MHNA’s board wants to increase attendance by having the membership meetings at an interesting location, where social interaction would be possible.

Although there is no obligation to purchase, food and beverages will be available during, and after, the meeting.

Let us know how you like the change.

Our featured presentation, by Ignacio St. Martin of the Metropolitan Design Center, will cover U of   MN 3rd year grad studio planning on the A-Mill site.

Re: Tuesday January 17, 2012 Meetings
(Board at 6 pm, General Membership at 7:30 pm)

NEW LOCATION for January 17 meetings:
PRACNA on Main
117 Main St SE

BOARD AGENDA (6 pm)

1. Call to order, approve agenda
2. Secretary’s Report – Approve agenda
3. Treasurer’s Report and adopt draft 2012 budget
4. Executive Committee Report
5. Safety & Livability Committee Report
6. Land Use Committee Report
7. Misc updates including UD Alliance, website redesign, focus groups, 6^th Ave bump-outs, Good Neighbor Fund and other grant info

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP AGENDA (7:30 pm)

1. Call to order, approve agenda
2. Approve October meeting minutes
3. Board actions from earlier tonight
4. Ignacio St. Martin, Metropolitan Design Center, presenting U of MN 3rd year grad studio planning on the Pillsbury A-Mill site.
5. Misc updates and announcements

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Pracna on Main has generously donated their atrium space for our meeting this evening. While there is no obligation to do so, feel free to purchase a beverage or snack from their menu. Members and guests are invited to stay for social interaction following the meeting.

Have any great photos of the neighborhood? Our new website will have a slideshow and we are looking for additional images.
Send photos to: office@marcy-holmes.org (but in small batch emails so the files are not too large, thanks.)

Come and learn about the Local Food Resource Hubs, a new community project in the Northeast and Southeast Minneapolis neighborhoods that gives people the tools they need to grow their own healthy food.  Members of the Hub are part of a network of gardeners and have access to discounted seeds, seedlings, classes, and tools.  The Hub brings community members together to grow, eat, and preserve food, as well as opportunities to share, swap, and socialize.  Membership is offered on a sliding scale and scholarships are also available.  You can sign up on the spot, or simply learn and register later.

Please join us for one of two meet-and-greets for snacks, a winter sowing demonstration, information about compost and fruit trees, and to learn more about the NE/SE Hub!

Saturday, February 25, 2012
10:00 am-12:00 pm.
University Lutheran Church of Hope in Dinkytown- 601 13th Ave SE in the “Lounge.”,

or

Monday, February 27, 2012
5:00-7:00 pm.
Little Kitchen Food Shelf at the NE Community Lutheran Church – 1500 6th St. NE

For more information, contact Lina or Mallory at 612-821-2358 or info@gardeningmatters.org.

Grant applications are due by 4:00 p.m. on FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2012.

See the Request for Applications and Application Form on the web at http://www.community.umn.edu/gnf .

MHNA has received several Good Neighbor Fund grants in the past and we look forward to new ideas for the 2012 round of funding.  Contact MHNA office if you have any ideas we should pursue. In 2012, a total of $47,000 will be available for grants for projects which are responsive to the purpose of the Fund, and which take place in and benefit the area impacted by the University’s on campus football stadium.

This year, applications for projects that respond to the theme of “the world at your doorstep”—a theme that may be interpreted in a variety of ways, appropriate to different locations and activities in the campus area communities – are encouraged.

PLAN AHEAD – Consult an architect, FREE!

The University District Alliance will again sponsor a free Architect Day on March 31^st, 2012, for homeowners in Alliance neighborhoods – Como, Marcy-Holmes, Prospect Park, and Cedar-Riverside.  Architects will be available for free consultations, to discuss remodeling and landscaping ideas for upgrading homesteaded property, and to advise on cost and timing issues.

You’ll need to bring scale drawings and any relevant photos or other information about your home, so begin planning now.  Make notes about improving your home “as you dream by the fire.”  Watch neighborhood e-lists and web sites for details and registration information.

How to pay for your home improvements? MHNA’s Fix Up loans are attractively priced at 2.5% interest. Check the website for info: www.mncee.org (MN Center for Energy & Environment).

The developer has hired a consulting firm to get a better idea of what amenities artists would like to see here so they have created an online survey. Please tell your art friends to fill it out. The developer (Dominium) is refurbishing the Schmidt Brewery in St Paul at the same time- so two great choices. The affordable artists units will be guaranteed for 15 years.  The consultants are going to put the site plans online as well. Units range from studios ($850) to 3-bedroom ($1250).  Potential residents interested in this unique live/work opportunity may take the survey at:

http://surveys.placeonline.us/s3/twincities

The group meets the first Monday of the month at First Congregational Church, 500 8^th Ave SE.

The DBA meets the second Thursday of each month at 2:00 at Vescio’s.

Please contact MHNA if you would like to volunteer.