Wilde Cafe & Spirits becomes Pivo Riverplace on February 1

Via a January 24 e-announcement:

Starting February 1st, Wilde Cafe & Spirits will be Pivo Riverplace. New decor, new logo, new website - and coming in March a new bar - while still maintaining the great brunch and coffee tradition, and riverfront patio Wilde was known for. We're also planning a new awning and windows that open to showcase the riverfront in April. Pivo Riverplace aspires to pair Art Nouveau elegance with a casual neighborhood pub atmosphere. Come "Czech" out the new look!

The name? "Riverplace" refers to our location as part of the Riverplace complex on historic Main Street, the oldest street in Minneapolis. "Pivo" means beer in 78 languages (Czech, Ukrainian, etc.), as we aspire to be the best pilsner focused pub in Minnesota.

January 2023 Minneapolis Central City Tunnel Project Update

Via a January 23, 2023 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. This project is anticipated to be completed summer 2023.

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 enlarging the existing storm tunnel at the Mississippi River.

2nd Ave

• Crews continue tunneling 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 and have begun lining the tunnel with concrete.

Portland Ave

• Crews continue tunneling 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 and have begun lining the tunnel with concrete.

Tunneling progress

In January, the project reached 71% completion with excavation. Crews have removed approximately 52,500 tons of material to date. As noted in this infographic, 52,500 tons is equal to the weight of more than five Eiffel Towers.

Lining progress

In January, crews began working on the concrete tunnel lining. They poured around 1,200 cubic yards of concrete. As noted in this infographic, 1,200 cubic yards is equal to about one third the volume of an Olympic swimming pool. This process is approximately 8.5% 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. This is necessary for the contractor to utilize the existing shaft to connect the existing tunnel to the new tunnel.
  • 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.

• The north sidewalk along Washington Ave remains restricted between Hennepin Ave and Nicollet Mall. The contractor will resume tunneling from the existing tunnel to the new tunnel at a later date.
  • 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 will remain closed until spring 2023.

• 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.

What to expect

• Expect additional noise, dust, and vibration as crews complete work.
• Schedule is tentative and subject to change due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances.

Stay connected

Visit the project website for more information and to sign up for project updates: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/projects/central-city-tunnel/

Email the project team: info@mplscentralcitytunnel.com

Contact the project hotline: 612-888-9418. 

No Dog Left Behind Adoption Event - February 11 at Douglas Dayton YMCA at Gaviidae

Dog Adoption Event!

Saturday, February 11, 11am– 2pm

Join No Dog Left Behind at the Douglas Dayton YMCA at Gaviidae for their "pawsome" Dog Adoption Event. This event is free and open to the public. Stop by and meet rescue pups, all of which are looking for their "furever" homes. After you're finished cuddling up with some cute dogs, earn yourself YMCA swag and prizes by playing NDLB's spin-to-win game. They will also have how-to guides on making a "bark-cuterie" board.

.

Enter through the Gaviidae entrance near 6th Street. Street or ramp parking is available. Questions? Please email Alicia at alicia@ndlbrescue.org.

Firefighters For Healing's Transitional Healing Center Officially Opens

Ward 7 Council Member Lisa Goodman and Mayor Frey look on as Jake LaFerriere, Founder/Executive Director, did the honors at the January 18 ribbon cutting ceremony.

Firefighters For Healing's Transitional Healing Center has officially opened. It features 12 “home-away-from-home” suites for the families of burn survivors or firefighters/first responders who are being cared for at the Hennepin Healthcare Burn Center and other metro hospitals.

See the details here, and Click here for the KARE11 spotlight.

Children’s Theatre Company's Upcoming Production of Corduroy set for Feb 14 - Apr 2

Corduroy, winner of the American Alliance for Theatre & Education “Distinguished Play” Award, will play from February 14 – April 2 at Children’s Theatre Company's UnitedHealth Group Stage. Opening Night is Saturday, February 18 at 7pm. Purchase tickets online at childrenstheatre.org/corduroy or by calling the ticket office at 612-874-0400. Ticket prices start at $15.  

Join the beloved teddy bear as he takes a rollicking ride up the escalator and begins a delightfully destructive romp through every section of the department store. Will he find his button at the top of a teetering store display? Will Lisa ever get to bring him home, or will the bumbling security guard catch him first? Where, oh where, is Corduroy’s BUTTON?

 

The Star Tribune hails Corduroy as “ebullient…utterly delightful” and the St. Paul Pioneer Press raves that it “leaves its audience delightfully impaired by extreme laughter.” Don’t miss this delightful and wonderfully comic tale of friendship.

“Corduroy, with its title character’s quest for his missing button, is the story of a little toy bear’s very real need to find a ‘Friend’ and a place to call home, along with that of a little girl’s corresponding need to bring that bear home - as a Friend,” says Playwright Barry Kornhauser. “I’m absolutely delighted that this little adaptation of that story has found a home once again with all of its ‘Friends’ at Children’s Theatre Company where the play was first nurtured and produced. It is always a gift and a joy to work with Peter [Brosius] and his brilliant and passionate team as they bring classic children’s literature to life so vividly, so imaginatively, and so lovingly. Corduroy may have lost a button, but Corduroy has found its way back to the CTC stage, and for that I am ‘beary’ grateful.”  

 

“It is such a joy to bring Corduroy to our stage,” said Corduroy Director and CTC Artistic Director Peter C. Brosius. “This is a story that touches our hearts and has us rolling in laughter. Barry Kornhauser has brought his brilliant comic mind to this adaptation and created a truly delightful play of friendship, persistence and determination and what it means to never give up on your dreams. Corduroy inspires us all with his heart and his hope and we can’t wait to share it with you.”

School groups interested in attending Corduroy can contact schools@childrenstheatre.org for more information. This production is best enjoyed by everyone age 4 and up. Lap passes are available for children 3 years and younger. Runtime: ​90 minutes with one 15-minute intermission. 

The Book Club Play comes to Theatre in the Round Jan 27 to Feb 19

Theatre in the Round Presents 

THE BOOK CLUB PLAY BY KAREN ZACARÍAS

January 27 to February 19

Audience discussion follows the performances on February 12

Theatre in the Round Players (TRP) continues its 71st season with the light-hearted comedy about books and the people who love them. The Book Club Play runs weekends January 27 to February 19, with a Monday Pay-What-You-Can performance on February 6.  

Laughter and literature collide in this smart comedy about Ana, a tightly wound bibliophile who seems to have it all: an adoring husband, the perfect job and her greatest passion - Book Club. But when her cherished group becomes the focus of a documentary film, their intimate discussions about life and literature take a turn for the hilarious in front of the inescapable camera lens. Shanan Custer directs the seven-member cast with sets designed by Greg Vanselow, costumes by Rebecca Karstad, lighting by Dietrich Poppen, props by Bobbie Smith, and sound by Scott Gilbert.

The Book Club Play runs January 27 to February 10. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2pm.

Tickets are $25. For information, call the theatre’s box office at 612-333-3010 or visit its website at www.TheatreintheRound.org. Book clubs of 6 or more that wish to come as a group have access to $18 tickets by calling the box office or emailing tix@theatreintheround.org and mentioning the “Book Club Deal.”

Minneapolis Businesses Come Together to Donate Winter Clothing to Hennepin Healthcare

Left to right: Jennifer DeCubellis, Melvin Tennant, Lester Bagley, Lisa Goodman, Tykia Hess, RN

For the past month, Minneapolis partner businesses and individuals came together to gather new, warm clothes for Hennepin Healthcare patients through the Meet Minneapolis Warm Winter Clothing Drive. On January 5th more than 370 items were donated for distribution to patients in need at the Hennepin Healthcare Clinic and Specialty Center.

Per Melvin Tennant, Meet Minneapolis President and CEO, “Minneapolis neighbors stick together. And when we learned that Hennepin Healthcare had a great need to help patients and families with something as vital as warm clothing, we quickly launched a clothing drive. We reached out to get a sense of what some specific clothing items were needed, and then the Meet Minneapolis Warm Winter Clothing Drive went full speed ahead to help. We can’t thank our partners enough for pitching in to make sure our friends and neighbors – especially those in communities who struggle with financial or housing insecurity – have access to warm clothing.”

From December 5th through the 30th, Meet Minneapolis collected new, warm clothes to be donated to Hennepin Healthcare. Many Hennepin Healthcare patients have financial challenges. Some patients have damaged clothing after an accident or clothing has been removed to access wounds. Others may not have adequate clothing for the cold weather. Meet Minneapolis staff, board members and partner businesses contributed to the warm clothing drive, donating new coats, boots, pants, tops, mittens, scarves, socks and more.

“Our unique position as Minnesota’s largest level one trauma center means that many patients have pants, tops or clothing ripped or soiled when they arrive,” explained Jennifer DeCubellis. Hennepin Healthcare CEO. “After they have been treated, many patients are in need of clothing so they can be discharged with dignity. Thank you, Meet Minneapolis, for seeing the need and making a difference. We are proud of our Doing Good for Hennepin Healthcare program and encourage other businesses and groups to learn more.”

“Hennepin Healthcare Foundation has the honor of connecting the generosity of the community to the mission of Hennepin Healthcare,” added Theresa Pesch, President and VP of Philanthropy at Hennepin Healthcare Foundation. “Caring for all who walk through our door takes resources and an exceptional team. We are so thankful to Meet Minneapolis for supporting the patients in need of clothing to be discharged with dignity or those in need of extra layers during our winter here in Minneapolis.”

“There are many different narratives of what Minneapolis is and what it isn’t,” said Minneapolis City Council Member Lisa Goodman, a Meet Minneapolis Board Member. “One thing we know to be true is that we consistently have tremendous levels of community engagement in our city. That includes volunteering and giving back to our community, and a perfect example of that is this impactful clothing drive.”

“I’m especially grateful for all of those in the hospitality industry that contributed to this important effort to share warm clothing with patients in need at Hennepin Healthcare,” stated Lester Bagley, Meet Minneapolis Board Chair and Minnesota Vikings Executive Vice President. “On behalf of the entire Meet Minneapolis team, thank you to all who donated to help support members of our community.”

Stone Arch Bridge On Minneapolis by Ric Rosow

Submitted by Ric Rosow

Stone Arch Bridge on Minneapolis

I was working on a photograph of Downtown Minneapolis that I took New Year's Day. The sky was unremarkable, rather pale. There were no clouds, no blue or pink tones.The cityscape however looked good. The buildings were sharp and clear with a mixture of complimentary colors. I decided to combine the three images I had open at the time into one image. The other two images were close ups of the Stone Arch Bridge, images that contained very different colors from downtown. My end result is a digital version of a photomontage, a process that includes cutting, gluing, rearranging and overlapping several images. After overlapping the images I was able to modify the result to obtain a color balance and tone that I liked. Other artists in the Tres Leches Art Gallery physically combine different materials, textures, types of paint, resins and objects to create works of two or more dimensions. Photography is one dimensional. Creating the perception of dimension is a goal of almost all fine art photography.

You can view my work in person and the work of other Tres Leches artists, a number of whom create two and three dimensional works of art, this Thursday evening, January 5, at the Tres Leches Art Gallery, Studio 173, located in the Northrup King Building, 1500 Jackson Street NE from 5-9pm. On Saturday, January 21 from 5-9pm NKB will be open for you to browse works from hundreds of artists and shop multiple open creative studio. There is plenty of free Parking, a passenger elevator, and comfortable spaces for you to enjoy.

Meet Chief of Police, Brian O'Hara, at the Ukrainian Center, January 11

Message from Council Member Rainville

Greetings to all my Ward 3 neighbors,

I want to start by wishing all of you a Happy New Year. I'm looking forward to another great year of working for you all.

I want to invite you to the Ukrainian Event Center (301 NE Main St) on Wednesday, January 11 at 6pm to hear from our new Chief of Police, Brian O'Hara. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about Chief O'Hara's vision for MPD, and ask any questions you may have. 

I hope to see many of you there.

Your neighbor,

Michael

MacPhail Announces Free Family Event Saturday, January 21

MacPhail Center for Music has announced a free family event with a concert and activities for children Saturday, January 21, 2023.

The soulful sounds of Motown will combine with the power of the trombone as The Paper Clips provide an informative and engaging performance at Sing Play Learn with MacPhail®’s next Free Family Music Series. The Paper Clips will connect the sounds of “Hitsville” USA to its roots in Black American and popular music styles of the 20th century, a program for fans of all ages. The vibrancy of Minneapolis will set the stage in Antonello Hall at MacPhail’s downtown location. Members of The Paper Clips trombone quartet include Chris Allen, Brooklynne Audette, Lauren Husting and MacPhail’s very own Ben Bussey.

Activities Include:
•Free Family Concerts at 10:15am and 11:15am
•Instrument exploration
•Visual art station
•Snacks

Bussey, also MacPhail Faculty Member and K12 School Partnerships Development Representative, expressed his excitement about sharing this program with such a young audience. “We are thrilled to be able to bring some of our classic Motown program to the Free Family Music series. This is the music our parents played for us when we were kids, and we love sharing it with young people. The music of Motown is essential listening when considering the history and impact of Black American music in world popular culture. The blending of jazz and gospel in the city of Detroit birthed an unmistakable sound in the 1960s that continues to resonate with people today, and launched the careers of artists like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, and many more.” 

Dry January? Try These Non-Alcohol Beers from FINNEGANS

If your New Year's resolution pledge is to give up drinking alcohol for the month of January, that doesn’t mean giving up going out or having fun. FINNEGANS has three Non-Alcohol Hairless Dog beers for you to enjoy. Unlike many non-alcoholic beers, Hairless Dog is the first truly 0.0% craft beer in the U.S. Not a drop of alcohol has been produced during the making process, which is unique.

The Citra Lager and IPA are on tap in FINNEGANS' Taproom. Additionally, Hairless Dog is found in many retail outlets - consult the Beer Finder to locate one nearest to you. If you are new to the brand, FINNEGANS is also offering 25 store samplings across the metro area so you can try before you buy.

Magical Monochrome Morning With a Touch of Maroon and Gold

Thank you to Susan Schaefer for sharing this frosty photo overlooking the Mississippi River, taken December 31, 2022.

Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota-North Dakota Shares 5 Things They Learned About Alzheimer’s Disease in 2022

According to the Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota-North Dakota chapter, 2022 was an especially productive and promising year for Alzheimer’s research, including new discoveries related to the causes, risk factors and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Here is their list of the five important things they learned about Alzheimer’s in 2022:

1. Alzheimer’s treatments are getting better. In November, pharmaceutical companies Eisai and Biogen announced positive results from their global Phase 3 clinical trial of an Alzheimer’s drug called lecanemab, slowing the rate of cognitive decline in study participants by 27% over 18 months. These are the most encouraging results we have seen to date for an Alzheimer's treatment. A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) decision on accelerated approval is expected early in January 2022, potentially making lecanemab the second FDA-approved drug in 18 months that changes the course of Alzheimer’s disease.
2. A daily multivitamin may slow brain aging. Research published in September in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association found that taking a multivitamin-mineral supplement every day for 3 years resulted in a statistically significant cognitive benefit. This is the first positive, large-scale, long-term study to show that multivitamin-mineral supplementation for older adults may slow cognitive aging. With confirmation through research, these promising findings have the potential to significantly impact public health — improving brain health, lowering health care costs,  and reducing caregiver burden — especially among older adults.
3. Frozen pizza, candy and soda may raise the risk of cognitive decline. At the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) last summer, new research results found that eating a large amount of ultra-processed food can significantly accelerate cognitive decline. The research was then published in JAMA Neurology in December. Ultra-processed foods make up more than half of American diets. The good news is there are steps we can take to reduce risk of cognitive decline as we age. These include eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting good sleep, staying cognitively engaged, protecting from head injury, not smoking and managing heart health.
4. Experiencing racism is linked to poor memory. Also at AAIC 2022, researchers reported that experiences of structural, interpersonal and institutional racism are associated with lower memory scores and worse cognition in midlife and old age, especially among Black individuals. These data are especially important given Black Americans are about twice as likely, and Hispanic Americans are about one and one-half times as likely, to have Alzheimer’s or other dementias according to the 2022 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report.
5. Wearing hearing aids may reduce risk of dementia. Individuals with hearing loss who used hearing restorative devices had a 19% decrease in risk of long-term cognitive decline, according to research published in December in JAMA Neurology. These data appeared five months after the FDA announced it will allow hearing aids to be sold over the counter, greatly expanding access to 30 million Americans living with hearing loss. In addition to improving daily communication, use of hearing aids may also benefit brain health.

While advancements are happening, the significant impact of Alzheimer's remains. Over a recent 20-year period, deaths from heart disease went down 7.3%, while deaths from Alzheimer’s increased 145%. In 2022, Alzheimer’s and other dementias will cost the nation $321 billion.

“With several FDA decisions expected on Alzheimer’s treatments in 2023, this is a very exciting time in the fight to end this disease,” said Lisa Groon, Alzheimer’s Association Senior Health Systems Director. “Thanks to increased research funding from the federal government and nonprofits we’re hopeful that the new year will bring more advances and discoveries for people living with, and at risk for, Alzheimer’s and other dementia.” 

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. The Minnesota-North Dakota chapter provides no-charge classes for individuals and organizations, support groups, training and resources.

Artaria String Quartet Announces February and April Performances at MacPhail

Members of the Artaria String Quartet from left to right: Annalee Wolf, Ray Shows, Nancy Oliveros and Patricia Ryan

Artaria String Quartet, a long-standing professional quartet based in the Twin Cities, will be performing concerts at MacPhail Center for Music in February and April.

.

The first concert is Friday, February 3 at 7:30pm in Antonello Hall at MacPhail. "Beyond the Wall" features quartets by Zhou Tian, Mendelssohn and Bartok. Tickets are $25 and are available at the Artaria Quartet website, www.artariaquartet.com - scroll below the Quartet photo for show date.

The second concert is Monday, April 17 at 7:30 pm in Antonello Hall at MacPhail. This concert features quartets by Brahms, Haas and Rudd-Moore. Tickets are $25 and are available at the Artaria Quartet website, www.artariaquartet.com - scroll below the Quartet photo for show date.

Firefighters Deliver Gifts to Hennepin Healthcare Burn Center Patients

For the 11th year in a row, Firefighters for Healing volunteers helped spread holiday cheer by shopping for burn survivor patients, wrapping those gifts with love and delivering those gifts via fire truck to the Hennepin Healthcare Burn Unit Center

Scheels in Eden Prairie provided a $5,000 gift card and personal shoppers to help F4H volunteers fulfill wish lists. Volunteers helped wrap and organize the wrapped gifts at the Transitional Healing Center, and the Minneapolis Fire Department helped move gifts to Hennepin Healthcare.

“Helping families through the multiple stages of grief and healing is what Firefighters For Healing aims to do through emergency housing, our camp program and resources. Each year as this gifting event has grown and impacted more families and new frontline staff, they repeatedly tell us that this simple act of kindness means the world to them."

Jake LaFerriere, Founder of Firefighters for Healing and former Minneapolis firefighter

From shopping to wrapping and organizing...

...to transporting...

...and finally delivering to the recipients!

THANK YOU to Firefighters for Healing for your compassion and tireless work in easing the pain of burn survivors! 

Minneapolis Central City Tunnel Project Update

Via a December 20 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. This project is anticipated to be completed summer 2023.

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 enlarging the existing storm tunnel at the Mississippi River.

2nd Ave

• Crews continue tunneling 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

• Tunneling the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Ave continues from the existing tunnel access shaft at the northeast corner of the Washington Ave and Portland Ave intersection.

Tunneling Progress

In December, the project reached 64% completion with excavation. Crews have removed approximately 45,000 tons of material to date. As noted in the infographic above, 45,000 tons is equal to the weight of over four and a half Eiffel Towers.

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. This is necessary for the contractor to utilize the existing shaft to connect the existing tunnel to the new tunnel.
  • 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.

• The north sidewalk along Washington Ave remains restricted between Hennepin Ave and Nicollet Mall. The contractor will resume tunneling from the existing tunnel to the new tunnel at a later date.
  • 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 will remain closed until spring 2023.

• 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: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/projects/central-city-tunnel/

Email the project team: info@mplscentralcitytunnel.com

Contact the project hotline: 612-888-9418

Downtown Skyline Photos by Ric Rosow

Submitted by Ric Rosow

You can see more of my work at #ricrosowphotography and #TresLechesArt.

Winter Sunrise

I awoke early on December 19th. I saw a red sky foretelling the sunrise and steam clouds near and far. That is what attracted me to the scene. But there is so much more to look at. There are the pink and red tones on buildings and the bike trail leading to the tunnel under 35W. Then there are the light trails from cars on 35W and from one car on West River Parkway. Then there are the tire tracks which look like ice crystals on the parking lot of CenterPoint Energy just below 35W. I normally wait to post at least a day after editing a photograph to determine if anything in the image needs more work. Maybe I'll find something tomorrow, but right now I just want to share this beautiful sunrise scene. Interestingly, it does not feature the sun, which is behind the clouds in the upper right of the image.

.

The Setting Moon

The moon was setting in the morning on December 8th after the Full Moon of the prior evening. Technically it is not a full moon, but an hour later when the moon set below the sunset it was at 99.9% of a full moon, a Waning Gibbous Moon. I worked on this image on and off for five days. The image is a composition of two exposures, one exposure for the moon and the other exposure for the foreground, sky and rest of the photo. Though it proved to be challenging I like the result. I love the way the sun, not in the scene, but rising in the east lights up the Carlyle and that it was still early enough for the lights of the sign to be on. The electric transmission tower and lines make clear this is an authentic City Skyscape. There are software tools to use to remove electric line from fine art photos. In this photo removing the transmission lines made no sense. There would be no reason for the tower if there were not transmission lines. And this is part of the downtown cityscape. The absence of the lines would have been obvious and serve no purpose. 

MPRB Invites Local Musicians to Apply to Perform in the 2023 Minneapolis Music in the Parks Series

Bryant Square Park

Apply to perform in the 2023 Minneapolis Music in the Parks series!

The application to perform in the 2023 Minneapolis Music in the Parks series is open!

These concerts take place at seven venues in the Minneapolis park system between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The application process closes January 20, 2023 and performers will be informed of their status no later than April 11, 2023.

Fill out this online form to apply.

Concert Details

Concerts are 60-90 minutes in length. Sound reinforcement is provided at all venues except Bryant Square Park. Please note there are schedule changes from previous years, so read the application carefully.

Applications from all genres are welcome, including Classical, Country, Electronic Dance Music, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, International Music, Jazz, Heavy Metal, Pop, Rap, R&B, Rock or Other.

Venues:

Lake Harriet Bandshell, 4135 W Lake Harriet Parkway

Sundays 2pm and 5:30pm; Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays at 7:30pm; first and third Saturdays at 7:30pm

.

Minnehaha Bandstand, 4801 S Minnehaha Drive

Thursdays and Fridays at 7pm

.

Nicollet Island Pavilion, 40 Power Street

First and third Mondays at 7pm

.

Water Works, 425 West River Parkway

Mondays at 7pm; Fridays at 12pm

.

The Commons, 425 Portland Avenue S

Wednesdays at 12pm; Thursdays at 7pm

.

Father Hennepin Bluff Park, 420 SE Main Street

Tuesdays at 7pm (beginning in July due to park construction)

.

Bryant Square Park, 3101 Bryant Avenue S

Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30pm

.

Questions: Call 612-230-6484 or email concerts@minneapolisparks.org.

Reserve You Table for Lobster Week 2023 at the Nicollet Island Inn

For over a decade, Lobster Week (January 11-15 and 18-22) at the Nicollet Island Inn has been the unofficial last hurrah of the holiday season. Check out the delectable four-course meal prepared by Executive Chef Michael Rain. Reservations

Miller Lite to Ring in the New Year in the Twin Cities with 34th Annual Free Rides

The Free Rides program is part of the company’s mission to promote alcohol responsibility and signifies largest program to date

On December 31, Molson Coors will be sponsoring free rides on New Year’s Eve through the 2022 Miller Lite Free Rides program. To help Twin Cities residents responsibly celebrate one of the busiest nights of the year, free rides will be available on all Metro Transit bus and train routes from 6 p.m. through the end of service on New Year’s Eve.

“We are proud to continue our tradition of helping others ring in the New Year safely with our Free Rides program,” said Tara Hanson, Molson Coors field marketing manager. “This program is just one of the many ways our company is working to promote responsible choices and we encourage all Twin Cities residents to take advantage of the free transportation offered through our partnership with the Metro Transit.”

The 2022 New Year’s Eve Free Rides program concludes a full year of free ride promotions – 13 events have been held in nine cities across the country, helping people safely celebrate festivities like St. Patrick’s Day, the Kentucky Derby, the NFL season and World Series.

The Free Rides program is part of Molson Coors’ commitment to helping individuals celebrate safely. For more than three decades, Molson Coors has provided over 8 million people across the country with safe rides on major holidays and other significant celebrations. Since the program launched locally in 1997, more than 1.6 million people in the Twin Cities area have received free rides.

“Our longstanding partnership with Molson Coors helps ensure people celebrating at events throughout the year can get home safely,” said Metro Transit general manager Wes Kooistra. “We appreciate the ongoing support and look forward to serving our community again this New Year’s Eve.”

In addition to Minneapolis-St. Paul, Molson Coors will also offer free rides on New Year’s Eve through its Free Rides program to residents in Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Milwaukee and Phoenix.

Don’t wait until the ball drops at midnight to plan your ride home. Visit the Metro Transit website to review transit routes to ensure a safe ride home this New Year’s Eve.