Cordelia Pierson Re-Elected to MN Mississippi River Parkway Commission

Via a December 12 News Release from the Minnesota Mississippi River Parkway Commission:

Cordelia Pierson of Minneapolis has been re-elected to represent Elk River to Hastings Region on the Minnesota Mississippi River Parkway Commission (MN-MRPC). 

Established by Minnesota Statute, the MN-MRPC’s 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 history byway known as the Great River Road. Membership consists of two members of the House; two members of the Senate; appointees from five state agencies (Transportation, Natural Resources, Tourism, Historical Society, and Agriculture); five regional members; and one member at large.

The Regional Commissioners on the MN-MRPC serve a critical role as liaison between the local communities of the region and the MN-MRPC.  Cordelia Pierson was originally elected to the MN-MRPC in 2011 and currently serves as Vice Chair.  Pierson looks forward to another term on the Commission and upcoming projects including refinement of new online travel maps and guides, a Plan Your Project online tool for road and project managers, new print maps and development of a Great River Road Ambassador Program to provide tools and information to attractions and communities along the route.

The MN-MRPC oversees the Minnesota Great River Road National Scenic Byway as the Mississippi River’s continuous pleasure drive network.  It works to ensure Minnesotans and travelers from around the world can connect to and experience what the river offers, now and into the future. The Commission regularly considers letters of support as partners seek funding for projects that improve the byway experience and help implement the Corridor Management Plan. The Minnesota Great River Road spans 565 miles, 43 communities, 20 counties, three tribes and six unique destination areas (regions).  Information on the Minnesota Great River Road – including online mapping and travel guides - is available at www.mnmississippiriver.com. 

The MN-MRPC is a member of the National Mississippi River Parkway Commission (MRPC) which includes the 10 states that border the Mississippi River (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana).  The MRPC is a community focused organization supporting the parkway, the river, its amenities and the travel experience for the nearly 3,000 mile route from Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico. For more information, visit www.experiencemississippiriver.com. 

Hennepin County Board Adopts 2019 Budget

Via a December 11 e-newsletter from Hennepin County:

The Hennepin County Board approved a 2019 budget of $2.4 billion at its meeting on Tuesday. The budget includes an $830 million net property tax levy, a 5.20 percent increase from 2018.

From workforce training to food assistance, and health insurance to disability services, 1 in 4 people living in Hennepin County receive direct services from the county. The budget addresses shifting needs and increased demand for services.

“The County Board took a hard look at the 2019 budget and engaged in active conversations about priorities and spending,” said County Board Chair Jan Callison. “This budget is the product of that robust engagement; it seeks to meet resident needs in a fiscally responsible manner.”

Budget priorities

• Child well-being – preventing the need for child protection by supporting healthy children and stable families
• Disparity reduction – addressing disparities that affect residents in the areas of education, employment, health, housing, income, justice and transportation
• Housing – preserving affordable housing, reducing the number of evictions and preventing homelessness
• Public health – focusing on the early impact of health outcomes and investing in early intervention in cases of mental illness and addiction
• Transportation – developing a safe, efficient and sustainable transportation system that includes transit, bikeways, sidewalks and roads
• Workforce development – supporting career and educational opportunities for adults and children who face barriers to employment

The budget focuses on maintaining fiscal responsibility and leveraging existing funds and resources, rather than using new money to create pilots and initiatives.

“This budget enables us to respond to ongoing and diverse needs in Hennepin County, ” Callison said. “Our services empower residents to become self-sufficient and enable our region to thrive.”

Learn more about the budget process

Budget adoption follows more than six months of budget preparation and hearings. Commissioners amended the proposed 2019 budget on November 29 and December 5.

November 29 budget hearing video

December 5 budget hearing video

View details at hennepin.us/budgets

Sports Minneapolis Announces Erika L. Binger as Board Chair

Via a December 11 e-announcement:

Sports Minneapolis, powered by Meet Minneapolis, is pleased to announce Erika L. Binger as the new chair of the Sports Minneapolis Advisory Board, with a term starting January 1, 2019. Binger is the founder of V3 Sports, a Minnesota-based nonprofit organization that provides access and expands opportunities for urban and under-represented youth and their community through athletics and academics. Building on the work of previous Board chairpersons Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and longtime Taylor Corp. executive Rob Moor, the addition of Binger is an exciting step forward as Sports Minneapolis continues its work to bring professional, collegiate and amateur sporting events to the community for the economic benefit of the region.

“Erika is exceptionally well-qualified to lead the Sports Minneapolis Advisory Board,” said Melvin Tennant, Executive Director of Sports Minneapolis and President and CEO of Meet Minneapolis. “As an invested member of our community and triathlete, she has a keen understanding of how sports can strengthen a community. Erika’s vision will continue to enhance our Sports Minneapolis mission for the benefit of everyone in the Twin Cities area.” 

“Sports Minneapolis is a perfect fit for my passion for our region and athletics. From the excitement of big events like the Super Bowl and the upcoming NCAA^® Final Four to collegiate and amateur competitions, sports can be a pathway to success for a community,” stated Binger. “I’m very focused on the opportunities sports can bring from both an economic standpoint and personal development. Chairing the Sports Minneapolis Advisory Board is an exciting opportunity for me to continue my mission of giving back to the community.”

Binger began V3 Sports nearly 10 years ago with a vision of building a High-Performance Center to expand opportunities for under-served youth in North Minneapolis. The state-of-the-art training complex will include a much-needed aquatics facility. Binger has been involved in sports her entire life as an athlete, coach, and athletic director. Binger also currently serves on the boards of organizations such as the Flathead Lake Biological Station, McKnight Foundation, Minnesota United FC, the National Sports Center and We IMPACT!

Also joining the Sports Minneapolis Advisory Board is Mark Schindele, Senior Vice President, Target Properties. Schindele adds expertise through his work at Target and his role on the Executive Board of the Minneapolis Downtown Council.

The current Sports Minneapolis board also includes: 

• Lester Bagley – Executive Vice President of Public Affairs, Minnesota Vikings
• Jim Denn – Vice President and General Sales Manager, FOX Sports North/FOX Sports Wisconsin
• Kip Elliott – Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer / Chief Financial Officer, Minnesota Twins
• Jacob Frey – Mayor of Minneapolis
• John Guagliano – Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications, Minnesota United FC
• Mitch Helgerson – Senior Vice President, Marketing and Ticket Sales, Minnesota Wild
• Jeff Johnson – Executive Director, Minneapolis Convention Center
• Ted Johnson – Chief Strategy Officer, Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx
• Tom McGinnis – Senior Associate Athletics Director, University of Minnesota
• Rob Moor – Director, Taylor Corp.
• Sandy Sweetser – Senior Director, Marketing and Event Services, Target Center
• Patrick Talty – General Manager, U.S. Bank Stadium/SMG
• Melvin Tennant – President and CEO, Meet Minneapolis

Sports Minneapolis has played a leading role in securing sports events of all sizes. Examples of the large-scale events include: 2014 MLB All-Star Game, 2017 USA Volleyball Girls’ Junior National Championships, and 2018 Super Bowl LII, as well as ESPN’s X Games (2017-2020) and the 2018 WNBA All-Star Game.

Board members have helped Sports Minneapolis extend its winning streak for years to come by partnering with event rights holders to assist with venue selection, event services, volunteer identification, marketing and promotional support, and on-site recognition opportunities to ensure a successful event.  Exciting events now and into the future include:

• NCAA Women’s Division I Volleyball Championship at Target Center (December 2018)
• NCAA Men’s Final Four (April 2019)
• ESPN’s X Games (2019, 2020)
• NCAA Wrestling Championships (March 2020)
• NCAA Men’s Basketball Regional (March 2021)
• NCAA Women’s Final Four (April 2022)

ABOUT SPORTS MINNEAPOLIS

Sports Minneapolis, which is part of Meet Minneapolis, is focused on recruiting, enhancing and producing sporting events in the Minneapolis area for the benefit of our community. In addition to generating significant estimated economic impact, amateur and professional sports events can help connect the community through sport, fostering health and wellness.

Great River Coalition Weighs in on 2040 Plan

Dear Minneapolis City Council Members, and Mayor Frey:

The Great River Coalition (GRC) is a member-supported 501 c3 nonprofit organization. Our mission is to advocate for preserving, protecting and promoting the historic, commercial and environmental vitality of the Mississippi River, the Metropolitan area and its relationship to the people and our communities. GRC appreciates the opportunity to comment on the Minneapolis 2040 Plan draft.

Dear Minneapolis City Council Members, and Mayor Frey:The Great River Coalition (GRC) is a member-supported 501 c3 nonprofitorganization. Our mission is to advocate for preserving, protecting and promotingthe historic, commercial and environmental vitality of the Mississippi River, theMetropolitan area and its relationship to the people and our communities. GRCappreciates the opportunity to comment on the Minneapolis 2040 Plan draft.

Download the complete letter...

The AWA: Professional Wrestling in the Twin Cities

Article by Michael Rainville, Jr.

The 1960’s was a good decade for Minnesota sports. The Vikings, Twins, and North Stars started their inaugural campaigns, the Golden Gophers football team won two Big Ten Championships and one national title, and the American Wrestling Association (AWA) took advantage of a very popular up-and-coming form of entertainment. Back when everyone thought professional wrestling was as real as any other sport, the AWA became the leader in sports entertainment. This is the company that put the Twin Cities on the wrasslin’ map.

In 1948, the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) was formed and quickly established a territory system across the entire U.S. where there were many regional promotions, and national champions who would travel to every one. One of the founding regional promotions was the Minneapolis Boxing and Wrestling Club, which itself was in existence since 1933, and owned by Anton Stecher. In 1959, the company was bought by Anton’s colleague Wally Karbo, who is a fellow DeLaSalle Islander, and the legendary Verne Gagne. With Karbo and Gagne at the helm, they pushed to be the best NWA territory in the company. Gagne tried numerous times to get the NWA national champion Pat O’Connor to come to the Minneapolis Boxing and Wrestling Club to put on a show for his loyal fans, but the NWA would not allow it. As frustrations grew, Gagne and Karbo were pushed to the limit and eventually broke away from the NWA to form their own independent wrestling promotion, the American Wrestling Association. Gagne declared the NWA champ Pat O’Connor as the inaugural AWA champ, but the NWA never acknowledged it, and soon after, the title was forfeited and granted to Gagne. Smart move. This marked the start of a three decade long run of being on top of the wrasslin’ game.

AWA yearbook featuring the AWA World Heavyweight Champion Verne Gagne

A big part of the AWA was their televised shows, and they needed a place to tape them. They ended up calling the Calhoun Beach Club their home. The AWA’s show All Star Wrestling became so popular that they consistently scored the 2nd highest TV ratings in the Midwest only behind 60 Minutes. The live crowd attendance was also just as impressive. It was the hottest ticket in town. The April 18, 1965 edition of the Minneapolis Tribune sports section noted that there were almost 4,500 fans in attendance to see the Twins beat Cleveland 3-0, and the AWA title match saw a crowd of 8,900. Later in the year when the Twins were hosting the Dodgers for a World Series game, the AWA still attracted over 9,000 fans. That is absolutely crazy to think about!

The quality of the wrestling was also top notch. Verne Gagne and the AWA became a place for young wrestlers to learn the business and become national, and international, superstars. Hulk Hogan and the ‘Nature Boy’ Ric Flair both got their starts in the AWA. They are the two biggest and most popular professional wrestlers of all time. However, the list continues: Bob Backlund, Eric Bischoff, Nick Bockwinkel, ‘Jumpin’ Jim Brunzell, The Crusher, ‘Superstar’ Billy Graham, Scott Hall, Bobby Heenan, Larry ‘The Axe” Hennig, his son Curt Hennig AKA Mr. Perfect, Paul Heyman, Killer Kowalski, Madusa, Sherri Martel, Gene Okerlund, Diamond Dallas Page, The Midnight Rockers Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty, Dusty Rhodes, Wendi Richter, The Road Warriors Animal and Hawk, The Iron Sheik, Sgt. Slaughter, Ricky ‘The Dragon’ Steamboat, ‘Mad Dog’ Vachon, and our former governor Jesse ‘The Body’ Ventura. All of these people and many more were household names throughout the 60s, 70s, and 80s, and many also went on to do better things with the giant of the wrestling world, the WWE.

Hulk Hogan from 1982 when he defeated Nick Bockwinkel in St. Paul to capture the AWA World Heavyweight Championship for the first time.

When professional wrestling hit its stride, the WWE started to form a monopoly of the business with the WWE having the funds to offer contracts to the top stars of the world. Because of this, in 1991, the AWA officially was no more, but their legacy continues to live on. Professional wrestling may not be as popular as it once was, but Minneapolis’ own AWA made it possible for wrasslin’ to go into the mainstream. It’s hard to think that the WWE would have been so popular if it wasn’t for the talent the AWA developed. The next time you’re strutting around Lake Bde Maka Ska imagine the immense crowds that would attend AWA events, or when you find yourself stylin’ and profilin’ at Mayslack’s Bar, have a drink for the wrasslers who used to celebrate a good match there. The AWA was a Twin Cities staple back in the day, and its memory lives on.

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About Michael Rainville, Jr.

A 6th generation Minneapolitan, Michael Rainville Jr. received his B.A. in History from the University of St. Thomas, and is currently enrolled in their M.A. in Art History and Certificate in Museum Studies programs.

Michael is also a lead guide at Mobile Entertainment LLC, giving Segway tours of the Minneapolis riverfront for 6+ years.

He can be reached at mrainvillejr@comcast.net.

My Walks with Mike

Article by Claudia Kittock, photos by Rick Kittock

Several years ago I met Mike Miller, a neighbor. He was part of a walking group from Emanuel Housing that invited other neighbors to join. The more I walked with Mike, the more I learned about this remarkable man and a friendship was born. We continue to walk together twice a week, and our friendship keeps growing. I am a lucky woman!

Mike Miller

I have learned many things about Mike. He was a farmer, a mechanic, and he worked in a mental health facility. Mike has lived a fascinating life. He is a skilled and avid fiddle player, and after a double knee replacement, his daughter bought him an airplane kit to help pass the time.  If the phrase ‘model airplanes’ conjures pictures of plastic kits, that isn’t what Mike does. He will build plastic airplanes, but prefers to work in balsa. Mike is an artist with wood.

Mike built his first airplane when he was in 4th grade. The man who would become his stepfather wanted to tutor Mike in math, a subject he was struggling to master. He promised Mike an airplane kit if he worked on his math skills. 49 years later, Mike rediscovered his love.

A love of history, particularly military history, has supported Mike’s love of airplanes. As a child growing up in a small town, he read every book about aviation in his high school library. He now buys plans of old airplanes, continues to read everything he can about airplanes, and even has a file of planes that never flew. When I need to know something about history, I ask Mike. He is kind enough to share his knowledge with me and I am always slightly embarrassed by what I don’t know. I am so grateful for the things I learn on my walks with Mike.

I learned that World War I established every role airplanes now play in the military, but it wasn’t until after World War II that the Air Force was established as a separate branch of the military. The United States was behind every other nation in aviation at the beginning of WWII, but the need drove both the science and urgency to create airplanes that were appropriate for combat.

Mike works 7 days a week on his creations, often 10 hours a day. Each plane requires 200-300 hours of his work. He loves what he does and his work shows. A year ago, Mike had his first show and it is now a yearly event.

If you're interested in viewing Mike’s work, he has a show set up at Fresh Grounds Coffee Shop at 1362 7th Street West in St. Paul (Facebook). His work tells his story far better than any words. Make sure you find the time to check them out.

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About Claudia Kittock

Claudia is a resident of the Mill District. In addition to writing for Mill City Times, she is a founding Board Member of Friends of the Mill District. Claudia is the author of Health Through Chaos, mentors young adults at YouthLink, and has served on the Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association (DMNA).

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Contact: claudia@millcitymedia.org

November by the Numbers

Downtown real estate market update from Cynthia Froid Group:

MPRB Seeks Volunteers for the Lake Harriet Winter Kite Festival - January 26, 2019

The Minneapolis Park and Rec Board wants to know: Are you a proud Minnesotan? Do you live by the motto: “There is no bad weather, only bad clothes?" Then put on your best winter clothes and volunteer for the 2019 Lake Harriet Winter Kite Festival!

Event and volunteer details: 

• - Saturday, January 26, 2019
• - 12-4 pm
• - Volunteer shifts are 2-hour increments
• - Duties include helping with ice fishing, snowshoeing, firepits, set-up and tear-down and more!

More information and specific volunteer positions are listed online at this link.

Romaine calm!

Via an e-newsletter from the City of Minneapolis:

Romaine calm! An update on the romaine lettuce investigation. 

What we know

No common grower, supplier, distributor, or brand of romaine lettuce has been identified as the source of the current outbreak.

The CDC is advising that U.S. consumers not eat, and retailers and restaurants not serve, or sell any romaine lettuce harvested from the Central Coastal growing regions of northern and central California.

On Nov. 28, the FDA identified these California counties as the focus of the investigation:

• Monterey
• San Benito
• San Luis Obispo
• Santa Barbara
• Santa Cruz
• Ventura

Romaine lettuce harvested from locations outside of the California regions being investigated do not appear to be related to the current outbreak.

If you do not know where your romaine lettuce was harvested, do not eat it.

States impacted

As of Monday Nov. 26, 43 people in 12 states have been infected with the outbreak strain of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157:H7. At that time, Minnesota did not have any confirmed cases. Wisconsin was named as one of the 12 states.

* * * * * * * Steps You Can Take * * * * * * *

Know your source

Romaine lettuce entering the market will now be labeled with a harvest location and harvest date, or will be labeled as hydroponically or greenhouse grown. If your lettuce does not have this information, you should not buy it, eat it or use it.

If you have romaine lettuce harvested from any of the California counties listed above, throw it out. 
Always know where your supplier is getting their food.

When possible and in season, buying locally allows you to know your source better, and contributes to the local economy.

Wash it

With the current E. coli outbreak, washing the romaine lettuce will not make it safe to eat. The E. colibacteria can be in the plant cells themselves, and since it only takes a few cells of E. coli to make someone sick, you cannot wash away the risk.

However, washing produce should be part of your routine practice. Leafy greens are a raw product, grown in dirt, and handled by people many times before making its way into your kitchen. Always wash fresh produce prior to cooking or serving.

Refrigerating and date marking your produce can also help control bacteria growth to keep you and your customers safe from potentially harmful bacteria.

Organic Vs. Non-Organic

Organic produce can contain harmful bacteria. From a potentially hazardous food standpoint, there is no difference between organic and non-organic produce.

Minneapolis Park Board Adopts 2019 Budget

Via a December 5 e-newsletter from Minneapolis Park and Rec Board:

Budget focuses on youth services, fiscal responsibility, environmental protection and engaging the communities’ power

At their December 5 meeting, the Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted a 2019 Budget for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) that focuses on four priorities: invest in youth; be financially sustainable; protect the environment; and engage communities’ power. It also reflects initiatives to meet the changing demographics and needs of the community, including more frontline staff to deliver critical services, piloting the wrap-around full-service community school/park model, and increased funding for a recreation micro-grant program. Commissioners also approved renaming the micro-grant program after former park commissioner Walter Dziedzic.

“Our city has a critical need for enhanced youth programs and services, and youth violence prevention strategies, and the Park Board is uniquely positioned to address this need” said Superintendent Mary Merrill. “We appreciate Mayor Frey’s support for the work we do and his down payment towards the ongoing investment needed for youth services. We are very proud to partner with the Mayor and the Minneapolis Public Schools on piloting the new wrap-around, full-service community school/park model for Minneapolis children.”

A wrap-around, full-service site will be the hub in the community where families will have access to resources where all their needs can be met. The Park Board's role in this partnership will be to find where a park and school share the same site and work together to leverage both park and school resources and services in support of young people and their families.

“I am proud this Board unanimously adopted a budget that increases the number of parkkeepers who care for our parks to pre-recession levels. We also increased our investment in youth, youth jobs and critical youth programming,” said Park Board President Brad Bourn. “It’s an honor to expand our recreation micro grant program and rename it after the late Walt Dziedzic who was such an advocate for parks, youth and families in Minneapolis. Parks are for everyone and this budget puts us in a sound financial position to continue providing services the community wants and needs.”

The MPRB 2019 Budget includes increased funding in the Youth Development Department for the Leadership Fund micro-grant program to focus on elders, girls and Somali program partnerships, and renaming the Leadership Fund the Walter Dziedzic Recreation Innovation Fund. Additional youth development initiatives include increased youth employment through Teen Teamworks, two additional Conservation Corps crews, support for the Run and Shoot Basketball League, and two additional Youthline program specialist positions.

The MPRB 2019 Budget includes a 5.7 percent property tax levy increase that includes 5.8 percent increase for the General Fund annual operating increase, and 3.0 percent increase for the Tree Preservation and Reforestation Levy to address Emerald Ash Borer infestation and tree loss due to storms. Of the Minneapolis property tax paid by Minneapolis homeowners, approximately eight cents of every dollar will go to the MPRB. The 5.7 percent property tax increase will result in an estimated annual increase of $17 for the owner of a $249,000 home.

For details about the approved 2019 Budget, read the full release on the MPRB website.

News from the Northrup King Building

Via a December 4 e-newsletter from the Northrup King Building:

First Thursday, Complementary Hot Chocolate, Indoor Ice Luminary Walk, Santa Claus and more

Holiday Open Studio Saturday - Noon - 4:00 PM

We are open for Holiday Saturdays, December 8th, 15th and 22nd.   

Stop by this Saturday, December 8th for a complementary hot chocolate and stroll the studios.  You'll find art for your home and thousands of gift items including jewelry, ceramics, glass, textiles, wearable art, leather bags, paintings and mixed media pieces of varying sizes and so much more.  

Be sure to visit the Indoor Ice Luminary Walk in the Third Floor Gallery (#332).

The Northeast Minneapolis Arts District will be hopping this Saturday with a number of buildings hosting their holiday shopping shows.

Indoor Ice Luminary Walk

We are excited to celebrate the release of Jennifer Shea Hedberg's new book titled Ice Luminary Magic. To celebrate, Wintercraft will be hosting an indoor ice luminary walk in the darkness of the Third Floor Gallery (#332). This is a free event. Come experience the magic of the glowing luminaries and see all the textures and colors of the ice luminaries.  

The book is available for purchase and Jennifer is available to answer questions. Pictured here is a sample of the ice luminaries you can make.

First Thursday at the Northrup King Building

Beat the crowds and stroll the studios for 4 floors of unique gifts and local art.  

We've got you covered for a warm and cheery experience finding art for your home or gift giving needs.

Meet us at the Main Entrance for a complementary hot chocolate before you start strolling the studios.

Karin Jacobson Winner of MJSA's Online Design Challenge

Karin Jacobson of Karin Jacobson Design is the winner of MJSA's 2018 "A Mission in Life" Online Design Challenge.

MJSA is the trade alliance dedicated to professional excellence in jewelry making and design.

You can find more of Karin's exquisite jewelry at www.karinjacobson.com

¡Bon Appetit!

Holidays are a time to feast and you can save calories by feasting your eyes on the food paintings in this juried exhibition. See the juried show and award winning paintings at Studio Pintura Fine Art Gallery (#293) or browse and shop the online gallery. 

Cynthia Froid Group's Office is a Donation Drop Off for PSP and YouthLink

During the holiday season, the Cynthia Froid Group, 709 2nd Street S, will be a Donation Drop-Off Site for People Serving People and YouthLink. (Their office is undergoing some construction, so please call before you plan to stop by to ensure one of their staff will be there to receive, 612-279-8215.) Alternatively, you can purchase a Target gift card or donate online for either organization (links below). Please have your Holiday donations in by December 13th.

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Holiday items most needed: 

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People Serving People: 

- Toys, baby wipes, mittens and gloves

- Target gift cards: tgt.gifts/holiday2018

YouthLink: 

- Target gift cards: tgt.gifts/YouthLink

- New or gently used warm clothing (sweatshirts, coats, hats, gloves), dish sets, sheet sets

- Holiday youth gift bags (300 of each needed): 

  * Bus pass $10

  * Hoodie sweatshirt

  * Earbuds

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Thank you for considering giving generously to our area families and youth who need extra help at this time of year!

Nimbus Theatre presents THE RIVER BECOMES SEA

THE RIVER BECOMES SEA runs thru December 16

In THE RIVER BECOMES SEA, Nimbus Theatre, 2303 Kennedy Street NE, explores the turbulent world of Reconstruction Era New Orleans. Inspired by Euripides’ The Bacchae, playwright Josh Cragun has populated the Crescent City with a complex collection of ambitious, passionate people. When an exiled scion of Cornelius’ prosperous and respectable dynasty returns, the secret she carries could tear the family apart. Pride, racism, resentment and ambition flow together like a river to the sea. Playwright Cragun has been nurturing the idea of a play loosely based on Euripides’ tragedy.

Every family has its secrets. Cornelius Aloysius Gaines and his daughters are no exception.

Inspired by Euripides’ The Bacchae and set in Reconstruction era New Orleans, playwright Josh Cragun has populated the Crescent City with a complex collection of ambitious, passionate people. When an exiled scion of Cornelius’ prosperous and respectable dynasty returns, the secret she carries could tear the family apart. Pride, racism, resentment and ambition flow together like a river to the sea. And the water is rising.

More info

Celebration of Hmong Culture in Hennepin Gallery, December 3 thru January 24

Via a December 3 e-newsletter from Hennepin County:

Forecast Public Art and the Hennepin County Multicultural Arts Committee announce “Sib Pauv Zog: A Hmong Cultural Harvest,” an exhibit in the Hennepin Gallery created by artists from ArtCrop and curated by Oskar Ly.

The exhibit includes the work and stories of Hmong artists and farmers reimagining Hmong existence and making way for new cultural traditions. Featuring items from fridges to recipe diaries, handwoven hemp to handmade couture, the display rethinks where creativity and inspiration live, what makes a cultural practice, and what a harvest can be.

Sib pauv zog refers to the reciprocal exchange of labor that supports the well-being of one another – an utmost responsibility in Hmong culture. Hmong people have always sib pauv zog, having long cultivated mountainous lands to grow their own food. Along with this, they express their identities through various forms of craft making, storytelling and cultural rituals. While there is no Hmong word for art, creativity exists throughout these cultural practices. Artists as farmers. Farmers as artists.

ArtCrop is the sister model to CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) partnering with artists and farmers to bring art + food culture together.

Learn more at artcrop.com; Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter: @helloartcrop.

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Special event:

“Sib Pauv Zog – A Talk with ArtCrop” Brown Bag Talk

Oskar Ly, Hmong French American multi-disciplinary artist, organizer and creative cultural producer

January 10, 2019, noon - 1 p.m.

Hennepin County Government Center Auditorium, A-level

ArtCrop will present on their work to highlight how art and agriculture are a core part of Hmong culture. The group will discuss their work using the CSA model (community supported agriculture/art), the artist residency on the HAFA farm, and public art exhibits. The session will include an interactive group discussion.

This exhibition and corresponding events are supported by the Hennepin County Multicultural Arts Committee (MCAC), which is receiving support from Forecast Public Art, a non-profit arts organization that activates people, networks and proven practices to advance the transformational power of arts in public life.

The Hennepin Gallery is free and open to the public Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Hennepin County Government Center, A-level, 300. S. Sixth St., Minneapolis. The exhibit is sponsored by Hennepin County Communications.

The Gallery is a project of Hennepin County Communications.

Minnesota Historical Society shares the story of the Christmas Pyramid

Via a November 30 e-newsletter from the Minnesota Historical Society:

Christmas pyramid today and decorated in the Johnson home

New artifact offers a glimpse into holiday decor and folk art of the 1930s 

In the 1930s, Virgil and Helen Johnson purchased a handmade Christmas tree for their family from a Swedish carpenter’s union in Minneapolis. Over the years, the family continued to decorate the tree during over during the holidays, and nearly 90 years later, the artifact is now part of the Minnesota Historical Society’s collections.

This unique style of tree, called a Christmas pyramid, has its roots in German folk tradition, and some historians considered it a precursor to the Christmas trees we know today. The pyramid has several shelves where the Johnsons could place holiday ornaments and figurines.

It’s topped by a wheel of rotating fan blades, and when candles are lit on the pyramid, the resulting heat causes the fan and shelves to spin. For preservation reasons, MNHS curators won’t light candles on our pyramid, but here’s a video of another Christmas pyramid in action:

“The tree and its decorations are great complements to other holiday decor, folk art, and union-made material in our collections,” said Sondra Reierson, 3D objects curator and interim head of collections management.

The tree’s owner also has a unique Minnesota story. Virgil Johnson was a noted hockey player in his day, playing for local minor league teams like the Minneapolis Millers and St. Paul Saints as well as on the 1938 Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks. Johnson became a member of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in 1974.

In addition to the tree, MNHS acquired Johnson's collection of 100+ family photographs and slides chronicling three generations of the family in Minnesota, dating back to his grandparents’ arrival from Sweden in 1881. 

Digitization of collections items for online access is made possible by the Legacy Amendment's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the vote of Minnesotans on Nov. 4, 2008.

New for Holiday Shoppers: Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center Partners with Minnesota Makers

Via a November 29 announcement from Meet Minneapolis:

On December 6, shop and enjoy free refreshments at the December ‘First Thursdays’ event from 9 to 11 a.m.

The Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center on Nicollet and 5th Street is pleased to announce a new retail partnership with Minnesota Makers. Highlighting Minnesota artists, new merchandise and gifts will be available beginning Monday, December 3. To provide a warm welcome to its new retailer and encourage holiday shopping, the Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center’s “First Thursdays” event on Dec. 6 will include free Cardigan Donuts and coffee for customers.

“The Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center, along with our building partner CenterPoint Energy, has always had a vision of activating this prominent downtown corner to engage visitors and locals with more of our great city,” said Meet Minneapolis President and CEO Melvin Tennant. “We are excited that our new retail partner, Minnesota Makers, will help us highlight locally made products and skilled artisans year-round.”

Minnesota Makers features the work of more than 100 Minnesota artists from all over the state, including Minneapolis-centric items like prints, clothing and wood products. Guests shopping at the Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center also will find illustrations by Adam Turman, screen prints by Brian Giehl of Dogfish Media and cutting boards and games by Al Walker of Savanna Woods available for purchase.

“We are thrilled to be working with Meet Minneapolis and to be selected as the retail partner at the Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center on Nicollet,” said co-owners of Minnesota Makers, Christa Kalk and Jay Kalk. “We are passionate about connecting customers to the artists and their stories – and we’ll now be able to reach a wider audience with this new location.”

First Thursdays are held each month to encourage residents, employees of downtown businesses and visitors to learn more about the free services available at the Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center and discover local Minnesota Makers, as well as highlight partners, community organizations and events. For more information and daily hours, visit www.minneapolis.org/visitor-information/

ABOUT MEET MINNEAPOLIS VISITOR CENTER

As part of Meet Minneapolis, Convention and Visitor Association, the Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center is the official visitor center for Minneapolis, located in the CenterPoint Energy building on Nicollet and 5^th Street. Staff is available to answer questions, share visitor maps and resources about things to do in Minneapolis and the surrounding area. The Visitor Information Center in the Minneapolis Convention Center also is available to provide similar information to visitors and convention attendees.

Meet Minneapolis is a private, not-for-profit, member-based association. It actively promotes and sells the Minneapolis area as a destination for conventions and meetings, works to maximize the visitor experience and markets the city as a desirable tourist destination to maximize the economic benefit to the greater Minneapolis area. Meet Minneapolis is accredited by the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) of Destinations International.

ABOUT MINNESOTA MAKERS

Minnesota Makers, with locations in downtown Minneapolis and Robbinsdale, features the work of over 100 Minnesota artists, from near the Canadian border to south of Rochester and New Ulm and everywhere between. It strives to create an experience where the customer will learn more about the featured artists, their work, and the ever-present talent in the state of Minnesota. Shopping at Minnesota Makers is like shopping with more than 100 local small businesses in one. Support local, support artists, shop Minnesota Makers.

Minneapolis Park & Rec Board Invites you to the December 1 Minneapolis International Festival

Join community members from across the city to learn about the many amazing cultures that make Minneapolis such a wonderful place to live.

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Saturday, December 1, 1-5 pm

Central Gym, 3400 Fourth Avenue S

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The Minneapolis International Festival will be celebrating the different cultures in the City of Minneapolis and surrounding communities with music, dance, art, cultural learning booths, exhibits demonstrations, food AND MORE. Learn about all the many amazing cultures that make Minneapolis such a wonderful place to live.

Some of the groups featured that day will include: Mehandi Henna, Rince na Chroi Irish Dancers, Russian Museum of Art, Kuyayki Peru, Keefer Court Bakery & Café, The Greek Dancers of Minnesota and Green Card Voices.

The Minneapolis International Festival is FREE and open to the public. The event will take place on Saturday, December 1 from 1:00 to 5:00 pm at Central Gym in Minneapolis, 3400 Fourth Avenue S. This is an indoor event. Questions? Call 612-230-6400 or visit the Event on Facebook.

The Minneapolis International Festival is FREE and open to the public, and presented by the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board.

SteppingStone Theatre Announces their production of A Charlie Brown Christmas, November 30-December 22

Bring your family together for a performance of this beloved classic, featuring live jazz pianist Sean Turner, at the SteppingStone Theatre. This charming performance will delight everyone on your Christmas list! 

What is A Charlie Brown Christmas about, again? 
All of Charlie Brown’s friends are brimming with holiday cheer, but he’s having trouble getting in the spirit. Can directing a Christmas play help him kick the Yuletide Blues? Discover the true meaning of Christmas and the place where you belong with Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the whole Peanuts gang!

Who is the ideal audience? 
This hour-long performance will be a marvelous experience for Peanuts lovers of all ages! 

When are your Accessible Performances?
December 2: 3:00 PM Pay-As-You’re Able
December 7 : 7:00 PM Audio Described
December 9: 3:00 PM ASL Interpreted

NEW with this show - choose your seats when you purchase Tickets.

Entrance Fees to All 75 Minnesota State Parks and Recreation Areas will be Waived on Friday, November 23

Via a November 21 e-newsletter from the Office of Governor Mark Dayton:

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Governor Mark Dayton today announced “Free Park Friday” in Minnesota, highlighting that entrance fees to all Minnesota state parks and recreation areas will be waived on Friday, November 23, 2018. Governor Dayton encourages all Minnesotans to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends on the day after Thanksgiving.

 

“I wish everyone in Minnesota a very happy Thanksgiving, and recommend visiting one of Minnesota's beautiful state parks — for free — on Friday,” said Governor Mark Dayton. “Like sharing a meal, going for a walk can be a great way to spend quality time with family and friends.”

 

Research shows that spending time outdoors benefits children and adults, including improving mood, enhancing creative thinking and problem solving, promoting a conservation ethic, and improving physical fitness. On Thanksgiving Day, the average American consumes around 4,500 calories. A brisk walk can burn about 300 calories in one hour.

 

“Holidays can be stressful, but Minnesota state parks and recreation areas are open year-round to provide places to unwind and relax, surrounded by natural beauty,” said Erika Rivers, director of Minnesota State Parks and Trails. “We hope that visitors who go to a state park for the first time on Free Park Friday will have fun, feel refreshed, and want to come back.”

 

Although most state park offices and visitor centers will be unstaffed or minimally staffed on Free Park Friday, a variety of on-site and online resources available for visitors:

 

• Find directions to the parks on the individual park Web pages at www.mndnr.gov.

• Look for the self-orientation signs near the park entrance for suggestions on what to see and do during your visit.

• Additional hike recommendations can be found online at the Free Park Friday page. 

• Pick up a hard-copy map at the park office or, better yet, download one of the new GeoPDF maps that show you where you are based on your mobile device’s built-in GPS receiver. Internet access is needed to install the app and map files, but once they are installed, they do not need Internet access or cell phone service to function.

 

A few Minnesota state parks will offer special programs. Examples include:

 

• Feeling Full Hike – 10-11:30 a.m. at Sibley State Park in New London. Join a naturalist on a hike to Mt. Tom, with some stops along the way to learn about our feathered friend: the turkey. Meet at the Interpretive Center.

• Turkey Hike – 1-2 p.m. at Whitewater State Park near Winona. Learn the fascinating history of the wild turkey in the Whitewater Valley! Meet at the visitor center for a brief introduction, then take a hike to look for signs of wild turkeys.

• Bison Tales – 1-2 p.m. at Blue Mounds State Park in Luverne. Join a naturalist to learn more about efforts to conserve bison throughout the state. Touch real pieces of bison, practice your bison communication skills, and make a bison storybook of your very own to take home. Meet at the picnic shelter in the cart-in campsite area. 

 

For additional resources on things to do and places to stay across the state, visit exploreminnesota.com, and share your sights this season on social media using #OnlyinMN.

 

Permalink: http://mn.gov/governor/newsroom/index.jsp?id=1055-359051

The Boom Island-Nicollet Island Bridge is open!

The freshly repaired Boom Island-Nicollet Island Bridge

Via a November 21 announcement from Minneapolis Park and Rec Board:

Historic bridge reopens after six-month repair project

The Boom Island-Nicollet Island Bridge is open for trail users after a six-month repair project!

Minor followup work, including site restoration and seeding, concrete abutment surface repair, and paint touch-ups, will be performed next spring. A Grand Opening Celebration is scheduled next year as well; details will be determined in the spring. 

The trail connection between Boom Island Park and Nicollet Island was originally built in 1901 as a railroad bridge. In the 1970s, the rail yard it served was cleared and the bridge was given to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB), which converted it to a pedestrian and bicycle bridge in the 1980s.

In late 2013, the bridge was closed to emergency and maintenance vehicles after significant deterioration was discovered during an inspection. Emergency repairs were completed in July 2015 and permanent repairs were performed May-November 2018.

The MPRB appreciates everyone's patience while the bridge was closed.

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