State-of-the-art Clinic & Specialty Center to Open in Late March in Downtown Minneapolis

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Thursday, March 15 at 8am in the Clinic & Specialty Center’s lobby. Speakers included Hennepin County Board Chair Jan Callison and Board Member Peter McLaughlin, Minneapolis City Council Member Lisa Goodman and Mayor Jacob Frey, along with others. 

When the doors of the Hennepin Healthcare Clinic & Specialty Center open on March 26, 2018, patients will find their familiar caregivers in an inviting, convenient new building located on the campus in downtown Minneapolis. What they won’t find are multiple entrances, long skyways, and three block walks from the parking ramp their clinic. The new Clinic & Specialty Center has eliminated complicated wayfinding and created a seamless, patient-friendly experience – beginning with something simple as parking.

“Parking and convenient access are fundamental needs, which can be hard to accommodate downtown,” said Jon L. Pryor, MD, MBA, CEO. “So we built two levels of parking below the building with elevators that bring patients directly to the floor of their appointment. No more long walks from parking ramps and bus stops to get to our clinics.”   

Parking is important, but access to quality healthcare is what really matters, and Hennepin Healthcare has designed a clinic experience that brings care teams together to provide care that is centered on the needs of the patient. Those patients had a voice in the design of the six-story, 377,000 sq. ft. Clinic & Specialty Center.

“We started by asking our patients what they were looking for in a clinic, and we were not going to miss this opportunity to build it right – which meant listening closely to their suggestions and working them into the plan,” said Pryor. “From design workshops to an experiential mock-up clinic, our patients, staff, and community members provided input every step of the way.”

More than 25 primary care and specialty clinics, including Allergy, Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Oncology, Pediatrics, Pulmonary, and more, as well as same-day surgery, imaging, rehabilitation and other services that were once scattered throughout the five-block campus are now under one roof in the Clinic & Specialty Center. Dental services have expanded thanks to a $4.6 million grant from Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation. It’s the largest non-governmental grant that HCMC has ever received.

A skyway across 8^th St. connects the new building to rest of the campus and the welcoming atmosphere in the new center includes large windows and open areas that offer ample natural lighting, an education and community center, comfortable seating areas, and commissioned artwork placed throughout the building create a healing environment for patients, visitors and employees.

Other strategic design features may not be as noticeable, but are built-in essentials to patient flow and convenience. The building’s team centers support collaborative care by having primary care providers and specialists in close proximity to quickly consult with each other when necessary. Clinic design separates the patient areas from the work areas to maintain a calm, healing environment. 

On the sixth floor outpatient surgical area, patients flow in one direction from check-in to pre-induction, to surgery, to post-op. After they are discharged they exit through a separate elevator to the lower level parking ramp – without needing to move through public areas. Likewise, imaging services are strategically located near those clinics that use them most (Orthopedics, Comprehensive Cancer Center). These are only a few examples of the many thoughtful placements of innovative design features that make the Clinic & Specialty Center a special place.

HCMC was Minnesota’s first Level I Trauma Center, and as part of its comprehensive care for adult and pediatric trauma patients, the full spectrum of care and services are offered, often meaning multiple follow-up outpatient visits.

“It’s no secret that our critical care expertise naturally translate into outstanding primary care,” said Kelly Spratt, Chief of Ambulatory Care. “It’s something that our patients already know – and that’s one reason why the clinics on our campus have seen year-over-year volume growth.”

Aligned with the opening of the new center is a new name for the system – Hennepin Healthcare – to better tell the story of the all of the care, services, and points of access available across the system.

More than 110,000 people (including trauma patients) access Hennepin Healthcare clinics for routine and specialty healthcare services every year. In 2017 this represented a total of 630,000 clinic visits. After the Clinic & Specialty Center opens in March, an estimated 530,000 clinic visits will be scheduled before the end of December at the new building alone.  

Reflecting on the journey it’s taken to arrive at this point, Pryor says that “It was time for a new building to keep pace with the growing healthcare trend from inpatient to outpatient care. To see the Clinic & Specialty Center finally come together from ‘concept’ to state-of-the-art center is not just exciting – it fulfills our mission as an organization to provide access to outstanding care for all. Now our patients and their families can experience care in a state-of-the-art facility and our valued staff has the newest, most advanced facilities in which to do what they do best.” 

CenterPoint Energy's 2018 Project List Includes East Hennepin Avenue

Via a recent e-newsletter from CenterPoint Energy, and additional information from the related Project pageon their website:

In 2017, CenterPoint Energy worked hard to improve and modernize natural gas pipelines throughout several neighborhoods in its service territory. We would like thank everyone for their patience while this construction activity was taking place. 

For this new construction year, the new piping segments and upgrades will continue to be installed with the most current construction standards and requirements, ensuring safety and reliability of the pipelines for many years to come.

As CenterPoint Energy's crews begin the 2018 construction season in approximately April, please continue to visit our Construction Zone website as 2018 projects have been added to the website. Any changes on the 2018 projects will be added closer to the projects' start dates.

What is CenterPoint Energy doing on East Hennepin?

In conjunction with construction from Hennepin County and the City of Minneapolis, CenterPoint Energy will be replacing existing natural gas pipeline in Minneapolis along the following streets:

• East Hennepin Avenue from 5th Street NE to Main Street

• 5th Street NE from East Hennepin Avenue to the 5th Street NE bridge over the Northstar Line

• A short s​ection of pipe replacement on Nicollet Island

CenterPoint Energy’s contractor Michels Corporation will begin the work in April or May 2018 and will finish the work in at least twelve weeks. Further construction will be done by road contractors from Hennepin County and the City of Minneapolis.

Frequent updates will be posted on CenterPoint Energy’s website closer to the project’s start date. Lane restrictions are anticipated in areas where active construction is occurring. The lane restrictions are necessary to keep both the public and construction personnel safe.

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Construction will happen in three phases:

• Phase 1 is installing the natural gas distribution main.
• Phase 2 is connecting the natural gas service lines to the new main along the same construction route. (A gas service line is a small-diameter pipe connecting the customer's gas service to the main line in the street.)
• Phase 3 is restoring the areas affected by construction--typically the utility easement, the street, and the customer's yard.

Map of construction area

How may construction affect customers?

As part of this main project, the crews will also be replacing several natural gas service lines that connect from the main to the customer's property. Customers will experience a short disruption of gas service as the crews are installing the gas service line. 

Crews may have to dig in the ground on your property in the utility easement to complete the task of service and main distribution line replacement. If a customer’s property is disturbed, CenterPoint Energy will restore the hard and soft surfaces affected by construction at no cost to you.

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How can I contact CenterPoint Energy?

For questions about the project, please call our Information Hotline at 612-321-5369 or our Communication Specialist at 612-321-5546. For questions about restoration (hard or soft surfaces) please call our Restoration Department at 612-321-5042.

City Employees are Eligible for CSA Deliveries and Discounts

City employees can sign up for the workplace CSA and receive weekly deliveries of fresh produce

Are you employed by the City of Minneapolis? Does your busy schedule keep you from shopping at local Farmers Markets? If so, you can get fresh, locally grown produce delivered weekly to a City worksite by joining the workplace community supported agriculture (CSA) program. When you become a member, you purchase a “share” of vegetables in advance from a local farmer, and during the summer your farmer will deliver your weekly share of produce to a convenient drop-off location.

Learn more about this program between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Thursday, March 15, in the City Hall Rotunda. You’ll have a chance to talk to the farmers, ask questions and get information on their produce and pricing. In addition, you’ll get a coupon for an additional $10 off your membership and a free insulated tote when you pledge to register for a CSA share at the fair.

The Wellness Committee is offering City employees who participate in the CSA program a subsidy. Employees can receive 25 percent off the cost of a summer share up to a maximum of $100 off a half share and $150 off a full share. To apply the discount, you must sign up on the farm’s website and enter the coupon code in the discount code box when you check out.

The farms participating in this year’s City CSA program are the Hmong American Farmers Association and Shared Ground Farmers’ Cooperative. Each farm offers half and full shares. Both farms will deliver Wednesdays to the Public Service Center in downtown, and Shared Ground will deliver Wednesdays to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board headquarters in north Minneapolis. You can receive 25 percent off the cost with a discount from the Wellness Committee.

More Info

2018 Open Streets Minneapolis Dates Announced

Via a March 9 e-newsletter from Our Streets Minneapolis:

Mark your calendars! We are thrilled to announce the Open Streets Minneapolis 2018 summer events! We can't wait to walk, bike, roll, dance, and play with our neighbors all across Minneapolis. We hope to see you at all the 2018 summer events: 

Open Streets Lyndale - Sunday, June 10, 11 AM - 5 PM

Open Streets Lake + Minnehaha - Sunday July 22, 11 AM - 5 PM

Open Streets Northeast - Sunday, August 5, time TBD

Open Streets Franklin - Sunday, August 26, 11 AM - 5 PM

Open Streets West Broadway - Saturday, September 15, 11 AM - 5 PM 

Open Streets Nicollet - Sunday, September 23, 11 AM - 5 PM

Open Streets University of Minnesota - Sunday, September 30, 11 AM - 5 PM

Visit openstreetsmpls.org for more information, and to learn how you can sponsor Open Streets Minneapolis or get a spot along the route for any of the events. 

World Premiere of Beck Lee's Dark Comedy “Subprime” Debuts at Mixed Blood in May

Via a March 8 News Release:

 

Minneapolis will host the world premiere of Beck Lee’s Subprime, a new dark comedy with Minneapolis roots that was developed in New York. Lee’s play, about two couples from Minneapolis who travel to New York on a bargain vacation none of them can afford, debuts at the Mixed Blood Theatre, 1501 S 4th Street, beginning Friday May 4 at 7:30pm, with an opening on Sunday May 6 at 3pm. Produced by Media Blitz Entertainment, the show’s four-week engagement plays through Sunday May 27 at 3pm. Tickets are now on sale at www.subprimetheplay.com.

 

A prominent New York publicist, Lee conceived the play with Andrea Iten when he was living part-time in Minneapolis. “I have wanted this play to launch in Minneapolis,” says Lee. “The city means a lot to me and premiering it with a homegrown cast and creative team drawn from the city’s extraordinary talent pool, is exactly what this play calls for.”  The Carbonelle Award-nominated director and actor Peter Moore who directed the play’s first developmental readings in Minneapolis - at The Jungle and the Hennepin Theatre Trust -- directs and is the production’s fight and intimacy choreographer.

Featured in the cast of five are Bonni Allen, Jen Burleigh-Bentz, Charles Fraser and Dan Hopman.  (Allen’s notable Mixed Blood credits include “Avenue Q” and “Barbecue.”  Fraser’s many local credits include “Driving Miss Daisy” at The Jungle for which he shared an Ivey Award for ensemble acting. He was recently in Yellow Tree Theatre’s knockout hit “The Royale.”)  The production design team includes several of Minneapolis’s top, award-winning designers: Joe Stanley(scenic design), Anita Kelling (sound design), Mike Wangen (lighting design), and Sara Wilcox (costumes). Toni Solie is the production stage manager.

Set in the summer of 2008 when sharp hints of an impending financial meltdown were being studiously ignored by many Americans - “Subprime” introduces us to the Kellys and the Swensons, two couples from the well-to-do Linden Hills neighborhood in Minneapolis. The scope of their denial about the state of their finances, their marriages and even their identities comes into focus in the course of an evening of progressively debauched relaxation in their Midtown Manhattan hotel.

Lee’s contemporary farce, which he co-conceived with Iten, a Minneapolis-based marketing and brand placement specialist, had several developmental readings in New York, and was first seen publicly in a workshop in June of last year, at the Jersey City Theater Center. Thomas Burns Scully, writing in onstageblog.com described the play as “the next ‘God of Carnage,’” calling it “staggering…a show that’s going to be talked about.”  Lee is also developing a new play, “God Save the Human Cannonball,” with the celebrated actress Laila Robins in the lead. Robins, a St. Paul native, starred at The Guthrie in “Lion in Winter” in 2016.

37th Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival is April 12-18

The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul recently announced the Opening Night film and selected Women & Film and Spotlight on the World: Chasms and Bridges titles.

This is a sample preview of the 250+ cinematic works from emerging and veteran filmmakers from around the world to be included in the 37th Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival (MSPIFF). The Festival returns April 12-28, 2018, bringing over 150 new feature films and 100 shorts representing 70+ countries to audiences throughout the Upper Midwest.

This year, MSPIFF maintains its hub at the St. Anthony Main Theatre, expanding to include select screenings at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, with additional screenings at the Capri Theater in Minneapolis, the Uptown Theatre, Metropolitan State University's Film Space in St. Paul and the Marcus Wehrenberg 14 Theatre in Rochester.

OPENING NIGHT FILM

The 37th MSPIFF opens with RBG, the acclaimed documentary celebrating the life and lasting influence of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Director Betsy West will be in attendance, and director Julie Cohen and other special guests have been invited to attend. The film and opening night reception and party will take place at St. Anthony Main on Thursday, April 12.

WOMEN & FILM

MSPIFF’s showcase of female directors from around the globe continues to grow every year, and 2018 is no different, featuring a wide variety of outstanding narratives and documentaries from around the world. MSPIFF programmers have brought in women-directed films that are in the vanguard of global contemporary cinema. A short list of the many titles includes: Sofia Djama’s The Blessed (from Algeria; Ms. Djama will be in attendance), Vivian Qu’s Angels Wear White (China) and Rungano Nyoni’s I Am Not A Witch (Zambia).

“The #MeToo movement has underscored the inequalities in the film industry like never before,” says Susan Smoluchowski, Executive Director of the Film Society. “Our Women & Film and Chasms and Bridges programs examine the chaotic and divisive world we live in today, as well as the resistance movements that seek to affect change, and we have sought out films that invite discourse and understanding.”

CHASMS AND BRIDGES: CINEMA AND THE SEARCH FOR COMMON GROUND

With this in mind, the 2018 MSPIFF Spotlight on the World is Chasms and Bridges: Cinema and the Search for Common Ground. Tackling the lines that divide us and the dramatic potential for reconciliation and compassion, this special series of titles and related panel discussions and workshops, are designed to open up conversations on the social and ideological divides and shifting social order shaping our world today.

Such stories can be found in fiction: A Syrian outsider finds both love and bigotry in Finland (A Moment in the Reeds); a powerful business woman comes face-to-face with the glass ceiling (Number One); upper and middle classes collide in Iran as a minor accident turns into major tragedy (No Date, No Signature). And non-fiction: Delve into the day-to-day life of radical Islamist family (Of Father and Sons); see the 2016 US election from the Russian perspective (Our New President); take a frustrating look at the corruption inside the NYPD (Crime + Punishment).

Highlighting the distinct identities of and commonalities among diverse cultures, these films will take us on a journey across geography, history, age, gender, social and political issues and the complexities of human relationships, bridging differences to find common ground.

Screeners will be provided upon request (if available), as well as more in-depth summaries, director bios, images, etc. The full lineup will be announced in early March. Please contact Publicity Manager Peter Schilling (peter@mspfilm.org) or Festival Publicist Connie Shaver (connieshaver@outlook.com).

RBG                                  

Charting Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s life through growing up in Brooklyn, RBG shows Ginsburg pursuing her education, falling in love, her friendship with the late Justice Antonin Scalia and eventual appointment as Justice of the Supreme Court. A fighting force, Ginsburg’s determination throughout her life and career has earned her the title of “notorious” both in politics and the wider public discourse. As a history-making public figure, Ginsburg has become “notorious” through her championing of women, her ever-persistent work ethic, and her commitment to democracy. Program: Special Presentation, Women & Film. Directed by Julie Cohen, Betsy West. USA. 2018. English. 97 min. Documentary Feature.

ANGELS WEAR WHITE (JIA NIAN HUA)                

Xiaomi, a motel cleaner, watches as a district-commissioner checks in alongside two girls, Xiaowen and Xin Xin. On the surveillance monitor, Xiaomi sees the commissioner push his way into the girls’ room, and she decides to record the event with her smartphone. In the wake of the assault, Xiaomi’s story does little good for the girls as they face their unconcerned families and a society that would rather put the blame on them than offend their attacker. Program: Asian Frontiers, Women & Film. Directed by Vivian Qu. China, France. 2018. Chinese (Mandarin) w/English subtitles. 107 min. Narrative Feature.

THE BLESSED (LES BIENHEUREUX)                        

In postwar Algiers, Amal and Samir are a middle-aged couple hoping to celebrate their twentieth wedding anniversary. Drifting through their day, they eventually find themselves at a restaurant. Here, they confront their differences and disillusionment, threaded with the unsettled atmosphere of postwar society. Outside, their teenaged son Fahim and his friends, Feriel and Reda, spend their day on the streets of Algiers. They too reveal ideological differences among them, their banter soon leading to the reveal of hidden wounds left by the Algerian Civil War that shaped their current world. Program: Images of Africa, Women & Film. Directed by Sofia Djama. Algeria, Belgium, France. 2018. Arabic, French w/English subtitles. 102 min. Narrative Feature.

CRIME + PUNISHMENT                

Shocking and true, Crime + Punishment explores the internal corruption of the New York City Police Department and the undeniably racist system that has persisted well past early revelations. Back in 2013, a group of 12 police officers had dared to take the NYPD to court for the corruption, but the case’s federal hearing did not lead to reform. Cut to 2017, and director Stephen Maing reconnects with the police officers who first took a stand, to find them more determined than ever to speak out against the continued injustice. Program: New American Visions, Spotlight. Directed by Stephen Maing. USA. 2018. English. 112 min. Documentary Feature.

I AM NOT A WITCH                     

Shula is young woman accused by an older woman of being a witch. Adorned with a spindle to “tether” her to the ground and carted off to a camp for witches that bares little difference to your standard zoo, Shula is then forced to perform her “magic” for a corrupt official. Rungano Nyoni’s debut feature-film renders Shula’s journey by exploring themes of femininity, superstition and acceptance, while also keeping Shula herself a mystery to all the spectators that attempt to control her world. Program: Images of Africa, Women & Film. Directed by Rungano Nyoni. Zambia, UK, France. 2017. English. 90 min. Narrative Feature.

A MOMENT IN THE REEDS (TÄMÄ HETKI KAISLIKOSSA)               

After moving to Paris for university, handsome literature student Leevi returns to his native Finland for the summer to help his estranged father renovate the family lake house so it can be sold. Tareq, a recent asylum seeker from Syria, has been hired to help with the work, and when Leevi’s father has to return to town on business, the two young men establish a connection and spend a few days discovering one another during the Finnish midsummer. Program: Midnight Sun, LGBTQ Currents, Spotlight. Directed byMikko Makela. Finland, UK. 2017. English, Finnish w/English subtitles. 108 min. Narrative Feature.

NO DATE NO SIGNATURE (BEDOONE TARIKH, BEDOONE EMZA)                             

While on his way home from work, forensics doctor Dr. Kaveh Nariman is nearly hit by a reckless driver and in the chaos hits a motorcycle carrying Moosa, Leila, and their children. Moosa and Leila are uninjured, along with their daughter, but their young son, Amir Ali, appears to have a concussion. Brushing off a hospital visit, Kaveh and the family go their separate ways, only for the latter to discover the next day that one of the incoming bodies at the morgue where he works is Amir. Fellow colleague Dr. Sayeh Behbahnani deduces that the boy’s death was due to botulism caused by eating cheap chicken, but Nariman remains convinced that it was the motorcycle accident that ultimately caused it. Program: World Cinema, Spotlight. Directed by Vahid Jalilvand. Iran. 2017. Farsi w/English subtitles. 100 min. Narrative Feature.

NUMBER ONE (NUMÉRO UNE)               

When Emmanuelle, an executive in a French energy firm, reaches the glass ceiling, but refuses to recognize her limited options. For years she has refused to acknowledge the sexism inherent in her workplace, but when chauvinistic male colleagues work to undermine her rise in the ranks, Emmanuelle pulls out all the stops in an attempt to capture what is rightly hers.  Program: World Cinema, Women & Film, Spotlight. Directed by Tonie Marshall. France. 2017. French w/English subtitles. 110 min. Narrative Feature.

OF FATHERS AND SONS                            

The roots of home run deep in Talal Derki’s latest eye-opening feature. Returning to his homeland of Syria, documentary filmmaker Derki encounters Abu Osama and his family. Masqurading as a jihadist sympathizer, Derki integrates himself into the household of Osama, an Al-Nusra Front member. Program: World Cinema, Spotlight. Directed by Talal Derki. Germany, Syria, Lebanon, Qatar. 2018. Arabic w/English subtitles. 99 min. Documentary Feature.

OUR NEW PRESIDENT                 

In this era of fake news v. real news, acclaimed documentarian Maxim Pozdorovkin has crafted a startling cine-essay, pulling together footage from the 2016 election from YouTube, Russian-government run RT, and other sources to dig deep into the propaganda machine that may ultimately have altered the U.S. Presidential election. Program: World Cinema, Spotlight. Directed by Maxim Pozdorovkin. Russia, USA. 2017. English, Russian w/English subtitles. 77 min. Documentary Feature.

MSPIFF is presented by the Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul, a dynamic 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to fostering a knowledgeable and vibrant appreciation of the art of film and its power to inform and transform individuals and communities.

The Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival is generously supported by The Star Tribune, Cedarwoods Foundation, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Minnesota State Arts Board Legacy Amendment Funding, National Endowment for the Arts, McKnight Foundation, US Bank, The Minneapolis Foundation, Mora Global, Knock, Inc., KBEM Jazz88, Indeed Brewing Company, Best Buy, Alamo Drafthouse, Depot Renaissance Hotel, Fox Rothschild, Depot Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, numerous local businesses, consulates from around the world, our Masters and Auteurs Member Circle and the 2,300+ Members and Donors of the Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul.

March Programs & Kids Day Camps at the North Mississippi Regional Park

Hike: Birds of Prey - Eagles - Saturday, Mar. 10th 1:30-2:30pm

Raptors, the predatory birds of the sky. Though usually solitary, in winter eagles congregate by the hundreds around areas of open water on the Mississippi River. Learn more about our national bird and look for these majestic predators along the river. Activity #81541

Outdoors: Leprechaun Secrets - Saturday, Mar. 17th 1:30-3pm

Learn the ways of the woods by following leprechaun clues. Discover tricks that plants and animals use to thrive in the wild, decipher messages left by animals, and identify helpful and harmful plants. Follow the leprechaun's path to uncover the secret. Activity #81511

Family Funday: Spring Arts & Animals - Sunday, Mar. 25th 1-3pm

Come meet our new baby false map turtle and learn about our neighborhood native species. Meet MN animals up-close, then let nature inspire your creation of spring themed artwork to take home. Activity #81595

Nature Art: Earthen Art - Saturday, Mar. 31st 2-3pm

Get down in the dirt to make sensational soil-based art. Wet, dry or somewhere in between, the earth beneath your feet is a fun medium to create a piece of art. Activity #81551

Public programs are FREE for all ages - Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult

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Spring Break Day Camps for Kids

Neighborhood Nature - March 26th - 30th   8am-4pm

You don't have to go out into the wilderness to find nature, it's right here in your neighborhood! Discover more about the animals that live alongside us as we explore the park, play games, make art and meet some local animals. Ages 6-12. Registration Fee $150.  Activity #81727

Animal Scientists - April 2nd - 6th   8am-4pm

Many animals utilize incredible science in their bodies and behaviors. Come find out more about these animal scientists and conduct some amazing science experiments for yourself. Make concoctions that ooze or explode, use extraordinary methods to create art and play games. Ages 6-12. Registration Fee $150. Activity #81728

Day camp is based out of Kroening Interpretive Center. Every day please bring a lunch, snack and water bottle. Dress for the weather and a mess.

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Nature Nuts Play Group Fridays

Come with your little one to play and have fun in nature with other children and parents/guardians. Each day is different, but will have nature themes about animals, plants, and seasons. Enjoy the outdoors together all winter! Ages: For kids 5 and under with an adult.

This is an Adult/Child interactive program. Registration Fee $15

Spring weather is always changing! Wear clothes and shoes for playing outside.

April 13th - May 4th  10:45-11:45am   Activity #81731

May 18th - June 8th  10:45-11:45am   Activity #81732

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Summer Day Camp Registration Now Open

Monday through Friday 8am-4pm all Summer! Summer Day Camp Registration Now Open Monday through Friday 8am-4pm all Summer!

Register kids ages 6-12 for week long, naturalist-led summer camps. Explore outdoors, get messy and learn by doing. Spend a summer of fun playing in the park at North Mississippi. Registration Fees: Full Day $150. Half Day (am or pm) $80. Find programs to start planning your summer today!

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Like North Mississippi on Facebook to stay in the loop
about what’s happening in our park.
Learn more about North Mississippi Regional Park at our website.

Reminder: Upcoming Closures on I-35W

Via a March 1 e-newsletter from the MN Department of Transportation: 

Metro - 35W@94Downtown to Crosstown in Minneapolis: 2017-2021 construction

We want to remind you of upcoming closures along I-35W between I-94 and Hwy 62, including a full weekend closure of I-35W, the five-month closure of the 38th St. bridge and the long-term closure of the 36th St. ramp to southbound I-35W.

Upcoming nighttime work will result in road and lane closures on I-35W the week of March 5. These closures are required to set the beams on the Franklin Ave. bridge.

 * * * * * * * I-35W full weekend closure * * * * * * *

Reconstruction of the 38th St. bridge starts Fri, March 2 and crews will begin demolition of the bridge, which requires a full weekend closure of I-35W in both directions. The weekend closure is from 10 p.m. Fri, March 2 and will reopen by 5 a.m. Mon, March 5.

Northbound I-35W will close from Hwy 62 to I-94 and southbound will close from I-94 to 46th St. Crews will work 24-hours-a-day during the weekend closure. Motorists will detour to I-394, Hwy 100 and Hwy 62. 

* * * * * * * 38th St. bridge closes Fri, March 2 * * * * * * *

The 38th St. bridge is scheduled to close 6 a.m. Fri, March 2, The bridge will remain closed to motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists through early August. There will be a detour in place.

* * * * 36th St. ramp to southbound I-35W closes Fri, March 2 * * * *

To allow for the reconstruction activities near the 38th St. bridge, the ramp from 36th St. to southbound I-35W will close 2 a.m. Fri, March 2. Motorists will be detoured to Portland Ave. to 46th St. back to southbound I-35W. The ramp will remain closed through fall 2021.

This ramp needs to remain closed through fall 2021 for a number of reasons:

• During the 38th St. bridge reconstruction, there is not enough room for vehicles to safely merge from the ramp onto southbound I-35W
• Once I-35W freeway reconstruction work begins this summer, the number of southbound lanes will be reduced and shifted at various times while crews work for the three years after the 38th St. bridge reopens. This will make it difficult for vehicles entering from 36th St. to safely merge onto southbound I-35W.

* * * * Stevens Ave. and 2nd Ave. S access closes early March * * * *

The intersections of Stevens Ave/38th St. and 2nd Ave. S/38th St. will also close from early March to early August during the 38th St. bridge closure. Reference the access map to navigate around the closure.

Note: Residents will be able to access Stevens Ave. and 2nd Ave. S from 37th St. or 39th St.

During the closure, two-way traffic on Stevens Ave. between 37th St. and 38th St. will be allowed.

* * * * * Additional closures begin week of March 5 * * * * *

As crews continue to make progress on the Franklin Ave. bridge, some nighttime road and lane closures are going to be necessary to set beams. The following closures are scheduled to begin the week of March 5 from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily:

• On Mon, March 5 and Tue, March 6, an overnight closure of the access out of downtown (from 12th St/4th Ave) to southbound I-35W, and of the ramp from eastbound I-94 to southbound I-35W
• On Wed, March 7 and Thu, March 8, an overnight closure of southbound I-35W between I-94 and Hwy 62
• And on Fri, March 9, an overnight closure of northbound I-35W between Hwy 62 and I-94

To learn more, including all current traffic impacts and detour routes, visit the project website at: www.mndot.gov/35w94. 

Metro Transit bus routes will be impacted as a result of construction. For updated route information, and to sign up for Rider Alerts, visit www.metrotransit.org/35W.

• Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/mndot and Twitter: @mndotnews
• Email the project team at: info@35w94.com
• Call the project hotline at: 612-284-6125 

For real-time travel information anywhere in Minnesota visit http://www.511mn.org/ or dial 5-1-1. 

February 28 E-Newsletter from 3rd Ward Council Member Steve Fletcher

Taking Action on Gun Violence

On Wednesday, February 21, hundreds of Minneapolis students walked out of class to protest gun violence in schools across the country, and came to City Hall to demand that we take action. In response to and in support of their leadership, I worked with Intergovernmental Relations Committee Chair Andrew Johnson and Council Member Jeremy Schroeder to add to our state legislative agenda support for a statewide ban on assault weapons, bump stocks, silencers, and high capacity magazines.

As I made clear in my comments, this is a fight with the NRA, and it’s one we need to win if we are going to address gun violence in Minneapolis or across the state.

You can see my comments here or watch the full committee hearing with students' public comments here.

On Friday the 23rd, at our regular City Council meeting, we heard from students, Moms Demand Action Against Gun Violence, and Mayor Jacob Frey before voting on a resolution that honors and remembers all victims and survivors of gun violence and declares that the City must do more to reduce gun violence and keep our schools and communities safe.

Last fall, the Department of Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED) issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Grain Belt Riverfront Redevelopment Area, which is in between Marshall Ave. NE and the river between 13th & 14th Aves. NE. CPED received three proposals, and City staff are in the process of evaluating those proposals in a group that includes my staff and a representative from Sheridan Neighborhood Organization.

These proposals are still in a conceptual phase, and the final project design will undoubtedly be different from these, regardless of which developer is chosen.

Please join CPED staff and I for an Open House on Thursday, March 8 to share your feedback and ideas about this project and the three concept proposals that the City has received.

WHAT: Grain Belt Redevelopment Open House

WHEN: Thursday, March 8, 5:30pm - 7:00pm

WHERE: The Food Building, 1401 Marshall Street NE

After this Open House, City staff will meet again and make a recommendation on a developer for the City to enter into exclusive negotiations with regarding this project, based on their proposal. Once they make that recommendation, there will be a 45-day public comment period before the City Council acts on that recommendation.

You can see the project RFP here (click on the "Development" header).

NEW: Minneapolis Business Portal

The Minneapolis Business Portal is a new online platform designed to connect entrepreneurs and small business owners to the information and resources needed to plan, launch and grow a business in the city. The online portal features valuable tools to help startups and existing businesses, including a comprehensive checklist of the required steps to start a business, a library of business support resources, financing information and instructions on applying for a business license. 

For additional support, you can also contact the Small Business Team, who connect entrepreneurs with key City staff who can help you get your doors open quickly and efficiently.

Upcoming Transportation Projects

Between the City of Minneapolis, Hennepin County, and the State of Minnesota, there are a lot of upcoming projects happening in Ward 3 to repair and improve our transportation infrastructure for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

Here are some notable projects to be aware of:

• 35W@94: Downtown to Crosstown: this is a major project by MnDOT that began last year and will continue through 2021. In addition to periodic closures along I-35W south of downtown, the most notable impact to downtown will be the closure of the 11th St. off-ramp from westbound I-94 beginning this spring. Visit the project website for more information.
• Hennepin Avenue downtown between Washington Ave. & 12th St: the Hennepin Downtown Street Reconstruction Project will reconstruct the roadway from Washington Avenue to 12th Street beginning in 2019. City staff is in the preliminary stages of planning and design and would like to talk about current plans and hear from people who use the busy street.  For more information about the project and to take a survey about your Hennepin Avenue experience, visit the project website at www.hennepindowntown.com or contact the project staff at hennepin.downtown@minneapolismn.gov or 844-887-8330.
• North Loop Paving Improvements: in 2019, the following streets in the North Loop will receive paving and streetscaping improvements: North 3rd St. between 5th Ave. N. and 10th Ave. N.; 5th & 7th Aves. N. between Washington and N. 4th St.; and 8th & 9th Aves. N. between Washington and N. 3rd St. For more information, visit the project website or contact Forrest Hardy at Forrest.Hardy@minneapolismn.gov or 612-673-5951.
• 5th St. NE Resurfacing & Bikeway Upgrade: in 2018, 5th St. NE will be resurfaced between E. Hennepin Ave. and 9th Ave. NE. This project will also upgrades to the current bikeway. For more information, contact Erin Feehily at Erin.Feehily@minneapolismn.gov or 612-673-3614.
• U of M Protected Bikeways: in 2019, the City will install 2.6 miles of protected bikeways connecting the University of Minnesota and surrounding neighborhoods, including Marcy-Holmes. For more information, visit the project website or contact Simon Blenski at Simon.Blenski@minneapolismn.gov or 612-673-5012.

Update on Stone Arch Bridge

On February 9, the City Council voted to add to our state Legislative Agenda that we "Fully support the Minnesota Department of Transportation's request for $13 million necessary for the rehabilitation and preservation of the Stone Arch Bridge; an iconic landmark and destination for Minnesotans and visitors alike."

The Stone Arch Bridge truly is an iconic Ward 3 landmark in the heart of Minneapolis, and I will work closely with our Intergovernmental Relations team in the months to come to make sure we maintain this vital public asset for decades to come.

We Had a Super Bowl!

It's easy to forget that just a few weeks ago, we had this little thing called Super Bowl LII happen in downtown Minneapolis!

I want to take the time to offer my thanks and congratulations to City staff, who did an incredible job showing off our city to the world. It was a huge, complex undertaking that took two years of planning, and the work paid off.

I had a chance to visit the Minnesota Super Bowl Joint Information Center where city staff from a variety of departments worked side by side with staff from the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Metro Transit, Hennepin County, Ramsey County, and more to make sure we were speaking in one clear voice to give everyone accurate information about mundane things like traffic, and to be ready to respond if anything had gone wrong. I'm so appreciative of everyone's hard work and dedication!

I also had a chance to visit the multi-agency coordinating center and see the agency coordination on public safety, which was very, very impressive. I publicly raised concerns about the visible military presence downtown and some civil liberties questions around surveillance, which I'll continue to raise. None of those concerns detract from my gratitude for the extraordinary professionalism and successful planning that went into keeping everybody safe with huge crowds at multiple locations around the city. I personally witnessed plain-clothes officers making targeted arrests of people selling fraudulent tickets, protecting fans from getting ripped off. I especially appreciated the way Minneapolis Police responded to protest activities in ways that de-escalated tensions and kept everyone safe, including the demonstrators.

We still have some analysis to do to figure out whether the economic impact of this event was everything we hoped, but what we can say for sure is that the performance of our City staff was everything we hoped for and more, and I'm prouder than ever to live in and work for the City of Minneapolis. 

MPD and Partners Crack Down on Human Trafficking During Super Bowl Week

Human trafficking is a problem throughout the year, not just during big events like the Super Bowl. However, Minneapolis police and 17 other law enforcement agencies used the 10 days of Super Bowl events to crack down on this illegal activity.

The Super Bowl Human Trafficking Operations team posted 30 to 40 decoy ads on several online sites, and 1,500 individuals responded. From those, 94 arrests were made and 89 charged with felonies. Of those arrested, 28 had no prior criminal histories and 55 had only traffic violations on record.

In addition to the arrests, police made 28 in-person contacts with potential victims. All were offered services through YouthLink and the anti-trafficking outreach team at SOURCE.

Minneapolis Police led the Super Bowl Human Trafficking Operation. The workgroup included police departments from Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Oakdale, Plymouth, Saint Paul, Shakopee, Savage and Woodbury; the sheriff’s offices in Hennepin and Washington counties; the attorney’s offices in Hennepin, Ramsey, Washington and Scott counties; Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI.

Sign Up for the City's Low-Cost Tree Lottery by March 9

Minneapolis property owners (Minneapolis residents, businesses and nonprofits) can enter the City's low-cost tree lottery any time now through March 9, and lottery entrants will hear back by March 14. About 850 property owners will be able to order a five-to-eight foot tree to plant in their yards. 

The sixteen varieties available this year include large species, flowering trees and several kinds of fruit trees. Large species shade trees are $30 each. Fruit trees and smaller species are $40 each. Comparable trees cost about $125 at a nursery. 

•  Limit one tree per property owner.

•  Trees must be picked up May 19, 20 or 21 at the City of Minneapolis Impound Lot. Volunteers will be on hand to help load each new tree and a complimentary bag of mulch into vehicles.

•  Enter the lottery at treetrust.org/minneapolis-tree-sale-lottery.

In the past 12 years, the City Trees program has provided approximately 14,000 trees for planting on private property to beautify our neighborhoods, help clean the air we breathe, save on our energy bills by keeping the city cooler in the summer, provide homes for wildlife, and help manage stormwater.

Solid Waste & Recycling Guides and Service Survey

Attention, Minneapolis Solid Waste & Recycling customers: watch your mailboxes for the 2018-2019 service guide arriving soon! The guide includes a collection calendar and information on all Solid Waste & Recycling services.

You are also invited to participate in this 10-minute services survey. The information gathered will help staff evaluate current outreach and educational messages and help guide future conversations on potential program changes. Survey participants will be randomly selected to win one of 40 prizes valued at $10 each. If you would like a survey mailed to you, please call us at 612-673-2917. 

Good Morning Ward 3 at Kramarczuk's

We held our first Good Morning Ward 3 in February with Public Works Director Robin Hutcheson and had a great discussion about the City's Vision Zero initiative to end traffic-related deaths.

Join us on March 21st with special guest Heather Worthington, Director of Long Range Planning with the Department of Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED) to hear about the City's comprehensive plan, Minneapolis 2040.

Good Morning Ward 3

Wednesday, March 21st from 7:30am - 9:00am

Kramarczuk's Sausage Company, 215 E Hennepin Ave

Coffee With Your Council Member

Council Member Fletcher will hold regular open community office hours at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesdays at a rotating neighborhood coffee shop in Ward 3 for constituents to drop by, get to know him, ask questions, and raise any issues you see in the community. 

All are welcome! RSVP on Facebook or just show up. If you want to discuss a specific issue or project, email laura.dorle@minneapolismn. gov and we'll add you to the agenda.

• TONIGHT – Glam Doll Donuts NE, 519 Central Ave NE
• March 7 – Café Alma, 528 University Ave SE
• March 14 – No community office hours this week
• March 21 – Conexion at Open Book, 1011 Washington Ave S
• March 28 –Nno community office hours this week
• April 4 – No community office hours this week
• April 11 - Corner Coffee, 514 N 3rd Street 
• April 18 – Mojo Coffee Gallery, 2205 California Street NE

Keep an eye on our Facebook Page for all the details on future scheduled events, or contact our office at 612-673-2203.

Graze 4 Good - Giving Back to the Community Never Tasted So Good!

Graze 4 Good celebrates the Twin Cities’ rich culinary community while addressing critical local needs. This unique fundraiser supports Fourth Generation, a program of The Minneapolis Foundation for emerging philanthropists. All proceeds from Graze 4 Good will go directly to grantmaking around this year’s issue: Affordable housing. The event is scheduled for April 15 at Aria, and tickets are on sale now. 

Guest chefs include Doug Flicker & Amy Greeley of Bull's Horn, Alex Roberts of Restaurant Alma and Brasa, Zen Box Izakaya's John Ng & Lina Goh, Grand Cafe's Jamie Malone, Fat Chance's Renay & Ben Dossman, with more chefs to be announced. Attendees will enjoy a variety of bites prepared by each chef while you sip on a craft beer or cocktail by Marco Zappia. The evening will be highlighted by a silent auction of food-inspired items - follow Facebook and Twitter to find out what foodie items you can bid on.

Vegetarian options will be available.

VIP Grazing
5 – 6 p.m.
Each of the chefs will prepare a legen-dairy bite that will only be available during VIP Grazing. Tickets are limited to 150 foodies to ensure quality face time with each chef. VIP tickets also include admission to the general event that immediately follows. Come early for this unique experience and stay late for even more incredible food.

General Grazing
6 – 8 p.m.
Our guest chefs give us a reason to Graze 4 Good: A chance to taste offerings from these notable culinary artists in one amazing location. Two drink tickets are included.

Presenting sponsors include Gardner Builders, VIP host Faegre Baker Daniels, gift card wall sponsor Tradition Bank, bar host NTH, Inc., chef table hosts AgMotion, Inc. and the Keadue Fund, and event sponsor Dojour.

MPRB Invites You to the Northeast Recreation Center Grand Opening on March 10

Join the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) and Northeast Minneapolis neighbors and community members at a Grand Opening Celebration for the new Northeast Recreation Center on Saturday, March 10, 2018.

Northeast Recreation Center is located at 1530 Johnson St. NE

Northeast Recreation Center is located at 1530 Johnson St. NE, right next to Jim Lupient Water Park. It will be open from 9 am to 4 pm on March 10, with a great schedule of activities planned to showcase the new 15,000-square-foot facility:

9:00 am: Walking track open; Yoga class
9:00-11:30 am: Kids activities, music, face painting
10:00 am: Ribbon-cutting ceremony with remarks from local officials and light refreshments
10:30-11:30 am: Zumba class
12:00-2:00 pm: 11U basketball games

The new recreation center includes a full-court gym, community learning kitchen and classroom, multipurpose room, lobby with a ping pong and foosball table, and solar power installation on the roof. It was constructed using sustainable building practices and the MPRB is pursuing Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. Room, kitchen and gym rentals begin in mid-April; rental application will be accepted beginning April 2.

New recreation center features full-court gym, track, classrooms, exercise/activity space & community kitchen.

A robust slate of programming begins this summer. There will be youth athletics, preschool, senior and adaptive programming, Rec Plus childcare and more! Click this link to view and register for programs starting in June.

Can’t make the Grand Opening? People may visit for a sneak preview of the building after it opens to the public on Monday, Feb. 26. Tour the building, play ping pong or foosball, or use the gym and gym floor walking track. Hours: Monday-Thursday 3-9 pm; Friday 3-7 pm, (changes to 3-9 pm starting March 16); Saturday 9-4 pm. 

Minnesota Musicians: Be heard! Submissions Open Today for MnSpin, Hennepin County Library's New Local Music Resource

Via an e-newsletter from Hennepin County Library:

From the Andrews Sisters to Atmosphere, from Bob Dylan to Prince, from Cantus to Dessa, and Bobby Vee to the Minnesota Orchestra, many great musicians have launched from Minnesota to the world.

Hennepin County Library is in search of Minnesota musicians to feature on MnSpin, an online music streaming and download resource that has been introducing local artists to new audiences since its launch last year. 

Submit a song

Minnesota musicians and bands of all genres are encouraged to submit one song for consideration between February 21 and March 28. A panel of local music experts and library staff will review all submissions, and invite selected artists to make one album available through the online platform. Artists will sign a license agreement and receive $200. The library plans to continue expanding this pilot project to offer additional submission opportunities.

Thanks to a grant from the Friends of the Hennepin County Library, music lovers will be able to connect to this new collection here. Anyone can stream from the platform, and Hennepin County Library cardholders can download songs for free.

“Minnesota is such an incubator for musical artists,” said Hennepin County Library Director Lois Langer Thompson. “MnSpin is an opportunity for the music community to have its music heard and for all music lovers to have access to the rich talents of local musicians.” 

A diverse collection

Hennepin County Library strives to create a collection that reflects the diversity of our community. Music featured on MnSpin will follow the same genre guidelines as in the general collection: 

• Americana, bluegrass and country
• Blues, jazz and soul
• Classical
• Christian and gospel
• Folk, ethnic and world
• Pop and rock
• Rap, hip hop and R&B
• Children's 

MnSpin is open for submissions February 21-March 28. For more information, visit here.

North Loop's The Bar Method Opens a Second Location

The Bar Method, located in the T3 building at 323 N Washington Ave, today announced that its second Twin Cities location is now open at Centennial Lakes in Edina.

Kayla O'RourkeThe 2,100-square foot studio, located at 7509 France Avenue South, becomes the 115th in the country. The Edina location is the second studio owned and operated by instructor Kayla O’Rourke, a longtime runner who started taking Bar Method classes four years ago. “After the first class, I was hooked," said O’Rourke. “Not only was the exercise a body-changing experience, it was also life changing.”  

Centennial Lakes features a studio with an urban-chic feel offering amenities that include a bright lobby, locker room, shower amenities and childcare services. O’Rourke’s first studio opened in the Minneapolis North Loop’s T3 office building in Oct. 2016; a third studio is planned for St. Paul in 2019.

“The Bar Method is the pioneer in growing barre-based exercise programs that provide intense, safe and fun, hour-long workouts incorporating ‘shake strengthening’ isometric exercises to strengthen and tone all major muscle groups and elongate, lengthen and align the body,” said O’Rourke. “It was developed under the guidance of physical therapists to reshape muscles, burn body fat and improve posture.”

In celebration of the opening, O’Rourke is offering a limited-time Founder’s Membership Rate of $129 per month, with no contract required. During February, clients are invited to try the workout for a week, free-of-charge.

A formal grand opening event will occur in March to include a ribbon-cutting ceremony conducted by the Edina Chamber of Commerce.

About The Bar Method
Founded in 2001, The Bar Method is the pioneer in barre fitness. Hundreds of thousands of students have experienced The Bar Method as the optimal workout for developing a strong, sculpted body. It strengthens and tones all major muscle groups, burns fat, and improves posture and flexibility.  Classes are led by highly-trained instructors who provide personal attention and ensure that exercises are safe and effective. For more information, visit: http://barmethodtwincities.com/ or via Facebook and Instagram. 

Free Minneapolis Event in February: Wells Fargo's WinterSkate at Loring Park

Enjoy free skating and fun programming at Wells Fargo Minneapolis WinterSkate throughout February
Tuesday skating lessons, Friday movie skates and more in Loring Park

The Wells Fargo WinterSkate rink is located in Loring Park near Willow Street and Grant Street. Through March 4 you can enjoy fun programming, including:

• Free Skating Lessons: Join the Figure Skating Club of Minneapolis for free skating lessons
   o Tuesdays, February 13 & 20, 4:15-5:15 pm
• Friday Movie Nights: Stop by to skate and watch classic movies on the ice
   o Friday, February 16: “The Mighty Ducks”, 6-8 pm
   o Friday, February 23: “Miracle”, 6-8 pm
• Collegiate Day: Wear your favorite school’s colors! Saturday, February 17, 9 am-9 pm
• Gold Medal Skate Weekend: Join us and skate during the medal rounds
   o Saturday, February 24, 9 am-9 pm
   o Sunday, February 25, 10 am-6 pm
• Drag Queen Skate: Friday, March 2, 7-9 pm

The rink is open daily and offers free skating during Loring Park’s hours through March 4. The Warming House presented by CenterPoint Energy is open 3 – 9 p.m. on Mondays - Fridays, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Sundays. On February 4, the rink will be open until 10 pm. There are special hours on select holidays. The rink is also open from 12 p.m. – 9 p.m. on Minneapolis Public School release dates. Complimentary skates are available for use during all Warming House hours. A full schedule can be found at www.mplsdowntown.com/winterskate.

Wells Fargo is giving away FREE WILD TICKETS to sit in Wells Fargo’s center-ice suite as part of a special social media campaign at the Mpls WinterSkate. Skaters are encouraged to take photos on the rink and post them on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, tagging @WellsFargo and using the hashtag #mplswinterskate. There are cutout social media frames for use as well. Each month from November through March, one individual who posts from the Wells Fargo Mpls WinterSkate and uses the @WellsFargo and #mplswinterskate hashtag will be selected to receive two (2) tickets to sit in Wells Fargo’s center-ice suite at Xcel Energy Center for the March 25 game between the Minnesota Wild and Boston Bruins. A total of 10 tickets will be awarded (5 winners + 1 guest each) during the promotion. For more information on Wells Fargo Minneapolis WinterSkate, visit www.mplsdowntown.com/winterskate.

About the Wells Fargo Minneapolis WinterSkate:
The Wells Fargo Minneapolis WinterSkate is an open-air ice rink with a chilled sheet of ice located inside Loring Park in downtown Minneapolis. It is produced in partnership with the mpls downtown council, Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board and A Vibrant and Safe Downtown. The Wells Fargo Minneapolis WinterSkate is sponsored by Wells Fargo, Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District, Power Partner MN, Egan, VEIT, Kraus-Anderson, Xcel Energy, Love Your Melon, BUZ’N 102.9 FM, 104.1 JACK FM and 830 WCCO-AM. The rink is free and open to the community and has a heated warming house available for use during operating hours. Complimentary skates are available for use during warming house hours. For hours and programming information visit: www.mplsdowntown.com/winterskate.

Announcing Northern Spark 2018: June 15 and 16

The first ever two-night version of the free public art festival explores participatory projects in Downtown Minneapolis with the theme Commonality

Northern Lights.mn announces plans for the eighth annual Northern Spark, the free annual arts festival illuminating public spaces in the Twin Cities. Known for continually experimenting with size, location, and theme, this year’s Northern Spark will shift from a one night dusk to dawn event to two nights of art and connection with community—Friday, June 15 and Saturday, June 16—starting at dusk (9:02 pm) and ending at 2 am. Artists will explore the theme Commonality, with projects located in walkable and bikeable areas of Downtown Minneapolis, including The Commons, the Minneapolis Central Library, and Nicollet Mall.

Northern Spark 2018 theme: Commonality

The theme of this year’s festival takes its cue from its venues: The Commons, the Minneapolis Central Library, and Nicollet Mall. What is a 21st century commons? A 21st century library that serves everyone? A pedestrian avenue that is open to anyone?

At a time when the darkest parts of our collective identity surface daily in public forms — overt racism, everyday sexism, challenges to our rights to free speech, policies that fly in the face of climate science — Northern Lights.mn is committed to providing platforms that resist discriminatory ideas, open dialogue and create relationships. What do we have in common? In the context of Northern Spark, what do we share when we gather together in physical space?

The theme of commonality also grounds this year’s Creative City Challenge, a competition for artists, architects and designers in Minnesota to create an interactive work sited at The Commons through the end of July. Opening on the night of Northern Spark and supported by the Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy program of the City of Minneapolis, the competition winner will be announced in March.  

Artists are currently submitting proposals for this year’s festival and will also be announced in March.

“The theme of commonality emerged organically from this moment in time. As everything from politics to family relationships can feel divisive, there is a call to look at what connects us, but to do so critically. We’re interested in the ways that artists will celebrate and complicate the idea of commonality,” says Steve Dietz, co-director of Northern Spark.

The shift to two nights is both experimental and practical. In the words of Sarah Peters, co-director of Northern Spark, “A two night event gives us a built in rain date, but it also gives attendees more opportunity to experience the festival. So many people tell us they can’t see everything in one night. Now there are two!”

Programming and art will be the same each night.

Locations

The venues for Northern Spark 2018 are in downtown Minneapolis:

• The Commons

• Minneapolis Central Library

• Nicollet between 4th St. and 8th St.

Dates and Times

In 2018, Northern Spark will take place over two nights, the third weekend in June until 2 am:

• Friday, June 15, from 9:02 pm to 2 am

• Saturday, June 16, 7 - 9 pm: Festival Launch Party

• Saturday, June 16, from 9:02 pm to 2 am

Northern Spark Venue Partners

Northern Spark has always been a collaborative effort. Northern Lights.mn is grateful for the generous involvement of several organizations in the support and programming of Northern Spark 2018. Hennepin County Library at Minneapolis Central Library, Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District (DiD) along Nicollet, Green Minneapolis at The Commons, and The Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy program of the City of Minneapolis. We are also excited to continue a programmatic partnership with African Economic Development Solutions (AEDS) to support an artist at project at Northern Spark that will be re-presented at AEDS’ Little Africa Fest in August 2018. Northern Spark 2018 festival offerings will also include a project co-commissioned with Native American Community Development Initiative. Additional Programming Partners will be announced in March.

Northern Spark Background

Since 2011 thousands of Minnesotans and visitors have enjoyed Northern Spark, an annual arts festival illuminating public spaces in Minneapolis and St. Paul. In early June, tens of thousands of people gather to explore giant video projections, play in temporary installations in the streets, and enjoy experimental performances in green spaces. Late into the night the city surprises you: friendly crowds, glowing groups of cyclists, an unexpected path through the urban landscape, the magic of sunrise after a night of amazing art and experiences.

Northern Spark is known as a dusk-to-dawn event. In 2018 we are experimenting with a two-night model for attendees to experience the artful magic of Northern Spark for two nights in a row until 2 am.

Memorable projects from past Northern Spark festivals include Chris Larson’s Celebration/Love/Loss, Jim Campbell’s Scattered Light, Luke Savisky’s Ex-MN, Pramila Vasudevan’s Census, and countless other projects from artists such as: Ananya Dance Theater, Marina Zurkow, HOTTEA, and Million Artist Movement.

Northern Spark is produced by Northern Lights.mn, a Twin Cities non-profit arts organization whose work ranges from large-scale public art platforms like Northern Spark to Art(ists) On the Verge, a year­long mentorship program for 5 emerging artists working with digital culture. We support artists in the creation and presentation of art in the public sphere, such as at St. Paul's Union Depot (Amateur Intelligence Radio), "choir karaoke" at the Minnesota State Fair (Giant Sing Along) and most recently Illuminate South Loop, a mini outdoor festival of nine interactive projects in Bloomington, MN’s South Loop in the days leading up to the Super Bowl. Through projects such as Ruination: City of Dust, a location-­based environmental mystery game, and large scale festivals themed around social issues, our work helps audiences explore expanded possibilities for civic engagement through art.

City Pages Best of the Twin Cities Readers' Poll: Vote for Your Favorites

Each year, the annual Best of the Twin Cities issue highlights all the best things our metro has to offer, from the tastiest bars and restaurants, to the coolest people, parks, museums, and music.

Creating the list is a two part process. First, we vote in the 2018 Best of the Twin Cities Readers' Choice Poll. During the first round of voting (February 6 until midnight on February 27), nominate your favorite people, places, and things in 100 select categories.

Next, City Pages tallies the nominations, and from March 6 until midnight on March 27, we vote on the top five nominees in each category. The Readers' Choice Poll results will be revealed in the annual Best of the Twin Cities issue, online and hitting newsstands April 18.

Participants in the Readers' Choice Poll will automatically be entered to win four V.I.P. tickets to the Best of the Twin Cities party in April at Orchestra Hall.

From the mpls downtown council: 2017 by the Numbers

Downtown Minneapolis 2017 Year in Review

The mpls downtown council hosted its 62nd annual meeting on Monday, February 12 at the Hilton Minneapolis in front of a record crowd. More than 1,300 people registered for the event, which featured a comprehensive year in review. The annual meeting was emceed by WCCO-TV’s Amelia Santaniello, and the in-audience reporter was WCCO-TV’s Mike Augustyniak. 

Top 15 downtown employers:

  1. Target (8,333 Employees)
  2. Hennepin County Medical Center (7,105 )
  3. Wells Fargo (7,000)
  4. Hennepin County (6,595)
  5. Ameriprise Financial (4,893)
  6. U.S. Bank (4,651)
  7. Xcel Energy ( 2,351 )
  8. City of Minneapolis (2,060)
  9. RBC Wealth Management (1,475)
10. Thrivent Financial (1,352)
11. Capella Education (1,258)
12. Star Tribune (1,096)
13. SPS Commerce (1,002)
14. Federal Reserve Bank (970)
15. ABM (910)

2017 by the numbers:

- Current Downtown Population: 43,456

- Since 2006, downtown has gained 11,552 residents, a 36.2% increase

- Minneapolis topped $1 billion in construction permits for the 6th straight year. Of the $1.497 billion in permits, $777 million were from downtown wards 3 and 7 alone

- A combined 1,203 rented units and 374 owned residential units are currently under construction downtown

- Metro Transit ridership topped 81.9 million on buses and trains.

- Green Line LRT ridership reached 13.1 million rides, and Blue Line LRT’s 10.6 million rides

- Downtown’s Central Business District = 36.67% of all Twin Cities office space

- There was a 77% reduction in crime by Downtown 100 Offenders within the Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District Boundaries, the 8th straight year of 65% + reduction

- Hennepin Theatre Trust’s Orpheum Theatre ranked 8th worldwide in Pollstar tickets sold

- Minneapolis DID picked up 21,965 bags of trash, 2,394 recycling bags, removed 32,084 gum spots and issued 89,615 pedestrian assists

- The mpls downtown council added 86 members, bringing it s total membership to 440 organizations. The mdc had a 19% memb ership growth in 2017

- The 2025 Plan committees include 358 volunteers from the downtown community

Restaurant Week February 18-23

Celebrate the best of Twin Cities dining with a week's worth of great deals in some of the Twin Cities trendiest and best restaurants during Restaurant Week, February 18-23. Participating restaurants will serve two to three course, prix fixe menus for just $10 to $35 per person. (beverage, tax and gratuity not included)

Sponsored by: Josh Cellars (To learn about the "Glass on Josh" promotion during February Restaurant Week click here!). Non-Profit Partner: Dining Out For Life® facilitated by The Aliveness Project.

Spring 2018 Talk of the Stacks Series Announced

Via a February 8 e-newsletter from Friends of the Hennepin County Library:

We are thrilled to announce our Spring 2018 Talk of the Stacks series, featuring some of today's most compelling literary voices! We hope you'll join us for our series of insightful and thought-provoking conversations.

Talk of the Stacks takes place at Hennepin County Library - Minneapolis Central, Pohlad Hall, 300 Nicollet Mall. Events are free and open to the public. Seating is first come, first served. Doors open at 6:15pm, Programs begin at 7:00pm.

Tuesday, February 27: Alicia Eler & Stephanie Glaros in conversation with MPR'S Stephanie Curtis

This dynamic trio will explore identity, authentic storytelling, and how to build a personal brand through the lens of digital media. Alicia Eler is the author of The Selfie Generation: How Our Self-Images Are Changing Our Notions of Privacy, Sex, Consent, and Culture. Stephanie Glaros is a teaching artist, author, and speaker, best known for her blog and book, Humans of Minneapolis. Stephanie Curtis is the Senior Producer for MPR's The Thread and co-host of The Cube Critics, a weekly film review podcast. 

Tuesday, April 24: Alex Wagner, CBS News Anchor & Correspondent

In her narrative nonfiction debut Futureface: A Family Mystery, an Epic Quest, and the Secret to Belonging, Alex Wagner takes a journey into her own ancestry and discovers the ways in which race and immigration redefine the American experience.

Wednesday, May 16: Tracy K. Smith, U.S. Poet Laureate & Pulitzer Prize Winner 

U.S. Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith is the author of The Body's Question, Duende, and Life on Mars, winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry. Her memoir, Ordinary Light, was a finalist for the 2015 National Book Award in nonfiction. Smith's forthcoming collection of poems, Wade in the Water, deftly dissects the nature of citizenship in a time when the American past and present continuously collide. 

Note - The May 3rd and 4th events with Jesmyn Ward are already sold out.

News from Downtown Resource Group (DRG)

The Downtown Resource Group (DRG), located in the North Loop at 700 Washington Ave N, would like to share a few items with our readers.

First, there's the January 2018 Minneapolis Market Report:

Next, throughout the month of February, post your date night photos using the hashtag #DRGDateNight for a chance to win a $100 gift card!

Follow them on Facebook for more market updates, offers and related events.