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.

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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.

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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

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Minnehaha Bandstand, 4801 S Minnehaha Drive

Thursdays and Fridays at 7pm

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Nicollet Island Pavilion, 40 Power Street

First and third Mondays at 7pm

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Water Works, 425 West River Parkway

Mondays at 7pm; Fridays at 12pm

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The Commons, 425 Portland Avenue S

Wednesdays at 12pm; Thursdays at 7pm

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Father Hennepin Bluff Park, 420 SE Main Street

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

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Bryant Square Park, 3101 Bryant Avenue S

Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30pm

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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.

Kolman & Reeb Gallery Announces Currents: Nature Inspired Wall Sculptures by Cameron Zebrun, Opening January 14

Kolman & Reeb Gallery has announced its next Project Space grantee exhibition, Currents, by artist Cameron Zebrun. The exhibition opens January 14, 2023. The gallery will host an artist reception on Saturday, January 21, 2023, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., during the Northup King Building’s Northrup King Nights. On Thursday, February 2, 2023, Zebrun will discuss his work with Kenneth Steinbach, art professor, Bethel University, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., during the Northrup King Building’s First Thursday.

The generous Project Space grant “rejuvenated my spiritual connection with nature, which is at the core of my artistic practice,” says Zebrun. Zebrun’s sculptures incorporate sleek lines, elegant curves, and seductive colors derived from nature. Cartography, geography, and topography also play important roles in his work. The results are elegant sculptures formed from thin layers of wood on which he paints, and collages abstractions based on his observations of nature.

A prolific sculptor, the grant allowed Zebrun to travel to inspiring new locations in Banff and Olympic National Park and areas along the Canadian Rockies and the northern US West Coast. “I spent a lot of time documenting my experiences through sketches and photography,” he says. These fresh perspectives ignited his ever-evolving fascination with portraying landscape subject matter in surprising and non-traditional ways, giving life to his show, Currents. These new places gave Zebrun new viewpoints for his sculptures and inspired photographic collages and video animation specific to this show. “The small collages bridge my sculptural and photographic work,” Zebrun says. “For this exhibition, I’ve experimented with different forms to manifest my ideas. The work reflects my obsessions over the last three years and represents a culmination of my aesthetic interests.”

“We’re proud to support Cameron in his new artistic endeavor,” says  Anita Sue Kolman, co-founder and co-partner, Kolman & Reeb Gallery. “For years, we’ve admired the sensations Cameron’s abstract sculptures generate. We’re eager to show viewers sculptures and collages created from his travels through the project space grant.” The gallery is working closely with Zebrun to curate Currents, says Kolman, as “a presentation of Cameron’s artwork allows viewers to gaze upon the mastery of his skill, the creativity of his vision, and elegance of the artwork.”

Jodi Reeb, gallery curator and co-partner, is “excited to see the whole process of Cameron’s journey and how he approached the creation of the work from his travels. I admire how he records patterns and forces of nature in both collage and sculpture.” Reeb is eager to showcase Zebrun’s work in the gallery.
Zebrun explains, while he creates art based in nature, “the work is far from traditional or sentimental. Instead, it presents a challenging and surprising way to consider landscape. Even as viewers look at the different media, they’ll see my recognizable style while also sensing mystery and content open to interpretation.”

For a preview of the show, please contact Anita Sue Kolman at anita@kolmanreebgallery.com or 612-385-4239 or Jodi Reeb at jodi@kolmanreebgallery.com or 612-247-1244.

Minneapolis Public Works is Training and Hiring

Excerpt from the December 8 City of Minneapolis e-news:

The City of Minneapolis’ Public Works Department is looking for people to join the teams that keep the city running. Help spread the word about these opportunities with friends, family and community.

Public Works is hiring and training for several job openings:

• Public Works service worker 1 trainee: performs manual labor, learns to drive and operate equipment. Supports the department’s construction and maintenance activities. You will be supported in obtaining your CDL Class B license.
• Public Works service worker 1: performs manual labor and drives and operates equipment to support construction and maintenance work.
• Public Works service worker 2: performs manual labor, drives and operates heavy specialty equipment to support construction and maintenance work.
• Water distribution operator trainee: performs manual labor to maintain the City’s water distribution system.
• Water distribution operator: performs manual labor and semi-skilled work to maintain the City’s water distribution system.

Read more information on the City website.

See a list of upcoming information sessions. 

MacPhail Announces 2022-23 GMI Artists in Residence

MacPhail's Global Music Initiative Announces This Year’s Performance and Teaching Artists in Residence 

MacPhail Center for Music is excited to announce this year's roster for the Global Music Initiative (GMI) Artists in Residence program. This program brings exciting, culturally relevant, inclusive and free music performances and education opportunities to communities and schools across Minnesota.

Now in its third year, MacPhail’s GMI Artist-in-Residence program gives Minnesota musicians opportunities to perform or teach music that fosters innovation and cultural equality, with contributions of many different styles and traditions. The purpose of the initiative is to create inclusive curricula, teaching methods, and provide ample performance opportunities outside of the classical canon.

“Minnesota has one of the richest and historic music communities in the world. I’m just so excited that we get to showcase musicians of this caliber. Through these residencies, we have access to these magnificent musicians, and we get to put them in spots where lots of people can benefit from live music and engage with these artists,” says Christopher Rochester, MacPhail Director of the Global Music Initiative, and jazz program.

New to the residency program is the addition of the teaching artist track which will directly connect resident artists with students in K-12 schools through Minnesota at no cost to the school. Elizabeth Winslow, MacPhail’s Director of School Partnerships explains, “By engaging with our artists in residence, K-12 music educators can begin to bridge the gaps between traditional music education and expanding students’ musical horizons. The curriculum's created better reflect their students’ backgrounds.”

The teaching artists for the 2022-23 GMI Artists in Residence are Fode Bangoura, Yanathan Bekure, Ernest Bisong, Soojin Lee, Siama Matuzungidi, Krysta ‘K.Raydio’ Rayford, and Terrell Woods/Carnage the Executioner. Each resident will participate in 40 hours of school clinics, along with cultivating a project that will engage students in meaningful and inclusive ways.

The Global Music Initiative’s Performing Artists in Residence for 2022-23 are Pooja Goswami Pavan, Lucia Sarmiento, Arthur “L.A.” Buckner and Yohannes Tona. These artists will provide performance opportunities that represent people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, and women.

MacPhail President/COO Paul Babcock voiced his excitement about this year’s residents, “The artists in this year’s Artists in Residence program are amazing and I’m so excited to hear and see their work through performances, workshops, classes, and jam sessions. I’m especially excited about the residency activities that will take place in schools. Students throughout the state will have access to these artists to learn and experience their music, culture, and artistry through music. And, because this is a grant-funded program, it is free for the schools.”

Holiday Village at Young Quinlan Building Features 40+ BIPOC- and Woman-owned Businesses, Thru December 24

The Holiday Village is officially open through December 24, Wednesdays-Saturdays 11 am-6 pm, Sundays 11 am-4 pm. The Young Quinlan Building is located at 81 S 9th Street.

Browse and shop at the Holiday Village this holiday season! The Black Market Events, The Roho Collective and Strive Bookstore will feature 40+ BIPOC and woman-owned local artists, makers, authors and chefs.

Located in the historic Young Quinlan Building—one of downtown’s first department store locations—The Holiday Village highlights collaborative entrepreneurship and a community-oriented shopping experience.

Makers include Crown Publishing, Hunt for Variety, Nature’s Syrup, Notetorious, Travel Gang, Grand Rising Press, Your Majesty Incense and Candles, Pieces of Kandakes, Hersiherbs, Dipp’d In Hunnie, Kobi Co., Regina Love Collections, Sweet Heaven by NNE, Treat Me Too Dog Treats, Unique Styles by Ricka. Artists include Tina Bliss, Christopher E. Harrison, Del Bey, Esther Osayande, Melodee Strong, Kenneth Caldwell, Ron Brown, Deshawn Henry, Angela Davis, Walter Griffin, Jeremi Hanson, Crystal Sokuu, Barbara Thomas, Christopheraaron Deanes, T’Mores Little, Jesus Ramirez, Loretta Day, Flahn Manly, Yvette Grifea Gray, Shea Maze, Chuck Love and Leeya Jackson. Strive Publishing is a featured vendor.

The market is supported by the Chameleon Shoppes initiative of the mpls downtown council. For more information, visit www.chameleonshoppes.com and follow @chameleonshoppes on Instagram.

Share Feedback on Mayor Frey’s Recommended 2023-2024 City Budget at Dec 6 Public Hearing

Exerpt from the December 1 City of Minneapolis e-newsletter:

There is one more public hearing for people to provide feedback on Mayor Jacob Frey’s recommended 2023-2024 City budget. Comments can also be submitted online at the City’s website.

The proposed 2023 budget is $1.66 billion and the 2024 budget is $1.71 billion. The proposed tax levy increase for 2023 is 6.5% and is expected to be 6.2% in 2024. Visit the City’s website to learn more about the mayor’s recommended budget, key dates in the approval process, FAQs and more. You can also watch a series of videos on the City’s budget process.

Comments submitted online will be entered into the public record and shared with the mayor and council members. The City Council is scheduled to vote on adopting the budget on Tuesday, Dec. 6.

Upcoming City budget public hearing

• 6:05 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6, Room 317, City Hall, 350 S Fifth Street

Learn how to participate in public hearings.

CenterPoint Announces Lane Shifts During Downtown Natural Gas Line Installation

Via a November 30 e-announcement from CenterPoint

Project Update: Washington Ave. S and 5th Ave. S

From Monday, December 5 to Friday, December 16, CenterPoint Energy’s authorized contractors will work in Minneapolis on 5th Avenue S. from 3rd Street S. to Washington Avenue S. and on Washington Avenue S. and 3rd Street S. on one or both sides of 5th Avenue S. Michels Corporation will install a natural gas service main for a new apartment complex called O2 Market Rate Tower at 250 Portland Avenue.

Q3 Contracting will put down winter restoration on the areas affected by Michels Corporation’s work. This includes temporary asphalt on areas that were previously concrete. In spring 2023, they will return for permanent restoration, including concrete on sidewalks.

During this time, traffic will remain open with one lane closed on each street. The sidewalks on the west even-numbered side of 5th Avenue S. and the north even-numbered side of 3rd Street S. will be closed, while the opposite sides will stay open. Bicyclists will share the road with vehicles in areas with lane closures.

Entrances into the parking ramps, lots, and driveways will remain open. Any exceptions will be minimized as much as possible if the crews need to perform work in these entrances. Over the weekend of Saturday, December 10 and Sunday, December 11, the crews will not work. Traffic control barriers will be temporarily removed from Washington Avenue S. but kept on the project’s other streets. 

How can I contact CenterPoint Energy? 

Our website will be updated at the project’s page here. You can also check out our website at CenterPointEnergy.com/Construction, click on “Project Sites” and “Minneapolis.” In addition, you can contact one of the following resources. Please reference the project name or the number 104676647:

• For questions about construction projects, please email csv.constructionservices@centerpointenergy.com or call 612-321-5546.
• For questions about restoration, please email csv.restoration@centerpointenergy.com or call 612-321-5042.

We appreciate your patience as we continue to upgrade our natural gas system, ensuring system reliability for years to come.

Minneapolis Officials Declare Snow Emergency Beginning Today, November 29

Snow Emergency parking rules:

• 9 p.m. today, Nov. 29 to 8 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30 (Day 1)
  Do not park on EITHER side of a Snow Emergency route until 8 a.m., or the street is fully plowed.
• 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30 (Day 2)
  Do not park on the EVEN numbered side of a non-Snow Emergency route until 8 p.m., or that side of the street is fully plowed, or on EITHER side of a parkway until 8 p.m., or the parkway is fully plowed.
• 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1 (Day 3)
  Do not park on the ODD numbered side of a non-Snow Emergency route until 8 p.m., or that side of the street is fully plowed.

Find more information on the City's Snow information website, or call the Snow Emergency Hotline: (612) 348-SNOW (7669).

Crews can only plow the full width of the street if cars are out of the way. Please follow Snow Emergency parking rules or your vehicle will be tagged and/or towed to the Minneapolis Impound Lot.

Also, be sure to shovel your sidewalks and around your garbage cart.

New Online Tool Tracks MPRB Snow Removal on Park Trails, Sidewalks

Via a November 28 e-announcement from the Minneapolis Park and Rec Board:

Service also tracks requests from park patrons

Click here for real time tracking

With snow in the forecast, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is excited to share its new Trail Plowing Status map. When snowfalls accumulate to two inches or more, the online tool shows real-time plowing activity from MPRB maintenance crews on park trails and sidewalks throughout the city.

Park staff and patrons can use the map to see where and when MPRB's established plowing routes were cleared; they can also submit requests, issues or complaints related to snow and ice (see more information below). 

More information on winter maintenance in Minneapolis parks.

Snow and Ice Requests

MPRB makes every effort to have snow removed throughout the park system within 24 hours after a snowfall ends. Delays may occur due to blizzard conditions or other severe weather; in these circumstances, we thank everyone for their patience and understanding. 

If it's been more than 24 hours since a snowfall ended and an area needs attention, please report it:

• Online MPRB Snow Event Request Service
  
  
• Email maintenance@minneapolisparks.org 
  
  
• Phone 612-230-6400 (MPRB Visitor Services; 8am­ to 4:30pm, Monday–Friday)

Note: Parkways are cleared of snow by the City of Minneapolis. 
The City's snow emergency webpage has info on parking rules, routes for city streets and parkways and more. MPRB's parkway maintenance webpage has additional information.

Snow Safety Tips

• Use caution and take your time when walking, biking or driving in parks and on parkways.
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The Mill Yard at Stonebridge Lofts Announces Visual Voices Opening Reception, December 11

 

Visual Voices

Opening Reception and Winter Market Sunday, December 11, 4:00 - 6:00PM

Stonebridge Lofts, 1120 S 2nd Street

Join The Mill Yard's Visual Voices opening reception for wine, beverages, snacks and beautiful art.

Artists featured at this show:

• Allison Johanson – Painting
• Stacey Johnson - Jewelry
• Kelly Marshall - Textiles
• Stephanie Molstre-Kotz – Mixed media on paper
• Bob Tema - Painting
• Steve Hemingway - Ceramics

Also showcasing December 11 Winter Market Only:
Lynne Sarnoff-Christensen - Ceramics
Jodi Reeb – Encaustic painting

ARTIST DETAILS:

Allison Johanson – Painting
Allison paints moody and textural artworks rooted in the natural world. Her abstracted paintings are inspired by Minnesota land and waterscapes and she enjoys communicating emotion and connection in her large-scale original paintings. Allison’s process involves lots of layering with expressive applications and intuitive markings. Her pieces contain few forms, encouraging the viewer to experience the proportions, colors, and visual texture with a sense of discovery and personal meaning. www.allisonjohanson.com

Stacey Johnson – Jewelry
Stacey’s jewelry business started by chance while living in New Zealand in 2003. She started making and selling earrings and necklaces at a local Saturday market in Nelson and that, unknowingly, started a career from art shows to owning retail shops and everything in between. “It’s been a fun ride with a dash of hold-on-tight at times, but the one thing that remains constant is the jewelry and my love for designing it,” she says. Quality jewelry at an attainable price has always been the goal. www.staceyjohnsonjewels.com 

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Kelly Marshall – Textiles
My textiles are inspired by traditions, from historic patterns to modern abstractions. Color is examined in the detailed blending of the threads, while undulating texture creates visual shadows and tactile pleasure. Handwoven on a loom, using the traditional Rep weave technique, my custom designed textiles are created for functional use, they bring beauty to commercial and residential settings and add celebration to everyday living.  www.kellymarshall.com

Stephanie Molstre-Kotz – Mixed media on paper
Settling my mind has always been resolved with a pencil and paper. Line exposes an immediate sense of purpose and belief in organized thought. This is the basis of my work. By focusing on line, I am able to instigate energy from within. The process of resolving ideas through marks on paper or cloth is where I find true engagement. Material and intuition guide me toward a purpose and organization. Line sets a temporal device within those materials. The result is an opening to real and imagined space. www.stephaniemolstrekotz.com

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Bob Tema - Painting
Intrigued by historical and industrial landmarks, I capture a scene in an abstract plein air method using ink and watercolor. I then take these studies back to the studio and re-interpret for a large canvas — my canvas being OSB (chipboard) wood panels. Using bold colors and broad strokes, the random pattern of the wood brings a whole new dimension to the art. I reside in Minneapolis and my subject matter is primarily Minnesota area landmarks. www.bobtema.com

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Steve Hemingway – Ceramics
Steve is a native of Flint, Michigan and where he trained as an artist. In 1992 he moved to Minneapolis and in 1996 moved to Minnetonka where he built another studio and devoted himself full-time to his art. Steve explains the material that best suits his work is clay. “Clay responds immediately to your touch and in return you respond back and a dialog is created. It immerses you into the present moment. I find this a wellspring for creative thought and process.” Steve creates tablets, tiles, vessels and sculpture. http://www.hemingwayceramics.com/index.php?page=galery 

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                                            Winter Market Only:

Lynne Sarnoff-Christensen – Ceramics
Lynne has been a potter for over 35 years. Her focus is texture and colors, drawing inspiration from nature and her gardens. “Purposeful thought, process and distinctiveness goes into each of my pieces.”  www.abowlofgratitude.com

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Jodi Reeb – Encaustic painting
Jodi explores the theme of nature’s cycles using photographs as collage, elevated circular paintings, and constructing organic aluminum sculptures. Her encaustic photographic works juxtapose geometry with the softness found in nature. www.jodireeb.com