The Neighborhood Advocate 12-19-08

Happy Holidays from the Corcoran Neighborhood Organization

Happy Holidays from staff of the Corcoran Neighborhood Organization! We’re here to help neighbors protect and improve our community, and we look forward to serving you again in 2009. Our office will be closed after December 23, and we’ll return to duty on January 5.

Please consider a year-end, tax-deductible gift to CNO, in any amount, as we kick-off our 2009 campaign to raise $5,000 from individuals. CNO has continued for 33 years thanks to the wise use of a shoestring budget, and the volunteer power and generosity of neighbors like you. Contributor Kath Lenk says, "I've seen first hand how much CNO does for our neighborhood..." (read more and contribute)

Through CNO, neighbors unite to take on issues that matter. Your concerns, ideas, and energy make Corcoran a better place to work, live, and raise a family. What will you do to improve your neighborhood in 2009? Whatever your plan, we hope you'll be part of the Corcoran Neighborhood Organization.

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Nominate an outstanding volunteer, and save the date

Give the gift of recognition to an extraordinary neighborhood volunteer! CNO seeks nominations from the community through January 16. All nominees will be recognized at Corcoran’s annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner. This event is scheduled for the evening of Monday, February 2, 2009 so please mark your calendar! Nominate an outstanding volunteer by submitting a brief statement (2 to 3 sentences) about their accomplishments to Alicia at CNO.

Use extra caution on the Midtown Greenway trail

A string of recent assaults and robberies of bicyclists on the Midtown Greenway prompted a safety alert from the Minneapolis Police Department and the Midtown Greenway Coalition. According to police, the attackers have included groups of 2 to 3 younger males blocking the trail and taking wallets, backpacks, and other items. Police are investigating the incidents and stepping up patrols on the Greenway. More details are available on the Greenway website.

The Midtown Farmers' Market is now hiring

The Midtown Farmers' Market seeks a creative, self-motivated person with strong leadership and organizational skills for a 32 hr/week position as Market Manager. The Manager runs a Saturday morning market (May-Oct) with over 40 vendors at peak season and a smaller Tuesday afternoon market (July-Oct). Download the full job description here. Applications accepted immediately; interviews begin after January 1, 2009 (open until filled). Electronic applications are preferred. Send resume, cover letter and 3 references to Amy Arcand by e-mail.

Connect with neighbors, CNO, and the Market on Facebook

Corcoran resident Gerry Tyrrell reports that neighbors on his block use the social networking site Facebook to stay connected, especially through the cold months. The Corcoran Neighborhood Organization, the Midtown Farmers' Market, and Latinos en Accion are on Facebook too. Please find our pages! The Corcoran page now links to an exclusive interactive webpage of murals in the Corcoran neighborhood. Another great resource is the Minneapolis SnowEmergency page, which provides alerts on plowing and parking restrictions.

Heart of the Beast will close briefly and return in February

The economic downturn has forced In the Heart of the Beast Theatre (HOBT) to close and lay off staff from December 29 through early February. These actions will trim $200,000 from the theater's $1 million annual budget. Executive Director Kathee Foran says the theater's situation isn't necessarily dire, but it does need help. They aim to raise $50,000 by end of January and can accept gifts at their secure website. HOBT will return with community meetings on February 10 and March 24 to plan the 35th annual MayDay Parade and Festival.

Midtown YWCA will host blood drive

Give the gift of blood this holiday season. A blood drive will take place at the Midtown YWCA, 2221 E. Lake St, on December 23rd from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. The nation and the world have recently experienced many disasters that have placed extra demand on the blood supply. Consider helping the Red Cross and your fellow humans this holiday season with the gift of blood. To learn more, visit www.givebloodgivelife.org.

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Corcoran Neighborhood Organization | 3451 Cedar Ave S | Minneapolis MN 55407
Phone 612-724-7457 | Fax 612-721-7588