Firefighters for Healing Selected as 2022 Charity Partner for Mustaches for Kids Twin Cities

It was recently announced that Mustaches for Kids Twin Cities (M4KTC) selected Firefighters For Healing to be their 2022 charity partner. All proceeds of the April campaign will benefit Firefighters For Healing’s Camp RED program for burn survivors between the ages of 5 – 15 years old. In 2021, the first year of M4KTC, the local community raised just under $100,000. In 2022, the goal is to exceed that in honor of the burn survivors who could not attend camp for the last 2 summers due to Covid. We want to make it extra special!

The Director of Camp RED, Jeff Larson was elated when he heard the news that Mustaches for Kids Twin Cities selected Camp RED as the 2022 charity partner. He said, “The children who attend our camp have survived burn trauma but that does not define them. The money raised through the Mustaches for Kids events will help us provide these campers with memories to last a lifetime while building their confidence to embrace their scars.”

Founding Member of M4KTC John Resman said, “We are excited to partner with Firefighters For Healing this year. They are an inspiring organization that provides an important summer camp experience for some amazing young survivors of burn trauma.  Our goals are simple - have fun while raising money for a charity supporting youth in the Twin Cities area.”

M4KTC is looking for men to GROW Mustaches in April

The Mustaches for Kids Twin Cities (M4KTC) campaign is simple: Anyone who can grow a mustache should visit M4KTC.com by April 4 to register as a GROWER or learn more. Anyone who wishes to show support or make a donation is invited to attend the clean shave event on April 4 at Excelsior Brewing Company. If you’re not local, you can still join the fun by donating online until the Stache Bash on Thursday, May 5, 2022.

Nicollet Island Inn Welcomes Spring with Teas, a Cabaret and the Return of the Twilight River Cruise

Spring arrived this Sunday, and at the Nicollet Island Inn, Caryl and Larry Abdo are welcoming the change of season with specialty teas, a cabaret and the return of the Twilight River Cruise. Check out what's on their calendar and menus.

A recent article in Eat This, Not That shared that tasting experiences are trending, offering guests the opportunity to enjoy special menu experiences packaged for one price as they sample the chef's culinary creativity.  

If you ask owners owners Caryl and Larry Abdo if they're "trending with that trend," they'd inform you it's nothing new. For nearly all of the 17 years they've owned the historic inn and restaurant, they've been doing just that.

With every season and holiday, the Abdos package experiences that include seasonal afternoon teas and special culinary and cabaret dinners. Last summer when guests were somewhat hesitant to dine inside, Caryl and Larry launched the Twilight River Cruise Experience - a one-hour river taxi cruise. Chef Michael Rain prepared wicker baskets for each excursion filled with wine, cheese, bread, fruit and chocolate, followed by dinner inside. And during the height of the pandemic, romantic room service menus accompanied roses and champagne during guest stays that were routinely booked. Both experiences were so popular they're returning.

• The Underground Cabaret returns again the evenings of March 31st and April 1st with local pianist and singer Michael Thompson sharing a medley of Judy Garland, Sinatra, Billy Joel and Elton John, to name a few. Dinner before or after his performance makes for a memorable eventing. Tickets in advance; $48 per person.  

• Springtime in Paris Tea will take place on Sunday, April 3; tickets in advance at $65 per person for a five-course celebration. The Mother Daughter Tea at $65 per person will again offer five courses on Sunday, May 1st.

Theatre in the Round Players presents The Little Prince April 8 - May 1

Via a recent e-announcement

Theatre in the Round Players (TRP) continues its 70th Season with a theatrical adaptation of the beloved French novella, The Little Prince, in weekend performances from April 8th to May 1st.

Engaging for young and old alike, The Little Prince follows a world-weary Aviator stranded in the Sahara Desert and the mysterious child that appears and tells of his adventures through the galaxy. This classic story explores love, loss, hope, and what it means to have an open heart.

Gretchen Weinrich directs the 6-member cast, with sets designed by Philip Hoks, costumes by Morgan Groff, sound by Kristin Smith, lighting by Andy Kedl and props by Mary Gravenstein.

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  - 

Audience discussion following April 24 performances. 

Free themed art activities prior to the performances on April 8, 9, 29, & 30 and following the performances on April 9 and May 1.

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -

.

Additional programming will be offered opening and closing weekends; audience members can visit the “Family Creation Stations” sponsored by ARTrageous Adventures to create a Little Prince themed art project. Creation stations will open 45 minutes prior to evening performances and immediately after matinees at select performances.

Tickets are $25 for Adults, $20 for Students. For information, call the theatre’s box office at 612-333-3010 or visit the website.

Masks and proof of vaccination or negative test required for all patrons.

YogaFit Studios Shows Support for Educators with Free Classes

YogaFit Studios supports educators and support staff!

Through April 15, YogaFit Studios is offering FREE yoga, barre and fitness classes at all five of their studios for Minneapolis educators, assistants and all support staff who are on strike.

It’s easy to get started:

1) Download the YogaFit Studios app.

2) Create a profile in your preferred location.

3) Email the studio - they’ll take it from there! 

• lindenhills@yogafitstudios.com
• northeastmpls@yogafitstudios.com
• loringpark@yogafitstudios.com
• uptown@yogafitstudios.com 

City of Minneapolis Improved Crime Dashboard Now Online

Excerpt from the Ward 7 March 18 e-newsletter:

The City of Minneapolis has improved its online crime dashboard. The new dashboard connects to Minneapolis Police Department data better than before, providing more comprehensive results that align with national standards.    

The MPD data accessible through the dashboard uses the FBI’s National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), which contains more categories than the City’s previous dashboard, including weapon law violations, destruction/damage to property, fraud and drug/narcotic offenses. The dataset also has specific crime data categories not included in the FBI’s system, including carjackings, domestic assaults and gunshot wound victims.

The dashboard’s new interface has a “summary view,” providing year-to-date statistics for crimes and their locations, and a “details view,” providing more in-depth views of specific crimes within customizable date ranges. Charts can be generated using both views, and data visualizations can display crimes by hour, weekday, precinct, ward and neighborhood as well as during certain time periods, such as seven-day, 28-day, 12-week, 13-month and four-year.

The dashboard accesses crime data back to Jan. 1, 2019. Because different methods were used to create this more comprehensive dataset, data obtained through the old dashboard may not align with the data now available.

View the new & improved dashboard...

Minneapolis Institute of Art Organizes Exhibition Celebrating the Artistry of Textiles from Japan

Recently acquired, exceptionally rare garments on view are made of delicate natural materials, such as Japanese fiber banana plant, elm bark, nettle fiber, and fish skin

This June, the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) will debut the special exhibition “Dressed by Nature: Textiles of Japan.” Demonstrating the resourcefulness and skill involved in transforming locally sourced materials into extraordinary garments, “Dressed by Nature” will feature clothing and fabrics made from traditional organic materials, including robes crafted from the Japanese fiber banana plant from the subtropical Okinawan region; textiles fashioned from paper, ramie, cotton, silk, wool, hemp, wisteria, deerskin, and rice straw from across Japan’s many islands; garments of elm bark and nettle fiber created by the indigenous Ainu people; and festival coats of fish skin made in neighboring Siberia.

Showcasing objects acquired in 2019 from Thomas Murray, a collector of Asian art, the exhibition will highlight rare and exceptional examples of textiles from Japan made between 1750 and 1930. The exhibition, which will be on view from June 25 through September 11, 2022, is curated by Andreas Marks, PhD, Mary Griggs Burke Curator and head of Japanese and Korean Art at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

“These garments and cloths are unique objects that showcase the creativity of their makers in fashioning textiles from all kinds of natural materials depending on their living circumstances,” Marks said. “While many exhibitions on the dress of Japan focus on the silk kimono and clothes worn by the aristocracy, ‘Dressed by Nature’ instead celebrates the inventiveness and beauty of folk traditions and clothes worn in everyday life. We are excited for visitors to experience the kaleidoscope of materials and designs that will be on view and which demonstrate human ingenuity in the pre-industrial period of Japan between the 18th and early 20th centuries.” 

The over 120 textiles on view will highlight the artistry from the diverse cultures that form the Japanese archipelago. These include exceptionally rare, brightly colored resist-dyed bingata robes from Okinawa; delicately patterned garments used by farmers, fishermen, and firemen from Japan’s largest and most populous islands of Honshu and Kyushu; and boldly patterned coats created by Ainu women from Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido and the Sakhalin Island of Siberia.

Exhibition highlights include:

• an exuberant festival robe from the early 1900s, decorated with sea creatures and water motifs, used to celebrate a successful fish catch. The robe’s decorations were hand-drawn and painted with tsutsugaki, a rice paste resist-dye technique, making this robe one of a kind;
• an attush Ainu robe—acquired by Mia this year— from the 18th century. Attush (elm bark) robes were decorated with appliqued cotton and embroidery, but this robe is unique in the world in that it is embellished with various talismanic pendants created from sea creatures (mostly sturgeon scales) as well as shells, bird bones, and silk tassels;
• a festival coat for women made of fish skin by the Nivkh people, hunters and fishermen who lived on the northern half of Sakhalin Island and in the Amur River region in the Russian Far East. The back of this robe from the 19th century was richly decorated with appliqué and embroidery of abstracted, animalistic designs that represent masks, birds, serpents, and dragons of Chinese origin;
• a boro patchwork farmer’s short coat from the 19th century, made using recycled textiles that have been patched together, demonstrating the tradition of reusing old, worn-out clothing and making it into new garments;
• a complete fireman’s kit from the second half of the 1800s that includes a coat, a quilted hood, heavily padded gloves, and close-fitting trousers. During this period, fires were a constant threat in the densely populated wooden cities. Kits like this—crafted from indigo-dyed, quilted cotton—were soaked in water before the men headed into the blaze;
• a luxurious dark blue-ground lined winter robe (watajin) with dog paw-print pattern that was created through floating-relief weft (Yomitanzan hanaori). The height of the Ryūkyū Kingdom elite on the subtropical islands of Okinawa in the 19th century is expressed in this robe, which has a yellow-ground lining decorated with ivy, chrysanthemum, and bamboo grass pattern achieved with the traditional bingata stencil-resist dyeing technique, unique to Okinawa.

This exhibition is made possible by lead sponsor Thomson Reuters and major sponsor Artful Living, with generous support provided by the Gale Family Endowment.

Mia’s collection of Japanese art features outstanding concentrations of Buddhist sculpture, paintings, lacquer, works of bamboo, woodblock prints, and ceramics, and is particularly rich in works from the Edo period (1603–1868). A special exhibition of masterpieces from Mia’s paintings collection was on view at four museums in Japan from 2021 until 2022. Also notable is its collection of ukiyo-e prints and paintings, popularly known as “pictures of the floating world.” Representative examples from the permanent collection of close to 9,000 works are shown in sixteen galleries of Japanese art—the largest permanent display devoted to Japanese art within any Western encyclopedic museum. Two historic rooms, a formal audience hall (shoin), and a teahouse (chashitsu) serve to heighten awareness of the relationship between art and architecture.

The Departments at Dayton’s Opens Spring Market

The Dayton’s Project welcomes spring market on first floor

Today, The Dayton’s Project launched its spring makers market, known as The Departments at Dayton’s. The spring line up will feature close to 40 vendors and a newly retooled spring collection.

The market offers an in-person retail experience in the heart of downtown Minneapolis in the newly redeveloped Dayton’s Project, a 1.2 million square foot office and retail environment. The Departments at Dayton’s offer an experiential opportunity for shoppers that coaxes people out of their homes and spurs other activities in downtown Minneapolis.

“The brands we’re showcasing in The Departments at Dayton’s have shown such creativity and resilience,” said Mich Berthiume, expert curator of the maker’s market, “Each and every single maker in the market brings a unique skillset and incredible passion to their products, which enhances the experience of the market. When you buy at The Departments at Dayton’s, you’re supporting local businesses and local community members who have poured their hearts into their incredible products.”

The new vendors open in The Departments at Dayton’s include, Zeroish, Grande Gallery, Righteous Souls, Embellish, Sweet Heaven, Corazon Clothing, The Salsa Collaborative, and Vanlice Lemonade.

The spring market will also feature an Artist Corner featuring work by former Dayton’s employee, Joel Kaplan, and three other local artists: Ann Bendt, Terry Saario, and Olivia Kor. The returning vendors include Native Roots, Handmod, Larissa Loden, Karen Morris, Molly Pepper, Opal Cool (now including Workerb skincare, honey and tea, as well as Sutter Buttes Olive Oils), Onyx Cool, Blue Heron, Minnesota Awesome, Shop in the City, Giftywrap, Rocky Robinson, Kobi and Co., Zelba and Mary, San Jose Chocolate, Junita’s Jar (which will now include warm cookies for sale on site!).

“We’re proud to be a part of the efforts to reanimate downtown Minneapolis,” said Hans Okerstrom, General Manager of The Dayton’s Project. “The Dayton’s Project is proud of our location and of our role in bringing vibrancy back to downtown. The retail offerings we’re delivering demonstrate our commitment to the future of Minneapolis.”

March 2022 Third Avenue Bridge Project Photos by Doug Verdier

Submitted by Doug Verdier, who continues to document the Third Avenue Bridge refurbishment project.

Work on the Third Avenue Bridge has continued despite sometimes bitter cold and snowy weather. These photos taken over the past couple of weeks show various stages of construction on different spans.

Platforms on the upstream underside of the span nearest to West River Road provide access to various parts of the structure that will be removed and replaced.

.

The long grey “snorkel-like” apparatus transfers concrete from the blue cement mixer truck on the bridge down to the base of one of the bridge piers where it is directed into the brown forms (next to and beneath the orange tarps) where it will encase the new rebar that has been placed into the existing pier base to form the new outer concrete covering.

.

A closer look at the filling of the concrete form at the base of the pier. 

First River Photos From an Eleven Condo Unit

Thank you to Ric Rosow for providing these photos of the sunrise and evening views from the first occupied residence at the Eleven. See more of his work at https://www.ricrosowphotography.com.

Event Parkway Closure for Saturday, March 19

The following will be closed 7:30a - 1p on Saturday, March 19, for the Hot Dash 5K & 10 Mile:

• Stone Arch Bridge
• NE Main Street - 6th Ave SE to Hennepin Ave
• West River Parkway - Plymouth Ave to E 27th Ave

4th Street Reconstruction Project Overview

Via a March 11 e-announcement from the City of Minneapolis:

4th Street Reconstruction Project Overview

The City of Minneapolis is reconstructing 4th St. between 2nd Ave. N and 4th Ave. S in downtown Minneapolis. The reconstruction will include wider sidewalks, improved crossings, a new bi-directional off-street bike path on the north side of the street, lighting, trees, and planting beds. Construction is underway and is expected to be complete by the end of 2022.

Fourth Street Roadway Reconstruction Resumes April 2022

Roadway reconstruction work on 4th St. between 2nd Ave. N and 4th Ave. S. is tentatively scheduled to resume on Monday, April 11*. Utility work will begin in the upcoming weeks, starting with Xcel Energy working on a utility vault at the NW corner of 1st Ave. N and Hennepin Ave. Xcel Energy will be staging and occupying lanes between 2nd Ave. N and Hennepin Ave. This work is anticipated to be complete before roadway reconstruction resumes.  

*Please note that construction start date is subject to change due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances.

Phase 1: Hennepin Ave. and 4th Ave. S

The first phase of reconstruction between Hennepin Ave. and 4th Ave. S is substantially complete. Crews will be returning in these blocks to review past work, make any necessary repairs and complete final restoration work.

Phase 2: 2nd Ave. N to Hennepin Ave.

Removal and reconstruction of 4th St. between 2nd Ave. N and Hennepin Ave. will begin on April 11, weather permitting. The roadway will be reconstructed one half at a time. During roadway reconstruction, local access will be maintained. 

What To Expect During Construction

• During roadway construction, 4th St. will be closed to through traffic between 2nd Ave. N and Hennepin Ave. Local access to driveways will be maintained on the half of the roadway that is not under construction.
• During construction work, pedestrian and bicycle access will be maintained on the half of the roadway that is not under construction. Be aware of your surroundings when walking on the sidewalk and biking in the roadway.
• Expect additional noise, dust, and vibration as crews complete work.

Upcoming Events

4th Street Weekly Stakeholder Meeting

Weekly project newsletters and stakeholder meetings will resume starting April 1st. Join us at the next stakeholder meeting to get project updates, talk with project staff and get your questions/concerns answered.

Stakeholder Meeting

Friday, April 1, 9-9:30 a.m.

Via Teams Meeting: Click here to join the meeting

Stakeholder update meetings will occur every Friday at 9 a.m. after April 1st.

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: www.minneapolismn.gov/government/projects/fourth-st-n-and-s/  

Provide questions, comments or concerns on the interactive map: https://zan.mysocialpinpoint.com/4thstreetreconstruction

Email the project team: info@4thstmpls.com

Contact the project hotline: 612-412-9774 

March 19 Artist Reception for Betsy Ruth Byers: Scaffold: A Kolman & Pryor Gallery Project Space Exhibition

Via a recent e-announcemcent:

Betsy Ruth Byers: Scaffold: A Kolman & Pryor Gallery Project Space Exhibition

March 19 – May 7

Artist Reception: Saturday, March 19, 7:00 – 9:00pm

Kolman & Pryor Gallery is pleased to present  Project Space grantee, Betsy Ruth Byers’, new exhibition, Scaffold. Kolman & Pryor Gallery’s Project Space is an initiative launched by the gallery in 2021, to further support visual artists. Scaffold runs March 19 - May 7, 2022, with a public opening reception on Saturday, March 19, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., during the Northrup King Building’s March Northrup King Nights. The exhibition is a multi-sensory, multi-media manifestation of Byers’ alpine and equatorial glacial experiences and the global realities related to climate change.

Betsy in studio“Receiving the Project Space grant from Kolman & Pryor gave me the resources and funds to move from two-dimensional painting to installation-based work,” Byers says. For several years, Byers has accompanied scientists on trips to various glaciers, hiked the Aletsch Glacier in the Swiss Alps, and observed how glacier tourism now requires bridges and ladders to reach receding and melting glaciers.

“Many people’s experiences of arctic, alpine, and tropical glaciers (often located on equatorial volcanoes) are through screens, and through the speed of social media,” Byers says. “In this exhibition, through which I’ve been processing my experiences, I hope to create contemplative, sensory spaces people can step into and come to an embodied understanding of what’s happening in our world.”

The work within Scaffold, Byers says, “is visually anchored in the aesthetic of survival gear—colors like bright orange and metallic reflectives—and the language of temporary solutions and adaptations.” Elements include a survival tent, a soundscape created from heartbeats heard via a digital stethoscope, paintings, and an olfactory piece. “Smell is so connected to brain function,” she says. “My goal is to create an interactive space that engages the senses and creates physical lasting memories of the exhibition.”

Byers also wants viewers to consider concepts such as time and change, the temporary, and ideas of survival. “The earth is reacting to climate change in survival mode, and we are slow to act. I hope to create a space in which people can contemplate this and let the elements of installation affect them physically.”

“We are thrilled to be providing Betsy with a space in which to create an installation that addresses one of the pressing issues of time, climate change,” says Anita Sue Kolman, “Our gallery has always focused on supporting Minnesota artists. Our Project Space initiative has allowed Betsy to create a whole world that includes her paintings and other aspects that will engage all of the senses.”

Adds Patrick Pryor, “Betsy has used her grantee funds, time, and support to elevate her career to a new level with this exhibition. Scaffold will be a powerfully engaging and thought-provoking work that we hope will affect the hearts and minds of all who experience the exhibition.”

For a preview of the show, please contact Anita Sue Kolman at anita@kolmanpryorgallery.com or 612-385-4239 or Patrick Pryor at patrick@kolmanpryorgallery.com or 612-280-7812.

Farmers Kitchen + Bar Reopens With A Fresh Look And A New Supper Series

Farmers Kitchen + Bar reopened on February 26 after being temporarily closed to undergo a phase two remodel. The refreshed restaurant reopens just in time for Spring and also announces a new Farmers + Friends Series.   

The recent remodel focused on enhancing the bar area and table seating, including an expansion of the bar and installing banquettes in portions of the seating areas.  

“These improvements will enhance the guest dining experience,” said Gary Wertish, President of Minnesota Farmers Union. “We feel it’s important to keep improving the restaurant to give our guests and staff the best experience and dining space.”  

Farmers Kitchen + Bar is also launching a new supper series, Farmers + Friends, that is designed to bring the community of farmers and diners together for a multi-course, locally-sourced meal created by Executive Chef Kris Koch.  

“We are really excited to host these new suppers and create a unique opportunity for our guests to interact directly with the people that grow and produce the food they eat,” said Kris Koch, Executive Chef. “Each unique menu will feature ingredients produced by our farmer friends. During the event, each farmer will talk about their farm and the products they produce that are being utilized in each dish.” 

Pam Benike, Prairie Hollow Farms, will be a featured farmer at the March 20 Farmers + Friends dinner.  Photo credit: Katie Cannon Photography 

The first supper of the series is launching on Sunday, March 20 at 5:00 p.m. with future suppers being held on April 27 and May 25 at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $125 and can be purchased online at farmerskitchenandbar.com. Each ticket includes an appetizer reception with welcome cocktails/mocktails and a four-course supper. Farmers to be featured include: 

March 20 

• Encore Farm 
• Pastures a Plenty 
• Prairie Hollow Farm 

April 27 

• A-Frame Farm 
• Baker’s Field Flour & Bread 
• R+R Cultivation  

May 25 

• Pettit Pastures  
• Shepherd’s Way Farms 

Additional farmers and menu details for the April and May events will be announced at a future date. Farmers Kitchen + Bar is open Wednesday – Sunday from 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. For more information on Farmers Kitchen + Bar, or to purchase tickets to the Farmers + Friends Supper Series, visit farmerskitchenandbar.com and follow them on Facebook and Instagram @farmerskitchenandbar and Twitter @farmersktchn.

New Coloring and Trivia Book - Magic of the Mississippi - Highlights the Sites of America’s Greatest River

Author Robert Turek recently announced the release of his latest book, Magic of the Mississippi, a coloring and trivia book dedicated to America’s Greatest River, available now on Amazon.

Magic of the Mississippi brings the sights of the Mississippi River home. From historic river towns along the river, to incredible structures built for transporting our nation's bounty. Through hand illustrated coloring pages, the magic of the Mississippi River comes alive. Created for all ages to discover the beauty and importance of America’s Greatest River.

The mighty Mississippi abounds with history, which Magic of the Mississippi captures through detailed illustrations. Over 20 single sided coloring pages are included, as well as trivia facts to learn more about the Mississippi River.

“My hope is this book will encourage others to envision the Mississippi as more than a river; it’s a place of great importance to our country. My love of conservation and preserving history is captured in the pages of this book so as to inspire others to love the Mississippi as much as I do,” notes Turek.

Detailed coloring and trivia pages feature historic river cities, including:

•  Minneapolis, Minnesota
•  Nauvoo, Illinois
•  Hannibal, Missouri
•  St. Louis, Missouri
•  Memphis, Tennessee
•  New Orleans, Louisiana

More information, along with a free coloring page, can be found on Facebook. Plans are underway to stock the book in retail stores throughout the region.

City Launches 'Reimagine Public Safety' Awareness Campaign

Via the March 9th City of Minneapolis e-newsletter:

The City of Minneapolis has launched the "Reimagine Public Safety" campaign to build awareness about new unarmed response services and community-based programs.

This campaign is important because it showcases how the community was a part of designing public safety solutions. These programs and services are available to you right now.

Watch and share the campaign launch videos on the City's Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook accounts. Be sure to follow the City of Minneapolis for ongoing Reimaging Public Safety campaign content about these new public safety services each week. #IAMMPLS

Led by the Office of Performance & Innovation, this campaign will feature programs from the Office of Violence Prevention, Behavioral Crisis Response, 311, Regulatory Services-Traffic Control, and 911. Learn more on the City’s website.

Mill City Commons Seeks Part-time Executive Director

Mill City Commons is a membership organization for neighbors 55+, most of whom choose to live in the Central Riverfront District of Minneapolis. We are a welcoming neighborhood “village” that builds community through an exciting array of programs that connect us with each other, and the resources needed to maintain and support vibrant lives as we age.

MCC is hiring for the Executive Director (ED) position. The part-time ED is responsible for overseeing all aspects of MCC, ensuring efficient operations and financial stability, while maintaining a consistently high level of member satisfaction. Approximately 25 hours a week. Click here to see the job description.

Interested candidates can apply here on Indeed.com or send their resume and cover letter to applytomcc@millcitycommons.org.

Mia to Launch Fourth Season of "The Object" Podcast on March 14

Via a March 8th e-announcement:

The Object, an award-winning podcast produced by the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia), begins its fourth season on Monday, March 14. Written and hosted by Tim Gihring, a writer at Mia and long-time journalist who has covered arts and culture for more than 25 years, The Object unearths the true, often surprising stories behind the artwork in Mia’s collection.

Season Four of The Object opens with an episode about the Jade Mountain Illustrating the Gathering of Scholars at the Lanting Pavilion - a beloved fixture at Mia better known as Jade Mountain. The story traces the sculpture’s improbable journey from the Chinese emperor’s palace to the home of Minnesota lumber baron T.B. Walker, a story of power and obsession, beauty and loss.

Future episodes will explore the myth of Georgia O’Keeffe, the lost history of the first African-American artist, and our remarkably strange habit of using animals to tell stories about ourselves. New episodes will debut every month.

“Every object tells a story, and that story is ultimately about us—our courage and creativity, our desires and fears,” Gihring said. “This season we’re delving even deeper into the hidden histories of art and what they can tell us about ourselves. What drives us, what do we want, and what will we do to get it?”

The Object podcast launched in 2019 and is among the most popular arts podcasts in the country. In 2021, it was honored by the American Alliance of Museums as one of the top museum podcasts. Learn more here and listen on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and wherever podcasts are available.

The Object is made possible by generous support from Ameriprise Financial.

March 2022 Minneapolis Central City Tunnel Project Update

Via a March 8 e-announcement from the City of Minneapolis:

Project Overview

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

Hennepin Ave
• Tunneling the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Avenue continues. You will see crews continue excavating soils from the existing tunnel access shaft at the northeast corner of the Washington Ave and Hennepin Ave intersection. This is to tunnel the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Avenue.
o There may be short, periodic delays while crews move equipment and materials around.

Nicollet Mall
• The dewatering well and pumps are installed near the southeast corner of the Nicollet Mall and Washington Ave intersection.
  o The eastern sidewalk along Nicollet Mall between Washington Ave and 3rd St N is closed through spring 2022. Access is open to the Marquette Plaza building.
  o Pedestrians are still able to use the sidewalk on the west side of Nicollet Mall.
  o The crosswalk at the Washington Ave intersection remains open.

2nd Ave
• Crews have installed the new tunnel access shaft in the southbound lanes of 2nd Ave S, just north of the Washington Ave intersection. Tunneling the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Avenue has begun.
  o The sidewalks remain open on both sides of the road.
  o The crosswalk at the Washington Ave and 2nd Ave S intersection remains open.
  o 2nd Ave S remains a single lane in each direction using the northbound lanes between Washington Ave and 1st St S until the project is completed in 2023.
o 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 Avenue continues. You will see crews continue excavating soils from the existing tunnel access shaft at the northeast corner of the Washington Ave and Portland Ave intersection. This is to begin tunneling the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Avenue.
  o There may be short, periodic delays while crews move equipment and materials around.

Mississippi River Portal
• Crews continue excavating soils above the storm sewer tunnel and grouting near the existing retaining wall at the Mississippi River portal site.
  o The parking lot off Portland Ave east of the Stone Arch Bridge, near Mill Ruins Park, is temporarily closed for the winter and will reopen spring 2022. This closure is necessary to complete the work in this area safely and efficiently.
  o The parking lot near Portland Ave and W River Pkwy remains open.

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.

* * * * * Long-term closures/restrictions * * * * *

• The north westbound lane, bike lane, and parking lane will be closed on Washington Avenue between Portland Ave and Park Ave. These closures will remain in place until project completion. This is necessary for the contractor to utilize the existing shaft to connect the existing tunnel to the new tunnel.
  o During this closure, pedestrians can still use the sidewalks along Washington.
  o Crosswalks across Washington Ave and Portland Ave will remain open.
  o Bicyclists will share the traffic lane.
  o 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 closed between Hennepin Ave and Nicollet Mall through spring 2022. The contractor is utilizing an existing shaft in this area to connect the existing tunnel to the new tunnel.
  o During this closure, pedestrians share the bike lane on Washington Ave.
  o 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 closed through spring 2022. The dewatering well and pumps are installed in this area.
  o The sidewalk on the east side of 4th Ave S remains closed.
  o Pedestrians can use the sidewalk on the west side of 4th Ave S.
  o The crosswalk at the Washington Ave and 4th Ave intersection remains open.
  o 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.

* * * * * 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

Meet Spoon and Stable's New Wine Director

Claire Maxwell Photo Credit: Erin KincheloeToday, Soigne Hospitality Chef and Owner Gavin Kaysen announces Claire Maxwell as the new wine director at Spoon and Stable.

Claire has been a member of the Spoon and Stable team as a wine steward and server since 2019. She previously held positions at The Bachelor Farmer in Minneapolis, Chateau Saint Croix Winery in Wisconsin, and La Garagista Vineyard in Vermont where she worked closely with wine producer and James Beard Award winner Deidre Heekin to plant the first vines. Her intuitive knowledge about wine pairings comes from her time spent in Italy where she was originally introduced to regional wine and food culture as well as her dedication to studying French wines.

“Claire’s work ethic these past three years has been admirable. She not only has the skill set, but the grace, the determination, and the passion, and the fortitude to elevate the wine program at Spoon and Stable. I am grateful she accepted this new role and I look forward to helping her grow as a leader in our community,” says Kaysen.   

Under her guidance, the wine list at Spoon and Stable will be slowly updated to reflect a broad spectrum of winemaking regions, underdogs of the wine world, adventurous pairing options, boutique and rare winemakers, and accessible favorites. The well-rounded offering will have an eye towards expansive geographic regions to pair well with the spectrum of flavors from the kitchen. Special additions will include vineyards with deep traditions, carefully considered growing practices, and thoughtful winemaking processes that allow the grape to express itself.

“I’m excited about lesser known winemakers in remote places whose winemaking processes allow a true expression of the grape. These winemakers show the same type of honesty and discipline I see in the Spoon and Stable cuisine,” says Claire. “I’m looking forward to adding these limited allocations and rare offerings for guests to explore alongside options that already have a place in people’s hearts.”

Starting in March, the expanded by-the-glass list will offer the most accessible way for guests to explore new regions and winemakers. Curated selections of limited stock bottles will be featured in a new section titled “For Your Consideration” section with half glass and full glass pours.

Some examples include:

Kitá Wines - Camp 4 Cabernet Sauvignon

Kita Wines and the Camp 4 vineyard are owned by the Santa Ynez Band of the Chumash Tribe. The vineyard is also planted on historic Chumashland, where Winemaker Tara Gomez makes wines in partnership with the land, soil, and climate. Though Kita Wines recently shuttered operations, Tara has emerged as an incredibly talented winemaker and will continue to make wine under her personal label, Camins 2 Dreams. 

“This bright-eyed and alert bottle from Winemaker Tara Gomez has so much verve and life. It makes me think of late afternoon sunlight shifting back and forth through windy branches and crushing wild mint through a thicket of blackberries,” says Claire. “I can’t wait to see what Gomez does next. She has a long career ahead of her.”

Paolo Vodopivec - Vitovska Solo MM17

Vodopivec is devoted to working solely with the Vitovska grape, which is indigenous to the rugged limestone landscape of the Karst region in Northeast Italy and Southwest Slovenia where the biodynamically farmed estate is located.

“Since tasting this bottle, I think about the wine probably once a day. It whispers with mineral qualities like celery salt, pounded stone, and hints of quince or unripe melon,” says Claire. 

Giacomo Fenocchio - “90dì” Barolo Bussia Riserva 2015

In making this bottle, the wine is left to macerate on the grape skins for an exceptionally long 90 days. This process, called submerged cap fermentation, is now very rare, but historically was the norm in Barolo. It is the most gentle way to extract tannins, structure, flavor, and color without also inviting astringency into the wine. It creates pronounced tannins that are fine, but assertive, like high-grit sandpaper, and a wine that is elegant, powerful, and supremely drinkable.

“Giacomo Fenocchio is teetering on the edge of stardom in Barolo. His wines are truly top tier, but fly just enough under the radar so they aren’t impossible to find, for now!,” says Claire.

Visit the Spoon and Stable website for access to the most recent wine list.

Follow Spoon and Stable on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

February 2022 by the Numbers from Cynthia Froid Group

Downtown real estate market update from Cynthia Froid Group: