Plan Your Trip on the Minnesota Great River Road this September

The MN Mississippi River Parkway Commission invites you to make the most of Minnesota’s changing fall colors and hit the road! September is Drive the Great River Month, and the Commission is providing exclusive content on 700+ places to explore by vehicle, foot, bicycle, boat, train, and plane.

The Plan Your Trip interactive map can help you find your next adventure along the Mighty Mississippi River in Minnesota. It’s your one-stop shop for details on the Great River Road route (follow the green & white “pilot’s wheel” signs) and insider information on things to see and do, organized and searchable by category.

The interactive map includes: 

• The Great River Road route – follow the green line that shows you the exact location of the byway
• Interpretive Centers – 13 attractions that are part of a 10-state network of sites to learn specifically about the Mississippi River’s landscape, history and art
• Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas – local, state, and federal parklands, forests, and wildlife refuges/areas
• History – history museums, historic sites, and interpretive markers
• Arts & Culture – outdoor art locations, art museums, and performance art venues
• Get On the Water – boat landings, river bridges, and fishing piers
• Minnesota Grown Members – a variety of farmers markets, garden centers, wineries, fruit & vegetable growers & more, all within 10 miles of the Great River Road
• Other Minnesota Byways – Minnesota’s other 21 State and National Scenic Byways
• Navigation capability to help you plan your travel between points of interest

The Great River Road - an All-American Road - runs through 20 Minnesota counties, 43 communities and three tribal nations from Lake Itasca to the Iowa border. And, the National Great River Road was named Best Scenic Drive in the 2025 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards! September is the perfect time to check it out. 

For more information on the Minnesota and National Great River Road and to order maps, visit www.mnmississippiriver.com and www.experiencemississippiriver.com.

Minnesota’s Mississippi River Parkway Commission (MN-MRPC) is a statutory Commission, whose mission is...To preserve, promote and enhance the scenic, historic, and recreational resources of the Mississippi River, to foster economic growth in the corridor and to develop the national, scenic, and historic byway known as the Great River Road. The MN-MPRC is part of the larger 10-State National MRPC organized in 1938 to celebrate the Mississippi River by developing the Great River Road Scenic Byway. The ten states are: Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.

Open Eye Theatre Announces 2025-2026 Season

Open Eye Theatre has announced their daring and dynamic 2025–2026 season - a vibrant lineup of theatre, puppetry, music, and storytelling that challenges conventions and celebrates community. Tickets and more info.

This season invites audiences on an exhilarating journey - from punk rock rebellion and campy holiday chaos to haunting poetry and visionary puppetry. Featuring adventurous new works by Minnesota artists and beyond, each Open Eye Mainstage and Guest Artist Series production is designed to provoke thought, spark delight, and ignite the imagination.

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LIZZIE: The Rock Musical  October 9 – November 2, 2025

Revenge, betrayal, sex, murder! What really happened in the house of Borden? LIZZIE is the punk-rock reimagining of the gripping true-crime case of Lizzie Borden. Brought to life by a powerhouse cast and a searing live band!

SCROOGE IN ROUGE  November 28 - December 28, 2025. Celebrate the season with a Christmas Carol turned holiday boilermaker – a raucous, drag-fueled extravaganza with outrageous costumes, sassy lyrics, and side-splitting performances guaranteed to get your spirits soaring. Now in its third year!

STRANGE HEART: The Dream Songs of John Berryman March 5 – 22, 2026. Beloved vocalists Bradley Greenwald and Anna Hashizume front a live band playing a dreamy jazz-infused score in playwright-composer Greg Brosofske’s lyrical portrait of Minnesota poet John Berryman.

PUPPET LAB FESTIVAL April 10 - 19, 2026. PUPPET LAB is a 2-week festival of radical, genre-expanding, boundary–pushing puppet work, the culmination of a 6-month development residency for emerging puppetry and mask artists.

 *  *  *  Guest Artist Series  *  *  * 

NUDGE Septembre 8, October 20, November 3 & December 8, 2025. Veteran group Nudge create one long mono scene of improvised comedy: grounded, relational, sometimes sweet, often awkward, and always funny.

THROUGH OUR EYES 2: New Play Festival September 18 – 28, 2025. THROUGH OUR EYES 2 is Exposed Brick Theatre’s new play festival that is the culmination of the 2024 – 25 Through Our Eyes playwriting cohort.

FULL MOON PUPPET SHOW  November 13 – 15, 2025. Since 2008, FULL MOON PUPPET SHOW has been performing puppet slams throughout Minneapolis. Join us under the full moon for an adult, rowdy puppet slam. Featuring performances by some of the most innovative Twin Cities puppetry artists!

MERRY & DARK with THE CHAMPAGNE DROPS December 7, 2025. MERRY & DARK celebrates the darker side of the holiday season with a collection of songs performed by the Champagne Drops on Open Eye's intimate stage.

Treasure Island Opens the Children’s Theatre Company 2025-2026 Season September 9th

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Reed Sigmund as Long John Silver                                            Photo by Kaitlin Randolph

A discussion with Reed Sigmund, cast as Long John Silver

Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic, Treasure Island, is coming to the  Children’s Theatre Company September 9 – October 19. It’s appropriate for ages 8 and up and who wouldn’t want to see a swashbuckling pirate production to open the season? We spoke to Twin Cities favorite Reed Sigmund on what it was like to play Long John Silver in the coming of age tale that features buccaneers and buried gold in the golden age of piracy. Get tickets here.

Q:  I’ve read that it is a lifelong passion of yours to be cast as Long John Silver – please tell us more.

A:  I feel Long John Silver is one the most complex, well-written characters in the entire history of literature. His personality and actions are endlessly ripe for exploration and discoveries. He’s a morally grey, larger-than-life figure who is both magnetic and enigmatic. 

Q:  What aspects of Silver’s personality do you personally relate to, if any? 

A:  I see that Long John Silver is doing the absolute best that he can, given his circumstances! He’s truly kind! He carries a tremendous amount of empathy. But he exists in a time and place where violent oppression from a cruel monarchy forces him to resist and fight back with passion and purpose. 

Q:  How do you balance Silver’s villainous side with the parts of him that are charismatic or even likable?

A:  This is tricky, because I don’t see John Silver as villainous. I don’t necessarily agree with everything he says, or every decision he makes. However, I understand WHY he does everything that he does. He’s a master of tactics. And he understands human nature better than any other character in the piece. By focusing on his intentions, I’m able to find the raw truth of what makes humanity both beautiful and terrifying.

Q:  Did you base your portrayal on any particular version of Silver from film or stage, or did you create your own interpretation?

A:  I’ve seen several versions of the character, but the version I connect with most strongly is from the Disney film, "Treasure Planet." Our script is more faithful to the source material, so it’s far from a re-creation or an impression of that film. But that version approaches Long John’s complexities with understanding and nuance.

Q:  What’s your favorite line or moment as Silver in the show?

A:  Towards the end of the show, Jim Hawkins eloquently articulates his disappointment and disdain for Silver. And Silver listens. He takes Jim’s verbal lashing and Jim’s threats of turning him in to be hanged, and then politely replies with, “That’s fair I reckon, and I thank you for it. You’re a good boy Jim Hawkins, not that you’ll care much for my opinion…but you’re a fine boy. We’ll never see each other again. You’ll think of me as a friend I hope.”

Q:  Did you create a specific voice or accent for Silver? How did you find it?

A:  I looked at the time period, and Silver’s clear loathing of the monarchy, and felt he needed to be from a people who had suffered under the crown. So, I’ve chosen to incorporate an Irish accent. And based on Silver’s age, I’ve incorporated a grizzled vocal quality to accompany the accent! I played with many choices while immersing myself in the script, but I’ve settled on something that I believe feels and sounds organic.

Q:  Why do you think Long John Silver remains such an enduring character in literature and theater?

A:  As a reader or viewer of this classic, I believe we want to root for Silver to make the right choice. In our lives we yearn to see people evolve and become who we know they truly are down deep inside. And underneath it all, it’s impossible to see Silver as a bad man. We want him to get a second chance, or a third, or a fourth! We want to give him patience and grace, because at the end of the day, it’s what we want others to give us.

Q:  If Long John Silver were alive today, what kind of job do you think he’d have?

A:  Without a doubt, Long John Silver would be the greatest Secretary of State this country has ever known! Either that, or he’d run a tasty lil seafood restaurant found in food courts across the land.

Washburn Lofts' Art Exhbit, First Bloom, Reception September 4

Art Show Reception Thursday, September 4, 5-7pm

First Bloom is a group exhibition of first-year Master of Fine Arts students from the University of Minnesota, with works from Anissa Cavazos, Isabela Escalona, Maeve Jackson, martje oostra, nouf saleh, and Isabella Sanchez. It is a celebration of these student artists showcasing their experimentation, growth, and collaboration. Works for sale include photography prints, silk screen prints, paintings, quilts, and neon light sculpture.

Hosted by Washburn Lofts, 700 S 2nd Street. Free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. Metered street parking or nearby pay-garages. Entrance on 2nd Street. 

Art at the Bridgewater Announces 30th Exhibit - Into the Woods - Reception August 28

Art at the Bridgewater is celebrating its 30th exhibition, Into the Woods, with an opening reception on Thursday, August 28, 6:00pm–8:00pm. Enjoy champagne, wine, appetizers and dessert while perusing works of talented local artists.

Into the Woods Artists:

Laura Andrews | Jim Gallop | Belle Hulne | Cheryl LeClair-Sommer | Jodi Reeb | Mark Sifferlin | Neysa Winterer | Melinda Wolff

Preview Into the Woods: https://youtu.be/5BxQD5c4Jvs or scan this QR code:

For more information or sales, contact pczenner@comcast.net

Event access note: Please use the 1026 Washington Avenue entry as the front entry on 215 10th Avenue S is temporarily closed for a construction project. Take the elevator to the 8th floor Community Room.

Dogs on the Patio Event at EaTo September 6

Saturday, September 6, 11am to 2pm

Dog and cat adoption nonprofit, The Bond Between (formerly Secondhand Hounds), will be at EaTo's patio on September 6th showing off puppies that are available for adoption. EaTo is located at 305 Washington Avenue S.

Additional activities include quick-sketch portraits of your dog for $20 from an urban sketch artist, a specially curated menu for your dog (Houndburger and grilled chicken, dog cookies and free bowls of Spring(er) water); and a couple of specialty drinks dreamed up by EaTo Beverage Director JJ Monroe.

A portion of sales during that period will be donated to The Bond Between. 

A Discussion with Marilyn DeLong, President of University of Minnesota Women’s Club

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided 

The University of Minnesota Women’s Club is an impressive 114 years old. It was first organized as a club for faculty wives but has evolved over the past century to include all interested women in the community. We spoke to President Marilyn DeLong about the history of the Club, how they support the University, and the wide range of annual activities (17 special interest groups!) for their membership of engaged, intelligent women. Take a look – you will probably like what you see. 

Marilyn DelongQ:  Please tell us the history of the University of Minnesota Women’s Club (UMWC).

A:  The University of Minnesota Women’s Club (UMWC) started in 1911 as an organization for faculty wives. Since then, we’ve opened the club to any woman interested in joining our group of vibrant women. While many UMWC members are connected to the University in some way, it is not a requirement. Today club membership is steady at 300, with a new member influx of about 10 percent annually. 

A large part of our mission is dedicated to helping University of Minnesota students achieve their academic goals through a strong scholarship program that has contributed more than $1 million in funding over the lifetime of our club.

Q:  How do you balance honoring the Club’s rich history with staying current and relevant?

A:  Every year we host three Conversation with a Woman Leader luncheons and an annual meeting that feature women leaders in the community who are tackling relevant issues. Most recently we heard from U of M President Rebecca Cunningham on the challenges and opportunities she is facing. Our speakers are selected by a team that organizes the conversations based on input from our members. We also stay connected with our scholarship recipients through an annual scholarship luncheon and periodic articles in our newsletter, which keeps us up to date on their issues. 

Our 17 special interest groups also keep us current and active in pursuing new friends and skills. For example, I helped found a writer’s circle, and the members are all enjoying the experience of writing memoirs, poetry and historical fiction. At our meetings we share our writing drafts and receive suggestions for improvement as well as the support of the group. 

In addition, UMWC is organized to stay relevant as we review and upgrade bylaws based upon suggestions from members and a vote by our board of directors. 

Q:  You are Professor Emerita at the U’s College of Design. What have you learned from your professional background that informs how you approach your role at the club? 

A:  I served as an administrator and associate dean in the College of Design for 15 of the 45 years I was on the faculty.  I also advised many undergraduate and graduate students as they completed their degrees.  Through this experience, I learned to listen to the needs of the students and faculty I served and find solutions for these needs. This gave me experience working with a diverse group of individuals, all with somewhat individual needs. 

Q:  What does UMWC offer that would entice new members? 

A:  For starters, we have a lot of fun - and we learn a lot! Our special interest groups run the gamut. In addition to the writer’s circle I mentioned, we have four unique book clubs, a poetry group, Mah Jongg games twice a month, hiking twice a month, trips to nature centers, the U of M campus and local restaurants, and a talented group of artists who create wonderful works we are able to enjoy at our annual art show. As a result, we have many interesting conversations and go to new places with engaged, intelligent women who have rich life experiences. 

Art table at Welcome brunch 2024

Out to Tea September 2024

Susan Liu at art show 2025

Hikers at Elm Creek Park Reserve

Q:  What is your vision for the club over the next year or two? Are there any big changes or initiatives you’re especially excited about? 

A:  We are an ever-evolving group. My vision for the Club is to expand our opportunities to serve AND socialize - both are important to our members. I will listen to our members and try to find ways to fulfill their expressed needs. For example, at our Big Ten Conference this June, I was reminded that we need to focus on longtime members, as well as our new members. In our discussions, a plan was hatched for pairing longtime members as mentors for our newcomers. I would like to try this type of pairing in the coming year. I would also like to expand our service projects to include needs within the community that our members would enjoy volunteering their services. 

Q:  The mentor project sounds like a good plan. How else do you plan to foster connection and engagement among longtime members and newcomers? 

A:  We make a special effort to welcome new members with our New Member Coffees, where they mingle with other new members and club leadership. We identify new members with a special name tag so other members can welcome them at events. We encourage existing members to make an effort to invite new members to our special interest groups and luncheons. In addition to welcoming them, we are especially interested in how new members can contribute to the club’s success according to their interests and expertise. 

Q:  How can the club better serve or uplift underrepresented voices - within its own walls and in the city?

A:  The best way we uplift underrepresented voices is through our scholarship effort, which helps students who come from a wide variety of backgrounds and ethnicities. Our luncheon speakers also introduce members to those kinds of uplifting efforts, including in the past year alone building schools in Tanzania, playing with engineering to create new ways of learning and fighting for women’s equality through the ERA. 

And, of course, our members include women from all walks of life - our diversity lies in our members who have been involved in all sorts of careers and professions. Sometimes a member will choose to serve by continuing what she did prior to joining; other times, a member wants a break from the past to try something new. Either path is welcome. 

Q:  How may we follow UMWC news? 

A:  The best way to follow UMWC is through our website, which includes information about our scholarship effort, our interest groups and our upcoming events. It also includes our newsletter, which is published online five times a year.

September 10 Public Hearing on Maximum 2026 Property Tax Levy

The public is invited to comment on the maximum property tax levy for 2026. The Board of Estimate and Taxation will take public comments at its meeting:

5:05pm Wednesday, September 10
Public Service Center, Room 350
250 4th Street S

A signup sheet will be onsite 30 minutes before the meeting.

You can also send comments online or directly to your Board of Estimate & Taxation elected officials or the city clerk.

Find out more about the board, find meeting agendas and minutes, and see the meeting schedule on the City website.

Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild Announces 24th Annual Autumn Brew Review, October 11

This year's fest will see the return of 80+ breweries pouring craft beverages of all kinds, as well as the return of bonfires, live music, local crafts, food trucks, and the petting zoo. Plus for the first time this year there will be Curling by Curling Connections.

For the 24th year, thousands of craft brew fans will gather at Boom Island Park for Autumn Brew Review, Minnesota’s longest-running craft beer festival. The festival gathers together 80+ craft breweries and brewpubs – the season’s biggest variety of craft brewers – from across the state to celebrate the end of the season and showcase their winter lineup of beers, ciders, seltzers, THC, NA beer, and more. MN’s original craft beer festival has grown from its humble beginnings into a celebration of everything there is to love about fall in Minnesota. Event Details and Tickets

● Unlimited samples of MN-made craft beverages (beer, cider, seltzer, THC, NA, and more), including Special Collaborations you can only find at the fest!

● Fall-Fest Activities: bonfires, petting zoo, and NEW This Year: Curling brought to you by Curling Connections.

● Celebrating everything Minnesota: local live music, food trucks, shops, artists, and community groups.

● Plus, proceeds support the MN Craft Brewers Guild, a nonprofit that supports MN’s craft brewing industry.

Participating Breweries:

320 Dwellers Brewing / 56 Brewing / Arbeiter Brewing Company / Back Channel Brewing / Bald Man Brewing / Barrel Theory Beer Company / Bauhaus Brew Labs / Bear Cave Brewing / Bent Paddle Brewing Company / Blacklist Brewing Co. / BlackStack Brewing / Boom Island Brewing Co / Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative / Brühaven / Castle Danger Brewery / Dual Citizen / Elm Creek Brewing / Fair State Brewing / Falling Knife Brewing Co. / FINNEGANS Brew Co / Fish Dream Brewing / Forgotten Star Brewing Co. / Fulton Brewing Co. / Gambit Brewing Co / Gluek Beer / Goat Ridge Brewing / Gravity Storm Brewery / Half Pint Brewing Company / Heavy Rotation Brewing Co. /  Hoops Brewing / Imminent Brewing / Inbound BrewCo / Indeed Brewing Company / Insight Brewing Company / Invictus Brewing Company / Iron Exchange Tavern and Brewery / Jack Pine Brewery / Klockow Brewing Company / Lake Monster Brewing Co. / Lakeville / Inver Grove Brewing / Lift Bridge Brewing / Little Thistle Brewing / Looner Cannabis Co. / Lost Saint  Brewing Co / LTD Brewing / Luce Line Brewing / Lupulin Brewing / Mana Brewing / Mineral Springs Brewery / Modist Brewing Co. / Montgomery Brewery / Nine Mile Brewing / Nouvelle Brewing / OMNI Brewery & Taproom / OUTSTATE BREWING COMPANY / Paddlefish Brewing / Padraigs Brewing / Pryes Brewing Company / Rail Werks Brewing Depot / Shakopee Brewhall / Sociable Cider Werks / Spiral Brewery / Summit Brewing Company / Surly Brewing Co. / The Freehouse / The Savage Tap / Third Street Brewhouse / Tilion Brewing Company / Toppling Goliath Brewing Co / Trail Magic / Minneapolis Cider Company / Tremendous Brewing Co. / Trove Brewing / Uncommon Loon Brewing Company / Union 32 Crafthouse / Unmapped Brewing Company / Ursa Minor Brewing / Utepils Brewing / Wabasha Brewing Company / Waldmann Brewery / Wandering Leaf Brewing Company / Wild State Cider / Wooden Ship Brewing

Local Volunteer Wraps up a Decade in Volunteer Seamstress Role

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos by Eliot Berven, Catholic Charities Twin Cities

For the past ten years, Karen Martodam has mended clothing for hundreds of people experiencing homelessness in Minneapolis as a volunteer. She has donated her time, expertise and supplies to repair clothing, but she also brought warmth and dignity to residents and guests at the Catholic Charities Higher Ground Minneapolis campus and Mary F. Frey Opportunity Center. 

“Over the past decade, Karen’s work as a volunteer seamstress has met a practical need: helping ensure people in need have durable clothing through Minnesota’s changing seasons,” said Keith Kozerski, chief program officer at Catholic Charities Twin Cities. “But even more importantly, Karen’s consistent presence demonstrated her compassion and showed our guests that people care about them.”

We talked to Karen about what this volunteer role has meant to her and her customers, the next thing on her horizon and practical advice for those considering a similar volunteer activity. 

Q:  What first inspired you to begin this volunteer work 10 years ago?

A:  After retiring from a corporate finance position that left me with little time to contribute on a consistent basis, I suddenly had time on my hands to give back to the community. I had done the ‘usual’ stuff - donating blood, working with United Way - but was really interested in a way to make a positive impact in a consistent way. My brother-in-law worked at Catholic Charities Twin Cities, and that personal connection to the organization got me started.

I now volunteer regularly at two Catholic Charities Twin Cities locations: the Mary F. Frey Opportunity Center and Higher Ground Minneapolis. Once I started volunteering, I realized there was a way to marry my desire to help with my specialized sewing skills. Sewing was always a hobby of mine that I was excited to dive deeper into upon retirement, so being able to bring that into my new volunteer commitment really made it seem like the perfect role for me!

Q:  Do you remember the first garment or repair you made for someone in need? Can you describe that experience?

A:  Yes, one of the first projects was to reattach the sleeves to a dress shirt that had been torn off. My first inclination was to suggest that the client find another shirt, but I know that clothing can hold an emotional connection and wanted to keep that intact for them. They were so happy with the end result. What had felt like a simple project to me had been meaningful to them, and encouraged me to keep going.

Q:  Did you expect this to be something you’d do for a full decade?

A:  I really didn’t think about that when I began. When I started, my husband was not yet retired, so I made this part of my weekly schedule. There have been various times when my commitment has scaled back (Covid, wintering in warmer weather), but it has remained a part of my regular monthly schedule when I am in the Cities. After Covid, I reduced my schedule to bi-weekly, working around family time and a few months away from the Minnesota cold. 

Q:  What kinds of items have you repaired most often?

A:  The most requested “fix” I have done is replace zippers. Zippers in jackets, backpacks, sweatshirts, pants, etc. I bring approximately 30 zippers each time in various lengths, colors and utility. I try to match the color as best as I can, but the clients really don’t care about the color. Some of the clients really love the new “contrast” they have on their clothing. 

Q:  Were there any unexpected challenges in sewing for people experiencing homelessness?

A:  The biggest challenge is that some clients expect a quick fix. Repairing a garment can be much more difficult than starting from scratch, and timing can be an issue as all repairs need to be done on site. I’ve developed a few little work-arounds to issues like repairing holes without deconstructing the garment.  Sometimes there are fabrics (like leather) that my machine is not equipped to handle. My repairs almost always look “repaired” - but I do the best that I can with the machine and tools that I bring with me.

Q:  Did you have opportunities to meet or hear from the people who receive your work?

A:  For the work that I do at both Higher Ground Minneapolis and The Opportunity Center, I meet each of the clients in person. In most cases, I am able to help in some way. I let them know if there is a limitation, but assure them that I will do what I can. There have been a couple of projects that were presented by the Catholic Charities Distribution Center that I was able to take off-site and work on on my own. This included sweatshirts that were donated but needed a “cover-up” of some offensive language. I was able to get help from members of one of the quilt guilds I am a part of. Another project was to take new donated work pants and make them into shorts. That project was done in conjunction with another volunteer even though I never met her. Of all of the people I have helped, all have been extremely appreciative of my efforts, even if I have had to tell them I couldn’t always do what they needed.

Q:  What have you learned - about others, about yourself…through this experience?

A:  Oh, this is a hard one. I hope that I have learned to be more patient and more understanding of others’ situations. I don’t know the clients’ backgrounds, but I do know that (to quote Mary Jo Copeland), "They are in a difficult situation through no fault of their own." And for sure, I know how blessed I am to have a home, a loving family and good health. 

Q:  What would you say to someone considering a quiet but powerful form of service like this?

A:  I would encourage them to shadow someone doing this so that they get an idea of what this entails. I bring a wagon full of supplies such as zippers, buttons, bias tape, needles, iron-on patches, 30 different colors of thread and a host of other supplies. It can be difficult to be prepared for whatever is needed, but just do what you can; it is very rewarding.

Q:  Do you have any advice for future volunteer seamstresses or tailors?

• It’s okay to take shortcuts in sewing to get the job done.
• It’s okay to say, “I just can’t do that” or “I can do it, but maybe in a different way.”
• I am here to fix clothing, not create it.

Q:  What’s next for you now that this chapter is closing?

A:  Right now, I have a lot of different directions I can go. I would love to continue to volunteer in a way that aligns with our travel schedule and extended family activities. And I would like to find a way to give back that includes my interest in sewing and quilting. I have been quilting for over a decade, but am always trying to sharpen my skills there. Hopefully there’s an opportunity on the horizon involving that! I am so thankful to have helped Catholic Charities over the last ten years and I hope that I can help on other projects that may be “one-offs” instead of a regular schedule.

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Editors Note: You can learn more about Catholic Charities Twin Cities and its volunteer opportunities on their website.

Make Your Own Pasta (or dog) Bowl at EaTo August 23

 Make your own pasta (or dog) bowl Saturday, August 23, 11am-1pm

Cost is $65, which includes all materials to make a ceramic bowl, plus glazing and firing. Enjoy a complimentary glass of prosecco or NA beverage, plus two kinds of pizzettes.

Your bowl can be decorated with a unique rim and words (pressed into the clay with alphabet macaroni) or stencils for texture. You'll work the clay like pizza dough over a form, and then instructor Krissy Catt from the Minnetonka Center for the Arts, will take the bowls to her studio to glaze and fire. You can pick up your finished bowl at EaTo in two weeks!

Register

Hearty Farmers Market Meal - Ingredients From the Mill City Farmers Market

If you've visited the Mill City Farmers Market on a recent Saturday, you might have been overwhelmed by the abundance. I'm easily distracted by so many fresh offerings, so bringing a list is a must - any purchases beyond that are a tasty bonus.

I love to make large pots of well rounded dishes and divvy them up for the coming weeks meals. Everything for a flavorful feast is available at the Market, no recipe needed. This week it's a hearty stew with Sunshine Harvest chicken breasts, kale, corn, carrots, sweet potatoes, sweet peppers, Thai basil, leeks and Shepherd's Way Hope cheese. No seasoning expertise needed - that comes from TonzKitchen Garlic Shallot Oil, Black Garlic Puree from Ellie's Whole Grains and Atacama's tomato salsa. All in one pot - no muss / no fuss.

Hope cheese is very soft, so I put it in the freezer while preparing the other items. That makes it easier to cube. I also toss the cubes in panko crumbs to keep them from sticking together.

The chicken breasts are cut into bite size pieces and rubbed with the black garlic puree, then browned in the garlic shallot oil. Once the chicken is cooked, the veggies are added.

I add the tomato salsa for the last 30 minutes of cooking, and then toss in the cheese cubes at the end.

Voilà - a weeks worth of hearty meals is ready to go!  :D

Dinner du Nord – A Don’t Miss, One-night Celebration of Minneapolis’ Best Dining Experiences

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

A Discussion with Scott Mayer, Producer

On September 11 from 5:00–8:30 PM, you’ll have the opportunity to dine at a table stretching seven blocks on Nicollet Mall, enjoying your choice of signature dishes from over 40 Minneapolis restaurants and food trucks, served al fresco on the bus-free Mall. We talked to Scott Mayer, Producer of Dinner du Nord, about how this marvelous experience came about, participating restaurants and most importantly, how to participate. Ticket sales end September 6 - so don't wait!

Scott Mayer

Q:  First, congratulations on another event you’ve organized that celebrates Minneapolis. What inspired the creation of Dinner du Nord?

A:  I heard about Savor the Summit in Park City Utah - it’s a high-end dining event that has long tables on their Main Street as a primary component. I thought it would work here in Minneapolis if we could revise it to be more broad-based to allow people at all budget levels to participate. I ran the idea by a few restaurateurs several years ago. They loved the idea, but then Covid hit and the plans were shelved. I resurrected the idea when I learned that both the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Foundation were interested in promoting Nicollet Mall in a bigger way as a destination for exciting unique events.

Q:  In your opinion, how does Dinner du Nord celebrate or reflect the spirit of Minneapolis?

A:  For the first time this year, I visited as many Neighborhood Night Out events in Minneapolis as possible to promote the dinner, and I was amazed at the number of events and people who turned out. We are a city composed of residents who like to socialize and get to know their neighbors. Dinner du Nord is a broader example of that - people coming together for a shared experience.

And in true Minnesota fashion, part of the proceeds will benefit Help the House Foundation, which works to support workers in the restaurant industry. 

Q:  What goes into organizing a dinner of this scale and uniqueness?

A:  There are of course, many large and small details, but the biggest challenge with a new idea that hasn’t happened is raising the money to pull off the execution. Fortunately, the City of Minneapolis has a fund managed by Meet Minneapolis that helps events like the dinner succeed. That, combined with the Minneapolis Foundation and the ten other sponsors, provided me with the confidence to make the idea a reality.  

Q:  How do we participate? 

A:  Participation is simple. Just go to www.dinnerdunord.com take a look at the menu of the 40 participating restaurants and food trucks are offering, purchase your ticket from the restaurant of your choice, and show up on September 11!

Q:  How did you select the chefs, vendors, and partners involved?

A:  It was really first come, first served to any restaurant or food truck located in Minneapolis. This first year, we wanted to accommodate anyone who expressed interest.

Q:  What were some of the biggest logistical challenges, and how did you overcome them?

A:  Getting the necessary permits and licenses needed could have been overwhelming, but luckily, Lisa Goodman and Phil Schliesman, both City of Minneapolis employees, have been instrumental in making the process as smooth as possible.

Q:  Are there particular food cultures you’re excited to include in the event?

A:  I am particularly excited that Oasis Mediterranean Grill, a Somali-owned restaurant, is participating.  

Q:  What kind of impact do you hope Dinner du Nord has on guests — beyond a good meal?

A:  I hope people leave the dinner feeling energized about downtown Minneapolis and thinking about the next time they can head downtown for a great meal, albeit with a little smaller group.  

August 6 Bridge 9 Improvements Project Update

Bridge No. 9 was constructed in 1922 by the Northern Pacific Railroad to carry freight over the Mississippi. The City of Minneapolis acquired this bridge in 1986 and converted the bridge to a pedestrian use bridge in 1999. The bridge currently provides a Mississippi River crossing for the Dinkytown Greenway bike trail.

Beginning in April, 2025, the City of Minneapolis started making repairs and improvements to Bridge 9, Abutment 1 and the approach spans on both ends of the bridge

*  *  *  Latest project news  *  *  * 

2025 Construction Phase

Public Works has been working on this bridge in phases over the past few years, starting with the substructure work (piers and abutments).

In 2025, the scope of work will focus on the superstructure, which includes removing and replacing the approach span decks, replacing the existing railing with a high-safety railing and rehabilitating the east side abutment.

Rehabilitation work on the abutment consists of the removal of degraded concrete, then repairing and strengthening the concrete to remain with new reinforced concrete. The work on the approach spans consists of the removal of the old ballast slab, aggregate and bituminous pavement, then constructing a new reinforced concrete deck.

Forms for north approach span being constructed

The abutment work takes place within Bridge 9 right of way through University of Minnesota property.  It is occurring adjacent to the U of M Main Energy Plant.  Access and staging for the work were closely coordinated with University officials.

Lifting section of southern approach span

Schedule

Construction activities this season started on April 7th of 2025. The scheduled completion date is the end of December 2025. The contractor is currently anticipating substantial completion by the end of November 2025.

Traffic Impact

The bridge is closed to bicyclists and pedestrians this season. The Detour route is below, and it is also posted to the project webpage.

Current Work

For the month of July, the following construction operations were performed: Installing supplemental reinforcement on abutment 1, abutment 8 concrete repairs, continued removals of sections on the southern approach spans, and setting formwork on the northern approach span.

Completed repairs at Abutment 8

Coming Up

The last deck removals on the southern approach span, steel preparation on the southern spans, setting forms and pouring concrete on abutment 1, installing rebar on the northern approach span.

Stay Connected

For more details and to sign up for email updates please visit the project page.

For concerns or questions about the Bridge 9 project please contact:

Contact the project engineer: Petru Vizoli,
612-201-1905, or Petru.Vizoli@minneapolismn.gov

Contact the engineer: Oscar Weber,
651-470-4790 or Oscar.Weber@minneapolismn.gov 

Contact the design team project manager: Rich Revering,
612-718-8412 or Richard.Revering@Bolton-Menk.com 

Small Business Spotlight: Jeromeo in the Loop

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Scott JohnsonLooking for a great local massage therapist? How about high-quality all natural perfumes and body care products? Check out Jeromeo in the Loop at 210 N 2nd Street for these products, services and even more – jewelry, antiques and many more gift ideas. We talked to owner, Scott Johnson, about the history of his business, relocating to and valuing the North Loop and the importance of slowing down for better health.  Stop by – book a massage, get a free sample of handmade perfume and meet this good community member. 

Q:  Jeromeo in the Loop is a unique mix of wellness, retail, and art - how did you land on that concept? 

A:  Jeromeo and PureomEO have been a two-decade evolution of ideas. At first, we opened the shop as a jewelry, essential oil, imported antique, and gift shop on Nicollet Mall. I later expanded into making all-natural perfumes and body products from my collection of high-quality essential oils. This became PureomEO. As a massage therapist for over 25 years, I had the idea of opening a wellness center as part of Jeromeo for a long time. After 10 years of being on Nicollet Mall, we moved into a larger space in the North Loop. This allowed me to expand Jeromeo and PureomEO by combining massage and wellness with retail to form a very unique shopping experience.

Q:  What drew you to the North Loop for your business location? 

A:  At the time, there were talks about redeveloping Nicollet Mall. With that comes a lot of construction, which can be hard on small businesses in terms of foot traffic. Initially, that is why I began to consider moving my business. After looking at spaces, I found a location in the North Loop with enough space that didn’t require a lot of build-out. I was familiar with the North Loop and wanted to stay downtown. I enjoyed the history and architecture of the warehouse district. Plus, there was a lot of potential and buzz about the growth of the neighborhood. The opportunity was there, and it just seemed like the right time to move. Shortly after the move, projects for Target Field and Whole Foods started. Along with a lot of upscale residential development. Continuing to grow as a business in a growing neighborhood like the North Loop has been very special and helpful in making my business what it is today.

Q:  How do you curate the products and services at Jeromeo?

A:  Whether it’s something antique or new, I’m always looking for unique, handmade, and one-of-a-kind items that have a story. Whether it’s a 200-year-old cabinet, artisan-made jewelry, hand-blended perfume, or locally made pottery. All of our inventory has a story that makes it special. Those stories are continued even after leaving the shop and finding a new home. I love being a part of that story. Being a massage therapist for over 25 years, I’ve learned that everyone’s body is different. That is why our massage services are based on and customized to the needs of the client. Which we do through communication and varying massage techniques, including deep tissue, sports, neuromuscular therapies, Swedish massage, etc.

Q:  What do you think people are most missing when it comes to caring for themselves? 

A:  That question has so many answers, haha. I think the simple things get overlooked when it comes to caring for yourself. Drinking water, going for a walk, or taking a moment to call a friend or family member for a short chat. Those little things make a big impact on caring for ourselves. We are in a time where things move so fast. It seems like it’s always go, go, go. No matter how short, I think allowing ourselves a moment to slow down in whatever way we can is very important to our well-being. This can include a 30-minute massage or treating yourself to something special from our shop.

Q: How does Jeromeo engage with the local North Loop community?

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A:  We often donate massage services, perfume samples, and gift bags for various events in the North Loop. This can include events with the North Loop Neighborhood Association or a booth at a local food and drink pop-up in the neighborhood. I also enjoy stopping in the neighboring businesses on a stroll before work. Whether it’s to shop or just to say hello.

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Q:  What role do you think spaces like Jeromeo play in a neighborhood’s culture?

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A:  I think it’s so important to have and support small businesses in neighborhoods like the North Loop. Whether it’s clothing, retail, coffee shops, book shops, restaurants, etc. Small, unique businesses make our city and neighborhoods vibrant and diverse. There’s a sense of pride when you stroll through a neighborhood and see it bustling with small businesses and members of the community.

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Q:  What’s next for Jeromeo? Any new ideas or expansions in the works? How do we follow your news?

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A:  We are always a work in progress at Jeromeo! At the moment, we are working on carrying a larger selection of jewelry, developing more PureomEO perfumes, while refining our wellness center services and experience. Follow us at our websites - jeromeo.com and pureomeo.com. As far as specials go we always have jeromeo.com/25off1stmassage and right now we have this going on, too: jeromeo.com/bogomassage. And always we have free samples of our handmade all natural perfumes.

August 5th National Night Out Event at Chute Square Park

 

Mini Mia Pops Up to Kick Off Downtown Street Art Festival August 8

Photo credit Minneapolis Downtown Council

Friday, August 8, 2025, at 11:00am

Peavey Plaza (Nicollet Mall between 11th and 12th Streets)

Mini Mia: Engaging Young Minds Through Art! In collaboration with PNC Bank and the Minneapolis Downtown Council (MDC), the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) brings its beloved Mini Mia early childhood arts program outdoors for a special summer event. Designed for children ages 3-5, the program includes artmaking, movement, story time, and a sing-along, all centered around a vibrant hand-painted piano to kick off Pianos on Parade (August 1-31) and Downtown Minneapolis Street Art Festival (August 9-10).

Eagle Soaring by Ric Rosow

Submitted by Ric Rosow

I have been spending a time on and off lately waiting and watching for the eagles who nest across the river from us, to fly close enough over this side of the Mississippi River to get a good photograph. Yesterday this eagle circled over the St. Anthony Falls and then flew back down river close to the Mill District side of the river. In all I took over 250 images of this eagle and identified 18 that met what I was looking for. I had my camera set for photographing a bird in flight, with a shutter speed of 1/2000 and enabled the camera’s focus tracking of the a moving bird or animal. The blue sky with puffy clouds required no special editing. I love the determined look in the eagle’s eye. The phrase “you have an eagle’s eye” is played out in this photograph. I believe this is the finest photograph I have taken of an eagle flying. I hope you enjoy it was much as do.

You can see more of my work at ricrosowphotography.com and pricekrishnangallery.com.

Alchemy of the Heart Exhibit Opens August 4th at A-Mill Artist Lofts Gallery

Check out artist Lori Lentz's Alchemy of the Heart exhibit at A-Mill Artist Lofts Gallery August 4th through the 30th, with an artist reception on August 14th. 

Theatre 55 – Where Age is Not a Problem

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

If you haven’t seen a production by Theatre 55, mark your calendars for Sweeney Todd in October. At Theater 55, everyone involved in the musical productions – actors, musicians, directors, etc. – are all over 55 years of age. We talked to Richard Hitchler, Artistic Director and Creator, about the background of Theatre 55, how to participate, impacts, and how to support this worthy organization. 

Q:  What inspired you to create a theater company exclusively for performers over 55?

A:  In 2018, while working for the Minnesota State Arts Board, I learned that theatre arts participation was missing for one particular age demographic – seniors. Although seniors make up the majority of audience members, I discovered that they themselves were missing from participation; not by desire, but rather by lack of opportunity. In fact, only 15% of people aged 55+ were actual participants of the arts, and when you break that down to theater specifically, only 3%. This statistic, along with prompting from people familiar with my 20-year leadership of SteppingStone Theatre, encouraged me to fill that void. So, I founded a new theater, Theatre 55, to fill the need in the Twin Cities and Minnesota: Theatre performed by seniors. Formed with the purpose of developing lifelong learning through theatre performance and education. Theatre 55’s vision is to enrich the lives of elders as artists, audiences, and lifelong learners through theatre performance and education.

Theatre 55’s inaugural production of HAIR, performed by those who lived it, sold out its three-week run and received positive accolades from The New York Times, Minnesota Public Radio, Next Avenue, The Star Tribune, SPNN, Minnesota Playlist, and Broadway World! Packed spring classes, a contract with EPISCOPAL HOMES residence, and subsequent sold-out productions of Pippin, The Rocky Horror Show, Jesus Christ Superstar, A Chorus Line, Rent, and Little Shop of Horrors.

A Scene from CabaretLawrence Hutera and Elisa Cross in Into the WoodsDeb Soulen and Brian Driscoll in Little Shop of Horrors

Q:  What are the opportunities available for people over 55 to get involved, either onstage or behind the scenes?

A:  Theatre 55 produces two fully staged musical productions per year; conducts theatre classes including improvisation, dance, auditioning, and more; and conducts workshops in and with senior living communities and organizations that work specifically with the 55+ community. 

We conduct open auditions for all of our productions, with opportunities to be onstage or help out behind the scenes. Class registrations are open to anyone who desires to take a class, and workshop offerings are available to members of the community. 

Theatre 55 offers classes to all people 55+ who are interested in trying theatre for the first time, have some experience, need a refresher, or advance training in theatre. In addition, all of our shows cast novice actors who have a hands-on opportunity to learn from professional actors along with a musical director, choreographer, and director in a peer-to-peer methodology. 

The best way to learn more is through our website or Facebook page.  

Q:  What kind of impact have you seen Theater 55 have on the lives of its performers?

A:  The self-confidence, friendships, passion, cohesiveness, and community created were all beyond my expectations. Individuals have expressed how their experience with Theatre 55 has changed their lives, created life-long friendships, re-ignited creativity, built community, and given life purpose to so many. 

"Theatre 55 believes that being older is only the beginning, not the end. As we age, we can create, inspire, and grow with authenticity and grace." - Robert Borman, recent participant

Q:  How has the audience responded to seeing older adults on center stage, especially in traditionally youth-focused roles?

A:  The audience response to seeing older adults perform in these shows has been incredible. Responses have ranged from "I can do that" or "I want to do that" to "I cannot wait to be 55, so I can do that!" and "Age went out the window as soon as I heard her hit that first note."

Audiences clearly respond favorably to the older performers and see each production through a different perspective. Another example came from a group of high school students who came to see our production of Urinetown and stated that even though they were doing the same production, they truly understood what it was about by seeing our production. 

Q:  How do you choose shows for Theater 55?

A:  Shows are selected that reflect both current society and the life experience of elders; shows in which the wisdom gained by life can be handed down to the next generations and that show seniors in a positive light. Musicals are chosen because we, the audiences, are already asked to suspend their disbelief about people breaking into song. Therefore, seeing seniors play characters that are typically played by 20 - 30 year olds, is simply a part of that suspension of disbelief. Performers are storytellers, and storytellers can be any age. Productions from the 1960's, 70's, 80's, or even 90's are selected as they are part of the collective conscience of participants and audiences alike. 

Q:  Please talk to us about challenges you’re facing at Theater 55. How can we support Theater 55?

A:  Theatre 55, like many arts organizations, faces the challenge of shifting federal policy and funding. The work we do combats ageism, loneliness and related health issues, and shifts the paradigm on aging; giving relevance to elders in our youth-focused society. Supporting Theatre 55 through a donation will help us to continue to provide opportunities for elders to continue to experience these opportunities. Donations can be made directly to https://theatre55.org/donate/.