Five neighbors were elected for a term on the South Uptown Board of Directors at the September 21 Annual Meeting. Katy Briggs, James McLean, Dylan McMahon, Scott Moss and Rollie Olson were voted in by acclimation to fill the five vacant Board seats, so the online ballot wasn’t needed. They join Board Members Ashley Bredeson, Jerome Chateau, Brad Klein and Rob Raike whose terms run through September 2022. Thank you all for serving with the South uptown Neighborhood Association!
Meet the Board Candidates & Register to Vote
Four candidates have applied to serve as representatives on the South Uptown Neighborhood Association Board of Directors including:
Katy Briggs
James McLean
Dylan McMahon
Rollie Olson
Check out the Candidate Profile document to learn more about the neighbors looking to serve. South Uptown will also accept nominations for additional candidates at the start of the Annual Meeting around 6:40PM. The online election will take place on Tuesday, September 21 at 7PM through Wednesday, September 22 at Noon. Make sure to register here to vote via this link.
Register to Vote During South Uptown Board Elections
Make sure to register to vote for Board of Director elections associated with the September 21 South Uptown Annual Meeting. The election will take place starting at 7PM on September 21 and run through Noon on September 22. Registered voters will receive a secure, online ballot through election runner.com. All South Uptown residents, business owners and property owners (18+) are considered members of the organization and encouraged to participate. Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSftAbCczPLifeq_sXRtUOilqlplHCSRAk_7kpIwKuMTXYdlMw/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0
Little Free Libraries Move to New Locations
Both of South Uptown’s little libraries moved to new locations in August- one sits at 3249 Colfax and the other is located at 3212 Emerson. Please stop by to drop off a book and then take a book. the libraries will remain in place through November when they will move to new homes for the winter. Contact South Uptown if you want to host a library in your yard. Hosts simply monitor it to ensure the library remains in good condition and full of books.
New South Uptown T-Shirts Available
Get your new South Uptown t-shirts before they are sold out! Shirts now come in two colors- a charcoal gray and a heather teal for just $20 in adult sizes S, M, L and XL. A handful of the old blue and gray t-shirts remain in kid and adult sizes. You can pay online using PayPal sending payment to info@southuptown.org. Get in touch if you want to pay with a check or cash. South Uptown volunteers will deliver your shirt within days.
New T-shirt design and colors
Consider Running for a Seat on the South Uptown Board of Directors
The South Uptown Neighborhood is seeking neighbors to run for a seat on the Board of Directors during elections associated with the organization’s September 21 Annual Meeting. Eligible candidates include all South Uptown residents, business owners and property owners (18+). We are especially interested to involve people of color, renters and folks with nonprofits and fundraising. It is fun and a great way to get involved with the neighborhood.
Board Members oversee operations of the South Uptown nonprofit organization, implement community projects and programs and act as ambassadors for the neighborhood. They are required to attend monthly Neighborhood Meetings on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7PM, participate on a South Uptown committee and generally spend a few hours a month helping with community projects and programs. Attend the South Uptown Neighborhood Meeting on Tuesday, August 17 to get a sense of what the organization does and how it operates or contact info@southuptown.org for more details. Apply here for a Board seat with the information being used to create a Candidate Profile document for the election: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1vQi1kK8Lc5Jj152_kUW5HmkjTANpyg00L5gLEnZMbsc/edit
Donate to Support Concerts at Bryant Square Park
Please consider contributing $10, $25 or more to support the summer concert series at Bryant Square Park. Donations support the purchase of pizza/ beverages and gift cards to local businesses as a thank you for all 18 performers. It will also help cover the cost of stepped up promotion by South Uptown including flyers, a new banner and paid online advertising ensuring a big crowd each performance. Plus, South Uptown is offering a $1,000 'challenge grant' matching donations dollar for dollar. Visit this site to donate - https://www.givemn.org/story/4ieb8f
Multi-Unit Building at 3128 Bryant Ave S. Proposed
Left Lane Ventures presented preliminary plans to replace the home at 3128 Bryant with a 12-unit building during a recent South Uptown meeting. Project planners expect to revise plans based on feedback received from neighbors before submitting a land use application to the City in late July. It is expected that the project does not require zoning variances or conditional use permits because the proposed building meets new rules established through the Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan. View the latest version of the project here.
2021 South Uptown Garden Tour
Support the Bryant Square Park Concert Series
Live, outdoor music is back at the Bryant Square Park amphitheater this summer! Concerts run most Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30 - 8:00PM from June 17 - August 19. Please consider donating $10, $25 or more to support performers and make the concert experience fun for everyone. South Uptown is contributing a $1,000 challenge grant matching contributions dollar for dollar. https://www.givemn.org/story/4ieb8f
Stop by South Uptown's Little Free Libraries
The two little free libraries owned by the neighborhood association moved to new hosts in April. One library sits at 3340 Girard and the other at 3148 Colfax Avenue S. Stop by to leave a book and then take a book. It’s fun to see the books that neighbors want to share. The libraries will move again to new homes in July.
Support the Bryant Square Park Concert Series
Neighborhood Survey -
The South Uptown Neighborhood Association (SUNA) is collecting feedback, input, and priorities from the people who live in the neighborhood in order to develop a strategic plan for the next 3 years. Your input will help identify issues and shape the priorities for SUNA to better serve our community in the future. As a reward for completing the survey, participants will enter a drawing and one lucky person will win a $100 gift card for Pizza Luce, and 2 lucky people will win a $50 gift card to Black Walnut Bakery or Zoe's Cafe. Your email will be collected for the sole purposes of preventing duplicates of member surveys and to contact the raffle winners. Deadline for completing the survey is on April 2, 11:59pm CST. https://forms.gle/RHggYUkeUmUD6wRw5
Over 600 pounds of food collected and $10,294 collected for Joyce Food Shelf
The 2021 Chili Fest Fundraiser was a HUGE success!!! Over 600 pounds of food was collected yesterday and $10,294 was collected over the past week. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated to the Chili Fest. Whatever form or amount the donation was, it made a difference. Ackberberg Group, Spectacle Shoppe, Kevin Reese, Frederick Keen, Philip AuClaire, Todd & JoAnn Monson, Matt Lewis, Douglas Schairer, Carol & Jeremy, McClosky Family, Eagle Ridge Partners, Caleb Cox, Brenda Schwob, Brendan Donohue, Cheryl Hagen and many, many more.
2021 Chili Fest Fundraiser goes Virtual - donate today! - Original Goal Met, A Second Goal Set and Met, Now A THIRD GOAL SET! $6,000
24th Annual South Uptown Chili Fest February 22- 28, 2021
A virtual fundraiser for the Joyce Uptown Food Shelf is being done since we cannot gather this year to share delicious chili, but South Uptown folks can still help neighbors experiencing food insecurity through the Chili Fest Fundraiser. Donate at: www.southuptown.org
Contributions to the Food Shelf are doubled due to a $1,000 “challenge grant” from the South Uptown Neighborhood Association.
Your donation will be matched dollar for dollar amplifying its’ impact Making sure our neighbors do not go hungry. This financial goal has been met, a new goal has been set of $6,000 by midnight Sunday, February 28, 2021. No matter the size of your donation, every single dollar makes a difference, collectively, we make a difference. This is the THIRD financial goal that has been set - collectively we make a difference and it is showing!!!
Food Drive at Joyce Uptown Food Shelf (3041 Fremont Ave S.) Sunday, February 28, Noon- 2:00PM help Fill the Van with these most needed items:
• Non-perishable food items • Diapers (Sizes 4, 5 & 6)
• Personal hygiene products (Soap, deodorant, etc.)
• Laundry and dish soap
For more info contact info@southuptown.org
New South Uptown Mission & Strategic Planning Starts Soon
The South Uptown Neighborhood Association approved a new Mission Statement for the organization during their last meeting: "Improve the well-being of the South Uptown Neighborhood by fostering a safe, equitable, and connected community.” The statement was crafted based on community and Board of Directors input over the last few months and better reflects the neighborhood association’s focus and work. It is also the first step in the development of a Strategic Plan for the organization. South Uptown will work with GVC Consultants over the coming months to gather more neighbor input and draft a plan guiding work over the next 3+ years. Watch South Uptown social media for updates on the strategic planning effort, and contact info@southuptown.org to get involved.
Bryant Ave Reconstruction featured at 1/19 South Uptown Meeting
Bryant Ave Reconstruction featured at 1/19 South Uptown Meeting
South Uptown Neighborhood Meeting
Tuesday, January 19, 7PM on Zoom
* Email info@southuptown.org to get meeting link.
The City of Minneapolis is planning to reconstruct Bryant Avenue S. from Lake to 50th Streets starting in 2022. Join the online meeting to find out what they propose for the street including tree line boulevards, pedestrian bump-outs, a bike trail, one-side parking and shifting the bus to Lyndale Avenue. Staff will be on hand to answer questions and receive feedback. For more info check out the project website: http://www2.minneapolismn.gov/cip/futureprojects/bryant-ave-s-reconstruction
Also on the Agenda…
* South Uptown Mission Conversation
* Socially-Distant, Outdoor Events
Public Safety Open House
Wednesday, December 16, 6:30pm on Zoom
* Email info@southuptown.org to get meeting link.
Join your South Uptown neighbors for an online Open House addressing crime and safety in the neighborhood. MPD 5th Precinct Inspector Amelia Huffman will be on hand to share crime statistics and prevention tips, as well as address questions and concerns. Huffman leads the 5th Police Precinct which extends through all of southwest Minneapolis west of I35W and south of I394.
All South Uptown residents, business owners, and property owners (18+) are encouraged to attend. We strive to make meetings friendly and informative. For more info visit www.southuptown.org or contact info@southuptown.org
Show #WhyILoveSUptown by Contributing on November 19!
Please support South Uptown’s first Give to the Max Day fundraiser by contributing to the organization on November 19. Then make sure to spread the word through your social media network directing neighbors to the fundraising page and using the tag #WhyILoveSUptown. Think about the ways South Uptown Neighborhood Association makes connections amongst neighbors through community building events, Place-making projects and neighborhood improvement initiatives. Your financial support will keep the organization and neighborhood strong ensuring we can work together to build community for years to come.
https://www.givemn.org/organization/South-Uptown-Neighborhood-Association
South Uptown Office Update
Last winter, South Uptown Neighborhood Association moved out of their small, basement office at Aldrich Church (3501 Aldrich Avenue S.) to make way for construction of the Center for Belonging (CFB). The renovation of the 7,500 square foot space has transformed a dated church basement into modern offices for five nonprofits focused on community and wellness, including South Uptown. Over the coming months Ace in the City, Emerge Mother's Academy, Render Free, Rooted Green Wellness, and Wayside Recovery will move into the CFB following COVID19 precautions. https://aceinthecity.org/center-of-belonging/
Besides offices, the Center features renovated common spaces, restrooms and kitchen/ cafe, as well as space for childcare and a future food shelf. Aldrich Church also is in the midst of a renovation to their spaces on the upper two floors including the addition of an elevator making the building accessible to the public. South Uptown's office has expanded by around 30% to around 200 square feet better meeting the organization's needs, and we look forward to a time the facilities can welcome in neighbors.
South Uptown Board of Directors Election Results
Welcome 2020/ 2021 South Uptown Board of Directors!
Six members were elected to the South Uptown Board of Directors on September 16, three of whom are returning and three new to the Board. They will join current Board Members Justin Gardiner, Dylan McMahon, and Sophie Snow. The nine-member Board will start the new South Uptown fiscal year October 1 overseeing the nonprofit organization.
This year the election took place online due to COVID19 precautions over a 24-hour period. Most candidates were able to introduce themselves during the online Annual Meeting on September 15. Neighbors chose the following from a list of 10 candidates:
Ashley Bredeson
Jerome Chateau
Max Ellis
Brad Klein
Rollie Olson
Robert Raike
Congratulations and welcome!
