Hennepin Gallery Reopens with Digital Exhibit Exploring Cultural Heritage

Via a December 2 e-announcement from Hennepin County:

A return to art! Hennepin Gallery reopens with digital exhibit exploring cultural heritage

Cultural heritage is explored in vivid color by two artists in Hennepin Gallery’s latest exhibit opening December 1, Principles of Posterity.

The Hennepin Gallery, closed due to COVID-19, is reopening with an online exhibit to share the two artists’ works and statements about their process and practice. View the online exhibit.

Both Mayumi Amada and Marlena Myles share their cultural heritage through a variety of materials, representing their sense of place, identity and home. The juxtaposition of personal perspectives in their artwork creates an open middle ground to consider commonalities.

The artists both present complex ideas and themes but do so in a way that invites audiences in with relatable materials and storytelling.

Artists’ statements

Mayumi Amada “I am Japanese – my cultural heritage informs my work. Living away from my home country and looking at it from a distance, I find many valuable characteristics in Japanese culture: In the ways of thinking, in the sense of value, and also in the arts, design, and in architecture."

Marlena Myles “I am a Native American (Dakota, Mohegan, Muscogee) digital artist located on my traditional homelands here in St Paul, Minnesota. I use my art to celebrate the language and culture of my Dakota people, as well as help the public understand and relate to the significance of our oral traditions, history and representation through Native Art.”

 

Online activities

To immerse audiences in their work more fully, Mayumi Amada and Marlena Myles have created interactive hands-on elements that visitors can engage with at home:

• Video workshops – Accompanying the artist’s work are accessible video workshops. Each artist provides a tutorial that uses paper and other materials found at home.
• Downloadable templates and coloring pages  

Forecast Public Art and Hennepin County Multicultural Arts Committee (HCMAC) Partnership

Forecast Public Art and HCMAC have partnered over the past 13 years to bring artwork from a variety of cultures to the Hennepin County Government Center. Forecast Public Art, a non-profit arts organization, activates, inspires and advocates for public art that advances justice, health, and human dignity.

The exhibit is sponsored by the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Department and Hennepin County Multicultural Arts Committee, and is a project of Hennepin County Communication and Engagement Services.

Look for more news on the Hennepin County website at hennepin.us/news.

The Great Northern 2021: January 28 – February 7

Via a recent e-announcement from The Great Northern:

The Great Northern is proud to announce its 2021 original programming, occurring across ten days in coordination with legacy winter events City of Lakes Loppet, Saint Paul Winter Carnival, and the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships.

“The 2021 festival will include conversations, arts and cultural programming, and activities designed to create human and environmental connection,” said Kate Nordstrum, executive and artistic director of The Great Northern. “We examine our changing climate creatively—through walks, art, music, writing and storytelling. These poignant and visceral experiences will hopefully personalize the issue for attendees and inspire them to become advocates in their own networks and communities.”
 
With a mission essential to the wellbeing of the Minnesota community, particularly during this challenging and socially isolating time, The Great Northern will continually evaluate best practices related to COVID-19 to ensure a safe experience for all. All events have been designed in full compliance with safety guides put forward by the Minnesota Department of Health and are subject to change.

The full schedule of 2021 original programming is now available at thegreatnorthernfestival.com. 

Help Shape the Future of Hennepin, First Avenue Northeast

Help shape the future of Hennepin, First Avenue Northeast

Hennepin County is developing a plan for roadway improvements on Hennepin and First avenues (County Road 52) between Main and 8th streets in Minneapolis and is seeking feedback.

The project team will be looking at all modes of transportation in the area, including driving, walking, biking and rolling.

Visit the project website to take the project survey and explore the virtual tour. Your feedback will help share the future of Hennepin and First.

Participate in a community listening session on December 10. Register to participate.

Mill City Times Invites You to Share Christmas Ornament Nostalgia

Every year is a walk down memory lane as the Christmas tree transforms into a glowing and sparkly vision, loaded with ornaments acquired over decades. Much like Thanksgiving 2020, Christmas 2020 will be different for many of us, and it has me more nostalgic than usual.

We imagine many of our neighbors are feeling the same way, and after a year filled with angst, we thought it would be uplifting to give Mill City Times readers the opportunity to share photos of treasured Christmas ornaments and the stories behind them.

Pictured above is a box of Shiny Brite glass ornaments, which my parents acquired in the late 1940's. They came into my possession after my mother's passing in the early 90's, and I've been decorating our trees with them ever since. Over the years I've watched in horror as four of the twelve have shattered to smithereens on the hardwood floor. Makes me wonder how these delicate things survived a household with nine kids!

Those of us who've been around the block a few times remember when safety wasn't "priority #1" - cars without seatbelts, lead-based paint, etc. These ornaments always remind me of a short-lived Christmas treat we loved as kids, giving no thought to how germy and potentially deadly they were: unwrapped hard candies the size, shape, color and flavor of a cherry; impaled with a metal hooked "stem" so they could be hung on the tree (and removed by grubby little hands, licked, and then re-hung with a sly giggle...) Aah, memories.

We invite you to share your ornament memories! Send your story and picture(s) to kim@millcitymedia.org. I will post them on our website, and share on Facebook.

Best wishes for a safe, healthy and holiday season!

Kim :)

This Small Business Saturday, Shop Artist-made Goods at Northrup King Building

Via the December e-newsletter from Northrup King Building:

Tis the season to shop! And the artists at Northrup King Building welcome you for many Holiday Hours to shop goods like:

Clockwise from top: Fringe & Fettle Ceramics, Worker B,  Megan Moore, EverArt Designs,  Melissa Helene Fine Arts and Photography And more! Our Holiday Hours are listed below.

Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday is this Saturday, November 28, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM! Shopping local has never been so critical in helping our diverse communities thrive. Moreover, never has an artistic pick-me-up been so welcome: We're all tired of staring at our familiar walls! With that in mind, we hope you'll consider stopping at the Northrup King Building this weekend for your holiday shopping. Studios and galleries will be open for perusal. Do keep in mind that artists set their own hours, if you'd like to visit a particular studio, we recommend you contact the artist to ensure they'll be open for you. You can use our directory to do so.  Masks required at all times in the Northrup King Building. Social distancing will be enforced.

Holiday Hours

Can't make it for Small Business Saturday? No prob! We've got Holiday Hours galore to fit your schedule. We hope to see you at one (or many!) of these shopping opportunies.

Masks are required at all times while shopping at the Northrup King Building, and open studios (and their visitors) must comply with state and city regulations regarding COVID-19, which limits the number of shoppers allowed in a studio/gallery at any one time. Due to the ever-evolving nature of the pandemic, public building hours are subject to change.  Artists and businesses will continue to set their own hours or availability; we encourage you to contact artists ahead of time to ensure they will be open and operating during our extended hours. You can use our online Studio Directory to do so.

Wishing John Anfinson, Superintendent, Mississippi National River and Recreation Area a Happy Retirement

The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (MNRRA) Superintendent, John Anfinson, will retire at the end of the year. I can't recall which function we were attending when I first heard John speak, but I was an immediate fan and have held him in the highest regard ever since. Those are some incredible shoes to fill!

More about John.

2020 Twin Cities Holiday Gift Box - Delivered by Santa!

Via a recent Press Release:

Experience the Twin Cities is offering a new locally-curated Twin Cities Holiday Gift Box full of Minnesota-made treats, and it includes personal delivery by Santa Claus or Santa’s elf via the Experience the Twin Cities bus. The gift box is full of goodies from local brands such as Candyland, The Cookie Store, Tiny Footprint Coffee, Legacy Chocolates, We Are Nuts, and Regina’s Fine Candies. The gift box can be purchased on the Experience the Twin Cities website for $69 each, which includes delivery by Santa or Santa’s elf within a 20-mile radius of Minneapolis.

Experience the Twin Cities normally centers its business on guided specialty tours to local breweries, wineries, restaurants, and more. The company developed this new offering for a special way for Minnesotans to support and enjoy local businesses from home.

"Normally during this time of year we are busy having fun on our Minneapolis and St. Paul tours, but we obviously had to adapt in 2020. We have such wonderful local businesses to support and we’re thrilled to put these brands together in one delicious gift box. We’re also very excited about the delivery by Santa Claus aspect. It will be really memorable for our colorful Experience the Twin Cities bus to pull up to homes and offices and for Santa to hop out to deliver these gift boxes,” explained Rebecca Pfeiffer, owner of Experience the Twin Cities. “We also hope the fun delivery will appeal to businesses who want to send a special holiday gift to their employees and clients working from home.”

The Twin Cities Holiday gift box is on sale now. Nationwide shipping is also available, and bulk and corporate orders can be customized with company branding or messaging for a nominal fee.

About Experience the Twin Cities

Experience the Twin Cities has been partnering with Twin Cities businesses to craft public and private food, brewery, winery, distillery, and sightseeing experiences for Minnesotans and visitors for over nine years. Several of the company’s popular tours are still available to private groups during COVID-19, including the All Is Bright Holiday Lights Tour, St. Paul Skyway Food Tour and the Countryside Winery Tour, as well as custom tour experiences. Visit www.experiencethetwincities.com for the current offerings. 

Holidazzle Announces Virtual Santa Schedule

Via a November 20 Press Release from mpls downtown council:

The 2020 Holidazzle experience launches in 1 week. Plus, Holidazzle announces virtual Santa schedule

You can still share your holiday wish and take your photo with Santa this Holidazzle season

Holidazzle is teaming with Santa to offer free Zoom meet-and-greets, story times, and phone greetings to get together online this holiday season.

Santa will be participating in the following activities during the Holidazzle season, which runs November 27 through December 20, all of which are free and can be accessed at Holidazzle.com. 

• The Holidazzle Show presented by Comcast: Santa will be a guest on four episodes of The Holidazzle Show, airing Friday, November 27 and the following three Thursdays: December 3, December 10 and December 17.
• Santa Zoom meet-and-greets: Zoom meet-and-greets will take place Saturday, December 5 and Saturday, December 19 from 9 am-1 pm. Sign up to meet Santa virtually during a brief Zoom chat. The sign-up link for the December 5 Santa Zoom will be available on Thursday, December 3 at 10 am, and the December 19 Santa Zoom sign-up link will be available Thursday, December 17 at 10 am.
• Santa Storytime: Santa will be reading holiday stories each Sunday between November 29 and December 20.
• Call Santa: Santa shared his number to the North Pole—give him a ring!

Holidazzle is bringing holiday cheer to you virtually this season, wherever you are. Along with Santa and The Holidazzle Show, enjoy HoliTivities brought to you by Xcel Energy, watch DIY holiday videos, engage with Holidazzle activities and challenges on social media, and more.

Visit www.holidazzle.com, or follow Holidazzle on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to enjoy this year’s virtual content.

November 20 Ward & News from Council Member Lisa Goodman

I want to extend positive wishes of thanksgiving and ask that everyone stay safe and healthy as we celebrate the holiday next week.

Lisa

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Last Friday the Minneapolis City Council voted 7-6 to approve a stop-gap funding request from the Police Chief to help stabilize staff levels through the end of 2020. This vote gives Chief Arradondo the ability to hire officers from the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Department and/or Metro Transit Officers to help the Minneapolis Police Department do patrols and respond to 911 calls. These partnerships are very common and something the city implements ever summer in downtown Minneapolis.

MPD staff levels have declined significantly since the first of the year. 40 officers have retired and an additional 121 are out on medical leave due to PTSD claims. Meanwhile, crime rates are up and although the leadership team has been able to shift staff and priorities, more work with less people has its limits. Without additional temporary assistance, we will continue to see a decline in staff and an increase in response time for 911 calls. When response times diminish, the ability to apprehend suspects is seriously compromised.

While the city is actively looking at transformative ways to improve the MPD – which I support – I feel strongly that we must support our Police Chief and embrace a both/and approach instead of an either/or stance so that we are able to maintain public safety as we work to improve public safety for all people in Minneapolis.

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Share Feedback on Proposed 2021 City Budget at Upcoming Online Public Hearings

There are three upcoming online public hearings for people to share thoughts on Mayor Jacob Frey’s recommended 2021 City Budget. Comments can also be submitted online at the City’s website.

Online public hearings:

• 6:05 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2
• 6:05 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9

Learn how to participate in online public hearings.

Comments submitted online will be entered into the public record and shared with the mayor and council members. The City Council is scheduled to vote on adopting the budget on Wednesday, Dec. 9.

Mayor Jacob Frey’s proposed $1.5 billion budget calls for a 5.75% maximum levy increase. With a 12% increase in the overall tax base growth, three-quarters of Minneapolis residential property owners will see a decrease in their property tax bills with the median-valued household set to experience a $59 yearly decrease.

Visit the City’s website to learn more about the mayor’s recommended budget, key dates in the approval process, FAQs and more.

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The 4d Affordable Housing Incentive Program Application Window is Open

The City of Minneapolis is now accepting applications for the Minneapolis 4d Affordable Housing Incentive Program. This program helps property owners obtain property tax reductions for agreeing to keep a portion of rental units affordable for 10 years. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis with a final deadline of January 8, 2021. Property owners are encouraged to apply early.

Since the launch of the program in May 2018, the Minneapolis 4d program has helped preserve over 1,100 affordable housing units through partnerships with more than 100 property owners. It is one of several strategies the City is deploying to address the affordable housing shortage in Minneapolis.

Program benefits

• 10-year eligibility for 4d property tax rate, which provides a 40% tax rate reduction on qualifying units. The reduction is prorated so if you enroll 50% of the units in the building your reduction would be about 20%, etc.
• Free or low-cost energy assessments and city cost sharing for solar energy installations and energy efficiency improvements.
• A grant to each 4d property, in the amount of $100 per affordable unit, capped at $1,000 per property, as well as payment of document recording fees and first year State of Minnesota Low Income Rental Classification (LIRC) fees.

Eligibility

Owners of market-rate multifamily properties that have a Tier 1 or Tier 2 rental license with at least 20% of the property’s rental units affordable to households making 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

Starting this year, single family rental homes can be enrolled in the 4d program. In order to support future affordable homeownership opportunities, the City will release a 4d program declaration of restrictive covenants only if the property is sold to a current tenant, or another buyer with an income at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI), and in either case the buyer signs an affidavit that says they will occupy the home as their primary residence.

Learn more about eligibility requirements

Property Owner Commitment

Record a 10-year affordability declaration on your property stating:

• At least 20% of units at a property (e.g. 2 units at a 10-unit property) will remain affordable to households making 60% of AMI. You may enroll up to 100% of the units in the building. As of 2020, 60% AMI rents are:
  • $1,086 for a Studio
  • $1,164 for a 1 BR
  • $1,396 for a 2 BR
  • $1,613 for a 3 BR
  • $1,800 for a 4 BR
• Rent increases for tenants in affordable units with rents below 60% AMI are limited to 6% or less annually.
• As units turn over, new tenants must have household incomes at or below 60% of AMI. In 2020, maximum incomes are:
  • $43,440 for one person
  • $49,680 for two people
  • $55,860 for three people
  • $62,040 for four people
  • $67,020 for five people

For more information, email 4dprogram@minneapolismn.gov or call us at 612-673-5055 or 612-258-3390.

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More Spaces Becoming Available This Winter for People Experiencing Homelessness

Partners from the City of Minneapolis, Hennepin County and State of Minnesota are coming together to encourage people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Hennepin County to come inside as winter weather arrives.

A broad coalition of government agencies, nonprofit and philanthropic partners are currently operating the largest and safest emergency shelter system that has ever existed in Hennepin County as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These collective efforts have thus far allowed us to avoid the devastating impacts COVID-19 has had on people experiencing homelessness in other cities.

There is existing emergency shelter capacity, especially for women, children and families. Emergency shelters continue to see beds becoming newly available each day, and some go unused each night. There are also around 200 current vacancies in board and lodge facilities, which provide low-barrier housing that people can access today.

Partners are also working to open new spaces that meet the individual needs of people sleeping outside before the end of the year, and to make permanent improvements to ensure COVID-19 safety guidelines continue to be met at existing and new shelter spaces, as they have since the beginning of the pandemic.

By the end of 2020, partners, including city, county, state and philanthropy, plan to invest $55 million to open at least seven sites to provide emergency shelter, low-barrier housing and protective housing for people experiencing homelessness, as well as enhance existing shelters and expand support services and street outreach. An additional 670 units of very affordable housing designated for people experiencing homelessness will have opened or begun construction by the end of this year.

Partners recognize that emergency shelter may not meet everyone’s individual needs. We are committed to working directly with individuals to find the best solutions available. One person sleeping outside is too many. We are committed to making full use of the options available right now, even as we bring more online.

So far in 2020, 1,300 people experiencing homelessness have found permanent housing with help from city, county, state and nonprofit partners.

Get connected to shelter

Hennepin County

• Single adults: Call Adult Shelter Connect at 612-248-2350.
• Families: Call the Hennepin County Family Shelter Team at 612-348-9410. Hennepin County practices a “shelter all” commitment for families.

New safe spaces, enhanced shelter and expanded supports expected by year’s end

Four new emergency shelter locations |Total investment of $15.2 million for 200 total beds

• Homeward Bound, 50 beds for Native American adults, $7.5 million total investment, planned opening December 1
• Lerner Building, 100 separate units in an “indoor village” for people currently experiencing unsheltered homelessness, $6 million total investment, planned opening end of December
• Salvation Army emergency shelter, 30 beds for women experiencing unsheltered homelessness, $1.3 million total investment, planned opening December 1
• Simpson Housing emergency shelter, 20 beds for women experiencing unsheltered homelessness on a separate floor of Simpson Housing’s existing emergency shelter location, $400,000 total investment, opened in October

New protective housing sites are also being acquired to replace hotel rooms currently leased by Hennepin County for people at high risk of COVID-19 complications due to age or underlying health conditions | $20-30 million total investment

Enhancements to all existing shelters to improve safety and meet CDC COVID-19 guidelines | $5.7 million total investment

• $3.2 million to make physical improvements to existing shelter sites such as air flow systems, partitions, etc.
• $2.5 million to ensure all existing shelters continue to provide 24/7 accommodations

Expanded support services | $17.4 million total investment

• $675,000 to expand homeless diversion services at Simpson Housing to help people find alternatives to shelter
• $700,000 to add seven new street outreach workers
• $16 million in state ESP-CV and CARES Act funding to expand shelter capacity at hotels/motels and shelters, extend shelter hours, increase staffing, support outreach workers and food provision

670 additional units of affordable housing for people experiencing homelessness

In addition to these investments, city, county, state, nonprofit and philanthropic partners continue to work together to develop and preserve permanent affordable housing and to create policies that support a variety of housing options.

 Twelve projects with 670 units of new housing designated for people experiencing homelessness will have opened or begun construction by the end of this year, including:

• Catholic Charities Exodus 2.0 (construction beginning soon): 203 units for people experiencing chronic homelessness
• Park 7 (open now): 61 units for people experiencing homelessness
• Mino-Bimaadiziwin (opening December 2020): 17 units for people experiencing homelessness
• Maya Commons (opened July 2020):  12 units for people experiencing homelessness
• Penn Avenue Union (opened August 2020): 4 units for people experiencing homelessness
• Lake Street Phase 1 (opening late 2020): 6 units for people experiencing homelessness
• Franklin Avenue AICDC site (opening soon): 20 beds for Native American residents experiencing homelessness with chemical dependency
• Gateway NE (opening early 2021): 10 units for people experiencing homelessness
• Scattered site opportunities (opening soon): 200 new units for people experiencing homelessness, including 100 permanent and 100 time-limited, at various sites around the county with subsidies and support services
• Amber Apartments (construction beginning soon) – 17 units for people experiencing homelessness
• Lydia Apartments (construction beginning soon) – 80 units for people experiencing homelessness
• Anishinabe III (construction beginning soon) – 40 units for people experiencing homelessness

New policies to support affordable housing and shelter under review in Minneapolis

The City of Minneapolis is also working on an ordinance to allow shared housing in the city, which would create additional low-barrier, affordable housing options. Zoning requirements related to emergency shelters are also under review to make sure the city can continue to provide adequate shelter space for those who need it.

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Community Trainings on Restorative Justice, Trauma Healing, Self-Care and Resilience, and Racial Healing and Equity

The Minnesota Peacebuilding Leadership Institute has several upcoming trainings that are partially funded by the Minneapolis Foundation for all those who live, work, and/or play in Minneapolis. 

Introduction to Restorative Justice for Community Healing and Transformation

Pay-What-You-Can-Up to $50; CEs available for MN social workers, teachers, and nurses

Monday, November 23, 2020, 9am-11am CST:  FB page: https://fb.me/e/1Dj2Pemlg

Introduction to Strategies for Trauma Awareness and Resilience for Cultural Competence, Racial Healing and Equity

Pay-What-You-Can-Up to $30;  CEs available for MN social workers, teachers, and nurses

Monday, November 23, 1pm-3pm CST:  FB page: https://fb.me/e/cGZKwTKqb

Friday, December 4, 10am-12pm CST                  

Coming to the Table (CTTT) Racial Healing Talking Circles

These free monthly events are free, and donations are gratefully accepted

Saturday, November 21, 2020, 10:30am-12pm CST  FB page: https://fb.me/e/5HboZBg4E

Monday, November 23, 2020, 7pm-8:30pm CST:  FB page: https://fb.me/e/27pzvcW3o

Introduction to Self-Care for Resilience: Training for Practice in Everyday Life

Pay-What-You-Can-Up to $50; CEs available for MN social workers, teachers, and nurses

Friday, December 4, 2020, 2pm-4pm CST

STAR-Lite Training: Learning Strategies for Trauma Awareness and Resilience in a Single Day for Cultural Competence, Racial Justice Healing and Equity

Early Tuition: $99 Standard Tuition: $155  CEs/CLEs available for MN mental health professionals, attorneys, teachers, and nurses.

Thursday, December 10, 2020, 9am-5pm CST

Minnesota Peacebuilding Leadership Institute :: 5200 47th Avenue South :: Suite 101 :: Minneapolis, MN 55417 : 612-345-4310 : www.mnpeace.org

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Speed Limit Now 20 mph on Local Residential Streets for Safety

Crews have finished installing signs at entry points in Minneapolis alerting drivers that the speed limit is now 20 mph in the city unless otherwise signed. The City of Saint Paul expects to complete its installation of new citywide and downtown gateway signs by early 2021.

Slower speeds on local streets make travel safer for everyone no matter how you get around. The speed limit changes follow detailed technical studies done by the cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul Public Works departments to determine appropriate local speed limits as required by state statute.

Now that the gateway signs are installed in Minneapolis, the 20 mph speed limit on local residential streets is in effect. The cities will generally not be posting 20 mph signs on local residential streets.

New speed limits are 20 mph for local residential streets; 25 mph for larger, arterial City-owned streets; and 30-plus mph for a few City-owned streets. Per Minnesota law, cities do not have authority to change speed limits on County and MnDOT roads. Speed limits on these streets in Minneapolis and Saint Paul will not change.

Reducing speed limits is one of the key strategies in the Minneapolis Vision Zero Action Plan, which outlines key steps for the next three years to advance the City’s goal of ending traffic deaths and injuries on City streets by 2027

Video

Watch a video promoting the new slower speed limits in English, Spanish, Somali and Hmong.

Learn more about the speed limit changes at visionzerompls.com and stpaul.gov/speedlimits.

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Gov. Walz Announces Four-Week Dial Back to Control Spread of COVID-19

As the spread of COVID-19 skyrockets across the state and hospitals voice concern about the ability to treat those who fall ill, Gov. Tim Walz announced new actions to help control the spread of the virus. Turning the dial back, Walz announced a four-week pause on in-person social activities, in-person dining, sports and fitness establishments.

The scientific research and public health data indicate that the virus is spread most in places where people gather for long periods of time, especially when masks are not consistently worn. For instance, a quick stop at a retail store with a mask and physical distancing appears to have a lower risk than a gathering of friends for dinner where guests are likely to be seated closer together and unmasked while eating or drinking — whether it’s at a restaurant or in their own home.

New restrictions

Beginning 11:59 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, and lasting until Friday, Dec. 18, in-person social gatherings with individuals outside your household are prohibited; bars and restaurants are dialed back to take-out and delivery service only; gyms, fitness studios, entertainment venues, event spaces, and similar establishments will need to close; and adult and youth sports are paused. Retail businesses, salons, and places of worship may continue to operate with proper precautions in place. Childcare remains open. Schools will continue to operate under the Safe Learning Plan, which shifts between in-person, distance and hybrid learning depending on the local conditions of the virus. All other current restrictions also remain in effect.

The pandemic has reached a concerning and dangerous phase throughout much of the Midwest this November. It took 29 weeks to reach 100,000 infections in Minnesota, and just six weeks after that to reach 200,000. Less than three weeks after reaching 200,000 infections, Minnesota will reach 300,000 infections.

To support small businesses that are struggling as they do their part to combat the spread of COVID-19, Walz has announced an additional $10 million in Small Business Relief Grants. This funding will support an additional 1,000 businesses that have applied for the grant program. It supplements hundreds of millions of dollars in small business support that Minnesota has allocated since the beginning of the pandemic. With options at the state level severely limited moving forward, the governor is pushing the federal government for additional support. Minnesotans with questions about unemployment insurance are encouraged to visit uimn.org.

Find more information on the new restrictions.

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Keep Your Loved Ones Safe This Thanksgiving: Stay Home

Because of the explosive community spread of COVID-19 all across Minnesota, holidays need to be different this year. In order to stay safe, protect our loved ones and slow the spread, stay home this Thanksgiving. A huge part of the spread has been through people with no symptoms who don’t even know they’re sick.

New restrictions from Governor Walz limit social gatherings to only the people you live with. This applies to both indoor and outdoor gatherings. These restrictions from 11:59 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, through Friday, Dec. 18, will help fight the spread of COVID-19. For everyone’s safety, do not host in-person Thanksgiving gatherings with anyone outside of your household.

Celebrating virtually is always a way to feel the love while protecting our loved ones. This year may be the time to develop special new rituals. Some ideas are to write cards of gratitude to loved ones, cook the same recipes in your separate locations, and virtually show off your Thanksgiving decorations and children’s artwork.

Get tested

Even if you don’t feel sick, consider getting tested for COVID-19. You may be infected without having any symptoms. Find local testing sites on the City website, including free saliva testing at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Remember to quarantine until you’ve received your test results and isolate if you test positive.

And remember, stay home if you don’t feel well, if you've been exposed to COVID-19 in the last 14 days, if you're showing COVID-19 symptoms or if you’re at a higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19.

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COVID-19 Situational Update as of November 18, 2020

Situational updates: Minneapolis

• There are 18,798 cases in Minneapolis and 277 deaths. The total number of cases increased by 12% over the previous week. Hospitalizations increased by 6.3% and ICU admissions increased by 3.5%.
• Over the past week, there have been more than 300 new cases per day on average, with a high of 542 cases reported on Saturday, November 14. Minneapolis-specific daily case counts and demographics are available at www.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/dashboard.
• Cases are increasing across all ages, races/ethnicities, and geographic areas. Youth sports, young adult social gatherings, and dining at bars and restaurants are big drivers of community spread. For example, at least 25% of cases diagnosed in the last two weeks included an in-person restaurant visit.
• 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.
• Mayor Frey’s Emergency Regulation No. 17 regarding bars and restaurants remains in effect. The regulation closes bar areas in restaurants, nightclubs, and indoor spaces of entertainment. Food and beverages can be served tableside while patrons are seated and patrons can approach the bar to order as long as they don’t congregate.

Situational updates: Minnesota

• There are 242,043 cases in Minnesota out of over 3.5 million tests completed. There have been 3,010 deaths from COVID-19 in Minnesota. There are 53,486 cases and 1,061 deaths in Hennepin County.
• The Minnesota Department of Health uses a color-coded map to track a seven-day rolling average of new cases. As of November 12, the State is reporting 116.3 cases per 100,000 and Minneapolis is at 80.7 cases per 100,000.
• Currently, Minnesota’s and Minneapolis’s seven-day rolling average rate is higher than what New York City experienced at their highest point this spring. Minnesota’s rate ranks fifth worst in the nation.
• Governor Walz announced new state restrictions [Executive Order 20-99] to control the spread of COVID-19. The following restrictions take effect on Friday, November 20 at 11:59 p.m.
• Bars and restaurants must close in-person food and drink service, both indoor and outdoor. Take-out, curbside, and delivery may continue.
• Minneapolis businesses with a curbside pickup zone may continue to use those spaces. Businesses who have not previously had a curbside pickup zone can request one on the City’s COVID-19 Businesses web page.
• The following facility types must be closed:
• Gyms and other fitness facilities, including public pools, and pools and fitness centers at residential apartment buildings or condominiums.
• Recreation and entertainment facilities, such as bowling alleys, movie theaters, museums, arcades, etc.
• Other venues providing indoor or outdoor events, such as festivals or fairs. Drive-in events may continue.
• Governor Walz’s 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.

Thanksgiving guidance

• Stay home: keep your loved ones and your community safe this Thanksgiving.
• Because of the explosive spread of COVID-19, holidays will look different this year. Social gatherings with people you don’t live with are not allowed. Celebrating at home with only those in your household is the best way to keep everyone safe and healthy. Traveling to visit family and friends or hosting social gatherings is not safe right now. These activities will increase your risk of getting or spreading COVID-19.
• Celebrating virtually is a good way to stay connected while protecting others. Consider developing new traditions to honor the holiday. Some ideas are to create a gratitude jar filled with notes about what you’re thankful for, leave a special holiday treat on your neighbor’s porch, or have kids draw a thank you picture to send to frontline healthcare heroes.

Health Department Incident Command updates

Case investigation/Contact tracing

• The Health Department continues to conduct follow-up on individuals diagnosed with COVID-19, as well as contact tracing at workplaces and with exposed individuals. Of the 18,798 cases in Minneapolis, 69% have been interviewed and 2.0% have refused. Twenty-three percent of interviews of Minneapolis residents have been conducted in a language other than English.
• Nineteen percent of cases have been lost to follow-up (LTF), compared to approximately 11% last week. This increase is attributed to a recent change in how the State defines LTF cases. The previous definition was “no contact within 10 days of report”; the new definition is “no contact within five days of report.”
• As is true for contact tracing efforts across the state, the number of follow-up calls to be made is increasing at an overwhelming rate. Currently, 9.6% of new Minneapolis cases still need interviewed.
• Currently there are 34 active case investigators, including four non-MHD enterprise staff and 12 AmeriCorps staff. We will be training additional AmeriCorps and MHD staff as we attempt to keep up with the rapidly expanding workload. Case investigators are interviewing an average of 57 cases per shift and making an average of 82 calls per shift, plus conducting workplace and other contact follow-up.

Community COVID-19 testing and flu shots

• On November 14, MHD staff hosted a free community testing event at East Side Neighborhood Services. 288 people received free COVID-19 tests and approximately 120 people received flu shots.
• The State Health Department is offering free in-person saliva testing at multiple locations including the Minneapolis Convention Center and Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport. Testing at the Convention Center is open seven days a week from 9am to 7pm on weekdays and 10am to 4pm on weekends. Testing at the airport is open seven days a week from 7am to7pm. Additional information is available on the State’s COVID-19 testing webpage.
• The State is also offering free at-home saliva tests. Through the COVID-19Test at Home program, any person in Minnesota can order a saliva test to be delivered to their home with expedited shipping. The test is then sent to the new lab in Oakdale, Minnesota, for processing.
• The City's testing webpage offers guidance about what to do while you wait for COVID-19test results. It is imperative that you stay home and away from others while you wait for test results, especially if you are showing any symptoms. The webpage also includes short videos in multiple languages explaining how to quarantine and isolate effectively.
• We are receiving training on how to use three different types of saliva test kits purchased with federal CARES funding. These tests would be distributed strategically to mission-critical enterprise staff, essential workers in the community, congregate care settings, and at free pop-up testing events. Decisions about how to distribute these tests are being based on available COVID-19 data and health equity principles. Additional details will be shared as our plans are finalized in the coming weeks.

COVID-19 vaccination

• Pfizer and Moderna, two companies in the final stages of COVID-19 vaccine development, released initial results this past week indicating vaccine efficacy rates above 95%. While this is hopeful news, it is critical to keep wearing a mask, washing your hands, and limiting physical contact with those outside your immediate household in order to slow the spread of the virus right now.
• MHD is actively planning for vaccination of Phase 1 critical populations, including staff at senior care facilities and first responders. The City’s vaccine distribution plan for Phase 1A will be submitted to the State by December 4. Our plan will address anticipated challenges with vaccine distribution including ultra-cold storage and two-dose vaccination requirements.
• We continue to host community conversations to share information and gather questions about vaccine development, approval, and distribution. On November 17, our staff met with Hmong community leaders and we plan to meet with this group on an ongoing basis. Additional upcoming community conversations include a District60 Virtual Town Hall with State elected officials via Facebook Live. Watch the event live on Thursday, November 19 from 6:30–8p.m. at www.facebook.com/RepMohamudNoor.
• Training for a new group of Community Vaccine Liaisons started November 18. The liaisons will conduct individual and group discussions with community members in the coming weeks. Information from these conversations will inform our vaccination planning and communications efforts.

Responding to community needs

• MHD staff continue to respond to community requests for masks and hand sanitizer. This past week we saw an increase in the number of requests. Supplies were distributed to religious groups, food shelves, community-based organizations and residents, a Montessori school, the Civil Rights Commission, and a Council Member’s office for distribution in their Ward’s multi-family housing buildings. A total of 6,200masks, 200+ bottles of sanitizer, and 200 thermometers were given to the community.
• We continue to field comments and inquiries to ourCOVID19@minneapolismn.gov email address, averaging between 6-10 per day. Emails received in the past week range from questions about small business relief grants to requests for COVID-19testresults. Residents also are reporting complaints about mask wearing and physical distancing concerns in businesses. Businesses located both within and outside of Minneapolis have been reporting to us positive tests of staff.
• We completed purchases with federal CARES funds and nearly all have been received. Supplies purchased include: personal protective gear and hygiene products, electronic equipment, signage, and administrative supplies to support COVID-19 testing and flu shot events.

Businesses

• Health inspectors completed 50 food safety routine inspections with an emphasis on COVID-19 preparedness plans and the implementation of COVID-19 protocols. Health inspectors responded to 13 food safety/sanitation/COVID-19 311 complaints; two incidents of reported COVID-19 positive employees/patrons; and one business fire call.
• Environmental Health and Business Licensing staff developed guidance for businesses about the Governor’s Emergency Executive Order 20-96 which placed restrictions on bar and restaurant operations. We are in the process of developing additional guidance to reflect new restrictions announced on November 18 as part of Executive Order 20-99. MHD will assist Business Licensing with compliance when needed.
• Environmental Health is coordinating with Business Licensing and Hennepin County on the approval of three sites to house homeless individuals who are vulnerable to COVID-19. The VOA property (143 19th St E) and the Metro Inn (5637 Lyndale Ave) submitted their applications and were approved by Health to move forward for lodging licensure. Mayor Frey’s Emergency Regulation 2020-19 will assist the Indoor Village in moving forward through the process. Indoor Village has submitted a concept plan and continue to work with CPED and Regulatory Services on fire safety and occupancy issues.
• Stories from the field: The director of a Montessori school described their child screening plan to a health inspector. However, some families did not have thermometers and were unable to follow the school’s plan. The inspector reached out to the COVID-19 logistics team which connected the school with supplies.

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

Madweyaashkaa: Waves Can Be Heard - postponed until Feb 2021

EDITOR'S NOTE - Via a November 17 e-announcment from Northern Lights.mn:

Illuminate The Lock: Madweyaashkaa: Waves Can Be Heard has been postponed until February 2021.

"We recognize that COVID-19 cases are on the rise in Minnesota, and this event falls between two holidays that may cause further spread. We feel that postponing this event is in the best interest of our community. We are tentatively rescheduling for February 18-20, 2021, so mark your calendars! If you have already registered for this event, your registration will be automatically cancelled and you will need to register for the new dates. We will post registration information when it becomes available on our website, social media, and Eventbrite. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out at info@parkconnection.org or call 651-291-8164."  

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Via an October 29 e-announcement from Northern Lights.mn

Madweyaashkaa: Waves Can Be Heard

Northern Lights.mn and our partners are very excited to announce the title and theme for this year’s Illuminate the Lock project.  Madweyaashkaa: Waves Can Be Heard by Moira Villiard celebrates the resilience of Indigenous women on a spectacular scale. An animated video collage projected onto the 400 x 50 foot wall of the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam is synced with a soundscape of music composed 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 three silent 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 Anishinaabe 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. Save the details:  Madweyaashkaa: Waves Can Be Heard by Moira Villiard, 2020  Thursday, December 10, 11, 12  5:30 - 8 pm, Free   Owamni-yomni / Gakaabika / St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam

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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.

10th Avenue Bridge Update

10th Avenue Bridge and Watermain Project

This project will rehabilitate the historic 10th Ave SE bridge over the Mississippi River and W River Pkwy. A new water main will be installed under the river as part of the project.

Latest Project News

Construction Update Meeting - Friday, November 20 at 10:30 a.m.

Project staff will hold a virtual construction update meeting next Friday using GoTo Meeting. Members of the public are invited to join the online meeting and hear updates on construction progress and speak with project staff.

Please use this link to join the 10th Ave Bridge Online Construction Update Meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone:

https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/784924461

You can also dial in using your phone.

United States: +1 (224) 501-3412  Access Code: 784-924-461  

The bridge was closed on March 30th and the contractor has been actively working on repairs. For more details on the repairs, schedule and bridge deck changes, please see the latest Construction Update or go to the project page 10thavebridge.com

Check out the new drone videos showing construction progress on the project website.

What's Coming Up

The 10th Ave Bridge will remain closed to all traffic including, vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians until Summer 2021.

West River Parkway (roadway only) will be closed to motor vehicles through December 15, 2020. The adjacent trail will remain open for bicyclists and pedestrians.

Work requires the use of heavy equipment that will increase noise, vibration, and dust
in work areas.

Access to adjacent apartments and businesses will remain open during the construction activity.

For More Info

Bridge Contact: Meseret Wolana, meseret.wolana@minneapolismn.gov or 612-673-3527

Water Main Contact: Peter Pfister, peter.pfister@minneapolismn.gov or 612-661-4906

10thavebridge.com

Episode 3 of Milling About with Brianna Rose Airs November 16

Article by Becky Fillinger

Brianna RoseSet a reminder on your schedule - the next episode of Milling About with Brianna Rose will debut on November 16 at 5PM. This episode will air for four weeks on MCN6. Replays follow for one month from the first air date on Thursdays and Fridays at 8PM, and Monday and Tuesdays at 5PM.

This episode will feature speakers and content you’ll not want to miss:

• Dan Turpening, professional accordionist, Owner of The Accordion Shoppe
• Doug Snyder, Executive Director, Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO)
• Heidi Amouta, Co-owner, Minneapolis Boxing Club
• Be That Neighbor interview of Erik Sather, Co-owner and Butcher, of Lowry Hill Meats
• Michael Rainville, Jr., with an extended history of the Thanksgiving Day Fire of 1982

What topics would you like to see covered on the show? Milling About with Brianna Rose is a production of Mill City Times, and we cover topics of interest to our readers. We focus on local entertainers, small businesses, neighborhood stories, Mississippi River connections, local food producers and history - and are open to suggestions! Please email Becky Fillinger, executive producer, at becky_fillinger@hotmail.com to suggest ideas or to be a guest on the show.

Health Department to Begin Texting Program to Reach Positive Cases, Close Contacts

Via a November 13 e-announcement from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH):

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) will soon expand its toolkit for case investigation and contact tracing (CICT) by notifying people via text that the health department will be calling.

The initiative aims to more effectively reach and inform those who test positive for COVID-19 and their close contacts about what they need to do to prevent further spread, and to better protect the state’s most vulnerable populations through improved outreach and communication. The texting is expected to begin Monday, Nov. 16.

“Reaching every single person by phone who needs information is a monumental task,” said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm. “Our staff and our partners in local public health and tribal health have done enormous work in this area, and will continue to do so. We ask all Minnesotans to do their part by answering the call, and we hope this text notification helps provide some notice and reassurance.”

“We have information and resources to share with Minnesotans, but we understand that many people are wary of answering a phone call from a number they don’t recognize,” said Chris Elvrum, MDH project spokesperson. “Sending the text lets people know we’re going to call and even tells them what number to expect the call from. Adding this tool boosts our chances of slowing the spread of COVID-19 by increasing the number of people who answer the call and successfully isolate themselves.”

A text message will be sent to people identified as a case or the contact of a case to let them know that a case interviewer from state, local or tribal health departments will be calling to discuss their COVID-19 test results or potential exposure.

The text message is simple:
Answer the Call: State and local public health department staff will be calling you with important information about your health. Please answer the call from xxx-xxx-xxxx. This is an automated text message, please do not reply.

The phone number in the text will vary depending on the region of the state the person is in and will help people know what number to look for so more calls get answered and interviews get completed.

Case interviewers from MDH as well as local public health and tribal health not only gather valuable information from positive cases about the outbreak, but also provide connections to resources to help all Minnesotans reduce the risk of infection.

Combatting fears about calls from scammers pretending to be public health workers is another important part of the project. Getting a text message and knowing what number to expect a call from will help, but there are a few other things to know.

Case interviewers will talk to you about: 

• Symptoms you may be experiencing. 
• People you may have been in contact with. 
• How to avoid getting other people sick.

Case interviewers will never ask for a Social Security Number, bank account information, or credit card numbers. Anyone with questions can visit the MDH website for more information on Avoiding Phone Scams.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the goals of case investigation and contact tracing have remained the same: To contact people who have or were exposed to COVID-19, help people isolate themselves to prevent spreading the virus and educate people on reducing their risk. Each case successfully isolating can prevent dozens of people from contracting the disease.

MDH has engaged with a broad array of stakeholders and public health community partners to assist with case investigation and contact tracing. Those who help guide and support this work include tribal government and tribal public health, local public health, advocacy groups, disability advocacy groups, community-based groups representing people of color and indigenous people, counties, workforce partners around the state, colleges and universities and others. 

For more information on case investigation and contact tracing, see Tracing COVID-19.

Hennepin County & Minneapolis Regional Chamber Launch Elevate Business HC to Support Economic Growth

Via a November 12 e-announcement from Hennepin County:

Hennepin County & Minneapolis Regional Chamber Launch Elevate Business HC to Support Economic Growth

Program offers no-cost support services in three areas for businesses located in Hennepin County

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Today Hennepin County and the Minneapolis Regional Chamber announce the launch of Elevate Business HC, a public-private initiative offering pro-bono services to businesses located in Hennepin County.

“I’m excited about this opportunity to support small and medium-sized businesses in Hennepin County working in partnership with the Minneapolis Regional Chamber,” said Hennepin County Board Chair Commissioner Marion Greene, District 3. “Small businesses bring vibrancy, creativity, and life to our region. Many of our region’s small businesses are minority and immigrant-owned, serving as the backbone of our communities. We want to ensure that they are able to survive, grow, and thrive now and into the future.”

The programs included in Elevate Business HC are designed to support businesses impacted by COVID-19. They include:

• Technical Assistance: Professional service providers are available for one-on-one consultations to discuss and find solutions for issues impacting individual businesses in a variety of areas including financing, human resources, technology, and many others.
• Peer-to-Peer Roundtables: Reoccurring and facilitated small group discussions segmented by industry and areas of participant interest with a focus on sharing best practices and problem solving.
• Topic-Driven Webinars: Industry and subject matter experts will discuss issues facing employers with a focus on workforce needs in remote environments during the COVID-19 pandemic. These include areas like workforce diversification, employee mental health and wellness, insurance policy review, and many more.

“Hennepin County is making this important investment so that our local entrepreneurs and business leaders have tools and resources they need to build a stronger, more inclusive economy than it was before,” said Patricia Fitzgerald, Hennepin County Community and Economic Development Manager. “Helping businesses navigate critical issues and strengthen their organizations will result in benefits across our county and region.”

“Regions that lay a strong foundation now will be better prepared for success when the most difficult part of the pandemic is past,” said Jonathan Weinhagen, President & CEO of the Minneapolis Regional Chamber. “The Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area grew faster in the period after the Great Recession than our competitive peer regions. Let’s make sure we do the same coming out of the current economic downturn. Elevate Business HC will marshal our resources to help businesses come back strong.”

Funding for Elevate Business HC is provided by Hennepin County through the Federal CARES Act. Hennepin County businesses are encouraged to log on to www.elevatebusinesshc.com to learn more and engage.

Stronger Together: The House of Charity and St. Stephen’s Human Services to Merge

Via a November 11 e-announcement:

The House of Charity, Inc. and St. Stephen’s Human Services, Inc. Boards of Directors are announcing the merger of our two organizations, effective January 1, 2021.  

All current programming will remain in place and no staff layoffs are planned. Dr. Deborah F. Moses, the current CEO/Executive Director of House of Charity, will be the Executive Director and CEO of the combined organization. 

House of Charity and St. Stephen’s Human Services are both longtime, respected non-profit organizations. Both have long histories in Minneapolis, with House of Charity forming in 1953, and St. Stephen’s serving the community since 1972.  

The merger of St. Stephen’s Human Services and House of Charity represents an opportunity to more fully integrate our services in support of people experiencing homelessness, hunger, mental health issues, and substance use disorders. The merger aligns with the core missions of both organizations and will create a comprehensive continuum of care for those we serve, as well as a stronger voice as we advocate for equity and social justice issues at the local, state, and national level.   

House of Charity feeds hundreds of individuals and families every day and provides permanent supportive housing to about 270 people along with outpatient treatment for Substance Use Disorders and mental illness. St. Stephen’s Human Services works to end homelessness through Street Outreach, shelter, and housing programs that collectively benefit more than 4,600 individuals per year. 

Together, we will reach almost 8,000 individuals and families each year with program offerings that include Street Outreach, emergency shelter, housing programs, various food supports, and treatment for addiction and related health issues. The people we serve will benefit from the combined expertise and experience of both organizations.  

A new organization name and logo will be chosen through an inclusive re-branding process in early 2021. 

Together, we can achieve our shared goals and have a greater impact on the individuals we serve and the community as a whole. We will be stronger together. 

If you would like to learn more about House of Charity, please visit their website: www.houseofcharity.org.  

We look forward to building the next phase of our history with you. Together, we will be able to provide more comprehensive services to more people than ever before. In the meantime, all of our programs remain in place and all staff remain in their roles. Our address, phone number, and other contact information will not change. You can continue to support our street outreach, shelter, housing, and early intervention programs on the St. Stephen’s website or on our Give to the Max Day page. 

New Holiday Lights Tour from Experience the Twin Cities

Via a November 10 Press Release:

All Is Bright Open-Air Bus Holiday Lights Tour from Experience the Twin Cities

Experience the Twin Cities revealed a festive new local event for the2020 holiday season, the All Is Bright Holiday Lights Tour. The private 30-minute family-friendly tour takes place in the Experience the Twin Cities open-air bus and travels through the dazzling light displays of Inver Grove Heights with Santa at the wheel playing seasonal tunes. Patrons are encouraged to dress warmly, bring blankets, and bring warm beverages. Time slots are available from 5:30 pm to 9:15 pm Thursdays through Sundays in December. Advanced reservations are required and can be purchased on the Experience the Twin Cities website.

“We’re really excited to offer a fun and safe event to help celebrate the holidays and embrace our Minnesota winter. It’s been a challenging year and safety is our top priority, so utilizing our open-air bus puts a fun, hearty Minnesotan spin on an outing to help families and small groups get out of the house and feel festive together,” says Rebecca Pfeiffer, owner of Experience the Twin Cities.

Experience the Twin Cities’ open-air bus fits up to 13 people and the All Is Bright Holiday Lights Tour is open to private groups only. Reservations must be made in advance on the Experience the Twin Cities website. A festive snack pack featuring local favorite, Candyland Chicago Mix popcorn, is also available for purchase. The tour has also partnered with B-52s Burgers & Brews, Microtel Inn & Suites, and Holiday Inn Express in Inver Grove Heights to offer discounts for All Is Bright tour patrons. COVID-19 precautions will be in place.

About Experience the Twin Cities

Experience the Twin Cities has been partnering with Twin Cities businesses to craft public and private food, brewery, winery, distillery, and sightseeing experiences for Minnesotans and visitors for over nine years. The company’s popular tours, such as the St. Paul Skyway Food Tour and the Countryside Winery Tour, as well as custom tour experiences, are available to private groups during COVID-19. More info.

Holidazzle Announces More for 2020 Virtual Experience

Via a November 10 Press Release from mpls downtown council:

The Holidazzle Show to headline schedule and feature weekly shows bringing Holidazzle to you.

Holidazzle shared today the first of its 2020 virtual experience, The Holidazzle Show.

The Holidazzle Show presented by Comcast will bring elements of Holidazzle to you and yours wherever you are, whenever you’d like. Four episodes of The Holidazzle Show presented by Comcast will be available on Holidazzle.com with new episodes airing Friday, November 27 and the three following Thursdays: December 3, December 10, and December 17.

The show will feature a visit from Santa, DIY holiday projects, entertainment, small business holiday gift ideas, local food spotlights, and more. The Holidazzle Show will complement Holidazzle’s 2020 virtual experience providing online content including interactive social media challenges, past photos and videos, live craft demonstrations, and HoliTivities featuring free activities for all ages.

“We are excited to bring the spirit of Holidazzle to you and yours this holiday season through our 2020 Holidazzle virtual experience,” said Leah Wong, vice president of external relations, mpls downtown council. “Wherever you are, you can enjoy the entertainment and activities you’ve come to expect each year at Holidazzle, and we look forward to being together again when we can safely return to an in-person celebration.”

“Holidazzle has been an important long-standing tradition in our community and we are thrilled this year’s celebration will continue in a new way,” said J.D. Keller, regional senior vice president, Comcast Twin Cities. “All of us at Comcast are proud to be the presenting sponsor of The Holidazzle Show and are excited our customers can seamlessly experience this free and festive destination on the X1 platform.”

Additional details will be announced throughout November.

Other online content and activities include: 

• HoliTivities
• Holiday cooking recipes
• Mpls Craft Market virtual shopping experience featuring local makers
• Where to enjoy winter in the Minneapolis area
• Virtual ice skating lessons
• Weekly social media challenge
• Past Holidazzle photos and videos
• And more

Visit www.holidazzle.com or follow Holidazzle on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to enjoy this year’s virtual content.

Holidazzle—which typically takes place in Loring Park—is moving online this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and continued concerns around public gatherings. In addition to Holidazzle, the Mpls WinterSkate ice rink in Loring Park will take the season off to prioritize public health.

About Holidazzle: 

The 2020 Holidazzle is managed and produced by the mpls downtown council. Holidazzle is an annual holiday tradition in mpls downtown that offers free programming and activities for all ages and ability while also highlighting local people, places, and products that make our community unique. The 2020 Holidazzle virtual experience is sponsored by Comcast, Xcel Energy, Mpls Downtown Improvement District, Fulton Beer and more.

About the mpls downtown council:

Founded in 1955, and one of the most historic central business associations in the nation, the mpls downtown council (mdc) is a membership-based entity that works to create an extraordinary downtown. The mdc’s collaborative developments of Intersections: The Downtown 2025 Plan was designed to help downtown businesses, community leaders, and citizens build on downtown assets and implement future goals. For more information, please visit www.mplsdowntown.com.

A Mandala - Life is Interconnected

Submitted by Mill District resident, Ric Rosow

Mandala has a number of meanings, some of which are spiritual and one of which is that all life is interconnected. 

Although this was created in Photoshop, it is not a photograph. The work was hand drawn using the mandala brush in Photoshop.

To create this image, I started with a blank document in Photoshop and set the color to black. I split the image into six equal blocks. Within Photoshop, I hand drew white lines on the black background. What I drew in one block, the brush automatically repeated in the five others.

From there I applied colors. I adjusted the hue, saturation and brightness of each color, and blended the color gradients into the black and white drawing. I revised the work several times. 

In addition, I printed two words (other than my signature in the lower right) in the primary block. These were replicated in the other section. The words blended into the lines and the color gradients. Perhaps you can find them. 

You can find more of my photography at www.traveltheglobephotography.com.

October 2020 by the Numbers from Cynthia Froid Group

Downtown real estate market update from Cynthia Froid Group:

November 6 Ward 7 Update from Council Member Lisa Goodman

Minneapolis Sets New Voter Turnout Record

More than 237,000 ballots were cast in Minneapolis, breaking the city’s record for an election turnout. A record number of voters also cast early ballots, largely to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

While the final turnout number for the city may still change, an estimated, unofficial total of 237,689 ballots were cast in this election, including more than 170,000 absentee ballots. That means 80.6% of registered voters in Minneapolis participated in this election.

In comparison, a total of 219,832 ballots were cast in Minneapolis in the 2016 presidential election, which was the previous record. Of those, 60,538 ballots were cast early. Mail ballots postmarked on or by Nov. 3 and received through Nov. 10 will continue to increase the overall ballot totals. A court decision on Thursday gave the City direction to segregate mail ballots received after Nov. 3 but did not direct to the City to leave these ballots uncounted.

Partial, unofficial election results can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.

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Take Survey on Transforming Community Safety

Minneapolis community, please provide your input on what community safety looks like and tell us your ideas about a new model of community safety for the City. You can take the survey in English right now, and translations will follow shortly on the City website. Complete the survey by Nov. 20 for the first phase of survey results. Input provided after Nov. 20 may continue to be used for future engagement phases.

In June 2020, the City Council pledged to create a new model of community safety. As part of that, we committed to a yearlong process of community engagement. This survey is one of the first steps in that process. Through the survey, you can share your vision for a new community safety model. You can also provide ideas for how to accomplish that new model.

Results from the survey will be used to help create recommendations for elected leaders and to help guide the City’s next steps for community engagement.

This survey includes some questions similar to other recent City surveys. That includes questions about alternative responses to mental health crises and non-emergency crimes. Any input you already provided on those surveys is valued and will still be used as planned. Recommendations will also be considered as part of this broader focus on transforming community safety.

Take the survey

Take the survey and share it with your community, and check back for Spanish, Somali, Hmong and Oromo versions soon.

You can also check back to stay up to date on progress and more opportunities to provide input.

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2020 Collection of Leaves and Bundled Brush Ends Soon

Garbage day in the week of Nov. 16 is the last 2020 collection for leaves, brush and other yard trimmings. Minneapolis Solid Waste & Recycling customers can set properly prepared yard waste at their alleys or curbs next to their garbage carts by 6 a.m. on garbage day.

Yard waste must be in compostable bags – paper (Kraft) or compostable plastic – or unbagged in a reusable container 32-38 gallons in size, at least 26 inches high, with sturdy handles. Reusable containers are lifted and emptied by hand; they must be easily managed. Yard waste is not allowed in City-provided containers.

Preparing yard trimmings and leaves

• Less than 40 pounds.

Preparing brush

• Less than 40 pounds.
• Less than 3 feet long.
• Branch size less than 3 inches in diameter.
• Must be bundled with string or twine (no wire or tape).

Reusable containers

• Less than 40 pounds full.
• Between 32 and 38 gallons in size.
• At least 26 inches high.
• Must have sturdy handles.

Which bags can be used in the program?

• Compostable plastic bags labeled with the BPI logo.
• Paper (Kraft) bags.

Bags marked “biodegradable” or “degradable” do not meet the State law and are not accepted.

It’s against the law and bad for our lakes to rake leaves into the street.

Anyone who has questions about leaf and brush pickup can call 612-673-2917 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. People can also find more information on the Solid Waste & Recycling webpages.

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Fall Street Sweeping Continues

City crews continue to sweep streets across Minneapolis before winter to keep leaves and debris out of the storm drains and ending up in our lakes and rivers as much as possible.

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

Use this link to check dates for street sweeping in your area: sweeping and leaf collection on streets.

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Free COVID-19 Tests and Flu Shots in Ward 7

The City of Minneapolis is offering free COVID-19 tests and flu shots. Testing is encouraged and available to everyone, whether or not they 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.

You don’t need insurance for the test. Your flu shot is free if you don’t have insurance. If you do have insurance, bring your insurance card for the flu shot.

Free COVID-19 tests and flu shots at Hennepin United Methodist, 511 Groveland Ave. Noon-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7

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

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

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COVID-19 Situational Update as of November 6, 2020

Situational updates: Minneapolis

• There are 14,542 cases in Minneapolis and 264 deaths. The total number of cases increased by 10% over the previous week. Hospitalizations increased by 4.5% and ICU admissions increased by 3.8%.
• Over the past week, average daily case counts have increased from the mid-70s to more than 100 cases per day. We have surpassed 200 cases per day 3 times in the past week.
• We are seeing increases across age and racial/ethnic groups.
• Minneapolis-specific daily case counts and demographics are available at www.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/dashboard. Additionally, specific case counts by neighborhood are also available.
• 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.
• Mayor Frey’s Emergency Regulation No. 17 regarding bars and restaurants remains in effect. The regulation closes bar areas in restaurants, nightclubs, and indoor spaces of entertainment. Food and beverages can be served tableside while patrons are seated and patrons can approach the bar to order as long as they don’t congregate.

Situational updates: Minnesota

• There are 160,923 cases in Minnesota out of over 2.9 million tests completed. There have been 2,530 deaths from COVID-19 in Minnesota. There are 38,911 cases and 1,009 deaths in Hennepin County.
• The Minnesota Department of Health uses a color-coded map to track a seven-day rolling average of new cases. As of October 26, the State is reporting 39.6 cases per 100,000 and Minneapolis is at 32.1 cases per 100,000. Both the City and State rates have increased significantly over the last week. These numbers put both Minnesota and Minneapolis in the red category. The red category is characterized as a tipping point which might indicate the need for more stringent safety measures.
• Minnesota is currently in Phase III of the Stay Safe MN plan for reopening.
• Governor Walz’s 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.

Health Department Incident Command updates

Case investigation/Contact tracing

• The Health Department continues to conduct follow-up on individuals diagnosed with COVID-19, as well as, contact tracing at both workplaces and with exposed individuals. Currently there are 37 active case investigators, including four non-MHD enterprise staff and 12 AmeriCorps staff.
• Of the 14,542 cases in Minneapolis, 80.7% have been interviewed, 2.4% refused, and 10.2% have been lost to follow-up. Approximately 6.6% of new cases still need to be interviewed. With increasing number of cases, the percent still needing to be interviewed has also increased significantly. Twenty-five percent of interviews of Minneapolis residents have been conducted in a language other than English.

Community COVID-19 testing and flu shots

• Community testing partner Shiloh Temple sent the following note to Commissioner Musicant thanking the City’s for its commitment to the health of North Minneapolis. “Your team was a pleasure to work with. Also your commitment to the Health of the North Minneapolis Communities is unwavering. Because of you, people of color, and all those who call Minneapolis home, can thrive and be healthy in this great City.”
• A new ad campaign launched on November 1 to promote COVID-19 community testing. The campaign includes targeted social media and community newspaper ads, new dedicated testing webpages on the City’s website, donated billboard space, radio spots, and videos. Messages will be available in multiple languages.
• We are continuing to explore options for indoor testing events during the winter months. We have purchased saliva test kits that can be used at community events or for at-home testing.
• The State health department will offer free saliva testing at the Minneapolis Convention Center starting Monday, November 9. Testing will be available seven days a week, noon to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. Appointments can be made through the Vault Health registration site.

Upcoming COVID-19 testing events

Flu shots will be available at both events. Participants can register at the events and test results are usually available in two business days.

• Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church, 511 Groveland Ave., from 12-3 p.m. on Saturday, November 7.
• East Side Neighborhood Services, 1700 Second St. NE, from 12-3 p.m. on Saturday, November 14.

COVID-19 vaccination

• We continue to share COVID-19 vaccination information through presentations and listening sessions with community groups and neighborhood associations. A good source of reliable information about COVID-19 vaccination is the Minnesota Department of Health’s COVID-19 vaccine website.
• We are recruiting community partners to serve as COVID-19 Vaccine Community Liaisons. So far, we have seven liaisons onboard and are working to fill gaps in geographic or demographic representation. Over the next few weeks, they will conduct community outreach to share information about COVID-19 vaccination and bring back residents’ questions, concerns, and insights to help guide our planning efforts.
• We continue to meet regularly with the State and the Metro Region Healthcare Coalition to plan for vaccine distribution. Initial doses of the vaccine, expected in mid-to late-December, will be distributed to staff at hospitals and long-term care facilities. MHD is reaching out to key partners to coordinate distribution logistics for long-term care sites; the Metro Region Healthcare Coalition will ensure distribution to hospitals.

Food insecurity

• MHD is issuing $970,000 of CARES funding to 37 organizations to increase food security in response to COVID-19. Awards ranged from $2,000 to 53,500 and will pay for food, hygiene supplies and equipment used for food distribution this fall. Organizations will serve BIPOC communities and some are targeting special populations such as HIV/AIDS positive, older adults and persons experiencing homelessness. Funding has been allocated to parts of the city where food insecurity is the greatest.
• CARES funding will also be used to provide supports at Corcoran Park to the families that had been previously served at Powderhorn Park. This effort is a collaboration of MHD, NCR, MPRB and food security partners.

School Based Clinics

• The seven school based clinics (SBC) located in six Minneapolis Public high schools and one alternative school have transitioned to a hybrid model of seeing teens via telehealth and limited in person visits at the clinics. SBC staff have worked hard to ensure that clients have access to health services including mental health and prescriptions often times dropping medications off at students’ homes.
• Although visits and the resulting revenue from insurance is down, the clinics have secured some grant funding to strengthen the capacity for tele-mental health services and health education. While SBCs are successfully adapting, they are concerned about lower immunization rates and the potential for an increased number of sexually transmitted infections due to less STI testing during the pandemic.

Businesses

• Stories from the field: o A couple who own a downtown restaurant reached out to their health inspector asking about City support for their business. The business estimates their sales are at 10% of pre-COVID-19 levels. They are being allowed to pay only 25% of their rent, but the landlord expects the other 75% to be paid in the future. All staff has been laid off except for one part time employee. The Small Business Team is working with them.
• A business owner had an employee test positive. Employees got COVID-19 tests in a variety of places. The owner closed the business while waiting for COVID-19 test results to arrive. The owner was frustrated to find there was not a way to quickly test all staff and possibly prevent the business from closing.
• Environmental Health inspectors performed a bar sweep of six businesses on Friday, Oct 20, as part of a response to increased COVID-19 cases. Overall, the businesses are implementing their COVID-19 preparedness plan accordingly. During the sweep, an inspector noticed a party bus with about 40 patrons on board dancing with no room to move. A complaint was submitted to the party bus company for follow-up.
• Health inspectors completed 94 food safety routine inspections with an emphasis on COVID-19 preparedness plans and the implementation of COVID-19 protocols. Health inspectors responded to 9 food safety/sanitation/COVID-19 311 complaints. Health inspectors responded to 5 incidents of reported COVID-19 positive employees/patrons. One event was inspected over the weekend.

Homeless encampments

• The environmental assessment of the encampment at Van White Memorial Blvd and 2nd Ave N. was completed. The assessment determined the site is not safe to be camped there. City staff visited the site last Friday to inform the residents. Some chose to leave. Due to the lawsuit, we are not demobilizing the site at this time.
• The City is working to remove a significant amount of trash from a small encampment at 27th and 3rd.
• MRBP has only a few remaining encampments.

Logistics

• MHD staff continues to respond to community requests for surgical masks, cloth masks and hand sanitizer. This past week, supplies were distributed to members of the Shared Powers Advisory Committee and senior living facilities.
• MHD’s COVID-19 email address responds to daily inquiries for guidance on COVID testing, quarantine and contact tracing, complaints about mask wearing in businesses, workplaces and public spaces and solicitations for PPE or donated supplies.
• Federal CARES funds have been used to purchase safety and hygiene supplies, equipment and testing materials to support MHD testing events through November 14.

Find COVID-19 tips for staying well and travel guidelines on the Health Department web page.

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