2024 South Uptown Chili Fest - Recap and photos

Thank you to everyone who made the 25th annual Chili Fest a huge success on February 25! Special thanks go out to event sponsors who donated chili including Bryant Lake Bowl, Gigi’s Cafe, the New Uptown Cafe and the New Uptown Diner. It was so fun to see so many South Uptown neighbors come out to share a meal and to help make the event hppen. We raised funds for the South Uptown Neighborhood Association to support community and park events, as well as collected 175 pounds of food and supplies for the Joyce Uptown Food Shelf.

1st Thursday Happy Hour is March 7

South Uptown Happy Hour

Thursday, March 7, 5:30- 7:30PM

Fool Me Once - 3006 Lyndale Avenue S.

Join us for an evening of camaraderie, community-spirit and connection at Fool Me Once, sponsored by the South Uptown Neighborhood Association. This first Thursday gathering promises an informal yet engaging setting for South Uptown residents to come together, unwind and learn more about the vital work of the neighborhood association. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a newcomer to South Uptown, this happy hour is a great opportunity to forge new friendships while getting to know more about the community. South Uptown will provide light appetizers while attendees pick up their own drinks. Please bring your friends, family and neighbors! The more, the merrier… 

MPD Issues Crime Alert Due to 5th Precinct Robberies

Since February 9th, the 5th Police precinct, which includes the southwest quadrant of Minneapolis, had 17 reported robberies. Incidents have mainly occurred in the evenings. In two of these incidents the victim’s car was also taken. The suspects in all but 3 of the incidents also showed or implied a handgun when confronting the victims. The loss was cell phones, purses, and money. A recent update from 7th Ward City Council Member Cashman reports some suspects in these crimes were apprehended.

 https://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/MPLS-38a6db1?wgt_ref=WARD_7 
Reported incidents:

February 9: Robbery of Person- 35XX Blaisdell Av S; Aggravated Robbery- 26XX Hennepin AV S; Carjacking- 25XX Hennepin Av S; Aggravated Robbery- East Lake of the Isles Pkwy/22nd; Robbery of Person- 1st St. W/Penn Av S; Aggravated Robbery- 32XX Colfax AV S; Robbery of Person- 34th /Nicollet AV S

February 10: Aggravated Robbery- 37XX Lyndale AV S; Aggravated Robbery- 26th/Grand AV S; Carjacking- 30XX/Humboldt AV S; Aggravated Robbery- 18XX Lasalle AV S; Aggravated Robbery- 19XX 2nd AV S; Aggravated Robbery- 24XX Dupont AV S; Aggravated Robbery- 23XX Colfax Av S

February 11: Aggravated Robbery- 24XX Hennepin AV S; Aggravated Robbery- 22XX Harriet AV S

What you can do to keep safe! 

Stay alert and aware of your surroundings – no distractions like phones/headphones or earbuds. Carry only what you need, on your body, not in-hand.  If you are carrying items, zip inside of a cross-body or backpack type bag instead of loose pockets.  Walk in well-lit open areas that are clean/clear of debris & over-growth, ideally in pairs or more.  Lock your doors as soon as you enter/exit your vehicle. Open windows create access for someone to reach into your vehicle.  Don’t sit in your car with the windows rolled down are unlocked, be alert of people around you. Be mindful when getting gas – try to fuel up in the daytime hours when more people are around and keep doors locked and keys in hand not the ignition. Take a self-defense class - it can increase confidence and decrease fear.  Go to a safe place and call 911 immediately if you are the victim or witness a robbery.   

South Uptown Proposes Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) Plan Change

The South Uptown Board of Directors is keen to engage with and involve more renters in the neighborhood association’s activities. So, the organization will consider a proposal to reallocate Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) funds during the next meeting on February 20. The scheme would move $10,000 from repaid home improvement loans to a program dedicated to renter engagement and involvement, and it requires notice to the community prior to the vote at the community meeting. The Plan Modification reallocates the funding from NRP Phase 2 Action Plan Strategy 3.1.1 1-10 Unit Home Loan Program to Strategy 8.1.1 Livability Committee/ Events.  

1st Thursday Happy Hour is Feb 1

South Uptown Happy Hour
Thursday, February 1, 5:30- 7:30PM
Fool Me Once- 3006 Lyndale Avenue S.

Join us for an evening of camaraderie, community-spirit and connection at Fool Me Once, sponsored by the South Uptown Neighborhood Association. This first Thursday gathering promises an informal yet engaging setting for South Uptown residents to come together, unwind and learn more about the vital work of the neighborhood association. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a newcomer to South Uptown, this happy hour is a great opportunity to forge new friendships while getting to know more about the community. South Uptown will provide light appetizers while attendees pick up their own drinks. Please bring your friends, family and neighbors! The more, the merrier…

Luminary Skating Party moved to Jan. 27 due to Weather

Luminary Skating Party
Saturday, Jan. 27, 5:30- 7:30PM
Bryant Square Park- 3101 Bryant Avenue S.

Join us for this 3rd annual community event where Bryant Square will once again sparkle with hundreds of luminary lanterns in a winter wonderland of snow, ice and lights. Bring your skates to experience the magic of skating under the stars and surrounded by glowing luminaries. Participants can then warm up at a bonfire and with free hot chocolate. . It’s a perfect winter activity for people of all ages, so bring your friends, family and neighbors! 

This enchanting community event is Brought to you by Bryant Square Park and the South Uptown Neighborhood Association. The event was postponed from January 20 because warm weather conditions made it impossible to prepare the skating

Sponsored by Morrissey’s Irish Pub, and hot chocolate donated by Lake & Bryant Cafe.

South Uptown Bike Racks Deployed on Bryant Ave

Have you noticed all the new, “South Uptown” branded bike racks between Lake and 36th Streets along Bryant Avenue? They were deployed in November following the major reconstruction of the corridor. The South Uptown Neighborhood Association partnered with Minneapolis Public Works to upgrade the type of racks installed, and the organization will use Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) funds to cover the cost. The project springs from South Uptown’s objective of making the neighborhood a more convenient and safe place to bike.

Luminary Skating Party is Coming

Luminary Skating Party

Saturday, January 20, 5:00- 7:00PM

Bryant Square Park - 3101 Bryant Avenue S.

Join us for this 3rd annual community event where Bryant Square will once again sparkle with hundreds of luminary lanterns in a winter wonderland of snow, ice and lights. Bring your skates to experience the magic of skating under the stars and surrounded by luminaries. Participants can then warm up at a bonfire and with free hot chocolate. . It’s a perfect winter activity for people of all ages, so bring your friends, family and neighbors! 

This enchanting community event is Brought to you by Bryant Square Park and the South Uptown Neighborhood Association.

1st Thursday Happy Hour at Fool Me Once

South Uptown Happy Hour

Thursday, January 4, 5:30- 7:30PM

Fool Me Once - 3006 Lyndale Avenue S.

Join us for an evening of camaraderie, community-spirit and connection at Fool Me Once, sponsored by the South Uptown Neighborhood Association. This gathering promises an informal yet engaging setting for South Uptown residents to come together, unwind and learn more about the vital work of the neighborhood association. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a newcomer to South Uptown, this happy hour is a great opportunity to forge new friendships while getting to know more about the community. South Uptown will provide light appetizers while attendees pick up their own drinks.

New Webpage Features Winter Sidewalk Salt Use Guidance

Did you know that one teaspoon of salt can permanently pollute five gallons of water, and that salt applied to prevent slippery sidewalks in the winter runs into our lakes and rivers? The Chain of Lakes, Minnehaha Creek and Mississippi River are in danger of losing plant and aquatic wildlife due to the overuse of salt. 

There are simple alternatives like shoveling more often, paired with traction grit, that are similarly  effective at making winter sidewalks safe. If you must use salt, apply it more sparingly as a little goes a long way. Check out this handy page on the South Uptown website to learn about smart salting and winter sidewalk care… https://southuptown.org/wintersidewalks

South Uptown Happy Hour at Fool Me Once

South Uptown Happy Hour at Fool Me Once

Thursday, December 7, 5:30- 7:30PM

Fool Me Once- 3006 Lyndale Avenue S.

Join us for an evening of camaraderie, community-spirit and connection at Fool Me Once, sponsored by the South Uptown Neighborhood Association. This gathering promises an informal yet engaging setting for South Uptown residents to come together, unwind and learn more about the vital work of the neighborhood association. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a newcomer to South Uptown, this happy hour is a great opportunity to forge new friendships while getting to know more about the community. South Uptown will provide light appetizers while attendees pick up their own drinks.

Support South Uptown for Give to the Max Day!

Please consider a contribution to South Uptown of $10, $25, $50 or more  on or before November 16. Your support sets a powerful example to others in the community. Donate here: https://www.givemn.org/organization/South-Uptown-Neighborhood-Association 

Funds raised during Give to the Max Day enable us to organize community building activities, enhance public spaces and implement important projects that benefit everyone in South Uptown. From neighborhood clean ups to community events and safety initiatives, every dollar goes directly towards making our community a better place to live, work and visit.

Make a Plan to Vote in the 2023 Municipal Elections

Elections of Minneapolis City Council Members are on the ballot this fall, so make a plan to vote. Early voting is available now, or you can vote in-person at your local polling location. Check out the Minneapolis City Elections Resource Page for details. https://vote.minneapolismn.gov
The site includes specifics on how to register, Early Voting Center hours, your local polling location, how to Rank Choice Vote and more background on the candidates.

1st Thursday Happy Hour at Fool Me Once

South Uptown Happy Hour at Fool Me Once
Thursday, November 2, 5:30- 7:30PM
Fool Me Once- 3006 Lyndale Avenue S

Join us for an evening of camaraderie, community-spirit and connection at Fool Me Once, sponsored by the South Uptown Neighborhood Association. This gathering promises an informal yet engaging setting for South Uptown residents to come together, unwind and learn more about the vital work of the neighborhood association. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a newcomer to South Uptown, this happy hour is a great opportunity to forge new friendships while getting to know more about the community. South Uptown will provide light appetizers while attendees pick up their own drinks.

Fool Me Once, described as Lyn-Lake’s cosmic cantina, is a fun and welcoming place and they are graciously hosting us. Invite your friends, family and fellow neighbors! The more, the merrier...

* Photo courtesy of Lindsay Ruston (@lindsay_ruston). 

Consider Hosting a Little Library in Your Yar

South Uptown is seeking neighbors to host one of our two “Little Free Libraries” in their yard starting in November. Library hosts simply monitor them to ensure they stay in good condition and full of books. It is fun and a great way to share the love of reading with your neighbors. South Uptown volunteers will work with you to deploy the library to your boulevard or yard. Get in touch at info@southuptown.org if interested.

By the way one library now sits at 3115 Dupont and the other is located at 3549 Dupont. Stop by to leave a book and then take a book!