February 12 Ward 7 Updates from Council Member Lisa Goodman

Ahead of Police Recruitment Push, City Prioritizes Minneapolis Residency, Social Service Experience

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, Police Chief Medaria Arradondo and Chief Human Resources Officer Patience Ferguson announced new recruitment priorities for incoming Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) recruits. Throughout every level of the hiring process, the City is assigning greater weight to applicants who have experience in social service and live in Minneapolis. 

Amid a significant opportunity to recruit new officers into the department, placing a higher value on residency and social service experience will help ensure the MPD is better embedding Minneapolis’ values throughout its recruitment and hiring practices.

The changes also include assigning greater weight to volunteer experience, educational and on-the-job experience in social service, mental health work, and substance use disorder counseling. The department will also emphasize degrees in criminal justice, social work, social sciences (psychology, sociology, criminology), counseling and other related fields. These new recruitment priorities will begin with summer class recruitment, with postings expected in mid-February.

Read more.

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Joint Operation Results in Nearly 50 Carjacking and Robbery Arrests

Officers from the Minneapolis Police Department and deputies with the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office Violent Offender Task Force teamed up recently with air support from the Minnesota State Patrol to target people responsible for ongoing violent robberies and carjackings in parts of south Minneapolis.

The three-day joint operation, which took place Jan. 26-28, resulted in 46 arrests, including 69 felony level charges. Law enforcement recovered 15 firearms and 12 stolen vehicles. Six of the vehicles were occupied at the time officers and deputies seized the vehicles.

The felony level arrests included probable cause charges of carjacking, drugs and weapons violations, auto theft and fleeing police. Last year, there were 405 carjackings in Minneapolis, a 301% increase over 2019.

Tips to reduce your risk of becoming a carjacking victim: 

• Park in well-lit areas.
• Always be hyper-aware of your surroundings.
• Equip your car with an anti-theft device.
• Lock your doors while driving.

Don’t stop for apparently stranded strangers along the road. Note their location and pull over in a safe place once you’ve passed to call for help.

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Gov. Walz Authorizes National Guard to Provide Public Safety Assistance During Trials of Former Officers Involved in George Floyd's Death

Gov. Tim Walz has issued an executive order authorizing the Minnesota National Guard to provide public safety assistance to Minneapolis and Saint Paul during the upcoming trials of the former officers involved in the death of George Floyd. Members of the National Guard will be visible and available as needed as public interest increases surrounding the trials.

Walz’s executive order is part of a monthslong public safety planning process among local law enforcement agencies and all levels of government, including City and County governments, to prepare for heightened interest in the upcoming trials of the former officers.

The governor called on the Legislature to quickly pass his SAFE Account proposal. This funding is a critical tool to help ensure there are enough sworn law enforcement officers to be able to employ the National Guard. Because the National Guard is not a law enforcement agency, they must partner with police to help prevent or respond to any unrest.

This will require significant mutual aid from adjacent cities and counties, which has a fiscal cost. The SAFE Account would ensure that cities and counties across the state that volunteer to send additional police officers are reimbursed for their efforts to help secure this extraordinary event.

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Emergency Assistance Programs from the State and County

ApplyMN is a simple, secure online application that connects you with Minnesota and Hennepin County services to help meet your and your family's basic needs. You can use ApplyMN to apply for: 

• Cash assistance.
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
• Child care assistance.
• Emergency assistance for situations such as eviction or loss from a fire. Contact the county office where you live for more information. In Hennepin County, that’s 612-596-1300.

Find more information on the Minnesota Department of Human Services website.

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Free and Affordable Food

There are many places to get local, affordable or free emergency food in Minneapolis this winter.

Emergency food

Find a map and hours of food shelves and food distribution pop-ups for emergency food in Minneapolis.

Free food boxes for all youths

All families are invited to pick up free meal boxes for their children. Food boxes contain a week’s worth of breakfasts and lunches that meet Minneapolis Public Schools’ high standards for nutrition and quality ingredients. In every box, children will find school favorites, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables. Milk is offered on the side.

• Youths do not need to be enrolled in Minneapolis Public Schools.
• Youths, parents or siblings can pick up one box per child, per week.
• Pick up at any of the 15 school sites. No registration is required.

• All sites are open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Learn more and find a food box location.

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Minnesota Ramps Up COVID-19 Vaccinations

The State of Minnesota is developing a diverse, stable network of different ways Minnesotans can get vaccinated so everyone will have access to a vaccine, no matter where they live and no matter their personal circumstances. In Minnesota, Walmart and Thrifty White are now participating in the first phase of the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program launching across the state to help vaccinate adults 65 years of age and older.

Vaccine supply still small

The State notes that the supply of vaccine each week from the federal government is still small. While it has more vaccine available for seniors than ever, it is still a drop in the bucket. Nearly 1 million people are 65 or older in Minnesota. Until more vaccine comes, it will stay difficult to get an appointment.

The State launched a statewide vaccine finder to better connect Minnesotans 65 and older to vaccination opportunities in communities near where they live. 

Learn more about the State's vaccine distribution plan.

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Free COVID-19 Tests Detect the Virus Even as Variants

The City of Minneapolis is offering free COVID-19 saliva tests. Testing is encouraged and available to everyone, whether or not you have symptoms. It’s one of the best ways to stop the spread of COVID-19 and help prevent exposing your loved ones to the virus.

The tests detect COVID-19 whether it’s the original strain or a variant. Some of the recently found variants seem to spread more easily than the original strain – up to 70% more – and two of the three known variants have been identified in Minnesota.

The State of Minnesota especially asks these people to get tested:

• Students returning to school, youth sports or extracurricular activities. Testing doesn’t sideline your team but helps identify the virus early so it doesn’t have a chance to spread.
• College and trade school students returning to campus or classes.
• Anyone who regularly interacts with people outside of their family unit or household.
• Anyone with symptoms or who was exposed to someone who tested positive or someone they don’t live with.
• Anyone who is working at places that remain open during the pandemic such as critical infrastructure, first responders, health care, retail, schools and child care.

Free COVID-19 tests

Do not eat, drink or use tobacco products for 30 minutes before taking a COVID-19 saliva test.

Columbia Manor Golf Course, 3300 Central Ave. NE 4-7 p.m. Thursdays, Feb. 18 and 25

Minneapolis Public Schools Davis Center, 1250 West Broadway 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13 and 20

Minnesota Chippewa Tribe building, 1308 E. Franklin Ave. 3-7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16

Phyllis Wheatley Community Center, 1301 10th Ave. N. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27

You can expect to get your test results in about two business days.

More free COVID-19 saliva tests

Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 Second Ave. S., Exhibit Room E 10 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends Make an appointment here. Find instructions here.

Native American Community Clinic, 1213 E. Franklin Ave. 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays Appointments required: Call 612-872-8086 to schedule an appointment.

Southside Community Health Services, 324 E. 35th St. 2-3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays Appointments required: Call 612-821-3548 to schedule an appointment. You can expect to get your test results in about two-three business days. Same day testing can be done for health care workers, first responders and essential workers.

Find a current list of free COVID-19 tests on the City website.

If you can’t attend one of these testing events, you can use this directory to find a testing location near you.

The State is also offering free at-home saliva tests. Any person in Minnesota can order a saliva test kit from the COVID-19 Test at Home program.

Resources

The COVID-19 test is free, and you do not need insurance for the test. If you need medical care but don’t have health insurance, the Minnesota Department of Health offers resources to find low-cost health care or health insurance.

Why get tested? Videos in Spanish, Somali and Hmong

Whether you feel sick or not, get tested. This will protect your loved ones and help us all return safely back to school, work and other activities.

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COVID-19 Situation Update as of February 10, 2021

Situational updates: Minneapolis

• As of February 10, there are 32,049 cases in Minneapolis and 382 deaths. The total number of cases increased by 1.1% over the previous week. Both hospitalizations and ICU admissions increased by less than 1%. Minneapolis-specific data are available at www.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/dashboard.
• Over the past week, there have been about 50 new cases per day on average. This rate has decreased significantly, however we are still seeing at least 10 new cases per day as well as averaging three hospitalizations and one death per day.
• The seven-day rolling average case rate for Minneapolis is 14.4 cases per 100,000. The rate continues to decrease, but the re-opening of bars and restaurants, the return of students to in-person learning, and the new COVID variants circulating in the community may all cause case rates to increase in the future.
• COVID-19 testing in Minneapolis and across the State has decreased by 30% from November. It’s possible we may be missing mild or asymptomatic infections.
• Please continue to wear a mask, wash your hands, maintain physical distance, get tested, and stay home if you’re sick. These actions will help contain the spread of the virus.
• Mayor Frey’s Emergency Regulation No. 12 regarding masks remains in effect. The regulation requires people to wear face masks in all indoor public places.

Situational updates: Minnesota

• As of February 10, there are 469,905 cases in Minnesota out of over 6.8 million tests completed. There have been 6,319 deaths from COVID-19 in Minnesota. There are 97,559 cases and 1,557 deaths in Hennepin County.
• The State uses a color-coded map to track a seven-day rolling average of new cases. As of January 31, Minnesota is reporting 16.6 cases per 100,000.
• The State continues to work with the CDC to conduct surveillance to determine how prevalent the newly identified strains of COVID-19 might be in Minnesota. As of today, 16 cases of the B.1.1.7 and two cases of the P.1 variant have been detected in Minnesota.
• The statewide mask mandate remains in effect. People are required to wear masks in all indoor public places where people gather and some outdoor venues where physical distancing is difficult.
• Governor Walz’s Emergency Order 21-01 is in effect. Details are available on the City’s Guidance for Restaurants, Bars and Breweries and Distilleries web page.

Health Department Incident Command updates

• The Health Department is offering multiple community testing and vaccination clinics every week. Any City employee who is interested in volunteering at these events can fill out a brief survey. Staff who volunteer will receive training and personal protective equipment, including COVID vaccination for those volunteering at multiple events.

Case investigation/Contact tracing

• We continue to conduct follow-up with individuals diagnosed with COVID-19, as well as contact tracing at workplaces and with exposed individuals. Of the cases in Minneapolis, 65% have been interviewed and 2.4% have refused. Thirty-two percent of cases have been lost to follow-up and less than 1% of new Minneapolis cases still need to be interviewed.
• Twenty percent of interviews of Minneapolis residents have been conducted in a language other than English, representing over 15 different languages.
• We have 50 active case investigators, including two non-MHD enterprise staff and 17 AmeriCorps staff. With the decrease in cases, case investigators are interviewing an average of 40 cases per shift and making an average of 80 calls per shift, plus conducting workplace and other contact follow-up.
• People now have the option of completing the case investigation interview online. Cases receive a text and are able to choose one of four languages to complete the survey in. About 5% of Minneapolis cases have chosen to complete the interview online.

COVID-19 vaccination

• We continue to partner with Hennepin Healthcare to vaccinate Phase 1A priority groups in Minneapolis. To date, we have hosted 32 vaccination clinics and given out approximately 2,700 vaccinations.
• This week we are hosting ten clinics for assisted living facilities, Blue & White Taxi drivers (which provide medical transportation to COVID patients), Minneapolis Park Police, school health staff, and other congregate care facilities.
• We are finalizing plans for vaccinating Phase 1B populations, with an emphasis on BIPOC communities who have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, as well as vulnerable older adults living in public housing.
• The State continues to focus on vaccinating adults over 65, educators, and childcare workers. Updates on their vaccination efforts can be found on the State’s vaccination website.
• Vaccine demand continues to far outpace available doses. While waiting to be vaccinated help stop the spread of the virus by continuing to wash your hands, stay 6ft apart, and wear a mask.
• We are offering community conversations about COVID-19 vaccinations, testing, and ways to prevent the virus. Please use this form to request a conversation.
• We are hosting vaccine briefings for Enterprise Leaders every other Monday from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. The next briefing is scheduled for Monday, February 22. Past recordings can be found on the COVID Vaccination Channel.

COVID-19 testing

• Despite the vaccine roll-out, it is still important to get tested to help stop the spread of the virus.
• We continue to offer regular community testing events, which are free and open to everyone. In the past week, we provided 132 COVID-19 saliva tests at two community events and a local business.
• Please help us promote the following saliva testing events:

o Minneapolis Public Schools Davis Center, 1250 West Broadway, February 13 and February 20 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.). No pre-registration required.

o MN Chippewa Tribe Building, 1308 East Franklin Ave, February 16 (3 p.m. to 7 p.m.). No pre-registration required.

o Columbia Manor, 3300 Central Ave. N.E., February 11, 18, and 25 (4 p.m. to 7 p.m.). No pre-registration required.

o Phyllis Wheatley Community Center, 1301 10th Ave N., February 27 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). No pre-registration required.

o Minneapolis Convention Center - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. Visit the State’s COVID-19 testing web page to register.

o Brooklyn Park Starlight Center – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. Visit the State’s COVID-19 testing web page to register.

o Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport - 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. Visit the State’s COVID-19 testing web page to register.

• We are also offering free saliva testing kits and on-site testing for community partners, organizations, and businesses. To date there have been 64 requests from businesses and community partners for 6,989 test kits. Please use this form to submit a request for testing kits or onsite testing. Priority will be given to businesses and organizations with recent outbreaks.
• Any person in Minnesota can order a free at-home saliva test kit from the State’s COVID-19 Test at Home program. The test will be delivered to your home with rush shipping.
• The City's testing web page offers information on testing sites and guidance about what to do while you wait for COVID-19 test results. Staying away from others while you wait for your results is extremely important, especially if you have any symptoms.

Support for Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS)

• About 2,600 MPS educators are preparing to welcome approximately 9,600 elementary school students back to in-person learning this month. Pre-K and Kindergarten students returned on February 8, while first and second grade students returned on February 10. Third through fifth grade students will return on February 22.
• We are conducting case investigation and contact tracing for MPS staff diagnosed, exposed, or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, and providing recommendations to MPS on next steps. We are receiving an average of these situations that require follow-up per day.
• We have provided 1,200 saliva test kits for MPS educators as well as 700 tests for MPS students, families, and staff to help with re-opening efforts.

Businesses

• Health inspectors responded to two outbreaks in restaurants that were reported last week. One outbreak occurred among restaurant patrons while the other occurred among staff.
• Inspectors continue to reach out to businesses to provide guidance on COVID-19 cleaning and sanitizing practices, isolation and quarantine guidance for employees, best practices on masking and physical distancing, and other critical safety guidance.
• Restaurants continue to request saliva test kits for their employees, which health inspectors and other health department staff are delivering.

Other community needs

• Over the past week we have supplied personal protective equipment (PPE) upon request to Somali Community Resettlement Services, the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority, and the Twin Cities Recovery Project.
• We have a good stock of PPE on hand (masks, hand sanitizer, and gloves) and are able to fulfill additional community and business requests for supplies. These items may be requested through the COVID-19 Requests and Inquiries form.

The City specific COVID email address is: COVID19@minneapolismn.gov.

Bicycle Film Festival - February 26th to March 7th

Via a February 9 e-announcment:

Bicycle Film Festival February 26 - March 7

Our Streets Minneapolis is partnering with the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota to bring the Bicycle Film Festival to Minneapolis February 26th to March 7th. With your $10, $15, or $20 ticket, you'll get digital access to an international short film program and a panel discussion featuring local changemakers working to diversify the cycling community and culture.

Our local panel will include:

• Wesley Ferguson, @bikingwithwesley
• Paige Ingram, Co-Organizer, Juneteenth Revolutionary Blackout Bikeride 
• Luis Moore, President, Major Taylor Bicycling Club of Minnesota
• Dr. Ashley Zapata & Madilynn Garcia, Stamina Racing Collective

Click here to get your tickets and watch the film trailer today!

Ric Rosow Captures Some Hair Raising Shots of Construction Worker at the Eleven Site

Submitted by Mill District resident Ric Rosow

Taken February 1, 2021, these photos are of a construction worker on The Eleven. In photos one and two, the construction worker is standing on a tiny platform at the corner of the outside of the building. The scene gets even more tense in the third and fourth photos as the construction worker carefully moves off the platform to around the corner to re-enter the building through a window opening.

Twenty-Two Stories Up

Yes - Twenty-Two

Rounding the corner

NOW WHERE!

February 5 Ward 7 Update from Council Member Lisa Goodman

DID Launches 2021 Safety Plan

The plan provides wrap around support for downtown Minneapolis                               

The Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District today announced a new partnership with Hennepin County to add a social worker as part of the DID Livability Team’s ongoing work. The position will help more effectively address a range of mental health and chemical dependency issues throughout downtown.

This new partnership aligns with the full unveiling of the DID’s 2021 safety plan—a robust, five-tiered approach made possible by $3.5 million worth of investments from downtown property owners focusing on overall safety measures, activity, and collaboration.

The DID safety plan will bring members of the public, private, and non-profit sectors together throughout the year providing a variety of resources that, together, build a cohesively vibrant downtown experience. The plan has begun rolling out and all tactics are expected to be deployed prior to this summer.

“We strongly believe it takes full collaboration to build confidence in downtown’s safety, and that includes community outreach, law enforcement, communication with our downtown stakeholders and street level activations,” said Steve Cramer, President & CEO of the Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District. “This plan is thorough, brings a great deal of expertise together and is a unified effort in providing public safety to our downtown community.”

The plans five focus areas include:

1. Communications and collaborations
2. Security presence and response
3. Livability outreach and street engagement
4. Advocacy for a safer downtown
5. Activation, vibrancy, and crime prevention

Outreach and security presence are cornerstones of this safety plan. The security presence and response plan includes DID Ambassadors, dedicated downtown patrol, added Joint Beats presence, and more.

In addition to the new Hennepin County social worker, the plan includes street outreach engagement through the DID Livability Team, YouthLink, Youth Coordinating Board, St. Stephen’s, Office of Violence Prevention Outreach Interrupters and MAD DADS.

To further enhance communication, the plan will include the DID Safety Communications Center at the First Precinct coordinating with a network of law enforcement, outreach teams and private security. RadioLink, security meetings, downtown safety workshops and more will be part of the communications plan.

Vibrant streets make safe streets, so activations are part of the safety plan. This year’s activation plans, subject to public health guidelines throughout the year, include the Nicollet Farmers Market, Nicollet Maker Market, street show music performances, Street Eats incubator food cart program, MN Fringe Beyond the Box performances, MNSpin, and more.

For more information, visit www.MplsDID.com or follow @MplsDID on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About the Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District

The Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District (DID) is a business funded non-profit focused on creating a more vibrant downtown. DID leads and collaborates on programs that make downtown safer, cleaner, and greener. DID convenes people across sectors and jurisdictions to work on issues of mutual interest; develop innovative solutions to complex public space challenges/opportunities including strategic activation and seeks continuous improvement of ongoing programs including the ambassadors. For more information, visit www.MplsDID.com

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Hennepin County Shelter Availability

In preparation for the upcoming weather, there have been additional shelter beds added for single adults this week. Almost all emergency shelter is currently accessible 24 hours a day and all shelters have made accommodations to be CDC compliant. We encourage anyone that is currently sleeping outside to contact the Adult Shelter Connect to access shelter. We understand there is hesitation, for many reasons, but it is critical over these next few days to get out of the cold and this is the best way to do that.

To access emergency shelter, please call the Adult Shelter Connect at 612-248-2350 from 10:00AM - 5:30PM Monday-Friday, or 1:00PM - 5:30PM on weekends and holidays.  More info here.

If you work with any families that are in need of shelter there is ample capacity. Call 612-348-9410 to speak to shelter representative.

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Ward 7 Spotlight

Small, family-owned businesses are the life-blood of Minneapolis. The smaller they are, the more important their history in our community. Gittelson Jewelers has been a downtown Minneapolis business serving consumers, MN athletes and musicians for over 35 years. In fact we just celebrated our 35th anniversary this last fall during COVID-19 and the aftermath of city-wide unrest. Needless to say, the results of our generational celebration were all but forgotten in the wake of our current environment. The skwyways are empty and these businesses are all but forgotten.

Gittelson Jewelers is in the Norhtstar Center building serving generations of clients and Minneapolis’s most interesting customers for now, almost 36 years. Please remember to support the smallest of our family-onwed businesses in downtown Minneapolis, specifically the hidden “Gems" in the Minneapolis Skyways. 

Gittelson Jewelers specializes in:

• Diamond engagement rings
• Custom made engagement rings and other fine jewelry
• Jewelry & watch repair
• Diamond earrings, necklaces, bracelets and more.

We’ll clean, check and inspect your jewelry for free while in our store. 

We’ll comp your parking in the Crowne Plaza ramp if you are purchasing with us. 

If you don’t want to come in the store, we’ll do virtual consultations and even deliver it to your doorstep if you’re within the Twin Cities metro locale. 

We are the longest standing jewelry store in the Minneapolis skyway system since 1985. 

For Valentine’s Day we have numerous sale items throughout our store. 

www.gittelsonjewelers.com

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COVID-19 Situation Update as of February 3, 2021

Situational updates: Minneapolis

• As of February 3, there are 31,699 cases in Minneapolis and 377 deaths. The total number of cases increased by 1.3% over the previous week. Hospitalizations increased by 1.3% and ICU admissions increased by less than 1%.
• Over the past week, there have been about 75 new cases per day on average. Minneapolis-specific daily case counts and demographics are available at www.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/dashboard.
• The new case rate in Minneapolis has decreased significantly, however we are still seeing at least 10 new cases per day, as well as averaging five hospitalizations, one ICU admission, and one death per day. It is important to continue taking precautions and take advantage of the available testing.
• The seven-day rolling average rate for Minneapolis is at 16.3 cases per 100,000. The rate continues to decrease, but the impact of the re-opening of bars and restaurants, as well as the return to school and sports, remains to be seen.
• The State is releasing $6.9 million in federal vaccination funding to local public health departments. MHD will receive $368,621 to spend by June 30. In addition, the Minneapolis Police Department received federal funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance for the COVID response and MHD will allocate $268,000 of it for COVID testing, case investigation, and contract tracing.
• Mayor Frey’s Emergency Regulation No. 12 regarding masks remains in effect. The regulation requires people to wear face masks in all indoor public places.

Situational updates: Minnesota

• As of February 2, there are 463,766 cases in Minnesota out of over 6.6 million tests completed. There have been 6,234 deaths from COVID-19 in Minnesota. There are 96,262 cases and 1,539 deaths in Hennepin County.
• The State uses a color-coded map to track a seven-day rolling average of new cases. As of January 26, Minnesota is reporting 18 cases per 100,000 and Minneapolis is at 16.3 cases per 100,000.
• The State continues to work with the CDC to conduct surveillance to determine how prevalent the newly identified strains of COVID-19 might be in Minnesota. As of today, 16 cases of the B.1.1.7 and two cases of the P.1 variant have been detected in Minnesota.
• MHD encourages everyone to sign up for the State’s COVIDaware MN exposure app. The app notifies you if you may have been exposed to COVID-19 by anyone else using the app. The app complements, but does not replace, case investigation and contact tracing.
• The statewide mask mandate remains in effect. People are required to wear masks in all indoor public places where people gather and some outdoor venues where physical distancing is difficult.
• Governor Walz’s Emergency Order 21-01 is in effect. Details are available on the City’s Guidance for Restaurants, Bars and Breweries and Distilleries web page.

Have a COVID-safe Super Bowl

• Looking forward to the big game on Sunday? The safest way to cheer on your favorite team is to stay home and watch with people in your own household. Attending large gatherings increases your risk of getting and spreading COVID-19.
• If you host or attend a party, there should be no more than two households total and a maximum of 10 people indoors. While you’re around others, it’s very important to stay physically distanced, wear a mask, and wash your hands.
• The CDC offers additional recommendations for COVID-safe celebrations on their website.

Health Department Incident Command updates

• The Health Department is offering multiple community testing and vaccination clinics every week during the month of February, with many more to come in the next few months. We need City staff to volunteer at these events. Thank you to those who have already signed up to help out! Anyone who is interested can fill out a brief survey. Staff who volunteer will receive training and personal protective equipment, including COVID vaccination for those volunteering at multiple events.

Case investigation/Contact tracing

• MHD staff are conducting case and contact follow-up for Minneapolis Public School (MPS) staff diagnosed or exposed to COVID-19, and providing recommendations to MPS on next steps.
• We continue to conduct follow-up on individuals diagnosed with COVID-19, as well as contact tracing at workplaces and with exposed individuals. Of the cases in Minneapolis, 65% have been interviewed and 2.3% have refused. Thirty-three percent of cases have been lost to follow-up and less than 1% of new Minneapolis cases still need to be interviewed.
• Twenty percent of interviews of Minneapolis residents have been conducted in a language other than English, representing over 15 different languages.
• We have 50 active case investigators, including two non-MHD enterprise staff and 17 AmeriCorps staff. With the decrease in cases, case investigators are interviewing an average of 60 cases per shift and making an average of 100 calls per shift, plus conducting workplace and other contact follow-up.
• Cases now have the option of completing the interview online. Cases receive a text and are able to choose one of four languages to complete the survey in. About 5% of Minneapolis cases have chosen to complete the interview online.

COVID-19 vaccination

• We continue to partner with Hennepin Healthcare to vaccinate Phase 1A priority groups in Minneapolis. This week, we are hosting 10 clinics and expect to vaccinate Metro Transit workers, older adults in assisted living facilities, school health workers, and unaffiliated health clinic staff. To date, we have given out over 2,000 vaccines.
• Hennepin County Human Services has been and will continue to vaccinate certain groups in Minneapolis where they have existing relationships (i.e. shelters, the unsheltered homeless, and board and lodging facilities).
• The State is opening a vaccination clinic at the Minneapolis Convention Center this Thursday, Saturday (February 4 – 6), with second doses being provided in March. They are expecting to vaccinate approximately 9,000 people at this site including 4,500 educators/childcare workers and 4,500 people over age 65. Other updates about the State’s vaccination distribution plans and progress can be found on their vaccination website.
• Vaccine demand continues to far outpace available doses at this time. While waiting to be vaccinated help stop the spread of the virus by continuing to wash your hands, stay 6ft apart, and wear a mask.
• We are hosting vaccine briefings for Enterprise Leaders every other Monday from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. The next briefing is scheduled for Monday, February 8. Past recordings can be found on the COVID Vaccination Channel.

Community Public Information and Outreach

• As a Health Department, we’re committed to providing timely, culturally appropriate, science-based information to help people make informed decisions about COVID-19 vaccination.
• We established agreements with five community partners (Insight, Centro, Somali Center Resettlement Services, MIGIZI and SEAD-Southeast Asian Diaspora) to serve as trusted messengers. These groups will help us ensure that critical COVID-19 information is reaching BIPOC communities using the most effective messages and channels.
• We are developing, translating and disseminating community friendly materials for trusted messengers to use when educating about COVID-19.
• We are offering community conversations about COVID-19 vaccinations, testing, and ways to prevent the virus. Please use this form to request a conversation.
• A City vaccine webpage called “the hub” will be available in the next several weeks so that Minneapolis residents can find a vaccination site close to their home.
• Food, Lodging, and Pools inspectors along with NCR staff are distributing flyers to promote the COVID-19 testing events listed below.

COVID-19 Testing

In the past week, 209 COVID-19 saliva tests were provided at three community based events, a local business, and a coffee shop. Despite the vaccine roll-out, it is important to get tested. Please help us promote the following free saliva testing events:

• Minneapolis Public Schools Davis Center, 1250 West Broadway, February 4 (2 p.m. to 7 p.m.) for MPS staff and community and offered with the Power of People Leadership Institute on February 13 and February 20 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) for all community members.
• MN Chippewa Tribe Building, 1308 East Franklin Ave, February 16 (3 p.m. to 7 p.m.).
• Columbia Manor, 3300 Central Ave. N.E. on February 4, 11, 18, and 25 (4 p.m. to 7 p.m.).
• Phyllis Wheatley Community Center, 1301 10th Ave N., February 27 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
• Free saliva testing is also offered at three local sites hosted by the State health department. Visit the State’s COVID-19 testing web page to register and find more information.
• Minneapolis Convention Center - 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.
• Brooklyn Park Starlight Center - 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.
• Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport - 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.
• The State is also offering free at-home saliva tests. Any person in Minnesota can order a saliva test kit from the COVID-19 Test at Home program. The test will be delivered to your home with rush shipping.
• The City's testing web page offers the latest information on testing sites and guidance about what to do while you wait for COVID-19 test results. Staying away from others while you wait for your results is extremely important, especially if you have any symptoms. The web page has short videos in multiple languages explaining how to quarantine and isolate effectively.

MHD distribution of saliva test kits:

• The Health Department is offering free saliva testing kits to community partners, organizations and businesses. After you request saliva testing kits, a staff member will contact you for more information. Virtual training on how to administer the tests is offered upon request.
• To date there have been 64 requests from businesses and community partners for 6,989 test kits.
• MHD may also offer testing to companies; testing was provided at the Broadway Equipment Company on February 2.

Responding to community needs

• We have a good stock of personal protective equipment on hand (masks, hand sanitizer, and gloves) and are able to fulfill community and business requests for supplies. These items may be requested through the COVID-19 Requests and Inquiries form.
• We are responding to 10-15 emails per day in our COVID19@minneapolismn.gov inbox. Most people are requesting information about COVID-19 vaccine distribution. Please continue using the COVID email for any questions about vaccines or other COVID-related issues.
• Last week, we distributed 7,660 hygiene items to unsheltered homeless persons through community partners. Items included wipes, toothbrushes and paste, deodorant, condoms, warm weather gear including gloves and boots, and 4,320 handwarmers.
• With CARES funding, we purchased equipment to support the weekly free food distribution at Corcoran Park (tables, chairs, tents, carts). We are working with other community food distribution sites to determine if and how we can share the equipment.

The City specific COVID email address is: COVID19@minneapolismn.gov.

MSP Film Society Announces the 40th MSPIFF Will be May 13-23, Passes Now on Sale

Via a February 2 Press Release from the MSP Film Society:

MSP Film Society is thrilled to announce the 40th Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival (MSPIFF40) will take place Thursday, May 13 through Sunday, May 23, 2021! Due to the ongoing pandemic, MSPIFF40 will be a hybrid festival, with films and panels presented primarily in thevirtual world, while plans are in motion for several outdoor screenings, as long as state and local Covid-19 orders allow. Details will be released in the coming months, once MSPIFF40 films and locations are confirmed.

MSPIFF40 Festival Passes are on sale now at mspfilm.org

All-Access Passes for MSP Film Society Members are $175 through March 20, then go up to $200. Non-Member All-Access Passes are $250 and include a 1-year MSP Film Society Core Membership.The complete lineup for MSPIFF40 will be announced Thursday, April 22, 2021.

Like most nonprofit arts organizations, MSP Film Society took a deep financial hit in 2020, due to the shutdowns put into place to help control the spread of Covid-19. Thankfully, our members and supporters adapted as swiftly as our staff, and remained engaged with our virtual programing while staying safely at home.

“We are relieved to have weathered the storms of 2020, and as we find our footing in 2021 with renewed hope, MSP Film Society turns our focus on the 40th MSP International Film Festival – yes, that’s right, forty years!” said Susan Smoluchowski, Executive Director of MSP Film Society, theparent organization of MSPIFF. “We have lots of great ideas on how to make MSPIFF40 our most fabulous festival yet, and worthy of its standing as a tried and true Minnesota cultural institution.”

MSPIFF is Minnesota’s largest film festival and, at 40 years running, one of the longest-running film festivals in the country. As in most years, MSP Film Society staff began mapping out plans for MSPIFF40 last fall, when programmers began discussing themes, anticipated films, possible tributes, and potential guests. Most years, the MSPIFF programmers attend a few key fall and winter festivals to scour the newest films to hit the fest circuit, including Toronto and Sundance – and that continued this year, albeit virtually, while concurrently screening films submitted directly to MSPIFF.

“This year we received over 800 submissions to MSPIFF, which is on par with previous years,” said MSPIFF Programming Director Jesse Bishop. “So the storytellers continue to wow us with their new work, and whether we are presenting a physical, virtual, or hybrid festival, our job essentially remains the same: to seek out a range of voices and debut the latest and greatest in international cinema to our ever-expanding MSPIFF audiences.”

The MSPIFF40 programming team is also tasked with determining each year’s Spotlight Theme, and with all the strife and division we collectively endured, it has been decided the 2021 Spotlight theme could only be: Common Ground: Presenting stories that focus attention on and explore equity and bias that manifests across the human experience, from racial and gender, to social, educational, geographic or economic.

MSP Film Society looks forward to sharing the films that fit this theme along with all we have in store for MSPIFF40, including our many MSPIFF filmmaker panels, conversations, and tributes recognizing filmmakers of note to complement another rich slate of films from around the globe, including an occasion to remember the legacy of the Film Society’s founder Al Milgrom and a VIP fundraising event celebrating MSPIFF40. Please stay tuned for upcoming announcements.

MSPIFF40 is generously supported by many sponsors including: Star Tribune, Cedarwoods Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts’ Art Works Grant, Best Buy Community Grant, McKnight Foundation,St. Paul Foundation, Minneapolis Foundation, KNOCK, Inc., Jazz 88, numerous locally owned and basedbusinesses, consulates from around the world, our Masters and Auteurs Member Circles, the 2,500+ Members and Donors of MSP Film Society…and more to come!

MSPIFF is presented by the MSP Film Society, a dynamic 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to fostering a knowledgeable and vibrant appreciation of the art of film and its power to inform and transform individuals and communities.

DID Launches 2021 Safety Plan

Via a February 3 Press Release from the Mpls Downtown Improvement District

The plan provides wrap around support for downtown Minneapolis

The Mpls Downtown Improvement District (DID) today announced a new partnership with Hennepin County to add a social worker as part of the DID Livability Team’s ongoing work. The position will help more effectively address a range of mental health and chemical dependency issues throughout downtown.

This new partnership aligns with the full unveiling of the DID’s 2021 safety plan—a robust, five-tiered approach made possible by $3.5 million worth of investments from downtown property owners focusing on overall safety measures, activity, and collaboration.

The DID safety plan will bring members of the public, private, and non-profit sectors together throughout the year providing a variety of resources that, together, build a cohesively vibrant downtown experience. The plan has begun rolling out and all tactics are expected to be deployed prior to this summer.

“We strongly believe it takes full collaboration to build confidence in downtown’s safety, and that includes community outreach, law enforcement, communication with our downtown stakeholders and street level activations,” said Steve Cramer, President & CEO of the Mpls Downtown Improvement District. “This plan is thorough, brings a great deal of expertise together and is a unified effort in providing public safety to our downtown community.”

The plans five focus areas include: 

• Communications and collaborations
• Security presence and response
• Livability outreach and street engagement
• Advocacy for a safer downtown
• Activation, vibrancy, and crime prevention

Outreach and security presence are cornerstones of this safety plan. The security presence and response plan includes DID Ambassadors, dedicated downtown patrol, added Joint Beats presence, and more.

In addition to the new Hennepin County social worker, the plan includes street outreach engagement through the DID Livability Team, YouthLink, Youth Coordinating Board, St. Stephen’s, Office of Violence Prevention Outreach Interrupters and MAD DADS.

To further enhance communication, the plan will include the DID Safety Communications Center at the First Precinct coordinating with a network of law enforcement, outreach teams and private security. RadioLink, security meetings, downtown safety workshops and more will be part of the communications plan.

Vibrant streets make safe streets, so activations are part of the safety plan. This year’s activation plans, subject to public health guidelines throughout the year, include the Nicollet Farmers Market, Nicollet Maker Market, street show music performances, Street Eats incubator food cart program, MN Fringe Beyond the Box performances, MNSpin, and more.

For more information, visit www.MplsDID.com or follow @MplsDID on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About the Mpls Downtown Improvement District

The Mpls Downtown Improvement District (DID) is a business funded non-profit focused on creating a more vibrant downtown. DID leads and collaborates on programs that make downtown safer, cleaner, and greener. DID convenes people across sectors and jurisdictions to work on issues of mutual interest; develop innovative solutions to complex public space challenges/opportunities including strategic activation and seeks continuous improvement of ongoing programs including the ambassadors.

Social Justice Exhibit at the Northrup King Building Includes 4 Events

Via a February 1 e-announcment:

Eye-opening, thought provoking, inciting needed conversations; the Social Justice Exhibit at Northrup King Building, hosted by Beverly and A. Drew Hammond opens this Thursday, February 4th from 5-9pm in Gallery #322.

You don’t want to miss this amazing and diverse body of works from seven artists who are expressing their views on social justice in America through their art! Artists include:

• Loreta Bebeau
• Broderick Poole
• seangarrison
• A Drew Hammond
• Beverly Tipton Hammond
• Karen Kraco
• Kathy Mommsen

Join the Virtual Forum on Social Justice on Saturday, February 6th from 6:30-7:30 p.m., hosted by Tina Burnside, Co-Founder of the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery.

Additional Dates and Times:

Saturday, February 13, 12-4pm

Saturday, February 13, 5-10pm during Northrup King Nights

Melon-Colony, A. Drew Hammond

The World Heard Your Pain, A. Drew Hammond

January 29 Ward 7 Updates from Council Member Lisa Goodman

Keep Safe While Waiting for Vaccinations

With the welcome news that vaccinations have begun against the coronavirus, we also know the demand for vaccine far outpaces the supply. The entire distribution process will take time.

While we wait throughout this process, public health experts remind us to keep protecting ourselves, our loved ones and our neighbors by doing what works:

• Wearing a mask, washing your hands, maintaining social distance, and staying home when you feel sick.
• Getting a free COVID-19 test. Testing is encouraged and available to everyone, whether or not you have symptoms. It’s one of the best ways to stop the spread of COVID-19 and help prevent exposing your loved ones to the virus. Find dates and locations of free testing events — or how to get a test kit in the mail — on the City website.

Thanks for your patience. We will end this pandemic together.

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Federal Government Announces Plans to Increase Vaccine Supply to Minnesota

The Biden administration has announced plans to increase the supply of COVID-19 vaccine doses shipped to states by 16% over current levels for at least the next three weeks. Minnesota is expected to receive nearly 11,000 additional doses each week under the new allocation.

The announcement comes after requests from Gov. Tim Walz and other Midwestern governors for more vaccine to be distributed by the federal government. The Centers for Disease Control had originally allocated fewer than 70,000 doses to Minnesota – not enough to vaccinate priority populations including healthcare workers, long-term care residents, and Minnesotans 65 years of age and older.

Walz announced a goal to have 90% of every dose arriving in the state administered within 72 hours and 100% within one week.

Setting up ways people will get vaccinated

The State is standing up pilot vaccination clinics around Minnesota to test ways of getting more doses to people once more vaccine comes from the federal level. The State is also continuing work with health systems, smaller clinics and community pharmacies to help expand the ways Minnesotans will get vaccinated.

Learn more about the State's vaccine distribution plan.

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Minnesota’s COVID-19 Vaccine Pilot Program Laying Groundwork for State Vaccination Clinics

On Jan. 18, the State launched a vaccination pilot program at nine sites across Minnesota. These initial clinics will set the State on a path for a more extensive network of vaccination clinics in Minnesota communities as the federal government increases vaccine supply. Because this is a limited pilot program, vaccine demand is outpacing available doses.

The pilot program is for Minnesotans 65 and older, pre-K-12 educators and staff (who will work directly with their program or school), and child care workers (who will be randomly selected and notified).

Appointments are extremely limited, and no walk-ins will be accepted.

Besides the pilot clinics, Minnesota health care systems are also providing limited vaccine doses to their patients 65 and older. Health care providers are developing systems to let their existing patients know when they can make an appointment for a vaccine. Providers will contact patients with this information; Minnesotans should not contact their health care providers directly right now.

While waiting to be vaccinated you can help stop the spread of the virus by continuing hand-washing, social distancing, wearing a mask, getting a free test and avoiding high-risk situations.

Learn more about State distribution plans for the vaccine.

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COVID-19 Variants Found in Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Health Public Health Laboratory found the variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus known as the P.1 variant first identified in Brazil in a specimen from a Minnesota resident with recent travel history to Brazil. This case marks the first documented instance of that variant in the United States. Eight people in Minnesota have now been identified with the variant first identified in the United Kingdom.

The new variants appear to spread more easily, but there is no sign yet that they are any different in terms of how sick people can get or how they affect any particular person.

Keep protecting yourself and your loved ones by wearing a mask, staying 6 feet from anyone you don’t live with, avoiding gatherings, washing your hands often, staying home if you feel sick or have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, and getting tested.

Learn more from the Minnesota Department of Health website.

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Find Free COVID-19 Tests; Help Stop the Spread

The City of Minneapolis is offering free COVID-19 saliva tests. Testing is encouraged and available to everyone, whether or not you have symptoms. It’s one of the best ways to stop the spread of COVID-19 and help prevent exposing your loved ones to the virus. Do not eat, drink or use tobacco products for 30 minutes before taking a COVID-19 saliva test.

The State of Minnesota especially asks these people to get tested:

• Students returning to school, youth sports or extracurricular activities. Testing doesn’t sideline your team but helps identify the virus early so it doesn’t have a chance to spread.
• College and trade school students returning to campus or classes.
• Anyone who regularly interacts with people outside of their family unit or household.
• Anyone with symptoms or who was exposed to someone who tested positive or someone they don’t live with.
• Anyone who is working at places that remain open during the pandemic such as critical infrastructure, first responders, health care, retail, schools and child care.

Free COVID-19 tests

Columbia Manor Golf Course, 3300 Central Ave. NE 4-7 p.m. Thursdays, Feb. 4, 11, 18 and 25

Minneapolis Public Schools Davis Center, 1250 West Broadway 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30 2-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13 and 20

Minnesota Chippewa Tribe building, 1308 E. Franklin Ave. 3-7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16

Phyllis Wheatley Community Center, 1301 10th Ave. N. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27

You can expect to get your test results in about two business days.

More free COVID-19 saliva tests

Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 Second Ave. S., Exhibit Room E 9 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends Make an appointment here. Find instructions here.

Native American Community Clinic, 1213 E. Franklin Ave. 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays Appointments required: Call 612-872-8086 to schedule an appointment.

Southside Community Health Services, 324 E. 35th St. 2-3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays Appointments required: Call 612-821-3548 to schedule an appointment. You can expect to get your test results in about two-three business days. Same day testing can be done for health care workers, first responders and essential workers.

Find a current list of free COVID-19 tests on the City website.

Resources

The COVID-19 test is free, and you do not need insurance for the test. If you need medical care but don’t have health insurance, the Minnesota Department of Health offers resources to find low-cost health care or health insurance.

If you can’t attend one of these testing events, you can use this directory to find a testing location near you. The State is also offering free at-home saliva tests. Any person in Minnesota can order a saliva test kit from the COVID-19 Test at Home program.

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Updates on Transforming Community Safety

The City of Minneapolis is committed to a goal of safety for everyone in Minneapolis. On June 12, 2020, the City Council passed a resolution committing to creating a transformative new model for cultivating safety in Minneapolis.

Since then, internal work groups and key stakeholders have been exploring ways to develop an integrated community safety response that works for everyone.

Three pillars of community safety

The City’s realignment to provide a holistic community safety response will take place in phases over time with much staff, partner and community participation. It focuses on three main areas:

• A public-health-oriented response for preventing violence.
• Alternatives to police response for 911 calls.
• Reforming law enforcement policies, protocols and practices.

Some of the work in progress includes:

• Minneapolis’ crime prevention specialists (CPS) now report to the Neighborhood & Community Relations Department instead of the Police Department. The change reflects the crime prevention specialists’ roles in community engagement. Nothing will change as far as work location, scope of work, job titles and programs offered to the community without further planning and engagement.
• If you have a mental health crisis in Minneapolis, you can continue to call 911 or the Cope mobile crisis team in Hennepin County: 612-596-1223 (for adults in Hennepin County) and 612-348-2233 (for children 17 and under). In 2021, two mental health teams will be available 24/7 for crisis calls. This means police may not provide the primary response for a mental health crisis call or police may still respond if the mental health teams are both on current calls.
• To report theft of property damage, you can call 311, 911 or submit an online report. As part of a pilot this year, City employees (non-sworn officers) will take theft and property damage reports from residents.

Stay up to date

Stay updated on this work by visiting the City’s community safety webpage. This source will have updated information on the three focus areas. Information will also be shared out over a variety of channels in many languages.

Staff will present regular community safety updates at City Council meetings. The first is a Health Department presentation on the first phase of engagement around public-health-oriented violence prevention. This presentation will include a summary of the online survey, stakeholder interviews and focus groups you were invited to take part in. Staff from the City Coordinator’s Office will also provide an update on the alternatives to police response work rolling out this year. Watch the Jan. 21 presentation to the Public Health & Safety Committee on the City’s website.

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COVID-19 Situation Update as of January 27, 2021

Situational updates: Minneapolis

• There are 31,276 cases in Minneapolis and 369 deaths. The total number of cases increased by 1.7% over the previous week. Hospitalizations increased by 1.2% and ICU admissions increased by 1.1%.
• Over the past week, there have been about 80 new cases per day on average, the first time the daily number of cases has been below 100 in the past three months. Minneapolis-specific daily case counts and demographics are available at www.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/dashboard.
• The new case rate in Minneapolis has decreased significantly, however we are still seeing at least 10 new cases per day, as well as, averaging five hospitalizations, one ICU admission, and one death per day. It is important to continue taking precautions and take advantage of the available testing.
• The seven-day rolling average rate for Minneapolis is at 17.1 per 100,000. The rate continues to decrease, but the impact of the recent re-opening of bars and restaurants, as well as the return to school and sports, remains to be seen.
• Mayor Frey’s Emergency Regulation No. 12 regarding masks remains in effect. The regulation requires people to wear face masks in all indoor public places.

Situational updates: Minnesota

• There are 457,317 cases in Minnesota out of over 6.4 million tests completed. There have been 6,124 deaths from COVID-19 in Minnesota. There are 94,872 cases and 1,509 deaths in Hennepin County.
• The State uses a color-coded map to track a seven-day rolling average of new cases. As of January 20, Minnesota is reporting 20.9 cases per 100,000 and Minneapolis is at 17.1 cases per 100,000.
• The State continues to work with the CDC to conduct strain surveillance to determine how prevalent the newly identified strains of COVID-19 might be in Minnesota.
• MHD encourages everyone to sign up for the State’s COVIDaware MN exposure app. The app notifies you if you may have been exposed to COVID-19 by anyone else using the app. The app complements, but does not replace, case investigation and contact tracing.
• The statewide mask mandate remains in effect. People are required to wear masks in all indoor public places where people gather and some outdoor venues where physical distancing is difficult.
• Governor Walz’s Emergency Order 21-01 is in effect. Details are available on the City’s Guidance for Restaurants, Bars and Breweries and Distilleries web page.

Health Department Incident Command updates

Case investigation/Contact tracing

• MHD continues to conduct follow-up on individuals diagnosed with COVID-19, as well as contact tracing at workplaces and with exposed individuals. Of the cases in Minneapolis, 63% have been interviewed and 2.3% have refused. Thirty-three percent of cases have been lost to follow-up and 1.4% of new Minneapolis cases still need to be interviewed.
• Twenty percent of interviews of Minneapolis residents have been conducted in a language other than English, representing over 15 different languages.
• We have 55 active case investigators, including two non-MHD enterprise staff and 17 AmeriCorps staff. Case investigators are interviewing an average of 90 cases per shift and making an average of 148 calls per shift, plus conducting workplace and other contact follow-up.
• Cases now have the option of completing the interview online. Cases receive a text and are able to choose one of four languages to complete the survey in. About 5% of Minneapolis cases have chosen to complete the interview online.

COVID-19 vaccination

• MHD continues to vaccinate people in the Phase 1A groups, and is providing 2nd doses for EMS staff. Six vaccination clinics will be held this week for more than 300 individuals. We have given out over 1,200 vaccines to date.
• We are also offering vaccines to Blue and White taxi drivers who provide non-emergency medical transport for COVID patients.
• We are working with Hennepin County to vaccinate sheltered and unsheltered homeless persons.
• On January 18, the State launched a vaccination pilot program at nine sites across Minnesota. The closest site to Minneapolis is Brooklyn Center. Because this is a limited pilot program, vaccine demand is outpacing available doses at this time, and a new lottery system has been put in place to more fairly distribute the vaccine. Minnesotans are encouraged to remain patient as the state waits for more vaccine doses from the federal government. These initial clinics will set the state on a path for a more extensive network of vaccination clinics in Minnesota as the federal government increases vaccine supply.

Minnesotans 65 and older can schedule an appointment at one of these nine pilots sites online at www.mn.gov/vaccine or by phone at 612-426-7230 or 833-431-2053. No walk-ins are accepted. New appointment slots will be made available every Tuesday. If no appointments are available, you may be able to add your name to a waitlist for each site.

• Pre-kindergarten through grade 12 educators and school staff will work directly with their program or school to sign up for a vaccine appointment. The State has set up a vaccination clinic for educators and other school staff at the Xcel Energy Center (Roy Wilkins Auditorium) in downtown St. Paul.
• Child care workers will be randomly selected and notified to secure an appointment through the state-sponsored pilot sites.
• In addition to the pilot clinics, Minnesota health care systems and clinics are providing limited vaccine doses to patients 65 years of age and older. Health care providers are developing systems to let their existing patients know when they can make an appointment for a vaccine. Providers will contact patients with this information – Minnesotans should not contact their health care providers directly right now.
• Updated information on Minnesota’s vaccine distribution efforts is available on the State’s Vaccine dashboard.
• While waiting to be vaccinated you can help stop the spread of the virus by continuing hand-washing, social distancing, wearing a mask, and avoiding high-risk situations.
• We are hosting weekly Vaccine Briefings most Mondays for Enterprise Leaders. Past recordings can be found on the COVID Vaccination Channel.

Community Vaccination Perspectives and Outreach

• As a Health Department, we’re committed to providing timely, culturally appropriate, science-based information to help people make informed decisions about COVID-19 vaccination.
• Health Department staff participated in the City’s cultural radio shows during the month of January. On each show, we provided updates on COVID-19 vaccination efforts and other important safety messages.
• We established agreements with five community organizations to serve as trusted messengers. These groups will help us ensure that critical information is reaching BIPOC communities using the most effective messages and channels.
• Recently, we completed a vaccination perspectives survey, with more than 4,600 community members responding. Survey results revealed key values held by community such as the need to acknowledge trauma and for government to be transparent when talking about COVID vaccination. The survey also showed community concerns about the prevalence of vaccine misinformation and inequitable vaccine distribution. These findings are informing our ongoing communications and vaccination plans.

COVID-19 Testing

In the past week, 104 COVID-19 saliva tests were provided at three community based events.

COVID testing in Minneapolis has dropped by about 20% compared to the last quarter of 2020. Despite the vaccine roll-out, it is important to get tested. Please help us promote the following events:

Upcoming free COVID-19 saliva testing events:

• Minneapolis Public Schools Davis Center, 1250 West Broadway, January 27 (4 p.m. to 7 p.m.), January 30 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and February 4 (2 p.m. to 7 p.m.), February 13 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and February 20 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
• Hennepin United Methodist Church, 511 Groveland Ave, January 28 (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
• Columbia Manor, 3300 Central Ave. N.E. on February 4, 11, 18, and 25 (4 p.m. to 7 p.m.)
• Phyllis Wheatley Community Center, 1301 10th Ave N., February 27 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
• Free saliva testing is also offered at three local sites hosted by the State health department. Visit the State’s COVID-19 testing web page to register and find more information.
• Minneapolis Convention Center-9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.
• Brooklyn Park Starlight Center-9 a.m. to7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.
• Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport -7 a.m. to 7p.m. seven days a week.
• The State is also offering free at-home saliva tests. Any person in Minnesota can order a saliva test kit from the COVID-19 Test at Home program. The test will be delivered to your home with rush shipping.
• The City's testing web page offers the latest information on testing sites and guidance about what to do while you wait for COVID-19 test results. Staying away from others while you wait for your results is extremely important, especially if you have any symptoms. The web page has short videos in multiple languages explaining how to quarantine and isolate effectively.

MHD distribution of saliva test kits:

• The Health Department is offering free saliva testing kits to community partners, organizations and businesses. After you request saliva testing kits, a staff member will contact you for more information. Virtual training on how to administer the tests is offered upon request.
• To date there have been 64 requests from businesses and community partners for 6,989 test kits.

Responding to community needs

• We currently have a good inventory of personal protective equipment (masks, hand sanitizer, and gloves) and are able to fulfill community and business requests for supplies. These items, along with free saliva testing kits, may be requested through theCOVID-19 Requests and Inquiries form on the City’s COVID webpage.
• We are responding to many questions from community members, employers, and staff emailing our COVID19@minneapolismn.gov account. Most of the requests for information pertain to COVID-19 vaccine distribution. The State health department is also forwarding some vaccination inquiries to us. Please continue using the COVID email for any questions about vaccine distribution or other COVID-related issues.
• The Health Department is hosting regular community testing and vaccination clinics, with more to come in the next few months. We need City staff to volunteer at these events. Anyone who is interested can fill out a brief survey. Staff who volunteer will receive training and personal protective equipment.

Businesses

• Health inspectors followed up with seven food safety/sanitation/COVID-19 complaints, two of which were related to non-compliance with the current bar and restaurant COVID-19 restrictions.

• While routine health inspections are temporarily suspended, inspectors have been re-assigned to support COVID-19 contact tracing and case investigation efforts. They also continue to assist with the delivery of COVID-19 saliva test kits to businesses requesting them.

The City specific COVID email address is: COVID19@minneapolismn.gov.

New Locally-curated Valentine's Day Gift Boxes from Experience the Twin Cities

Experience the Twin Cities has launched new Twin Cities Valentine's Day gift boxes, featuring locally-curated items from hot cocoa bombs and truffles to craft beer items and lip balm. The four gift box options make unique Valentine's gifts that support small Minnesota businesses, and they're perfect for kids, chocolate lovers, beer fans, and beauty connoisseurs.

Be My Sota Girl

My Little Valentine

Craft Beer Lover

Chocolate Indulgence

Two locations for picking up your Valentine's Day Boxes:

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Chocolate Indulgence, Be My Sota Girl, My Little Valentine

Experience the Twin Cities' Golden Valley office: You'll receive a Pick Up email with exact address

Dates: Friday, February 12, 7am-7pm and Saturday, February 13, 12pm-5pm

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Craft Beer Lover

Inbound BrewCo; you'll receive a Pick Up email with exact address

Dates: Friday, February 12, 3pm-8pm and Saturday, February 13, 3pm-8pm

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Contact them to discuss alternate arrangements if these dates and times don't work. Call 612.750.9898 (Mon-Friday 9a-4p) or email info@experiencethetwincities.com.

Updates on the 4th Annual Illuminate the Lock, February 18, 19, 20

An image of the Grandmother moon (Nokomis), fire, earth, water, and the jingle dress dance entwined in swirling colors, Madweyaashkaa celebrates the resilience of Indigenous women on a spectacular scale.

MADWEYAASHKAA: WAVES CAN BE HEARD debuts during 4th annual Illuminate the Lock

The 49-foot tall chamber of Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam will come alive again with a winter program of large-scale projection and sound. Madweyaashkaa: Waves Can be Heard by Duluth-based artist Moira Villiard (Fond du Lac Band of Ojibwe direct descendent) celebrates the resilience of Indigenous women on a spectacular scale. An animation projected onto the 400 x 49 foot wall of the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam is synced with a soundscape featuring music by Lyz Jaakola (Fond du Lac Band of Ojibwe) and a recorded narrative by Dakota/Ojibway First Nation elder Millie Richard. Viewers will also find small video projections with flickers of imagery from the main video distributed around the lock.   With images of the Grandmother moon (Nokomis), fire, earth, water, and the jingle dress dance entwined in swirling colors, the piece will explore themes of homecoming and finding connection within ourselves to culture, to ancestors, and to nature, no matter how far away we may sometimes feel. From an Ojibwe perspective, it is as a reminder that Nokomis is always around, an elder always ready for us to reach out and willing to hear what’s in our hearts.  “This is my first creation using animation as the main medium, and it’s really wild and humbling to think that it’s going to debut on such a large and public surface. I’ve really just been honored to work with so many wonderful folks to bring this immersive experience to life, especially during such a chaotic personal and societal moment in time. I sincerely hope the piece literally illuminates a message of hope and clarity for whomever needs to hear it.” -- Moira Villiard PROGRAM DETAILS Illuminate The Lock: Madweyaashkaa: Waves Can Be Heard by Moira Villiard  February 18, 19, 20 - 6 - 8:30 pm   Owamni-yomni / Gakaabika / Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam  1 Portland Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401 Enter at the west end of the Stone Arch Bridge Free; Registration required. Visit http://bit.ly/2021IlluminateLock to pick a time slot.   For more information, visit parkconnection.org/illuminate. Production notes: Moira Villiard is a self-taught, dynamic visual artist, Fond du Lac Band of Ojibwe direct descendent, and current Minnesota-based community organizer. Additional artist credits: Sound effects and audio production by JayGee of DanSan Creatives. Hand drum and vocals by Lyz Jaakola. Projection and process mentoring by Jonathan Thunder. Madweyaashkaa is presented as part of Bring Her Home: Sacred Womxn of Resistance, an annual exhibition at All My Relations Arts gallery that invites Indigenous artists to reflect on the epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. This project is a partnership with All My Relations Arts, a program of Native American Community Development Institute (NACDI), Northern Lights.mn, Mississippi Park Connection and Mississippi National River and Recreation Area and is supported through a grant from the St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board. A note on place and language: Owmani-yomni is ‘whirlpool’ in the Dakota language. Gakaabika is ‘severed rock’ in the Ojibwe language. Both are the names of the place where the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam currently sits, in the homelands of the Dakota. Prior to colonial settlement, the Dakota lived along Owamni-yomni / Gakaabika and Ojibwe,Ho-Chunk, and other nations traveled through that place. It was and still is an important and sacred place to Ojibwe, Ho-Chunk, Dakota and Indigenous peoples currently living here. What To Expect: This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required. Viewing of Madweyaashkaa will work like a gallery visit where visitors stroll around the perimeter of the lock chamber to view the projections. Chairs are not allowed. This is an industrial federal facility where pets, alcohol, and smoking are not permitted. Kids under 12 need to be supervised by an adult at all times. Strollers are not allowed on the lock. Accessibility: there are three steps to reach the lock wall. There is also a fully accessible entrance. Please ask staff for assistance if you need to use the accessible entrance. Some surfaces at the lock are metal grates; please wear appropriate shoes. This event will take place entirely outdoors next to the Mississippi River in February, so dressing for the weather will give you the best experience! You can expect to be outside for at least 15 minutes. One accessible portable restroom will be on site. COVID-19 Safety Protocol: If you are not feeling well, or think you might have been exposed to COVID-19, please stay home to keep your community safe. This event will take place entirely outdoors. This is a timed entrance event and registration is required. No more than 250 people will be allowed on the outdoor structure at a time. Mask: Please wear a mask upon arrival and for the duration of your time at the event. Social Distance: Keep a distance of 6+ feet from anyone who is not a part of your household, including the artists, park rangers, and staff. If a viewing area is crowded, please wait until there is enough space for you to safely step forward. The video will run on a 10-minute loop, leaving plenty of time to view the entire projection. ABOUT THE MISSISSIPPI NATIONAL RIVER AND RECREATION AREA In 1988, a National Park was created to enhance the significant values of the waters and land of the Mississippi River corridor within the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Known as the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, the park extends for more than 70 miles along the river, running directly through a metropolitan area (the park corridor begins in Ramsey and Dayton and ends just south of Hastings). The park provides leadership, acting as a facilitator and coordinator, in promoting a common vision for river corridor management among 25 municipalities and numerous partner agencies and organizations, whose responsibilities intersect. Learn more at nps.gov/miss. ABOUT MISSISSIPPI PARK CONNECTION Mississippi Park Connection is the charitable, nonprofit partner of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. Its mission is to strengthen the enduring connection between people and the Mississippi River by enriching the life of the river and the lives of all who experience our national park. Mississippi Park Connection works with partner community groups and individuals across the Twin Cities to create meaningful and exciting experiences at the river. Learn more at parkconnection.org ABOUT ALL MY RELATIONS ARTS  All My Relations Arts is an initiative of NACDI (Native American Community Development Institute), an intermediary organization that envisions a community in which all American Indian people have a place, purpose, and a future strengthened by sustainable community development.  All My Relations Arts presents the work of American Indian contemporary artists and fills a critical space in the Twin Cities arts community, providing high-quality gallery space and consistently recognized shows that raise up Native arts from this region and provide access for Native artists. As well as hosting/ co-presenting events in the community to bring arts practices to youth and elders and all through creations of murals, art cars, through classes, tours, artists talks, and more.  Learn more at http://www.allmyrelationsarts.com/ ABOUT NORTHERN LIGHTS.MN Northern Lights.mn supports artists in the creation and presentation of art in the public sphere, focusing on innovative uses of technology to imagine new interactions between audience, artwork and place and to explore expanded possibilities for civic engagement. Learn more at northern.lights.mn

Rhythmically Speaking Announces a Virtual Screendance Premiere Featuring Jazz, RadioHead and Winter

Via a January 26 e-announcement:

Rhythmically Speaking (RS) is thrilled to premiere our first original screendance February 26th, 2021 from 7-8pm via Zoom. Like many a performing arts company, the good people of Rhythmically Speaking have embraced COVID-necessitated pivots to learn new skills and ways of sharing art: for us this last few months, it’s been figuring out how to make dance films outside! We are proud to be premiering RadioBody: The Screendance Iteration virtually with our home audience before submitting it to dance film festivals across the country! The screening event will also feature peeks into the creation process and a Q&A with the artists.

Originally undertaken with a February 2021 stage show at Amsterdam Bar & Hall in downtown St. Paul in mind (which will now occur February 2022), The RadioBody Project is a collaboration with local composer Mike Lauer exploring the jazz sensibilities and human toil and triumph embedded in the work of pioneering alt-electronic band Radiohead. Thanks to their rich, multilayered rhythms, unique harmonies and long-form jams, their songs are often covered by jazz composers. A favorite band of RS Artistic Director Erinn Liebhard, when she began to discover this connection between Radiohead and jazz, she felt compelled to explore it through movement.

Together, composer Lauer and AD Liebhard selected one song from each major Radiohead album for the stage show, and from those, selected three to explore for the screendance iteration of the project: “Knives Out” from album Amnesiac (2001), “High and Dry” from The Bends (1995), and “Jigsaw Falling Into Place” from In Rainbows (1997). Lauer recorded his original renditions of these songs for the film, playing guitar and rounding out the ensemble with bass guitar and cello (Greg Byers), saxophone (Andrew Long), and drums (Ben Erlich). The rest of the artistic personnel include our company of seven dancers and videography team TJ Tronson and Cully Gallagher of Flywheel Media Productions, who braved the Minnesota Winter for outdoor, wilderness film shoots: the main of which we were lucky enough to be among landscapes covered in rare, beautiful rime ice!

There are a total of 100 Zoom sign-ins available for this premiere event, reserved through Eventbrite. A donation of $15-$20 per person watching is suggested, and can be made at our GiveMN page. 10% of the proceeds from this event will be donated to the scholarship fund of Hopewell Music North: we are thrilled to be building a multi-faceted partnership with them to help better access to jazz music and movement learning experiences on the North side of Minneapolis. Dance, Jazz and Radiohead fans alike, we hope you’ll join us for this event!

Using the rhythm that is at our shared human core to groove together, Rhythmically Speaking cultivates vibrant, embodied human connection. Since our founding in 2008, we've gotten 350+ artists and thousands of audience members grooving together through presentation of 95 original and remounted works and over 30 workshops and other events.

Thought-provoking Climate Conversations and Media at The Great Northern

Via an e-announcement from The Great Northern:

The Great Northern will feature keynote conversations, live podcasts, film screenings and other thought-provoking formats that allow us to explore our changing climate through the lenses of culture and heritage, the economy, and social equity. See below for a round-up of climate-focused events January 28 – February 7.

Climate Action Films: Earth, Water, Air, Fire / Jan 28 – Feb 7

A series of films speaking to essential issues in the climate conversation based around the four elements: Earth, Water, Air, Fire. In partnership with MSP Film Society.

Learn more

A Conversation on Climate Science, Policy and Justice with Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson / Jan 28
"The most influential Marine Biologist of our time" (Outside) Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson (co-creator of the podcast How to Save a Planet) kicks off The Great Northern’s climate solutions series with a conversation on climate science, policy and justice with MPR’s Dan Kraker. Copresented with Westminster Town Hall Forum. Register

Stokeyard Outfitters: Thermaculture Tour / Jan 28

Join local sauna experts for a virtual live tour of the hottest backyard saunas in North America—and beyond. Presented by Stokeyard Outfitters in partnership with the Great Northern.

Learn more

On Being with Krista Tippett and J. Drew Lanham / Jan 28 podcast release, Jan 31 broadcast

Peabody Award-winning broadcaster, New York Times bestselling author, and National Humanities Medalist Krista Tippett interviews poet, teacher, birder and conservationist J. Drew Lanham, author of The Home Place—Memoirs of a Colored Man’s Love Affair with Nature (Milkweed Editions) for a special episode in partnership with The Great Northern.
Learn more

Climate Solutions Lunch time Series / Feb 1–5

A series of virtual panels engaging perspectives on climate solutions. In partnership with Greater MSP, MBOLD, Project Drawdown, Minnesota Design Center, Minnesota Humanities Center, MPR News, Climate Generation, and The Nature Conservancy.
Learn more

Diane Wilson: The Seed Keeper / Feb 7

In this exclusive book preview, Diane Wilson discusses The Seed Keeper, a work of historical fiction centered on the true story of the forced march of Dakota women and children in Minnesota in 1862. In partnership with Milkweed Editions, hosted by MPR’s Brandt Williams.

Register

The Great Northern Blog & Podcast

Enjoy a series of writing debuts and conversations on our newly launched podcast and blog. 

* * * * * View full list of events * * * * *

About The Great Northern

The Great Northern celebrates our cold, creative winters through ten days of diverse programming that invigorate mind and body. In an era of changing climate that threatens our signature season, we seek to create community, inspire action, and share the resilient spirit of the North with the world. For more information on The Great Northern, please visit www.thegreatnorthernfestival.com.

Funding for The Great Northern is generously provided by sponsors including the McKnight Foundation, Askov Finlayson, U.S. Bank, Minneapolis Foundation, Nature Valley, Minnesota Public Radio, Greater MSP, iPondr, Carlson Family Foundation, Meet Minneapolis, Climate Generation, Caribou Coffee, Weinstein Hammons Gallery, Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, and Sahan Journal, along with community partners and individual donors.

January 15 Ward 7 Updates from Council Member Lisa Goodman

COVID-19 Vaccinations

Our office has received a number of inquiries about where things stand with COVID Vaccinations. This topic continues to evolve but here is current information we want to share with you.

Vaccines are being distributed in a phased approach (what follows is a potential timeline for distribution).

• Phase 1A: Distribution will focus on healthcare workers and long-term care residents. (December 2020)
• Phase 1B: Distribution will focus on other critical workers. (1^st Quarter 2021)
• Phase 1C: Distribution will focus on adults with high-risk medical conditions and people 65 and older. (End of 1^st Quarter)
• Phase 2: Vaccine distribution will have a continued focus on critical populations and the general population. (2^nd/3^rd Quarter 2021)
• Phase 3: Distribution will focus on the general population. (3^rd Quarter 2021 and after)

Things to note:

• The first vaccines will be given by injection. They will require two doses given several weeks apart.
• The vaccine will be free with or without health insurance
• The first vaccines were approved under an emergency use authorization. The authorization requires each vaccine is proven safe and effective
• The first vaccines are not expected to be approved for use in children and those who are pregnant or nursing. More data is needed about how the vaccine affects these groups.

Additional Information is available on the City’s Web Page

• http://www2.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/vaccines. This page will be updated regularly as new information on the vaccine and timing are known.

Video of Hennepin Healthcare Heroes rolling up their sleeves and getting the vaccine.

• https://www.facebook.com/hennepinhc/videos/320028242419228

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Vaccinations Begin for Minneapolis First Responders

Emergency medical services providers from the Minneapolis Fire Department, Police Department and Metro Transit have started getting their first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. All health care employees are in the first groups to receive the vaccine. This group includes those holding emergency medical service or paramedic certifications.

The vaccine is safe and effective. The COVID-19 vaccines have been developed faster than any other in history because of the commitment and funds made available. Every COVID-19 vaccine has undergone the same clinical trials and approvals that other vaccines have. Fortunately, researchers have been working on vaccines for the coronavirus family for years, so they didn’t have to start from scratch. As researchers worked intensely to develop and test the vaccine, they were transparent in sharing data, holding live hearings and pausing trials if it was important to slow down.

How the vaccine works

Different types of COVID-19 vaccines work in different ways to offer protection, but with all types, the body is left with a supply of “memory” cells that will remember how to fight off the virus in the future without us having to get the illness. The first shot starts building protection. A second shot a few weeks later is needed to get the most protection the vaccine has to offer. Find more about how the vaccines work on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Sometimes after vaccinations, the process of building immunity can cause symptoms, such as fever. These symptoms are normal and are a sign that the body is building immunity.

It takes about two weeks after the second dose to build up protection, so full protection occurs about six weeks after the first vaccine dose.

Who’s next for vaccinations?

Vaccines will be available to other high-risk groups, such as essential workers and older adults, as well as the general public in phases over the next few months. While COVID-19 vaccination is not required, these health care workers trust the science behind the vaccine and understand that getting vaccinated is one more way to help protect themselves, their families and our communities.

More information will be provided about when and how you can get vaccinated.

Even though it will take some time for everyone to get vaccinated, you can help stop the spread of the virus right now by continuing hand-washing, distancing, wearing a mask and avoiding high-risk situations.

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Find Free COVID-19 Tests; Help Stop the Spread

The City of Minneapolis is offering free COVID-19 saliva tests. Testing is encouraged and available to everyone, whether or not you have symptoms. Testing is one of the best ways to stop the spread of COVID-19 and help prevent exposing your loved ones to the virus. Do not eat, drink or use tobacco products for 30 minutes before taking a COVID-19 saliva test.

Columbia Manor Golf Course, 3300 Central Ave. NE 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays Jan. 11, Jan. 25

Sabathani Community Center, 310 E. 38th St. Noon-4 p.m. Saturdays Jan. 9 and Jan. 23

Minneapolis Public Schools Davis Center, 1250 West Broadway 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays Jan. 16 and Jan. 30

Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church, 511 Groveland Ave. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursdays Jan. 21 and Jan. 28

You can expect to get your test results in about two business days.

More free COVID-19 saliva tests

Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 Second Ave. S., Exhibit Room E 9 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends Make an appointment here. Find instructions here.

Native American Community Clinic, 1213 E. Franklin Ave. 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays Appointments required: Call 612-872-8086 to schedule an appointment.

Southside Community Health Services, 324 E. 35th St. 2-3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays Appointments required: Call 612-821-3548 to schedule an appointment. You can expect to get your test results in about two-three business days. Same day testing can be done for health care workers, first responders and essential workers.

Find a current list of free COVID-19 tests on the City website.

Resources

The COVID-19 test is free, and you do not need insurance for the test. If you need medical care but don’t have health insurance, the Minnesota Department of Health offers resources to find low-cost health care or health insurance.

If you can’t attend one of these testing events, you can use this directory to find a testing location near you. The State is also offering free at-home saliva tests. Any person in Minnesota can order a saliva test kit from the COVID-19 Test at Home program.

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Get the Snow Emergency App, and Sign Up for Snow Emergency Alerts

Residents, workers and visitors have several ways to learn when Snow Emergencies are declared and what to do. The City advises drivers to put many of these tools to use, not just one or two. The more ways you use to learn about a Snow Emergency, the more prepared you will be, and the less likely you will be towed.

When a Snow Emergency is declared, parking rules take effect so plows can clear the streets and emergency vehicles and other cars can get around and park. Plowing the streets completely requires vehicles parked on streets to move. It’s in everyone’s best interest to follow the parking rules so plows can do the best job possible, and folks can avoid a ticket and tow.

Get the app, sign up for alerts

The Minneapolis Snow Emergency app tells you if a Snow Emergency has been declared and puts all the parking rules right in the palm of your hand. It has a street lookup so you can see the parking rules in detail by entering an address or using the device’s location services.

The app tells you where you can and can't park on Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3 of a Snow Emergency. It also features a quick call button that connects you with the Minneapolis Snow Emergency hotline and buttons to sign up for emails and text alerts or to find Snow Emergency information on the City's website at www.minneapolismn.gov/snow.

Watch this video about the Snow Emergency app, and find more information about Snow Emergencies on the City's website.

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When it Snows, Remember to Shovel Your Sidewalk

Sidewalks are a critical part of Minneapolis’ transportation system, and they should be open for everyone. Here’s a refresher on the City’s rules: Minneapolis ordinance requires property owners of houses and duplexes to clear sidewalks within 24 hours after a snowfall. All other property owners must clear their sidewalks within four daytime hours.

Clearing snow and ice from sidewalks helps people of all ages and abilities safely walk or roll to where they need to go. This is a primary mode of transportation for many people in the city, so it’s important to be a good neighbor and help them out.

In addition to relying on complaints reported to 311, City inspectors will also actively look for sidewalks that aren’t shoveled. Failure to shovel and maintain your sidewalk could result in a warning letter and, if left uncleared, a bill for the City to remove snow from your sidewalk. An average bill is about $239.

Call 311 to learn more about resources available to people who may need help clearing their sidewalks.

Find more information about snow clearing on the City’s website.

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City Leaders Highlight Extensive Recovery Efforts and Outline Priorities for Addressing Challenges in 2021

City leaders provided an overview of the City’s response to the pandemic and civil unrest in 2020 and outlined priorities for moving forward as Minneapolis continues to face the impacts of these unprecedented challenges.

Staff presented the “Minneapolis Forward: The Path to Recovery and Transformation” report to the City Council’s Policy & Government Oversight Committee. The states of emergency orders resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and unrest following the killing of George Floyd disrupted many lives and put an enormous strain on the City’s resources. Orders related to the emergencies closed more than 1,700 businesses and caused more than 144,000 Minneapolis residents to request unemployment benefits. The civil unrest following Floyd’s death caused more than $350 million in damage across the city.

The City enterprise responded to the crises by working creatively with policy makers, community partners and other levels of government to respond to the needs of residents and businesses. Moving into 2021, City leaders are committed to prioritizing work that both flattens the pandemic curve and addresses the disparities in Minneapolis that have been widened by the pandemic.

The City will receive a direct allocation of the federal emergency rent assistance approved as part of the recent stimulus package. Ensuring all these funds are made available to Minneapolis residents will be a top priority this year.

“The economic downturn caused by the pandemic and civil unrest have disproportionately impacted communities of color in Minneapolis. These events of 2020 have both magnified and deepened existing disparities making the need for immediate community resources exceedingly clear,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “The work our Minneapolis Forward: Community Now Coalition has done over the last year will be substantially bolstered by this federal emergency rent assistance, allowing us to build back and recover with equity and inclusivity at the forefront.”

“2020 was one of the most challenging years in Minneapolis’ history,” said City Council Vice President Andrea Jenkins. “The amazing staff from multiple departments throughout the City have responded with urgency, compassion and a commitment to equity. This report highlights the incredible partnerships developed with community members through the Community Now Coalition and others from the philanthropic and business communities that all continue to come together to help Minneapolis move forward.”

By the numbers: The City’s response to the crises

• Over $26 million invested in immediate response and relief, millions more in reduced taxes and fees.
• $4 million for COVID-19 testing and personal protective equipment.
• $4.8 million to community organizations supporting housing stability, food access and business assistance.
• $5 million in direct relief payments to small businesses and renters.
• $13 million invested in response to the increase in homelessness.
• $42 million in reduced property values, which resulted in refunds for taxpayers.
• $1.6 million in abated taxes.
• $1.8 million in waived fees, such as business licenses, demolition permits and utility charges.

Impacts to Minneapolis residents, businesses in 2020

• 29,352 COVID-19 cases; 350 deaths.
• Over 100 homeless encampments.
• Over 144,000 unemployed.
• Over 1,700 businesses ordered closed.

Over $350 million damages to private property and businesses during civil unrest.

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Emergency Regulation Caps Third-Party Food Service Delivery Fees

Mayor Jacob Frey has signed into law Emergency Regulation 2020-20, capping third-party food service delivery fees at 15% in Minneapolis. The move makes Minneapolis the first Minnesota locality to implement such a regulation. As current market conditions drive restaurants to rely on third-party food service delivery platforms to compete, some restaurants incur delivery fees as high as 40% of the price of the customer order.

Under the new law, a third-party food delivery platform will not perform any service for or disclose any information about a licensed food establishment without the consent of the licensed food establishment and will not be allowed to charge any additional fee to a licensed food establishment that the licensed food establishment has not voluntarily agreed to pay.

Violations of the new law could be subject to misdemeanor prosecution. Continued violation will be a separate violation for each day that the third-party food service delivery platform is found to be in violation.

Under the regulation, restaurants may choose to pay a higher commission or supplemental fee for additional products and services offered by any third-party food delivery platform.

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Full Third Avenue Bridge Closure Has Begun

The Third Avenue Bridge is fully closed to traffic through November 2022. Motorists, transit riders and people walking and bicycling will need to use alternate routes across the river during this time.

Detours

The detour for motorists and walkers is the Hennepin Avenue Bridge and for bicyclists is the Stone Arch Bridge. Visit the Metro Transit website for bus detour and schedule information. 

The historic Third Avenue Bridge over the Mississippi River near St. Anthony Falls opened in 1918. It is in need of significant repairs. The bridge carries Third and Central avenues, which are part of Highway 65.

Construction began in May 2020 and is anticipated to be complete in August 2023.

Visit MnDOT's project webpage to learn more about the schedule, impacts to your commute, rehabilitation and preservation efforts, and what the bridge will look like when the work is done.

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Governor Announces New Dial Back for COVID-19 Protocols

As the COVID-19 situation improves by nearly every metric across Minnesota, Gov. Tim Walz announced measures that loosen restrictions on important parts of daily life. The governor also urged Minnesotans to protect the progress made over the past month.

The announcement came as tens of thousands of Minnesotans have received their first dose of the vaccine, COVID-19 cases are down, hospital bed use is declining, and kids are heading back to the classroom.

COVID-19 is spreading more slowly across Minnesota than two months ago. Recognizing our progress but understanding we need to remain cautious, the governor is adjusting the dials and opening more activities and sectors of the economy. Starting Monday, Jan. 11:

• Indoor dining at bars and restaurants can open at 50% capacity with a maximum of 150 people. Parties of no more than six people must remain 6 feet from other parties, reservations are required, and establishments must close dine-in service by 10 p.m. The City’s local Emergency Regulation limiting service at the bar area will remain in effect, and customers will not be allowed to be seated at the bar area in Minneapolis establishments.
• Gym capacity remains capped at 25% but maximum capacity increases to 150, and classes can increase to 25 people assuming distancing can be observed. Machines and people must maintain 9 feet of distance. Face coverings are required.
• Outdoor events and entertainment continue at 25% capacity, but maximum capacity increases to 250 people. Social distancing is required.
• Indoor events and entertainment such as bowling alleys, movie theaters and museums may open at 25%, with no more than 150 people in each area of the venue. Face coverings are required, and they may not offer food service after 10 p.m.
• Youth and adult organized sports have resumed practice as of Jan. 4, and games resume Jan. 14 with spectators. They must follow the appropriate capacity limits for indoor or outdoor venues. Inter-region tournaments and out-of-state play are discouraged.
• Pools opened on Jan. 4 for some activity and may now open, like gyms, at 25% capacity.
• Wedding receptions and other private parties may resume with limits. If food and drink are served at the event, then they are limited to two households or 10 people indoors and three households or 15 people outdoors. If there is no food or drink, they are covered by event venue guidelines. Any related ceremony – like a wedding or funeral ceremony – is guided by rules for ceremonies and places of worship.
• Places of worship remain open at 50% capacity but without an overall maximum capacity.

Learn more about the State's response to COVID-19.

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COVID-19 Situational Update as of January 13, 2021

Situational updates: Minneapolis

• There are 30,181 cases in Minneapolis and 350 deaths. The total number of cases increased by 3.2% over the previous week. Hospitalizations increased by 1.1% and ICU admissions increased by less than 1%.
• Over the past two weeks, there have been about 125 new cases per day on average. This is an increase from the previous week where we saw less than 100 cases per day on average. Minneapolis-specific daily case counts and demographics are available at www.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/dashboard.
• After dipping below 25 per 100,000, the seven-day rolling average rate for Minneapolis is again over 25 per 100,000 and increasing. This is likely driven by holiday gatherings and travel.
• Mayor Frey’s Emergency Regulation No. 12 regarding masks remains in effect. The regulation requires people to wear face masks in all indoor public places.

Situational updates: Minnesota

• There are 440,354 cases in Minnesota out of over 6 million tests completed. There have been 5,774 deaths from COVID-19 in Minnesota. There are 91,596 cases and 1,449 deaths in Hennepin County.
• The State uses a color-coded map to track a seven-day rolling average of new cases. As of Jan. 6, Minnesota is reporting 31 cases per 100,000 and Minneapolis is at 26 cases per 100,000.
• In the past week, the State health department identified five cases of the new B.1.1.7 SARS CoV-2 variant in Minnesota (first detected in the UK). This variant is thought to be 50 to 70 percent more transmissible than the variant currently circulating in the US. The State will continue to work with the CDC to conduct surveillance to determine how prevalent the new strain might be in Minnesota.
• MHD encourages everyone to sign up for the State’s COVIDaware MN exposure app. The app notifies you if you may have been exposed to COVID-19 by anyone else using the app. The app complements, but does not replace, case investigation and contact tracing.
• The statewide mask mandate remains in effect. People are required to wear masks in all indoor public places where people gather and some outdoor venues where physical distancing is difficult.
• Governor Walz’s Emergency Order 21-01 went into effect on January 11. Details are available on the City’s Guidance for Restaurants, Bars and Breweries and Distilleries web page and summarized below
• Bars and restaurants can offer indoor dining at 50% capacity, with a maximum of 150 people. The same requirements are in place for outdoor dining. Seating at bar counters in Minneapolis is not allowed per Mayor Frey’s Minneapolis Emergency Regulation 2020-17.
• Gyms and fitness centers can operate at 25% capacity, up to 150 people.
• Indoor events and entertainment are allowed at 25% capacity, up to 150 people.
• Outdoor events and entertainment are allowed at 25% capacity, up to 250 people.
• Public pools are allowed to operate at 25% capacity.

Health Department Incident Command updates

Case investigation/Contact tracing

• MHD continues to conduct follow-up on individuals diagnosed with COVID-19, as well as contact tracing at workplaces and with exposed individuals. Of the cases in Minneapolis, 62% have been interviewed and 2.2% have refused. Thirty-four percent of cases have been lost to follow-up and 1.8% of new Minneapolis cases still need to be interviewed.
• Twenty-one percent of interviews of Minneapolis residents have been conducted in a language other than English, representing over 15 different languages.
• We have 56 active case investigators, including three non-MHD enterprise staff and 17 AmeriCorps staff. Case investigators are interviewing an average of 90 cases per shift and making an average of 148 calls per shift, plus conducting workplace and other contact follow-up.
• Contact tracers give isolation and quarantine guidance to those who test positive for the virus and those who have been exposed. A 14-day quarantine still offers the greatest amount of protection against virus transmission. In certain situations, you may end your quarantine after 10 days, or after seven days with a negative COVID-19 test result. Detailed guidance is available on the State’s COVID-19 website.

COVID-19 vaccination

• MHD has provided 524 vaccinations to date and is anticipating giving another 200-300 doses this week to EMS providers, residents of assisted living sites, urgent care staff, and those working at COVID testing and vaccination sites.
• After being vaccinated, continuing to wear a mask, washing your hands and keeping your distance is important to help stop the pandemic.
• 3,846 responses were received via the COVID-19 Vaccination Perspectives Community survey. The responses will help us better understand thoughts, emotions and perceptions about the vaccine and the results will influence vaccine communications and delivery when the vaccine is rolled out to the community.
• Recordings of the Health Department’s weekly vaccine briefings can be found on the COVIDVaccination Channel.
• The State will receive $51 million in federal funding for vaccination efforts, $22 million of which is anticipated to come to Local Public Health (LPH) Departments. We believe that the State will urge LPH Departments to increase their vaccination efforts.

COVID-19 Testing

• In the past week, 74 COVID-19 saliva tests were provided at two events at Columbia Manor in Northeast Minneapolis and at Sabathani Community Center in Powderhorn.
• To date, MHD has hosted a total of 36 COVID-19community testing events and provided 3,698tests. 869flu shots have been distributed at nine events. These totals do not include events hosted by partners where we supplied staff or provided other support.

Upcoming free COVID-19 saliva testing events:

• Columbia Manor,3300 Central Ave. N.E., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on January 25.
• Sabathani Community Center, 310 East 38th Street, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on January23.
• Hennepin United Methodist Church, 511 Groveland Ave, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on January 21 and 28.
• Minneapolis Public Schools Davis Center, 1250 West Broadway, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on January 16and 30.
• Free saliva testing is also offered at three local sites hosted by the State health department. Visit the State’s COVID-19 testing web page to register and find more information.

O Minneapolis Convention Center-9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.

O Brooklyn Park Starlight Center -9 a.m. to7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.

O Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport -7 a.m. to 7p.m. seven days a week.

• The State is also offering free at-home saliva tests. Any person in Minnesota can order a saliva test kit from the COVID-19 Test at Home program. The test will be delivered to your home with rush shipping.
• The City's testing web page offers the latest information on testing sites and guidance about what to do while you wait for COVID-19 test results. Staying away from others while you wait for your results is extremely important, especially if you have any symptoms. The web page has short videos in multiple languages explaining how to quarantine and isolate effectively.

MHD distribution of saliva test kits

• The Health Department is offering free saliva testing kits to community partners, organizations and businesses. After you request saliva testing kits, a staff member will contact you for more information. Virtual training on how to administer the tests is offered upon request.
• Examples of organizations and businesses that have been provided tests include mosques, PICA/Head Start, community clinics, local restaurants, and Minneapolis Public Schools.

Responding to community needs

• We continue to receive requests from community organizations and residents for personal protective equipment as well as at-home saliva test kits. This past week, we received 21 new requests and are currently coordinating delivery logistics. Saliva testing kits and other supplies may be requested through the COVID-19 Requests and Inquiries form on the City’s COVID webpage.
• We are responding to many requests about COVID-19 vaccine distribution from community members emailing our COVID19@minneapolismn.gov account.
• The Health Department is still recruiting volunteers from across the City enterprise to help at future MHD-sponsored COVID-19 testing and vaccination events. Anyone who is interested in serving in this way can fill out a brief survey. Staff who volunteer will receive training and personal protective equipment. Please help us promote this opportunity among City employees.

Businesses

• During the last week, Health inspectors responded to seven new food safety/sanitation/COVID-19 complaints. A majority of these complaints were related to enclosed outdoor seating restrictions. Health inspectors provided education and technical assistance to help businesses properly configure their outdoor seating areas.
• Routine inspections have been temporarily suspended, but inspectors continue to follow-up on complaints and outbreaks, and conduct plan review inspections for construction projects. Many inspectors have been reassigned to support COVID-19 contact tracing and case investigation efforts.

• We completed a final plan review inspection of the Cub Foods store located at 2850 26th Ave South. The facility is set to re-open in mid-February.

The City specific COVID email address is: COVID19@minneapolismn.gov.

MNspin Virtual MN Music Events, January 21 and 28

Via an e-announcement from Friends of the Hennepin County Library:

​​​​​​Just as cabin fever is beginning to settle in, MNspin is coming to your rescue with two showcase concerts – livestreamed directly into your home. In collaboration with the Hook & Ladder Theater & Lounge and sponsored by Friends of HCL, the library proudly presents MNspin Virtual Fest: Live from the Hook at 7 p.m. on Thursday, January 21, and Thursday, January 28.

Scroll on for band line-up and links to register for FREE. Please join us as we celebrate the most recent addition of 93 local Minnesota artists to the library’s MNspin streaming platform in 2020. Thanks to the financial support of library Friends like you, listeners can now enjoy more than 300 albums – from country to rock, hip-hop to classical, and so much more, all free via MNspin!

MNspin Virtual Fest

Live from the Hook – Part I

Thursday, January 21, 7pm

Livestream Performances by:

Nur-D
Wax Lead
Superior Siren

Music Videos from:
Erik Koskinen, Kiss the Tiger, Mae Simpson Music, Radio Drive, Red Eye Ruby, The Trappistines, TWAIN, and more

Register

MNspin Virtual Fest - Live from the Hook – Part II

Thursday, January 28, 7pm

Livestream performances by:
Fanaka Nation
Kiss the Tiger
Venus DeMars

Music Videos from:
ExactlyNo, Mary Bue & The Monarchy, Moss KWA, Waltzing on Waves, and more

Register

Minneapolis Parks Offer Winter Fun for Everyone

Via a January 9 e-newsletter from Minneapolis Park and Rec Board:

Winter Fun for Everyone - Sign up for Winter Programs!

Virtual Nature Club

Every Monday Jan 11 to Feb 15 from 3-4pm
Go behind the scenes to meet the Park Board’s ambassador animals; play games; and create activities that you can bring outside to your nearby park! For ages 8 to 12

Nature Playtime

Wednesdays Jan 6 to Mar 24 from 9:30-10:30am
Bring your little one outside for imaginative play activities curated by a naturalist. Discover seasonal themes, cultivate curiosity, and encourage exploration!
For kids up to age 8 with an adult, this is an Adult/Child interactive experience.

Family Funday Saturdays Jan 16 to Mar 27 from 1-3pm Explore seasonal themes through self-directed: scavenger hunts, nature walks, and interactive skills development such as bird watching or animal tracking. All ages and experience levels welcome to enjoy the outdoors! Winter Challenge First Thursdays each month from 5-7:30pm Like an outdoor escape room with nature challenges! Build forts, maneuver through obstacles, and learn how to start a winter campfire. Fun for all ages Stargazing Second Thursdays each month from 6:30-8pm Spend an evening with the stars. Join a naturalist on a socially distanced navigation of the night sky. For ages 8 and up

* * Hikes * *  Noticing Nature Third Thursdays each month from 6-7pm Tap into your senses as you explore the park, after dark with a naturalist guide. Reset your mind and body, tune in to the rhythm of the season, and practice noticing nature. For ages 8 and up Northern Life Saturday Jan 16 from 10:30-11:30am Explore outdoors on a socially distanced wildlife walk with a naturalist guide! Fun for all ages Urban Canines Tuesday Feb 16 from 1-2:30pm Discover what life is like for the foxes and coyotes in our city during a socially distanced naturalist guided hike. For ages 18+ Nature Art Colors and Ice Saturday Feb 20 from 10:30-11:30am Create murals of color, paint pictures in the snow, sculpt snow figures and create beautiful mini ice castles outside. Fun for all ages

* * Snowshoeing * *  Birding on Snowshoes Saturday Feb 6 from 10:30am-noon A socially distanced bird watching snowshoe trek along our prairie, woodland, and river trails with a naturalist guide! For ages 8 and up Valentine's Day Snowshoeing Sunday Feb 14 from 6:30-8pm Get your heart pumping on a snowshoe hike along tree-lined river trails and warm up around a winter campfire. For ages 18+ Full Moon Snowshoe Hike Thursday Feb 25 from 6:30-8pm A socially distanced snowshoe hike under the full moon along the Mississippi River, through the woods and across the prairie with a naturalist guide! For ages 8 and up

Pre-registration is REQUIRED for all participants
there are a limited number of spots available for each program

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Adventure Hubs

Located in 14 parks across Minneapolis!

Find FREE fun this winter in the parks

Kids, teens, families, adults – everyone’s welcome!

This winter, explore the parks in fresh ways with free supplies and materials for a range of self-guided activities: snowshoes, trekking poles, fort building, outdoor art, winter tree ID, bird watching or animal tracking.

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Nearby Nature

Free self-guided activities add to outdoor fun!

Look for signs with nature quests, challenges and activities at local parks across Minneapolis! Updates on locations and activities can be found on the Neighborhood Naturalist Facebook page.

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Kroening Interpretive Center at North Mississippi Regional Park

4900 Mississippi Court, Minneapolis, MN 55430

Phone: 612-370-4844, Email: NorthMississippi@minneapolisparks.org

2020 by the Numbers from Cynthia Froid Group

Downtown real estate market update from Cynthia Froid Group:

Minneapolis Ice Rink Updates from MPRB

Via a January 5 e-announcement from the Minneapolis Park and Rec Board:

Rinks are opening across the city!

Locations:

At the time of this notice, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) has opened ice rinks for skating and hockey at the following locations: 

• Bohanon Park - hockey and skating
• Hiawatha School Park - skating
• Lake Hiawatha - skating 
• Lake of the Isles - hockey and skating
• Longfellow Park - skating 
• Lyndale Farmstead Park - skating
• McRae Park - hockey
• North Commons Park - hockey and skating
• Pearl Park - skating
• Sibley Field Park - skating

MPRB staff continue to build rinks at other locations - including broomball rinks. A total of 39 rinks are slated to open: slightly fewer than in previous years, due to impacts from COVID-19.

• Track the ongoing status of rinks with the Ice Rink Daily Status Map.
• Check the Ice Rink Flyer to find all outdoor rink locations and addresses
• Get more details on the MPRB website.

COVID-19 Guidelines:

Please remember to keep at least 6 feet between yourself and other skaters. The MPRB also recommends that skaters wear a face mask or face covering. Additionally, Executive Order 20-103 requires that all non-organized hockey games be limited to members of the same household.

Update: Warming houses at ice rinks:

Warming houses are currently closed by Executive Order. Once open, they will be available at the locations below. Free loaner skates are not available this year.

• Bohanon Park 
• Lake of the Isles 
• Lake Hiawatha
• Longfellow Park  
• Logan Park
• Lynnhurst Park
• North Commons Park
• Windom Park

Sports leagues:

Registration is open for youth and adult outdoor hockey leagues and adult outdoor broomball leagues; use the links below to browse options and register.

Youth Hockey Registration

Adult Broomball and Hockey Registration 

Unintended Consequences by Ric Rosow

Submitted by Mill District resident Ric Rosow

This photograph was taken in October when the Army Corp of Engineers lowered the Mississippi River. The theory is, with no scientific evidence to say otherwise, that the loss of water pressure in the riverbed allowed mountains to rise west and south of the city. It was not widely noticed since so many of us were self quarantining as a result of COVID-19. Those who did not quarantine thought they were hallucinating and were afraid to tell others. I have heard a report that Buck Hill grew higher and a pond lost all its water. Alas, it was short lived when the Corp raised the level of the river.

You can see more of my work at: www.traveltheglobephotography.com.

Welcome 2021!

Wishing our neighbors all the best in 2021. May we each pass a cup of kindness.

Video by Yam Haus.

Game Night With A Ranger!

Via a December 30 e-announcement from Mississippi Park Connection:

Compete with park rangers and celebrities to test your knowledge of Mississippi River history and biology in our TV game show spinoffs!

Do you have what it takes to be a contestant on Who Wants To Be A Ranger, Win, Lose or Draw, or Cottonwood Squares?

.

Find out by playing Game Night With A Ranger: four evenings of wildly entertaining TV game show spinoffs with contestants from the National Park Service, popular authors, outdoor celebrities, Fearless Comedy cast members, and a live audience! Test your knowledge on Mississippi River park topics by playing funny games for a chance to win prizes!*

• January 7: The Historic River with Ranger Will and historian Lee Harris
• January 14: Birds of the Upper Mississippi with Ranger Sharon and Jason Ward
• January 21: Minneapolis Locks & Dams with Ranger Haddy and John Scalzi
• January 28: Minnesota Mushrooms with Ranger Kyle and Mary Jo Pehl

Each night will feature a medley of games including: Watch Your Mouth, True Confessions With A Ranger, Who Wants To Be A Ranger, Match Game, Win, Lose, or Draw, or Cottonwood Squares. This is a virtual event that will be hosted live on Zoom.

*  *  *  *

Tickets: 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/game-night-with-a-ranger-tickets-133362046471

   $10 per event

   $35 for all FOUR events (save $5 AND automatically become a member of Mississippi Park Connection for one year!)

Current Mississippi Park Connection Member Pricing:

   $8 per event

   $30 for all FOUR events

*  *  *  *

*All audience members will have an opportunity to virtually participate in the games by answering trivia, polls, and other questions. We will randomly select a few audience members to play against the featured contestants each night. Prize packages vary, and can be shipped within the United States.