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To request this information in another language or format, please contact secomo@secomo.org.
Para solicitar esta información en otro idioma o en un formato diferente, por favor contacta secomo@secomo.org.
Xav thov nug nplooj ntawv no rau lwm hom lus los yog daim ntawv, thov hu rau secomo@secomo.org.
Si aad u codsato foomkan oo qaab ama luqad kale ah, fadlan la xiriir secomo@secomo.org.
E-comotion and Happenings releases will be switching to bi-weekly for the winter season! That means we'll be sending out slightly larger emails less often, but we'll also be able to keep each email fresh with new and relevant info!
Please contact e-comotion@secomo.org if you'd like to contribute something to the newsletter, or for any questions or suggestions!
(List of all upcoming events listed on the left sidebar.)
Black History Month in Minneapolis!
Upcoming Events Hosted by the City:
2023 History Makers at Home award ceremony: The Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights is honoring several community leaders as part of the History Makers at Home program – a profile series featuring inspirational leaders in a wide range of fields.
Rock Your Crown Past Present and Creative:
- Mindfulness meditation 9-9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21.
- Mindfulness meditation 9-9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28.
SECIA Community Project Night
Tues. February 20th 6:30-8:30pm HYBRID via Zoom
and @ NE College Prep Lower Conference Room
301 NE Industrial Blvd
– Help Needed –
Good Neighbor Fund Grants
SECIA needs YOUR help to develop Good Neighbor Fund grant-funded programs for the SE Como neighborhood community!
The overall purpose of the GNF grants is to enhance and protect the beauty, serenity, and security of the communities around the University of Minnesota (Mpls & St. Paul). All grant applications from our community must be sent by SECIA,
They are due at 5 pm on March 30 and must be reviewed and endorsed by SECIA before being sent in for consideration. SECIA will act as the fiscal agent for any GNF grants submitted through SECIA. For more information, see https://government-relations.umn.edu/good-neighbor-fund or talk to board president DeWayne Townsend or kathy@secomo.org
Art in the Gardens Grant
This grant is meant to encourage people to come to our various community gardens and take a good look – and document what might inspire them about our beautiful neighborhood garden green spaces! This is a 2022 awarded GNF grant that will be completed over the 2023 summer months as our gardens are growing and changing.
We are still looking for two more artists to lead two sessions each. Note that there is a stipend of $50 for each session taught. Hoping for one junior or senior art student and one artist from CW Lofts. Contact kathy@secomo.org if you want more information or are interested.
Art Fair in the Park Grant
This is also a GNF grant that was awarded in Sept of 2022. It will be held on Saturday, July 15, at Van Cleve Park. There will be four major areas of the Fair:
- Arts and Crafts outdoor sales (for vendors, along with small art and craft projects and classes)
- Music and Dance (with diverse artists that make you want to move)
- Prose and Poetry (with book sales and a live mic for readings)
- An Art Show for students and non-professionals (to be held in the gym, with small prizes)
We'll need subcommittees of 3 to 4 people for each area and eventually lots of both volunteers for the art fair and participants in the art fair. Will have more information as planning continues. Again, contact kathy@secomo.org if you want to help.
Land Use Committee
Join our next meeting on Weds. February 22nd
7:00-8:30pm via Zoom
All are welcome to join and partake in the discussion!
Environment Committee
Join our next meeting on Tues. February 28th
6:00-7:30pm via Zoom
We are expecting focus on the Talmage Triangle project and our part of the U’s Environmental Justice Community Building summit program that will be happening on April 29 (place TBD). All are welcome to join and partake in the discussion!
Future of Tuttle Ad Hoc Committee
Latest Updates:
In 2021, MPS updated their process for divesting surplus property. One good thing about that is that the process requires proof of community support for proposed reuse of the property. [See]. In May 2022, MPS put Tuttle and two other properties on their Surplus Property list where they are now available for sale or lease. To see that list, along with the MPS requirements and priorities, [See].
Meanwhile, SECIA formed an Ad Hoc committee to study and interact with MPS regarding the future of Tuttle. In 2021, we surveyed the neighborhood to determine what you all wanted. We have presented that information to MPS and are ready to present it to potential developers. What we are working on now is trying to locate reputable developers with proven experience redeveloping old structurally sound buildings into livable useable structures; who have experience funding, developing, and managing affordable housing; and who are willing to listen to us about community wants and needs.
This fall MPS selected a real estate broker to handle the sale or lease of all three surplus properties. The broker is Commercial Equities Group (CEG). Their Tuttle page went live on their website shortly after Christmas at www.CEGspaces.com/properties. They expect it to be a fairly long process because a developer first needs to assess the building and properties and then develop a plan that meets MPS criteria, along with proof of adequate funding. As you will see if you study the CEG brochure, they cannot propose a school or day care facility. They also need to prove they have community support. We will continue to assess potential developers and stay in contact with CEG and MPS.
There are potential buyers stepping up and some have toured the building. Meanwhile, CEG is having the property assessed to determine the value of the property. Right now the price is listed as negotiable. Expect that to change. Tours are currently suspended until the results of the assessment are available.
If you have questions or want to get involved with the Future of Tuttle Ad Hoc Committee, in the next stages of this project, please contact kathy@secomo.org.
Superfund Site Neighborhood areas:
Keep An Eye Out For EPA Mailers this February
+ Upcoming March Visit in SE COMO.
The EPA has announced an upcoming in-person site visit to do a week of in-person interviews, Q & A, resource connection, etc. to any and all interested community members living within either of the General Mills or SE Hennepin Superfund sites.
A mailing will be forthcoming in February, but they will be at the Arvonne Fraser Library the entire week of Mar 27-31 to be available to meet with folks in 1:1 meetings, to learn more about:
- Who lives here / who's impacted by the TCE pollution in the Superfund site neighborhood areas?
- What info do people need; what concerns do people have, what resources do people need to be connected with to address these, if these go beyond the scope of EPA's immediate knowledge?
- What is the best way to connect and communicate to people, with this info/resources?
Using all the info they gather at this weeklong session of 1:1 meetings, they will derive their community action plan for the Superfund sites and impacted neighborhoods/community members.
Be sure to keep an eye out for mail from the EPA this month with more information about the upcoming meeting times in March.
Volunteers Needed to Help Eastside Meals on Wheels
Can you help Eastside Meals on Wheels deliver? The labor crisis has led to a declining volunteer workforce. How much of a decline? Over one third of Area Agencies on Aging have lost at least 50% of their volunteers since 2019! Relying on volunteers helps us serve older adults low- to no-cost meals and helps them remain in their own homes longer.
SE Como Home Improvement Loan Program
Start the year with home improvements
Have you been putting off making home improvements? The start of the new year is the perfect time to stop waiting and start making them happen! And you don’t have to take on these projects alone. The Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) and the City of Minneapolis can help with easy financing programs designed specifically for Minneapolis residents.
As Minnesotans, we all know that winter is far from over. The CEE and Minneapolis can help you make home improvements to stay warm on those below zero days. From insulating your attic to new windows to a fresh coat of paint, whatever your home improvement needs might be, CEE and Minneapolis can help with their variety of home improvement and energy loans.
Various home loans are available in partnership with SE Como/Minneapolis, the Center for Energy and Environment, and Equal Opportunity Housing to help you finance the home improvements you need to stay warm this season.
SECIA STAFFING UPDATES
SECIA finished the hiring process for our new Executive Director on February 10th. We're excited to introduce them to the neighborhood as soon as they start, and are excited to have them at the helm of our efforts to continue building our strong SE Como Community!
Partnership Engagement Fund
Now Open for Applicants!
The City's Partnership Engagement Fund is now open for applications. Community-based organizations (like SECIA), groups and individuals can apply for funding for small-scale, meaningful projects to make Minneapolis communities more socially connected, healthy and safe.
In 2023, a total of $1 million is available through small grants of up to $20,000 or up to $50,000 depending on the organization’s budget size. Applicants must work with one of the City’s 70 neighborhood organizations, such as SECIA in our SE Como neighborhood, for their project engaging underrepresented residents in Minneapolis.
Previous community projects have included youth mentorships, public events, garden infrastructure, civic leadership development, entrepreneurship training, addressing health disparities, employment support, youth peace building, corridor development, resources for unsheltered neighbors, community building, youth media and storytelling, arts programming and place-making.
Please take a look at the City's Partnership Engagement Fund website for more information, and if you'd like to work with SECIA on any proposals contact us at dewayne@secomo.org!
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
looking for volunteer Youth Mentors
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Mentor Program connects youth ages 10-14 to a positive adult role model to support and encourage shared opportunity for learning and growth. We're looking for adults passionate about impacting the lives of Minneapolis youth! Here's how it works:
• You're paired up with a person living in Minneapolis age 10-14
• MPRB provides professional training, orientation and ongoing support
• Mentor activities may include simply checking in or going to planned events/activities in the parks or community
• Professional park staff can suggest activities at the park or potential events and activities offered through partner organizations when opportunities arise
• Have FUN, achieve personal growth, and help shape future leaders
This program requires a minimum 1-year-long commitment, 4-6 hours per month. It's a great chance for someone interested in an impactful, meaningful, long-term volunteer opportunity working with Minneapolis youth in need of positive adult role models.
Resources for free and affordable food
In need of food? Or are you looking for ways to support hunger relief in your community? Check out the Minneapolis food security resources on the City website. You can find locations, hours, contact information, and volunteer/donation needs of local food shelves and food distributions.
To see food shelves by location, explore our map.
Save the date: 2023 Community Connections Conference
scheduled for June 10
The Community Connections Conference is planned for 8am to 3pm on Saturday, June 10. This yearly event brings together residents of Minneapolis, community groups, neighborhood groups and local government.
The conference will be held in the Minneapolis Convention Center, lower level, Hall A.
Last year's conference featured dance, music, kids’ activities, food, community conversations about interesting topics, and more than 100 exhibits. Details about the 2023 conference are coming soon.
Find more information as it develops on the City website.
Consider donating to SECIA,
When you give to your neighborhood,
your neighborhood gives back to you!
Donations of any size make a huge difference in our ability to serve the neighborhood community. With City budget cuts to neighborhood organizations across the board likely to have a large impact on our funding, individual contributions from neighbors like you are especially important!
Events and projects like these are only
possible with help from people like you:
Click here to visit our GIVE MN page if you'd like to make a donation :)
Click here Complete our Neighborhood Survey!
We need your help in our ongoing efforts to better serve the whole of our SE Como community, especially including our historically underrepresented communities. SECIA wants to learn about your experience living and/or working in SE Como! We will use this information gathered in this survey to learn how to best align SECIA’s work with the priorities of our SE Como community..
SECIA continues to monitor and follow updated CDC and MN Dept. of Health COVID safety guidance. Large SECIA meetings continue to be held virtually at this time. In-person events are primarily held outdoors, and safe distancing and sanitizing/hygiene practices will be followed.
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