Lilacs in Full Bloom on Nicollet Island!

Thank you to Doug Verdier for sharing photos of these lovely lilac bushes gracing Nicollet Island. 

Firefighters For Healing partners with Sherman Associates to Provide Housing for Burn Trauma Survivors & Injured Firefighters, May 19 Groundbreaking Announced

Via a recent news release from Hennepin Healthcare:

Firefighters For Healing and Sherman Associates Development host groundbreaking at The Moment, a one-of-a-kind project that mixes residential, commercial and nonprofit housing 

On Wednesday, May 19, there will be an 11am groundbreaking ceremony for The Moment Apartments and Firefighters For Healing Transitional Healing Center, located at 500 S 7th Street (next to Thrivent HQ). 

Schedule of Speakers:

11:10 Intro & Welcome

11:12 Chris Dunker, Firefighters For Healing

11:17 Jennifer DeCubellis, Hennepin Healthcare

11:20 Lisa Goodman, City of Minneapolis

11:30 George Sherman

11:40 Dig into our Cause/Shovel Shot

The Firefighters For Healing Transitional Healing Center will provide “home-away-from-home” suites for the families of burn survivors or injured first responders being cared for at Hennepin Healthcare and other metro hospitals. It will be a beautiful environment where a family member can rest and recharge. This Transitional Healing Center will also accommodate patients who have been discharged so they have a comfortable and safe place to transition to before heading home.

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“When a child or adult has sustained burn trauma, the family is forced into weeks or months of unique challenges. In addition, there our firefighters and first responders injured in the line of duty or facing health challenges like PTSD, cancer and more. In both scenarios, our Transitional Healing Center will provide 24/7 relief for families by providing emergency housing and a wide range of support,” said Founder & Executive Director Jake LaFerriere.   

Theresa Pesch, President, Hennepin Healthcare Foundation shared, “We consider Firefighters For Healing an extension of our Hennepin Healthcare family. They have stepped up to help our families when they have needed them with social, emotional, and financial support. We are thrilled to stand alongside them today, and honored to raise support for this much needed resource for our patient families & first responder community.” 

George Sherman, CEO of Sherman Associates pursues projects that make a positive impact on the community and looks forward to the partnership.  According to Sherman, “Firefighters For Healing is a passionate organization.  We are inspired by their commitment to supporting the healing process. It will be a wonderful oasis for children and families to live in The Moment.”

About these organizations:

Sherman Associates is a growing commercial real estate development and management firm based in Minneapolis with properties throughout Midwest and Colorado. Sherman has developed over 8,000 multifamily units, 600,000 sf of commercial, 4 hotels, 2 solar gardens, and has 2 Starbucks locations. Sherman develops, holds and operates its assets with a long term vision to build neighborhoods, enrich communities, and empower people. 

Firefighters For Healing supports burn survivors and helps firefighters and first responders pivot after a line of duty injury by providing their families with meals, no cost emergency housing, support and resources while they are receiving medical care in the Twin Cities. We meet and serve families 24/7 and 365 days a year from Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. This non-profit 501(C)(3) charitable organization thrives on community partnerships, volunteer support and fundraising events.

Dan Collison announces May 18 premier of “HOSPITALITY. EMBODIED.” featuring the DID Ambassador Program

Submitted by Dan Collison, Director of Downtown Partnerships for the mpls downtown council

I am pleased to share a new short documentary that I have filmed and produced on the Downtown Improvement District Ambassador Program called “HOSPITALITY. EMBODIED.” The mpls downtown council will be premiering this 35 minute feature on the DID YouTube Channel Tuesday, May 18, at 12pm CST. It will be on demand after that time period.

I believe this will be of great encouragement to downtown residents and those who visit downtown.

Here is a preview:

Mississippi River Paddle Share Season Opens Memorial Day Weekend

The Mississippi River Paddle Share reservation system is open for Memorial Day weekend booking and beyond. Paddle Share is a self-serve kayak sharing system on the Mississippi River (and one lake station at Lilydale Regional Park in Saint Paul). Rent a kayak online, pick up from lockers at your starting destination, paddle down river while exploring the shorelines and nearby restaurants, then return your kayak to the locker at your end destination.

NEW THIS YEAR: The Gorge route from Bohemian Flats Park to the Lake Street Bridge. This calm stretch was formed thousands of years ago, when a cascading waterfall slowly making its way upriver carved out a deep channel. Reservations can be made up to 21 days in advance. Learn more and book your adventure at paddleshare.org

Follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

MSPIFF to Light Up Local Bridges for Opening and Closing Weekends

Via a recent e-announcement from MSP Film Society:

The MSP Film Society is thrilled to announce both Minneapolis and St. Paul will be lit up in our festival colors of PINK & ORANGE to celebrate Opening and Closing Weekends. PINK & ORANGE were the official festival colors of the inaugural Minneapolis Film Festival in 1981. MSPIFF decided to return to these colors to celebrate our 40th Festival!

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The 35W Bridge over the Mississippi in Minneapolis and Allianz Field in St. Paul with both be lit up PINK & ORANGE as MSPIFF40 kicks off this Thursday, May 13th with an array of outdoor screenings all weekend at Como Lakeside Pavilion in St. Paul. The Crown of Capella Tower will be lit up in PINK & ORANGE over Closing Weekend May as MSPIFF hosts a pop-up Drive-In Closing Weekend, May 21-22, at Bohemian Flats Park in Minneapolis.

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In the past 40 years MSPIFF has grown to become Minnesota’s largest film festival and one of the longest running festivals in the country –and a Minnesota cultural institution. MSPIFF40 will run May 13-23 as a hybrid festival this year, with in-person outdoor screenings happening over Opening Weekend, May 13, 14, and 15 at Como Lakeside Pavilion in St. Paul; and Closing Weekend, May 21 and 22, at a pop-up Drive-In at Bohemian Flats Park in Minneapolis. MSPIFF40 will also present 180+ films by both veteran and emerging filmmakers from around the world virtually to audiences throughout Minnesota at MSPfilm.org.

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Visit MSPfilm.org for more information and to reserve your tickets.

Connect: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Youtube

Water Works May 20 Virtual Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Announced

Via a May 11 e-announcement:

You're invited to join the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and the Minneapolis Parks Foundation for a virtual grand opening of Water Works at Mill Ruins Park.

Thursday, May 20, 11:00-11:30am

Everywhere on Zoom
RSVP via Eventbrite to receive the link

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Water Works is a Minneapolis Riverfront park project overlooking St. Anthony Falls and the Stone Arch Bridge that brings new historic, cultural, and recreational amenities to the downtown Minneapolis riverfront and one of the most popular destinations in the region. While the park will open, the Water Works Park Pavilion (and future site of Owamni by the Sioux Chef) will not yet be open to the public.

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Live speakers will include: Tom Evers and Dorothy Bridges from the Minneapolis Parks Foundation;

Superintendent Al Bangoura and President Jono Cowgill, of the Minneapolis Park Board.

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Additional videos and voices from: Kate Lamers, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Project Manager - The Sioux Chef - Mayor Frey - Council Member Fletcher - Senator Champion - Doug Snyder, MWMO Executive Director - General Mills - Bank of America - Paul Reyelts, Minneapolis Parks Foundation Board Member and RiverFirst Campaign Committee Chair.

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Featured opening and closing performances to be announced!

Minneapolis Parks Foundation and MPRB to host a May 11 RiverFirst Announcement

 

Tuesday, May 11, 10:00-10:30am

RSVP via Eventbrite to receive the Zoom link

The Minneapolis Parks Foundation and Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board are hosting a virtual press conference on Tuesday, May 11 to announce the completion of the Great Northern Greenway Overlook at 26th Ave N.

This new destination is the first riverfront park in North Minneapolis in nearly a generation, and the first of two RiverFirst projects opening to community this spring. This is just the first phase of the River Link project and the beginning of our work connecting the Northside to the Mississippi River.

Press conference speakers include Tom Evers and Dorothy Bridges from the Parks Foundation; Supt. Al Bangoura, Jono Cowgill, and Kale Severson of the Minneapolis Park Board; and Minneapolis Councilmember Jeremiah Ellison.

While in-person attendance to this event is limited to essential staff and media, there is optimism for a community celebration to commemorate this beautiful new space as limitations on group gatherings change this summer.

zAmya Theater Project announces Homeless Network Newz: Season 5

Via a May 5 e-announcement:

zAmya Theater Project announces the fifth season of Homeless Network Newz — virtual creative performances every other week in May and June, starting May 13. HNN highlights stories, experiences and the creative contributions of people who have experienced homelessness.

zAmya Theater uses creativity, collaboration and stories to build understanding and connection between people who’ve experienced homelessness and people who have not. zAmya aims to inspire people to advocate for short and long term solutions to the housing crisis in Minnesota.  zAmya began creating Homeless Network Newz episodes about zAmya troupe members as a way of using storytelling to build understanding and connection during COVID-19. Learn more at zamyatheater.org/homeless-network-newz.

Episodes are directed by Esther Ouray and edited by Flo Razowsky. Hosted by Corey Walton, featuring troupe members Robert Blood, Marcia Barnes, Annette Bryant, Marvin Howard, Shannon Kemp, Caroline Mannheimer, Ken Moore, Christina Sayers, Sol Moran Sepulveda, and Tahiti Robinson.

In the first four seasons, zAmya Troupe members and guests shared poems, reflections, interviews with community leaders, heartfelt stories, hilarious sketches, current events and not-so-recent news, the impact of COVID-19 on the community, and much more. 

zAmya’s three-year residency on Nicollet Mall sponsored by Hennepin County Library and Minneapolis D.I.D. moved online in early 2020, with HNN expanding into virtual workshops and performances, taking the place of in-person workshops and performances that would normally happen at the Minneapolis Central Library.

Homeless Network Newz — Live Broadcasts

Thursdays at 4pm Facebook Live and YouTube

Episode 1: May 13 — “Mama Mia” 

Episode 2: May 27 — “Rise Up” 

Episode 3: June 10 — “Summer (en)Camp(ment)”

Episode 4: June 24 — “Our Fathers”

Episodes are archived and available for viewing on Facebook, YouTube, and zamyatheater.org.

zAmJam! Virtual Creative Workshops

Those interested in participating in the making of HNN episodes are invited to zAmya workshops. zAmya Theater hosts zAmJam! with Zamya in partnership with Hennepin County Library. This series of online workshops is for people who are unhoused, temporarily sheltered and allies who are ready to play! All are invited to participate.

Tuesdays, 2:30pm-4pm
Meeting link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6127604804
Contact Esther with questions at 612-720-4804 or esther@zamyatheater.org.

Sample HNN Segments

The Story of My Inner Child, a poem by Christina Sayers. Originally Aired: HNN S4 E6, April 15, 2021, "Break Free, Spring"

Advice from a Queen + Kids Say the Darndest Things. Originally Aired: HNN S4 E6, April 15, 2021, "Break Free, Spring"

In Focus with Robert Blood, interview with Christina Woodlee of Bridge for Youth. Originally Aired: HNN S4 E6, April 15, 2021, "Break Free, Spring"

Full Episode, HNN S4 E6 "Break Free, Spring" - In which we hear from the mouths of babes, learn about youth and LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness, assert the transformative impact of treating others as we wish to be treated and so much more. Originally Aired: HNN S4 E6, April 15, 2021.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

About zAmya Theater Project

Through captivating performances and creative collaboration workshops, zAmya Theater Project builds understanding and connection between individuals who have experienced homelessness and those who have not. From understanding and connection, hearts and minds are changed. Solutions are imagined and achieved. Since 2004 the zAmya Theater Project has been changing hearts and minds through performances and workshops in hundreds of Minnesota locations and with many partners including: Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District, Hennepin Theater Trust, Southwest Minnesota Housing Project, The Guthrie Theater, Edina Reality, Salvation Army, Thrivent Financial, Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless Annual Conference, Basilica of St. Mary, Augsburg College, and more.

zAmya Theatre Project believes theater can change the narrative of homelessness. Our performances grow from stories lived by participants and crafted by our core artistic members. We share them because we know that if we want to unravel this crisis then we have to unravel the story. Informed by experienced advocates and direct service providers, zAmya is led by professional artists, and employs a core group of actors who’ve experienced homelessness to create the plays, co-facilitate workshops, and guide the direction of the company.

zAmya is a Sanskrit word that means “aiming at peace.” For zAmya, aiming at peace means aiming toward a community with safe, stable, affordable housing options for all. More info at zamyatheater.org.

Mill City Commons Seeks Part-time Program & Events Manager

Submitted by Mill City Commons:

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

Mill City Commons is hiring a part-time Program & Events Manager. The job works with our member-led program committee to coordinate and facilitate the robust calendar of events we offer each month. Approximately 24 hours per week with some flexibility of work schedule and the opportunity to work from home when not managing meetings or events. Click here to see the job description. 

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

Golden Hues of Gold Medal Park by Ric Rosow

Submitted by Mill District resident Ric Rosow

Spring is arriving in fits and spurts. May 2nd was a lovely spring morning. I had been meaning to go out early on such a day to photograph sunrise. Normally I point the camera in the direction of the sun. I work with both exposure and composition to capture the wonderful colors in the sky that sunrise produces. That works well until the sun rises above the horizon. A sun above the horizon presents challenges. The brightness of the sun blows out all detail in the image in the area of sun. Multiple shots with different levels of exposure are then necessary and used to create one image that preserves what one sees during sunrise.  

At the time this photo was taken I had already shot multiple images in the direction of the sunrise. The screen on back of the camera was blinking with black, indicating those were areas of no detail. Perhaps for the first time during a sunrise shoot, I turned away from the sun. In doing so I saw the beautiful colors, highlights, and shadows that sunrise created in Gold Medal Park. Although the sun was above the horizon, it was below and behind the top of the River Place Office Building. As with almost all of the photographs I take I used luminosity masks to edit specific areas of this image based on the luminosity (brightness). of the image. A luminosity mask is like an old-fashioned stencil but more refined. A digital luminosity mask has areas of black which conceal the image, areas of white which reveal the image and shades of gray that only partially conceal and reveal. With a luminosity mask in place, I can selectively edit a specific area of an image without effecting areas to which I do not want to make that particular edit. For instance, I can lower the exposure in an area that is too bright without darkening the other areas of the photo. In this image I used several luminosity masks to adjust contrast and brightness of specific areas.

You can see more of my work at www.ricrosowphotography.com.

Scenery, Serenity and Dinner: the Nicollet Island Inn River Cruise Experience

Via a May 3rd press release:

The historic Nicollet Island Inn today announced an exclusive and limited-time opportunity to experience the legendary Mississippi River like never before. In partnership with the Minneapolis Water Taxi, the Inn’s Twilight River Cruise and Dinner is available on Friday and Saturday nights from May 14 through October 9 for cruising along the Mississippi River followed by dinner at the Inn.

“There’s something extra special about the Mississippi River in the evening,” said Larry Abdo, Nicollet Island in owner/innkeeper. “In good company with friends or for a special romantic occasion - with a glass of wine, appetizers and dinner – the cruise experience is the perfect way to spend an evening taking in the scenery, serenity and the Minneapolis skyline from a new vantage point.”

The excursion begins at Boom Island Park in Minneapolis, where guests will board a solar-powered electric cruise boat for an hour-long tour of the upper Mississippi above St. Anthony Falls. Picnic baskets containing a pre-selected choice of wine or champagne and hor d’ovures will be provided. Following the cruise, guests will return to the Nicollet Island Inn where an elegant dinner will be served.

Participants can extend the evening’s festivities with an overnight stay in one of the Inn’s boutique hotel rooms, which boast European charm with modern amenities.

The cost for the cruise and dinner varies based on the size of the group, beginning at $275 for a group of 2 (packages available for groups of up to 6). Reservations

Situated for more than a century on the Mississippi River's storied shores, the Nicollet Island Inn is one of the few remaining historic buildings on Minneapolis' Nicollet Island. Recent renovations add beautiful upgrades and conveniences. Today’s historic Nicollet Island Inn evokes old-world charm with new world comfort. For reservations or for more information on the Nicollet Island Inn, call (612) 331-1800 or visit www.nicolletislandinn.com.

Gamut Gallery announces Setting the Groundwork Exhibition by Reggie LeFlore

Via a recent e-announcement from Gamut Gallery

May 28 - June 26, 2021

Setting the Groundwork– a solo exhibition by Reggie LeFlore exploring his take on the multidimensional elements of creating, storytelling, and relationships with space and time.

A city is constructed for utilitarian purposes but for many artists, it is an eternal canvas or stage that, when used correctly, has the ability to stimulate dialogue within communities and abroad. Reggie LeFlore’s solo exhibition, Setting the Groundwork, incorporates his awareness of and appreciation for the multifaceted perspectives and practices of art in the public sphere to interrogate the power of space in the built environment and its connections to the natural world.

Informed by his everyday interactions and collaborations with folks in the community, organizers, graffiti writers, curators, and fellow artists, LeFlore’s work embraces the nuances and complexities of street art, guiding him throughout his creative projects. While Reggie primarily uses spray paint and hand-cut stencils to create vivid, large-scale portraits and imagery, intentionality and subjectivity, unconditional to medium, provide him the space to examine the various layers of identity and legacy of cultural abdundence. Boundless to the constraints and aesthetic expectations, Setting the Groundwork showcases LeFlore’s exploration of storytelling and the strength and healing that comes from sharing our ancestry and honoring it. 

Setting the Groundwork is Reggie LeFlore’s visual autobiography. Through the use of six portraits, each representing a different chapter of creativity in his life, viewers will have the opportunity to get a look into his inspirations as a child and to his collaborations across his life, highlighting his connections to community and the environments that surround it. Each foundational portrait represents a piece of LeFlore’s methodology, supported with elements containing his past, future and his current bookmark resounding on identity, afrocentricity and purpose. These experiences and influences create a larger than life, bold, vibrant story; a mural per se of his life, from his roots in Omaha to his life in Minneapolis.

ABOUT REGGIE LEFLORE

Reggie LeFlore is a visual artist who creates to praise individual and collective stories through human portraiture.  His inspirations are drawn from the concepts and philosophies of Street Art culture and Illustration – using aerosol, acrylic paint and various graphic design techniques to construct pieces in varying styles, scales and surfaces. Reggie uses visual arts to amplify both his surrounding environments and the narratives contained within them.

MEMBERS ONLY PREVIEW NIGHT: Friday, May 28th //  6-8pm

Reserve your spot or become a member today!

• 1 hour reserved tour sessions • Pre-sale tickets required, book your pre-sale today • 15 visitors per tour • Masks required • Please stay home if you are feeling unwell

PUBLIC OPENING NIGHT: Saturday, May 29th // 6-10pm • $7

• 45 minute reserved tour sessions • Pre-sale tickets required, book your pre-sale • 15 visitors per tour • Masks required • Please stay home if you are feeling unwell

ARTIST TALK: Thursday, June 24th // 6-8pm • $10

A multifaceted conversation and a look into the mind of Artist Reggie LeFlore, hosted at Gamut Gallery.  • Limited tickets available - pre-sales available soon • Masks required • Please stay home if you are feeling unwell

GALLERY & GIFT SHOP OPEN HOURS 

FREE open hours: Wednesday - Friday, 11am - 6pm; Saturday 11am - 4pm

Gamut Gallery is open with capacity restrictions for in-person viewing of the exhibition. We are available by appointment, please request an appointment 48 hours in advance.

Cynthia Froid Group Potted Herb Giveaway at the May 1 Mill City Farmers Market

Mill City Farmers Market's 2021 Season kicks off this Saturday, May 1, 8a-1p.

Market sponsor Cynthia Froid Group will be on hand from 10a-Noon handing out complimentary potted herbs from Green Earth Growers for their annual opening day neighborhood appreciation day.  Thank you, Cindy and Team! :D

Here is a link to the list of vendors you'll see at the May 1 Market.

FINNOVATION Lab Seeking Fourth Cohort, Tackling Social Issues Affecting Minnesotans Today

Via a recent News Release:

FINNOVATION LAB SEEKS FOURTH COHORT TO JOIN THEIR GROWING COMMUNITY OF SOCIAL IMPACT ENTREPRENEURS

Nine individuals will receive a $50,000 living stipend, curriculum tailored to building an impact enterprise, and an ecosystem of support

FINNOVATION Lab announced a fourth cohort of their Fellowship Program which aims to support and empower social entrepreneurs who have bold ideas for sustainable, positive impact. The Program is accepting applications April 15 - May 15, seeking nine new individuals ready to address the biggest issues affecting Minnesotans. The nine-month program will start in September and provide early-stage social entrepreneurs with a $50,000 living stipend, $3,000 health care stipend, tailored curriculum, access to an ecosystem of advisors and mentors, and dedicated workspace.

Applicants should have a strong tie to Minnesota, a deep understanding of a social or environmental issue they want to solve and an idea for how to tackle the issue through entrepreneurship. All areas of impact are welcome. The Fellowship Program will provide tools and guidance as the entrepreneurs develop innovative social business models. Entrepreneurs who are already operating their businesses are invited to apply if they have not been working full-time on the venture for one year or more, or if they are pursuing a major change to the service or product offered.

The Fellowship Program will continue to use a hybrid model, originally put into effect as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, conducting a portion of education online with key in-person touchpoints. Curriculum focuses on leadership development, business planning and modeling, and systems-level analysis for social change using design thinking methodology. Fellows are expected to dedicate 35 hours each week to the program, allowing participants, often for the first time, to focus their energy on diving deeper into exploring a problem and a potential solution. The group will learn, experiment, and turn their ideas into reality.

"This past year presented new and unexpected challenges to communities across the entire nation,” said Connie Rutledge, CEO at FINNOVATION Lab. “We know there are entrepreneurs who have ideas to solve the challenges facing Minnesotans today. We invite them to join our community to gain invaluable experience and guidance to turn those ideas into impact businesses."

Since launching in 2018, the Fellowship Program has fostered the next generation of social impact leaders, guiding them to create sustainable social enterprise models. Alumni of the program have amassed great accomplishments both during and following their time in the Fellowship Program. A few highlights include:

• Nick Alm (Cohort 1 Fellow): Co-Founder and Executive Director of Mossier, launched an LGBTQ-focused online learning platform to encourage more inclusive workplaces.
• Mohamed Malim (Cohort 2 Fellow): Founder of Epimonia, partnered with a Somali youth basketball league to create apparel that was featured at New York Fashion Week.
• La’Shante (Shaunie) Grigsby (Cohort 2 Fellow): Founder of Flava Café, signed a lease on a location in Frogtown that will open for business in Fall 2021.

Cohort 3 wraps programming in June 2021. This group was pushed to work and think differently due to headwinds from the pandemic and social unrest in the Twin Cities.

“Running a social impact business is extremely important yet challenging work, especially when life as we know it is disrupted and resources become even more limited,” said Jacquie Berglund, Founder of FINNOVATION Lab. “The Fellowship Program has been successful at pushing social entrepreneurs to harness their passions, while teaching the practical skills and logistics to turn those passions into functioning businesses. Our community needs these types of ventures to thrive now more than ever.”

The fourth Cohort will be selected by a group of community leaders and alumni of the Fellowship Program. The Program is made possible through generous support from the Bush Foundation, known for its commitment to innovation and creative problem solving. Dedicated workspace and business resources are available to fellows in the FINNOVATION Lab space within the FINNEGANS House at 817 5^th Ave S. Minneapolis 55404.

More details about FINNOVATION Lab and the Fellowship Program, including application information and eligibility requirements, is available at Finn-Lab.com.

Gentleman Forager Launches EATS: A Wildly Unique Outdoor Kitchen Catering Service

Via an April 26 News Release: 

Gentleman Forager is pleased to announce its new catering service aimed at accommodating large events. Gentleman Forager EATS is a new crave-worthy outdoor kitchen run by veteran Twin Cities Chef Taylor O’Brien, and an impressive multitude of weekly guest chef pop-ups. The ever-changing menu—from mouth watering meats and vegetarian shawarma to morel mushrooms on a stick—is all expertly prepared using wild and wildly delicious ingredients.

Mike Kempenich“Running a kitchen, especially a workspace as complicated as a pop-up outdoor grill, is incredibly hard. There are so many additional tasks and a mountain of challenges that a chef must overcome,” said Gentleman Forager President Mike Kempenich. “And that’s exactly why we hired Chef Taylor. The guy is confident, creative and extremely dedicated to his craft. He is hardworking with an upbeat vibe, and we are excited to have him command this ship.”

“I am humbled and thankful about starting this new chapter in my culinary escapades,” said O’Brien. “The style of the kitchen, the freedom of the menu, the outdoor environment, the challenging non-traditional equipment, the unique foods—all of it—Is very exciting.”

O’Brien has many years of experience in the culinary arts working for iconic restaurants such as Manny’s Steakhouse, Barbette, Butcher and the Boar, The Sample Room, Oxcart Alehouse and more. Along his journey, he has picked up a lot of knowledge, so much that he has created a journal containing more than 400 delectable, lip-smacking, satisfying recipes. O’Brien is now eager to deliver his food creations to hungry crowds via Gentleman Forager EATS. Such recipes could include: Porcini Crusted Filet Mignon, a premium steak cut rolled in a kosher salt, cracked pepper and porcini mushroom spice blend; Morels on a Stick, professionally skewered morel mushrooms grilled tender; and much more.

“I love being a chef because excellent food makes people happy and comfortable. Big smiles from blissful guests intoxicates me with feelings of contentment I've never experienced elsewhere.” said Taylor. “This is going to be a lot of fun. Wild ingredients breed wild ideas to meld into my recipes. The delicious food we dish out is sure to impress. Please come check us out, we’d love to serve you.”

Gentleman Forager EATS will debut its new catering service at Hook & Ladder Theater’s 2021 urban outdoors summer concert series called Under The Canopy. The outdoor kitchen will cater every concert in the series. The food stand will be easily and conveniently accessible for those looking for a full meal, appetizer or snack while attending any of the shows which will run weekends from May 1st through early October in downtown Minneapolis. Learn more at: www.thehookmpls.com.

ABOUT GENTLEMAN FORAGER

For more than a decade, Gentleman Forager (GF) has been building a recognized, and respected brand in the wild food industry. Their mission is to revolutionize the way mushrooms, and other wild foods, are integrated into consumers' lifestyles. Foraging for wild mushrooms in remote forests, as well as cultivating exotic, specialty mushrooms is how the business got its start. The company also focuses on guiding wild mushroom-hunt outings and teaching wild mushroom identification courses. GF often collaborates with food-industry businesses to develop delicious creations and menu items using wild and wildly unique ingredients. They enjoy endorsing fun and interesting people, places, things and activities by creating and sharing engaging articles, videos and social media content. Hosting fun events, running an outdoor catering service, and selling their unique products and services with a smile is what they do.

Mike Kempenich—also known as “The Gentleman Forager”—is the company owner and President. He is an exotic mushroom cultivator, forager, instructor and wild foods distributor from Minneapolis Minnesota, sometimes described as a leader in the locavore dining, wild foraging, and vertical urban-farming movements. Kempenich is also the founder and Chief Marketing Officer of a retail company called Forest To Fork, which specializes in specialty mushroom cultivation and retail sales of mushrooms and other wild food products. His companies are dedicated to propagating top-quality specialty products; delivering excellent customer service; practicing sustainable and organic production techniques; and supporting commercial foragers, farmers and cultivators. Learn more at: www.gentlemanforager.com and www.forest-fork.com. 

FINNEGANS Brew Co. Celebrating Grand Re-Opening with May Day Festivities, as it Returns to Taproom Programming and Extended Hours

Via a News Release from FINNEGANS Brew Co.

May 1 Celebration to Include New Beers, Popular Favorites, Good Food, Music, and Social Entrepreneur Pop ups

Shake off cabin fever and join FINNEGANS Brew Co. for our May Day celebration as we welcome back our community of fans of local craft beer and doing good.

Enjoy pints of your favorite FINNEGANS brews and our latest releases, live music from Irish Diplomacy, social entrepreneur pop ups, Chicks on Wheels food truck, entertainment from Wild Rose Cloggers, and bagpipers from Brian Boru Irish Pipe Band. 

As a special opportunity, FINNEGANS Tap Room and Courtyard will host Breathe99 as it demonstrates the latest in facial mask technology and offers special deals on the B2 Mask named one of Time Magazines Top 100 Inventions of 2020. Similar to FINNEGANS mission of turning beer into food, Breathe99 works with non-profits and community-based organizations to better serve older populations, people with pre-existing conditions and those at higher risk due to health disparities. 

"We are excited to partner with FINNEGANS to make the re-opening event as safe and fun as possible for staff and patrons. Vaccines should give us all a reason to be hopeful; however, we still don't know about the long-term impacts of the variants, which is why our protective B2 Mask is one of the best methods to help ensure social businesses like FINNEGANS stay open today and in the future." Says Max Bock-Aronson, Co-Founder and Designer Engineer at Breathe99.

FINNEGANS will also be accepting food and other household donations for the House of Charity and St. Stephen’s Human Services. See the full list of accepted supply donations here. 

Learn more about the FINNOVATION Lab through connecting with the CEO, Connie Rutledge, and members of the FINNOVATION Fellowship Program and their mission to prepare changemakers to lead and launch sustainable social enterprises.

“We are so excited to be re-opening our doors officially – we are expanding our days and hours of operation and starting up taproom programming with hopes that we will not be forced to close again. Our Grand Re-opening will be a festive and joyous day in true FINNEGANS style, giving back to our community, connecting with social impact entrepreneurs, and of course our new summer beers and food from local favorite, Chicks on Wheels food truck.” Says Jacquie Berglund, Rambunctious Social Entrepreneur & CEO of FINNEGANS Brew Co, FINNEGANS Community Fund, and FINNOVATION Lab.

The lineup of summer favorites is varied and aims to please the palates of beer connoisseurs and casual sippers alike. Those taking center stage on May 1 include: 

• Tile Factory: A Citrus forward Mosaic IPA with just the right amount of bitterness
• Tipped Cow: A refreshing Belgian-inspired Saison
• Bella Pilz: An Italian-style Pilsner, perfect for summer.
• Blood Orange Pilsner: A dry Pilsner brewed with blood orange puree and notes of grapefruit and orange.
• Kicked To The Herb: A Pale Ale brewed with hemp seeds and Citra, MN grown Zeus and Chinook hops to push the aromas of the hemp seed.

  * * * * * Schedule of Events * * * * *

1–9pm  Tap Room and Patio Open

2–4pm  Music from Irish Diplomacy

3–5pm  Social Entrepreneur Showcase

    4pm  Brian Boru Irish Band

2–5pm  Paint a Planter or May Day Basket

5–6pm  Wild Rose Cloggers

.

FINNEGANS Brew Co. Tap Room and Brewery will continue its commitment to the safety and well-being of its customers, ensure all COVID-19 precautions are met, and will now equip all team members with Breath99 face masks. 

About FINNEGANS Brew Co.  

FINNEGANS – Founded in 2000 in Minneapolis, FINNEGANS is a self-sustaining and inspirational social business with a mission of turning beer into food. Through sales of its ever-expanding roster of beers, FINNEGANS has created an innovative business model driving the company to create community wealth through FINNEGANS branded products, events, promotions, and strategic partnerships, FINNEGANS Brew Co. sponsors the FINNEGANS Community Fund, a (501(c)3) non-profit. The Fund supports hunger alleviation programs in every market where FINNEGANS is sold, which includes MN, WI, ND, and SD. Now, is there a better reason to raise a pint of FINNEGANS? 

About Breathe99 

Breathe99 is the Minneapolis startup behind the B2 Mask - one of TIME Magazine’s Best Inventions of 2020. Their impact-oriented business model strives to empower people to lead full, healthy lives through access to innovative and sustainable health products and services. For more, visit breathe99.com. 

Fiery Sky Over Minneapolis by Ric Rosow

Submitted by Mill District resident Ric Rosow: 

This photograph is from a photo shoot the week of April 18th. As the sun was setting the clouds began turning bright orange with a golden hue. I have edited several photographs from that evening. In this image my purpose was to feature the fiery sky. I fully edited the image at least three times, thinking that for a balanced photograph I should not only feature the sky but bring out detail in the buildings in the foreground. Finally I realized that the foreground was not what drew me to the image. It was the sky that was the main attraction. The dark foreground focused my eye on the sky. That said, I also liked the sun’s reflection in the windows on the buildings. So while keeping the exposure down on the buildings, I worked to reveal the reflection of the sun's rays in the building windows on the left and right. I hope you enjoy this photograph as much as I do. You can see more of my work at:  www.traveltheglobephotography.com.

Update on West River Parkway Closures

Via an April 21 e-announcement from the Minneapolis Park and Rec Board:

Sections of West River Parkway have been impacted throughout the last two years due to numerous construction projects. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board appreciates the public's understanding and patience while these critical projects to repair and improve public infrastructure are performed. Please stay away from areas where work is taking place and follow all posted detours and signage.

* * * * * Bridge Projects * * * * *

3rd Avenue Bridge Reconstruction

4th Avenue N-Portland Avenue; May 3-17

The parkway and adjacent trails will be closed to all traffic between 4th Avenue N and Portland Avenue from May 3 to May 17, 2021. The closure is necessary for the reconstruction of the 3rd Avenue Bridge by the Minnesota Department of Transportation. This section is also tentatively scheduled to close again for the 3rd Avenue Bridge project from July 5 to July 19, 2021.

Please visit the Hwy 65/3rd Avenue Bridge Reconstruction website for more details.

-  -  -  -  -  -  -

10th Avenue SE Bridge and Bridge #9 Repairs

13th-22nd Avenues S; Reopens April 30, closes again last week of July - September 1, 2021

The parkway is closed to motor vehicle traffic between 13th Avenue S and 22nd Avenue S until April 30, 2021 for the rehabilitation of 10th Avenue SE Bridge by the City of Minneapolis and repairs to Bridge #9 (the bike/pedestrian bridge serving the Dinkytown Greenway) by the University of Minnesota. Trail traffic is rerouted onto the parkway while bridge work continues above the trails.

That section of parkway is tentatively scheduled to close again beginning the last week of July until September 1, 2021 for Bridge #9 repairs and site restoration.

Many of Approximately 20 Farmers' Markets in Minneapolis to Begin Opening Spring Markets May 1

Approximately 20 Markets in “Farmers Markets of MPLS” Collaborative to Open Spring Markets, Offering Shoppers Fresh, Seasonal Foods While Also Supporting Local Farmers and Small Food Businesses

Many of the approximately 20 farmers’ markets in the Farmers Markets of MPLS collaborative will open their spring markets May 1, with others opening later in the month and in June. Four of those markets held Winter Markets from November through later this month. The Spring Markets opening will bring many favorite growers and other vendors back, as well as introduce shoppers to new vendors and their products.

Some of the new vendors include Wild Sorrel (body products made with Horner’s Corner maple syrup); Perennial Pantry (Kernza flour); BIPOC-owned farmers’ brands Ever Wild Herbal Company (apothecary products), Pure Ginger for You (raw, cold-press juices made with local, organic produce), and Live Organically (certified organic vegetables). The nonprofit Urban Roots youth farm and conservation program will also introduce its new collection of native perennial plants.

Spring Market Locations:

Audubon Mini Farmers Market, Thursdays, 4-7pm, June 10 through September 30

Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church parking lot, 2654 Johnson Street NE at 27th Ave NE, Minneapolis,  https://sites.google.com/audubonneighborhood.org/audubon-neighborhood/farmers-market

. . . . .

Camden Farmers Market, Saturdays, 10am-2pm, June 5 through August 28th

Salem Lutheran Evangelical Church, 4150 Dupont Ave N, Minneapolis, https://www.thenewmpls.info/farmers-market

. . . . .

East Isles Farmers Market, Thursdays, 4-8pm, June 24 through September 23

1420 The Mall, Minneapolis, https://www.eastislesfarmersmarket.com/

. . . . . 

Farmers Market Annex, Saturdays and Sundays, 7am-1pm, April 24 through October 31

200 E Lyndale Ave North, Minneapolis, http://www.farmersmarketannex.com/

. . . . . 

Four Sisters Farmers Market, Thursdays, 11am-3pm, June 3 through October 28

1414 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, https://www.facebook.com/foursistersmarket

. . . . . 

Fulton Farmers Market, Saturdays, 8:30am-1pm, May 15 through October 23

4901 Chowen Ave South, Minneapolis, http://neighborhoodrootsmn.org/about/fulton/

. . . . . 

Kingfield Farmers Market, Sundays, 8:30am-1pm, May 16 through October 24

4055 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, http://neighborhoodrootsmn.org/about/kingfield/

. . . . . 

Linden Hills Farmers Market, (schedule is TBD and whether it will be online curbside only)

2813 W 43rd St, Minneapolis, https://www.lindenhillsfarmersmarket.org/

. . . . . 

Midtown Farmers Market, Saturdays, 8am-1pm, May 1 through October 30

Moon Palace Books, 3032 Minnehaha Avenue, Minneapolis, http://midtownfarmersmarket.org/

. . . . . 

Mill City Farmers Market, Saturdays, 8am-1pm, May 1 through October 30

750 South 2nd Street, Minneapolis, https://millcityfarmersmarket.org/

. . . . . 

Municipal Minneapolis Farmers Market, Daily, 6am-1pm, May 1 through October 31

312 E. Lyndale Ave. North, Minneapolis, www.mplsfarmersmarket.com

. . . . . 

Nicollet Mall Farmers Market, Thursdays, (time is TBD), June 4 through October 29

Nicollet Mall, 9th Street through 6th Street, Minneapolis, https://farmersmarketsofmpls.org/nicollet-mall-farmers-market/

. . . . . 

Nokomis Farmers Market, Wednesdays, 4:30-7pm, June 16 through September 29

5167 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, http://neighborhoodrootsmn.org/about/nokomis/

. . . . . 

Northeast Farmers Market, Saturdays, 9am-1pm, May 15 through October 16

629 2^nd Street NE, Minneapolis, www.northeastfarmersmarket.com

. . . . . 

Plant Based Farmers Market, Sundays, 11am-3pm, May 1, 2021 through April 30

1729 North 2nd Street, Minneapolis, https://www.facebook.com/plantbasedpopupmarket/

. . . . . 

Stevens Square Farmers Market, Wednesdays, 2-6pm, June 30 through October 13

Nicollet Ave & E Franklin Ave (SE corner of church parking lot), Minneapolis

. . . . . 

Tiny Diner Farmers’ Market, Thursdays, (time and schedule are TBD)

1024 E 38th St, Minneapolis

. . . . . 

Untiedt’s Garden Market, Mondays – Saturdays, 11am – 6:30pm and Sundays, 11am – 6pm, (dates are TBD)

3711 W 44th St and 6024 Penn Ave S, Minneapolis  https://www.untiedts.com/

. . . . . 

West Broadway Farmers Market, Fridays, 3-7pm, June 18 through October 1

2034 West Broadway Ave N, Minneapolis  https://westbroadway.org/farmersmarket/

. . . . . 

Many of the markets accept EBT and Market Bucks. To view an interactive map, visit https://farmersmarketsofmpls.org/find-a-market/interactive-map/. All markets practice stringent COVID-19 protocols to ensure a safe experience for shoppers, growers and staff, and some offer online pre-ordering and pre-payment for a contact-free shopping experience. Farmers Markets of MPLS continues to work gathering surveys and statistics for vendors and markets through the Farmers Market Metrics Project. Some 2019 statistics gathered by the organization relating to its Minneapolis markets include:

• 78 percent of vendor businesses are owned or operated by women.
• 71 percent of vendors donated leftover produce to hunger relief programs.
• 11,200 agricultural acres are owned, leased, or managed by Farmers Markets of MPLS vendors.
• 3,720 kids spent Power of Produce tokens.

About Farmers Markets of MPLS

The Farmers Markets of MPLS collaborative was formed in 2017 as a means to build a more connected, accessible and effective market systems, in partnership with the City of Minneapolis, University of Minnesota, Homegrown Minneapolis, Minnesota Department of Agriculture and other market supporters. All the nearly 30 farmers’ markets operating in the City of Minneapolis are members of Farmers Markets of MPLS, a collaborative that works together on marketing, data collection, advocacy, and general support for member markets. For more information about the organization and markets, visit https://farmersmarketsofmpls.org/.

About the Farmers Market Metrics Project

The Farmers Market Metrics Project is a three-way partnership between farmers markets, local government, and the University of Minnesota. The project is designed to improve the capacity of the markets in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Metro region help market managers quantify their contribution to the regional food system. FM 360 provides scalable, adaptable data collection tools and data that allow market managers to customize metrics and reports for existing partners and prospective funders.

Northern Lights.mn Announces Spring Howl Telethon

Via an April 16 Press Release from Northern Lights.mn:

The annual fundraiser to benefit Northern Lights.mn goes virtual on May 21, 2021 showcasing artists and sharing memories

Northern Lights.mn announces a new date for the Spring Howl Telethon, a live televised variety show produced by Northern Lights.mn partner Minnesota Community Network Channel 6 (MCN6) to support the Northern Spark festival and Northern Lights.mn artistic programming.

In light of the Derek Chauvin trial and possible verdict in late April, Northern Lights.mn is moving its Spring Howl Telethon to May 21. Spring Howl is a free virtual community event for all to attend and will be broadcast live on May 21, 2021, 7:30 - 9 pm on MCN6 and the Northern Lights.mn Facebook page.

Spring Howl Telethon will dazzle with improv performances, musical interludes, stories of long nights at Northern Spark from festival artists over the years, green-screen shenanigans, suspenseful prize drawings, kazoos, and a performative telephone operator. It is a Telethon, after all. Starring: 

• Host John Gebratatose from HUGE Theater and Black Out Improv!
• A house band!
• The Northern Spark Kazoo band led by Scotty Reynolds!
• Ifrah Mansour as Spring Howl Commissioned Poet!
• Sami Pfeffer as Telephone Operator! 
• Prizes! 

Spring Howl Telethon supports the artistic programming of Northern Lights.mn, the producers of the beloved Northern Spark festival, Illuminate the Lock and Art(ists) on the Verge fellowship among other projects. RSVP to our FaceBook event to get frequent updates on the line up!

Spring Howl Telethon - May 21, 2021, 7:30 - 9 pm
Register for FREE - FREE to watch live on MCN6 or Facebook
Register now and make an early donation to be eligible for door prizes drawn throughout the event. Including: 

• A selection of spirits from Crooked Waters distillery
• A $100 gift certificate to Solo Vino in St. Paul
• A year of beer from Fulton Brewery
• More to come!

Northern Spark Background

Northern Spark is a late-night, participatory arts festival that lights up the Twin Cities in early summer. In 2021, the festival takes new forms: in the mail, online, and in person in St. Paul, MN during a two week span of time. 

In past years during Northern Spark, tens of thousands of people gathered throughout the city on one night to explore giant video projections, play in temporary installations in the streets, and enjoy experimental performances in green spaces. 

From dusk to dawn the city surprised you: friendly crowds, glowing groups of cyclists, an unexpected path through the urban landscape, the magic of sunrise after a night of amazing art and experiences. In 2018 we introduced a two-night model, so people could experience the artful magic of Northern Spark for two nights until 2 am.

As our city still grapples with the effects of COVID-19, the 2021 festival will support artist projects that encourage our communities to safely connect and inspire the kind of experimental, surprising experiences we love at Northern Spark.

Northern Spark is produced by Northern Lights.mn, a Twin Cities non-profit arts organization whose work ranges from large-scale public art platforms like Northern Spark to Art(ists) On the Verge, a year-­long mentorship program for 4 emerging artists working experimentally in public space. We support artists in the creation and presentation of art in the public sphere, such as at St. Paul's Union Depot (Amateur Intelligence Radio), "choir karaoke" at the Minnesota State Fair (Giant Sing Along) and Illuminate the Lock, artist installations inside and around the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam on the Mississippi River. Our work helps audiences explore expanded possibilities for civic engagement through art.