Making Healthy Places with Dr. Nisha Botchwey at the Mill City Museum, Nov. 29

Unlocking the potential to improve individual and community health through parks and public space

When: 7:00pm, Tuesday, November 29
Where: Mill City Museum
Tickets: Always Free • Sign Up via Eventbrite

Join the Minneapolis Parks Foundation to hear Dr. Botchwey talk about how engaging youth, empowering social networks, and advancing public policy can change the trajectory for future generations in the United States as they have around the world.
Dr. Nisha Botchwey

"Public spaces are the most powerful frame for opportunity," says Nisha Botchwey, PhD. Drawing from her groundbreaking book Making Healthy Places, Dr. Botchwey - who was named Dean of the University of Minnesota's Humphrey School of Public Affairs in January - will "explore the edge of where we can go to create thriving communities."

Equitable access to life-changing parks and other civic assets has perhaps never been so vital. But even in the face of converging social and natural challenges, including climate change and systemic racism, there is reason to have hope.

Open House Opportunities to Meet Brian O’Hara, Nominee for the Next Chief of Police

Excerpt from the October 27 City of Minneapolis e-newsletter:

The public is invited to in-person open houses to meet Mayor Frey’s nominee for the next Minneapolis chief of police. Join nominee Brian O’Hara and City staff to share your thoughts and concerns.

Open houses to meet police chief nominee Brian O’Hara:

4:30-6pm Thursday, Oct. 27, Stewart Park, 2700 12th Ave. S.

4:30-6pm Tuesday, Nov. 1, 81 Ninth St. S., Suite 260

4:30-6pm Wed., Nov. 2, Northeast Library, 2200 Central Ave. NE, meeting room

Please RSVP to sumaya.mohamed@minneapolismn.gov.

The City Council will vote on the nomination November 3rd.

Watch the recording of the October 26 public hearing on O’Hara’s nomination at the Public Health & Safety Committee meeting.

Find more information about the nominee on the City website.

October 26 Bridge 9 Improvement Project Update

Bridge No. 9 was constructed in 1922 by the Northern Pacific Railroad to carry freight over the Mississippi. The City of Minneapolis acquired this bridge in 1986 and converted the bridge to a pedestrian use bridge in 1999. The bridge currently provides a Mississippi River crossing for the Dinkytown Greenway bike trail.

Beginning in July 2022, the City of Minneapolis started making repairs and improvements to Bridge 9, Pier 5.

Latest project news

Construction Update Meeting (online meeting)

Virtual monthly project stakeholder meetings were held at 9:30 am the 1st Thursday of each month using Microsoft Teams. These meeting have been suspended until the Spring of 2023 as Pier 5 work nears completion. The meetings will resume when the Contractor prepares to begin Pier 2 and Abutment 1 work on the easterly side of the river next year.

Join on your computer or mobile app.

Click here to join the meeting

Or join by entering a meeting ID Meeting ID: 213 161 635 706 Passcode: KyceBr

Or call in (audio only)

+1 612-428-8778,,6668421#   United States, Minneapolis

Phone Conference ID: 666 842 1#

These meetings help us to give you more detailed information about work progress on a monthly basis and to have discussion on any concerns or questions you have about the project. Please send an email or give a call to the project engineer if you have difficulty using the link above.

If no one joins the meeting within 10 minutes the meeting will end, but you can still contact the meeting coordinator via phone or email:

Rich Revering, Design Team Project Manager; 612-718-8412 or Richard.Revering@Bolton-Menk.com

Schedule

Construction activities for Pier 5 repairs started in July 2022. The scheduled completion date is December 1, 2022. The contractor is currently anticipating substantial completion by the end of October 2022. 

Traffic Impact

West River Parkway is scheduled to be open for vehicular traffic subject to occasional one-way traffic w/ flaggers during certain equipment and material loading operations. Pedestrian and bicycle traffic are open to traffic, with pedestrians sharing the bike path through the project area

Current work

For the month of October, the following construction operations were performed: Forming and pouring pier wrap foundations and four lifts of pier wrap. The wrap is a thick layer of reinforced concrete to contain and strengthen the pier to extend its useful life. Current work involves placing an overlay over the bridge seat, concrete touch ups as needed, grading, riprap, and site restoration and cleanup.

Coming up

Work will be suspended on the bridge until next spring. Normal bicycle and pedestrian patterns will resume when construction is suspended.

Stay Connected

For more details and to sign up for email updates please visit the Bridge 9 Improvement project webpage.

Project Engineer: Petru Vizoli, 612-673-2368, Petru.Vizoli@minneapolismn.gov

Theatre in the Round Debuts Stage Adaptation of Agatha Christie's First Novel, The Mysterious Affair at Styles

The Mysterious Affair at Styles runs Nov. 18 - Dec. 18

Theatre in the Round Players (TRP) continues its long-running holiday tradition of Agatha Christie mysteries with the world premiere of The Mysterious Affair at Styles. This new version of Christie’s debut novel is adapted by playwright Kate Danley who will be joining the company for an audience discussion following the performance on Friday, December 16.

Published in 1920 to rave reviews, The Mysterious Affair at Styles introduced readers to fan-favorite character, Hercules Poirot, as he investigates the midnight poisoning of a family matriarch. Throughout the course of the mystery queen’s 56-year career, the Belgian detective shows up in 33 novels, 2 plays, and over 50 short stories.

Agatha Christie’s colorful characters and gifts of misdirection are on full display in this new staged adaptation, directed by Linda Paulsen with sets designed by Devyn Becker, costumes by Jessica Moore, lighting by Mark Kieffer, props by Roxanne Miller, and sound by Kristin Smith.

TRP also welcomes a panel of authors from the Twin Cities chapter of Sisters in Crime to discuss the enduring legacy of mystery stories and the role of women, such as Agatha Christie, in the creation of the genre. Sisters in Crime was founded to “combat discrimination against women in the mystery field, to raise awareness of the contributions of female authors, and to promote the professional advancement of women who write mysteries.” Audiences are welcome to enjoy this panel immediately following the performance on Sunday, December 11.

Show times: 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 the website.

Mhonpaj’s Garden's Ginormous Rutabaga at the Mill City Farmers Market

May Lee of Mhonpaj’s Garden proudly displayed a gargantuan rutabaga at the October 22 Mill City Farmers Market. 

The fall months are prime time to buy rutabagas at the Market. They are a rich source of calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamins C and E, and antioxidants, and are high in insoluble fiber. They have a pleasant sweet and slightly bitter flavor. You can add them to meals in a variety of ways, including:

• boiled and mashed
• cut into fries and fried
• roasted in the oven
• added to a soup
• thinly sliced and added to a casserole
• grated raw into a salad

Due to their versatility in flavor and preparation methods, rutabagas can replace potatoes, carrots, turnips, and other root vegetables in most recipes. Rutabagas will keep for months in a cool storage place. They store well in plastic bags in a refrigerator or cold cellar.

Open Book to Host Ellie Roscher Book Launch and Reading of The Embodied Path

Local author Ellie Roscher will be reading from her new book The Embodied Path: Telling the Story of Your Body for Healing and Wholeness on December 6 at Open Book, 1011 Washington Avenue S. Doors open at 6:30pm, and there will be a program starting at 7pm followed by a book signing.

In this book, Ellie tells more than 20 body stories, woven together with her own body insights. She covers stories ranging from a woman who sees her hijab as an extension of her body to a front man in a funk band who views his entire body as his instrument; from a quadriplegic woman who became a lawyer to advocate for herself to a transgender man who underwent a gender transition after birthing two children. The book does the essential work of resistance and repair at the individual and communal level. It also includes discussion questions, writing prompts, and breath and body practices.  

Ellie Roscher is the coauthor of 12 Tiny Things and author of Play Like a Girl and How Coffee Saved My Life. She hosts the Unlikely Conversations podcast and teaches writing at The Loft Literary Center. Ellie holds an MFA in writing from Sarah Lawrence College and an MA in theology from Luther Seminary. She lives in Minneapolis with her spouse and sons. 

Winter is Coming

Submitted by Ric Rosow

I took this photo the morning of October 20 from the bottom of the bluff along the road leading to the Lower Lock and Dam.

Winter is Coming

Eagles and Red-Tailed Hawk at the River

Submitted by Ric Rosow

On Wednesday the 19th of October I watched and photographed two eagles and a falcon over the course ninety minutes. At first there was an eagle (the first eagle) on a rock in the middle of the river and another eagle (the second eagle) in a tree at the side of the river. After a while the second eagle flew to the rock and literally chased the first eagle away. The first eagle flew to its nest, likely the nest of both eagles, on the other side of the river in the cottonwood tree below the back of the Metal-Matic building.

In this first photograph (above) the second eagle is jumping from the tree to the rock. I have purposely darkened the area around the eagle for you to see it more easily against the water. For a long time it was splashing around in the water hunting for fish. I have a number of photos of one or the other eagle going into the water for fish, but because of the distance between me and the eagle it is hard to see the details of any of the fish they caught.

While photographing the two eagles a red-tailed hawk flew into my line of view. The second photograph (above) is of the hawk. The hawk flew upriver close to the fence on the top of the bluff and then turned to go down river over the bluff. As the hawk flew by the second eagle on the tree limb, either the hawk or the eagle cried out a loud audible screech. I'm guessing it was a warning and not a casual hello.

On Thursday morning I spotted an eagle in a tree overlooking the Mississippi River. This time I went out down by the river to see if I could get a good image from ground level. Fortunately, the eagle was still in the tree, at least for the next 47 seconds. This is the first photo I took that morning. As I was taking a fourth shot, the eagle apparently did not like the sound of the shutter and initiated flight out of the tree. The last five images I took are of the eagle launching out of the tree. Of course, my camera shutter speed was set for a "still" bird, not one in flight.

You can see more of my work ricrosowphotography.com and Tres Leches Art Gallery. Art Attack is coming up on November 2-4 at the Northrup King Building. Stop in and see some fine art in the Tres Leches Art Gallery.

Ivalas Quartet to Visit MacPhail for Weeklong Residency, Free Performance October 29

October 29th 7:00pm concert is free and open to the public. All are welcome - RSVPs are requested to reserve space.

The Ivalas Quartet, Julliard’s 2022-23 Quartet in Residence, will visit MacPhail Center for Music October 23-29 for a week as Madeline Island Chamber Music’s Emerging Artist Quartet in Residence.

Composed of violinists Reuben Kebede and Tiani Butts, violist Aimée McAnulty and cellist Pedro Sánchez, Ivalas Quartet is challenging the status quo of the classical world as they dedicate their artistry to the celebration of BIPOC voices and composers. During their time in Minneapolis, the Ivalas Quartet will visit MacPhail’s location in the Mill District, along with a number of MacPhail’s school partnership locations and a pre-forum concert at Westminster Presbyterian Church, as they connect with students and the community. The weekend culminates with a concert in Antonello Hall entitled “First Light.”

The Quartet notes, “Whether watching movies like Star Wars, reading books like Dune, stargazing, or visiting the planetarium, our quartet has always felt fascinated by outer space. In fact, a few decades ago our violist Aimée’s grandmother completed sketches and illustrated materials for the Voyager, and today we are proud to contribute to the conversation with our own craft, aided by the music of three amazing composers. We’re thrilled for you to join us in this voyage to outer space and help us think about these questions as we perform Tenebrae by Osvaldo Golijov, Eleanor Alberga’s first string quartet, and Beethoven’s op. 130.”

Gamut Gallery Announces 11th Annual Raging Art On Event

Raging Art On is Gamut Gallery’s annual holiday pop-up, featuring artwork and handcrafted gifts made by over 50 Minnesota artists!

In Person December 1 - 23 (Available online through January 10, 2023)

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Gamut's 11th annual holiday market Raging Art On (RAO) is back again to deck your halls! Since the inception of Raging Art On in 2011, the Gamut team has hand selected the artists, leaving it up to them to choose their best of the best for the holiday pop-up shop. Always sourced locally, Gamute welcomes over 50 participants this year, some names and faces you may be familiar with from past RAO’s, plus 22 new artists. With the gallery walls filled from floor-to-ceiling showcasing original works of all price points and mediums, tick off everyone on your list in a single shopping trip at Gamut. Whether it's pottery, fiber art, paintings, prints, apparel, jewelry, or homegoods that catch your eye, everything in the collection is ready to take home with you that day.

Members of the gallery are invited to preview the festivities on Thursday, December 1st from 5pm–9pm, followed by four weeks of in person shopping open to the public. RAO will be shoppable online at gamutgallerympls.com for those who are not able to attend in person. All work will remain online to shop through January 10th.

Featured Artists: 

 Aaron Schmitz, Amit Michael, Ashtyn Sibinski, Astralchemy, Barret Lee, Bekah Worley, Benja Wuest, Black Daze, Bruno Press, Catherine Brinker, Carter Casmaer, Cassie Garner, Destiny Davison, Eli Libson, Emily Floyd, Emily Forbes, Emily Quandahl, Evan Weselmann, Genessis Lopez, Heather Renaux, Hilary Greenstein, Jorie Kosel, Josh Katzenmeyer, Juliana Ferguson (Hello Cross Stitches), Kate Johnson, Kathryn Flora, Keya Hutchins, Jenna Murphy, Jovy Rockey, Lauren Strom, Leeya Rose Jackson, Lindsee Boyer, Linnea Maas, Liza Ferrari, Madison Rubenstein, Malleus Pottery, Marne Skusa (Prajna Bodyworks), Martzia Thometz, Melissa Sisk, MK Metten, Monica Helland, Nichole Showalter, Nina Perkins (Pompa Goods), Phaedra Odelle, Rachel Schroder (Ms. Stitch), Russ White, Sander Kolodziej, Sara Kahn (Imaginary Conservatory), Sari Lennick, Scott Seekins, Sydney Newman, Tiffany Lange, and Travis J. Collins. 

Member Preview Night - Wednesday, December 1, 5-9pm

Don’t miss first dibs on your favorite pieces!

Not a Gamut Gallery member? Become one today.

•         Must be a Gamut Gallery Member to attend

RAO Pop-Up Dates: (717 S 10th St) December 2nd - December 23rd

•         In person shopping

•         Wednesdays - Saturdays, 11am- 6pm

Online Orders - December 2 - January 10, 2023

•         Shipping available nationally

•         Shop featured artworks at gamut-gallery.myshopify.com/

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Follow on Facebook and Instagram for further details and information regarding the event. Join the Facebook Event Page. Official hashtags: #RagingArtOn # RAO2022

A few photos from the 2021 Raging Art On event:

The Gamut Gallery

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Jason DeRusha

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Nichole Showalter 

October 15 at the Mill City Farmers Market

Remember Billy Joel's song, New York State of Mind? At the October 15 Mill City Farmers Market we were in a pumpkin state of mind, starting with Market sponsor Cindy Froid's annual pumpkin give-away, which included copies of Brenda Langton's Ginger Pumpkin Soup recipe. These beauties were grown by Jeff Nistler.

This large pumpkin was for sale at the Prairie Hollow Farm stand.

A long line at Rudy's - always! Best bagel breakfast sandwiches, made to order.

 

Minneapolis Central City Tunnel Project Update and Tunneling Progress Update

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

Get an inside look of tunnel mining

CBS Minnesota recently released a story on the Minneapolis Central City Tunnel project. Check out the WCCO story to learn more about the project.

Latest Project News

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.
  • The sidewalks remain open on both sides of the road.
  • The crosswalk at the Washington Ave and 2nd Ave S intersection remains open.
  • 2nd Ave S remains a single lane in each direction using the northbound lanes between Washington Ave and 1st St S.
  • Access to driveways off 2nd Ave S remain open. There may be short-term access delays while crews move equipment and materials around.

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.
  • Pedestrian access is being maintained during this work. Please follow any posted detour routes.
  • There may be short, periodic traffic delays while crews move equipment and materials around.

Tunneling Progress

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 in fall 2022.
  • 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.

Coming Soon

Hennepin Ave

• Later this fall, crews will resume work at the Hennepin Ave site. They will continue tunneling the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Ave.

Mississippi River Portal

• Crews will soon resume work at the Mississippi River portal site expanding the existing storm tunnel. The parking lot and trail will be closed.

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

Posters for Parks October 22 Event Benefits Organizations and Communities

Posters for Parks is an annual show featuring limited-edition posters inspired by Minneapolis Parks. The event is a joint venture of LoveMplsParks and the Minneapolis Parks Foundation. Your poster purchase directly benefits the local community, with 50% designated for the Parks Foundation’s People for Parks Fund to protect and preserve the award-winning Minneapolis park system and 50% going directly to the artists.

Saturday, Oct. 22, 4-8pm / Royal Foundry, 241 Fremont Ave N

Tickets are free, register on Eventbrite - Posters $45 each

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Following the in-person show, the remaining stock will go on sale online beginning Monday, October 24 - only at PostersForParks.org.

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In 2021, Posters for Parks raised a record $36,000, which helped the Parks Foundation make community-based equity-aligned grants throughout Minneapolis in 2022, including Minneapolis Slow Roll, swimming lessons at Webber Natural Swimming Pool and Wirth Lake, and Afro Cardio/Yoga classes at North Commons.

Kolman & Reeb Gallery Announces November 3rd Opening of Color Finds Form: Paintings by David Moore, Jr.

 Color Finds Form: Paintings by David Moore, Jr.

November 3, 2022 - January 7, 2023 

Artist Receptions November 3 and November 5

Artist Talk December 1

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Kolman & Reeb Gallery is pleased to welcome emerging Minneapolis artist, David Moore, Jr., to the gallery for an exhibition of his abstract paintings. The show, Color Finds Form, opens with an artist reception from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on November 3, 2022, during the Northrup King Building’s monthly First Thursday. A second artist reception will happen on Saturday, November 5, 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., during the second day of Art Attack, the Northrup King Building’s fall open studio weekend. Moore will talk about his show on December 1, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., during December’s First Thursday. The exhibit will run through January 7, 2023. Moore will donate his sales proceeds to The Minneapolis Foundation.

Moore, a retired theater artist and philanthropist, initiated his current series of paintings in 2017 after assembling everyday objects into an evolving tableaux: old fabric, bits of lumber, plumbing, packaging, ironwork, abandoned mechanical parts, toy soldiers, and plaster reproductions of iconic figures, including a large bust of Napoleon. “These arrangements often remind me of the scale models I built decades ago when designing stage settings for theatrical productions. I incorporates a ‘set’ from this detritus, and then transcribe what I see into paintings. In the activity of rendering, I’m always checking to see if what’s happening feels true to me. I have mishaps all the time, which are stimulating for their abstract results. As my spatial and visual experience has grown, so has my rendering of color.” All of Moore’s paintings are acrylic on canvas or on paper, matted and framed.

Still Life Southwest Corner 15

For three decades Moore worked professionally on the East Coast and in the Twin Cities in theater and performing arts, starting as a stagehand and later as manager and independent producer. He moved to the Twin Cities in 1987 to lead the Playwrights’ Center. In 1996 he formed 3 Legged Race New Theater & Performance, a multi-disciplinary company premiering more than sixty original works by rising and established artists from New York, Minnesota, and elsewhere. Of the hundreds of writers and artists he has supported many today number among the most recognized and influential in the field.

Since 2007 Moore has exhibited his visual work regionally in several group shows. Previous exhibitions include, Persistence of Vision, a two-person exhibit with the late Fred Larson, at the University of Minnesota, 2015; Armature at Traffic Zone Center for Visual Art in Minneapolis, 2017; and Searching High and Low, 2019, at The Woman’s Club of Minneapolis. In 2023 he will assist the University of Minnesota’s Quarter Gallery with an exhibition celebrating Fred Larson’s work, life, and influence.

A graduate of The Putney School, Moore earned an AB in Visual and Environmental Studies from Harvard College, initially studying scenic design before switching to drawing and painting with Dimitri Hadzi and Flora Natapoff.  t the Yale School of Drama, he studied dramaturgy and dramatic criticism under Richard Gilman, Leon Katz, Stanley Kauffmann, and Lloyd Richards, for whom he served as dramaturg for Yale Repertory Theatre’s world premiere of August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone. He has studied drawing and painting with Graham Nickson at the New York Studio School. At the University of Minnesota’s Department of Art, he has studied with Hartmut Austen, Meg Bussey, Sean Connaughty, Lynn Gray, Diane Katsiaficas, Alexis Kuhr, Joyce Lyon, Avigail Manneberg, and Clarence Morgan. Among Moore’s current mentors is the artist, Lisa Nankivil.

Still Life Southwest Corner 14

Moore is active in arts, education, and other nonprofit activities. He serves currently as a trustee of the Guthrie Theater, whose government affairs committee he chairs, and on the boards of the Walker Art Center, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, and the Camargo Foundation. He is a member of the National Council for the American Theatre (Theatre Communications Group) and a former trustee of the Minneapolis College of Arts & Design and the Highpoint Center for Printmaking.

“We’re excited to open our doors to a pillar of our arts community, David Moore, Jr., who is also a thrilling, emerging artist,” says Anita Sue Kolman, co-founder and co-partner, of Kolman & Reeb Gallery. “The way in which David approaches painting is so intriguing and demonstrates that one can initiate a creative undertaking at any point in life and achieve success. We invite our gallery visitors and collectors to enjoy exploring David’s abstract works.”

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

Fall Street Sweeping Begins Tuesday, October 18

Excerpt from the October 6 City of Minneapolis e-news:

Crews are preparing to sweep streets across Minneapolis this month and November to clean the streets before winter. Street sweeping keeps leaves and debris out of the storm drains and from ending up in our lakes and rivers as much as possible.

Minneapolis Public Works will begin the big task of curb-to-curb street sweeping throughout the city Tuesday, Oct. 18.

During the four weeks of the comprehensive fall street sweep, crews will clean about 1,000 miles of city streets. To make sure crews can do the best job possible, temporary “No Parking” signs will be posted at least 24 hours in advance so streets will be clear of cars when they’re swept. The first signs will be posted Monday, Oct. 17, and sweeping will begin the next day. Anyone who parks on the street will need to follow posted parking rules or their cars may be ticketed and towed.

Learn more about street sweeping and how to stay informed. 

Third Avenue Bridge Reopening Rescheduled to Summer 2023

October 4 Third Avenue Bridge project update from MnDOT:

We have disappointing news. After assessing the overall project schedule and work to be completed, we are unable to reopen the bridge in fall 2022 without creating safety issues for the public and construction crews.

The Third Ave. Bridge is now anticipated to reopen to motorists, buses, and people walking and bicycling in summer 2023. Until then, you will need to continue using alternate routes across the river.

Construction crews are working quickly to complete additional concrete repairs on the bridge arches and to respond to other challenges that have impacted the project’s timeline, including high river water levels and material delays.

Join us for a virtual public meeting

The Third Ave. Bridge project team is hosting a virtual public meeting at 5 p.m. on Tue, Oct. 11 to provide a project update and answer questions.

Mark your calendar, visit the project meetings webpage to register in advance, and share the meeting information with family, friends, coworkers and others who are interested in the project.

Submit your questions ahead of time to connect@thirdavebridgeclosure.com.

More about this project

The historic Third Ave. Bridge over the Mississippi River near St. Anthony Falls opened in 1918 and needs significant repairs. The bridge carries Third and Central avenues, which are part of Hwy 65.

Construction began in May 2020 and is anticipated to be complete in summer 2023. The bridge is fully closed to traffic through summer 2023. Motorists, transit riders, and people walking and bicycling will need to use alternate routes across the river during this time.

For more information, visit the project webpage. To contact the project team email connect@thirdavebridgeclosure.com or call the project hotline at 612-547-7968. 

IDA Presents Downtown Achievement Awards Recognizing Excellence in Urban Place Management

Via an October 3 press release from mpls downtown council:

The International Downtown Association recognized the mpls downtown council with the Downtown Achievement Award of Excellence for its resourceful approaches related to Mpls Downtown reanimation. A jury of peer professionals reviewed, deliberated and evaluated all entries in the 2022 Downtown Achievement Awards. The Award of Excellence acknowledges an excellent response to an urban place management challenge, demonstrating application of industry knowledge and exceeds the jury criteria. 

Mpls Downtown reanimation was among 23 qualified entries in the category of Marketing, Communications and Events which IDA identifies as one of the seven professional urban place management practice areas. This category features unique organizational approaches and projects in the areas of branding, public relations, marketing strategies and communications plans.

“We have an extraordinary downtown here in Minneapolis, helping people return to play and return to work continues to be an important part of our shared work,” mpls downtown council vice president external relations Leah Wong said. “Together, our collective reanimation efforts have focused on invitations to join us downtown, meeting people where they are, and amplifying the experiences and people within our downtown community.”

The mpls downtown reanimation effort brought dozens of public, private and nonprofit leaders together from diverse backgrounds and work sectors to invite people back downtown and encourage community members to participate in downtown’s evolution. The work began in late 2020 and continues today. It features print, digital and television ads along with activation strategies that work together to welcome people downtown and offer converging events while they’re here. This work featured 65 partners and added up to more than 1 billion impressions across platforms.

“The mpls downtown council has demonstrated skillful application of urban place management principles with their Mpls Downtown reanimation: collective action project,” said David Downey, IDA President and CEO. “The Mpls Downtown reanimation should serve as a framework to all member communities within IDA.”

Washington, DC-based IDA is the premier organization for urban place professionals who are shaping and activating dynamic city center districts. The mpls downtown council is the urban place management organization representing the interests of property owners in Minneapolis.

October 1 Trip to the Mill City Farmers Market

We picked up some new things to try from the October 1 Mill City Farmers Market: Coffee from Café Palmira (they sell whole bean and ground), Skyr from Shepherd's Way Farm, and rigatoni pasta from Sunrise Flour Mill.

Chef Jenny Breen prepared a meal using in-season ingredients, including two of my favorites - delicata and butternut squash.

If your attention is turning to soup with the change of the season, be sure to pick up a few containers of broth from Superior Provisions. I've used almost of their varieties, and loved every one.

* * * Remember: October hours are 9AM to 1PM! * * * 

Yoga at Peavey Plaza, October 4, 11 and 18

Green Minneapolis hosts these events, free and open to all!

YWCA Minneapolis Yoga on the Plaza

FREE yoga classes at Peavey Plaza (weather permitting). Bring a water, mat and towel. Members and nonmembers are welcome to attend. Nonmembers that attend receive a FREE three-day trial fitness pass to any of our three fitness locations. Plus, join YWCA Minneapolis as a member for just $15! Registration recommended.

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Tuesday, October 4 from 5:30-6:30pm. Register here.

Tuesday, October 11 from 5:30-6:30pm. Register here.

Tuesday, October 18 from 5:30-6:30pm. Register here.

Mayor Frey Nominates Brian O’Hara for Police Chief

Excerpt from the September 29 City of Minneapolis e-newsletter:

Photo: David Joles, Star Tribune

Mayor Jacob Frey has nominated Newark Deputy Mayor Brian O’Hara to serve as the next Minneapolis chief of police.

In 2001, O’Hara joined the Newark Police Department as a police officer, rising through the ranks to become a captain in 2016. In 2021, he was appointed as the public safety director for Newark overseeing more than 1,960 employees comprising 996 sworn police officers, 611 firefighters and 346 civilian employees and a budget that exceeded $200 million. In that role, O’Hara enhanced the collaborative working relationships among federal, state and local partners.

As former captain of the Newark Police Department’s Consent Decree & Planning Division (2017-2020), O’Hara has worked extensively with the Department of Justice on the 2016 consent decree between the U.S. and the City of Newark. O’Hara facilitated the implementation, monitoring and compliance of all consent decree requirements, which included the development of all policies and procedures on police reform, promotion of constitutional policing, transparency and accountability throughout the department, and overseeing the development of all public reports, surveys and assessments regarding the effectiveness of the department’s reforms. All of these efforts were designed to shift the Newark Police Department’s culture.

When he was promoted to deputy chief of the Accountability, Engagement & Oversight Bureau, O’Hara continued to promote accountability within the department, measuring the effectiveness of the department’s reform work and overseeing the Internal Affairs unit.

The mayor’s nomination will be submitted to the full City Council at its meeting Thursday, Oct. 6, for consideration and referral to the relevant committee.

Link to September 29th news conference.