Guide to Winter Driving in Minneapolis from Alexander's Import Auto Repair

We've been spoiled by the recent non-winter driving conditions, but we all know what's eventually coming...

Alexander's Import Auto Repair would like to help keep Minneapolis drivers safe this winter, and recently posted Your Guide to Winter Driving in Minneapolis on their website. It covers Minneapolis snow emergency rules, safe winter driving tips, checklists for keeping your vehicle winter-ready, emergency kit items to keep on hand and other helpful content.

A little planning will pay off!

MPRB Seeks Residents Interested in Serving on a Community Advisory Committee

Via a November 29 e-newsletter from Minneapolsi Park and Rec Board:

Applications for 2018 appointments are due Friday, December 22, 2017

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) Board of Commissioners is seeking applications for appointments to five ongoing community advisory committees:

- Saint Anthony Falls Heritage Board – One Appointment
- Minneapolis Bicycle Advisory Committee – Three Appointments
- Neighborhood & Community Engagement Commission (NCEC) – One Appointment
- Minneapolis Tree Advisory Commission – Four Appointments
- HomeGrown Food Council – One Appointment

Service commitment may vary based upon needs, expectations and policy goals. However, most advisory committee members can expect to approximately 10-15 hours of work per month. Most terms are two years and all board and commission members are not subject to term limits.

Some Boards/Commissions have a need for specialized skills, but most people will find a Board or Commission that is a great fit for their knowledge base. Public members of Board and Commissions are people who may not have regular, ongoing experience in a specific topic area, but have a general interest in a Board or Commission’s work area. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about an area of interest and contribute a perspective that is fresh and unique to the service area.

Applications must be received no later than 5 p.m., Friday, December 22, 2017. Following submission, applicants will receive an email confirming receipt of the application and describing the general process for appointment. Appointments for open positions will be made at the January 2, 2018 business meeting of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. For a full description of each committee and to complete the application please visit: https://www.minneapolisparks.org/abca.

Applicants with questions about the appointments process should email their questions to board.appointments@minneapolisparks.org or contact Radious Guess at 612-230-6419.

Contact:
Radious Guess
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
Community Outreach, Equity and Inclusion Manager
612-230-6419
rguess@minneapolisparks.org

Nature Awaits You at the North Mississippi Regional Park

What's Happening at North Mississippi Regional Park in December?

What a fantastic area to get fresh air and exercise while connecting with nature. Public programs are FREE for all ages (unless noted otherwise). Here's what you can look forward to in December and beyond at the Kroening Interpretive Center at North Mississippi Regional Park:

Early Birding - Saturday, Dec. 2nd 9-10:30am

Join us for a morning of bird watching! We’ll hike through prairie, woodland and along the river while keeping our eyes and ears open for our feathered friends. Binoculars provided if needed. Activity #76672

Nature Art: Ginger-Bird Houses - Saturday, Dec. 9th 1:30-3pm

Invite birds into your backyard this winter by crafting an edible snack house for them. These feeders are a lovely decoration and a great food source for our bird friends that brave the cold. *$10 all supplies included. Activity #76685

Family Funday: All About Evergreens - Sunday, Dec. 17th 1-2:30pm

A dash of color in our winter wonderland, evergreens come in many shapes, sizes and shades of green. Find out how they differ from broad leaf trees and the various ways people have utilized them over time. Join us in an exploration of the evergreens. Activity #76682

OPEN SNOWSHOEING Saturday, Dec. 23rd & 30th 11-3pm

Get into the spirit of the season by borrowing a pair of snowshoes to explore the park! Activities available both days:  Dec. 23rd look for signs in the snow with our Track Hunt and Dec 30th borrow a pair of binoculars too and try birding on snowshoes. Activity #76704  &  Activity #76705

Winter Whimsy:  December 27th - 29th 8am-4pm

Discover the fantastical winter world around you.  It’s full of mystical animals, frozen sorcery and adventure.  Develop wilderness survival skills, determine which animal is your familiar friend, build a fortress and more, but something’s amiss. Can you help solve the puzzle?  Activity #76716  Registration Fee $90

Wild Winter Survival:  January 2nd - 5th 8am-4pm

Do you have what it takes to survive in the wild winter world? Develop your wilderness skills by learning to trek through snow on snowshoes, craft survival shelters, track animal signs and more!  Activity #81472  Registration Fee $120

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New! 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 6 and under with an adult.

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

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

December 1st - December 22nd  11:30am-12:30pm Activity #76710

Also January 12th - February 2nd 2:30-3:30pm Activity #81729

More Ways to Enjoy the Park

Stop by the front desk to check out binoculars, nature activity packs and nature guides. Or, talk with a naturalist to meet and learn about the education animals.

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. 

Winter building hours: Tuesday- Saturday 10am-4pm; Sunday 12-4pm; Monday CLOSED

Contact Info: Kroening Interpretive Center at North Mississippi Regional Park, 4900 Mississippi Court, Minneapolis, MN 55430  Phone: 612-370-4844, Email: NorthMississippi@minneapolisparks.org

Hennepin County Government Center Holiday Music Dates and Times

The Hennepin County Government Center will continue its annual tradition of season and holiday performances, free and open to the public. Music will be performed on the Skyway Level of Hennepin County Government Center, 300 S 6th Street.

SCHEDULE:

December 5, 12 and 20
City-County Chorus  Noon - 1pm
Hennepin County, City of Minneapolis and 4th Judicial District Court employees perform a variety of songs of the season

December 13
Ameriprise Holiday Choir, Noon - 1pm
Sponsored by Ameriprise Financial, Inc. since 1986, 25 members performing secular, Christmas, Hanukah and Kwanzaa holiday songs

December 19
Chippewa Middle School, Noon - 12:45pm
8th grade string orchestra students perform Hanukah and Christmas music

Super Bowl LIVE, a 10-day Festival Leading up to Super Bowl LII, will take place on Nicollet Mall

Nicollet Mall will be the site of a 10-day fan festival, Super Bowl LIVE, leading up to Super Bowl LII on February 4, 2018. Super Bowl LIVE will include 5 free live concerts, national broadcast activations, food and fun, and showcase Minnesota's Bold North brand. It will stretch six blocks on Nicollet Mall, from 12th Street S to 6th Street S, with each block offering unique Super Bowl opportunities. Click here for more info.

Fans will see larger-than-life ice sculptures, national broadcast sets like NBC and ESPN, and stages where both local and national acts will perform throughout the 10-day festival.

Hours of operation:

Friday, January 26         4:00pm-10:00pm

Saturday, January 27     10:00am-10:00pm

Sunday, January 28       10:00am-9:00pm

Monday, January 29       4:00pm-9:00pm

Tuesday, January 30       4:00pm-9:00pm

Wednesday, January 31  4:00pm-9:00pm

Thursday, February 1     4:00pm-10:00pm

Friday, February 2         10:00am-10:00pm

Saturday, February 3     10:00am-10:00pm

Sunday, February 4       12:00pm-3:00pm 

Street Closures for November 23 and 25 Races

Please note these street closures for the following two races:

.

Thursday, November 23 - Turkey Day 5K

7:30am-11:30am

West River Parkway - N 4th Ave to 11th Ave S

.

Saturday, November 25 - Moustache Run

8:30am-1:30pm

Main Street - 6th Ave SE to Plymouth Ave

West River Parkway - Plymouth Ave to E 38th St

Stone Arch Bridge

Black Friday and Small Business Saturday Specials at Minneapolis Visitor Information

Via an e-newsletter from Meet Minneapolis: 

By shopping locally, more money stays in the community plus customers have the opportunity to receive a free ornament and tote bag

Mark your calendars for Minneapolis Visitor Information’s two-day sale on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. Specializing in Minneapolis, and Minnesota-themed gifts from Love From Minneapolis, Minneapolis Visitor Information customers will receive a free tote bag with a $30 purchase, and the first 50 guests, on both days, will receive a Minnesota-shaped ornament with a qualifying purchase. Celebrate the importance of supporting small businesses, as well as local products.

Times: Friday, Nov. 24 from 10am to 6pm and Saturday, Nov. 25 from Noon to 5pm

Location: 505 Nicollet Mall, Suite 100, directly across from the METRO Nicollet station

• Free Minnesota-shaped ornament and tote bag with $30 purchase (first 50 customers each day)

• Free tote bag with $30 purchase (all customers)

Minneapolis Visitor Information includes three services in one convenient location on Nicollet at 5th Street:

• Shop: Love From Minneapolis offers Minneapolis- and Minnesota-themed apparel, art, specialty foods, souvenirs and gifts, including many made by local artisans. Products are also available at: https://lovefromcompanies.com/shop-minneapolis

• Move: Move Minneapolis (formerly the Commuter Connection) provides services to commuters, carpool information, transit passes, schedules and maps, MNPass and bicycling commuting information and accessories. Visitors seeking help with transit options should make this their first stop downtown.

• Find: Meet Minneapolis staff is available to answer questions, share visitor maps and provide suggestions about things to do in Minneapolis and the surrounding area. The Visitor Information Center in the Minneapolis Convention Center also is available to provide similar information to visitors and convention attendees.

ABOUT MEET MINNEAPOLIS

Meet Minneapolis is a private, not-for-profit, member-based association. It actively promotes and sells the Minneapolis area as a destination for conventions and meetings, works to maximize the visitor experience and markets the city as a desirable tourist destination to maximize the economic benefit to the greater Minneapolis area.

Connect with Meet Minneapolis: Online, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and for deals and exclusive experiences: http://go.minneapolis.org

2017-2018 Snow Emergency Info Sources

If you didn't receive the 2017-2018 Minneapolis Snow Emergency Brochure in the mail, you can find the information online and subscribe to various update options:

Hotline - Call the automated 612-348-SNOW (7669) hotline to find out if a Snow Emergency has been declared. If a Snow Emergency is in effect, the hotline will have information on that day’s parking restrictions that drivers need to follow to avoid tickets and tows.

The City’s website - Go to www.minneapolismn.gov/snow to find out whether a Snow Emergency has been declared and for a wealth of information on Snow Emergencies in many languages. Also, check out the street lookup, which lets you put in an address or a neighborhood to see where you can park during a Snow Emergency.

Phone alerts - Minneapolis uses a phone alert system to notify residents when Snow Emergencies are declared. It is an automated notification system that can place thousands of calls per hour. You can add your cellphone or unlisted landline number to the alert system by signing up at www.minneapolismn.gov/snow.

Email alerts - You can sign up to get Snow Emergency alerts automatically emailed to you. Go to www.minneapolismn.gov/snow/snow_esubscribe for more details.

App for Android devices and iPhones – Drivers who have Android devices or iPhones can download the Snow Emergency app. During a Snow Emergency, the app will tell them the parking rules for that day. It also has a street lookup, which lets them see where they can park on that day by street address or by having the device’s GPS pinpoint their location.

The media - News releases are sent to the media so TV, radio stations and other news outlets can inform their viewers and listeners that a Snow Emergency is in effect.

Cable TV - Tune in to cable channels 14 and 79. These channels will have information in several languages when a Snow Emergency is declared.

Facebook and Twitter – Like Minneapolis Snow Emergency on Facebook or follow on Twitter. Both the Twitter and Facebook pages will tell fans and followers when a Snow Emergency is declared.

Washington Avenue Reconstruction is Complete!

Meet the new Washington Avenue

Hennepin County, in coordination with the City of Minneapolis and Downtown Improvement District, has completed reconstruction of Washington Avenue South (County Road 152) between Hennepin Avenue and 5th Avenue South.

The project began in 2016 with utility relocation work. For the past two years, crews completed work along the project corridor. The new Washington Avenue features the following upgrades:

For people driving:
•New pavement, resulting in improved driving experiences
•New medians and curbs, as well as refreshed striping, which help define roadway better
•Dedicated turn lanes at key intersections

For people biking:
•One-way dedicated bike lanes in both directions
•Specialty striping for bike lanes
•Special bike traffic signals

For people walking:
•New concrete sidewalks
•More dedicated space

The reconstruction also provided the opportunity to upgrade curb ramps and crosswalk signals to meet the standards of the Americans with Disabilities act, as well as the following improvements for safety:
•Shortened crossing distances for people walking
•Behind-the-curb bike lanes
•Striping and stop bars that provide safe distance for all road users

In addition, there is enhanced streetscaping elements, like new pavers, trees and other landscaping. Granite benches, repurposed from Nicollet Avenue, also were added to the corridor.

More information is available at www.hennepin.us/washingtonave.

Visual images of the new Washington Avenue

Early artist's rendering of new Washington Avenue design.

View of completed Washington Avenue in front of 4th Avenue block, roughly approximating the artist's rendering.

View of completed Washington Avenue with all permanent signals functioning, including traffic, pedestrian and cycle track.

MCBA announces Shop Open Book! events - Tuesdays, Nov 28-Dec 19

Via a November 14 e-newsletter from the Minnesota Center for Book Arts (MCBA):

Shop Open Book! with Milkweed Books and The Shop at MCBA

Tuesdays: Nov 28 - Dec 19; 6pm-8pm
Open Book, First Floor

Milkweed Books and MCBA are pleased to present Shop Open Book!, a series of lively literary shopping events in the Open Book building. Join us for evenings of festive drinks, special deals, art activities, and more. Find something special for the bookworms on your list—yourself included.

Big Changes for Northern Spark 2018

Via a November 14 e-newsletter from Northern Lights.mn:

The Night Librarians, The Night Library, Northern Spark 2017. Photo: Dusty Hoskovec

As the seven year arc of Northern Spark indicates, we don’t often do the same thing twice. We’ve moved the festival around the Twin Cities, experimenting with size, site and theme. Being itinerate and experimental is part of our DNA at Northern Lights.mn, much like the artists we support. In this spirit, we’re trying something different this year. We’re making the festival two nights, Friday and Saturday, and starting at dusk – 9:02 pm, but closing up shop at 2 am. 

Why? We love the dawn as much as the 2% of Northern Spark attendees who stay until the end, but after some very bad weather and several years of barely dodging thunderstorms, we want to ensure that the effort artists put into their projects is not washed out by increasingly volatile weather.

We know from all the years past that a lot of magic and connection can be experienced by the time 2 am strikes, so we hope you join us in this trial. We’re also moving to the third weekend of June, so mark your calendars for two nights of late-night adventure on June 15 and 16, 2018, 9:02 pm - 2 am.

Northern Spark 2018 theme: COMMONALITY

Ruthann Godollei, News Flash Flash Cards, Northern Spark 2017. Photo: Anna Min of Min Enterprises Photography, LLC.

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

At a time when the darkest parts of our collective identity surface daily in public forms — overt racism, no-big-deal sexism, challenges to our rights to free speech, policies that fly in the face of climate science — we at Northern Lights.mn are committed to providing platforms that resist these ideas, that open dialogue and create relationships. What do we have in common? More specifically in the context of Northern Spark, what do we share when we gather together in physical space?

Are you an arts and culture organization who would like to be involved? Send a note to partnership@northern.lights.mn to talk to us.

Scenes from the November 11 Mill City Farmers Market

The Mill City Farmers Market kicked off their 2017-2018 Winter Season on November 11 inside the Mill City Museum. (Just like the outdoor market, only without the wind, rain, snow and cold!) :D

You'll find everything you need to get thru the Holidays at the November 18, December 2, 9 and 16 markets. 2018 dates are: January 13 and 27, February 10, March 10 and 24, and April 14 and 28. 

My North Series - 52 Minnesota Stories Leading up to the 2018 Super Bowl (Episodes 36 - 40)

Count down to Super Bowl 52 with this 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. Hear from tastemakers and stylemakers. Artists and athletes. Authors and entertainers. These are their odes to the state they love. Below are episodes 36-40 - click here to see more!

TONIGHT (Nov 9) - Open House for Water Works Project at Nicollet Island Pavilion

Open House planned to discuss progression of project design, programming, food vendor and schedule

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is hosting an open house to give an update on the Water Works project on Thursday, Nov. 9, 6-8 pm at the Nicollet Island Pavilion, 40 Power Street.

At 6:15 pm, members of the Water Works project team will give a brief presentation highlighting features of the park project design and give general project updates. Also, Frank Haney, culinary ethnobotanist and Indigenous chef from The Sioux Chef team, will be present to discuss the food concept selected for the indoor pavilion at Water Works. Limited samples of The Sioux Chef food will be available.

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) and Minneapolis Parks Foundation (MPF) invite all interested members of the public to attend and comment on the Water Works project. Families are welcome!

About this project

Water Works is a transformative park development project on the downtown side of St. Anthony Falls and the Stone Arch Bridge that will bring significant new historic, cultural, and recreational amenities to the Central Riverfront.

ZeSa Expands Class Offerings to Include Balance Builder and Yoga

I've been taking balance classes at ZeSa Fitness for over a year, and can attest to how beneficial it has been in improving my coordination and overall fitness. During class, the body is fully engaged as we balance on various levels of "Activators" (pictured below), while lifting weights, doing crunches and other moves.

They've recently added two new classes that will appeal to those who may be intimidated by the equipment or buff models shown on their website and Facebook page.

The first new offering is ZESA Balance Builder, is a class that starts from the ground up and is specifically designed to improve balance, strength and flexibility, all of which are so important for day to day activities and functional movement. All moves in this class can be done on their mats or on their newly developed Stimulators, which provide all the benefits of Activators, but at a low level of instability. This basic class is perfect for seniors, those recovering from an injury, or anyone who would like to begin gradually to improve their balance. 

Shown standing on the flat-bottomed Stimulators, Jeff started taking classes a few months ago and has since progressed to Level I Activators (with rounded bottoms) and participates in the ZeSa Power Class.

In addition to better balance, other benefits include:

• Faster reaction time
• Improved coordination
• Stronger bones and muscles
• Better brain function

Beginning November 13, ZeSa Balance Builder classes will be held Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:30am.

Their second new offering is a YOGAclass for all levels, performed on their large cushioned mats. This flowing sequence of yoga poses links breath and movement together. You’ll cultivate awareness to help the mind and body achieve balance, while actively building core strength and flexibility. (I've added this class to my weekly routine in addition to the ZeSa Power session.)

YOGA classes are held every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:00am.

If you'd like to check out either of these new classes, now is the perfect time! ZeSa has a First Week Free promotion (applicable to just the ZeSa Balance Builder and YOGA). They also offer First Class Free, applicable to any class.

ZeSa Fitness is located at 1024 Washington Avenue S, in the retail level of the Bridgewater Lofts. Learn more at www.zesafitness.com (keep in mind, the video and pictures portray participants in the ZeSa Power Pro Class and advanced Yoga Class - not the Balance Builder or new YOGA classes). Private sessions are also available. Contact Cindy Vavra at Cindy@zesafitness.com or 507-461-0681 if questions.

Tomorrow, November 7 - VOTE!

Tomorrow, November 7, we will be electing our Mayor, Council Members, Park Board, and Board of Estimates and Taxation.

Hennepin County elections officials will check-in voters using a secure e-poll book system in all Hennepin County cities that have elections. Watch this video to learn more:

Voters can register or update their registration when they vote (proof of residence is required to register). Find out what’s needed to register at the appropriate polling place.

Election results get reported after polls close. Both Election Day and absentee ballots are counted for a specific precinct. All results are posted on the Secretary of State’s election results website.

County elections staff work with city and school board staff to ensure that every ballot, no matter how it was cast, is counted and verified before reporting election results. To ensure integrity of the ballot counting process, elections workers do not leave their counting location until all votes are counted and reported. For more information about elections in Hennepin County, visit http://www.hennepin.us/residents#elections.

Give to the Max is November 16 - Early Donations Count Towards the Days Totals

Give to the Max Day doesn’t take place until Thursday, November 16, but you may make your donation early to count on Minnesota’s giving holiday!

Simply visit GiveMN.org to search for the causes that mean the most to you and make your gifts. All donations made from now through November 16 will count toward Give to the Max Day totals.

All gifts made through November 16 are also eligible for Leaderboards, Golden Tickets and our $10,000 Super-Sized Golden Ticket! In fact, GiveMN is giving away a $500 Scheduled Giving Golden Ticket each day from now until Give to the Max Day—so planning ahead could boost your organizations' chances of winning! Follow GiveMN's Facebook and Twitter accounts to see who wins the daily tickets.

Use this link to schedule your giving.

The Preservation Alliance of Minnesota Urges Us to Take Action to Save the Historic Tax Credit

Via a November 2 e-newsletter from the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota:

The Historic Tax Credit was not included in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the long-expected tax reform bill introduced today in the U.S. House of Representatives. This credit, which has been a permanent part of the tax code since President Ronald Reagan signed it into law in 1986, has created millions of jobs and rehabilitated tens of thousands of heritage buildings.

The retention of the Federal Historic Tax Credit is vitally important to Minnesotans because our state historic tax credit, which was passed with bipartisan support in 2010, is tied to use of the Federal credit. We need the Federal Historic Tax Credit to help sustain our robust local construction sector and to continue the efforts to reinvest in established communities across Minnesota.

In Minnesota alone, qualifying historic rehabilitation projects have generated $2 billion (yes, BILLION) in economic activity over the past six years, provided 12,000 jobs, and produced almost $680 million in labor income. The Federal historic tax credit returns $1.25 to the U.S. Treasury for every $1 in credit allowed, while in Minnesota almost $8 in economic activity is generated for every $1 of the state tax credit allowed.

The Conley-Maass-Downs Building in downtown Rochester was successfully rehabilitated using both Federal and state historic tax credits. The building now houses a restaurant and a collaborative work center, and received a Minnesota Preservation Award in 2017. Photo courtesy of CMD Holdings.

The House of Representatives is expected to work on amending the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act beginning next Monday, Nov. 6, and their goal is to have it finalized by Thanksgiving. Please join PAM in advocating for this credit by contacting your U.S. Representative and letting him or her know how important the historic tax credit is to Minnesota’s economy. U.S. Rep. Erik Paulsen (District 3, west metro suburbs) is a member of the House Ways and Means Committee; it is especially important that Congressman Paulsen hears from his constituents who support the Historic Tax Credit. At the same time, please urge Senators Klobuchar and Franklin to include the Historic Tax Credit in the Senate Tax Reform bill. Click here for contact information for all of Minnesota’s Representatives and Senators.

Not sure what to say? Here’s a sheet with key talking points from a national perspective.

Or read more about the Historic Tax Credit on the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s website. (Hint: you might recognize the two featured examples!) This link also includes a compelling video of President Reagan presenting his reasons for signing the original 1986 historic tax credit legislation.

Or, contact us directly and we’ll help you draft your message! Call 651.293.9047 or e-mail Erin Hanafin Berg, PAM’s Director of Outreach and Policy.

Stay up-to-date on this important issue by following PAM on Twitter and Facebook.

Minneapolis Water Works Celebrating 150 Years: 1867 – 2017 on Display in Hennepin Gallery through November 29

Via a November 2 e-newsletter from Hennepin County:

Minneapolis Water Works Celebrating 150 Years: 1867 – 2017 on display in Hennepin Gallery through November 29

In 1867, the Minneapolis City Council authorized the establishment of Minneapolis Water Works to supply water to the Minneapolis Fire Department.

The City established its first drinking water pump station by 1872 on the Mississippi River above St. Anthony Falls and expanded its distribution to residents—making Minneapolis the first city in Minnesota with a public drinking water system. 

Today Minneapolis Public Works Water Treatment & Distribution Services has developed a complex system that pumps approximately 21 billion gallons of water each year from the Mississippi River. It produces an average of 57 million gallons of drinking water each day—a rate that could fill Lake of the Isles in about four days.

This exhibit shows consumers how water is taken from the Mississippi River, treated and delivered to their tap, and provides a rare opportunity for the public to see water infrastructure that is normally hidden.  It also shows how some aspects of water treatment and distribution have changed over the years while others have remained constant over time.

On display are photos of the treatment and distribution processes and infrastructure as well as equipment and pipe actually used in the water treatment and distribution system. 

More information on the water treatment and delivery process: From river to tap:  Exploring how Minneapolis gets its water.

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

The exhibit is sponsored by Minneapolis Public Works Department. The Hennepin Gallery is a project of Hennepin County Communications.

November 8 - Eat at Wilde Cafe in support of National Homeless Youth Awareness Month

November is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, and Wilde Cafe will be partnering with Avenues for Homeless Youth on November 8th for Avenue's annual fundraiser, Nourishing Dreams. Visit Wilde Cafe for breakfast, lunch or dinner to help them raise funds for the more than 30,000 meals Avenues provides each year to hungry adolescents. Along with other local restaurants, Wilde Cafe will be donating 10% of all sales for the day.