Kim Eslinger
Editor
612-321-8040
kim@millcitymedia.org

Brianna Ojard
Associate Editor

David Tinjum
Publisher
612-321-8020
dave@millcitymedia.org

Becky Fillinger

Small Business Reporter
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Covering life, work, and play in the Historic Mill District and Downtown Minneapolis Riverfront neighborhoods. Have an opinion, local news or events to share?  Contact us.

Entries by Kim Eslinger (4257)

Sunday
Dec132020

Guthrie Theater Curbside Food Drive, December 19-21

Via a December 12 e-announcement from the Guthrie:

 

Help us fight hunger this holiday

December 19–21, 10am – 2pm

Since 1982, the Guthrie has partnered with The Food Group to host an annual food drive during the holiday season. Just as A Christmas Carol will live on virtually this year, we're proud to reimagine this meaningful tradition as a safe, curbside drop-off event to continue supporting Minnesotans in need.

In 2019, you helped us collect 538 pounds of food, provide 486 meals, give 14 families a three-day supply of food and support more than 250 local food banks and hunger relief organizations. The needs are even greater in 2020, so let’s come together and make an impact.

Suggested Donations:

  • Vegetables (low-sodium canned veggies, pasta sauce, salsa, mushrooms)
  • Dairy (powdered/shelf-stable milk, milk alternatives like rice, soy, almond)
  • Fruits (canned fruit, sugar-free applesauce, dried fruit, 100% fruit juices)
  • Grains (brown/wild rice, whole-grain pastas, low-sugar oatmeal, gluten-free options)
  • Proteins (canned tuna/salmon/chicken, canned/dried beans, unsalted nuts, peanut butter)
  • Oils and spices (olive/canola oil, onion/garlic powder, dried spices like basil, oregano, thyme)
  • Household items (can openers, toilet paper, baby wipes, dish soap, hand sanitizer, face masks)

About The Food Group

Fighting hunger. Nourishing our community.

The Food Group works to provide good foods to those who need it most, focusing on local food access, equity and nutrition issues related to food and hunger in more than 32 counties in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Saturday
Dec122020

Doug Verdier's Water Works Photos from December 10, 2020

Editors Note: Mill District resident Doug Verdier continues to document the progress of the Water Works project (along with occasional bonus pictures of the Third Avenue Bridge refurbishment project). 

The Water Works Park project benefited from warmer weather in early December, allowing brick masonry to proceed on the exterior of the park pavilion. 

The recently installed pedestrian walkway on the park side of the First Street bridge over the woonerf was also uncovered after being covered and heated during curing of the concrete. Still to be installed are ornamental railings.

It's all hands on deck (or on the scaffolds) when laying bricks on the sides of the pavilion.
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Section of the pavilion where brickwork has been completed.
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The upper floor where the restaurant will be located has large windows to give patrons excellent views of the river.
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Interior work also continues within the building. An excellent update on that part of the project, including photos, is available at the Water Works Construction Update for November 2020 at the Minneapolis Parks Foundation web site.
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Construction on the Third Avenue Bridge provides an ever-changing variety of equipment and activity. Bridge users are reminded that the bridge will be closed to all traffic, bikes and pedestrians from January 2021 through November 2022.
Thursday
Dec102020

Daily Dazzle: Holidazzle Weekend 3 Includes Dance, Drums and DIY

Via a December 10 e-newsletter from mpls downtown council:

Holidazzle Weekend 3 Includes Dance, Drums and DIY
Join us virtually this weekend, December 10 thru 13

Join us virtually each weekend this holiday season as we bring Holidazzle to you, wherever you are. This week is again full of activities and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. Kick back and enjoy virtual activities and entertainment with you and yours each week with Holidazzle now through December 20.

Special Nutcracker Performance with Minnesota Dance Theatre

Enjoy a special Holidazzle performance this week of Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy by the Minnesota Dance Theatre. Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy has delighted generations of families every holiday season for 55 years. We are excited to show this performance as part of The Holidazzle Show, on Holidazzle.com and on social media. www.holidazzle.com/music

 Last weekend to visit Yeti at Peavey Plaza

The Holidazzle Yeti will remain at Peavey Plaza through this Sunday. The Yeti, a Christopher Lutter-Gardella creation, is at Peavey Plaza with support from the Mpls Downtown Improvement District. Enjoy this special appearance downtown throughout the weekend.

 The Holidazzle Show presented by Comcast

Join us weekly for The Holidazzle Show presented by Comcast. Episode 3 of The Holidazzle Show launches today and brings your favorite Holidazzle activities to you in your home. Join us this week for a great show at www.holidazzle.com/show, including:  

  • Santa visit from the North Pole
  • Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy segment performed by Minnesota Dance Theatre
  • Shop local spotlight: Chameleon Shoppes featuring Body Love Products and TiAngy Designs
  • Furry Friends segment featuring Pet Haven of Minnesota
  • Musical performance by University of Minnesota Drumline

Interact on social and you could win Holidazzle gift packages

Energize your Holidazzle experience this year with a special Energized Viewing Experience brought to you by Xcel Energy! Each week we’re giving away Holidazzle packages that feature Holidazzle hats and mugs, paint-it-yourself ornaments, warm beverages, sweet treats and energy-efficient light bulbs. Plus, once per week one winner will receive a Supercharged package that includes an ecobee3 lite thermostat. Just like Holidazzle on Facebook or Instagram and tag three friends in our gift package post, and you will be eligible to win a prize package to enjoy while you’re taking in Holidazzle this season. Look for giveaways each week.

HoliTivities brought to you by Xcel Energy

You can enjoy fun, free activities thanks to the HoliTivities brought to you by Xcel Energy. The HoliTivities feature virtual puzzles, Holidazzle-themed coloring pages, BINGO, I Spy, card games, origami, paper snowflakes and more. More HoliTivities will be available throughout the four weeks of Holidazzle so check back regularly.

Santa Story Time

Santa is joining us each week for a special reading of holiday stories. Stop by www.holidazzle.com/santa or Holidazzle’s Facebook page each Sunday for a Santa story time. This week, Santa is reading “Where are all the Minnesotans?” Remember you can also get a phone greeting from Santa at the North Pole—check Holidazzle.com for the phone number and give him a ring!

Holidazzle Music: University of Minnesota Drumline

This week we are pleased to bring you a special performance by the University of Minnesota Drumline. The U of M Drumline has been an annual guest at Holidazzle over the past several years. We are excited to bring you a new performance virtually in 2020.

Saturday’s DIY Demonstration: B+D Custom Crafts

This week’s Holidazzle DIY demonstration features B+D Custom Crafts. Brittany Travis will be doing a braided boho wall art demonstration. You can watch the demonstration or participate by purchasing the wall art kit at www.holidazzle.com/craft.

How to Holiday

We’ve got holiday resources for you at Holidazzle.com, including a music playlist, where to find classic holiday and winter movies, a recipe collection and more. Make Holidazzle your stop for preparing to celebrate wherever you are.

Catch us on YouTube

All of Holidazzle’s virtual content is on Holidazzle.com, and you can also find our videos on our new YouTube page using the keyword “Minneapolis Holidazzle”. Xfinity customers, find The Holidazzle Show on YouTube with the Xfinity X1 voice remote. Say “Minneapolis Holidazzle” into your Xfinity X1 voice remote, and you’ll find all available episodes ready for viewing.

Share your #Holidazzle memories with us

We want to hear from you this holiday season! Share your favorite Holidazzle photos and videos with us by using the hashtag #Holidazzle on Instagram.

Visit www.holidazzle.com or follow Holidazzle on FacebookTwitter and Instagram to enjoy this year’s virtual conten

Monday
Dec072020

Bicycling Update: City Adopts the Minneapolis Transportation Action Plan

Per a December 7 e-announcement from the City of Minneapolis:

On December 4th the Minneapolis City Council adopted the Minneapolis Transportation Action Plan. The 10-year action plan guides the future planning, design and implementation of transportation projects for all people in all the ways they move around.

Look at the strategies and actions outlined in the plan

The interactive website includes strategies and actions as well as priority network maps for walkingbikingtransit and freight. New strategies and actions in the Progress section detail how we will implement a racial equity framework for transportation, build trust and achieve greater outcomes through equitable engagement, and create transparent and accountable measures for evaluation of plans, programs and projects.

See what changed after public comment

In March 2020 we released the draft Transportation Action Plan for public comment. We received over 1,700 comments relating to all aspects of the plan from the public, partner agencies and local organizations. After reviewing these comments, we made a variety of changes to improve the plan, which are tracked in a separate document here. Highlighted changes include:

  • One new strategy in the Walking topic area;
  • 23 new actions throughout all topic areas;
  • A new Progress section with 3 strategies and 20 actions related to implementing a racial equity framework, improving equitable engagement, and creating transparency and accountability through better evaluation; and
  • A new Foreword on resiliency, racial justice and real-time planning.

Check out our engagement summaries

We hosted a variety of engagement events throughout 2019 and 2020 to involve the public in this process. Read the engagement summaries from each phase of the process, including the final phase after the release of the draft plan, to learn more about how those efforts influenced the plan: go.minneapolismn.gov/get-involved.

Follow the City of Minneapolis on social media to stay updated. Use #gompls to share your thoughts on the plan and follow the City on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

Sunday
Dec062020

Veiled Moon

Submitted by Mill District resident, Ric Rosow

The image was created by layering a black filter texture over the original image. Next I adjusted the intensity and opacity of the texture. Because I liked the colors of the original image, I protected them from being altered by the texture. Finally, I restricted the texture by use of a mask so that it affects only the area in the circle. The original image is the moon setting in hazy clouds.

This image started as a photograph of the moon taken in August, 2020.

 

Sunday
Dec062020

Christmas Ornament Nostalgia: 40+ Years and Still Bringing Joy

Submitted by Claudia Kittock

I received this ornament from a high school student in the mid-1970s. I was just out of college, teaching at my first job, and had no ornaments of my own. A wonderful senior in the high school choir I directed made this for me, and I loved it. I couldn't wait to put it up every year.

A few years later, I was married, and we had our first puppy. We came home one day in December to find our puppy happily chewing on my ornament. My husband smoothed it out and declared it even better than before. He insisted that it now had more character. When our children entered our lives, each of them couldn't wait to put up the chewed up ornament and hear the story one more time.

It has become one of our favorites, reminding us of love, of puppies, of little boys, and all the chaos of a full and messy family. We are so grateful for everything contained in this bedraggled ornament.

.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 

Editor's Note: We invite you to share photos and memories of your cherished Christmas ornaments. Email your story and picture(s) to kim@millcitymedia.org. We'll share them on both the website and Facebook.

Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Las Posadas, Diwali and other non-Christmas celebration traditions are also welcome.
Saturday
Dec052020

November 2020 by the Numbers from Cynthia Froid Group

Downtown real estate market update from Cynthia Froid Group:


Saturday
Dec052020

Sign Up for Adult Sports Leagues in Minneapolis Parks This Winter!

Via a December 4 e-announcement from Minneapolis Park and Rec Board:

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) anticipates adult sports leagues returning to action this winter with an emphasis on health and safety.

MPRB staff is monitoring guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health on a daily basis and will comply with any Executive Orders issued by the Governor. League rules and guidelines have been developed around recommendations from public health experts. At this point the MPRB is planning on hosting adult sports leagues with modifications in place to help protect all league participants while offering opportunities to compete, have fun and be healthy in the parks this winter.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Adult Sports

Check out the links below to find an adult sports league that works for you:

Basketball

When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, January-March

Where: All leagues at Central Gym

Leagues: Women's Tuesdays, Men's Tuesdays and Thursdays

Season: Eight weeks scheduled

Cost: $600

Outdoor Broomball - Coed and Open Leagues

Warming Rooms will not be available for the 2021 season. Benches will be provided outside.

When: Sundays-Thursdays, January-February

Where: Bryn Mawr, Logan, Longfellow, McRae, Windom NE

Leagues: Six-player or eight-player teams

Season: Seven weeks scheduled

Cost: $360

Outdoor Broomball - Men's and Women's Leagues

Warming Rooms will not be available for the 2021 season. Benches will be provided outside.

When: Mondays-Thursdays, January-February

Where: Bryn Mawr, Logan, Longfellow, McRae, Windom NE

Leagues: Six-player or eight-player teams

Season: Seven weeks scheduled

Cost: $360

Outdoor Hockey

Warming Rooms will not be available for the 2021 season. Benches will be provided outside.

When: Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays, January-February

Where: All leagues at Armatage Park

Leagues: Men's Competitive or Rec league, Women's league; all leagues 4-on-4 with no goalies

Season: Five weeks scheduled

Cost: $290

Volleyball

When: Mondays-Thursdays, January-March

Where: Kenwood, Luxton, MLK, Nokomis, Northeast

Leagues: Co-Ed Mondays-Thursdays, Women's Mondays

Season: Eight weeks scheduled

Cost: $373


Officials Needed!

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is always looking to hire more officials for any of the sports listed above! Earn extra cash and stay involved in the sports you love!

To apply or learn more information please contact Kent Brevik at kbrevik@minneapolisparks.org or 612-230-6488.


Recreation Fee Assistance

Minneapolis residents who cannot afford instructional fees because of economic need may apply for fee assistance through the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Fee Assistance Program

Thursday
Dec032020

Red Cow & Red Rabbit Restaurants Get In The Holiday Spirit!

Luke Shimp’s Restaurants To Offer Holiday Meals For Curbside Pick-Up, Free Meals To Service Industry Employees and More This December

Red Cow and Red Rabbit restaurants are getting into the holiday spirit this season with plenty of holiday offerings, joy, and goodwill.

With the holidays just around the corner, Red Cow and Red Rabbit are offering heat and serve Christmas and New Year’s Eve dinners for curbside pick-up. Available now for online pre-order, choose from a beef tenderloin or fried chicken dinner. Each comes with their own assortment of delicious sides and dessert. If you have a smaller gathering, all the menu items are available a la carte to create your own custom meal along with a variety of snacks to add to your order. Christmas dinners must be pre-ordered by December 20th for curbside pick-up at Red Cow Uptown on December 23rd from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. New Year’s Eve dinners must be ordered online by December 27th for curbside pick-up at Red Cow Uptown on December 30th from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Something fun awaits you at all six Red Cow and Red Rabbit locations. Each store is doing their part to spread some holiday cheer by decorating their storefront windows with festive holiday displays. Snap some selfies with the family when you visit your favorite location to pick-up your takeout.

Red Cow and Red Rabbit are also doing their part to give back this holiday season. Tuesday, December 8th is National Bartender Day and to honor those working in the restaurant industry, all Red Cow and Red Rabbit locations will be offering a complimentary meal to anyone that works in the restaurant industry from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Simply call the location most convenient for you, share your restaurant name and place your order from the featured service industry menu found on social media. Staff must present a 2020 paystub and an ID when picking up your meal.

“2020 has been a challenging year for all of us, but especially for those in the restaurant industry,” said Luke Shimp, Owner of Red Cow and Red Rabbit. “We want to do our part and give back to an industry and community that has done so much for our family.” Red Cow and Red Rabbit has also partnered with The Sanneh Foundation to support their Food Distribution Program and help distribute holiday meals to local families on Tuesday, December 22nd. The Sanneh Foundation is a Minnesota non-profit that serves the needs of diverse, urban and immigrant populations by offering nationally recognized programs that strengthen the educational, physical, social and emotional development of Twin Cities youth — primarily low income students of color.

For more information, to place an order for takeout or to order a holiday meal, visit redcowmn.com or redrabbitmn.com.

Thursday
Dec032020

Daily Dazzle: Holidazzle this Weekend Includes Santa Zoom Meet-and-Greets

Via a December 2 e-announcement from the mpls downtown council:

 

Holidazzle Weekend 2 Includes Santa Zoom Meet-and-Greets
Join us virtually this weekend, December 3 thru December 6

 

Join us virtually each weekend this holiday season as we bring Holidazzle to you, wherever you are. This week is again full of activities and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. Kick back and enjoy virtual activities and entertainment with you and yours each week with Holidazzle now through December 20.

Santa Zoom meet-and-greet sign-up starts today at 10 am

Santa is visiting Holidazzle this week and will offer FREE Zoom meet-and-greets on Saturday, December 5 from 9 am – 1 pm. Sign up opens at 10 am on Thursday, December 3 at www.holidazzle.com/santa2020. Tell Santa your wish list, take a screengrab and enjoy a brief conversation with Santa virtually. Santa will also hold meet-and-greets on Saturday, December 19, with signups for that date launching Thursday, December 17 at 10 am.

Yeti is coming to Peavey Plaza

The Holidazzle Yeti is making an appearance at Peavey Plaza beginning this week. The Yeti, a Christopher Lutter-Gardella creation, will be at Peavey Plaza with support from the Mpls Downtown Improvement District from December 3 through December 13. Plus, Christopher will be doing a special DIY mini-yeti craft demonstration this Saturday. Look for that demonstration on www.holidazzle.com/craft and on Holidazzle’s Facebook page.

The Holidazzle Show presented by Comcast

Join us weekly for The Holidazzle Show presented by Comcast. Episode 2 of The Holidazzle Show launches today and brings your favorite Holidazzle activities to you in your home. Join us this week for a great show at www.holidazzle.com/show, including:

  • A Santa visit from the North Pole
  • Shop local spotlight: Cabin Customs, Northern Drift and Simple Trends
  • Minnesota Pit Bull Rescue
  • Holidazzle Yeti artist Christopher Lutter-Gardella
  • American Ice Theatre holiday skating performance
  • Musical performance by Minnesota Chorale

Interact on social and you could win Holidazzle gift packages

Energize your Holidazzle experience this year with a special Energized Viewing Experience brought to you by Xcel Energy! We’re giving away Holidazzle packages that feature Holidazzle hats and mugs, paint-it-yourself ornaments, warm beverages, sweet treats and energy-efficient light bulbs. Plus, once per week one winner will receive a Supercharged package that includes an ecobee3 lite thermostat. Just like Holidazzle on Facebook or Instagram and tag three friends in our gift package post, and you will be eligible to win a prize package to enjoy while you’re taking in Holidazzle this season. Look for giveaways each week.

HoliTivities brought to you by Xcel Energy

You can enjoy fun, free activities thanks to the HoliTivities brought to you by Xcel Energy. The HoliTivities feature virtual puzzles, Holidazzle-themed coloring pages, BINGO, I Spy, card games, origami, paper snowflakes and more. More HoliTivities will be available throughout the four weeks of Holidazzle so check back regularly.

Santa Story Time

Santa is joining us each week for a special reading of holiday stories. Stop by www.holidazzle.com/santa or Holidazzle’s Facebook page each Sunday for a Santa story time. This week, Santa is reading “The Mukluk Ball.” Remember you can also get a phone greeting from Santa at the North Pole—check Holidazzle.com for the phone number and give him a ring!

Holidazzle Music: Minnesota Chorale

It is a longstanding tradition that the Minnesota Chorale performs each year at Holidazzle. Join them for a special virtual performance this week. Catch their performance in The Holidazzle Show, then watch the full performance on www.holidazzle.com/music or tune in on YouTube with the keyword “Minneapolis Holidazzle”.

Sunday’s DIY Demonstration: Third Daughter Restless Daughter

This week’s Holidazzle DIY demonstration features Third Daughter Restless Daughter. Wone and Youa Vang will be doing a cross-stitching demonstration. You can watch the demonstration or participate by purchasing the cross stitching kit at www.holidazzle.com/craft.

How to Holiday

We’ve got holiday resources for you at Holidazzle.com, including a music playlist, where to find classic holiday and winter movies, a recipe collection and more. Make Holidazzle your stop for preparing to celebrate wherever you are.

Catch us on YouTube

All of Holidazzle’s virtual content is on Holidazzle.com, and you can also find our videos on our new YouTube page using the keyword “Minneapolis Holidazzle”. Xfinity customers, find The Holidazzle Show on YouTube with the Xfinity X1 voice remote. Say “Minneapolis Holidazzle” into your Xfinity X1 voice remote, and you’ll find all available episodes ready for viewing.

Share your #Holidazzle memories with us

We want to hear from you this holiday season! Share your favorite Holidazzle photos and videos with us by using the hashtag #Holidazzle on Instagram.

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

Thursday
Dec032020

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

Picture of 3-D flower artwork from Amada

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."

 

Color artwork depicting Native American woman

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.

Thursday
Dec032020

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 LoppetSaint 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

Wednesday
Dec022020

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.

Sunday
Nov292020

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.

Shiny Brite

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 :)

Friday
Nov272020

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: 

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.
Sunday
Nov222020

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.

Sunday
Nov222020

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. 
Friday
Nov202020

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 FacebookTwitter and Instagram to enjoy this year’s virtual content.

Friday
Nov202020

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

 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

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.


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.


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.


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.


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


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 EnglishSpanishSomali and Hmong.

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


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.


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.


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.

Tuesday
Nov172020

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. 

MadweyaashkaaWaves 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.