Message from Council Member Kevin Reich

May is an exciting month for the First Ward. Art-A-Whirl, the annual celebration of the Northeast arts scene, has become a signature event for our neighborhood. It’s a great opportunity to put our best foot forward as we welcome thousands of art lovers to explore the many studios and galleries located in the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District. May’s also a great month to learn about newer arts groups like Artshare and rediscover historic treasures like the Hollywood Theater.

As you are probably aware, May also brings another month of potholes. Due to specific weather conditions that occurred this past winter, the pothole season is worse than usual this year. In response to the high volume of needed work, the City Council in April approved an additional $500,000 to double the number of repair crews for a 6 to 8 week period this spring.

First Ward residents who want to report potholes now have three options: call 311, go online at www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/311 or call the Ward One office.

Finally, I am pleased to announce that in response to neighborhood concerns, the Ward One office worked with the Elections Department to find a new voting location for Precinct 1:7. Residents of SE Como have been voting at the Elections Warehouse since Tuttle School was closed. Many residents reported that that location was hard to find and lacked sidewalks and sufficient exterior lighting. Our effort to find a new location was successful and the City Council today approved the multipurpose room at Van Cleve Park as the new Precinct 1:7 voting location.

Art-A-Whirl May 14 - 16

The largest open studio and gallery tour in the United States is coming up May 14-16. Over 500 artists participate in this annual Northeast celebration of the arts. For maps and information, go to www.nemaa.org or visit one of the two Welcome booths during the event: 13th Ave NE & Marshall or Quincy St. NE & Broadway.

Art-A-Whirl at Edison High School

Edison High School will be a trolley stop during this year’s Art-A-Whirl and will also join the festivities with art exhibits, food and musical performances. If you are interested in exhibiting your art at this exciting new venue, go to Edison's Art-A-Whirl page.

Artshare NE Parade Project & Fundraiser

Get your parade on… literally! Artshare, a NE Minneapolis community arts group, is facilitating 4 free workshops to guide Northeast neighbors in creating and building wearable “floats”, masks and banners in preparation for the Northeast Parade. Folks of all ages and backgrounds are invited to participate in the workshops and parade and represent the diversity of the Northeast community.

Workshops will be held from 11:30-3:00 p.m. at Edison High School on the following Saturdays: May 29, June 5, June 12 and June 19. For further information, contact Jennifer Arave (612) 432-1512, artsharene@gmail.com

Artshare will also be hosting a fundraiser to support the Parade Project on Sunday, May 23 at Grumpy’s, 2200 4th Street NE. Come enjoy the music, meet the artists and participate in the raffle and silent auction. For further information, contact Abby Rae LaCombe (217) 494-8422, abbyrae.lacombe@gmail.com

Hollywood Theater Open House

When the Hollywood Theater opened on October 26, 1935, the marquee pronounced it “The Incomparable Showcase of the Northwest.” A prime example of the neighborhood movie theaters of the 20s and Hollywood boasts a signature Art Deco style inside and out. The theater was designated a local historic landmark in 1990 and purchased by the City of Minneapolis in 1993.

The building is for sale and Audubon Neighborhood Association and the City of Minneapolis are sponsoring an open house for the general public on Saturday, May 15, noon-5:00 p.m. at 2815 Johnson St. NE.

2nd Precinct Open House

In recognition of Police Week, the entire community is invited to the 2nd Precinct Open House on Monday, May 10, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be information displays from Bomb Squad, Minneapolis Fire Department, Horse Patrol, Ambulance and SWAT Team. Come have a snack and learn more about your Police Department.

Weed It & Reap

May 6-8, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Gather your co-workers, neighbors, friends and families together and help pick up debris near local businesses, sidewalks, boulevards, area parks and neighborhood streets. Northeast Chamber supplies vests, gloves, garbage bags and area assignments. You receive t-shirts, food and thanks. Call 612-378-0050 for further info.

Save The Date:

Block Club Training
May 27, 6:00 p.m.

When neighbors connect, stronger communities result. If you are interested in learning about or getting involved in a block club, you can attend a training at the 2nd Precinct. For further information, contact Crime Prevention Specialist Carol Oosterhuis at 612-673-2874.

Northeast Parade
June 22, 6:30-9:00 p.m.

Entrant applications are due May 10 and sponsors are still needed. For further information, please call the NE Chamber at 612-378-0050