The following is SNG’s March newsletter, unedited and as received via email.

SNG NEWSLETTER, MARCH 16, 2008

I. SNG Calendar of Events, March 16 to March 31 – SNG Environment Committee, Mar. 17 – SNG Community Development Committee, Mar. 18 – SNG Board of Directors, Mar. 26

II. SNG Longer Term Calendar, Mar. 31+ – Seward Garage Sale Days, May 16 and May 17 – SNG Crime and Safety Committee, April 12

III. News and Items of Interest – Franklin Avenue Tagline Needed – GardenWorks 4th Annual Community Garden Spring Resource Fair, Mar. 29 – Rental Property Owners Workshop, April 10 – Earth Day Cleanup and Recycle Run, April 19 and April 20 – Links to Online Minneapolis Crime Information

- Low Cost Compost Bins Available – Hosmer Library Concert Series (World Music), free, Mar. 22, and 29 – Arbor Day on the Midtown Greenway Saturday, April 26th – Protect Your Property From Graffiti – The Seward Concert Band’s Holiday Concert, Mar. 27

- Lead Abatement Grants available – Closing Reception, Art Exhibition: “Inspiring Negatives”, Mar. 22 – Living Green Expo 2008, May 3-4 – A Renewable Energy Solution to Global Warming, Seminar, Mar. 27 – Summer jobs
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I. SNG Calendar of Events, March 1 to March 15
SNG Environment Committee, Mar. 17

There will be a 40-45 minute presentation by Matt Bye, who has recently been appointed City Energy Manager in the Department of Public Works. He’s been asked to explain: what he will be looking at to map the carbon footprint of Minneapolis; what strategies he will be pursuing to reduce this footprint for city facilities and operations; what regulations and legislation might be desirable to facilitate this; and what city practices (e.g. zoning, permitting, traffic light timing, funding, taxing/bonding facilitation, and resident assistance programs) may need to be changed to encourage and assist households and businesses become more conserving and energy efficient, as well as more able to use renewable technology. Please come with questions and suggestions for him. Mark Sulander may attend to explain what is happening with the Midtown EcoEnergy burner as well as the proposed Rock Tenn burner in St. Paul.
SNG Community Development Committee, Mar. 18
Matthews Park, 7 p.m.

The Committee will meet to discuss a variance to the I-2 classification of property owned by AA Equipment at 2212 Minnehaha Avenue. The company seeks a variance to store vehicles and equipment on its lot because the I-2 classification does not allow exterior parking/storage. If granted, the company would need to pave and screen the site. Company seeks community support.

Funds are being made available for improvements such as traffic calming, to make streets safer for pedestrians and bicycles. There were discussions during the Midtown Greenway Land Use Planning effort of several years ago to make 29th Avenue safer and a similar treatment has been recently proposed for East 24th Street, a major bicycle commuting route in the community. The proposals would establish a prioritization (in terms of stop signs/signals) for travel on these streets. The streets would continue be used for auto traffic but speeds would be slower. Discussion, motion to support and move item to SNG Board of Directors.

SNG Board of Directors, Mar. 26
Seward Tower East, 30th and Franklin Avenues at 7 p.m.. All residents and those who work or own property within Seward are invited to attend.

Please enter the building from the parking lot on the north side of the building. Just inside the airlock, turn left and follow the long corridor to the office. Take the stairs or elevator to the second floor meeting room.

II. SNG Longer Term Calendar, Mar. 31+

Seward Garage Sales Days, May 16 and May 17
Seward Garage Sales Days have been set for May 16 (Friday) and May 17 (Saturday).

The registration fee is once again $12, which covers SNG’s costs to advertise and gets your house on the official garage sale map passed out to buyers. For the first time this year, you’ll be able to register electronically and pay the fee through SNG’s on-line donation system. Registration forms will also be available at the SNG office. Registration starts the beginning of next month. If you have questions, contact SNG at admin@sng.org or 612-338-6205 extension 119.

SNG Crime and Safety Committee, April 12
Matthews Park

Guest speaker Paul McDonald will give a presentation about child safety and child protection issues, and will provide contacts and a resource list.

III. Other News and Items of Interest

Franklin Avenue Tagline Needed
SNG and Redesign are gearing up for Franklin Avenue planning this spring and we’re thinking that Franklin needs a tagline or moniker similar to Nicollet’s ‘Eat Street’. If you can think of a memorable phrase, slogan or catchword to establish an identity for Franklin, please post it to this site. We’d like to use the tagline in our advertising to raise awareness of the process and perhaps, use it into the future to promote the Avenue.

A tagline would read something like: ‘Franklin Avenue, Seward’s High Street” or “Franklin Avenue, close to everything”. You can do better than these though. There’s not a prize for the best tagline other than public recognition, but give it a try -it should be fun. Please forward your ideas to Katya Pilling at katya@sewardredesign.org or Bernie at bernie@sng.org. Thank you for your ideas!
GardenWorks 4th Annual Community Garden Spring Resource Fair, Mar. 29
9:00am – 2:30pm
First Christian Church, 2201 First Avenue South, Minneapolis

Will Allen from Growing Power 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.

Rental Property Owners Workshop, April 10
5 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Registration at 4:30 p.m.)
St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church 3450 Irving Ave. S. Minneapolis

Community Crime Prevention/SAFE of the Minneapolis Police Department and Minneapolis Housing Inspections are providing this workshop. Attending the workshop provides owners and managers with valuable information, resources and opportunities to network with other property owners. Workshop topics:

• The ABCs of property management • Working with the Minneapolis Police Department • Working with Housing Inspections • Tenant behavior issues • The risk of lead poisoning • Hennepin County Housing Court / mediation • Networking opportunities

Registration Form can be found online at: http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/police/outreach/docs/RPOW.pdf

Cost: $20.00 — checks payable to City of Minneapolis (Includes cost of workshop, materials, DVD on Hennepin County Housing Court, and box meal.)

Pre-registration is required. RSVP by Thursday, April 3, 2008. (registration limited to 100 participants). REGISTRATION AFTER APRIL 3 WILL COST $30.
Earth Day Cleanup and Recycle Run, April 19 and April 20
The 14th Annual Earth Day Watershed Cleanup on April 19, and the inaugural Recycle Run on April 20, will celebrate Earth Day 2008.

EARTH DAY, APRIL 19

The Earth Day Watershed Cleanup will be held from 9:30 a.m.-noon on Saturday, April 19, at 36 cleanup sites located throughout Minneapolis. Volunteers can come to any of the cleanup sites but are asked to check-in at the site’s check-in table before starting work.

Seward’s check-in site will be at 24th Street and West River Parkway and the major area of concern will be along the river, both on the street level and along the riverbank. If there are a lot of volunteers, they’ll be directed towards the Seward/Longfellow section of the Midtown Greenway.

Earth Day provides both volunteer experiences and environmental education for Minneapolis residents. The cleanup draws attention to the water quality improvement needs of our lakes and the effect individual actions have had on urban water quality.

In 2007 over 2,000 people removed more than 17,000 pounds of garbage at 25 cleanup locations around Minneapolis. The event was ranked one of the best Earth Day cleanup events in the country by the Earth Day Network.

For more information about the event or if you are interested in helping coordinate the 2008 cleanup, call 612-230-6484 or visit www.minneapolisearthday.com.

RECYCLE RUN, APRIL 20

The Recycle Run around Lake Harriet on Sunday, April 20, features a 5K Walk/Run and a Kids’ Half-Mile Run. Proceeds from the Recycle Run will benefit future Minneapolis Earth Day Watershed Cleanup efforts.

Fees for the Kids’ Run are $10 pre-registered and $15 on race day. Fees for the 5K are $25 pre-registered and $30 on race day. Race day registration is from 7:45-8:45 a.m. at the Lake Harriet Bandshell or register online at: www.minneapolisrecyclerun.com.

The Kids’ Run begins at 8:45 a.m. followed by the 5K at 9 a.m. Both races begin at the Lake Harriet Bandshell, 4135 Lake Harriet Parkway. The first 500 pre-registered participants will receive a free ticket to a Minnesota Twins game. All pre-registered participants are guaranteed a Performance T-shirt and water bottle.

Links to Online Minneapolis Crime Information
For citywide crime stats and MAPS link to: http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/police/crime-statistics/codefor/

For your first contact regarding crime issues in your area link to: http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/police/outreach/docs/safe-staff-map.pdf

For a broad assortment of crime prevention tips: http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/police/crime-prevention/

Subscribe to Crime Alerts from the MPD: http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/police/crimealert/signup.asp

Though not necessarily related to crime, the following web links are also useful.

The Minneapolis Public Works Department is responsible for many services such as garbage collection, household hazardous waste, transfer station vouchers, recycling, street lighting, sidewalk inspections, traffic, parking, disability parking, utility billing, etc.. Issues and complaints can also be reported at this site. Go to: http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/public-works/

To file an Animal Control Online Complaint, go to:
http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/contact/email-form-animalcomplaint.asp

To file a report about a neighborhood building or housing code violation, go to:
http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/contact/email-form-codeviol.asp

To report graffiti via an online report, go to:
http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/contact/email-form-graffiti.asp

Low Cost Compost Bins Available
Robin Garwood reports that Hennepin County is again offering low-cost covered compost bins and recommends them forfood composting. Food should be mixed with dry leaves for best results.

The bins cost $35 and must be pre-ordered by April 1. (One to a household). They can be picked up at the Re-Use Center , The Reuse Center 2801 21st Ave.S., Minneapolis 612-724-2608 Apr 19-22, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (later on some days). Phone them for more specific times.

For more information go to: http://www.co.hennepin.mn.us/portal/site/HCInternet/menuitem.3f94db53874f9b

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Hosmer Library Concert Series (World Music)
The Hosmer Music Series is a world music performance series hosted at both the Hosmer Community Library, (347 E. 36th St.) and the Minneapolis Central Library, (Pohlad Hall, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis)on Saturdays throughout the year.

Persian New Year’s Concert. Featuring Dan Rein, KFAI Radio host and accomplished player of the Setar and Dutar, performing classical Iranian, Sufi Mystic and Kurds folk music. Iranian coffee and Iranian sweets will be served after the performance.
Held at Hosmer Community Library, Mar. 22, 2 PM – 3:30 PM

Traditional Hungarian, Transylvanian, and Gypsy Music Concert.
Featuring Szaszka, a performance of a group who play violin, flute, drums, and the Kobsa (Rumanian lute), performing traditional Hungarian music and dance. Held at the Central Library, 300 Nicollet Mall, Mar. 29, 2 – 3:30 PM

This performance series is sponsored by The Friends of Minneapolis Public Library, the Lyndale Neighborhood Association, and KFAI Fresh Air Radio 90.3 FM. Concerts are free and open to the public. CD sales available. Call Hosmer Community Library at (612) 630-6950 for more information. Please join us at an upcoming concert.

Listen to KFAI Radio Sunday mornings from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Dan Rein’s Century Song features the Hosmer Library Concert Series performers live on the radio the week before their library performances.

Arbor Day on the Midtown Greenway Saturday, April 26th
The area east of Hiawatha Avenue where the Midtown Greenway connects to the new bridge will be the site of the 2008 Arbor Day event. Picture groves of oaks, aspens, small fruiting trees and evergreens that form bold patterns easily appreciated from the LRT and new bridge, at the same time providing shade and greenery for trail users. The design features the beauty and environmental benefits of native plants and will make a grand green gateway to the neighborhood. The event is sponsored by the Midtown Community Works Partnership, Hennepin County Regional Railroad, Tree Trust, the Midtown Greenway Coalition, LCC and other partners. Be sure to mark your calendars and contact Theresa Nelson at theresa@midtowngreenway.org to volunteer.

Protect Your Property From Graffiti
A new City website describes (with photos) ways that residents can employ to prevent graffiti. Go to: www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/graffiti/solutions.asp

Although there is no foolproof way to deter graffiti, there are some measures you can take to make your home or business less attractive to graffiti vandals. Below are some ideas.

Landscaping. Vandals like to paint graffiti on large flat surfaces, like sides of buildings or garages. Consider planting ivy or other clinging vegetation along these structures. The plants make your property look greener while reducing the likelihood that there will be graffiti problems.

Murals. Graffiti vandals also like having clean canvases for their work. That’s why painting murals on garage doors or walls can deter graffiti. However, be careful what artwork you put up. Some designs and styles could give vandals the impression that their graffiti is tolerated in your neighborhood.

Fences can also have a nice, flat, graffiti-friendly surface. Avoid this by getting one with board gaps or lattices. That way, you can enclose your yard without inviting graffiti.

Consider applying a protective coating which provides a barrier between your property’s surface and the graffiti. Several different brands and prices are available. Check the Yellow Pages under “Graffiti Removal & Protection.”

Do you have a graffiti prevention idea that you would like to share? Mail an image of it to GraffitiSolutions@ci.minneapolis.mn.us.

The Seward Concert Band will perform its Holiday Concert, Mar. 27
Thursday, March 27, at 7:30 PM in the Auditorium of the South High School, 3131-19th Avenue South, Minneapolis, south entrance.

Tickets are available at the door and are $6 adults, $5 seniors and $4 students/children, MPR members receive two tickets for the price of one. Bring the entire family. As always, audience members are invited to join the band for refreshments following the performance.

The Seward Concert Band is a non-profit organization comprised of amateur brass, wind and percussion players from the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. The group works to promote music education and appreciation, and is under the direction of Dennis Malmberg.

http://www.sewardconcertband.org

Lead Abatement Grants available Do you live in a home or apartment building built before 1978? Do you see chipping or peeling paint? If so, your family could be at risk for lead poisoning. You may qualify for free services. Contact Sustainable Resources Center at 612-872-3282 for more information. Closing Reception, Photo Exhibition, Sat. Mar. 22 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. At Vine Arts Center, 2637 27th Av. S.
“Inspiring Negatives”, an art exhibition exploring self identity, human expression, culture, community, youth and learning through photography. Featuring the work of young photographers. Also showing, Roy Cato and Jennifer Larson.

Living Green Expo, 2008, May 3-4
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Grandstand, State Fairgrounds in St. Paul, Free admission
For more information, go to: www.livinggreen.org

Metro Transit and the Expo invite you to leave a car behind. Take the bus or light rail train for FREE, ride your bicycle, walk or carpool. Visit livinggreen.org to get your free Go Greener Pass.

The Expo provides information and products to help Minnesotans improve the environmental and social impacts of their day-to-day living. The Living Green Expo features over 200 exhibitors of products, services, and information, along with over 60 workshops on a variety of sustainability and green living topics. Expo attractions include music, art, food, demonstrations, and activities for youth and children. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency leads a collaboration of governmental, nonprofit and business organizations to produce the Living Green Expo. For more information visit www.LivingGreen.org.

· Solar, wind, geothermal, green builders
· Plug-in hybrids, better bikes, car sharing
· Locally grown food, Minnesota-made fabric, environmental investing
· New solar technology demos
· New electric cars and scooters
· Bugs and reptiles for kids to see

Workshops: Learn from experts.

• How to save energy and reduce your carbon footprint

• How to green your community and make a difference

• How to create a simpler, happier life for you and your family

• How to connect your kids (and yourself) with nature

FREE Blue Sky Guides, a coupon book for healthy living, given to the first 200 attendees each day. Compliments of Great River Energy.

FREE compact fluorescent bulb recycling: bring your expired bulbs to the Expo and Great River Energy will recycle them. Residential only. Please do not bring bulbs from your business.

A Renewable-Energy Solution to Global Warming, Seminar Mar. 27
Presented by: Mark Z. Jacobson
Thursday, March 27, 2008, 4:00 p.m.—5:00 p.m.
University of MinnesotaTwin Cities – East Bank
Room 1130 Mechanical Engineering Building, 111 Church Street S.E.Minneapolis

The seminar will air live on the study’s Web page and be posted for later viewing.

This seminar will compare potential vehicular solutions to global warming and air quality, including vehicles fueled with ethanol, wind- or solar-powered battery electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, and gasoline vehicles. In his research, Professor Jacobson found that ethanol-fueled vehicles did not improve—and possibly worsened—air quality relative to gasoline, which is already a significant health hazard. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles were found to improve air quality significantly compared with gasoline regardless of the production method of hydrogen. Wind-powered battery-electric vehicles were as clean as wind-powered hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, but about three times more efficient. Wind-powered battery vehicles required 30 times less land area than corn ethanol and 20 times less land area than cellulosic ethanol for powering the same vehicle fleet.
In the best scenario, Jacobson says corn ethanol cannot reduce U.S. carbon by more than 0.2 percent, and cellulosic ethanol cannot reduce U.S. carbon by more than 4 percent, due to their carbon emissions and land use constraints. The world’s wind resources, however, could address climate and air pollution problems from vehicles and power plants many times over.

Jacobson’s findings indicate that the combination of wind, solar, hydroelectric, and geothermal power together can be used to supply baseload or load-matching electric power, particularly in combination with electric vehicles in a smart electric grid.

There is no cost to attend. Registration is not required.
Summer Jobs
The City of Minnneapolis will hire up to 50 “Seasonal Park Maintenance Workers” and up to 23 “Golf Course Seasonal Parkkeepers”. The application period is Monday March 17 through Friday March 28, 2008.

Apply on-line at: www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us or get a paper application by calling: 612-673-2282.

(Thanks to Seward resident Lonnie Nichols for this news item)
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This newsletter was compiled by the SNG with the assistance of neighbors who contributed suggestions and news items. If you know of an upcoming event, meeting or news item that should be included in a future newsletter, please email bernie@sng.org. Thank you!

last revised: March 18, 2008

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