Help bump up recycling
Funding is available to neighborhood and community nonprofit organizations in Minneapolis to conduct outreach focused on increasing participation in the city”'s residential organics recycling program. Participating organizations will receive training, funding and environmental education resources to conduct a project in their communities. Contact: jessica.arika@hennepin.us or 612-348-3025.
Help mow for seniorsÂ
Senior Community Services is a city of Minneapolis partner organization, and its HOME Program mows lawns for seniors in Hennepin County. The HOME Program is seeking helpers to mow lawns every 7-10 days and use a weed whip once a month for $16 per hour. Mowers must supply their own lawn mower and weed whip and set their own schedule. Contact Bethany at seasonalwork@seniorcommunity.org or call 952-767-7886.Â
Rethink I-94 over free mealÂ
Share a free family-style, sit-down meal with the communities surrounding I-94 and I-35W on Thursday, May 2, 5-8 p.m. at Franklin Steele Park off Portland Ave. This is an opportunity for neighbors to meet, share a table, and have a conversation with MnDOT staff and construction workers about rethinking I-94.The meal will include halal, vegan, and gluten free options, and there will be kids activities. More at: mndot.gov/I-94minneapolis-stpaul
Norway House to expand
The country of Norway has pledged NOK 1.5 million (around USD $175,000) to Norway House in Minneapolis. The funds will help to build a new event center that aims to strengthen cooperation between the business sector in Norway and the Midwest. Construction is scheduled to start in the fall next year. Other financing will be provided by the private and public sectors in the United States and Norway.
“Norwegian technology companies are at the forefront internationally, and there is great potential in the Midwest. By supporting this expansion of Norway House, we want to showcase Norway as a leader in technology, with a dynamic business community that is ready to grasp the opportunities that are available in the United States,” said Norway”'s Minister of Trade and Industry Torbjørn Røe Isaksen.
“There are strong historical and cultural ties between Norway and the Midwest. The expansion of Norway House provides an excellent opportunity to present modern-day Norway, with a focus on innovation and the business sector. Norway House also highlights the close ties between the people of Norway and the United States,” Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide said.
Midtsommer GalaÂ
The Midtsommer Gala Celebration at the Norway House is an annual signature event set near the summer solstice. The gala dinner features the Going Viking awards, which honors Norwegian-Americans who have significantly advanced the quality of life for others through their adventuresome spirit and extraordinary accomplishments. It is set for Tuesday, June 11, 5 p.m. at the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot, in the Newly Renovated Expansion – The Great Northern Ballroom. More at www.norwayhouse.org.
American Indian Month”'s 50thÂ
May marks the 50th anniversary of American Indian Month in Minnesota. In Minneapolis, community members gather each May to celebrate Minnesota”'s native cultures with a kickoff rally on May 1, art, food and open houses showcasing American Indian organizations in Minneapolis”' American Indian Cultural Corridor, along Franklin Avenue. Stay up to date by following the Native American Community Development Institute”'s Facebook page.
Cars, bikes & moreÂ
The city of Minneapolis is collecting public input on ways to improve the city”'s transportation system as city staff develop the Minneapolis Transportation Action Plan and the Vision Zero Action Plan. The Transportation Action Plan will be a 10-year plan to implement the transportation vision outlined in the Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan. It will develop strategies and actions on advanced mobility, pedestrian, bicycle, transit, freight, street operations and street design. The Vision Zero Action Plan will be a three-year plan to advance the City”'s commitment to ending traffic fatalities and severe injuries resulting from traffic crashes on our streets by 2027
Attend the south area open house on Thursday, May 9, 5-7 p.m. at Longfellow Rec Center, 3435 36th Ave. S Minneapolis, MN 55406. You can respond to short surveys at http://go.minneapolismn.gov/.
Celebrate Freedom DayÂ
Juneteenth – Celebrating Freedom Day brings together people throughout the Twin Cities area to commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States on June 14. The daylong festival features a parade, music and performances, historical re-enactments, a host of family activities and more; it takes place at Bethune Park in North Minneapolis: site of the first Freedom Day celebration in Minneapolis, which was led by Michael Chaney and Spike Moss.
 Community meals during Ramadan
In 2019, mosques and Islamic Community Centers throughout the Metro area, and in several places in greater Minnesota, are extending an invitation to their non-Muslim neighbors for a traditional Ramadan Iftar, or fast-breaking meal May 5 to June 4. People of all faiths are invited to Masjid Dar Al-HIra on May 15, 7 p.m. (504 Cedar Ave. S.). Information and registration materials can be found on the Minnesota Council of Churches website: http://bit.ly/TakingHeartRegister
Ending Homelessness Day
On April 23, Avivo and members of Red Lake Nation, along with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, celebrate “Red Lake Nation and Avivo Ending Homelessness Day in Minneapolis.” In October, Red Lake and Avivo partnered to house 100 people from the Wall of Forgotten Natives homeless encampment and Navigation Center in six months. The project exceeded the goal, housing 103 individuals in under 6 months, and organizers remain committed to helping house the 90 individuals remaining.
