Universal Human Exhibit Reception at A-Mill Artist Lofts, April 5

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Beyond our ordinary worlds defined by our memory, our intellect, and our five senses is a mystical realm of beauty, magic and extraordinary potential.

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Universal Human

An Exhibit of Original Paintings by Lori Lentz 

Reception - April 15 12:00 - 5:00 pm

A-Mill Artist Lofts Gallery

315 SE Main Street, Minneapolis, MN 55414

AUTHENTICITY, Acrylics on gallery wrapped canvas 20 x 20" x 1 1/2"

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COMPASSION, Acrylics on gallery wrapped canvas 20" x 20" x 1 1/2"

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METAMORPHOSIS, Acrylics on gallery wrapped canvas 20" x 20" x 1 1/2"

March 2023 Minneapolis Central City Tunnel Project Update

Via a March 17 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 enlarging the existing storm tunnel at the Mississippi River and continue to work on lining the tunnel with concrete.

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 continue to work on 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 continue to work on lining the tunnel with concrete.

Tunneling Progress

In March, the project reached 88% completion with excavation. Crews have removed approximately 60,000 tons of material to date. As noted in the infographic above, 60,000 tons is equal to the weight of almost six Eiffel Towers.

Lining progress

In March, crews continued to work on the concrete tunnel lining. To date,1,800 cubic yards of concrete have been poured. As noted in the infographic above, 1,800 cubic yards is about half the volume of an Olympic swimming pool. This process is approximately 12% 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.

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

“We Are What We Drink” - Free April 5 Workshop with Art to Change the World at MWMO

Workshop includes a takeaway memory from the drawers and a “Pearl” T-Shirt.

Join Art to Change the World for a workshop exploring the origins of our drinking water. Explore Pearl’s 21 discovery drawers and participate in experiments and activities focused on water quality.

The event takes place April 5th, 6:00-8:00pm at Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (WMWO) 2522 Marshall Street NE.

Workshop includes a takeaway memory from the drawers and a “Pearl” T-Shirt. Please state size in registration request. Maximum Registration 10. Ages 8 and up. For more information contact: francesbates22@gmail.com.

To register email: info@arttochangetheworld.org. Learn more about this Art to Change the World project here.

The 2023 Minneapolis Teen Job Fair is April 15th

Minneapolis Teen Job & Opportunity Fair
10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, April 15
2117 West River Road N

The Minneapolis Teen Job & Opportunity Fair brings together hundreds of young people and youth-serving programs every year from around the city to learn about opportunities with many local employers. This is the perfect place for Minneapolis youths to power up their summer job search.

Employers attending and hiring at the job fair include:

• City of Bloomington
• Great Wolf Lodge
• Home Depot
• The Loppet Foundation
• Minneapolis Police Department
• Steven Scott Management
• True Friends

Young people can attend one of the prep rallies in the days and weeks before the April 15 event to meet employers, research jobs, discover their skills and interests, and create their resume.

Learn more about how to get involved.

Grain Exchange Barbershop Closing March 31 - Memorabilia on Sale Now

Editor's note: Thank you to Bob Haddow and David Skarjune for sharing this information!

The oldest barbershop in Minneapolis succumbs to renovation - Closing March 31

Many downtown office towers had barbershops in their lobbies years ago. The Grain Exchange Barbershop is the last of its kind and oldest barbershop in Minneapolis. A little hard to find, invisible from the street, it’s worth the effort if you appreciate turn-of-the-century architecture.

New Grain Exchange building management will be renovating the lobby, and the barbershop is the last surviving business in the lobby. While the building itself is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the barbershop is not protected under that status.

Whenever a shop like this disappears, the community suffers. The downtown area is transforming into a residential neighborhood, while business activity has declined. Bob worked hard to maintain relationships with longtime customers, along with attracting new downtown residents.

The barbershop is full of history, classic barber equipment, artwork, and funky kitsch (Bob the Barber is also a painter, writer, and art historian). Here’s the last chance to tour the shop, chat with Bob, and even get a reasonable haircut at a reasonable price.

For more information on hours, servies and items available for purchase, visit the website, call 612-333-7426 or visit Barber Bob.

Miller Lite Free Rides Teams up with MTC on St. Patrick's Day, March 17

Twin Cities locals can count themselves lucky this St. Patrick’s Day as Molson Coors will partner with Metro Transit to offer free public transportation through the Miller Lite Free Rides program. Ensuring a safe transportation option is available to those having a shamrockin’ good time, fare will be free beginning March 17 at 6 p.m., until the end of regular service.

St. Patrick’s Day Free Rides is the first event in the 2023 annual Free Rides program — part of Molson Coors’ three-decade-old tradition of promoting alcohol responsibility by helping individuals celebrate safely on major holidays and celebrations throughout the year. In 2022, free transportation was offered in nine different cities through Molson Coors’ partnerships with local mass transit. This year, merrymakers across the country can look forward to free rides during the Kentucky Derby, the NFL season and New Year’s Eve. Since the inception of the Free Rides program, safe transportation has been provided to more than 8 million people.

“We are excited to continue our longstanding partnership with Molson Coors and help provide people access to safe and reliable transportation as they celebrate St. Patrick’s Day,” said Metro Transit interim general manager Lesley Kandaras. “Since 1997, the Miller Lite Free Rides program has become a dependable option to get Minneapolis residents to and from their holiday destinations.”

Visit the Metro Transit website to review transit routes and plan a safe ride home.

The Classical Music Project Presents Beethoven REimagined, April 23 at Westminster

The Classical Music Project has announced their inaugural concert, Beethoven REimagined, will take place at 3:00pm on April 23 at Westminster Hall, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1200 Marquette.

This all-Beethoven event includes the Minnesota Premiere of Sonata for Orchestra, the brilliant transformation of Beethoven’s Sonata no. 7 for Violin and Piano into a showpiece for a much larger ensemble, arranged by Garrett Schumann and Yaniv Segal. Also programmed is Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No.4 Op. 58, showcasing Steinway Artist Ignacio “Nachito” Herrera. Conductor/composer Yaniv Segal will be on the podium throughout.

The Classical Music Project is an emerging musical venture, created by professional musicians who are passionate about music composed primarily between the 17th and 19th centuries (but not only), and want to bring it to life in delightful new ways. The Classical Music Project aims to showcase outstanding local, national, and international talent in flexible configurations, ranging from one solo player up to a 33-piece classical-sized orchestra. Through engaging, thought-provoking, and carefully crafed programs, The Classical Music Project aspires to create an intimate, approachable, and moving musical experience that both delights each listener of the audience and celebrates live music.

Hosted within the Incubator Program of Springboard for the Arts, The Classical Music Project is guided by a spirit that older music can be made wonderfully new again.

The Sonata for Orchestra was arranged in Beethoven’s style, from the Sonata Op. 30 No.2 for Violin and Piano, by Garrett Schumann and Yaniv Segal. The collaborators have by effect created a new C minor symphony that foreshadows Beethoven’s dramatic Symphony No. 5. The orchestration requires capable musicians at every stand in the ensemble. The Sonata for Orchestra is available on a recording with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. 

Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No.4 Op.58 in G Major is one of the pinnacles of the piano concerto repertoire. The concerto’s opening was considered radical when Beethoven premiered himself in 1807. His early biographer suggested the slow movement’s interplay between strings and piano conjures the imagery of Orpheus calming the mythical Furies. The elegant almost Haydn-like last movement dazzles with a rhythmic theme. For many audiences, the cadenzas alone make the performances of this masterpiece fulfilling.

Steinway Artist Ignacio “Nachito” Herrera is a master of Afro-Cuban jazz as well as Classical music, winner of Emmys, Grammys, and Minnesota Music Awards. He has performed with the Minnesota Orchestra among many others and made his solo debut at the age of 12, performing Rachmaninoff’s Concerto No.2 with the Havana Symphony Orchestra. In January 2023, he headlined the Havana International Jazz Festival for the second consecutive year.

Yaniv Segal has achieved critical success since childhood for his work as a conductor, composer, actor, and violinist. A rising star who is “redefining classical music” (Esquire Magazine), Yaniv is Music Director of the Salina Symphony, Conductor Laureate and Artistic Advisor of the Chelsea Symphony, and former Assistant Conductor of the Naples Philharmonic and Detroit Symphony Orchestras.

The Orchestra of The Classical Music Project is comprised of highly accomplished local, professional musicians who have performed with all the major musical organizations in Minnesota, as well as other distinguished ensembles across the U.S. 

Tickets:

$50 Premium seating /$20 General seating. Purchase tickets online, or call the Dakota Box Office at 612-332-JAZZ (5299). Attendees have the option of parking in the Westminster Garage beneath the Church, entrance on Alice Rainville Place, $10.

FRGMNT COFFEE Comes to the Mill District Spring 2023

FRGMNT COFFEE is a multi-roaster cafe that is focused on bringing coffee and offerings from around the globe. FRGMNT COFFEE is owned by Ben Banse, a veteran of Twin Cities craft coffee, and his business partner Sarah Roehl. They opened the first cafe in late 2019 in the North Loop in the Nordic, 729 Washington Avenue. They added their second location in Spring 2022 in the One Southwest Crossing building in Eden Prairie, with a third location opened Riverplace in January 2023. They are now set to open their fourth location in the Mill District this Spring in Open Book, 1011 Washington Avenue S.

Open Book is a center for reading, writing, and book arts. It is a cornerstone of the Mill District and FRGMNT is excited to bring a cafe back to the space. The space is being designed by Christian Dean Architecture and will have several seating areas as well as bar seating with a front-row seat to the action.

This location will offer FRGMNT's rotating espresso and coffee offerings as well as a retail market, baked goods from Honey & Rye, and FRGMNT fares grab-and-go food.

Follow them on social at @frgmntcoffee.

NIEBNA and NEBA Sponsor Summer Fun Events

The Nicollet Island-East Bank Neighborhood Association and the Northeast Business Association are pleased to announce major summer fun events in the Nicollet Island-East Bank Neighborhood!

April 22, 2023 EARTH DAY Celebration and Neighborhood Clean-Up. Spend quality time with friends making sure the local community is cleaned up in honor of Earth Day. RSVP

June 23, 2023 DOG PARADE. This popular event returns! Show up at Riverplace on Main with your costumed canine and kids for a really fun parade and prize contests. RSVP

August 1, 2023 NATIONAL NIGHT OUT, Chute Square Park. Food, fun, and celebration of this great neighborhood with your friends and neighbors. RSVP

NIEBNA and NEBA welcome volunteers for each event - Sign up here. You can also keep up with NIEBNA on Twitter or Facebook.

New Minneapolis Park Markets Begin This Summer

Weekly Park Markets launch in June at Lake Harriet, Market Square, Water Works, Minnehaha Falls, and The Commons; Vendor applications are due March 31.

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) has announced new Minneapolis Park Markets launching at five parks in June! This new initiative will create attractions that enhance the sense of community at parks while helping local e.trepreneurs, producers and artists share their goods and services and grow their business ventures. 

Market Locations and Hours

Lake Harriet

Where: 4135 W Lake Harriet Parkway

When: Sundays, 2:30-6:30 pm; June 4-Aug. 27

Note: Market will be located near Lake Harriet Bandshell, which features concerts at 2pm and 5pm through Minneapolis Music in the Parks

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Market Square

Where: 2225 Lake St. E

When: Wednesdays 3-7 pm; June 5-Aug. 30

Note: Market Square is Minneapolis’ newest official park property

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Water Works

Where: 425 West River Parkway

When: Fridays, 10 am-2 pm; June 2-Aug. 25

Note: Priority given to Indigenous vendors and artists

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Minnehaha Regional Park

Where: 4801 S Minnehaha Drive

When: Fridays, 4-8 pm; June 2-Aug. 25

Note: Market will be located along walkway with view of Minnehaha Falls

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The Commons

Where: 425 Portland Ave. S

When: Wednesdays, 11 am-3 pm; June 7-Aug. 30

Note: Market will be run by community organization The Black Market, which highlights local black entrepreneurs and professionals.

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Become a Vendor

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Anyone interested in a space at one of the Minneapolis Park Markets can apply by filling out the Minneapolis Park Market Vendor Application. Visit The Black Market website to apply for The Commons Park Market.

Applications are due Friday, March 31, 2023. Vendors will be notified of their status by April 14, 2023. Full Season, Half Season, and Partial Season rates are available. Only handcrafted items will be allowed to be sold, no imports.

March 22 Bourbon Buyout Event at Nicollet Island Inn

Whiskey-lovers event at the Nicollet Island Inn

 

Oak, almond, hazelnut, pecan and other nutty-tasting notes will be sniffed, swirled and savored during a special Bourbon Buyout tasting event at the Nicollet Island Inn on Wednesday, March 22 beginning at 5 PM.  

 

Guests will enjoy tasting pours from the Inn's hard to find labels and vintages, expertly paired with the chef's cuisine, prepared to complement every delicious note and flavor accent.  

 

A limited number of tickets are available at $180 each and include:

 

• 12 1/2 oz. liquor pours, including 4 rare/allocated pours and 8 run-of-the-bar pours

• Chef’s unlimited buffet

• Select beer and wine available throughout the evening (unlimited)

• Drawings for giveaways of selected bottles and merchandise

• All food, drinks, tax, service charges included

 

A limited number of rooms will be available for overnight stays at $125.

Apply for the Community Commission on Police Oversight

Via a February 28 e-announcement from Ward 3 Council Member Michael Rainville

The City of Minneapolis is seeking applicants for the new 15-member Community Commission on Police Oversight, which will convene for the first time in late April.

The new commission will include 15 members – 13 will be appointed by the City Council (one per ward) and two appointed by the mayor. The civilian commissioners will serve as review panelists on a rotating basis to review investigations of alleged police misconduct. As panelists, they will have direct access to investigatory case files being reviewed and provide recommendations on the merits of misconduct allegations that will be forwarded to the Chief of Police.

The work of the full commission will take place during public meetings, which will provide an opportunity for residents to observe presentations, listen to discussions and provide public input.

The City is seeking applicants that represent a cross-section of Minneapolis, including formerly incarcerated individuals, LGBTQ community members, Black, Indigenous and other people of color, as well as community members from every ward of Minneapolis. 

The application deadline is March 20.

Learn how to apply and find more information on the City’s website.

Click HERE to apply for the Ward 3 seat.

Gopher Baseball Hosts NCAA Powerhouse Teams in Cambria Classic, March 3-5 at U.S. Bank Stadium

One of the nation's premier college baseball tournaments returns to U.S. Bank Stadium with the Cambria College Classic, taking place March 3-5. The games highlight six powerhouse teams from the NCAA, joining the Minnesota Gophers for a nine-game round-robin tournament. 

During the tournament, Cambria will present a variety of family-friendly activities, including a Kid Zone with a batting cage experience, cornhole, Plinko, photo opportunities with Cambi the Cambria mascot, and autograph sessions with players. 

An awards ceremony will be held at the conclusion of the final game between Vanderbilt and Minnesota on March 5, where the championship trophy designed and handcrafted by Cambria will be presented, as well as the all-tournament team and the tournament MVP.

Tickets are $15 per day (3 games each) for all fans and can be purchased in-person on gameday at the U.S. Bank Stadium ticket office or at ticketmaster.com.

Kolman & Reeb Gallery Announces A Fresh Start Celebration, Opening March 18

Jodi Reeb's Signs of Spring encaustic and metallic paint on acrylic disk, 42 x 44 x 2 inches

An artist reception will kick off the celebration of A Fresh Start Celebration exhibition on Saturday, March 18, 7:00p - 9:00p, during the Northrup King Building’s March Northrup King Nights.

Kolman & Reeb Gallery is celebrating in honor of its new partner, Jodi Reeb.

In the spring of 2022, Kolman & Reeb Gallery partnered with highly successful Minneapolis-based artist, Jodi Reeb. This spring, Kolman & Reeb Gallery aims to celebrate Reeb and her accomplishments with its next show, A Fresh Start Celebration. This lively exhibition will celebrate its continued admiration and support of Minnesota artists by showcasing its community of gallery artists' latest contemporary works. 

Jodi ReebFor nearly 30 years, Reeb has worked as a teacher, mentor, and advocate for other Minnesota artists. Her passion is to help artists reach their audience and achieve their professional landmarks. In her new role as gallery partner, Reeb has already helped broaden the reach and enhance the relationships between gallery artists and the patrons of the Minneapolis art community. “My first year as a partner dissolved in a flurry of activity,” Reeb says with a broad smile. “Now it’s time to celebrate and have some fun.”

When she was an up-and-coming artist, Reeb saw the chance to display her art in a gallery as a foundational step to success. In her new role as partner and curator, Reeb views the opportunity to partner with Kolman & Reeb Gallery owner, Anita Sue Kolman  as a tremendous milestone in her career.

“Jodi brings the perspective of a working artist coupled with enthusiasm, energy, and a strong commitment towards building visibility for the gallery among the local arts community,” says Anita Sue Kolman, co-founder and co-partner of Kolman & Reeb Gallery. “Jodi has been strongly connected to the gallery for ten years as a represented artist and as the gallery’s sales associate. She is very knowledgeable about the gallery’s artists and inner workings. As a result, she was able to step into her new role on day one.”

Betsy Ruth Byers' Beckon VII oil on canvas

Kelly Jean Ohl's Natural Wonders hand carved clayBy working together, Kolman and Reeb have the combined power to help further establish Kolman & Reeb Gallery as a foundational part of the Minneapolis art community through broader and more impactful exhibitions. A Fresh Start Celebration will demonstrate and celebrate this effort by including works by gallery artists, Cameron Zebrun, Betsy Ruth Byers, Jil Evans, Abby Mouw, Kelly Jean Ohl, Julie Snidle, and guest artist, Annie Irene Hejny.

Help Out a Mechanic or Auto Body Specialist in Training - Donate Your Old Vehicle to Newgate School!

Editor's Note - This is a follow up to an article we posted in late 2021.

Blythe from Newgate School recently shared some concerning news with us. Per Blythe, "Right now, we’re very, very short on inventory for both our students and the Wheels for Women program. Since COVID and the supply chain issues with new cars, we’re down more than 50% on donated vehicles. We just can’t provide vehicles in the way we have done in the past." 

So, my request to Mill City Times readers is this: If you or anyone you know is planning to purchase a new vehicle, and the one you're replacing is in need of body work and/or mechanical repairs, please consider donating it to Newgate. An organization that offers tuition-free training to underserved young adults, and then gifts those fixed vehicles to single mothers, is a true asset to our community!

Thank you! Kim :)

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Below is Becky Fillinger's November 2021 interview with Blythe:

Blythe SeversonHave you heard of Newgate School? I recently learned of this a marvelous nonprofit which trains young adults for careers in the automotive industry. We spoke to Blythe Severson, Executive Director, about the origins of the school and the many levels of generosity they provide to the community.

Q:  Please tell us the history and mission of the Newgate School.

 A:  Newgate School was founded in 1975 as a nonprofit, tuition-free automotive training facility for underserved young adults in the Twin Cities. Many of our students could not afford post-secondary training or were not successful in traditional classroom style settings. They were struggling to find good paying jobs to support themselves and their families. Students who enroll at Newgate learn through hands-on training on donated vehicles. The students learn auto body and collision repair and general auto mechanics from highly professional and experienced instructors. Within 12 to 18 months, they graduate and join the automotive workforce, earning a good wage and are on their way to a successful and satisfying career.

Q:  How do car donations help the school and the donor?

A:  Newgate depends almost entirely on vehicle donations from the community. People really appreciate the program because it's such a win-win for everyone. Donors provide us with their vehicles and receive a tax deduction on that year's tax return. Students get vehicles they can work on to learn the skills they need to become entry level automotive technicians. The vehicles can get a second life as Newgate sells the repaired and refurbished cars at a local dealer auction and 100% of the proceeds are used at the school to run its operations. Even those vehicles we can't use in training are sold or used for parts so every car donation benefits the school. The local community wins because our students are on their way to better paying jobs that allow them economic independence. The best cars for our students are 15 years old or newer with minimal rust, but we take pretty much any vehicle because they all help the school in one way or another. We love any mechanical or body issue since that's what we need to teach our students. Even cars with blown engines work for us! 

Q:  How many students have graduated from your programs? Do you have information on where they’ve found employment?

A:  Newgate trains up to 28 students at a time in our programs. The training works because it's geared specifically to each individual student. Some students who have experience working on cars with their family members may only take 10 months to graduate. Others with English as a second language or with little to no experience working on cars may take 15 months to graduate. Newgate meets them where they are and as long as they have a genuine desire for an automotive career and are committed to the training, our job is to get them through the curriculum and ready for employment on graduation.

Our average placement rate ranges between 95%-100%. We partner with dealerships, national brands and local, individually-owned shops to match our students’ skills and aspirations with companies and environments that will continue to support their success. Newgate's reputation in the local industry is well-known and shops seek out and appreciate our graduates. We set up our training to run like a real shop, and students can work on as many as 50 projects during training, which is invaluable "on-the-job" training that many other automotive programs can't match. The ability to provide that kind of training is completely due to the community donations we gratefully receive.

Q:  Please tell us about the Wheels for Women program.

A:  Newgate's founder started the Wheels program in the mid-90's. Through working in the industry, he became aware of the significant number of young moms struggling to meet the needs of their children in part because they had no access to reliable transportation. Imagine raising your family, working full-time, bringing kids to daycare, managing errands, school activities and health appointments without a vehicle. So Newgate students began repairing 1-2 cars per month to give to single moms who are working or going to school full-time. There are some pretty strict requirements for which cars are selected for the program, and they must pass a rigorous maintenance check. Students get the satisfaction of paying it forward and the school has now provided close to 800 vehicles for single, working moms. We know that the program makes an incredible difference in their lives. Kids make it to school on a regular basis and are able to participate in sports and other activities, moms can keep a job because they can get there reliably each day and no longer have to depend on friends or family to get groceries or keep appointments. Some moms are even able to plan for additional schooling for themselves, all because they have reliable transportation.

Q:  How may we follow your news?

 A:  You can find Newgate on our website, on Facebook, Instagram and nextdoor.

We welcome Mill City Times readers to come for a tour. Drop by 2900 Hennepin Avenue E or call 612-378-0177.

 

Mill City Museum Wins Fourth Place in Best History Museum Contest

Via a February 24 press release from Mill City Museum

Mill City Museum has won the honor of being named among the best history museums in the nation. Online voters chose the Minneapolis museum as the fourth place finisher.

The recent contest included 20 sites from around the country, which were nominated by an expert panel for USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice travel awards. Results were announced this morning at 11 am CST.

“Throughout this contest, we’ve been honored to hear the stories of what Mill City Museum means to our visitors,” said Site Manager David Stevens. “Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote us into the top five.”

The following museums placed in the top five:

1. National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio
2. Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
3. National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center in Columbus, Georgia
4. Mill City Museum in Minneapolis, Minnesota
5. Cincinnati History Museum in Cincinnati, Ohio

More information about the contest and results are available here.

You can learn more about Mill City Museum and its upcoming events, including tomorrow’s STEM Family Day!

Welcome Back the Herons Event - March 18 at Marshall Terrace Park

Saturday March 18 / 11:00am – 1:00pm

Great blue herons start returning to their rookery on the Mississippi River toward the end of March. Join Mississippi Park Connection and Ranger Will at Marshall Terrace Park, 2740 Marshall Street NE in Minneapolis to watch them rebuild nests and do a little flirting. If you're lucky, you might see the resident peregrine falcons fly over, as well as migrating ducks like buffleheads and goldeneye.

• The even takes place on the banks of the Mississippi River, weather permitting. Prepare for some mud or ice.
• Binoculars and cameras are encouraged - there will be a few spotting scopes to aid viewing the birds.
• This event is free, but registration is required to help with crowd control.
• A ranger or volunteer will greet you on the walking path near the trail that leads to the river bank.
• The walking path is fully accessible, but the trail that leads down to the river bank is not. The heron rookery is still visible from the walking path. Please ask a park ranger or volunteer for assistance.
• Free parking can be reliably found on the street adjacent to the park, Marshall Street SE. Please allow heron-viewers with mobility needs to use the park's smaller parking lot.

Registration  *  Facebook Event

Local Food and Culture Luminaries Launch Nonprofit, BIPOC Foodways Alliance

Chef / Writer Mecca Bos and Chef Sean Sherman recently founded BIPOC Foodways Alliance with a mission to document and share underrepresented food stories.

Launch event / fundraiser slated for Feb 28 at Glass House

Mecca Bos has been a food writer and chef for the past 25 years, working extensively around Black Foodways specifically, but also with BIPOC communities in the Twin Cities and beyond. Her partner, Sean Sherman, is the co-owner of award-winning restaurant Owamni, and nonprofit North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems (NATIFS). Together they have launched BIPOC Foodways Alliance, with a diverse group of board members who are hosting a ticketed launch event and fundraiser on February 28th.

While everyone has a food story, not everyone has a restaurant. The group’s main focus will be convening small events built around a community member and their story. The series is called the BIPOC Foodways Alliance Table (BFAT). The Table will provide a platform for those stories, intentionally inviting a diverse group of guests to have a seat at the table, to promote cross-cultural understanding and sharing through the universally spoken language of food. The organization intends to share stories across the Table itself, but also with the broader community using multiple forms of media: print, video, audio, and beyond. The Tables serve as both the core program of the organization and as a place to preserve, uplift, and protect the stories of BIPOC communities.

With the generous pro bono support of law firm Faegre Drinker, the organization is slated to reach 501c3 status by the end of 2023, and the fundraiser seeks to keep the project alive and well until that time.

The launch party will take place Tuesday, February 28 at Glass House, 145 Holden Street N, from 6pm to 10pm. It will feature entertainment by Cornbread Harris, DJ Tricky Miki, food by Sean Sherman, plus a presentation by Mecca Bos and members of the board, including Chef Yia Vang. A cash bar will feature BIPOC-created cocktails.

Sliding scale tickets are available via Eventbrite.

Great River Coalition Announces Annual Earth Day 5K Bee Run/Walk/River Cleanup at Boom Island Park, April 22

The Great River Coalition has announced their annual Earth Day 5K Bee Run/Walk/River Cleanup at Boom Island Park, 724 Sibley Street NE, will take place Saturday, April 22 from 9am to 12pm. The event features a family and dog-friendly fun run/walk, river cleanup, and Earth Day festivities to protect pollinators and their habitat. Learn more and register at greatrivercoalition.com/2023-beerunwalkcleanup.

Since 2017, the Great River Coalition has been raising funds for pollinator plantings along the Mississippi River and building awareness about the importance of protecting and saving our pollinators due to climate and environmental changes. Native pollinators, including the federally endangered Rusty-patched bumble bee and other wild bees, need our help more than ever.

The Earth Day 5K Bee Run/Walk/River Cleanup is hosted by the Great River Coalition, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, the National Park Service, St. Catherine University, Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, and Mill City Running/St. City Running.

The 5K course traverses through the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area - the only national park offering scenic views of the Mississippi River. Following the 5K, participants will be able to take part in an organized river cleanup and enjoy festivities including live music and entertainment, prizes, games for kids, demonstrations, and more. Photo ops will include a bee-themed selfie station, notable appearances, and mascots. Bee and pollinator themed costumes are highly encouraged! All are encouraged to participate in the event to help save our bees and other pollinators.

Rusty-patched bumble bee“Great River Coalition is working to expand the habitat for our pollinators,” said Board President Diane Hofstede. “If you walk along our Minneapolis riverfront, or travel around the state, you’ll see the limited food resources that sustain our pollinators as they travel along the Mississippi River. The erosion created by the lack of grasslands contributes to soil and water pollution, and encourages invasive species. The Rusty-patched bumble bee, Minnesota’s state bumble bee, is now listed as critically endangered. They have lost 95% of their range, and experienced a 90% decrease in abundance. We aim to bring awareness to the vital role pollinators play in the health of our riverfront communities.”

Event Details:

The cost is $40 in advance, $45 on Race Day. Free for kids race (ages 6 and under) and River Clean Up. Includes family-friendly activities and a celebration of Earth Day.

The 5K will start promptly at 9am. A free kids race, with goodie bags, will be held at 8:30am - children must be age 6 or under and must be registered before the event, either online or in-person.

River Clean Up volunteers should also register online before the event. This activity is free.

Minneapolis Central City Tunnel Project Update - February 17

Via a February 17 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 and have begun lining the tunnel with concrete.

 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 February, the project reached 77% completion with excavation. Crews have removed approximately 55,500 tons of material to date. As noted in the infographic above, 55,500 tons is equal to the weight of more than five Eiffel Towers.

Lining Progress

In February, crews continued to work on the concrete tunnel lining. To date,1,400 cubic yards of concrete have been poured. As noted in the infographic above, 1,400 cubic yards is equal to about two fifths the volume of an Olympic swimming pool. This process is approximately 10.5% 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.

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