September Issue of Public Health Matters from the City of Minneapolis

Via a September 19 e-news from the City of Minneapolis:

Welcome to the September edition of Public Health Matters. The Minneapolis Health Department is committed to supporting a healthier city. Through this newsletter, we will bring you important issues affecting public health. 

Our vision

Healthy lives, health equity and healthy environments are the foundations of a vibrant Minneapolis now and in the future.

Health Department social media channels

For the latest Health Department news, please follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Find important information on our website. 

In this month's edition: 

• You Matter: Suicide Prevention Month
• New COVID-19 vaccine guidelines
• Upcoming events
• Health Department employee spotlight
• Items of interest
• Department updates

September is Suicide Prevention Month. It gives us an opportunity to rededicate ourselves focusing on our own mental health as well as others.

It's important to really listen to our loved ones, friends and colleagues. Listening and knowing how to respond can help lead to better mental health outcomes.

If you know someone struggling, learn how you can help someone with these 5 Steps for Helping Someone in Emotional Pain by the National Institute of Mental Health:

1. Ask
2. Keep them Safe
3. Be There
4. Help them Connect  
5. Stay

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 call, text and chat access to trained crisis counselors. Please use 988 if you are in a crisis or provide this information to someone you know struggling.

According to preliminary data, Minneapolis lost 262 people to suicide in the last five years (2018-2022). The 58 suicides in 2022 were the most since 2019 (72) There were 685 reports of self-inflicted injuries in Minneapolis ER visits in 2021. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for teens 15-19-years-old.

Resources

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is committed to preventing suicide and supporting frontline professionals. There are many resources available if you or someone you know is in crisis — whether they are considering suicide or not. They include: 

• The Crisis Text Line also offers free 24/7 mental health support. Text “10-18” or “SCRUBS” to 741741 for help.
• Safe Call Now is a confidential, comprehensive, 24-hour crisis referral service for all public safety employees, all emergency services personnel and their family members nationwide. Call 206-459-3020.
• The City has created this public list of mental health support resources for residents and loved ones.
• Support after a suicide loss 

Videos

• How Suicidal Tendencies Spread Through Families and Classrooms
• The Suicide Rate is Going Up. Here’s What We Can Do to Stop it

Minnesota Department of Health statement on new COVID-19 vaccine

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved updated COVID-19 vaccines aimed at the circulating COVID-19 variants. These new vaccines are approved by the FDA for everyone 6 months or older. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued formal vaccine recommendations Sept. 12.

Minnesota Commissioner of Health Dr. Brooke Cunningham stated that these vaccines are an even more effective tool, targeting the variants we know are in our communities right now. Cunningham encourages eligible Minnesotans to contact their doctors or pharmacists to schedule an appointment.

Cost
These are the first COVID-19 vaccines to be commercialized, which means there may be costs. To avoid a surprise bill, speak with your health insurer about your coverage before scheduling a vaccination.

Free or low-cost vaccine options for people without health insurance:

• Contact the nearest Community Health Center (CHC) near you. Find locations at Minnesota Health Centers: Find a Health Center.
• Find a community vaccination event near you by calling the Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 public hotline. Call the hotline at 1-833-431-2053 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays or 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
• Visit Vaccines.gov to find other locations including pharmacies offering COVID-19 vaccines at no cost.
• Ask your clinic about getting free or low-cost vaccines for your child.
• Check the MDH Vaccination Clinic Web Map to find clinics that offer low-cost shots.

COVID tests available

Help reduce the spread of COVID. The state is offering free, rapid, at-home COVID-19 test kits to residents of eligible communities. Get a free at-home COVID test kit

The Homegrown Minneapolis Food Council is now taking applications.  As a member, you’ll help improve the way we grow, process, distribute, eat and compost our food.Together we can make a difference by building a more equitable and sustainable local food system in our city.  Applications are open through Oct. 31. Apply now!

Information Session When: Oct. 11 from 5-5:30 p.m. (Food Council meeting runs from 5:30-7:30 p.m.) Where: Northeast Recreation Center – 1530 Johnson St. NE

Protect yourself from the flu by getting vaccinated

The flu season is almost here. Starting today, the City will be offering flu shots at our free vaccine clinics.

Last season in Minnesota, the flu reached pre-pandemic levels with more than 3,300 hospitalizations and 182 deaths.

The flu can affect all of us but is especially dangerous for: Children under 5 Adults 65 and older Pregnant women People with chronic health conditions Getting vaccinated helps protect you, your loved ones and our community. Let’s all enjoy the fall activities with one less worry. Together we can make a healthier and happier community.  Resources Find a free vaccine clinic near you Learn more about the flu Know the facts about the flu

September flu clinics

A Mother’s Love
Tuesday, Sept. 19 from 4:30-7 p.m.
Northside Community Center
701 W. Broadway Ave.

Partners in Prevention
Thursday, Sept. 21 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Center for Changing Lives
2400 Park Ave. S.

Fall Harvest Health Fair
Friday, Sept. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Native American Community Clinic
1213 E. Franklin Ave.

Fighting the flu

Minneapolis Firefighter Mark DeLude, who is following in his father’s footsteps as a firefighter, encourages everyone to get their flu shot.

Mark lost his father, who was not vaccinated, to complications from the flu.

Watch Mark’s story: Fighting the Flu: Minneapolis Firefighter Saving Lives in Father’s Memory

School supply drive

Tyronda Powell and Laura Green with our School Based Clinics recently led the charge to help make sure Minneapolis High School teens have the basic needs as we start the school year. 

Tyronda and Laura held a supply drive, asking Health and City employees to donate basic needs such as:

• Deodorant
• Soap
• Toothbrushes
• Toothpaste
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Tissues
• Body lotion

The drive collected approximately $1,000 in supplies. Great work!

Eduardo Mardones Eduardo Mardones is one of our registered environmental health inspectors who is dedicated to his job. His job consists of inspecting food businesses, lodging establishments, swimming pools and spas, and body art businesses. Eduardo, who has been with the City since 2015, was inspecting food vendors at the Southside Back in the Day city celebration when he ran into Mayor Frey. The mayor told Ed he was very appreciative of all the inspectors’ work in the city.   Keep up the great work, Ed!

National Food Safety Education Month!

National Food Safety Education Month is a good time to remember the importance of proper food safety. The four steps to food safety: Clean, separate, cook, chill. 

• Wash your hands and work surfaces often
• Do not cross-contaminate food
• Cook food to the right temperature
• Refrigerate perishable food promptly

Learn more about the four steps to food safety

Pledge to take more trips by walking, biking or transit

Pledge to boost your health, save money and reduce stress by shifting at least one of your weekly car trips to walking/rolling, biking or transit. Maybe you opt for a short walk to the grocery store, hop on the bus to work or bike your kids to school one day this week.

The As You Go MPLS campaign celebrates getting around the city in ways that support the City’s mode-shift goal in the Transportation Action Plan. By 2030, the City aims to have three out of every five trips taken by walking, biking or transit.

Visit the City’s website to take the pledge. It’s available in English, Spanish, Somali and Hmong. You can also choose to share your personal experience or story about what motivates you to get around by walking, rolling, biking or transit.

Fairgoers ranked Minneapolis’ tap water the best tasting water in the state!

Random State Fair goers blind taste tested 16 different Minnesota tap waters inside the State Fair’s Eco Experience during the fair.

Did you know tap water is more heavily regulated than bottled water, and costs a fraction of the price? Minneapolis tap water costs about a half cent per gallon. Compare that to an average 20-oz bottle of water at $1.50, which translates to $9.60/gallon on average. Not to mention the extra waste of single-use plastic bottles!

Request for Proposal: Community Opioid Response and Engagement

The Minneapolis Health Department is requesting proposals from organizations that focus on treatment and long-term recovery for traditionally underserved communities. This request uses $150,000 of the City’s Opioid Settlement Funds and is part of a larger strategy responding to the opioid crisis. We are seeking qualified organizations to support community driven projects to prevent, treat, and maintain long-term recovery of opioid use and addiction in underserved and underrepresented communities, including our Native and East African populations.

Apply now

Healthy Homes & Lead Hazard Control

Free child lead testing events  We are bringing a mobile testing lab to your neighborhood. A blood test is the only way to know if your child has lead poisoning. The Minneapolis Health Department recommends children who live in homes built before 1978 get tested every year of their life, up to 6-years-old.   Lead poisoning can cause serious health issues, such as:  Learning problems Behavioral problems Slowed growth Hearing problems Developmental problems Find an upcoming free lead testing event near you Read more about our lead testing program in the Sahan Journal

Homegrown Minneapolis

2023 Farm to School Community BBQ 

Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) Culinary & Wellness Services is excited to host their annual Farm to School Community BBQ -- a celebration of local food in our district and community! This free outdoor event includes delicious local foods, fun hands-on activities, live music, a corn-shucking contest, and more.

Where: MPS Culinary Center – 812 Plymouth Ave. N.

When: Sept. 27 from 4-6:30 p.m. (Sept. 28 rain date)

Learn more about the event on the MPS Culinary & Wellness Services webpage

In Case You Missed It: Minneapolis Food Vision 

Homegrown Minneapolis recently announced the release of the final draft of the Minneapolis Food Vision (MFV). Developed by people who live, work, and eat in Minneapolis, the MFV is a 10-year plan meant to build and support a local food system that is resilient, just, and equitable. It also builds on previous efforts and plans of the City and is a companion to the recently adopted Climate Equity Plan. 

Learn more about the MFV and view the full PDF on the City's program page

Opioid Response Team

National Recovery Month

Did you know that 3 out of 10 people in the United States face challenges related to mental health or substance use?

This month, we come together to offer hope, embrace acceptance, and celebrate the incredible power of recovery.

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, remember, you're not alone. There's a network of compassionate resources ready to help you on your journey to recovery.

Find resources on our opioid webpage

Sustainability, Healthy Homes and Environment (SHHE)

Phasing out black plastic

The Green To Go ordinance addresses recyclable and compostable to-go containers for food.

Black plastics have been allowed under Green To Go. However, we plan to phase it out because black plastic is problematic.

We are interested in your comments on making this change.

During the summer, we will meet with businesses and other stakeholders to collect feedback. We will review your comments and suggestions to determine how we move forward to reduce the impacts of black plastic.

Black plastic issues

Black plastics are trash. Using black plastics do not align with the City of Minneapolis Zero Waste Plan goal of reducing waste.

Some of the problems:

• Recyclers are no longer accepting black plastics
• Black plastics do not have good end markets to make them into new materials
• Black plastics are not allowed in Minneapolis residential recycling carts
• Black plastics end up in the landfill or are sent for incineration

What you can do

We encourage you to stop using black plastics when your current supply is used up.

Instead of black, purchase clear or white recyclable plastic. Another alternative is to use compostable containers.

Resources

Find out more about Green To Go

Read the Green To Go ordinance 

Learn about the City's Zero Waste Plan 

If you have questions about Green To Go, contact Minneapolis 311 by emailing Minneapolis311@minneapolismn.gov or calling 612-673-3000. Ask for an Environmental Health supervisor. 

Green Cost Share Program

The Minneapolis Health Department is working hard to build a more climate resilient City. The City’s Green Cost Share Program provides financial assistance to help community members pay for property upgrades that help the environment.

The program helps pay for a variety of projects, including solar installations, energy-saving improvements, innovation pollution reduction efforts and projects that reduce vehicle pollution.

Video
Green Rock Apartments. Building a more climate resilient Minneapolis. The video showcases how the City helped a 4d affordable housing property owner make investments in electric car charging stations, a solar array and new roof installation, among other upgrades.

Programs like this are helping to build a better tomorrow in our city.

Sign up to get alerted when the next round of applications begin

Green Careers Exploration Program: Solar installation training 

Are you interested in Solar Energy Career Pathways?  

Jobs in clean energy and solutions for climate change are some of the fastest growing and best paying in the nation. 

The Minneapolis Health Department’s Green Careers Exploration Program is partnering with Minneapolis Climate Action and other community partners for the next round of Solar Installation Training.

The 56-hour credentialed training for people who have an interest in the solar industry is administered by Midwest Renewable Energy Association. 

Young adults, people of color and women are encouraged to register. No experience or prerequisites are required.  

While the training is free, you may also qualify for a stipend if you meet income qualifications.

Register for the next training Oct. 9-19

Space is limited. 

Questions
Contact Akisha

Apply now to lower your gas bill

Minneapolis residents eligible for energy assistance may qualify to have the additional cost of a winter storm surcharge removed from their gas bills.

Gas customers eligible for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can qualify to have a gas surcharge removed. The extra charge is associated with extreme fuel costs during Winter Storm Uri in 2021.

The City of Minneapolis is encouraging anyone who may qualify to apply for assistance:

• See if you qualify
• Apply through the Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County

The fee will be removed through September 2026.

Additional benefit
Those who qualify for (LIHEAP) will also be enrolled in the CenterPoint Energy Gas Affordability Program. This will limit the amount a customer will pay per month on their gas bill. 

Director of Health Operations

The Director of Health Operations ensures that the foundational elements of the Health Department are executed in an efficient and effective manner. The core infrastructure of the department, its administrative, legislative, financial, and operational functions are housed within this division, and they are essential to the work that the department does in the community.

This position works to develop and maintain highly effective teams that can support the programmatic work of staff across the wide range of service areas that exist in the department.

Apply now!

The Cowles Center Presents Second Annual Fall Forward Festival

The Cowles Center for Dance & the Performing Arts announced this year’s Fall Forward Festival line-up. The annual festival features shared evening performances over the three weekends of October 21 & 22, October 28 & 29, and November 4 & 5 on the Goodale Theater Stage. In-person, single tickets for each weekend of the festival are $30 or Pay As You Are. Tickets are on sale now through the Box Office at (612) 206-3600 or online.

The Fall Forward Festival celebrates nine different dance artists across three fantastic weekends. Talents collide onstage as our diverse dance community showcases an assortment of genres across this momentous festival. Each weekend features a new roster and a variety of experiences from percussive footwork to physical feats to modern expressions and more.

Said Cowles Center Co-Director, Jessi Fett, “We’re so thrilled to be bringing back the Fall Forward Festival. It’s so exciting to see an artist from our Generating Room program join the festival this year and support four commissions for new work. This just highlights the power of creating pathways for artists to grow.”

Co-Director, Joseph Bingham added, “Just as thrilling is our ability to add Pay As You Are pricing options to this year's festival, continuing our work to make The Cowles Center and dance as accessible as possible.” 

October 21 and 22

• Concerto Dance
• Kaleena Miller Dance*
• Afoutayi Haitian Dance, Music, and Arts Company*

October 28 and 29

• Ballet Folklorico Mexico Azteca*
• STRONGmovement
• Yuki Tokuda

November 4 and 5 

• Katha Dance Theatre*
• Shapiro & Smith Dance
• Alternative Motion Project

*Denotes new work commission

Pay As You Are

In order to make performances more accessible, The Cowles Center is joining many Twin Cities performing arts organizations by offering Pay As You Are at select performances throughout the season. Pay As You Are pricing asks those who routinely pay the fair market value for tickets to choose to pay that amount. If an audience member needs to pay less, they can choose to pay less — as little as $5 per ticket, while those who are able to pay above market price are welcome to do so.

The Cowles Center is a dance and performing arts hub that promotes movement and growth for artists through supportive programs and spaces; engages audiences through dynamic performances; and educates learners of all ages through robust and inclusive education initiatives. The Cowles Center is owned and operated by Artspace. 

Autumn Brew Review Returns to Boom Island October 14

Each fall, thousands of craft beer lovers gather at Boom Island Park in Minneapolis for Autumn Brew Review, Minnesota’s longest-running beer festival. Described as “fall fun for adults,” attendees of the afternoon festival can enjoy live music, games, and bonfires in the golden-hour light as they sample unlimited craft beer from over 90 Minnesota breweries and brewpubs.

This year, on October 14, the festival will feature a live music stage to highlight local bands Grunge Unplugged and Pleezer. There will also be a new designated area for lawn games along the Mississippi River waterfront.

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Autumn Brew Review is put on by the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild, a not-for-profit organization made up of brewery and brewpub members. Like other MNCBG festivals, ABR exclusively showcases Minnesota breweries and brewpubs, often with owners or brewers present. At the festival, breweries will be grouped by region, so fans can more easily explore the variety and quality of craft beer that our state offers. Whether discovering new favorites or enjoying old ones, craft beer fans are able to enjoy fresh Minnesota beer, poured by the people who brew it.

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The 2023 Autumn Brew Review festival will feature:

● Unlimited samples from 90+ Minnesota breweries, brewpubs, and cideries

● Autumn games and activities

● Live music by local bands Grunge Unplugged and Pleezer

● Bonfires

● Food trucks

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Early-bird general admission tickets are $65, non-alcoholic tickets are $20, and VIP early-access tickets are $85. Ticket prices increase October 1. Tickets, event details, and more can be found online at mncraftbrew.org/ABR.

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Founded in 2000, the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild is a not-for-profit organization made up of more than 180 Minnesota brewery and brewpub members. The Guild showcases the talent of Minnesota’s craft brewers and promotes Minnesota’s brewing industry by sponsoring festivals and special events, including the MN Brewers Cup, the State Fair’s Brewed in Minnesota exhibit, All Pints North, and Autumn Brew Review. The Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild’s mission is to promote, protect, and grow a robust Minnesota craft brewing industry by building a healthy beer culture and community that allows for independent brewers, industry stakeholders, and craft beer fans to thrive.

Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis Reveals Celebration of Winter, Including Nordic Village Expansion

Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis will kick off its five-month celebration of winter with the expansion of Nordic Village, special offers on hotel rooms and suites, guided sauna experiences through The Spa, seasonal shopping and holiday happenings at Mara.

“After such an incredible response to Nordic Village in our first year, we decided to grow this initiative by building more cabins, keeping them open longer, and providing new activities and experiences in year two,” says General Manager Florian Riedel. “At Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis, we love winter, and we love bringing people together. Nordic Village is a shining example of this.”

NORDIC VILLAGE:

Offering a Minnesota cabin experience in the middle of the city, Nordic Village will be open for dinners, private events and buyouts Wednesdays through Sundays from November 1, 2023, through March 31, 2024. The expanded setup spans Riva Terrace and Riva Plaza with five cabins that seat up to four guests and three cabins that seat up to eight guests.

Designed and decorated by MartinPatrick3, an internationally recognized boutique dedicated to building a one-of-a-kind experience, each cabin will bear a unique name inspired by the Star of the North. The interiors will feature skylights, personalized Spotify accounts and TVs to watch favourite sporting events or a holiday classic. Insulated and heated, cabins will stay warm and cosy no matter the weather.

This year’s four-course menu will again feature Onion Soup, Cheese Fondue and Minnesota-shaped S’Mores. Pricing begins at $165 per person, with the option to order craft cocktails or mocktails, local beers and a variety of wine pairings as well as supplements like caviar and truffles a la carte. New for 2023-24, those who dine in Nordic Village will be invited to unlock seasonal savings on an overnight hotel stay.

RESERVATIONS INCLUDE SPECIAL OFFERS ON HOTEL ROOMS AND SUITES:

Dinner in Nordic Village with an overnight guest room will be available from $595, while suites – which include a bottle of Dom Pérignon – will be available from $975. Reservations for Nordic Village and an oversight hotel stay will become available one month at a time, starting Monday, October 2, at noon CT on Tock.

Interested event hosts and meeting planners are invited to contact the Events Team at sales.minneapolis@fourseasons.com for more information and to arrange pre-opening tours.

GUIDED SAUNA EXPERIENCES:

In collaboration with cedar + stone, a brand dedicated to providing the highest quality sauna experiences with thoughtful Nordic design, The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis is expanding its wellness offerings to include two saunas in the outdoor space adjacent to the fitness centre. Starting in November, customizable, guided sauna experiences will be open to residents, guests and community members seven days per week. Reservations may be made online or by calling (612) 895-5707.

SEASONAL SHOPPING:

On November and December 2023 and January 2024 weekends from 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm, Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis will host a Nordic Village Market inside the cabins on Riva Terrace and Riva Plaza. Here, market curator Mich Berthiaume will introduce patrons to local artists, makers and creators offering a rotating selection to include kids’ toys, pet food, clothing, spices, home décor, jewellery, blankets and more. Open to residents, guests and community members, all will be welcomed with hot cider and a small bite upon arrival.

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS:

Named Restaurant of the Year by both Minnesota Monthly and The Star Tribune in its first year open, Mara shines especially bright during Festive Season. Celebrations begin with Halloween Brunch on Sunday, October 29, and continue with Thanksgiving events on Thursday, November 23. Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis will also offer Thanksgiving to-go kits with no cooking required.

During the “Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” Mara will welcome residents, guests and community members to enjoy Brunch with Santa on Sunday, December 3, and meals and events on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Additionally, Mara will host a signature event during The Great Northern’s 2024 winter festival. Those interested in Mara’s holiday happenings are invited to subscribe for email updates, which will provide more information.

Chris Rackley: Life As A Mall Brat Artist Reception at Kolman & Reeb, Sept. 23

Chris Rackley: Life As A Mall Brat - A Kolman & Reeb Gallery Project Space Exhibition 

Life As A Mall Brat runs thru October 21

Artist Reception: Saturday, September 23, 7:00p – 9:00p

Artist Talk: Thursday, October 5, 2023, 7:00p – 8:00p

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Visitors have a chance to step into the art of Chris Rackley at the Kolman & Reeb Gallery during the gallery’s current Project Space grant exhibition, Life As A Mall Brat.

Spending a large part of his youth at a shopping mall where his father managed a shoe store, Chris Rackley is a self-proclaimed mall "brat." On days when not in school, Rackley spent his time at the mall sketching, reading, and exploring; curiously comparing what we experience as shoppers with the hidden inner workings of the retail meccas. From these unique and humble beginnings, Rackley examines the inaccuracy of memories with how we perceive them as truths. 

Rackley uses drawings, sculptures, and an interactive video to explore his memories of a shopping mall in Duluth, Georgia. Rackley recreates miniature versions of architectural elements of the mall—a place he wandered every day for ten years in the 1980s. These recognizable facades and embellishments are presented at different scales relative to one another, emulating the way memory can be fragmented and accompanied by a longing to reconstruct significant moments from the past.

You Are Always Here by Chris Rackley

From miniature replicas of lost toys and misplaced trash as bits and pieces of memory, Rackley has opened his mind to expose a childhood of experiences, immortalizing a shopping mall from a young boy's perspective as though daring us to go back into this precious place of youth in our own minds.

"People visiting the gallery will have a chance to step into Chris' art, and that's really what interests me most about his show," says Anita Sue Kolman, Kolman & Reeb Gallery co-founder and co-partner. "With the resources he received from our Project Space grant, Chris used a variety of materials and mediums to create so many interesting pieces."

Jodi Reeb, gallery curator and co-partner, comments, "We are excited to bring this exhibition to the gallery, which features Chris' memories as drawings, sculptures, and an interactive video, where he explores his childhood at the mall that he wandered for ten years."

Rackley received his BA in Studio Art from Davidson College and his MFA in Painting from George Mason University. Rackley’s work has been featured in solo and group exhibitions nationally and internationally. Rackley currently lives and works in Rochester, MN.

Kolman & Reeb Gallery is in Studio 395, Northrup King Building at 1500 Jackson Street NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413. For more information, please visit: kolmanreebgallery.com or call 612-385-4239.  

Chef Yia Vang Announces Vinai Restaurant Will Open in the Space Being Vacated by Dangerous Man's Taproom

1300 2nd Street NE

Vinai is expected to open in Spring 2024 at 1300 2nd Sreet NE, in the Northeast Bank Building 

Chef Yia Vang has announced that his restaurant, Vinai, will move into the space at 1300 2nd Street NE in Minneapolis’ Northeast Bank Building. The announcement comes after Yia Vang first publicized the restaurant’s plans back in early 2020, prior to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The restaurant is expected to begin construction on the space in late 2023/early 2024 and is aiming for a Spring 2024 opening. 

Vinai gets its namesake from the refugee camp in Thailand where Vang’s parents met and where he was born. The restaurant is meant to serve as an homage to the heritage of Vang’s family while also continuing to share Hmong culture, traditions, and stories with the Twin Cities community and beyond. 

“The road to opening Vinai has been a much longer one than we expected, but we are finally at a point where we have a home,” said Vang. “It was a roller coaster of a process but we’ve learned so much in that time and we’ve been so thankful for the patience and support that we’ve been shown over the years.” 

While Vinai will be a tenant of the space, founder and owner, Yia Vang will also be partial owner of the building itself. 

Chef Yia Vang, Photo credit: Lauren Cutshall Over the last decade, the space has been the home of the Dangerous Man Brewing Company taproom, which has announced its closure. The brewery will continue producing and distributing its well-known brews through its production brewery location. 

“This restaurant is about carrying on my parent’s legacy. But it’s also about carrying on a piece of Dangerous Man’s legacy, and the legacy of the community here.”    Chef Vang

In the Sheridan neighborhood, Vinai will be joining a well regarded team of restaurants in the area. Ann Kim’s Young Joni is down the block, Gustavo Romero’s Oro is across the street, and Christina Nguyen’s Hai Hai is less than a mile away. “We love the neighborhood, and we feel so lucky to join the strong community that these restaurants and Dangerous Man have cultivated over the years,” said Vang. 

While navigating the funding hurdles of Vinai’s opening, Vang has been operating Union Hmong Kitchen for over 7 years. Union Hmong Kitchen has two locations in Minneapolis – one in the North Loop and one on West Lake Street – and has expanded the brand to serve Hmong food at the Minnesota State Fair, Target Field, and US Bank Stadium. Union Hmong Kitchen was nominated for a James Beard in 2022 for Best New Restaurant and Vang has received multiple James Beard nominations for Best Chef Midwest. 

Food Waste Reduction App, Too Good To Go, Launches in Minneapolis, Promoting Savings and Sustainability

Too Good To Go is available in 19 cities across the U.S. and has saved more than 6.8 million meals from waste 

A popular food-saving and money-saving app, Too Good To Go, is launching in Minneapolis on September 20.

Too Good To Go partners with local food businesses to reduce food waste by rescuing unsold food from being thrown out and selling it for a reduced price. The app a win-win-win as it allows local businesses to recoup food costs, and consumers can access great food at affordable prices, and it helps with the massive food waste problem that our planet faces. 

Minneapolis Launch Partners Include:

Mama Sheila's House of Soul

• Black-owned, family-owned & operated business in the heart of Minneapolis. 

• A museum styled restaurant in Minneapolis where you'll find great down-home soul food and more in an elegant environment.

• Sheila, who also serves as the main cook, grew up in Chicago. Starting off in the kitchen at 15 years old, she developed a love for cooking and the skills to cook.  

T-Rex Cookie Kitchen

• Women-owned & operated business.

• Dinosaur-themed hangout with jumbo cookies in creative flavors, locally roasted coffee & light fare.

• Baking nationally recognized 1/2 pound and 5 pound cookies in 200+ Flavors. Small but mighty company with big cookies! 

The Buttered Tin

• Women-owned & operated business. Founded by James Beard-recognized chef and Cupcake Wars winner Alicia Hinze. Fun fact: she competed on The Food Network’s hit show Cupcake Wars several times with competition-winning results!

• Serves up house-made sweets and scratch-made breakfast, brunch, and lunch in St. Paul and Minneapolis. All items are made with simple, clean ingredients and love. 

Backstory Coffee

• A specialty coffee roaster that sources from relationship-focused producers and importers.

• Very rooted in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul community–many local coffee shops roast Backstory coffee. The company’s mission is to cultivate deeper connections between people by sharing their love of delicious coffee. 

Butter Bakery Cafe

• Locally owned, independent business rooted in Southwest Minneapolis since 2006 and deeply committed to producing not only good food, but also good community.

• They partner with Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative, a local non-profit working to end homelessness, in giving youth living at Nicollet Square supportive work experience. 

• As a Social Benefit Corporation, they’re focused on being a business for good, modeling sustainable practices, advocating for improvements to worker rights, and bringing positive change to our food service industry. 

With approximately 10% of greenhouse gas emissions stemming from discarded food, reducing food waste is key to solving the world’s climate problem. Too Good To Go forges a direct connection between conscientious consumers and forward-thinking food businesses. Through the free mobile app, consumers gain access to high-quality, surplus food at an average discount of ⅓ the full retail price, while businesses can recoup otherwise lost revenue  from selling fresh surplus food.

By partnering with Too Good To Go, local businesses gain a powerful platform to showcase their commitment to sustainability. By reducing their surplus food inventory, they also lower disposal costs and play a pivotal role in creating a more sustainable food system. With more partners added weekly, consumers are encouraged to check back often to see what new stores and categories have joined.

According to MPCA’s recent report on the state of waste, food makes up 18% of landfills in Minnesota, where it breaks down and produces methane, a greenhouse gas with heat-trapping potential 25 times greater than carbon dioxide. Minnesotans throw out approximately 62% of food that could have been eaten or donated. A family of four in Minnesota could save $1,200 a year by reducing their wasted food. Since launching in the US, Too Good To Go has saved more than 6.5 million meals from more than 14,000 partners, resulting in over $50M in savings for consumers to-date.

“We are excited to bring Too Good To Go to Minneapolis, a city that shares our values of sustainability and community engagement,” said Chris MacAulay, Too Good To Go US Country Director. “Our app empowers individuals to make a positive impact on both the environment and their wallets, while supporting local businesses."

The Too Good To Go app is available for iOS download in the Apple App Store and Google Play for Android.

Too Good To Go is a certified B Corp social impact company, on a mission to inspire and empower everyone to fight food waste together. Through its marketplace, Too Good To Go’s community connects to save unsold food from a variety of business partners, including retailers, bakeries, cafes, restaurants, and manufacturers. In 7 years of operation, Too Good To Go has helped to save over 220 million meals from going to waste - the equivalent of 550,000 tonnes of CO2e avoided. Since its launch in 2016, Too Good To Go has grown to over 80 million registered users and 140,000 active business partners across 17 countries in Europe and North America, making it the leading company in the fight against food waste. To learn more about Too Good To Go and its impact, visit toogoodtogo.com and follow on Instagram.

Ric Rosow's Downtown Skyscrapers

Submitted by Ric Rosow

On August 29th a group of 20+ Mill City Commons (MCC) members took a 2-hour sidewalk tour of downtown Minneapolis buildings, led by MCC member David Evelo. David provided excellent commentary as we walked, and provided to each of us a multipage document describing each building.

On the walk I took the opportunity to experiment with taking vertical panoramas. Normally I take horizontal panoramic photos of the city from a vantage point giving me a view of all that lies below the horizon. In this instance I was of course on street level. Normally for a panoramic I would use a tripod to make sure the stitching of the images went smoothly. In this case I hand held the camera as I did not bring a tripod. For each series of photos that would go into making the panoramic I turned the camera to a “portrait” orientation. Taking anywhere from five to ten photos of each building, I started composing at the street level of the building and with each subsequent photo I raised the camera lens higher, taking care to overlap each image with the prior image. Photoshop then did its job of seamlessly stitching together the series of photos of each building into one image. I love the way surrounding buildings are reflected on the buildings that have a glass exterior.

150 S 5th Street

AT&T

Capella Tower

Foshey Tower

Four Seasons

Marquette Plaza

US Bank Plaza

Well Fargo Center

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I also took time to take a photograph (below) of the beautiful chandelier that hangs from the high ceiling of the first level of the Star Tribune Building. That is a building I worked in for about 20 years when it was known as the IBM Building. To highlight the beauty of the chandelier, in processing the image I masked out the surrounding ceiling and walls so that all one sees is the chandelier.

Downtown is a short walk from the Mill District, so anyone can easily take their own tour. Be sure to stop at each building and LOOK UP!

Riders in the Sky are Coming to Dakota, September 28

America's favorite two-time Grammy Award-winning comedy cowboys, Riders In The Sky, are performing at Dakota on September 28. Ranger Doug, Too Slim, Woody Paul and Joey the Cowpolka King believe in preserving the heritage of Western music and presenting it to a new generation, and have been doing so for 40 years. Their list of accomplishments include 7,200+ appearances, 35 years on the Grand Ole Opry, 40+ records, and tours of all 50 states and all over the world.

This is what we love about Dakota - performances in every genre imaginable. And the food, drinks and service is pretty darn good, too!

September 2023 Minneapolis Central City Tunnel Project Update

Via an September 8 e-announcement from the City of Minneapolis:

Project Overview

The City of Minneapolis Public Works Department is constructing a new parallel storm tunnel, enlarging a portion of the existing storm tunnel, and constructing a new tunnel access in Downtown Minneapolis.

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

Project Map

Latest Project News

Mississippi River Portal

• Crews continue to work on lining the existing storm tunnel at the Mississippi River with concrete. Excavation will resume later this fall when they can access the storm flow again.

2nd Ave

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

Portland Ave

• Crews continue to work on lining the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Ave from the existing tunnel access shaft at the northeast corner of the Washington Ave and Portland Ave intersection.

Lining progress

In August, crews continued to work on the concrete tunnel lining pouring about 1,400 cubic yards of concrete. To date 8,200 cubic yards of concrete have been poured. As noted in the infographic above, this is just over two and a half times the volume of an Olympic swimming pool. This process is approximately 52.6% complete.

Long-term closures/restrictions

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

• Northbound lane of Portland Ave will be periodically closed between Washington Ave and 2nd Closures will happen during the workday only.
  • Closure is for the placement of concrete into the tunnel.
  • East crosswalk across Washington and north crosswalk across Portland will be closed.
  • Sidewalks will remain open to businesses and residences.

• The north sidewalk along Washington Ave remains restricted between Hennepin Ave and Nicollet Mall.
  • During these restrictions, pedestrians share the bike lane on Washington Ave.
  • The crosswalks at the Washington Ave intersections of Nicollet Mall and Hennepin Ave remains open.

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

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

• The parking lot and trail near Mill Runs Park has reopened.
  • During the summer, the trail will have flaggers to allow concrete trucks to pull into and out of the work site.

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

Stay Connected

There are multiple ways to get information including email updates and ongoing stakeholder meetings. Visit the project website for more information and to sign up for project updates.

Email the project team: info@mplscentralcitytunnel.com

Contact the project hotline: 612-888-9418

Wilderness Inquiry Announces 2023 Great River Race on the Mississippi River

The September 16 event marks the 13th anniversary of racing to close the opportunity gap for thousands of youth in the Twin Cities and beyond

Wilderness Inquiry, a nonprofit providing equitable access to the outdoors through guided trips and educational programs, has announced its annual fundraising event, the Great River Race, will take place September 16 at Hidden Falls Regional Park where more than 25 teams will race down the Mississippi River in 10-person canoes. The big race centers around closing the opportunity gap for thousands of youth across Minnesota and beyond by raising funds for Canoemobile, Wilderness Inquiry’s outdoor education program that engages youth and communities in environmental learning and water-based recreation close to where they live.

In 2023, Canoemobile will reach more than 20,000 youth in 50+ communities across the country, teaching them about science, history, geography, and culture while navigating local waterways in 10-person canoes. 

Great River Race partners include the National Park Service and Mississippi Park Connection. Past attendees include Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, who have paddled in the race. 2023 presenting sponsors are Nature Valley, Thomson Reuters, and Winnebago Industries. For a full list of sponsors and more details about the Great River Race, visit www.greatriverrace.org. 

“Our proud sponsors and strong partnerships are key to creating a successful event that champions equitable outdoor connections for all youth,” said Wilderness Inquiry’s Executive Director Erika Rivers. “The Great River Race is a day full of fun, purpose, and impact. This year, our goal is to raise $150,000 for programs that will engage more than 20,000 youth in life-changing outdoor educational and recreational opportunities.” 

Mark Your Calendars - Ward 3 and Ward 7 City Council Candidates Forums are Scheduled for September

This year all 13 City Council seats are on the ballot. Below is information on the Ward 3 and Ward 7 Candidate Forums - a chance to meet the candidates and learn about their ideas, positions, priorities, qualifications, etc. The below links include live streaming options and additional information.

Ward 3 City Council Candidates Forum Thursday, September 21, 6p-7:30p, Central Public Library

Ward 7 City Council Candidates Forum Thursday, September 28, at 6p-8p, The Woman's Club of Minneapolis

Voting for 2023 DID Greening and Public Realm Awards Opens Today

The Mpls Downtown Improvement District (DID) announced today that public voting for the 2023 Greening and Public Realm Awards is open.

The Greening and Public Realm Awards, a DID initiative since 2010, celebrates outstanding examples of greening and placemaking that improve public spaces in downtown Minneapolis. Winners will be selected by public vote at mplsdid.com/greeningawards. The public vote will be open September 5 through September 20.

Finalists were divided into eight categories based on project size and other characteristics. Among the finalists selected were 10 new nominees – a sign of continued growth in downtown greening efforts – as well as 12 past winners.

“Efforts to enhance our public greening and vibrancy are invaluable,” said Steve Cramer, Mpls Downtown Improvement District President & CEO. “Downtown is grateful for all the finalists and their efforts to improve vibrancy and greening in the city’s core.”

Winners will receive a commemorative Greening and Public Realm Award created by Wood from the Hood, a Minneapolis-based company that reclaims discarded trees from urban neighborhoods and creates high-quality wood products. Each award will display the year the award was issued.

The Greening and Public Realm Awards were created to celebrate the outstanding examples of private greening and placemaking happening in downtown Minneapolis and are intended to inspire all to work towards making downtown a greener and more vibrant place.

Each category will showcase the finalists along with a photo of each location for easy viewing and identification. This year’s eight categories are: Small Green Space, Streetscape, Large Green Space, Entryway and Outdoor Café, Activated Space, Public Art, Public Realm Improvement and Best Neighborhood.

The public is not only encouraged to vote for a winner in each category, but also celebrate downtown greening year-long. Send your greening photos to @MplsDID on Facebook and/or Instagram using the hashtag #GreenAwardsMpls.

Here's a recap of the 2022 winners:

September 2 at the Mill City Farmers Market

I filled our September 2nd shopping basket from the Mill City Farmers Market with the fixings for a gigantic pot of soup.

Chef Jenny Breen worked on a demo using a rainbow of produce.

Cine Latino Returns to The Main Cinema October 11-15

MSP Film Society celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with the 11th Annual Cine Latino Film Festival at The Main Cinema from October 11 – 15. As the upper Midwest’s largest celebration of the best new Latin American and Ibero Cinema, Cine Latino once again pays homage to the diversity and greatness of the inhabitants of this vast region, to the immensity and beauty of its geography, and fundamentally, to the richness and magic of its culture.

This year’s Cine Latino features five days of new award-winning films from Sundance, Berlin, Malag, a classic from master filmmaker Luis Buñuel, filmmaker conversations, and nightly parties at Pracna to engage the Twin Cities’ growing Spanish-speaking populations and vast community of global cinephiles.

Cine Latino kicks off Wednesday, October 11 with RADICAL, Christopher Zalla’s 2023 Sundance award-winning film about a teacher who takes radical steps to engage his underperforming students in new and creative ways.

Cine Latino’s Closing Film on Sunday, October 15 is the 2023 Berlinale and Malaga Film Festival award-winning film 20,000 SPECIES OF BEES, a delicate family drama centered around an 8 year old who ponders her gender identity and everything else while tending to her grandmother’s beehives.

All-Access Passes are on sale now for $75 – or just $50 for MSP Film Society Members! Tickets to individual screenings are $8 for MSP Film Society Members/$12 General Public/$6 for Students – or purchase a 4 Pack for just $24 for Members / $36 for General Public.

* * * * Pre-Festival Events! * * * * 

The Main Cinema and Mia are both getting an early jump on the festivities with these screenings in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month with ¡CINE LATINO APERITIVO! SCREENINGS:

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CASSANDRO - Opens September 15 at The Main Cinema

Saúl Armendáriz (Gael García Bernal), a gay amateur wrestler from El Paso, rises to international stardom after he creates the character Cassandro, the “Liberace of Lucha Libre.” In the process, he upends not just the macho wrestling world, but also his own life. Based on a true story.

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CARLOS: THE SANTANA JOURNEY - GLOBAL PREMIERE!

Carlos Santana                                                Photo courtesy of MSP Film Society

Special Event Screenings September 23, 24 & 27 

A music industry legend for 50 years and a 10-time Grammy-winning global sensation, Carlos Santana continues to be one of the music world’s premiere artists, blending jazz, blues, and the Mariachi sound with a rock n’ roll spirituality and a sense of connection to music’s primal connection to our deepest emotions. Celebrate the life of one of music’s greatest icons in this special premiere event. Includes exclusive intro content with director Rudy Valdez and Carlos Santana.

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¡HOLA CINE! - October 8 | FREE at Mia!

A family-friendly collection of Spanish-language short films screening for free all day at Mia. Curated annually by the New York International Children’s Film Festival, ¡HOLA CINE! delivers the best Latinx short films from around the world, transporting audiences to the chilly mountains of Argentina and reminding them of the power of family, perseverance, and believing in magic. 

Green Minneapolis' Peavey Plaza Last Splash Fundraising Event, September 21

Celebrate Summer's Last Splash at Peavey Plaza!

You’re invited to celebrate the success of Summer at Peavey Plaza, co-hosted by Bond & Devick Wealth Partners. Enjoy food and drinks while watching artist in residence Phil Thompson and his band perform their acclaimed Billy Joel and Elton John Tribute Concert! Green Minneapolis will highlight the amazing music, dance and theater events that took place on the plaza this summer and share updates on the work they are doing to keep our community green and vibrant.

Thursday, September 21, 5:00-7:30PM, Target Atrium at Orchestra Hall

Please RSVP by September 14

If you aren't able to attend, but would like to support free future Peavey Plaza Programming, please consider a donation to Green Minneapolis here: Donate Now!

Waxing Crescent Moon Over Downtown East by Ric Rosow

Submitted by Ric Rosow

Not yet the full Super Moon, but close to it - a Waxing Crescent Moon photograph taken on the evening of August 28th, two days before the Full Super Blue Moon. A moon is named a Blue Moon when there are two full moons in one month.

Last night when the moon was low in the horizon clouds covered it up, but I waited to see if the sky would clear. Eventually it did rise above the cloud layer. Setting the shutter speed to 1/200 of a second to keep the moon sharp (it’s always moving) meant the foreground and sky were dark. I took another photograph of the scene exposed for the foreground. This photograph then is a blend of two images, one a proper exposure for the moon and another a proper exposure for the foreground. I’ll be back out again tonight for my final tune up before the hopefully clear skies on August 30th for the Super Blue Moon. On August 30th there is only 12 minutes between the sun setting and the moon rising. I might be able to get good detail in the moon and a proper exposure of the foreground with one shot if there are no clouds at the horizon. The sky will still be light enough to set the shutter speed at 1/200 of a second while at the same time setting the exposure so the foreground is revealed. If there is a layer of clouds at the horizon or fire dust low in the sky, it will again require a blend.

You can see more of my work at ricrosowphotography.com.

Groundbreaking Event for Graco Park Rescheduled to Tuesday, August 29, 1 pm

A groundbreaking event for Graco Park is scheduled Tuesday, August 29, 1-2 pm. This event was originally scheduled August 14, but was postponed due to rain. MPRB Superintendent Al Bangoura, MPRB President Meg Forney, MPRB District 1 Commissioner Billy Menz, Graco President and CEO Mark Sheahan, District 6 Met Council Member Robert Lilligren, Mississippi Watershed Management Organization Executive Director Kevin Reich are scheduled to speak. 

Graco Park is a new 9-acre riverfront park in Northeast Minneapolis, across from Hall's Island and just north of the Plymouth Avenue Bridge. It is expected to initially open in fall 2024, with a new park building and trail underpass connection to Boom Island Park expected to open in fall 2025. Park features will include:

• A multiuse net-zero energy building with public restrooms, community space and a Spark’d Studios location.
• Native habitat restoration and stormwater management features, including a geothermal snowmelt system.
• A trail under the Plymouth Avenue Bridge that connects to Boom Island Park.
• The Mississippi East Bank Trail realigned through the park and safety upgrades at the intersection of Plymouth/8th Avenue NE and Sibley Street NE.
• Gathering spaces, walkways and river access.

A series of agreements reached in 2018 between the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and Graco Inc., which is headquartered next to the park, led to the creation of Graco Park. Grants from the Metropolitan Council and Mississippi Watershed Management Organization also helped fund park construction.

Explore Minneapolis Ecology Via New Online Mapping Tool

A screenshot showing map layers for all parkland and stormwater pipe watersheds

Ecological System Plan online mapping tool illustrates relationship between park system and water, air, land, and life in Minneapolis

A new interactive mapping tool is available to explore maps included in the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Ecological System Plan. This customizable online resource can display more than 60 layers of information across four main topics: water, air, land, and life. 

People are encouraged to explore the map layers to learn about how Minneapolis' park system, public infrastructure and ecology interact!

Ecological System Plan Mapping Tool

About the Ecological System Plan

The Ecological System Plan was adopted in fall 2020. It outlines how and where to address environmental consideration in the work the MPRB does on its own and in partnership with other organizations. This plan is the first of its kind and one of many referenced and used in the development of park plans and implementation of park projects.

Creating this tool completes Goal M, Strategy 46 in the Ecological System Plan. Review the Recommendations and Next Steps chapter linked below, along with the rest of the plan, for more information about plan goals, strategies and recommendations.

Ecological System Plan

Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Water
Chapter 3: Air
Chapter 4: Land
Chapter 5: Life
Chapter 6: Recommendations and Next Steps
Appendix: Maps 

X-Men Immersive X-Fandom Convention Coming to Minneapolis September 16 & 17

2-Day Immersive X-Fandom Convention - Enroll in the Xavier Institute Now!

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September 16 & 17, 2023

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The Uncanny Experience has revealed their programming of panels and classes for this inaugural event.  Highlights include an appearance by X-Men film actor Daniel Cudmore who famously portrayed the character Colossus in X2: X-Men United, X-Men: The Last Stand, and X-Men: Days of Future Past. Previously announced guests such as Chris Claremont, the cast and creatives of X-Men: The Animated Series, Nathan Szerdy and more will give talks on their work in the X-Men Universe.

The event takes place at the Minneapolis Club, 729 2nd Avenue S.

X-Men film actor Daniel Cudmore will appear at this inaugural event.

During the immersive classes, attendees can mold themselves into mutant students of Xavier Institute.  Classes include Intergalactic Social Studies of the Shi’ar Empire, Getting Hellfire Gala Ready, A History of X-Villainy, Mindful Meditation with Psylocke, Professor Logan’s Phys-Ed, and Mutant History 101 with Professor Claremont. See the official website for the full program

Stay up to date on news from The Uncanny Experience on their social media platforms: Instagram, Twitter, Discord, Facebook

Giant-Size Productions, LLC is a curated events company that creates unique in-person and virtual events that connect fandoms to the creative talent that make geek culture content. The company was founded in 2021 by Chandler Poling, Dylan Carter, and Chris Riley.

The Uncanny Experience and Giant-Size Productions are not endorsed, sanctioned, or in any way associated with Marvel Entertainment, Marvel Studios, or The Walt Disney Company. The X-Men characters, names, and related likenesses are trademarks and copyright of Marvel Entertainment.