Scenes from the August 5 Mill City Farmers Market

We were in full summer bounty mode at the August 5 Mill City Farmers Market, with the arrival of melons, apples, celery and full-size Yukon Gold potatoes (which you'll find at Burning River Farm).

Remember, if you missed the MCFM on Saturday, check out their Tuesday Night Market at The Commons, 3:30p-7:00p. :)

Barkley's Bistro has introduced some new products that will interest cat owners, too - freeze dried minnows and blueberries! Another new product is freeze dried cheese curds.

The first apples of the season are the mantet variety from Prairie Hollow Farm. Don't let a few blemishes fool you - they are delicious! (And I'll take blemishes over pesticides any day.)

Someone discovered they like green beans! 

Milly the goat!

EPNI to Offer Entrepreneur Training Classes this Fall

Via an August 2 e-newsletter from East Town Business Partnership:

Elliot Park Neighborhood, Inc. (EPNI) is offering Entrepreneur Training Classes this fall at the Finnegans office. EPNI has contracted with the nonprofit Neighborhood Development Center to conduct the classes.

NDC has been promoting and developing small businesses in low income neighborhoods throughout the region for over 20 years. They also provide ongoing support to small business owners – from developing the seed of an idea to start-up to business loans to ongoing advice and counsel.

Students do not need to live in the neighborhood to take the class, nor do they have to be low-income themselves, but they should be interested in opening a business in the Elliot Park Neighborhood or in other low-income communities in the twin cities area.

The class includes 12 two-hour sessions and it is expected to start late-September/early October. The fee is $650 with a sliding scale for payment. EPNI has some people who are interested in sponsoring students, so they may be able to get help financially. The class size will be limited, 8-12 people.

EPNI is offering two informational meetings: August 8 at Segue Coffee, 811 11th Avenue, and August 21 at Jaur Café, 609 10th Street South. Both sessions are 6-7 p.m.

Applications are due August 30th. Questions can be directed to Lynn Regnier at EPNI at info@elliotpark.org or to NDC online at www.ndc-mn.org.

Hennepin County Employee Art on Display in Hennepin Gallery thru August

Via an August 1 Hennepin County News Release:

Hennepin County employee art on display in Hennepin Gallery August 1 - 29

The Hennepin County employee art show is on display in the Hennepin Gallery from now until August 29. 

From checking out books at one of Hennepin’s 41 libraries to providing security services; from managing key organization initiatives through IT resources and processes to child protection, Hennepin County employees perform a myriad of tasks. This exhibit offers them the opportunity to display talent that isn’t part of their daily work routine.  Employees show their abilities in painting, sculpture, photography, drawing, textiles and more. 

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

The exhibit is sponsored by and a project of Hennepin County Communications. The Gallery is a project of Hennepin County Communications. Look for more news on the Hennepin County website at www.hennepin.us/news.

MPRB is Seeking Coaches for Fall Sports

The Mineapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is seeking enthusiastic volunteer coaches for youth soccer, flag football and volleyball.
 
• Practices start in August for soccer and football, October for volleyball
• Athletes range from 5-18 years old
• Teams practice 1-2 times per week
• Games/meets are scheduled for a weeknight and/or Saturdays
• MPRB will provide orientation for all new coaches

Can't coach this Spring? We'll need coaches for basketball, hockey, gymnastics, and wrestling this winter.

To receive more information or to express interest in MPRB volunteer opportunities, contact 612-230-6493 or recvolunteers@minneapolisparks.org, or click here for the Volunteer Interest Form.

Renaissance Minneapolis’ Sinisa Djukic Receives Meet Minneapolis Hospitality Hero Award

Via an August 3 News Release from Meet Minneapolis:

Sinisa Djukic, a banquet manager at the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot has been named a Hospitality Hero award winner for first quarter by Meet Minneapolis, Convention and Visitors Association. The award is given quarterly to members of the Minneapolis hospitality community who have been nominated by their colleagues. The award honors an individual or company that has made valuable contributions to the image and culture of Minneapolis through outstanding hospitality and service.

Sinisa Djukic, a banquet manager at the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel – The Depot with Stuart McKay, director of Food & Beverage

Clients and employees of the Renaissance will vouch for Djukic’s commitment to his job and the city of Minneapolis. Although he is not from Minnesota, Djukic is incredibly proud what Minneapolis has to offer, and can easily tell his clients all about this city, according to his nomination. He will offer help and suggestions that go beyond his role as banquet manager. Sinisa is the perfect representative of Minneapolis’ culture and warmth.

Managing Director Michael Clark raves that clients often rebook thanks to Djukic’s dedication to his job. Djukic is known to go in on his day off to ensure all is running smoothly for events. In addition to his attention to the events, Djukic’s leadership to his team is significant. He motivates and empowers his team by working alongside them during jobs. Djukic turns “transactions into memorable experiences” for the clients and guests, making hospitality a priority for every interaction. For these reasons, the Renaissance is proud to have Sinisa represent the company to clients, according to Clark.

“The Hospitality Hero program is something we are very proud of,” said Madonna Carr, vice president of Destination Services, Meet Minneapolis. “Visitors and clients’ first impressions are often the front-line staff they encounter at our hotels and other establishments, so the dedication of these staff members, like Sinisa, are vital to the impression people have of our destination.”

“We receive comments after every single event about how much Sinisa was the perfect backbone to the group’s success,” said Clark. “By creating a welcoming environment for guests, Sinisa leaves a lasting impression that encompasses Minneapolis’ hospitable nature.  His faithfulness continues to impress visitors, he leads team effectively, and his role is essential to the Renaissance.”

Washington Avenue Reconstruction Update

Via an August 3 e-newsletter from Hennepin County:

Road striping begins on Washington Avenue Monday

On Monday, August 7, crews will begin a two to three week process for striping lanes of Washington Avenue (County Road 152).

Expect noise
 
For this project, the striping will be done in stages. First, a grinder will be used to create grooves for the new road lines. Then, painting trucks will place the reflective paint on top of the grooves to form lines.

Please be aware that this work will be noisy. The grinder can be loud and may be used as late as 10 p.m.

Painter trucks will be working overnight to help cut down on traffic impacts. These trucks are not as loud as the grinder machine, but residents should still prepare for some construction-related noise during this time.

Expect delays

Striping will be completed under traffic - both during the day and at night. This means crews will be working alongside traffic. Lane restrictions, including at intersections with flaggers, will occur as striping progresses along Washington Avenue.

Motorists and pedestrians should expect some delays during this work.

Last weekend, crews paved the final layer of bituminous, or pavement, on eastbound lanes of Washington Avenue.

Detour remains in place

The existing detour will remain in place as crews complete striping work.

Motorists

For the remainder of the work, motorists should stay alert and follow the signs posted around the area.
• All eastbound through traffic must use the detour of 2nd Avenue, 4th Street South and 5th Avenue.
• Continued lane restrictions in intersections at 3rd, 4th and 5th Avenues are expected.

Bicyclists

In addition, bicyclists should continue to stay off the cycle track until the project announces they are open. It is anticipated the lanes will open in August.

North Loop Street and Pedestrian Improvement Project Surveys

The City of Minneapolis is undertaking two major North Loop projects: One to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety, and the second to improve the condition of several neighborhood streets.

PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENT PROJECT:
Intended to improve pedestrian and bicycle crossways at 22 intersections in the North Loop area by adding a combination of curb extensions, pedestrian crossing medians, Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS), ADA compliant curb ramps, durable crosswalk markings, and upgrades to existing signals to add leading pedestrian intervals. 

STREET RECONSTRUCTION:
The City will be reconstructing several streets in the North Loop along with pedestrian spot improvements at about a dozen additional intersections. Public Works staff will be engaging with the community and business owners this summer and fall to gather input and to incorporate this feedback into a recommended design. 

Take a Project Survey now.

Currently in the planning stages, both projects are scheduled to be completed in 2019. The City of Minneapolis Department of Public Works is holding a series of public meetings to gather feedback regarding the proposed project. Please see NorthLoop.org for days and times for these meetings.

North Loop Pedestrian Improvement North Loop Paving Project

Nominations Now Being Accepted for mpls downtown council’s 2025 Plan Leadership Awards

Via an August 2 News Release from the mpls downtown council:

The mpls downtown council(mdc) announced today it is accepting nominees for its annual 2025 Plan Leadership Awards, which will be handed out on Wednesday, October 11 at the mdc gala.

For the fourth straight year, mdc will give 2025 Plan Leadership Awards to individuals, organizations or initiatives as a way to recognize their extraordinary efforts in creating a vibrant and thriving downtown community.

Awards will be given in focus areas related to The 2025 Plan: development, greening & public realm, downtown experience, transportation, ending street homelessness and community gathering and exchange of ideas. An annual 2025 Plan Impact Award is also given to an individual, organization or initiative that greatly impacted and advanced multiple areas of The 2025 Plan.

“The mpls downtown council’s 2025 Plan had very ambitious goals from the outset, but thanks to members of our community volunteering their time and energy we’ve seen great progress in our 10 key initiatives,” said Steve Cramer, mpls downtown council president & ceo. “We applaud those who give their time and talents toward helping better our downtown community, and we’re excited to reward their efforts at our upcoming mdc gala.”

Nominations for this year’s 2025 Plan Leadership Awards are now open and can be submitted online by visiting www.mplsdowntown.com/2025awards. Nominations will be accepted today through Tuesday, August 22 at 5 pm.

Award recipients will be announced the week of September 27, with awards being presented at the mdc gala on October 11.

For more information on The 2025 Plan and its initiatives, visit www.mplsdowntown.com/2025plan. For a list of last year’s 2025 Plan Leadership Award winners, visit www.mplsdowntown.com/2025awards. Follow along for more information on social media by visiting @mplsdowntown on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtags #mplsdowntown and #2025plan.

About the mpls downtown council:

Founded in 1955, and one of the most historic central business associations in the nation, the mpls downtown council (mdc) is a membership-based entity that works to create an extraordinary downtown. The mdc’s collaborative developments of Intersections: The Downtown 2025 Plan was designed to help downtown businesses, community leaders and citizens build on downtown assets and implement future goals. For more information, please visit mplsdowntown.com.

About The 2025 Plan:

Intersections: The Downtown 2025 Plan is a vehicle to help leaders and citizens build on downtown’s assets and guide downtown Minneapolis’ development. This includes initiatives to double downtown’s residential population, transform Nicollet Mall into a must-see destination, create a compelling and walkable environment around the clock, lead the nation in transportation options, end street homelessness, forge connections with the University of Minnesota and more. For more information on the 2025 Plan and its initiatives, visit 2025plan.com, beinbusinessdowntownmpls.com and minneapolisideaexchange.com. The 2025 Plan is a mpls downtown council initiative introduced in 2011.

Macroinvertebrate Sampling with the MWMO

Via an August 2 e-newsletter from the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO):

Macroinvertebrate Sampling with the MWMO

Just like people, macroinvertebrates (think dragonflies, crayfish, mussels, insects, etc.) need clean water to live. These types of macroinvertebrates live in our lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands, and collecting data on them, like recording and counting the different species present, can tell us about the health of our waterbodies.   

Know of any 9th-12th graders who might be interested in macroinvertebrate sampling? We offer a free macroinvertebrate sampling program for youth groups from 10 to 30 participants. We provide the sampling equipment, and you provide the people power! 

Find out more!

Now Showing & Coming Soon to the Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul

Now Showing & Coming Soon to the Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul’s St. Anthony Main Theatre #3

OPENING AUGUST 4: A GHOST STORY

ENDING AUGUST 3: MARIE CURIE: THE COURAGE OF KNOWLEDGE

OPENING AUGUST 11: AFTERIMAGE

OPENING AUGUST 25: CZECH THAT FILM: CZECH FILM FESTIVAL

OPENING AUGUST 28: WASTELAND (link not yet available)

OPENING SEPTEMBER 1: THE UNTAMED

SPECIAL SCREENINGS:

NTL: SALOMÉ - Aug 5, 1pm

SOLD OUT: AFFORDABLE HOUSING AT RISK - Aug 8, 7pm - FREE SCREENING

WHITNEY: CAN I BE ME? - Aug 9, 7pm, in partnership with Sound Unseen

NTL: ANGELS IN AMERICA PART 1, MILLENNIUM APPROACHES - Aug 14, 7pm + Aug 19, 1pm

NTL: ANGELS IN AMERICA PART 2, PERESTROIKA - Auu 21, 7pm + Aug 26, 1pm

MAY IT LAST: A PORTRAIT OF THE AVETT BROTHERS - Sept 12, 7pm and 9:40pm + Sept 13, 7pm and 9:40pm

FENCES - Sept 7 - First Thursday Films @ the Capri. Showing at the Capri Theater - 2027 West Broadway, Minneapolis 55411

RAISING BERTIE - Oct 5 - First Thursday Films @ the Capri. Showing at the Capri Theater - 2027 West Broadway, Minneapolis 55411

Westbound Side of Lowry Tunnel on I-94 to Close Overnight August 2

 Via an August 1 e-newsletter from MNDot:

Overnight closure details

  

MnDOT will be cleaning the westbound side of the Lowry Hill Tunnel on I-94 in Minneapolis overnight Wed, Aug. 2.

This means westbound I-94 at the Lowry Tunnel will be closed from 10 p.m. Wed, Aug. 2 to 5 a.m. Thu, Aug. 3. The detour is the Hennepin/Lyndale exit.

Also, beginning tomorrow (Aug. 2), the ramp from westbound I-94 to Washington/Broadway Ave. is closed through Fri, Aug. 12. The detour is Dowling Ave. to Second St. 

More about this project

 
This is part of the I-94 Minneapolis to Brooklyn Center project that started March 20.  More information about the upcoming third stage of the tunnel work will come out Wed, Aug. 2. Click here for more details.

Hennepin County to Kick Off 100-Day Challenge on Youth Homelessness

Via a July 31 e-newsletter from Hennepin County:

Throughout the next 100 days, Hennepin County will join numerous community partners and four other U.S. communities in a challenge to combat youth homelessness.

The challenge goal is to help 150 youth between the ages of 16 - 24 exit homelessness into safe and stable housing. Of this group of youth, 75 percent will secure employment.

Hennepin County joins Baltimore, Maryland; Columbus, Ohio; Palm Beach County, Florida; and Louisville, Kentucky, in this nationwide challenge.  
 
On August 2 at 10:00am, sponsors of the challenge - Hennepin County, The Link and the Minneapolis Downtown Council - and other community partners will kick off the challenge by hosting a press conference at the Youth Opportunity Center, 41 North 12th Street.

The following people will make remarks during the press conference:
• David Hewitt, director of Hennepin County Office to End Homelessness and sponsor of the 100-day challenge
• Beth Holger-Ambrose, executive director of The Link and sponsor of the 100-day challenge
• Steve Cramer, president and CEO of the Minneapolis Downtown Council and sponsor of the 100-day challenge
• Lele and Symmie of The Link and members of the 100-day challenge team
• Marion Greene, Hennepin County Commissioner
Speakers will also be available following the press conference for individual interviews. 
 
The nationwide challenge is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and private philanthropic partners. The challenge is administered by A Way Home America, The Rapid Results Instituteand HomeBase.

Look for more news on the Hennepin County website at www.hennepin.us/news.  
Discover how we're making a difference in our communities at www.hennepin.us/stories.

Downtown Kicks Off August 1 National Night Out with 3pm - 5pm Event

Via a July 31 News Release:

What: National Night Out Kickoff Event
When: Tuesday, August 1, 3-5 pm
Where: Mayo Clinic Square (Corner of Hennepin Avenue and 6th Street North)

National Night Out is an annual event that brings communities and law enforcement together in an effort to get to know one another while raising awareness about how to keep neighborhoods safe. The mpls downtown council and Mpls Downtown Improvement District, with support from Target, are hosting the fourth annual NNO Kickoff Event in downtown, bringing those who live, work and play in our community together for an afternoon of fun and education about how to help each other stay safe.

The NNO Kickoff Event will include:
- Appearances by local law enforcement and public officials
- A pop-up electronic basketball game
- Free giveaways
- Free frozen treats
- Time/Location list of NNO Events in the City of Minneapolis on August 1

Since 1984, Minneapolis has become a national leader in National Night Out participation. Last year, Minneapolis had more than 1,200 registered NNO confirmed events—the most by a city with a population 300,000+ in the country. This year, there will be roughly 20 NNO events in downtown neighborhoods alone.

For more information and additional details on this year’s National Night Out event, follow @mplsdowntown or @MinneapolisDID on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtags #mplsdowntown and #NNO.

Abiitan Mill City Now Offering Respite Care

Via a July 31 News Release from Ecumen:

Abiitan Mill City Now Offering Respite Service

Abiitan Mill City, a luxury senior living community in Downtown Minneapolis, is now offering a respite program for those who need short-term assisted living or memory care services.

Respite care is especially designed for people still recovering from surgery or illness after a hospital discharge or for the loved ones of caregivers who need a break. Also, respite is a practical way to experience Abiitan for those thinking about moving into the community.

At Abiitan, respite care residents receive a personalized care plan for stays as short as one week. For a daily rate of $330, respite residents receive a furnished room and services such as three meals per day, weekly housekeeping and laundry, linens and towels, medication management, assistance organizing transportation to scheduled destinations, an emergency call system and a 24-hour caregiving staff, personal assistance for bathing and dressing, and activity programs. Special health care services may be arranged on request.
 
For caregivers, respite care provides a break from the typical care routine – giving a caregiver downtime while providing the person who needs care with continued attention from qualified staff and access to all the amenities and activities available.

“Respite care offers a safe bridge between the hospital and home,” said Erwan Moison, Abiitan Executive Director. “Respite also is a great way for caregivers to receive a break with the peace of mind that their loved ones will be well cared for and safe.”

Abiitan Mill City, located at 428 S. 2nd Street, Minneapolis, MN, 55401, offers assisted living services, rehabilitation and skilled nursing care and memory care. For more information call 612-378-0200 or visit http://www.abiitan.org/.

About Ecumen
Ecumen is one of the nation’s top 25 largest non-profit providers of senior housing and aging services. Based in Shoreview, Minn., Ecumen operates 36 communities in 8 states — Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Idaho, Ohio, Indiana and Tennessee.  Ecumen provides a variety of senior housing options and services including independent living, assisted living, short-term rehabilitation and long-term care communities as well as at-home and community-based services including home care and hospice. Dedicated to empowering individuals to lead richer, fuller lives, Ecumen prides itself on innovation and radically changing the way aging is viewed and understood.  Ecumen, founded more than 150 years ago, was named “Best Places to Work” 10 times by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal and one of Minnesota’s Top Workplaces by the Minneapolis Star Tribune and Minnesota Monthly Magazine. To stay up-to-date on the latest news, find us on Facebook or visit http://www.ecumen.org/.

Scenes from the July 29 Mill City Farmers Market

One of life's simple pleasures - fresh sweet corn - arrived at the July 29 Mill City Farmers Market.

...and a few ears even made their way to Northern Fires' pizza oven!

Thank you to MCFM sponsor Lakewinds Food Co-op! In addition to handing out free shopping totes at the July 29 Market, they introduced shoppers to Lakewinds' new Maker to Market program, plus Jill Holter served as the guest chef for the Mill City Cooks demo. The Maker to Market program currently includes four local companies: Caldo Foods, Gyst, Little Red Hen and Señoras de Salsa. Lakewinds staff provided samples of the Caldo Foods' carota and harissa products, and Jill included Caldo harissa and Gyst pickled golden beets in her demo recipes.

Freak Flag Foods (try saying that 3 times as fast as you can!) is new at the 2017 Mill City Farmers Market. They offer three sauces to "spread it, mix it, dollop or dip it". Look for a separate post on Freak Flag Foods later this week on our Farmers Market blog.

Below, a member of Mixed Precipitation warmed up before they entertained shoppers with an excerpt performance from this seasons Picnic Operetta, ‘Philemon and Baucis–Planet in Peril’.

Liz Plambeck of Universal Pants creates women's and children's clothing using up-cycled clothing, vintage fabric, table linens, and hand-me-down fabric that would otherwise end up in a landfill.

Thank you to Allina Health for sponsoring the Meet Your Vegetables program!

Above, Michael Keyes & Jim Krans provided music from 11a-1p.

I snagged the last carton of seedless European style sandwich pickles (the Cadillac of cukes, IMO), but Deanna assured me there will be more at her Swede Lake Farms booth next week. 

Milly the goat!

My North Series - 52 Minnesota Stories Leading up to the 2018 Super Bowl (Episodes 21-25)

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 21-25 - click here to see more!

Washington Avenue Reconstruction Update

Via a July 27 e-newsletter from Hennepin County:

Saturday paving on Washington Avenue 

Starting at 7 a.m. on Saturday, July 29, crews will pave the final layer on eastbound lanes of Washington Avenues. 

Expect noise and vibrations

Residents and businesses in the area should be aware that this work will be noisy and there will be vibrations. Bituminous paving is loud and involves a lot of truck operations. The vibrating roller used to smooth out and compact the pavement often shakes the ground.

Expect delays

The paving will be completed under traffic. This means crews will be working alongside traffic. Lane restrictions, including at intersections with flaggers, will occur as paving progresses along Washington Avenue. 

This work is expected to last the duration of the day, weather permitting.

In addition to the county's paving efforts, the City of Minneapolis will be seal coating 3rd Avenue South on Saturday, July 29. The city expects that the 3rd Avenue work will only last the day, weather permitting.

Motorists and pedestrians should expect some delays on Saturday.

Last week, crews paved the first two layers of bituminous, or pavement, on eastbound lanes of Washington Avenue.

Detour remains in place

There is more work that needs to be completed before all lanes can fully open, including special striping for motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists throughout the corridor.

As a result, the existing detour will remain in place as crews complete some paving and striping work.

Motorists

For the remainder of the work, motorists should stay alert and follow the signs posted around the area.

All eastbound through traffic must use the detour of 2nd Avenue, 4th Street South and 5th Avenue.

Continued lane restrictions in intersections at 3rd, 4th and 5th Avenues are expected.

Bicyclists 

In addition, bicyclists should continue to stay off the cycle track until the project announces they are open. It is anticipated the lanes will open in August.

Contact us
Website: www.hennepin.us/washingtonavenue
Email: washingtonave@hennepin.us 

The MPRB Wants You to Know: Summer is Sand Wasp Season!

Via a July 27 e-newsletter form the Minneapolis Park and Rec Board:

Summer means warms days, sunshine and sand wasps. This is the time of year when some park users may see sand wasps swarm and burrow into the sand in tot lots, playgrounds and other Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) properties where sand is present.

Unlike yellow jackets and other types of wasps, sand wasps are not aggressive. While female sand wasps are capable of stinging, they will only do so to defend themselves. Male sand wasps can aggressively guard a territory and will challenge other males (even people) but they lack a stinger cannot harm humans.

Photo Courtesy of the UofM Bee LabSand wasps are small, typically close to 1/2 inch in length and are typically black and yellow. Sand wasps nest individually in burrows but often nest in one small area.

Removing sand wasp nests with pesticides would close the affected area for an extended period and then likely leave trace amounts of pesticides in the sand. Since sand wasps are typically not aggressive, MPRB staff most often recommend leaving them alone until the nesting time is over and they die naturally.

(Note: sightings of other stinging wasps that pose a threat can be reported to Customer Service at 612-230-6400. After verification, MPRB staff may use natural methods to encourage wasps to abandon the nest.)

In addition to sand wasps, other bees and bee hives may be found in the parks. Please be alert and avoid those areas as much as possible. For more information about bees, please visit the University of Minnesota Bee Lab website. 

Applications Now Being Accepted for Master Water Stewards Program

Via a July 26 News Release from Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO):

Looking for a few good neighbors to protect water quality

All across the greater Twin Cities metropolitan area, neighbors are joining together to improve the health of water in their communities and beyond. By becoming trained and certified as Master Water Stewards, they have dreamed up, created and installed projects beyond what they thought possible. Applications are now being accepted for the next cohort of Master Water Stewards who want to make a real difference in their community. 

Freshwater Society developed the Master Water Stewards program in 2013 to equip citizens with the knowledge and skills needed to help improve water quality at the grassroots level. The Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) is one of many local watersheds sponsoring MWS classes, and is offering them free-of-charge to eligible residents.

“The Master Water Stewards program is designed to equip ordinary citizens with the skills they need to become leaders for clean water in their community,” said MWMO Executive Director Doug Snyder. “We at the MWMO are proud of our Master Water Stewards and their grassroots efforts to protect our water resources from polluted runoff.”

Master Water Stewards are certified by participating in a broad training curriculum led by experts in the fields of hydrology, stormwater management, water policy, community-based social marketing, and raingarden assessment and installation. They must complete a capstone project that captures rainfall and allows more water to soak into the ground, and lead a community outreach event. Stewards then become a point of knowledge and influence in their communities.

Local graduates include people like Brittany Faust and Kristine Maurer, whose runoff-absorbing landscape at a local café earned an award from the Freshwater Society. Ian Lamers and Liz Reiser built a stormwater treatment train in a residential backyard, while Erin Thomasson and Kathy Johannes lobbied local leaders to consider stormwater management when reviewing development proposals. 

These are just a few examples of Master Water Stewards who are now volunteering their time to protect and improve water quality and habitat in their communities. 

To learn more, citizens can visit https://masterwaterstewards.org/ or attend an upcoming information session at one of the following locations (all applicants welcome at any of the following sessions):

• August 14, 2017 – Freshwater Society, 5:30-6:30 pm, 2424 W. Territorial Rd., Ste. B., St. Paul, MN 55114
• August 29, 2017 – Mississippi Watershed Management Organization, 5:30-6:30 pm, 2522 Marshall Street NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418
• September 19, 2017 – Nine Mile Creek Watershed District, 5:30-6:30 pm, 12800 Gerard Dr., Eden Prairie, MN 55346

Or find more dates and times here: https://masterwaterstewards.org/calendar/ 

Accomplishments

Master Water Stewards volunteer 50 hours of community service in their initial year of certification, at least 25 hours each subsequent year, and attend eight hours of continuing education to maintain their certification. To date, stewards have accomplished a tremendous amount through their service. They have:

• Connected with thousands of people through outreach and educational events.
• Installed or planned more than 83 projects, including rain gardens, rain barrels, cisterns, a dry creek bed, and a permeable driveway.
• Prevented more than 1.2 million gallons of polluted stormwater runoff from entering our lakes, rivers, and creeks each year! In the process, these efforts remove silt, leaves, plant material, animal waste, automobile gas and oil spillage, excess salt and other pollutants.

Northeast Minneapolis Icon Celebrates 15 Years of Local and National Prominence

The Sample Room offers “15 Days of Celebration”
$15 sample plate and select beverages at throwback
prices. Running through Sunday, August 6, 2017

Back in July 2002 – fifteen years before the craft-beer boom, before the rehabbing of industrial buildings into tap rooms, fitness centers, workplaces and art galleries, and before becoming a foodie haven for local, organic and small-batch – four partners opened what would become a northeast Minneapolis neighborhood icon: The Sample Room. In July of 2002, Darren Ennis, Sheba C.E. Fideler (co-owners in Sheba Inc, an award-winning event production and graphic design/branding agency), Jim Rosenberg and Christine Bravo initiated and anchored the Minneapolis neighborhood’s renaissance.

“Jim and Christine lived next door and saw the promise of Nordeast,” says The Sample Room co-owner/managing partner Darren Ennis. “After creating our food-forward concept of small plates, which had the legs and appeal for all demographics, the key was to continue executing that concept at a high level while continuing to evolve.”

Since opening, the team has transformed a dark brick, two-story, former beer sampling station and bar on Marshall Avenue into an urban enclave. The Sample Room inducted a fresh menu concept new to the Twin Cities that paid homage to the original Sample Room: small plates of meats, seafood, cheeses and vegetables, sourced from local and often organic farms and makers, along with beverage samplers, or “flights” of wine, scotch and tequila. The restaurant later added beer and spirits flights and an extensive cocktail program.

The plaudits came quickly, from such national publications as the Wall Street Journal, the Travel Network and Food Channel, with Anthony Bourdain also paying a visit. “None of that ensures our longevity, if we’re not, day in and day out, rocking true to form and executing our concept to our highest ability,” Ennis says.

Rather than rest on its laurels, The Sample Room is gearing up for the next 15 years: they currently are partnering with Mississippi Park Connection to utilize Sample Docks for kayak parking and are exploring expansion of service to the docks; expansion of the patio and second level to include Sample Lounge and private event space; and entertainment and events in Gluek Park including yoga, MN Morel Fest, and more.

Serving cocktails and eats daily, The Sample Room is located on the Mississippi River at 2124 Marshall Street NE in a restored turn-of-the century brick building that offers skyline views. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Flickr.

Hours:
The Sample Room opens 11:00am Mon–Fri, 10:30am Sat & Sun
Kitchen is open until 10:30pm Sun–Thurs, Midnight Fri & Sat
Bar is open until Midnight Sun–Thurs, 1:00am Fri & Sat
Brunch is served 10:30am–4:00pm Sat & Sun 
Happy Hours are 3:00pm–6:00pm Mon–Fri, 10:00pm–Midnight Sun–Thurs