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.

Rewire Segment Delves into the Recycling Dilemma and Possible Solutions

This Rewire video looks at how China's discontinuation of processing US recyclable materials (due to too many contaminants) has forced changes in the recycling industry. Recycling contamination has been an issue for years, and we should all be concerned about it. It makes it difficult for sorting facilities to make a profit, and results in more trash going to landfills.

In this video, experts across the country discuss ideas on how to fix this difficult situation, and explore the solutions that were piloted at the 2018 Super Bowl in Minneapolis.

2017 Statistics from St. Stephen's Human Services

Excerpt from February 8 e-newsletter from St. Stephen's Human Services:

Mission Statement:

The mission of St. Stephen’s Human Services is ending homelessness. We progress toward this goal through a range of effective emergency services, shelter and housing programs for individuals and families. We envision a community in which housing instability is rare, brief and non-recurring, ending homelessness as we know it.

A Moment of Zen on a Cold Winter Day

I came across this video on someone's Facebook feed and thought others would enjoy it. It was posted on Vimeo by Kurtis Jackson. (The roughly 3 minute downhill journey and music start at about the 18 second mark.) The beauty of being one with nature in the winter! :)

MPRB to Honor Commissioner Young with Community Comments and Resolution Renaming Park

Via a February 2 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park and Rec Board:

Public invited to share remarks honoring Young’s contributions to city and park system at February 7 meeting

At its Feb. 7, 2018 meeting, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) of Commissioners will consider a resolution authorizing Riverside Park to be renamed Annie Young Riverside Park in honor of the recent passing of Annie Young, a dedicated environmental and riverfront advocate during her 28-year tenure on the Park Board. The resolution also calls for the area within the park along West River Parkway, called Lower Riverside Park, to be renamed Annie Young Memorial Meadow. 

A celebration of Young’s legacy is scheduled at 6 pm during the Feb. 7 Board meeting. Board meetings are held at MPRB headquarters, 2117 West River Road. Following comments by public officials and Young’s family, the community is invited to share their thoughts and memories from Young’s career.

Young served seven consecutive terms as an At Large Commissioner, from January 1990 until December 2017, making her one of the two longest-serving commissioners in the MPRB’s 134-year history. She passed away last month at the age of 75.

Young was a lifelong environmentalist who spearheaded solar energy use in parks, clean water initiatives and a 95% reduction in chemical pesticide application on Minneapolis park land. She was also a powerful Mississippi River advocate, instrumental in the creation, development and stewardship of riverfront park land, which includes Riverside Park.

Riverside Park was one of the first parks established in Minneapolis. It is located at 2820 S Eighth St. and encompasses 28 acres of riverfront land on the west bank of the Mississippi River in the Cedar Riverside neighborhood. In 2005, MPRB Commissioner John Erwin nominated that an area within Riverside Park called Lower Riverside Park be renamed after Young. According to current Board President Brad Bourn, there has been strong support among past and current Board members for renaming the park in honor of Young and discussions were underway to do so after she retired from the Board.

Those who would like to give public testimony on the resolution to rename Riverside Park in Young’s honor may do so during the regularly scheduled 5:30 pm Open Time at the Feb. 7 Board meeting. Please sign up to speak in person before Open Time begins or call ahead at 612-230-6400.

My North Series - Last Episodes of the 52 Minnesota Stories Leading up to the 2018 Super Bowl

The count down to Super Bowl 52 is complete! We've reached the end of the weekly video series of 52 love letters to Minnesota from notable Minnesotans. My North is an editorial video series created by Mpls.St.Paul Magazine and presented by Explore Minnesota. With their odes to the state they love, we heard from tastemakers and stylemakers; artists and athletes; authors and entertainers. Below are final two episodes, 51 and 52 - click here to see more!

MCBA Announces Dirty Works Classes for Kids!

Minnesota Center for Book Arts (MCBA) Announces Dirty Works Classes for Kids!

This new series of second-Saturday classes welcomes kids ages 7-12 to get their hands dirty and create their own projects! Inspired by the popular class series for adults, Dirty Works for Kids offers a fun and inspiring lineup of classes that will push kids’ creative boundaries and expand their notions of what a book can be. Classes are held from 1-3 pm monthly, and topics range from making edible books and miniatures to pop-up dragons and paper ornaments. Check out all of our offerings:

Dirty Works for Kids: Edible Books
with Cindy Gipple
Saturday, March 10; class 1-3pm

.

Dirty Works for Kids: Miniature Books
with Cindy Gipple
Saturday, April 14; class 1-3pm

.

Dirty Works for Kids: Superhero Pop-up
with Erin Holt
Saturday, May 12; class 1-3pm

Dirty Works for Kids: Faux Leather Journal

with Erin Holt
Saturday, June 9; class 1-3pm

.

Dirty Works for Kids: Zines
with Jill Weese
Saturday, July 14; class 1-3pm

.

Dirty Works for Kids: Making Books with Found Materials
with Olli Johnson
Saturday, August 11; class 1-3pm

.

Dirty Works for Kids: Stamps for Mail Art
with Olli Johnson
Saturday, September 8; class 1-3pm

.

Dirty Works for Kids: Pop-up Dragons

with Olli Johnson
Saturday, October 13; class 1-3pm

.

Dirty Works for Kids: Silly "WANTED" Posters
with Erin Holt
Saturday, November 10; class 1-3pm 

7 ½ Foot Brain Ice Sculpture at the American Academy of Neurology

Photos submitted

The American Academy of Neurology (AAN), 201 Chicago Avenue, is currently home to a 7 ½ foot brain ice sculpture (located at the corner of 2nd Street S and Chicago Avenue, across from the Guthrie). Rob Graham, winner of the 2014 St. Paul Winter Carnival ice sculpture contest, carved the sculpture onsite. Additionaly, 28 windows on the building’s first floor are wrapped with dynamic images representing athletes of all sports, ages, and gender.

Here is a video of how it all came together:

AAN, headquartered in the heart of the Mill District, represents 34,000 neurologists and neuroscientists worldwide. They are the world’s most trusted authority for evidence-based clinical practice guidelines that help neurologists make decisions related to the diagnosis and treatment of neurologic diseases such as sports concussion, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, migraine, multiple sclerosis, among many others.

A concussion does not occur only on the football field—it can affect athletes of all sports at any age, gender, or level of sport played. AAN's goal is to educate the public on the importance of “When in Doubt, Check it Out” if someone suspects a concussion. Their AAN guideline summaries serve as educational tools for patients, families, coaches, and the public. In 2015, the AAN released an updated Sports Concussion Guideline to help people recognize the signs of concussion and help doctors manage and treat concussion. For more information, visit AAN.com/concussion.

Spring 2018 Westminster Town Hall Forums Announced

Since 1980, the Westminster Town Hall Forum (free and open to all) has provided unique opportunities to explore the key issues of our day from an ethical perspective. In just an hour, guest speakers will expand your mind and maybe even change your perspective. Forums are always aired at noon on MPR News Presents, 91.1 FM in the Twin Cities. Noon forums are broadcast live, and evening forums are recorded for later broadcast, usually within a day or two of the event.

The Spring 2018 dates are:

SUZY HANSEN  March 22

Topic: An American Abroad in a Post-American World 

Suzy Hansen is an American journalist and editor. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, she has lived in Istanbul since 2007 after receiving a journalism fellowship from the Institute of Current World Affairs to write on Turkish politics and foreign affairs. Since then, she has traveled for her work to Libya, Greece, Egypt, Afghanistan, Kuwait, India, Kenya, and beyond. She is a contributing writer for The New York Times Magazine, London Review of Books, Vogue, GQ, Bloomberg, and Businessweek. Her first book, Notes on a Foreign Country: An American Abroad in a Post-American World, is a geopolitical memoir, challenging her assumptions about American beneficence abroad, America's role in the Middle East, and our country’s place in the world.

NADINE BURKE HARRIS April 10

Topic: Healing the Effects of Childhood Adversity and Trauma

Nadine Burke Harris is a pediatrician and advocate for children’s health. She is the founder of the Center for Youth Wellness in San Francisco, which researches the impact of adverse childhood experiences, affecting children at all socio-economic levels and putting them at higher risk for health, behavioral, and learning problems. She has shared her research and insights at the Mayo Clinic, American Academy of Pediatrics, Google Zeitgeist, and Dreamforce. She is the recipient of the Arnold P. Gold Foundation’s Humanism in Medicine award and the Heinz Award for the Human Condition. She is an advisor to the Too Small to Fail initiative, which promotes the importance of early brain and language development in children, and the author of the new book The Deepest Well: Healing the Long-Term Effects of Childhood Adversity.

STEVE SCHMIDT May 1

Topic: A Candid Look at Today's Headlines

Steve Schmidt is a political strategist, public relations executive, and an on-air political analyst at MSNBC. He was an advisor in the George W. Bush administration and served as the top strategist for the president’s 2004 re-election campaign. In 2008, he was the senior advisor to John McCain’s presidential campaign. He is a vice president at Edelman, a global communications marketing firm, where he advises politicians and business executives on a wide range of issues, including technology and telecommunications, financial services, energy, health care, and more. He serves on the board of the nonprofit research organization JUST Capital, which ranks companies on their commitment to fair pay, equal treatment of all workers, community-building, and sustainability. With David Plouffe, he founded the Center for Political Communication at the University of Delaware. 

RICHARD STENGEL May 22

Topic: Mandela's Way: Lessons for an Uncertain Age

Richard Stengel is a journalist, author, and a former managing editor of Time. He has written for numerous publications, including The New Yorker, The New Republic, Spy and The New York Times, and he appears regularly on television as a commentator. In 2013, he accepted the position of Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs in the Obama administration. He has served as the president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, established by Congress to increase awareness and understanding of the Constitution. He collaborated with Nelson Mandela on his autobiography, The Long Walk to Freedom, and he was a producer on the documentary film Mandela. He is the author of Mandela’s Way: Lessons for an Uncertain Age. A graduate of Princeton University, he was awarded a Rhodes scholarship to Christ Church, Oxford, where he studied English and history.

Westminster Presbyterian Church is located at 1200 Marquette Avenue. 

Town Hall Forum Website

2018 Italian Film Festival scheduled for February 22 - 25

Celebrating its 10th year, the Italian Film Festival returns to the St. Anthony Main Theatre, hosted by the Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul. Organized by the Italian Cultural Center of Minneapolis-St. Paul (ICC), a nonprofit committed to sharing Italian art, culture, and language in the Twin Cities, the festival screens the best contemporary Italian movies, from quirky “Italian-style” comedies to socially-relevant documentaries.

Alongside Minnesota premieres, the festival showcases Italy’s cinematic history with a newly-restored Italian classic each year–this year, we celebrate the work of Vittorio De Sica with a digitally restored screening of his timely comedy Il Boom (1963) starring Alberto Sordi.

To commemorate the IFF’s 10 years in Minnesota, the Film Society has created something new this year, the “Building Bridges: Emerging Filmmaker Awards.” Their talented jurors have selected two short films by new filmmakers living in Italy and Minnesota and you’ll have a chance to see the winners at the closing night film.

Join the Film Society Thursday, February 22 through Sunday, February 25 for an amazing mix of documentaries, dramas, and comedies that will take viewers on a spectacular journey through the landscapes and stories of Italy and its people.

Izzy’s Ice Cream 5th Annual 13 Days of Giving, February 15 - 27

Izzy’s Ice Cream, 1100 Second Street S, is again hosting Izzy’s 13 Days of Giving, February 15 - 27.

As a local, family-owned business in the Twin Cities, Izzy’s Ice Cream appreciates the great fortune of being in a supportive community that allows them to be successful year after year. Each February they attempt to give a little back (something other than just ice cream!), and this year they are hosting their 5th Annual 13 Days of Giving. For 13 days in February, they show their love for different non-profits by featuring a different organization each of the 13 days of February around Valentine’s Day. Izzy’s will donate $2 from every cone sold to a different non-profit each day. Customers also are welcomed to make additional donations beyond the ice cream purchase as well.

- The Three Angels Fund

- Walking Shadow Theater Company

- United Way

- Minnesota Youth Symphonies

- Ruff Start Rescue

- Minnesota Communities Caring for Children

- Autism Society of Minnesota

- Walk-In Counseling Center

- Partnership Resources Inc.

- Adopt a Classroom

- Ramsey County Children’s Mental Health Collaborative

- Land Stewardship Project

- Minneapolis Youth Baseball Association

- The Morton Cure Paralysis Fund

- Central High School

- The St. Luke Foundation for Haiti

- Science Museum of Minnesota 

Spoonriver Announces Wednesday Night Trivia Mafia

America’s best trivia is coming to one of Minnesota’s most acclaimed farm-to table restaurants. Starting February 7th, play trivia every Wednesday night at Spoonriver in Downtown Minneapolis’ Mill District.

The trivia events are designed for teams of 1-6 people - so get together a crew of your brainiest friends and win some great prizes: 1st Place Team wins a $30 Spoonriver Gift Card, 2nd Place Team wins a $20 Spoonriver Gift Card, along with other prizes and discounts every week.

There’s no cost to play, it’s totally free!

More info

Starting Today - Streets Closing Near US Bank Stadium for Super Bowl

Several streets near U.S. Bank Stadium will close Saturday, Jan. 27 and Monday, Jan. 29 to prepare for Super Bowl LII on Sunday, Feb. 4.

On Saturday, Jan. 27, the following will close:

• Fourth Street between Park Avenue and Interstate 35W (detour via Washington Avenue).

On Monday, Jan. 29, the following will close:

• Sixth Street between Chicago and 11th avenues (detour via Eighth Street).
• 11th Avenue between Third and Sixth streets
• Hiawatha Trail between 15th Avenue in the Cedar-Riverside Neighborhood and 11th Avenue in downtown Minneapolis (detour: use Washington Avenue, or ride Metro Blue Line LRT between Cedar Riverside and U.S. Bank Stadium stations.

The closures will be in place until after the Super Bowl.

Additionally, streets, sidewalks and bikeways may see intermittent closures near U.S. Bank Stadium and the Minneapolis Convention Center.

Over the past several months, the City of Minneapolis has worked closely with stakeholders, including the Minnesota Super Bowl Host Committee, NFL, their vendors and several other local partners to craft a traffic management plan that will enhance the Super Bowl LII experience while providing the minimum disruption to traffic and parking possible.

Stay up-to-date on the latest information related to Super Bowl LII street closures by signing up for City traffic alerts at minneapolismn.gov/traffic. For more City-related Super Bowl LII information, go to minneapolismn.gov/SuperBowl. For additional travel tips for the 10-day Super Bowl festival, visit mnsuperbowl.com/transportation.