December 15 Ward 7 Updates from Council Member Lisa Goodman

Lisa's Letter on the 2021 City Budget

Last week Thursday, in the early morning hours, the City Council finalized the 2021 City Budget.  There was a lot of attention on the budget this year and public safety and the Minneapolis Police Department were the main topics of discussion.  There was record participation in the 3 public hearings that included about 16 hours of public testimony and almost 1,000 people that registered to speak.

This year’s budget includes a 5.75% tax levy increase, however, with a 12% increase in the overall tax base, three-quarters of Minneapolis residential property owners will see a decrease in their property tax bill.  What this means is that the median-valued home will see a decrease of about $59. The 2021 budget is $88 million (roughly 5.6%) less than the 2020 budget.

There are several items within the budget I’d like to highlight for you. Although the overall police budget was altered by $7.8 million, that total includes both financial shifts along with moving civilian police employees from the police department into other city departments. It also includes money set aside for additional overtime and the 2nd and 3rd recruit classes but it forces the Chief to come back to the City Council to fund the hiring of these new officers and approving overtime after the fact. Money that was moved will go into the Office of Violence Prevention and other city departments to create, expand and/or shift existing programs like:

• Mental Health Co-Responder Program
• Community Group Outreach and Intervention
• Gang Violence Intervention
• Hospital Based Intervention
• 911 Training on assessing and responding to mental health issues and situations
• 911 Training on dispatching calls to the appropriate entities
• De-escalation and restorative justice training
• Moving all parking related calls to Traffic Control
• Assigning non-police staff to respond to theft and property damage calls
• Adding 2 employees to the Civil Rights Department to investigate police officer complaints

I support these initiatives and believe that as these programs expand or get up and running it will take a significant amount of work off the plate of MPD in the future but I was not in favor of cutting the police staffing levels prior to this work getting off the ground. I voted for a both/and solution which would have funded the important violence prevention and intervention work, budget for known overtime for 2021 and fund the additional two training classes from other funds but that amendment failed. Although our both/and amendment failed, I did vote to fund these needed reforms by voting for the overall budget because of the urgency required to get them off the ground.

I voted to preserve the staffing level of sworn officers at 888 because reducing the staffing level to 750 would have meant that if the 2 recruit classes were fully funded later in 2021 and some of the officers now on leave came back we wouldn’t be able to hire them based on a cap at 750. We know it will take some time to rebuild our law enforcement personnel due to the attrition we’ve seen in the past year.  In future years there could be fewer calls for MPD to respond to, based on training other responders to answer nonviolent calls, but we simple are not there yet.

In addition to the work around public safety, this budget supports rebuilding and recovery efforts for businesses impacted by COVID and civil unrest by allocating $5 million in one-time TIF funding to create the Commercial Property Development Fund (CPDF) and $500,000 in ongoing funding for this purpose. We also dedicated $400,000 for the Minneapolis Forward Community Now Coalition and $1.1 million in ongoing funding for the Minneapolis Forward Rebuild Resilient initiative to support economic recovery.

In the area of affordable housing we added an additional $7.2 million of permanent funding to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund in addition to the 10 million we currently spend annually and $2.2 million in funding for the Stable Homes Stable Schools initiative which has helped house or prevent homelessness for over 2,500 Minneapolis public school children. We also added 2 full time positions in the health department to support the city’s homelessness response efforts.

In closing, we were also able to increase funding to neighborhood organizations across the city on a 8-5 vote. Although the city council drastically cut funding to the neighborhood groups earlier in the year, we were able to restore the base funding to what was originally proposed.

The 2021 budget is a step forward during difficult times. Overall spending is down, property tax collections are down now due to COVID and likely into the near future and the economic upheaval small business, hospitality and our whole economy is facing. We need to do more with less as many households have been required to do. Most of all our budget needs to reflect our values and this budget does that during these difficult times. While the focus was on public safety, strong support remains for all the other activities the city leads on including our fire department, public works, public health and economic development priorities.  If you reached out to comment, testify or ask questions about this year’s budget, Thank You! This communication is valuable to me as it directs me as how to best represent the residents of ward 7. Happy holidays and may your families and friends, including your furry ones, stay healthy and safe.

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Adoption Fees Waived in December at Minneapolis Animal Care & Control

To help pets find their forever homes for the holidays, Minneapolis Animal Care & Control is waiving adoption fees for all adoptable animals during December.

Adoption details

• Browse adoptable animals on the City website.
• Call 311 or 612-673-6222 to request an adoption appointment. All adoptions are being done by appointment to limit the spread of COVID-19.
• Adopters must meet and spend time with the animal they want to adopt before completing adoption paperwork.

Minneapolis residents must purchase a City pet license.

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Take Survey by December 18 on Transforming Community Safety

Provide your input on what community safety looks like and tell us your ideas about a new model of community safety for Minneapolis. You can take the survey in English, Spanish, Somali, Hmong or Oromo.

The survey has been extended to Dec. 18 to hear from more voices for the first phase of survey results, which is planned to be presented to council in early January. Input provided after Dec. 18 will 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, the council 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.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/J86DD7Y

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Help Us Plan for Equitable Vaccine Distribution

Help the City, State and County plan to equitably distribute the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available later in 2021. Your perspectives are vital on:

• What vaccination means to you.
• Your concerns, hopes and suggestions.

Take the survey by Dec. 31

• https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/COVIDvaccineMPLS

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Find Free COVID-19 Tests; Help Stop the Spread

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

Columbia Golf Course, 3300 Central Ave. NE 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 13, Dec. 14, Dec. 20, Dec. 21

Minneapolis American Indian Center, 1530 E. Franklin Ave. Noon-4 p.m. Dec. 16

Sabathani Community Center, 310 E. 38th St. Noon-4 p.m. Dec. 19

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

More free COVID-19 tests

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

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

Somali Community Resettlement Services, 4020 Minnehaha Ave. S. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays starting Dec. 14 Saliva test. No appointment needed. Somali interpreters available onsite.

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

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

Resources

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

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

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Minneapolis Steps Up Investments in Food Security

To provide emergency food relief, the City of Minneapolis has awarded more than $935,000 in federal CARES-Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) funding to 37 local food shelves, food pop-ups, farmers markets, restaurants and faith communities distributing free food and meals directly to Minneapolis residents.

Awardees of the City’s federal CARES Community Food Security Grants will serve the City of Minneapolis and provide free emergency food support related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Besides providing immediate food relief, these grant awards will build capacity in the emergency food relief system, positioning community partners to sustain the increased level of service needs brought on by the impacts of COVID-19.

After the City received 47 applications with requests of nearly $1.3 million for the original $470,000 of CARES-CRF funding, the City allocated another $465,000 in CARES-CRF to the pool.

Awards range from $2,000 to $53,500 and will pay for food, hygiene supplies and equipment. Funded organizations serve Black people, Indigenous people and people of color and geographic areas with the highest barriers to food access. Some focus on special populations such as people with HIV/AIDS, older adults or people experiencing homelessness.

The City allocated an additional $65,000 in CARES-CRF funds to address specific identified gaps in the emergency food relief system in Minneapolis. These funds will support culturally relevant free food distribution efforts.

In collaboration with these efforts, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is donating more than 83,000 pounds of non-perishable food, valued at over $88,000, to local food banks, the Food Group and Second Harvest Heartland to support emergency food relief in Minneapolis. This is its second donation, with the same amount of food delivered to the food banks in July 2020.

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City Council Approves Appointment of Bryan Tyner as New Minneapolis Fire Chief

The City Council has approved the appointment of Bryan Tyner as Minneapolis fire chief. Tyner has held several leadership posts since joining the department in 1995.

Tyner is the second Black fire chief in the department’s history. He succeeds John Fruetel in the position who retired after more than 40 years of service with the Fire Department.

Mayor Jacob Frey nominated Tyner for the position after a national search. Tyner served as assistant chief of administration since 2015 and before that was a battalion chief and fire captain, among other roles. He has spearheaded programs to ensure that the department better reflects the diversity of the city, including the award-winning EMS Pathways Academy internship and the High School EMS Program.

Read more.

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COVID-19 Situational Update as of December 11, 2020

Situational updates: Minneapolis

• There are 25,418 cases in Minneapolis and 299 deaths. The total number of cases increased by 8.7% over the previous week. Hospitalizations increased by 4.6% and ICU admissions increased by 2.9%.
• Over the past week, there have been about 300 new cases per day on average. Cases are increasing across all ages, races/ethnicities, and geographic areas. Minneapolis-specific daily case counts and demographics are available at www.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/dashboard.
• December 6 – 12 is National Influenza Vaccination Week. The seasonal flu is serious and can be deadly. Getting a flu shot is the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones, and front line health care workers. It’s easy and free, so don’t wait! Visit the Vaccine Finder website to find flu shot locations near you.
• 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, but is currently superseded by the Governor’s Executive Order 20-99.

Situational updates: Minnesota

• There are 363,719 cases in Minnesota out of over 4.6 million tests completed. There have been 4,109 deaths from COVID-19 in Minnesota. There are 76,278 cases and 1,186 deaths in Hennepin County.
• The State uses a color-coded map to track a seven-day rolling average of new cases. As of December 2, Minnesota is reporting 84 cases per 100,000 and Minneapolis is at 58 cases per 100,000.
• Governor Walz’s Executive Order 20-99 was implemented on November 20 and remains in effect through December 18. The order pauses dine-in food and drink service, both indoor and outdoor, at bars and restaurants. It also closes public pools, gyms and other fitness facilities, as well as recreation and entertainment facilities. The Governor is expected to give an update on EO 20-99 on December 11.
• MHD encourages everyone to sign up for the State’s COVIDaware MN exposure app. The app notifies you if you may have been exposed to COVID-19 by anyone else using the app. The app complements, but does not replace, case investigation and contact tracing.
• The statewide mask mandate remains in effect. People are required to wear masks in all indoor public places where people gather and some outdoor venues where physical distancing is difficult.

Winter holiday celebrations

This holiday season, celebrate safely and avoid activities that put yourself and others at higher risk for getting COVID-19. Help make sure that everyone will be at your holiday table next year.

• Gather in person only with the people you live with and host virtual events with your friends, relatives, and coworkers. Think of new ways to celebrate your favorite traditions. Try hanging your favorite holiday decorations and posting photos online, cooking special family recipes to enjoy at a virtual potluck, and sending notes of encouragement to loved ones.
• Limit travel and stay home if you can. If you must go out, wear a mask, stay 6 feet away from others, and wash or sanitize your hands often. Taking these simple steps can help stop the virus.

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 cases in Minneapolis, 59% have been interviewed and 1.8% have refused. Twenty-two percent of interviews of Minneapolis residents have been conducted in a language other than English. Thirty-three percent of cases have been lost to follow-up and 5.9% of new Minneapolis cases still need interviewed.
• We have 54 active case investigators, including three non-MHD enterprise staff and 15 AmeriCorps staff. Case investigators are interviewing an average of 80 cases per shift and making an average of 100 calls per shift, plus conducting workplace and other contact follow-up.
• Contact tracers give isolation and quarantine guidance to those who test positive for the virus and those who have been exposed. A 14-day quarantine still offers the greatest amount of protection against virus transmission. In certain situations, you may end your quarantine after 10 days, or after seven days with a negative COVID-19 test result. Detailed guidance is available on the State’s COVID-19 website.

COVID-19 testing

In the past week, 130 COVID-19 saliva tests were provided at two community events - Columbia Manor in Northeast Minneapolis and Sabathani Community Center in south Minneapolis.

COVID-19 saliva testing

• Do not eat, drink, or use tobacco products for 30 minutes before the COVID-19 test.
• Free saliva testing hosted by the Minneapolis Health Department at:

•  Sabathani Community Center, 310 East 38th Street, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 19.

•  Columbia Manor, 3300 Central Ave. N.E., from noon to 4 p.m. on December 13, 14, 20, and 21.

•  Minneapolis American Indian Center, 1530 East Franklin Avenue, from noon to 4 p.m. on December 16.

•  Free saliva testing hosted by the State health department at the Minneapolis Convention Center, the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport, and at the Brooklyn Park Starlight Center. To register at these sites and find more information visit the State’s COVID-19 testing web page.

•  Minneapolis Convention Center is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.

•  Brooklyn Park Starlite Center is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.

•  Airport Testing Site is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.

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

MHD distribution of saliva test kits

• MHD is providing free saliva testing kits and training for community partners. Virtual training on how to administer the tests is offered upon request. Over 1,600 test kits have been requested by groups ranging from Minneapolis Public Schools to community organizations, local businesses, community clinics, and first responders.

COVID-19 vaccination

• MHD submitted a local vaccine distribution plan for Phase 1 critical populations to the State on December 4. During Phase 1, we will collaborate with a variety of partners to assure vaccination of healthcare workers, long-term care residents, first responders, critical workers, the elderly and other vulnerable populations. Depending on federal approval, vaccination for initial groups may begin as soon as the week of December 14.
• MHD is supporting 27 community vaccine liaisons as they gather community perspectives on COVID-19 vaccination. Key insights from the liaisons’ first round of outreach include the impact of historical trauma on vaccine hesitancy in BIPOC communities, concerns about the lack of vaccine safety data for pregnant women, questions about potential side effects, and general pushback on any notion of vaccine mandates. These insights will help inform our vaccination distribution and communications efforts.

Responding to community needs

• There were no community requests for personal protective equipment or supplies this week. MHD staff took the opportunity to replenish our inventory of N95 masks, surgical masks, and hand sanitizer in preparation for future requests.
• Questions received through our COVID19@minneapolismn.gov inbox ranged from complaints about mask wearing in multi-family housing to requests for COVID-19 test results and guidance around safe holiday celebrations.
• An enterprise-wide survey was sent to City staff to gauge interest in volunteering at future MHD-sponsored COVID-19 testing or vaccination events. So far, 22 employees have expressed interest in supporting MHD staff at these important events.

Businesses

• Health inspectors completed 86 food safety routine inspections with an emphasis on COVID-19 preparedness plans and the implementation of COVID-19 protocols. Health inspectors responded to 11 food safety/sanitation/COVID-19 311 complaints.
• Inspectors followed-up on four restaurants with COVID positive clusters. When a cluster of cases is identified, inspectors visit the site and provide customized guidance to help the business implement proper safety precautions.
• With the precipitous climb in community spread, health inspectors are assisting with case investigation and contract tracing. They will continue to respond to complaints, outbreaks, and conduct plan review inspections for construction. Routine inspections have been temporarily suspended.
• How Executive Orders (Governor or Mayoral) apply to/impact businesses: A downtown restaurant has about 130 employees, but due to the EO 20-99 restrictions, only 8-10 staff are working to fulfill to-go and delivery orders.

• A Health inspector contacted at a restaurant identified with a COVID-positive cluster. When EO 20-99 was announced, the manager overheard his staff say they should have a gaming party during the shutdown. The manager expressed frustration that he could follow all the COVID protocols, but that he couldn’t control what his employees (age groups ranging from 18-26 years old) did in their free time.

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

MSP Film Society Announces a Special Discount for Mill City Times Readers!

From our friends at MSP Film Society:

MSP Film Society presents new hand-picked international, independent festival-style movies to watch from the comfort of your own home in our VIRTUAL CINEMA COLLECTION, including Swedish classic RONIA: THE ROBBER’S DAUGHTER. Based off of the beloved book by Astrid Lindgren, this rollicking adventure is a joy to share with the entire family and an MSP Film holiday season tradition.

Mill City Times readers can use the code MILLCITYRONIA20 for $2 off tickets at checkout! 

Order link: https://bit.ly/3aafNrR

Find more information, tickets, and our wide selection of virtual screenings at MSP Film Society. 

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.

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.

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:  

• A 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 Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to enjoy this year’s virtual conten

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 walking, biking, transit 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. 

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.

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.

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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.

November 2020 by the Numbers from Cynthia Froid Group

Downtown real estate market update from Cynthia Froid Group:

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

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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.

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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. 

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.

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 Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to enjoy this year’s virtual content.

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.