjourn

Wednesday, April 02, 2008

Help the Hawthorne Neighborhood during the Home Tours April 26-27!

The Minneapolis & Saint Paul Home Tour is April 26-27, ’08! Several homes and buildings in the Hawthorne Neighborhood will be giving tours with volunteers discussing how to renovate and preserve your homes. (http://www.msphometour.com)

Please help our neighbors show their homes in the best light during the tour by cleaning your lawns and boulevard and clearing your windows of obstructions, if possible.

Thank you!

Watch where you park: street sweepers are coming to a block near you!

With the winter snow piles retreating, it's time for the City to clean up all the dirt and grime the melting snow and ice left behind on Minneapolis streets. Crews are set to begin the comprehensive spring street sweep in mid-April.

Over the course of five weeks, Minneapolis Public Works will send sweepers down all 1,100 miles of city streets. Weather permitting, the spring street sweeping will begin on Tuesday, April 15.

To make sure the sweepers can do the best job possible, temporary "No Parking" signs will be posted at least 24 hours in advance to make sure streets are clear of parked vehicles. Residents need to follow street sweep parking rules or they may have their cars ticketed and towed.

"No Parking" signs – As the sweep gets underway, City crews will post "No Parking" signs at least 24 hours before sweeping any streets. Parking will be banned from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the day a street is swept. The "No Parking" signs will be removed as soon as possible after a street has been completely swept to allow people to resume parking. Vehicles not in compliance with "No Parking" signs will be ticketed and towed to the Minneapolis Impound Lot.

Phone calls to residents – In addition to the "No Parking" signs that will be posted the day before sweepers come through, the City will make about 3,500 automated phone calls each evening to let residents know their street will be swept the next day.

Interactive Web tool – Starting a few days before the sweep begins, folks will be able to use a tool on the City's Web site to find out when the sweepers are coming through their neighborhoods.

By going to www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/streetsweep, residents can find out which week their street is scheduled to be swept. The weekend before that week, they can revisit the city to find out which of the five days of the work week that the sweeping will occur.

Minneapolis is known for its sparking lakes and waterways, and we want to keep it that way.

That's why protecting and enhancing our environment is one of the City's top priorities.

Street sweeping is one way we work to protect our environment because it keeps leaves and debris from clogging our storm drains and polluting our lakes and rivers. It also helps keep our neighborhoods clean and livable.

Tuesday, April 01, 2008

April 9th: The Northwest Hennepin County Job Fair!

On Wednesday, April 9, 2008, over 50 metro area employers will be participating in The Northwest Hennepin County Job Fair.

Each employer will have a booth where you can talk to a company representative about current job openings, and pick up information on their company.

Some companies will have you complete applications or interview for a position right at the job fair!

Workshops include:
Working Together
Achieving Success
See our ad in
Effective Recruitment Advertising...For Less!
See our ad in

For more information call:
Hennepin County Human Services Department (612) 348-8953

WE WANT TO HELP YOU FIND THE JOB THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU!

SPONSORS:
This event is jointly sponsored by Hennepin County Human Services & Public Health Department, the City of Minneapolis Employment and Training Program, the Star Tribune and The Employment News in cooperation with the following Employment Service Providers:

American Indian OIC
Center for Asian & Pacific Islanders
CLUES
East Side Neighborhood Service, Inc.
Employment Action Centers-Division of Resource, Inc.
Goodwill Easter Seals
Hennepin County W.E.R.C.
HIRED
Hmong American Partnership
Jewish Vocational Service
Lifetrack Resources
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota
Minnesota Workforce Centers-Hennepin County
Minneapolis Urban League
Pillsbury United Communities
Project for Pride In Living
Connections to Work
RISE,Inc
St.Stephen’s Human Services.

This event will also feature several Community Resource Agency exhibitors. Each resource agency booth will provide valuable information about their programs and services.

Staff will be available to answer your questions about child care, crisis counseling, employment and training, family resources, financial counseling, health care, housing, transportation and much more!

You can reach Hennepin Tech by using Metro Transit bus route 721 from Brookdale. Use route 5 from downtown to Brookdale.

The Northwest Hennepin County Job Fair
Wednesday April 9, 2008 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Hennepin Technical College North Campus
9000 Brooklyn Boulevard
Brooklyn Park, MN 55445

Create a good impression!
Wear appropriate business attire!
Bring your resume!

Companies will be hiring for careers in Accounting, Clerical, Construction, Customer Service, Health Care, Management, Manufacturing, Retail, Sales, Security and many more.

Hawthorne Huddle This Thursday!

Please join us at the Hawthorne Huddle on Thursday, April 3rd, when we will hear from a number of North Side arts leaders about the impact of their work on the community in terms of economic development, housing and academic achievement. We hope participants will leave enlightened on the possibilities of what The Arts are on the North Side and new ways to support these efforts.

The Hawthorne Huddle will be held from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. in the Multipurpose Room at Farview Park, located at 621 29th Avenue North. A continental breakfast will be available at 7:15 a.m. We hope you can attend and participate in the discussion!

A G E N D A

WELCOME by Ellen Luger
Safety update by Inspector Mike Martin, Minneapolis Police Department 4th Precinct

MAIN PROGRAM TOPICS:
HOW THE ARTS ON THE NORTH SIDE CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY

Panelists:
– Connie Beckers, Executive Director, Northside Arts Collective
– Janet Zahn, Director/Owner, Camden Music School
– Karl Reichert, Director of Capri Redevelopment, Plymouth Christian Youth Center
– Duane Atter, Jr., Managing Director, The Warren: an Artist Habitat (also representing the Workhouse Theatre)
– Kerry Casserly, Artistic Director, Lundstrum School of Performing Arts
– Deanna Cummings, Executive Director, Juxtaposition Arts
– Dudley Voigt, Arts Coordinator, PEACE Foundation

Next Meeting: May 1, 2008!

Monday, March 31, 2008

Minneapolis & Saint Paul Home Tour is April 26 & 27

Thirty-five homes in Minneapolis and 15 in St. Paul will be featured on the Minneapolis & Saint Paul Home Tour. Homes on the free, self-guided tour will be open Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, April 27, 1-5 p.m.

In this celebration of city living and “real homes, real people, real ideas,” residents open their doors to show creative and practical ideas for home additions, kitchens, bathrooms and more. Talk directly with homeowners, and in many cases, their contractors, architects, and other trades people.

To help plan your tour, Home Tour Guides with maps, descriptions of all the homes and special features are available at local libraries in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Hennepin and Ramsey counties.

Guides are also available at all the homes on tour days…decide where to start by going to the website, www.MSPHomeTour.com. On the website is a link to the Minneapolis Telecommunications Network-produced “Home Tour Preview Show” half-hour video.*

The Minneapolis & St. Paul Home Tour is coordinated by Minneapolis Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) with the Planning and Economic Development departments of Minneapolis and Saint Paul and other corporate and non-profit sponsors. For information, call 612-673-5140.

Monday, March 24, 2008

The Hawthorne Business Committee: Friday, March 28th at 8:30 AM

Help us make a difference!
Join Us At The Hawthorne Business Committee: Friday, March 28th at 8:30 AM
Johnny A’s, 200 West Broadway Avenue, Minneapolis

Hawthorne has many unique advantages and opportunities for business owners. This committee is chance to network with other businesses about exciting news and opportunities that can help you grow and succeed in our neighborhood.

It’s free and refreshments are served! We’ll be done by 9:30 AM.

Coming up this month on March 28th:

Facade Improvement! If you’ve been thinking of improving and updating your storefront, we have free funds for you! The West Broadway Business Area Coalition is having a special briefing on how we will help businesses like yours access the money and support to improve your business façade. You don’t want to miss this. Your input will make a difference!

Hawthorne Marketing Program: Julie Dappen of the acclaimed MAP For Nonprofits will speak about upcoming efforts to market businesses and economic opportunities in the Hawthorne neighborhood. This is your chance to ask how we can help you.

Hawthorne Business Survey Update: Georgianna Yantos and the Hawthorne Business Committee will provide an update on the new business survey for Hawthorne that will help us all connect and build a thriving, vibrant community together.

Juxtaposition Great Idea Exchange: The Juxtaposition arts non-profit recently requested $500 to help fund the Great Idea Exchange. We will provide you an update on the board decision and what this means for Hawthorne businesses.

You can also help us set the agenda for our next meeting on April 25th!
We hope to see you this month!

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

March Environment Committee Meeting Canceled

Due to the upcoming holiday, the March Environment Committee has been canceled this Thursday. If you are interested in knowing when it has been rescheduled, contact gyantos2004@yahoo.com

Thursday, March 13, 2008

What are you priorities for Hawthorne? Be heard!

Minneapolis City Concilperson Diane Hofstede wants to hear from you!

On Wednesday, January 30, 2008 representatives from the Third Ward Neighborhoods met to discuss our joint successes of the past two years and to determine our priorities in the coming year.

The group consensus was that each neighborhood organization would forward to the Third Ward Office a list of 2-3 priorities for each neighborhood. Please provide me with the neighborhoods priorities by Friday, March 14, 2008 .

The priorities will be discussed at our upcoming meeting, March 31, 2008. If you have any questions please e-mail me at diane.hofstede@ci.minneapolis.mn.us or call me at 612-673-2203.

Thank you for your help and speedy return of this request.

Diane Hofstede Minneapolis City Council – 3rd Ward 350 S 5th Street – Room 307 Minneapolis, MN 55415 diane.hofstede@ci.minneapolis.mn.us 612-673-2203.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Foreclosure and Low-Income Communities Forum!

Join Community Shares for their upcoming forum:

The Impact of the Mortgage Foreclosure Crisis on Low-Income Communities

With: Mike Vraa, Managing Attorney, Homeline and Greg Finzell, Executive Director, Rondo Community Land Trust

Date & Time: ·Thursday, March 27, 8 to 9:30 a.m.

Location: Dunning Recreation Center 1221 Marshall Avenue, St. Paul

Join Community Shares of Minnesota for the first in a series of community forums we are launching in our 30th anniversary year.

Drawing on the expertise of our nonprofit member organizations, the series is designed to inform and engage the broader community on pressing community issues.

This event is free and open to the public. ·

rsvp to lgilbertson@communitysharesmn.org 651 647-0440 x 201

$25 Tree For Your Yard!

Make Minneapolis (and your yard) a greener place by ordering a tree!

1,000 trees are available for just $25 each through the City Trees program

The City of Minneapolis is making 1,000 trees available to city residents for planting this spring.

Minneapolis funds the City Trees program, which is in its third year, to provide a low-cost way for folks to help build the city’s urban tree forest.

Research has proven that trees are a valuable investment and improve urban quality of life. Healthy trees increase property values, help improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gases by absorbing carbon dioxide, save energy, keep the city cooler, provide homes for wildlife and help manage storm water.

To make the City Trees program a reality, Minneapolis partners with Tree Trust, a local nonprofit that works to improve the community environment.

Ordering a tree: The trees cost $25 each, and are approximately 6-to-10 feet tall with a 1 inch trunk.

Residents can order one tree per household, and the 1,000 trees will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Residents can choose from five tree varieties, including Bicolor Oak, Fall Fiesta Sugar Maple, Pagoda Dogwood, Japanese Tree Lilac or Welchi Juniper.

Orders can be placed online between March 11 and April 11 by visiting Tree Trust at www.treetrust.org or by picking up an order form from your neighborhood group or local library.

Tree pick-up dates are May 10 and 11 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and May 12 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the former Franklin Middle School East parking lot at 1501 Aldrich Avenue N.

Volunteers will be available to help load your new tree and complimentary bag of mulch in to your vehicle.

Information will be available online and at the tree pick-up site that will explain how to plant a tree the right way, how to care for it, and the benefits it will provide.

For more information on how to order a tree, contact Tree Trust by visiting www.treetrust.org or by calling (651)644-5800.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

NRP Legislation Being Introduced

Legislation is being introduced to extend funding for the Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) through 2019.

The legislation is being sponsored by Representative Karen Clark and Senator Patricia Torres Rey who were approached by a number of neighborhoods andasked to assist in the preparation of legislation.

The proposed legislation would extend Minneapolis' pre-1979 tax increment financing (TIF) districts for 10 years (through 2019) and allocate the tax increments from these districts to the county, city, and school districts in proportion to their tax rates (thus allowing all these entities to receive revenue), with the city's share to be divided between the City and NRP.
The legislation would also preserve the operation of the NRP Policy Board.

This legislation is consistent with the resolution passed by the NRP Policy Board in December2007 supporting continuation of NRP for another 10 years at a dedicated funding amount of $12 million per year and overseen by an independent governing board.

By extending the TIF districts for another 10 years, the legislation would also make up the approximately $100 million in revenue that was lost when the 2001 legislature adopted tax law changes that greatly reduced the revenues that were originally expected for NRP.

When the legislature passed NRP in 1990, the expectation was that the program would receive $20 million each year from the TIF districts and other revenues over 20 years for a total of $400 million. Because of the 2001 tax changes, revenues to NRP have been about $300 million. This is $100 million less than the amount originally committed.

Extending the TIF districts through 2009 would complete the original commitment to residents that were made when NRP was enacted.

This is important legislation that will preserve the operation of a program that has been a model of citizen participation and neighborhood revitalization. During the 18 years that NRP has been in existence, it has invested in and improved the City's housing stock and infrastructure,leveraged over $1 billion in other private and public investments in the City, and has activated thousands of volunteers to improve neighborhoods inways unique to each neighborhood.

NRP really has been an urban success story and has been held up as a model across the country for citizen engagement and empowerment.

Investments in neighborhoods, however, still continue to be needed.

The number of mortgage foreclosures in Minneapolis is only one indicator of the need for continued attention to neighborhood revitalization. This legislation will help continue this successful program.

But we need your help to make this happen. Hawthorne has been writen, urged to write and call your state senator and representative to support this legislation and to contact your County Board representative to support the legislation. The County support of this legislation is also very important.

For additional information:
Beverly Conerton
NRP Policy Board Representative
Revitalization Neighborhoods
(612) 721-2996

Monday, March 10, 2008

4th Annual Community Garden Spring Resource Fair

The Fourth Annual Community Garden Spring Resource Fair
Saturday March 29th, 9:00am – 2:30pm
First Christian Church, 2201 First Avenue South, Minneapolis
Free Parking & $2 Suggested Donation at Door

Will Allen from Growing Power (www.growingpower.org) in Milwaukee is kicking off the Spring Resource Fair, highlighting his organization’s innovative work on bridging cultures through gardening.

Activities for the kids, workshops, and engaging educational displays during the day. Raffle prizes, music and food top off the fun!

Details and directions at www.gardenworksMN.org or call GardenWorks at 612-278-7123. Come see what community gardening resources are available for you!

Tuesday, March 04, 2008

March 8th Housing Committee Agenda

Hawthorne Neighbrhood Council Housing Committee Agenda For Wednesday March 5, 2008

I. Welcome and introductions (7:00 – 7:05)

II. Approval of February minutes and March agenda (7:05 – 7:10)

III. Staff update: Citimortgage lawsuit (7:10 – 7:15)

IV. Presentation/discussion re: 2326 Lyndale Ave N (7:15 – 8:00)

V. Presentation/discussion re: Phase III of EcoVillage (8:00 – 8:50)

VI. Agenda items for next meeting (8:50 – 8:55)

VII. Adjourn

Next Meeting:
Wednesday, April 2, 2008, 7:00 p.m. at Farview

HACC Changing Name To Hawthorne Neighborhood Council

You will be noticing some changes this year.

The Hawthorne Area Community Council has officially filed to rename itself the Hawthorne Neighborhood Council to better reflect the activities, programs and scope of services we provide to the Hawthorne neighborhood of North Minneapolis.

We will still retain the same contact information as before in terms of phone numbers, e-mail, websites and physical street address, and we will still continue to provide the community the same high level of service and commitment you’ve come to expect as we work together to meet the physical, cultural, social, and economic needs of our community as we have over the 3 decades.

As a neighborhood, Hawthorne is bounded to the north by Lowry Avenue, to the east by the Mississippi River, to the south by Broadway Avenue and to west by Emerson Avenue.

We’re 6,000+ residents strong, thanks to you, with unique strengths and many exciting opportunities!

We look forward to working with you to keep change happening!

Hawthorne Takes On Predatory Lenders!

The Hawthorne neighborhood made news recently when it sent a clear message to predatory lenders this year when it filed a ground- breaking lawsuit in January against CitiMortgage that could set an innovative precedent for other cases across the nation.

The suit would hold lenders responsible for careless loans- in this case the dispute is specifically in regards to the property at 415 31st Ave. N. which is an undisputed eyesore attracting graffiti and numerous 911 calls.

It has diminished property values for our fellow residents and many of you have told us you feel the poor conditions of the house put the overall safety of the neighborhood at risk, and it was time to hold people accountable!

While the success of this lawsuit is not guaranteed, it is part of our ongoing effort to combat predatory lending and foreclosures in the Hawthorne neighborhood and we will keep you up to date as the lawsuit progresses!

For more information contact jskrenes@hawthornecommunity.org or
call us at (612) 529-6033.

Monday, March 03, 2008

Hawthorne Newsletter Out!

The newest edition of the Hawthorne Vibe is out! If you haven't received your copy yet, write to us at bworra@hawthornecommunity.org and we'll send you a new copy right away!

North Housing & Home Improvement Fair: March 15th

This is your one-stop shop for how-to seminars, talk with contractors about home improvement and remodeling, resources for prospective home buyers, financial resources and education, resources for home improvement and maintenance, refinancing, and preventing equity stripping.

There will also be special financing offers for those living in the Hawthorne neighborhood and others!

For more information, visit www.Northhousingfair.com or contact Debbie at (612) 588-1155.

This event has been brought to you by the Center for Energy and Environment, Minneapolis Public Schools Community Education, Otogawa-Anschel, Minneapolis City of Lakes, Orfield Construction, Northway Community Trust, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, NRP and Wells Fargo!

Be sure to visit the Hawthorne Neighborhood Council as well!

Hawthorne Huddle This Thursday!

HAWTHORNE HUDDLE THIS THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2008

Please join us at the Hawthorne Huddle on Thursday, March 6, when Mayor R. T. Rybak will present the Blueprint for Action: Preventing Youth Violence in Minneapolis, the goal of which is to significantly reduce and prevent youth violence in our city.

The Youth Violence Prevention Steering Committee created the Blueprint after much research into best practices as well as discussions with Minneapolis youth, consultations with national experts and others to understand the complex issues facing the youth in our community.

Please join us to learn how you can become involved in this effort to help direct youth in a more positive direction.

The Hawthorne Huddle will be held from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. in the Multipurpose Room at Farview Park, located at 621 29th Avenue North. A continental breakfast will be available at 7:15 a.m. We hope you can attend and participate in this important discussion!

A G E N D A

*WELCOME Ellen Luger
*Safety update Representative of MPD 4th Precinct

MAIN PROGRAM TOPICS: BLUEPRINT FOR ACTION: PREVENTING YOUTH VIOLENCE IN MINNEAPOLIS
Panelists:
* The Honorable R. T. Rybak, Mayor, City of Minneapolis
* Larry Burgess, Director, Student Support Services, Minneapolis Public Schools
* Mary LaGuard, Vice President, Little Earth of United Tribes Community (invited)

Monday, February 25, 2008

Hawthorne Business Committee Meeting: Feb. 28th!

The Hawthorne Business Committee is meeting this Friday at 8:30 AM at Johnny A's at 200 W. Broadway! Among the topics on this month's agenda:

-Step-Up Achieve! Update
-Facade Improvement Program Update
-Marketing Discussion & update
-Juxtaposition Railroad Bridge Update
-Johnny A’s Support update
-Hawthorne Business Directory update

We hope to see you there!

Tuesday, February 05, 2008

Looking For Your Caucus Today?

You can visit http://caucusfinder.sos.state.mn.us
to determine the location of your precinct!

Hawthorne Huddle Agenda for February 7!

Please join us at the Hawthorne Huddle on Thursday, February 7, when we will hear from local organizations about programs and services they provide to families and children in the North Minneapolis community. Representatives from the YWCA, YMCA, the Center for Families and its partners, and the African-American Child Wellness Institute will highlight not only their current programs but also future programs being planned for the Minneapolis community.

The Hawthorne Huddle will be held from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. in the Multipurpose Room at Farview Park, located at 621 29th Avenue North. A continental breakfast will be available at 7:15 a.m. We hope you can attend and participate in the discussion.

A G E N D A

WELCOME Ellen Luger
Safety update Representative of MPD 4th Precinct

MAIN PROGRAM TOPICS: ORGANIZATIONS OFFERING SERVICES TO FAMILIES AND CHILDREN OF NORTH MINNEAPOLIS

Panelists:
– Henry Crosby Interim Executive Director, North Community YMCA and Financial Development Specialist
– Dr. BraVada Akinsanya Executive Director, African-American Child Wellness Institute
– Sara Nelson-Pallmeyer Director, Center for Families
– Patsy Bartley President, Neighborhood Involvement Program (NIP)
– Alex Leonard Youth Program Coordinator at Henry High School, NIP
– Michelle Coffee Youth Employment Counselor, Goodwill Easter Seals
– Gwen Wilson Director, Girls and Youth Programs and President, Minneapolis Girls, Inc., YWCA Minneapolis

Next Meeting: March 6, 2008