Small Business Spotlight: chemin

Article by Becky Fillinger, photo provided

A Conversation with Death Doula, Wendy Brown

Wendy BrownWe typically associate the word doula with childbirth. But there is a growing movement of Death Doulas – those professionals who bridge the gap between the medical and emotional/spiritual aspects of death for patients and families. We talked to Wendy Brown, owner of chemin, a Minneapolis Death Doula. She told us about why she entered the profession, services provided and local events to learn more about the movement.

Q:  Why did you become a Death Doula? Why did this appeal to you as a career option? 

A:  My interest around end of life began during 2016 when I lost both my beloved Uncle Will as well as my sister's daughter in utero. I began to notice how difficult and seldom people talk about death, a clear fear when recognizing death is a part of life. I also began a Health Care Directive Workshop, Speaking of Dying MN, which opened my eyes to the many options while planning one’s end of life wishes. My sister Sarah Longacre, a Birth Doula, mentioned the idea of Death Doula work and I soon dove right into doula training research. Soon I discovered INLEDA, the International End of Life Doula Association, and picked up the book, Caring for the Dying: The Doula Approach to a Meaningful Death, written by Henry Fersko-Weiss, the founder of INELDA. I immediately felt if I did not pursue becoming a doula as a profession, which I indeed did, I would want to support my family and friends with finding deep meaning and comfort with care given at the end of life. 

Q:  How does a person train to be a Death Doula? Are there degrees or certifications available? 

A:  There are multiple Death Doula trainings offered all around the country. The most well known in my experience include:

• https://inelda.org       
• https://www.henryferskoweiss.com (He was the founder of INELDA, left last year to start his own program.)
• https://www.consciousdyinginstitute.com       
• https://goingwithgrace.com       
• University of Vermont 

NEDA, the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance also lists different trainings on their site: https://www.nedalliance.org/trainer-directory.html

Unlike Birth Doulas, there is no national certification to become a Death Doula. Each program is completely different from the others. I trained with INELDA and decided to become certified as the feedback around my hands on experience was valuable. All this said, there are those with no training or certification who are Death Doulas through their experiences around end of life and natural ease with death. 

Here's a bit more on the certification process that might be of interest: https://www.nedalliance.org/about_eold_certification.html. 

As a NEDA member, a Death Doula can decide if they would like to earn a NEDA EOL Doula Proficiency Badge: https:www.nedalliance.org/proficiency-assessment.html.

Q: You're a founding member of the Minnesota Death Collaborative. Could you tell us more about this organization?

A: The Minnesota Death Collaborative is a resource for bridging the gap from life to death, for navigating the journey and reconnecting to the natural aspects of death. MNDC was created as a resource for those both in the death field as well as individuals searching for their own support around end of life. We embrace and honor death as a part of life.

You may sign up for our monthly newsletter here. Each month we welcome incredible, passionate speakers to our Community Call - these opportunities, as well as past recordings, are part of the MNDC membership. If you’re not sure about joining on one of our membership levels, we welcome you to attend a few community calls as our guest. Our January 11 Zoom meeting will feature local mortician Angela Woosley – bring your questions and learn more about natural burials, green cremation – she’ll answer any questions you have about working with morticians and funeral homes.

Q:  Do you help clients write legacy letters? Are there other legacy projects?  

A:  Yes, creating legacy letters is one form of a Legacy Project I focus on with my clients, as well as written stories, audio and video recordings, memory boxes and albums. It’s a profound experience to gather a person’s stories, be it at the final stages of life or with no diagnosis in view. My gift is to listen deeply to what each chapter has meant to my clients — the highs, the lows, and the turning points. The exercise is often more than simply chronicling one's history. For many, creating a Legacy Project can be a spiritual process as we look at the significant moments in a life, what one has learned, valued, and believed, as well as reflect on the impact one life has had on others and how others have impacted them. Legacy Projects provide an invaluable opportunity to find inner peace and control while deepening the exploration of one’s story. It also provides family and friends an ongoing relationship with their loved one, a touchstone of the most significant kind.

Q:  Are Death Doula services covered by Medicare or other insurance plans?

A:  Unlike Birth Doulas, currently Death Doula services are not covered by insurance. That said, many Death Doulas support families and their loved ones through pro bono action. Slowly we are seeing hospice homes and health care providers include Death Doulas as a part of their support system. As Death Doulas can provide a broad range of support, from spiritual and emotional help to physical comfort and logistical assistance, many people find Death Doulas an important service, along with hospice or palliative care.

Q:  How may we follow your news?  

A:  The MNDC newsletter and our Facebook page is a wonderful resource for local and national information around end-of-life support. Personally, you can follow me on my Instagram account and website: https://www.mychemin.com.

Stone Arch Bridge On Minneapolis by Ric Rosow

Submitted by Ric Rosow

Stone Arch Bridge on Minneapolis

I was working on a photograph of Downtown Minneapolis that I took New Year's Day. The sky was unremarkable, rather pale. There were no clouds, no blue or pink tones.The cityscape however looked good. The buildings were sharp and clear with a mixture of complimentary colors. I decided to combine the three images I had open at the time into one image. The other two images were close ups of the Stone Arch Bridge, images that contained very different colors from downtown. My end result is a digital version of a photomontage, a process that includes cutting, gluing, rearranging and overlapping several images. After overlapping the images I was able to modify the result to obtain a color balance and tone that I liked. Other artists in the Tres Leches Art Gallery physically combine different materials, textures, types of paint, resins and objects to create works of two or more dimensions. Photography is one dimensional. Creating the perception of dimension is a goal of almost all fine art photography.

You can view my work in person and the work of other Tres Leches artists, a number of whom create two and three dimensional works of art, this Thursday evening, January 5, at the Tres Leches Art Gallery, Studio 173, located in the Northrup King Building, 1500 Jackson Street NE from 5-9pm. On Saturday, January 21 from 5-9pm NKB will be open for you to browse works from hundreds of artists and shop multiple open creative studio. There is plenty of free Parking, a passenger elevator, and comfortable spaces for you to enjoy.

Meet Chief of Police, Brian O'Hara, at the Ukrainian Center, January 11

Message from Council Member Rainville

Greetings to all my Ward 3 neighbors,

I want to start by wishing all of you a Happy New Year. I'm looking forward to another great year of working for you all.

I want to invite you to the Ukrainian Event Center (301 NE Main St) on Wednesday, January 11 at 6pm to hear from our new Chief of Police, Brian O'Hara. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about Chief O'Hara's vision for MPD, and ask any questions you may have. 

I hope to see many of you there.

Your neighbor,

Michael

MacPhail Announces Free Family Event Saturday, January 21

MacPhail Center for Music has announced a free family event with a concert and activities for children Saturday, January 21, 2023.

The soulful sounds of Motown will combine with the power of the trombone as The Paper Clips provide an informative and engaging performance at Sing Play Learn with MacPhail®’s next Free Family Music Series. The Paper Clips will connect the sounds of “Hitsville” USA to its roots in Black American and popular music styles of the 20th century, a program for fans of all ages. The vibrancy of Minneapolis will set the stage in Antonello Hall at MacPhail’s downtown location. Members of The Paper Clips trombone quartet include Chris Allen, Brooklynne Audette, Lauren Husting and MacPhail’s very own Ben Bussey.

Activities Include:
•Free Family Concerts at 10:15am and 11:15am
•Instrument exploration
•Visual art station
•Snacks

Bussey, also MacPhail Faculty Member and K12 School Partnerships Development Representative, expressed his excitement about sharing this program with such a young audience. “We are thrilled to be able to bring some of our classic Motown program to the Free Family Music series. This is the music our parents played for us when we were kids, and we love sharing it with young people. The music of Motown is essential listening when considering the history and impact of Black American music in world popular culture. The blending of jazz and gospel in the city of Detroit birthed an unmistakable sound in the 1960s that continues to resonate with people today, and launched the careers of artists like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, and many more.” 

An Update on Bald Eagle Poisonings with Dr. Dana Franzen-Klein of The Raptor Center

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Dr. Dana Franzen-KleinOur majestic neighbors, the bald eagles, are a keystone species – vital to the health and well-being of its ecosystem (that includes all of us). In early in December, over a period of a few days, 11 bald eagles were found critically ill near a landfill. The birds were brought to The Raptor Center for diagnosis and treatment. We spoke to Dr. Dana Franzen-Klein, DVM, MS, Medical Director at The Raptor Center and Wildlife Veterinarian, to learn more about what turned out to be poisoning and how the eagles are faring now. One has fully recovered and been released back to the wild!

Q:  Can you please tell us what happened around the recent news about the poisoning of bald eagles in the area?

A:  At the start of December, The Raptor Center responded to nearly a dozen critically ill bald eagles found suffering from probable poisoning from pentobarbital. Pentobarbital is a drug that is found in euthanasia solution and eagles can get poisoned by this drug if they feed on the bodies of animals that have been euthanized with it. All of these birds were found in the same location next to a landfill, where it was confirmed that there were euthanized animals in the landfill that the eagles could have had access to. Of the 11 eagles that were rescued, one bird was also infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza and sadly did not survive. The remaining 10 were treated in intensive care for the suspected pentobarbital poisoning, as well as other poisonings or injuries found on exam including lead poisoning and injuries to their feet. We are excited to report that all 10 eagles survived the initial poisoning event, and one bird has even been released back to the wild (watch video of the release). We are hopeful that the remaining nine in our care will continue to recover and will once again fly free in the next month or two. As Bald Eagles are a federally protected species, this suspected poisoning incident is under active investigation by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

One of the eagles brought in for care.

These are the 10 eagles that survived the suspected pentobarbital poisoning, thanks to care at The Raptor Center. Some eagles have colored nontoxic stickers on their beaks to help with patient identification when they are housed with others. 

Q:  Do eagles typically eat items found within a certain range of their nests? 

A:  During the month of December in Minnesota when this poisoning occurred, eagles are not paired up to breed or sitting on nests and will often leave their nesting territories to look for food over a range of locations. Once breeding season starts, they often hunt or scavenge much closer to their nest sites.

Q:  What does rehab look like for the eagle patients? 

A:  Rehabilitation is a two-step process at The Raptor Center. Our specialized veterinary and rehab team first work to heal all of the medical issues in the patients - this includes giving intensive supportive care to the poisoned birds as many came in non-responsive - unable to sit up or stand on their own. They needed fluid therapy to help their bodies process the toxins, nutritional and vitamin support, nursing care, and antibiotics to treat the aspiration pneumonia that resulted from the birds being unable to protect their airways when they were sick. Additionally, a number were also experiencing lead poisoning, a poison that we sadly see in 80-90% of eagles that come into our center, and needed intensive treatment to help the birds bind and secrete the lead from their bodies. Finally, many birds also had additional physical injuries that might or might not have been related to the poisoning event. 

Once the birds have recovered from their medical problems and are determined to be healthy, they move to the second step of their recovery process and receive a test flight by our veterinarian technicians to ensure that they are strong and can fly well enough for release. If needed, they will enter a flight strengthening program where they build back the muscle and stamina needed to survive and thrive in the wild during a number of exercise flights by our flight crew volunteers. Once we determine they are strong, healthy, and have good flight, they are released back to the wild in neutral territory along one of the riverways in our area.

Q:  How can we support your efforts?  

A:  The Raptor Center’s specialized hospital for ill and injured raptors runs almost 100% on donations from the community. Because of the support of the public, we are able to treat over 1,000 sick eagles, hawks, owls, falcons, and vultures a year and give them a second chance at life. To help support birds like these eagles, please visit z.umn.edu/raptorgive and join our team to help protect birds and the world we all share.

Additionally, this incident shows the importance of recognizing that we as humans play a huge role in what goes into our ecosystem and chemicals or contaminants that we put out into the environment can have unintended consequences in our wild animals. Sadly, we see hundreds of poisonings every year ranging from lead poisoning to unintentional poisoning from rat bait, and from other drugs like pentobarbital in this case. These are all 100% preventable and we as humans have the power to help take actions to protect not just raptors, but the world we all share.

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Dry January? Try These Non-Alcohol Beers from FINNEGANS

If your New Year's resolution pledge is to give up drinking alcohol for the month of January, that doesn’t mean giving up going out or having fun. FINNEGANS has three Non-Alcohol Hairless Dog beers for you to enjoy. Unlike many non-alcoholic beers, Hairless Dog is the first truly 0.0% craft beer in the U.S. Not a drop of alcohol has been produced during the making process, which is unique.

The Citra Lager and IPA are on tap in FINNEGANS' Taproom. Additionally, Hairless Dog is found in many retail outlets - consult the Beer Finder to locate one nearest to you. If you are new to the brand, FINNEGANS is also offering 25 store samplings across the metro area so you can try before you buy.

Magical Monochrome Morning With a Touch of Maroon and Gold

Thank you to Susan Schaefer for sharing this frosty photo overlooking the Mississippi River, taken December 31, 2022.

Small Business Spotlight: Trutech Wildlife Service

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Russell DepeuHome or business owners in Minneapolis may at some point experience animal pests in their structures. If that happens, it's best to not ignore the situation. Trutech Wildlife Service can remove the animals humanely and guarantee your peace of mind. We spoke to Russell Depeu, District Manager for Minneapolis, about common wildlife nuisances in our area and the services his company offers. Give them a call at 612-429-1110 to discuss your animal issues.

Q:  What services do Trutech Wildlife Services provide?

A:  Trutech offers humane wildlife removal and control for both residential and commercial customers. Our services include safe animal trapping and removal, remediation to clean up the mess left from the animals, and exclusion repairs to keep the animal from returning. I’m repeating myself, but I want to stress that we use humane wildlife handling techniques that go the extra mile to protect wild animals.

Q:  What makes the Minneapolis area such a good market for wildlife removal services?

A:  Minneapolis is one of the most populous cities in the U.S. One of the reasons people like to live here is the readily available access to the outdoors year-round. Minneapolis has over two hundred parks and an extensive biking infrastructure to access them. Located in the Eastern Broadleaf Forest, the area is full of deciduous trees and glacial lakes. Animals like raccoons, foxes, rabbits, squirrels, opossums, snakes, etc., also live in this area. Wildlife will enter homes and businesses through chimneys, roof vents, gaps, cracks, holes in shingles or siding or natural openings like doors and windows. The Twin Cities have cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers – animals see your homes as a sanctuary from harsh weather conditions.

Q:  Trutech is in your company name - what technologies do you use in removing wildlife from homes?

A:  We use many innovative methods to remove wildlife from homes, starting with proper inspections on your whole house, up-to-date trapping, tentative timing, and special tools that allow us access to all heights on your roof.

A juvenile raccoon next to an excluder valve. A raccoon can get out, but the trap prevents them from returning.

Q:   What's the most unusual animal your team has removed from a Minneapolis home?

A:  We usually find squirrels, raccoons, and bats in attics. This year we have had several calls for nuisance foxes, and one squirrel managed to find its way into someone’s living room! A dear customer of mine had a fox burrowing under her house decking area as well as getting inside her attic. After thorough inspection from my wildlife specialist, we quickly discovered a whole family of foxes. We work closely with the Minneapolis Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. After we used various non-harming and humane trapping methods that were comfortable to the animal, they were all safely relocated to their natural habitat. After safely removing the family of foxes from the home, we were able to comfort the homeowner by ensuring that foxes would not re-enter her home by not only giving her a full year warranty but by completely repairing/sealing all around her decking as well as sealing all potential entry points accessed via the roof. The faces on the baby foxes face once they were warm and in proper shelter was priceless!

Q:  Do you offer warranties on your work?

A:  Yes, with Trutech, your satisfaction is guaranteed. Trutech technicians take great pride in providing quality workmanship to solve your wildlife needs. If you are not completely satisfied, we move to fix the issue at no additional charge, or offer a full refund.

Q:  How may we follow your news?

A:  You can follow our blog to learn more about wildlife. Our Instagram and YouTube channel shares photos and videos from the field. You can also follow our company’s news on Linkedin.

Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota-North Dakota Shares 5 Things They Learned About Alzheimer’s Disease in 2022

According to the Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota-North Dakota chapter, 2022 was an especially productive and promising year for Alzheimer’s research, including new discoveries related to the causes, risk factors and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Here is their list of the five important things they learned about Alzheimer’s in 2022:

1. Alzheimer’s treatments are getting better. In November, pharmaceutical companies Eisai and Biogen announced positive results from their global Phase 3 clinical trial of an Alzheimer’s drug called lecanemab, slowing the rate of cognitive decline in study participants by 27% over 18 months. These are the most encouraging results we have seen to date for an Alzheimer's treatment. A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) decision on accelerated approval is expected early in January 2022, potentially making lecanemab the second FDA-approved drug in 18 months that changes the course of Alzheimer’s disease.
2. A daily multivitamin may slow brain aging. Research published in September in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association found that taking a multivitamin-mineral supplement every day for 3 years resulted in a statistically significant cognitive benefit. This is the first positive, large-scale, long-term study to show that multivitamin-mineral supplementation for older adults may slow cognitive aging. With confirmation through research, these promising findings have the potential to significantly impact public health — improving brain health, lowering health care costs,  and reducing caregiver burden — especially among older adults.
3. Frozen pizza, candy and soda may raise the risk of cognitive decline. At the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) last summer, new research results found that eating a large amount of ultra-processed food can significantly accelerate cognitive decline. The research was then published in JAMA Neurology in December. Ultra-processed foods make up more than half of American diets. The good news is there are steps we can take to reduce risk of cognitive decline as we age. These include eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting good sleep, staying cognitively engaged, protecting from head injury, not smoking and managing heart health.
4. Experiencing racism is linked to poor memory. Also at AAIC 2022, researchers reported that experiences of structural, interpersonal and institutional racism are associated with lower memory scores and worse cognition in midlife and old age, especially among Black individuals. These data are especially important given Black Americans are about twice as likely, and Hispanic Americans are about one and one-half times as likely, to have Alzheimer’s or other dementias according to the 2022 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report.
5. Wearing hearing aids may reduce risk of dementia. Individuals with hearing loss who used hearing restorative devices had a 19% decrease in risk of long-term cognitive decline, according to research published in December in JAMA Neurology. These data appeared five months after the FDA announced it will allow hearing aids to be sold over the counter, greatly expanding access to 30 million Americans living with hearing loss. In addition to improving daily communication, use of hearing aids may also benefit brain health.

While advancements are happening, the significant impact of Alzheimer's remains. Over a recent 20-year period, deaths from heart disease went down 7.3%, while deaths from Alzheimer’s increased 145%. In 2022, Alzheimer’s and other dementias will cost the nation $321 billion.

“With several FDA decisions expected on Alzheimer’s treatments in 2023, this is a very exciting time in the fight to end this disease,” said Lisa Groon, Alzheimer’s Association Senior Health Systems Director. “Thanks to increased research funding from the federal government and nonprofits we’re hopeful that the new year will bring more advances and discoveries for people living with, and at risk for, Alzheimer’s and other dementia.” 

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. The Minnesota-North Dakota chapter provides no-charge classes for individuals and organizations, support groups, training and resources.

Artaria String Quartet Announces February and April Performances at MacPhail

Members of the Artaria String Quartet from left to right: Annalee Wolf, Ray Shows, Nancy Oliveros and Patricia Ryan

Artaria String Quartet, a long-standing professional quartet based in the Twin Cities, will be performing concerts at MacPhail Center for Music in February and April.

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The first concert is Friday, February 3 at 7:30pm in Antonello Hall at MacPhail. "Beyond the Wall" features quartets by Zhou Tian, Mendelssohn and Bartok. Tickets are $25 and are available at the Artaria Quartet website, www.artariaquartet.com - scroll below the Quartet photo for show date.

The second concert is Monday, April 17 at 7:30 pm in Antonello Hall at MacPhail. This concert features quartets by Brahms, Haas and Rudd-Moore. Tickets are $25 and are available at the Artaria Quartet website, www.artariaquartet.com - scroll below the Quartet photo for show date.

Success Lessons with Margaret Murphy, CEO and Founder, Bold Orange Company

Article by Becky Fillinger

Margaret MurphyBold Orange Company (BOCO) was founded in 2018 by Margaret Murphy. Margaret was named a 2022 Notable Entrepreneur by Twin Cities Business Magazine and has a long history in the Minneapolis marketing community, having worked at ICF Olson and the marketing division of Carlson Companies. Bold Orange also landed number two on the Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal Fast 50, with growth topping 518%!

At just over 100 employees, and located at 100 Washington Square in downtown Minneapolis, Bold Orange is a leading customer experience agency helping companies evolve and transform their brand experiences for better impact in the areas of customer acquisition, growth, and retention. Bold Orange works for such brands as Polaris, Anytime Fitness, Citibank, and Behr Paint.

One sign of a great workplace - smiling employees!

To learn more about their success, we asked Margaret what are the Top 5 things that make Bold Orange successful. Here’s what she had to tell us:

1. Humans First

To me, Talent Is Everything. Our purpose and why we exist at Bold Orange is because we believe authentic human connections drive business and societal progress. And we exist to create and foster those connections. Our culture is anchored in authenticity and with that comes “we” success, not “me” success. We’ve grown and have satisfied clients because we work together, side-by-side, to make a difference in the market.

2. Passion and Commitment

To do your best work, you have to believe in what you do. I believe marketing can be undervalued at times when, in reality, it should be the growth driver of any business. Who you are, what you do, and why people should choose you all comes from strong marketing. So, to define your customer and what moves them, to create communication paths and content that engages and inspires them, and then moves them to act is complex work. At Bold Orange, we are deeply passionate about solving business problems. We get energy from the “gray” and don’t look for answers to be black and white. It’s in the gray where the biggest impact can be found. Live in the gray and you’ll succeed. 

3. Curiosity

At Bold Orange we say this is our Superpower. As we all know, curiosity is the strong desire to learn something. We pride ourselves on learning our clients’ business quickly and deeply. And then we take that curious nature and apply those learnings to their problems, their market, and their objectives and we bring forward relevant solutions that drive results. “Applied curiosity” is core to our success. 

4. Proactive Leadership, Client Obsessed

We start every day focused on our customers. Their goals are our goals. And we work in a way that is conducive to their environments and remains flexible and nimble. They hire us to bring them ideas and solutions they can’t do on their own. They want to be led. We work hard to “bring the outside in” and provide a valuable outside perspective. 

5. We are Professionally Sassy

Our culture is energizing, it’s hard-working, and it’s fun. We don’t take ourselves too seriously and we work to make authentic connections with each other. We genuinely care about each other, human-to-human. And we laugh with, and at, each other daily. Talent Is Everything and, bottom-line, that’s why we’re successful.

Congratulations, Margaret Murphy and Bold Orange - we wish you a prosperous and equally celebrated 2023!

Firefighters Deliver Gifts to Hennepin Healthcare Burn Center Patients

For the 11th year in a row, Firefighters for Healing volunteers helped spread holiday cheer by shopping for burn survivor patients, wrapping those gifts with love and delivering those gifts via fire truck to the Hennepin Healthcare Burn Unit Center

Scheels in Eden Prairie provided a $5,000 gift card and personal shoppers to help F4H volunteers fulfill wish lists. Volunteers helped wrap and organize the wrapped gifts at the Transitional Healing Center, and the Minneapolis Fire Department helped move gifts to Hennepin Healthcare.

“Helping families through the multiple stages of grief and healing is what Firefighters For Healing aims to do through emergency housing, our camp program and resources. Each year as this gifting event has grown and impacted more families and new frontline staff, they repeatedly tell us that this simple act of kindness means the world to them."

Jake LaFerriere, Founder of Firefighters for Healing and former Minneapolis firefighter

From shopping to wrapping and organizing...

...to transporting...

...and finally delivering to the recipients!

THANK YOU to Firefighters for Healing for your compassion and tireless work in easing the pain of burn survivors! 

Retaining Wall Under Construction Below the 3rd Ave S / 1st St S Intersection

Submitted by Doug Verdier

Work continues on the Third Avenue Bridge project despite bitter cold and snow. The photo here was taken before the “Blizzard of 2022.” Shown here is work to construct a retaining wall in the area below the intersection of First Street S and Third Avenue S. The post office building is seen in the background.

The previous earthen bank and retaining wall were severely deteriorated and collapsing, so those features were removed earlier this year. Shown here is a new concrete retaining wall with what are called “soil nails” inserted along the front of the wall. Sometime in spring 2023, this part of the project will be completed and landscaping will take place as previously planned. Residents who would like to view this location can do so by walking along the woonerf below First Street S toward the North end of Water Works Park. Please exercise caution when in the area and do not attempt to enter the trench in front of the retaining wall or climb on the structure now protected by plastic.

"Ukraine is Alive and Kicking" - Twin Cities Nonprofit, Protez Foundation, Helps Fulfill President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Proclamation

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Dr. Yakov GradinarIn a passionate and heartfelt speech to Congress on December 21, President Zelensky thanked the United States for coming to the aid of Ukraine before and after the Russian invasion. He assured everyone, “Against all odds and doom and gloom, Ukraine didn’t fall. Ukraine is alive and kicking.”

The Twin Cities has a non-profit that is literally helping Ukraine "kick" Russia out of their borders. Protez Foundation offers free prosthetics for those who lost their limbs as a result of the war. Protez covers all the financial needs for a person to get the prosthetics: Visa fees, lodging and the prosthetics.

Once here in Minnesota, their volunteers host the patients and help with orientation, logistics and psychological support. We talked to Dr. Yakov Gradinar, Certified Prosthetist, Orthotist and Chief Medical Officer. We also spoke to one of Protez’s patients, Konstantyn Kopelyuk. Both gave us a look inside the Protez Foundation operation – it’s hard to look away after seeing the life-changing work they’re doing.

Interview with Dr. Gradinar: 

Q:  Why did you start your non-profit Protez Foundation? 

A:  Yury Aroshidze, our CEO, my family and the Ukrainian diaspora were helping a lot of Ukrainians even before the war. When the war started in February, we knew we had to help even more. We’re all doing - little by little - what we can to help Ukraine in this difficult time. I am very touched by seeing how much Americans step up and help Ukraine, which is 5,000 miles away. With all of our help, Ukraine will become stronger and further away from a post-Soviet mindset, become more independent and economically stronger.

Q:  A December 18, 2022 Washington Post article reported the Department of Defense has not yet leveraged its vast medical resources to help wounded Ukrainian troops. The next day, December 19, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal tweeted, "I’ll continue to fight to bring DOD's vast medical resources to help wounded Ukrainian fighters, including those who need prosthetics. Having met them here & in Ukraine, I’m moved by their courage & perseverance—grit, grace, & gratitude. America has the expertise & resources." Is Protez Foundation in discussions with Senator Blumenthal or the DOD to expedite potential funding and services for the 12,000 amputees awaiting prosthetics?   

A:  We have met various government officials, including U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar. We are very open to collaborate with the DOD, as a government contractor or other arrangements, if such an offer presents itself. As of now we have no discussions or introductions with U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, but are always looking for the opportunities to emphasize the importance of treating injured Ukrainians as soon as possible.

Q:  Protez Foundation has helped 30 Ukrainians in need of a prosthetic this year. The average cost of treating one patient is $15,000, and the average time spent in the U.S. for each patient is 3-4 weeks. How is Protez currently funding the compassionate services you’re providing these Ukrainian heroes? 

A:  We are running active fundraising campaigns both virtual and in-person. Many people donate via our website: https://protezfoundation.com/donate. 12,000 amputees are awaiting prosthesis – can your readers help them?

Q:  A partnership with OneStep was announced yesterday and it appears to be a true gamechanger. How did it come about?

A:  Yes, it is great news for our patients! Patrick Tarnowski, Chief Commercial Officer, reached out to me and told me about this App and right away I thought that this technology will help Ukrainians who are getting prosthetic fitting here in U.S. and going back to the front line, so we can track their progress and if they need adjustment we will bring them to our center in Ukraine. With OneStep’s app, when a person takes a walk with their smartphone in their pocket, even a 30-second walk (no wearables or equipment needed), the app collects a set of gait measurements. This allows for consistent remote monitoring in a patient’s natural environment and the ability to track multiple changes in motion over time. OneStep is enabling Protez Foundation to extend therapy and care outside of the clinic – with no boundaries, so they can reach patients wherever they are. OneStep’s gait analysis is the first to capture gait in a natural setting, and its ease of use contributes to making the OneStep gait database the largest and most comprehensive in the world.

Q:  Please remind us – how may we donate to Protez Foundation and follow your news?  

A:  The easiest way is via our website: protezfoundation.com/donate. Please follow news on our website and all our social media. Facebook, Instagram

Protez recipients at the December 14 Minnesota Wild Military Appreciation Night event

Konstantyn KipelyukNow we turn to our discussion with Konstantyn Kipelyuk, a 23-year-old Ukrainian soldier currently receiving care from Protez Foundation.

Q:  Please tell us a little bit about yourself. What is your hometown? Is the military your career or did you do other work before the Russian invasion?

A:  I was born and lived in Kovel in the Volyn Oblast region of Ukraine. I had been in the military earlier, I resigned in 2021 and worked in a classic Ukrainian restaurant. I volunteered again for the Army on February 24, the day of the invasion.

Q:  What is your job in the military?

A:  I am a machine gun operator.

Q:  Can you please tell us how you were injured?

A:  I was in a battle in Donetsk. I was finished with my shift and had been transferred back for sleep. A rocket blasted into our sleeping area and shattered my foot.

Q:  How did you find out about the Protez Foundation prosthetics?

A:  My sister saw an Instagram post about Protez. She and my family brought me the application. We filled out the form and got on a waiting list. 

Q:  You’ve been fitted with your partial foot prosthesis. How is it going?

A:  It is going very well. I’ve been here since early December and have rehabilitation every day. I go back to Ukraine on December 29. 

Q:  How is your family coping with your injury? 

A:  They all support me and the war. They know that we are fighting for our country’s freedom. You can’t have a war without injuries and deaths. I will rejoin the Army when I return to Ukraine.

Q:  Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about yourself or Protez Foundation?

A:  Protez Foundation is taking very good care of us. We are strengthened by our Ukrainian ancestor heroes who also fought for our independence. Please donate to Protez so that more injured brothers can be treated.

Minneapolis Central City Tunnel Project Update

Via a December 20 e-announcement from the City of Minneapolis:

Project Overview

The City of Minneapolis Public Works Department is constructing a new parallel storm tunnel, enlarging a portion of the existing storm tunnel, and constructing a new tunnel access in Downtown Minneapolis. This project is anticipated to be completed summer 2023.

The new tunnel is being constructed parallel to the existing tunnel located under Washington Ave S between Nicollet Mall and Chicago Ave. The existing tunnel under Chicago Ave between Washington Ave S and the Mississippi River is being expanded to handle the increased stormwater capacity. The purpose of this project is to reduce pressure in the existing tunnel, provide more room for future growth, and to reduce the need for future repairs and tunnel failures.

Project Map

Latest Project News

Mississippi River Portal

• Crews continue enlarging the existing storm tunnel at the Mississippi River.

2nd Ave

• Crews continue tunneling the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Ave from the new tunnel access shaft in the southbound lanes of 2nd Ave S, just north of the Washington Ave intersection.

Portland Ave

• Tunneling the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Ave continues from the existing tunnel access shaft at the northeast corner of the Washington Ave and Portland Ave intersection.

Tunneling Progress

In December, the project reached 64% completion with excavation. Crews have removed approximately 45,000 tons of material to date. As noted in the infographic above, 45,000 tons is equal to the weight of over four and a half Eiffel Towers.

Long-term closures/restrictions

• The north westbound lane, bike lane, and parking lane remains closed on Washington Ave between Portland Ave and Park Ave. These closures will remain in place until the project is completed. This is necessary for the contractor to utilize the existing shaft to connect the existing tunnel to the new tunnel.
  • During this closure, pedestrians can still use the sidewalks along Washington Ave.
  • Crosswalks across Washington Ave and Portland Ave will remain open.
  • Bicyclists will share the traffic lane.
  • The existing left turn lane on Washington Ave at the Portland Ave intersection will temporarily become a left turn and through lane.

• The north sidewalk along Washington Ave remains restricted between Hennepin Ave and Nicollet Mall. The contractor will resume tunneling from the existing tunnel to the new tunnel at a later date.
  • During these restrictions, pedestrians share the bike lane on Washington Ave.
  • The crosswalks at the Washington Ave intersections of Nicollet Mall and Hennepin Ave remains open.

• The sidewalk on the east side of 4th Ave S remains restricted through the end of the project. The dewatering well and pumps are installed in this area.
  • Pedestrians can use the sidewalk on the west side of 4th Ave S.
  • The crosswalk at the Washington Ave and 4th Ave intersection remains open.
  • Access to driveways off 4th Ave S remains open.

• The west sidewalk of Portland Ave south of Washington Ave will remain restricted to pedestrians around the dewatering well and pumps until the project is completed.

• The parking lot and trail near Mill Runs Park will remain closed until spring 2023.

• 2nd Ave S remains a single lane in each direction using the northbound lanes between Washington Ave and 1st St S. Access will be restricted until the project is completed.
  • Access to driveways off 2nd Ave S remain open. There may be short-term access delays while crews move equipment and materials around.

Stay Connected

There are multiple ways to get information including email updates and ongoing stakeholder meetings. Visit the project website for more information and to sign up for project updates: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/projects/central-city-tunnel/

Email the project team: info@mplscentralcitytunnel.com

Contact the project hotline: 612-888-9418

Downtown Skyline Photos by Ric Rosow

Submitted by Ric Rosow

You can see more of my work at #ricrosowphotography and #TresLechesArt.

Winter Sunrise

I awoke early on December 19th. I saw a red sky foretelling the sunrise and steam clouds near and far. That is what attracted me to the scene. But there is so much more to look at. There are the pink and red tones on buildings and the bike trail leading to the tunnel under 35W. Then there are the light trails from cars on 35W and from one car on West River Parkway. Then there are the tire tracks which look like ice crystals on the parking lot of CenterPoint Energy just below 35W. I normally wait to post at least a day after editing a photograph to determine if anything in the image needs more work. Maybe I'll find something tomorrow, but right now I just want to share this beautiful sunrise scene. Interestingly, it does not feature the sun, which is behind the clouds in the upper right of the image.

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The Setting Moon

The moon was setting in the morning on December 8th after the Full Moon of the prior evening. Technically it is not a full moon, but an hour later when the moon set below the sunset it was at 99.9% of a full moon, a Waning Gibbous Moon. I worked on this image on and off for five days. The image is a composition of two exposures, one exposure for the moon and the other exposure for the foreground, sky and rest of the photo. Though it proved to be challenging I like the result. I love the way the sun, not in the scene, but rising in the east lights up the Carlyle and that it was still early enough for the lights of the sign to be on. The electric transmission tower and lines make clear this is an authentic City Skyscape. There are software tools to use to remove electric line from fine art photos. In this photo removing the transmission lines made no sense. There would be no reason for the tower if there were not transmission lines. And this is part of the downtown cityscape. The absence of the lines would have been obvious and serve no purpose. 

MPRB Invites Local Musicians to Apply to Perform in the 2023 Minneapolis Music in the Parks Series

Bryant Square Park

Apply to perform in the 2023 Minneapolis Music in the Parks series!

The application to perform in the 2023 Minneapolis Music in the Parks series is open!

These concerts take place at seven venues in the Minneapolis park system between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The application process closes January 20, 2023 and performers will be informed of their status no later than April 11, 2023.

Fill out this online form to apply.

Concert Details

Concerts are 60-90 minutes in length. Sound reinforcement is provided at all venues except Bryant Square Park. Please note there are schedule changes from previous years, so read the application carefully.

Applications from all genres are welcome, including Classical, Country, Electronic Dance Music, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, International Music, Jazz, Heavy Metal, Pop, Rap, R&B, Rock or Other.

Venues:

Lake Harriet Bandshell, 4135 W Lake Harriet Parkway

Sundays 2pm and 5:30pm; Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays at 7:30pm; first and third Saturdays at 7:30pm

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Minnehaha Bandstand, 4801 S Minnehaha Drive

Thursdays and Fridays at 7pm

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Nicollet Island Pavilion, 40 Power Street

First and third Mondays at 7pm

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Water Works, 425 West River Parkway

Mondays at 7pm; Fridays at 12pm

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The Commons, 425 Portland Avenue S

Wednesdays at 12pm; Thursdays at 7pm

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Father Hennepin Bluff Park, 420 SE Main Street

Tuesdays at 7pm (beginning in July due to park construction)

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Bryant Square Park, 3101 Bryant Avenue S

Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30pm

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Questions: Call 612-230-6484 or email concerts@minneapolisparks.org.

Year in Review: A Discussion with Tucker Blythe, Superintendent, Mississippi National River and Recreation Area

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Mississippi National River and Recreation Area is one of 423 national park units in the National Park System. It is the only national park dedicated to the Mississippi River, one of the great rivers of the world. We asked Superintendent Tucker Blythe to provide our readers with a "2022 Year in Review" – and were we ever surprised at all the partnerships, activities and number of visitors taking advantage of our local treasured resource. Here's what he had to say: 

The National Park runs 72 miles of the Mississippi River from Dayton to south of Hastings and includes four miles of the Minnesota River. Our boundary encompasses 54,000 acres, of which the National Park Service only owns 91 acres. The other lands within our boundary are owned by local, state, regional, and federal agencies, as well as by private owners. We are a partnership park – we rely on our partners to help preserve and protect this river for this and future generations.

I became the park superintendent, or park manager, at the end of September, 2021. My first full year as superintendent at the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area has been inspirational for me. I had the opportunity to see all 72 miles of the park corridor from the air while helping with an eagle survey; I have toured and hiked a number of local, state, and regional parks within the national park boundary; I’ve been able to get out on the river on kayaks, pontoons, and paddleboats; and I’ve had the privilege to work with a great park staff and our incredible partners. I’m pleased to share with your readers some of the highlights of 2022 in the park. 

• Over a quarter million people visited Mississippi National River and Recreation Area in 2022.
• At our seasonal visitor center at Upper St. Anthony Falls:
  • We were open 110 days this season.
  • We served over 31,000 visitors.
  • We gave 200 lock tours to over 1950 visitors, and new this year, most of those tours started from Water Works.
  • We had a surprise visit from Latvian Prime Minister, Krišjānis Kariņš.
  • 400 people attended "Mystery on the Mississippi" over four nights in June and July at the Lock and Dam. The immersive fictional murder mystery, created in collaboration with Fearless Comedy Productions, combined performance art, education, entertainment, and history and nature.
  • Our in-person education programs reemerged after the pandemic:
    • We served almost 17,000 students through our formal education programs in 2022.
    • Almost 500 kids went through the Working River Program at Upper St. Anthony Falls. This program is a partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Mill City Museum, Mississippi Park Connection, and River Educators to facilitate STEM-based educational programming.
    • In partnership with the University of Minnesota Youth Summer Program at East River Flats, we piloted new land-based programs for 5th-8th graders.
    • We continued to offer a variety of educational programming to Twin Cities Metro schools in partnership with Wilderness Inquiry, Padelford Riverboats, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Saint Paul Audubon Society, and others.
    • Over 2500 people experienced the Mississippi by kayak through the Paddle Share program. Paddle Share is a great way to experience the Mississippi River!
    • Artwork from over the years of the Big River Art Contest is on display in the South Mall of the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport until spring of 2023. Check it out if you are in the airport near the south security checkpoint.
    • We continued doing great natural resource research and restoration work in the River’s corridor with our beaver and bat surveys, mussel research, climate change research, and non-native species removal. A lot of this work relies on our wonderful volunteers.
    • Speaking of volunteers, we learned this year that we were the national park with the most volunteers in 2021 (2022 numbers haven’t been tallied yet). Thanks to all who help take care of the park’s resources and visitors!

2022 was a great year, and I hope that in 2023 you will attend one of our programs, special events, or education programs. You can experience the river in a Paddle Share kayak, as a volunteer, or by observing wildlife. We can’t wait to meet you!

Paddle Share participant

Park Rangers at work.

Songbird monitoring along the Mississippi River.

A painting of a Great Blue Heron submitted to the Big River Art Contest.

Reserve You Table for Lobster Week 2023 at the Nicollet Island Inn

For over a decade, Lobster Week (January 11-15 and 18-22) at the Nicollet Island Inn has been the unofficial last hurrah of the holiday season. Check out the delectable four-course meal prepared by Executive Chef Michael Rain. Reservations

Get to Know Your Ward 7 Council Member, Lisa Goodman

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Ward 7 Council Member Lisa GoodmanCouncil Member Lisa Goodman represents Ward 7, which includes the Bryn-Mawr, Cedar-Isles-Dean, Downtown West, East Isles, Elliot Park, Kenwood, Loring Park, Lowry Hill and Steven Square-Loring Heights neighborhoods. We talked to her about her (very inspirational) prior work history that led to elected office, the importance of civic involvement and how to stay in touch with her.

Q: Many people move to Minneapolis every year and may be unfamiliar with your background. Could you please tell us a bit about yourself and what led you to where you are today? 

A: Originally from the Chicago area, I went to college at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and have a degree in labor relations and political science. I worked on a number of campaigns including, for Governor Tony Earl, of Wisconsin and Mayor Paul Soglin of Madison. I moved to Minneapolis in 1989. I was the fundraising Director for Paul Wellstone who was running for his first term in the United States Senate at the time as a grassroots candidate. I loved working for Paul and the City of Minneapolis so much that I decided to stay. I became the Executive Director of Minnesota NARAL the largest pro-choice advocacy organization at the time in Minnesota and worked on electing a pro-choice majority in the state House and Senate which was achieved finally in 1996. We had lost the majority for many years in between but finally regained that pro-choice majority in this last election 2022!  

I worked on campaigns, abortion rights advocacy and education for five years in Minnesota. As part of that work, I worked in coalition with moderate Republican women who were also abortion rights supporters. In 1997 the incumbent City Council Member Pat Scott decided not to run for reelection in the seventh ward. She held the seat that used to be held by Barbara Carlson and in an unexpected victory I beat four men for the DFL endorsement and then four others in a primary and general election and became the council member starting in 1998. This came on the heels of the Clinton presidency and the 1996 year of the woman when so many women were elected to Congress - there was a lot of momentum to elect women to local office at that time. I have now surpassed the 23-year record of the longest serving member of the Minneapolis City Council and am going into my 25th year on the Council.

Lisa with Al Franken at a Habitat for Humanity project site.

Q: Congratulations on so many career achievements! As you mention, you're the longest serving Council member - first elected in 1997. What is it like to be a public figure for one third of your adult life? 

A: I never thought I would be an elected official. I was always the person raising money or doing field and organizing work for other candidates, so I was an unlikely candidate. It felt strange from day one. I had never been to City Hall until the day of the inauguration in 1998. I believe deeply that this position is about public service, especially at this hyper local level and I love that. Being a public figure kind of comes with the job and I’m used to it now, but it was very hard at first. To me it’s more about how I can solve problems, serve people and make them proud to live in this wonderful city. Many people older than me did one or two jobs their entire career and most everybody younger than me has had multiple job changes, so I’m at that age where I’m in the middle of that changing dynamic. I’ve learned that in doing this job - every day is completely different and each issue, while they seem similar, have very different details, impacts and consequences. I would liken it to getting a master’s degree every couple of years because I learn so much about so many different issues. 

Q:  How do you balance your personal and City Council life?

A:  I do not do a very good job of balancing my personal and professional life. I’m known for responding to email and phone calls at all hours of the day or night and on weekends. I go to a lot of events because I understand that it’s meaningful to people if I show up for their fundraiser, ice cream social or neighborhood meeting. In a way I represent the City, so when I attend an event people are often proud that someone from the City or an elected official is there to support their work. It’s energizing for me to celebrate wonderful things but also to be there for people in their times of need.

Lisa with Bella Nhi Lam of Coconut Whisk Cafe at the May 2021 ribbon cutting in the Young Quinlan Building.

Q:  What would you like to say to young people about the importance of being engaged in civic matters? 

A:  Local government is incredible because it is the level of government closest to people. It’s easy to be involved in civic life at the local level because you’re doing so alongside your neighbors, your family and your friends. Local issues are critical to everyone’s day-to-day lives no matter where they live. In cities we value the opinion of the public. I show up and ask for it in person and try very hard to give and receive honest and direct feedback to inform my decision making. Civic life is critical to a functioning democracy, and local government has really led the way in being in touch with residents. I’m really proud of the way my office has handled it and I think the City of Minneapolis does a pretty good job as well.

Q:  What’s on your 2023 wish list as a City Council Member?

A:  My wish for 2023 is that we all work together, residents and elected officials, to ensure that we have a safe, equitable and highly functional city government. My wish list includes more affordable housing and more housing overall. The comeback of restaurants and retail in our Downtown and Uptown. Workers coming back to work in person for as many days as they can while still enjoying a bit of the flexibility that comes with working at home. I wish for less conflict and anger on social media, a deeper commitment to the philosophy that "we all do better when we all do better" as Paul would say, and that we take seriously the challenges of climate change, unsheltered homelessness and equitable economic development as we continue to rebuild this incredible city.

Q:  Wonderful wishes! How may we follow your news?   

A:  My office puts out a weekly newsletter every Friday. If you would like to sign up for the newsletter there are several ways to do so. First, you can sign up here. You can also reach out to my staffer Zach Schultz via email or telephone and he will sign you up to receive the weekly newsletter. His contact information is: zach.schultz@minneapolismn.gov or 612-673-2207. The archive of past newsletters is available here.