A Monthly Newsletter for the East Harriet Farmstead Neighborhood OCTOBER 2008

Notes from the Chair Matt Perry, EHFNA president

The past four weeks of financial turmoil have been sur real. One financial institution after another collapsed as quickly as a skyscraper being demolished. As they went down they took

others with them, eventually gripping the globe in a monetary deadlock. Local businesses are sure to feel the effects. As they do, so will the character of our neighborhood. To maintain the vibrancy of a neighborhood it needs strong local businesses. For those businesses to remain strong they need residents to be purposeful in spending thei r money locally. Historic times should lead us to look back in history. I asked my mother-in-law what her memories were of the Great Depression. To my surp rise, she said the small rural town where she grew up was unaffected. No one had much even before the Depression. Families raised much of thei r own food and neighbors helped neighbors. Every Sunday, her mother would gather up the family for a t rip "downtown." On the way her mother would exchange her farm eggs at the local grocer for much-needed supplies. At the park they enjoyed entertainment with others that was always free. Independent in thei r self-sufficiency yet connected through common ci rcumstances and shared experiences. In years past, local businesses provided products and services to the community and in turn the community kept them in business. Times are different. If we need a can of paint we are not limited to the neighborhood hardware store. Unwittingly, this has led to less interdependence and weakened neighborhood businesses. Global economic emergencies don't only topple the giant financial firms they have the potential to also topple the backbone of our neighborhood, local businesses. Take a moment to close your eyes and visualize any city st reet without its local shops. Does this invoke a sense of lost vitality? It is said our "mom and pop" stores are a city amenity. I see them as a neighborhood necessity. We need our local businesses and they need us. The Mayor has a vision to "'reweave' Minneapolis into a city of diverse, connected, urban villages where streets are destinations and residents can access unique goods and services nearby." This, he says, is what makes a city great. Challenge yourself to st rengthen the fabric of the neighborhood by making a point to shop locally. Who knows, in the process you might end up discovering that much needed item on your shopping list or something unique r ight here in East Har riet. Regards, Matt

2008 Annual Meeting Highlights The East Har riet Annual Meeting, on October 1, was very well attended drawing more than 55 residents and elected officials including State Representatives Frank Hornstein and Scott Dibble, Council members Ralph Remington and Betsy Hodges, and Keith Ellison's Dist rict Di rector, Brian Elliott. As they ar rived, attendees were offered brats hot off the grill, giant warm pretzels, and rootbeer. While dining in the Commons at Barton School, entertainment was provided by a duo of fiddle players-one a 12 year old East Harriet resident! Attendees participated in the election to seat six residents on the neighborhood board (for the second year in a row we had more nominations than spots!). A presentation highlighting EHFNA's past year was also a t reat, with a voiceover by East Harriet resident—Steven John from MPR. Thank you to everyone who joined us last week and to those who brought a dessert to share! Congratulations to Sid Monroe and Dee Kanton, winners of the Rustica Bakery gft certificates.

EHFNA Board Member Announcements We would like to take this opportunity to welcome residents Andrea Breen (member at large) and Howard Dallin (alternate) to the EHFNA Board. Continuing members include Staven Bruce, Dean Carlson, Michael Dietrich, Chris Gallaty, Pam Meier, Matt Perry, Patty Selly, James Thorson, Bruce Wadman, and Roger Worm. We are sad to see longtime board member Bruce Thomson go (he is "reti ring" after 12 years!).

More Connects on next page!

Mural Project Update Thanks to everyone who has worked on the mosaic project at the Senior Center thus far. It truly takes a big community effort to create a 100 square foot mosaic in less than two months. Additional workshops have been added – call Mary Ann at 612-822-3194 for more information. Mark your calendar for the "Unveiling, Celebration, and Thank You" on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 3612 Bryant Ave So. Details will

be posted on the East Harriet website as they become available: visit www.eastharriet.org.

Peace Bridge Funding Secured The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) has committed to find the funds necessary in 2009 to complete the Peace Bridge at Lyndale Park Peace Garden in East Harriet. The project dates back to 2003 when the MPRB authorized the Peace Garden Project Committee, a group of dedicated volunteers, to raise funds for the installation of two unique art pieces: the Spi rit of Peace sculpture dedicated in October 2006 and the new Peace Bridge yet to be completed. Over the last five years, the committee raised a total of $142,500 for the two projects, of which $76,300 was used for the sculpture, leaving $48,500 for the bridge which is estimated to cost $65,000. The East Har riet Farmstead Neighborhood Association is proud to be a donor to the project. We applaud the members of the Peace Garden Project Committee for thei r time and effort over these past five years.

Next Lyndale Avenue Meeting Lyndale Avenue Reconstruction informational meetings are being held the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month at 6:00 pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church (41st & Lyndale Ave So). The next meeting is on Tuesday, October 28. To get the skinny on the latest developments of this project visit the frequently updated Lyndale Project page on the East Harriet website: www.eastharriet.org/lyndale-project.html

Are Your RoseFest Memories Fading? Check out the great photos uploaded by our own board member Staven Bruce on the East Harriet Flickr account:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/25873045@N07/

QUICK NOTES IN AND AROUND EAST HARRIET NEIGHBORHOOD

Farmstead Park Track Team Awarded The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB) presented four neighborhood sports teams with 2008 Spring/Summer Sportsmanship Awards at the Sept. 17 meeting of the Board of Commissioners. Our own Lyndale Farmstead Park received an award for its t rack team. Criteria for the team sportsmanship award include a positive attitude, commitment, dedication, overcoming adversity and persistence. Congratulations to the team and the park staff.

Halloween Dance at the Park Happy Halloween! Join us at KIDSDANCE at Lyndale Farmstead on Friday, Oct. 31, 6:00 - 8:00 pm. We'll have DJ music and a dance with games and prizes, t reat bags, inflatable bouncer/ball pit, popcorn and other goodies for kids and parents too. Stop in wear your costume! Do You Own Rental Property in East Harriet or Elsewhere in the City? If you own rental property, you may be interested in the Rental Property Workshop offered by the Minneapolis Police Department and Housing Inspections office. The workshop is being held at St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church, 3450 Irving Ave. So., from 5:00 - 9:00 pm on Thursday, Oct. 23. The four hour workshop includes useful information including: ABCs of property management; dealing with tenant behavior issues; effective leases; housing court, working with the MPD and inspections and much more. Pre-registration is requi red and the cost is $20 if registered by Oct. 16; $30 thereafter. Fee covers manual and materials, a DVD on Housing Court and a box meal. There is more information and a registration form at www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/safe/workshops.asp

NEXT EHFNA MEETING: Wed., November 5 • 7:00 – 8:45 pm • Lyndale Farmstead Park, 39th & Bryant Ave. So.