Share Your Input!

Summer 2023 Outdoor Improvement Projects

Tot track or advanced skills loop at the new bike park playground? Add monkey bars or swings at the playground?

This summer, our co-op is investing in outdoor amenities; your survey responses helped determine which projects are underway -- such as adding a bike park playground -- and, now, voice what features you want in these projects!

Attend the Open House Event:

• Tonight! Thursday, January 19 (5:30-7:30 pm)

Discuss, deliberate, and decide the plans to enhance our final projects, to be built and enjoyed this summer, by attending our upcoming open house event.

Keystone Foodmobile Event Updates

Receive a variety of fresh produce, meat and dairy products, household items, and canned goods for free. Please bring your own reusable bags to the mobile food shelf if you can.

Upcoming Schedule

Occurs monthly on the second Thursday from 12:00-2:00 PM (or until supplies last). However, with the holidays and academic calendar, the next couple months vary from the standard schedule:

• Thursday, Jan 26

• Friday, Feb 24

• Thursday, March 23

• Thursday, April 13

Location Update

A. Fifield Ave: Distribution on Fifield Ave (A) if adequate parking spaces are available.

B. North Lot Back-up: If parking isn't available on Fifield Ave (A), then distribution will occur in the north lot (B).

Holiday Tree Removal

Set out by Friday, Jan. 20

Place all holiday trees at garbage sites now through January 20, and UMN Landcare will remove them. Please avoid blocking the dumpsters or sidewalks.

Cops & Coffee Event

Tuesday, Jan. 24 | 7 am-8 am

Join UMPD Officers for free coffee, donuts, conversation -- plus receive a CATGUARD label, for catalytic converter theft prevention -- on Jan. 24 at 7-8 am.

Donation Drive

Thursday, Jan. 26 | 9 am-12 pm

Support the on-going need of our greater community by bringing food and hygienic supplies to our donation collection on January 26; drop off between 9 am-12 pm.

Ready-to-Heat Meals

Thursdays | 12 pm-1 pm

Take-and-bake meals available weekly on Thursdays from 12-1 pm in CTC’s Community Center. Meals are available for anyone interested (while supplies last).

Intro to American Culture Events

Next Event: Friday, Jan. 27 | 6:30 pm

Hosted by the Visiting Scholars Ministry, practice English in the context of learning and discussing American culture in small groups, on select Fridays from 6:30-8 pm in the Community Center Upstairs. Dinner provided and all ages welcome. RSVP for the Jan. 27 event now.

Sewing Workshops

Wednesdays | 10 am-12 pm

In an equipped workshop, learn basic techniques, work on projects of your choice or consider ideas suggested by the instructor - or repair/mend items you already own! First session on Wednesday, Feb. 1 at 10 am-12 pm.

New: No fee ($0) to participate!

RSVP: Email the instructor to attend any or all sessions (it help with prep + supplies!)

Social Hour w/Board

Second Thursdays | 5:30 pm

Meet, socialize, and discuss with your board of directors during our new, monthly, open, community social hour! Next virtual (Zoom) event on Feb 9, 5:30-6:30 pm.

Mandatory: Fire Extinguisher Exchange

February 22-23, 2023 | 8 am-5 pm

All households must bring their fire extinguisher to the Community Center Garages on Feb. 22 or 23 between 8:00 am - 5:00 pm to receive a new one. Nonparticipants will incur a fee, with maintenance replacing the extinguisher for you.

Member-Required: Annual Meeting

Thursday, March 23 | 6:30-7:30 pm

Save the Date: Join CTC's Board of Directors for our Annual Member Meeting, hosted virtually on March 23, to recap on the fiscal year. More details coming soon!

Apply to CTC’s Board

Four Open Seats for 2023-2025

Joining CTC's Board is a remarkable opportunity to serve and enhance your community through your interests and skills, all the while gaining firsthand experience! No experience necessary, just the aspiration to make a positive difference in your community! Apply by March 13.

Extended Travel/Absence Checklist

Remember to do the following year-round before you plan to leave your home for 5 or more days at a time!

• Notify CTC Office: Let the office know your anticipated dates as soon as possible, so we can turn off your gas for that time and handle any emergencies that may arise.

• Inform Ward Rep: Inform the representative of your ward to avoid scheduling conflicts with laundry room cleaning.

• Secure Plan for Vehicle: Snow can come fast and unexpectedly. Give your car keys to a friend so they can move it for any snow emergency plow days. You can also buy a Seasonal Paid Parking permit for $35/month (prorated) in which your car can park in a designated lot so you don’t have to worry about any snow related surprises.

• Make Shoveling Arrangements: All residents have 48 hours after final snowfall to complete their household shoveling requirement. Arrange for someone to shovel for you while you are on vacation to avoid incurring fees.

• Hold Mail: Remember to hold mail at the post office or give a friend your mailbox key to check and remove contents at least once a week. If you hold your mail at the post office, you have the option of having the accumulated mail delivered to you when you return or to pick it up at the post office.

• Pay Rent: Remember before you leave if traveling/absent at the beginning of the month, otherwise you can pay online via RentCafe anytime, anywhere!

Winter Responsibilities + Resources

Review your seasonal co-op duties in our Winter Newsletter 2022-23, including the following topics and more. We'll make it through, together!

• Household Shoveling*

• Snow Emergencies* + Seasonal Paid Parking Lot

• Parking Reminders

• UMN Landcare Requests + Snow Removal Noise

• Salt + Sand Barrels

• Extended Travel/Absence (5+ days) Checklist*

• Apartment Heating + Humidity*

• Mailboxes Freezing Shut

• Fall Preparation Tasks*

• Fire Extinguisher Exchange* on February 22-23, 2023

*Community Requirement

Pay Online for Free

New: Zero ACH Transaction Fee

No fee to send online payments from your bank’s checking account via your RentCafe. Paying on RentCafe is secure and convenient:

• View your balance/ledger

• Submit partial or full payments —anytime, anywhere!

• Set-up monthly automatic payments to help avoid missed or late payments

Annual Inspections

Required for all Households

Starting in September through winter, CTC maintenance conducts the University's required yearly check-ups to ensure the quality of your home's infrastructure and appliances. You will receive an email prior with the exact day your unit will be inspected between the unspecified hours of 8:30 am – 3:00 pm. You do not need to be home during the inspection.

Contact CTC’s Board

We want to hear from you!

Your feedback and ideas to CTC’s Board are a great contribution to building a better community. Feel free to reach any Board Member — send an email to board@umnctc.org, or join us during the Community Voices at the Board meetings!