Author Archives: Chris Lautenschlager

Southeast Seniors Safety Spotlight

September 11th, 2024 at Van Cleve Recreation Center

1:30 – 3 pm

Please join Southeast Seniors on 9/11 for this FREE event focused on community and personal safety for adults age 65+. There will be a presentation by Teila Zoller, the Crime Prevention Specialist for Minneapolis’ 2nd Precinct, who will likely be accompanied by a Minneapolis police officer. This will be followed by a hands-on self defense instructional session with Gail Boxrud from Krav Maga.  Additional resources and refreshments will be shared, and there will be time for a Q & A session. 

Walk-ins will be welcome, but signups are encouraged.  

To register, please contact [email protected] or call 612-331-2302. If you would like to attend and need a ride, please request this when you register and we will do our best to accommodate your request. 

Van Cleve Rec Center is located at 

901 15th Avenue SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414

There is plenty of accessible free parking. 

First Friday Fit & Fun for Seniors at Van Cleve

September – December 2024

First Fridays, 10 – 11:30 am

  • September 6th
  • October 4th
  • November 1st
  • December 6th

$5 per person per session

Everyone is welcome at this monthly offering for your body, mind & spirit!

Consider it a sampler of sorts: pickleball, square dance, badminton, table tennis, card & board games, and refreshments. Come alone or with a companion. Try everything, or just one thing. Participate, observe, relax, enjoy. Each session will include: 

  • Pickleball & other recreational activities in the gym–all levels welcome & instruction available!
  • Beginning square dancing led by a professional caller in the multipurpose room–no experience required & no partner needed! 
  • Card & Board games 
  • Table Tennis & Foosball
  • Coffee, lemonade & treats!
  • Comfy chairs and friendly folks!

Information sessions on zoning for cannabis businesses

Two online information sessions will cover proposed zoning regulations for cannabis businesses in Minneapolis. City staff will present recommendations followed by time for questions and answers.

The State of Minnesota legalized adult-use recreational cannabis in 2023. Since then, Minneapolis has been getting ready. Our goal is to create rules that support the new legal cannabis industry and keep our community safe and healthy.

Join either session

10:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 22 Join online on Teams.

4-5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28 Join online on Teams.

The City’s zoning code needs updating with new rules to regulate when, where and how cannabis businesses can operate. Staff introduced draft regulations June 13. Read the staff report and draft amendments.

Sign up for updates on the cannabis industry in Minneapolis.

Home improvement season is underway, SECIA can help make these projects possible! 

We are now in the heart of Summer, and what better time to spruce up your home than now? From a fresh coat of exterior paint to energy-efficient upgrades, there are lot of ways you can make your home more comfortable for you. However, we know home improvement projects can come with a hefty price tag. That’s where city home improvement financing options come into play. SECIA has partnered with local nonprofit, Center for Energy and Environment (CEE), to make funds available to residents for home improvement financing.  

When you take out a loan with SECIA and CEE, you get:  

  • Flexible terms and rates 
  • Low monthly payments 
  • Support from application to closing from CEE’s team of loan officers 
  • Loan programs that help improve the community 

SECIA currently offers 4 unique programs designed to fit the needs of our residents. Whether you are interested in renovating your kitchen, upgrading your outdoor entertainment space, installing solar panels, or making an energy upgrade, CEE and SECIA can help make your home dreams a reality. Don’t wait until you have a problem to fix, get started improving your home today. Happy summer renovating! 

Learn more about SECIA’s specific loan programs at https://www.mncee.org/programs-southeast-como-residents reach out to one of CEE’s loan officers at 612-335-5884.  

SECIA Phase II Plan Modification Vote

Southeast Como Improvement Association

NRP Phase II Plan Modification

Board Vote: Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Moving funds to NRP Phase II Neighborhood Office and Staff (Building Community BCA1.)

Concept: Continue to operate a visible and convenient location as a neighborhood office and resource center. Employ a neighborhood coordinator, program specialists and assistants necessary to implement the Phase II Plan and to increase effectiveness of SECIA as the organization advocating for and serving neighborhood interests.

Amount Requested: $23,700

Source: NRP Phase II 2.H.A.3. — First Time Homebuyer Incentives ($20,000)*

            NRP Phase II 1.E.3. — Rain Gardens / Low Impact Development ($2,000)**

            NRP Phase II 4.PS.A.1. — Van Cleve Park Programming ($1,700)***

These three NRP Phase II sources are more informally known as CLCLT Energy Efficiency Grants,*  Diverter Garden Pilot Program,** and Soccer Goals at Van Cleve.***         

Questions relating to this NRP Phase II Plan Modification request can be addressed to Chris Lautenschlager, SECIA Interim Executive Director: [email protected].

SECIA meetings are open to the public and handicap accessible.

If you need any special accommodations contact the SECIA office 5 business days in advance of the meeting.

Southeast Como Improvement Association | [email protected]