Como Tidbits

2018 Como Cookout 
On Saturday, September 15th, we hosted another successful Como Cookout. Thanks to all the volunteers and supporters who contributed their time and skills to this event. We couldn't have done it without you.
 
We'd also like to extend a thank you to all who stopped by and took part in the festivities. All of you are what makes this community so great!

Traffic diverter garden design meeting — Wednesday, 9/19

What would you like the redesigned diverter garden to look like?

Metro Blooms’ Landscape Designer Douglas Owens-Pike will present three design options for our feedback at Van Cleve Park on Wednesday, September 19, at 7 p.m. This is your opportunity to influence the pilot project to redesign the diagonal Traffic Diverter at 15th and Talmage Avenues SE. Owens-Pike will use our feedback to create a final design to present at SECIA’s Annual Meeting.
 
Background
The Traffic Diverter at 15th and Talmage Avenues SE is in bad condition. The broken fence is obscured by weed trees,  a yew tree and a Scots pine that leans inward and could fall. The groundcover is mostly weeds including thistle and burdock with some vinca, day lily and goldenrod. This diagonal traffic diverter was built with a high berm so there is a lot of stormwater runoff.
 
Why a diverter rain garden? 
A rain garden would stop runoff into our water system by filtering out pollutants while watering the plants. Hardy Minnesota native plants will be chosen that can withstand flooding or drought once established. Would you rather have a flower garden or a tree surrounded by foliage?
 
Why height restrictions? 
Safety first! Minneapolis limits boulevard plants to 36" high and 18" high at corners so that small children crossing the street can be seen by drivers and so that people can’t hide behind shrubs. Trees’ lower branches should be trimmed above seven feet.
 
How will we keep cars off diverters? 
Reflective bollards along the outer edges of the diverter or guide rails painted with reflective paint would provide a barrier and ensure that drivers can see the diverters at night. What do you think? Guide rails or bollards? Bumpers or posts?

Come provide your feedback Wednesday, September 19, at 7 p.m. at Van Cleve Park.

New design proposal for Van Cleve Park 
What will Van Cleve Park look like in 2020? Come view the proposal and give feedback on Monday, September 24, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Van Cleve Park Rec Center.

 
Check out a draft of the new Minneapolis Parks Community Engagement Policy
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is updating its Community Engagement Policy and would like to hear from you!
  
MPRB staff spent months reflecting on experiences, having conversations with park users, researching best practices around the nation and learning from local and national thought leaders and community stakeholders to develop a draft update to the MPRB Community Engagement Policy.
 
The policy guides MPRB’s community engagement processes and practices, and public input will continue to shape how the MPRB uses feedback from the public to influence park projects, programming and care. Please view a draft of the new Community Engagement Policy.
 
After reviewing the draft, please take a few minutes to fill out the online survey. Responses will be accepted until Saturday, December 1.
 

Fall 55+ October classes offered at Van Cleve Park
Gemstones — Thursday, October 4, 10 to 11 a.m.
Learn about colored gemstones from all around the world, including how they form, how they are used in jewelry and what to look for when buying gems. Join guest speaker, Lyall Schwarzkopf, for this fascinating  presentation co-sponsored by Pratt Community Education and Van Cleve Park Seniors. 
 
 $2 donation at the door, refreshments will be served.  
 
Curbs, Floors and Chairs: The Key to Independence — Wednesday, October 10, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
All movement and activity, whether it’s sports or daily movements from getting off the floor or rising from low couches, require good balance, joint mobility and coordination. As we get older, we find that we need to focus more attention on improving our balance and coordination. Fitness specialist Mia Bremer will talk about and demonstrate ways to stay active, balanced and mobile. Co-sponsored by Pratt Community Education and Southeast Seniors.
 
 $2 donation at the door; refreshments will be served. 
 
To learn more information or register, call 612-668-1100 or register online.  

Pratt Community Education fall classes 
The fall session of Pratt Community Education classes will begin October 1. Some of the most popular dance, music, fitness, home and creative arts classes will continue to be offered Monday through Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings. 
 
New fall classes include: 

• Three Chords, Infinite Songs
• Italian 1 & 2
• Japan 1941: Myths about the Origins of WWII
• Knit and Chat
• Knitting Mittens
• Uke and More Saturday Jam
• Somali Poetry and Poets
• The Key to Independence: Curbs, Floors and Chairs
• Walk the Camino
• Introduction to Ride Sharing Apps on Your Phone

Most classes are held at Pratt School, 66 Malcolm Ave. SE. Some of the day time classes are held at nearby Van Cleve Park and Prospect Park United Methodist church. 
 
Come join the community of lifelong learners at Pratt Community Education.. For more information or to register for classes call Pratt Community Education at 612-668-1100 or visit their website. 


Talmage Crossing Prairie Garden
While one kind of Liatris is done for the season, another blooms. Obedient Plant and Turtlehead are also blooming! Join fellow Como gardeners on Saturday, September 29, from 10 to 12 p.m. to help with weeding and clearing paths. As usual, tools, gloves and snacks will be provided.
 
Please remember to observe train safety and only cross the tracks at the safety crossing.

Volunteers needed!
Volunteers are needed for the upcoming Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser at Webster Elementary School. Please contact friendsofwebstermpls@gmail.com if interested. 
 
This event is open to the public to attend. Tickets can be purchased online. 
 

Second Precinct Advisory Council Report
Since 1966, NUWAY, a nonprofit organization, has provided community based extended-care for people in recovery from substance use and mental health disorders. 3R’s (Recognition, Rehabilitation, Recovery) NUWAY Counseling Center is now open at 1404 Central Ave NE.  NUWAY has two other outpatient facilities: one in South Minneapolis and one in St. Paul.  Additionally, there are two residential treatment centers located in South Minneapolis.
 
Our presenters were Monique Bourgeois (Chief Community Relations Officer), Jason Cintorino (3R’s Program Director) and Jake Lewis (Community Relations Manager) 
 
To receive treatment from NUWAY, a person must have a substance use disorder.  Many clients also have a co-occurring mental health disorder, but that is not required for admission to the program. NUWAY offers two treatment models: Outpatient and Inpatient.  Both models draw on clinical care and community resources to support clients' path to good health.
 
For more detailed information about this program, including contact information, visit their website.
 
Coming in October: 911 calls and emergency response
Our speaker will outline what happens when we call and explain how the system works.
 
  -  Emilie Quast, Board Member
     MPD 2nd Precinct
 
For a complete version of the September meeting notes, please contact Emilie Quast at e-quas@umn.edu.


Community Education event