Celebrating Minneapolis and the ‘Spirit of Travel’ During National Travel and Tourism Week

Via a May 4 Press Release from Meet Minneapolis:

Meet Minneapolis is Using 37th NTTW (May 3-9) to Prepare for the Return of Travel

Even as Minnesotans do their part and stay home during the pandemic, the “Spirit of Travel” is alive and well. This week marks National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) and Meet Minneapolis, Convention and Visitors Association, will spend the next six days encouraging enthusiasts to take part in the virtual activities. Kicking off yesterday with the “Minneapolis at Home Starter Kit” and the first Instagram story “question of the day,” the week will feature a virtual road trip, trivia, a twist on #TakeoutTuesday, ways to enjoy a fun-filled Minneapolis “night in” and more. It’s part of a larger effort to help the greater community support local businesses and attractions through the organization’s Experience Minneapolis From Home while people are unable to travel at this time.

To keep Minneapolis top-of-mind as a destination for future travel, Meet Minneapolis offers armchair travelers a variety of opportunities to join in the fun throughout NTTW:

• May 4: Participate in virtual Minneapolis trivia with @MeetMinneapolis on Twitter and respond to the Instagram story question of the day: What is your favorite outdoor activity in Minneapolis?
• May 5: Take part in #TakeoutTuesday by grabbing a bite from a Minneapolis restaurant and sharing photos (tag @MeetMinneapolis or #MeetMPLS. Plus, join the NTTW #VirtualRoadTrip from Washington, D.C., to California in 12 hours, “stopping” in Minnesota at 4:30 p.m.
• May 6: Watch the latest Minneapolis video and answer the question of the day (What is your favorite way to enjoy the arts in Minneapolis?). Then get Experience Minneapolis From Home Zoom backgrounds, local brews and cocktail kits ready, and schedule your own Virtual Happy Hour for Friday, May 8 that supports local businesses and your friends’ wellbeing
• May 7: Use your social account of choice and share your favorite Minneapolis travel memory on #ThrowbackThursday, and answer the question of the day: What is your favorite place to shop in Minneapolis?
• May 8: Fire up your scheduled Minneapolis Virtual Happy Hour between 4 and 8 p.m. and be sure to tag #WeGotThisMPLS on social posts of your group, plus answer the question of the day: What is your favorite brewery in Minneapolis?
• May 9: Get comfy for a Minneapolis Night In with Meet Minneapolis’ themed online puzzles, DIY art or science projects, Minneapolis music on Spotify, and all the best suggestions for delivery or takeout to enjoy at home

“There’s no doubt this has been an incredibly challenging time, but we see National Travel and Tourism Week as an opportunity to remind future visitors and our residents of the incredible spirit and resiliency of the travel industry and our workforce,” said Melvin Tennant, President and CEO, Meet Minneapolis. “It’s only a matter of time before we all get moving again. We want visitors to know that we’ll be ready when you’re ready to travel.”

A major focus for Meet Minneapolis during the COVID-19 crisis has been working to support the hospitality community and local businesses, as well as lifting up the local community throughout the say-at-home period with its Experience Minneapolis From Home offerings. Along with these efforts, Meet Minneapolis continues to prepare for the return of travel by promoting and selling the city for future conventions, meetings and sports events, such as the recently announced 2021 National Collegiate Volleyball Federation Championships.

Additionally, in an effort to show solidarity in the tourism industry in the Midwest, Meet Minneapolis has joined forces with Catch Des Moines, Visit KC, Experience Sioux Falls and Visit Omaha, during NTTW, to rally around each other’s virtual experiences with links to one another’s websites and social media promotion. Once restrictions are lifted, domestic travel and road trips are expected to be the first phase of the travel industry’s recovery. When the time is right, the travel and tourism industry will be integral to our nation’s recovery—for the economy and American jobs. But it is the #SpiritofTravel that will heal our country’s morale.

Celebrated annually the first full week in May, NTTW was created by Congress in 1983 to underscore the economic power of travel in the U.S. The 37^th NTTW (May 3-9) arrives at an opportune moment to unite the industry, celebrate its indomitable spirit and elevate the role it will play in America’s economic recovery. Visit ustravel.org/NTTW to learn more about the week and tag #NTTW20 and #SpiritofTravel on social posts.

April 2020 by the Numbers

Downtown real estate market update from Cynthia Froid Group:

The Northrup King Building May Newsletter

Virtual Events and Building Updates

We are proud to share that virtual art opportunities through the Northrup King Building artists continue! Read below about Art Sprawl: Mother's Day Edition and the upcoming Online Art-A-Whirl®. 

The Northrup King Building team has made the difficult decision to postpone all on-site events for the next few months, and likely through summer. Please continue to reference our website and/or our Facebook page before finalizing plans to visit.

Art Sprawl: Mother's Day Edition

Image: detail from Good Morning, by Dyan J. Padgett Fine Art

The Virtual Art Sprawl Continues!

Northrup King Building artists continue slinging art via their virtual Art Sprawl, and this time it's with Mother's Day in mind. 

Participation is easy! Head on over to the Facebook event to follow along and find the perfect gift for the moms in your life. Northrup King Building artists share available works, priced at or under $300, and you, the collectors, are able to claim that work and have it shipped to you.

Full event details are listed in the "About" section, and you can peruse available art via the the event "Discussion."

Have a question about a piece? Comment on the photo and we'll get you in touch with the artists.
Don't see exactly what you're looking for? We can help get you in touch with an artist & make your dreams come true.

This particular virtual Art Sprawl runs through May 9, 2020. Art is routinely added to the selection, so return again and again to the discussion to find the perfect piece!

Art-A-Whirl® Goes Online

NEMAA, the organizers of Art-A-Whirl® (the largest open studio tour in the country) is also pivoting their event to a virtual platform and Art-A-Whirl® Online is expected later this month. We're excited to see Northrup King Building artists participating in this new version of a beloved event!

Stay tuned for more updates regarding Art-A-Whirl® Online shortly. 

Looking to Connect with Creativity?

The Northrup King Building Facebook page and Instagram account are as active as ever - sharing lovely art updates from across our campus. 

Kolman & Pryor Gallery is posting virtual studio tours! 

Studio Pintura offers a lovely virtual experience of their juried exhibit, Floral Art Exhibition 2020.

Updates on Parkway Closures and Upcoming Outdoor and Virtual Programming in Minneapolis Parks

Via a May 1 e-announcement from the Minneapolis Park and Rec Board:

Parkway closures extended through May 6; commissioners will consider Superintendent’s recommendation to extend through June 7 at May 6 Board meeting.

Scheduled supervised play at designated tennis and basketball courts will begin after the Governor’s Stay at Home Order ends; slate of virtual programming begins rolling out next week.

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The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) continues to evaluate and adjust its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The health and safety of the communities served by Minneapolis parks remain the top priority in all decisions. Below is an update on initiatives the MPRB is working on to continue to provide recreation opportunities during the pandemic.

Parkways Closed to Motor Vehicles and Opened to Pedestrians

Currently the MPRB maintains 21 lane miles of parkways and roads closed to motor vehicles and opened to pedestrians to provide more space for trail users to stay six feet apart to limit the spread of COVID-19. A map of each closure is posted on the MPRB Road Closures page.

At its May 6, 2020 meeting, MPRB Commissioners will consider a resolution granting MPRB Superintendent Al Bangoura the spending authority needed to keep parkways closed to motor vehicles and open to pedestrians through Sunday, June 7.

The parkways were scheduled to reopen to motor vehicles on May 4, after the Governor’s first extension of the stay at home order ended. Superintendent Bangoura has received consent from commissioners representing areas where parkway closures are located to extend the closures through May 6, when the full board will consider the resolution to authorize Bangoura to extend them through June 7.

Programmed Access to Basketball and Tennis Courts

Basketball and tennis courts are currently closed following direction of the Stay at Home Order and recommendations from public health officials (see “Recreation Guidelines & FAQs” section on minneapolisparks.org/coronavirus). As soon as the Stay at Home order ends, which is scheduled Monday, May 18, the MPRB will provide scheduled times for walkup play by individuals and members of the same household at basketball and tennis courts in several parks. MPRB staff will be onsite to ensure social distancing.

“Our recreation program staff know the youth and people in our communities and we’re going to continue serving them as best we can,” said Superintendent Bangoura. “The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board has provided great experiences for more than 100 years and we’re not going to let our communities down. We’re working on excellent programming that will follow social distancing guidelines during this pandemic.”

The times and locations for programmed basketball and tennis access will be announced before the stay at home order ends. MPRB staff are also developing options for modified, social distanced programs and clinics at select soccer and ball fields.

Virtual Programming

Next week the MPRB will begin rolling out a slate of virtual programming available to anyone online. The new MPRB virtual program center will host all online opportunities, which will include an online Music in the Parks concert series, park history tours, gardening tips and tricks, and many more classes and programs.

Stay Informed

Visit minneapolisparks.org/coronavirus for more information about the MPRB’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and sign up to receive email updates at minneapolisparks.org/subscribe by selecting “COVID-19” in the “News Updates” section.

May 1 Newsletter from Council Member Lisa Goodman

Today we acknowledge that we have made it through April and a full month of the Stay at Home Order. The weather is getting nicer, the trees are beginning to bud and flowers are making their way to the surface. Spring, a time of hope and inspiration.

In the government arena it has been a full week with Governor Walz extending the Stay at Home order while cautiously beginning to lift some of the restrictions on commerce. This week Mayor Frey also put forward his State of the City address. I’m including articles on both of those items below.

I’m also thrilled to share a blog post from Dr. David R. Hilden, Vice President of Medical Affairs and President of the Medical Staff at Hennepin Healthcare. I have great respect for him and hope you enjoy his article on Antibodies as much as I did when I read it earlier this week.

As usual I’m also sharing additional information on City of Minneapolis related items like Street Sweeping and openings on boards and commissions along with other relevant topics. I hope you are all able to get out and enjoy the wonderful weather and continue to stay healthy and safe.

Lisa

Ward 7 Spotlight

A Doctor’s Diary from a Pandemic: All about Antibodies

By: David Hilden, MD MPH

Lately many of us are thinking quite a bit about antibodies. When's the antibody test going to be ready? Can I get a test? Do I have antibodies? Will we be able to give antibodies from one person to another as a treatment? Are antibodies our ticket to resuming our normal lives?

What is an antibody, anyway?

In medicine we talk about antibodies all the time, though I am far from an expert on the subject. I remember learning about them in Immunology lectures from medical school, at least when I wasn't talking in class. I remember them as Y-shaped thingies in our blood. Yes, "Y-shaped thingies" is the correct medical term.

Antibodies are the soldiers that live in our blood that fight foreign invaders to our bodies. The really cool thing is that once our bodies have encountered an invader like a virus or a bacteria, our bodies manufacture these antibodies in huge quantities. Those antibodies live in us long into the future so that when our bodies encounter that pathogenic invader at some future point, our bodies recognize it and are able to fight it off much more readily. This is the role of antibodies. When you think of it you may marvel at the elegance of a system that can learn from the past so as to be able to be prepared for future.

But that is exactly what antibodies do. Learn from the past. We as people could learn from our own immune systems about learning from the past!

The big questions in the COVID-19 pandemic may be answered with research into antibodies. So that is why I rolled up my sleeve in the picture above to see if my blood has any antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 (the real name of the COVID-19 virus). I was participating in a research project being conducted at Hennepin Healthcare where I work. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is conducting this study at 16 hospital sites around the country to help us understand how the human body is responding to this virus. The study is looking at healthcare workers (nurses, doctors, respiratory therapists, among others) who have been working with patients infected with COVID-19. I guess I qualify. The idea is to see how many of us are developing antibodies.

A quick shout out to Dr. Matt Prekker of Hennepin Healthcare. Not only is he leading the research on this antibody study in healthcare workers, he also is a board-certified doctor in 4 specialties at once: Critical Care, Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine, and Emergency Medicine. Not only that, he is the guy drawing my blood in the picture above and he's a great guy. He and his team of researchers are worthy of a "thank you" from all of us.

This is really important research. We used to call this virus the "novel coronavirus" because it is indeed novel - new - to the world. Due to that one fact, there was nobody on the entire planet who had any antibodies in their system. That's also why it is so deadly because nobody has the foot soldiers - the antibodies - yet in place in their blood.

Once we learn more about the human body response to the virus, we should be able answer many of the questions for which our knowledge is currently lacking:

• Does getting COVID-19 protect you from future infections? We just don't know but it will depend on the antibody response and how durable that response is over time.
• Do people develop antibodies even if they didn't have symptoms?
• How quickly does the immune response develop?
• Importantly, can we use the antibodies from one person to treat another person who is really sick?

Vaccine research is based on immune response as well. Vaccines work by exposing your body to a teeny amount of the virus and allowing your own body to develop its regiment of antibodies. So these areas of research overlap.

I've heard it said that science will help get us out of this pandemic. Today I got a first-hand look at how that may look and it gives me renewed hope.

Thanks for reading this blog. Subscribe by e-mail if you wish to receive periodic notifications of future posts. My Twitter account is @DrDavidHilden for occasional updates from me as well.

David

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Governor Walz Extends Stay Home Order

Walz extends order until May 18, allows curbside pickup for retail stores and strongly encourages all Minnesotans to wear masks when outside the home

April 30, 2020

[ST. PAUL, MN] – As the state continues to make progress in preparing for the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Tim Walz today extended the Stay Home Order in Minnesota until Monday, May 18. In an effort to get more Minnesotans back safely to work while the order remains in effect, the Governor announced that retail businesses and other non-critical businesses will resume operations with curbside pick-up.

“From building out critical hospital capacity to launching a landmark testing strategy, Minnesota has made meaningful progress in preparing for the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Governor Walz said. “Minnesotans have made this possible by staying home and holding down the rate of infection. But now is not the time for sudden movements. There’s more work to be done, and we need to keep this virus at a simmer, not a boil. Our action today prioritizes the safety of Minnesotans while taking cautious, strategic steps toward getting people safely back to work.”

Also as part of his Executive Order today, Governor Walz strongly encouraged all Minnesotans to wear a manufactured or homemade mask at all times when they leave their homes to any place where social distancing is difficult.

“Minnesotans look out for one another – we’re asking that they continue to protect their neighbors and slow the spread of this virus,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “We must continue to stay home, practice safe social distancing, and wear cloth masks while in public so we can carefully and responsibly turn the dial toward reopening society.”

By extending the Stay Home Order, the Governor said the state will: slow the spread of COVID-19 and slowly build herd immunity; protect those working on the front lines by increasing access to personal protective equipment; ensure our health system can care for all who require care; gradually allow more Minnesotans to return to work; and safely and slowly resume in-person contacts and other activities that are critical for our well-being.

“Our public health workers are putting in a tremendous effort to protect people from this terrible pandemic, and Minnesotans across the state have stepped up to help by following the social distancing guidelines and slowing the spread,” Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm said. “The Governor’s extension of the stay-at-home order gives us a better chance to limit the impacts of this pandemic. It buys us more time to trace and isolate cases, and to work upstream to prevent infections from jumping into new and vulnerable groups. More time means more lives saved.”

Starting May 4, retail businesses and other non-critical businesses may begin offering curbside pick-up. This will put up to 30,000 Minnesotans back to work in a safe, coordinated way. Businesses must:

• Develop and publicly post a plan for how to open safely.
• Use online payment whenever possible.
• Employees and customers should wear masks and protective equipment.
• In curbside pick-up scenarios, social distancing guidelines apply. If possible, customers should not leave their vehicle.
• In delivery scenarios, items should be deposited outside a customer’s residence.

Minnesotans should also continue to telework whenever possible, wear face masks in public, screen for symptoms and regularly check their temperature, and maintain physical distance from each other.

“Listening to Minnesota business and labor leaders on how to ensure the safety of workers and customers is at the core of our decision-making process,” said Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Steve Grove. “Today’s announcement is the right next step to help more Minnesotans safely return to work and to reopen more businesses to get our economy ramping up again.”

In the time Minnesotans have bought by staying home, Minnesota has:

• Announced a landmark testing strategy that will allow us to complete up to 20,000 tests a day and test every symptomatic Minnesotan.
• Built hospital capacity and finalized a lease on an alternate care site to make sure that all Minnesotans who need care can receive it.
• Worked to acquire more personal protective equipment to protect our frontline workers.

The Governor’s Executive Order will have the full force and effect of law upon approval by the Executive Council.

Updates on the COVID-19 pandemic in Minnesota are available at mn.gov/covid19/.

Frequently asked questions are available here: https://mn.gov/covid19/faq/.

Permalink: http://mn.gov/governor/news/index.jsp?id=1055-430501

Mayor Frey Releases State of the City Address

MINNEAPOLIS – Today, Wednesday, April 29, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey taped and released his third State of the City Address. In his remarks, Frey highlighted city’s response to COVID-19, Minneapolis’ role – as the largest and densest city in the state – in protecting public health, and emphasized the City’s commitment to continue delivering core city services. 

“If you take away anything from this speech, let it be these two promises: our core city services will continue to be delivered with excellence, and we will prioritize first those who are struggling the most,” said Frey.

Earlier this month, Frey launched a $5 million Gap Funding Package to fund emergency rental assistance for low-income households and support for impacted small-businesses.

The gap funding package is expected to provide at least 1,500 households or roughly 6,000 people with up to $1,500 or, in some cases, $2,000 in rental assistance. The small business gap funds, expected to serve 220 – 440 Minneapolis companies, include $5,000 - $10,000 forgivable loans and a revamped zero percent loan program.

The first rental assistance checks will be disbursed next week. The City expects to start sending out notifications for the forgivable loans in the next two weeks.

Frey has issued eleven emergency regulations to address public health concerns relating to COVID. The most recent, Emergency Regulation 2020-11, mandates new public health measures for congregate care facilities, including limiting entry into the buildings, mandating the use of face coverings, and requiring regular symptom checks for residents.

Frey taped the address without an audience present to minimize exposure and the need for in-person staff support. The speech is available on the City YouTube Channel.

2020 Spring Street Sweeping Continues

Below you will find a basic guide for street sweeping dates by neighborhood.

Please be aware these dates are subject to change so please follow the actual street sweeping link for the most accurate and up to date information.

• http://www.minneapolismn.gov/publicworks/streetsweeping/

Bryn Mawr:  Completed

Cedar/Isles/Dean:  Completed

East Isles:

• North/South
  • Emerson, Fremont (Completed)
  • Girard, Humboldt (week of May 11)
  • Irving: North of 26th Street (week of May 11)
  • Irving: South of 26th Street (week of May 4)
  • James: (week of May 4)

• East/West
  • 28th Street (Completed)
  • 22nd, 24th, 25th, 25½th, 26th 27th Streets (week of May 4)

• Euclid Place & Lake Place
  • (week of May 4)

Kenwood:

• North/South:  Completed

• East/West
  • week of May 4

Loring Park:

• East/West (week of May 4)
  • Oak Grove, 14th, 15th, 16th
• North/South (week of May 11)
  • Clifton, Groveland, Dell, Willow, Spruce, LaSalle, Nicollet, 1st Ave

Lowry Hill:

• East/West (week of May 4)

• North/South
  • Bryant, Colfax, Dupont, Emerson, Fremont, Logan, Morgan:  Completed
  • Girard, Humboldt, Irving, James, Knox
    • (week of May 11)

Stevens Square:

• Pleasant Ave (Completed)
• Remainder (week of May 11)
  • http://www.minneapolismn.gov/publicworks/streetsweeping/

Board and Commission Openings (Ward 7 Specific)

Across the City of Minneapolis there are many openings and opportunities for residents to participate on city boards and commissions. At this time, we have openings specifically for two ward 7 constituents. If you are interested in being on either of these committees, please reach out to us and we will connect you with the process for applying.

• Minneapolis Advisory Committee on Aging (Senior Citizen)
• Minneapolis Advisory Committee on People with Disabilities
• www.minneapolismn.gov/boards/openings

2020 Census Action Weekend: May 1-3

We have reached an important milestone in the 2020 Census: More than half of the households in our nation have responded – that’s nearly 80 million responses!

As we recognize this achievement, we thank you for your support and ongoing effort to Get Out the Count, as well as your continued outreach to encourage self-response, especially among the hardest-to-count populations. We thank our partners, the public, and everyone who has helped to shape the success of the 2020 Census.

We aim to count everyone accurately while we support efforts to protect the health and safety of the American public and the Census Bureau team. Current times are unprecedented, but they also present an opportunity to reach families digitally across the nation and work towards keeping the 2020 Census in the conversation across channels and platforms. It has never been easier to respond to the census and to help promote the census from your own home.

For this reason we are encouraging all partners, influencers, community leaders, and trusted voices to join us during a Digital Action Weekend, May 1-3, 2020.  Please use #2020Census and/or #Censo2020 when posting on all social platforms. 

Key message: It’s not too late to respond to the 2020 Census while being safe and practicing social distancing at home.  Once you have responded, please encourage your family, friends, and loved ones to complete the census, too.

About the 2020 Census

The U.S. Constitution mandates that a census of the population be conducted every 10 years. Census statistics are used to determine the number of seats each state holds in the U.S. House of Representatives and inform how state, local, and federal lawmakers will allocate billions of dollars in federal funds to local communities every year for the next 10 years.

https://2020census.gov

City Extends Comment Period for the draft Minneapolis Transportation Action Plan

• The new deadline is May 22, 2020
• Check out the program or comment at: http://go.minneapolismn.gov/
• This 10 year action plan will guide future planning, design and implementation of transportation projects for all people in all the ways they get around
• Staff will hold its first online open house on the Transportation Action Plan
  • Monday, April 13 (4:30-5:30 pm)

City Extends Comment Period for Neighborhoods 2020

• The new deadline is July 15, 2020
• Check out the program information at: www.minneapolismn.gov/neighborhoods2020
• You can submit comments:
  • Email: neighborhoods2020@minneapolismn.gov
  • Phone: 612-673-3737
  • Mail: Neighborhood and Community Relations; 105 Fifth Ave South; Suite 425, Minneapolis, MN 55401

Situational Update as of 12pm, April 29

There are 4,644 cases in Minnesota out of approximately 66,744 tested (combined MDH Lab + Private Numbers).

There have been 319 deaths from COVID-19 in Minnesota.

There are 1,633 cases and 209 deaths in Hennepin County.

There are 425 cases in the City of Minneapolis and 55 deaths.

The City is sharing Minneapolis specific daily case counts through a public facing dashboard at www.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/dashboard.

The homeless branch is increasing monitoring and servicing of sanitation stations at encampments.

The Health Department is conducting outreach to licensed congregate care facilities that are covered by the Mayor’s emergency regulation to provide guidance and learn about their needs.

A community mental wellbeing branch has identified 13 priority audiences with the initial focus on seniors.

The Youth Coordinating Board produced videos on COVID-19 and physical distancing using School Based Clinic staff.

Health and Sustainability are partnering to support farmers markets so that vendors and shoppers will be safe at the markets.

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

MSPIFF39 Redefined Dates Announced + 4 New Virtual Cinema Films, and 3 Q&As this Weekend!

Via an April 29 e-announcement from MSP Film Society:

Dear Friends and Members of the MSP Film Society and MSPIFF Family, As you know, in a prescient twist, our theme for MSPIFF this year (selected months ago) was Adjust Your View. Determined to do just that, and remain relevant to you, our members and audiences and of course to filmmakers locally and around the globe, we have worked feverishly over the last five weeks to retool our exhibition presence for the time being. We’ve been learning, building virtual platforms, rebooking films and filmmaker participation, redesigning and rebranding, in order to get ready to present:

May 15-23, 2020 @ mspfilm.org

The full line-up may be smaller than that of the physical festival, but it will be notable in its global range. The line-up and an FAQ (to make it all as clear as we can), will be available soon on our web portal: mspfilm.org.   We are aiming for 40-50 feature films and 3-4 shorts programs. Most films will run for the duration, some will be shown as special one-time presentations. We will have live Q&As every evening, a May 15 Opening Night virtual dance party hosted DJ Jake Rudh, and we are working on a range of novel partnerships, from take-out movie-night meals with restaurants to virtual panels with our friends at community institutions to promotional exchanges of all kinds. Let us know if you’d like to be a partner! We very much look forward to seeing you soon again in person. In the meantime, be in touch at info@mspfilm.org.   Thank you for staying with us as we Adjust our View…

Susan Smoluchowski Executive Director MSP Film Society/MSP International Film Festival

MSP Film Presents Virtual Cinema

Virtual Cinema Presentations Directly Benefit MSP Film During this Temporary Closure. CLICK HERE FOR FULL VIRTUAL CINEMA SELECTION

NEW ADDITIONS

Our Mothers

2020 MSPIFF Official Selection Available to Watch May 1 Free live Q&As with director César Díaz on Sat, May 2 at 6 pm (CST), and Sun, May 3 at 3 pm (CST) In 2018 Guatemala is immersed in civil war. Ernesto is a young anthropologist working for the Forensic Foundation; his job is to identify the missing. One day, while hearing the account of an old woman, he thinks he has found a lead that might guide him to his father, a guerrillero who went missing during the war. Against his mother’s wishes, he flings himself body and soul into the case, looking for truth and resilience.

VIEW MORE

Botero

2019 MSPIFF Official Selection Available to Watch May 1 This beautifully filmed documentary offers an inspiring look at the power of relentless vision, unwavering conviction and a lifetime of discipline. The film captures Botero’s essence–the quiet resolve and strength of character that allowed him to overcome poverty, decades of harsh criticism and the tragic death of his four-year-old son.

VIEW MORE

Pahokee

Available to Watch May 1 Live Q&A with directors Ivete Lucas and Patrick Bresnan on Sat, May 2nd at 7PM (CST)! In a small agricultural town in the Florida Everglades, hopes for the future are concentrated on the youth. Four teens face heartbreak and celebrate in the rituals of an extraordinary senior year.

VIEW MORE

Capital in the 21st Century

Available to Watch May 1 Live virtual round table presented by The New Republic with Thomas Piketty Sun, May 3 at 2pm! Based on the international bestseller by rock-star economist Thomas Piketty (which sold over three million copies worldwide and landed Piketty on Time Magazine's list of most influential people), this captivating documentary is an eye-opening journey through wealth and power, a film that breaks the popular assumption that the accumulation of capital runs hand in hand with social progress, and shines a new light on today’s growing inequalities.

VIEW MORE

NOW PLAYING

Eating Up Easter Available to Watch Now The iconic statues and sensationalized "mysteries" of Easter Island (Rapa Nui) have drawn the interest of the world for centuries, attracting curious visitors to its shores. Today, this tiny, barren island is experiencing an economic boon as tourism skyrockets. Yet the indigenous culture and the island’s fragile environment are suffering. VIEW MORE

The Etruscan Smile Available to Watch Now The Etruscan Smile stars Brian Cox as Rory MacNeil, a rugged old Scotsman who reluctantly leaves his beloved isolated Hebridean island and travels to San Francisco to seek medical treatment. Moving in with his estranged son, Rory’s life will be transformed, just when he expects it least, through a newly found love for his baby grandson. VIEW MORE

COMING SOON

Spaceship Earth

Available to Watch May 8 Spaceship Earth is the true, stranger-than-fiction, adventure of eight visionaries who in 1991 spent two years quarantined inside of a self-engineered replica of Earth’s ecosystem called BIOSPHERE 2. The experiment was a worldwide phenomenon, chronicling daily existence in the face of life threatening ecological disaster and a growing criticism that it was nothing more than a cult.

VIEW MORE

FOX 9 and MPR Announce “Shine On MN” Broadcast on May 10 to Support Local Nonprofits

Via an April 30 News Release:

FOX 9 and MPR Announce “Shine On Minnesota” Broadcast Benefit to Support Minnesota Nonprofits During COVID-19

Abbott to match all donations up to $50,000

.

FOX 9 (KMSP-TV), in partnership with Minnesota Public Radio (MPR), today announced “Shine On Minnesota,” a broadcast event featuring local musicians to benefit Minnesota nonprofits during the COVID-19 crisis. The broadcast event will air on FOX 9, Sunday night May 10, and will include entertainment, musical performances, inspirational messages, and stories of hope from some of Minnesota’s favorite artists and celebrities.

“This unique program, Shine On Minnesota, will bring Minnesotans together for an evening of uplifting messages and performances to support some critical needs in our community,” said FOX 9 Senior Vice President General Manager, Sheila Oliver.  “Shine On Minnesota is for Minnesota, by Minnesota and benefitting Minnesota and we are thrilled to bring well-known Minnesotans together to raise funds for those who need it most.”  

“This event is a great example of bringing Minnesota together to give back to those who are working hard through the pandemic, and we’re excited to be a part of this broadcast,” said David Safar, The Current’s managing director.  “This is an especially important time to amplify the voices of our Minnesota music scene. With a wide range of local talent on deck, Shine On MN will be the light for all Minnesotans in a time that has felt very dark for many.” 

Hosted by Jason Matheson, host of “The Jason Show,” Alix Kendall, anchor of “Fox 9 Morning News,” MPR News’ Cathy Wurzer and The Current’s Jill Riley.  The May 10 broadcast event will raise funds for local nonprofits that help Minnesotans who are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In partnership with GiveMN, all proceeds from the “Shine On Minnesota” broadcast event will be donated to:

• Second Harvest Heartland to support efforts to provide food security to Minnesotans in need; 
• Springboard for the Arts to support Minnesota artists during the pandemic; and
• MN Central Kitchen to help the restaurant industry tackle hunger and layoffs brought on by the pandemic.

Abbott, a global health technology company with eight facilities in Minnesota, will generously match all donations up to $50,000. Abbott helps people live more fully with their life-changing technologies and products. In recent weeks, it has launched three new diagnostics tests to help in the fight against COVID-19, and with its foundation, the Abbott Fund, is supporting relief efforts globally, providing millions in funding and products to help frontline workers and communities in need.

“Shine On Minnesota” will showcase videos, performances, uplifting moments and messages submitted by some of Minnesota’s favorite artists and celebrities.

“We’ve seen music’s power in connecting us all,” said Brian Newhouse, managing director, Classical MPR. “We love that this is an opportunity to spotlight Minnesota’s many talents, while lifting up our community at a time when we need it most.”

For updates on feature entertainment, guests, event details and more, follow FOX 9 on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Try a Virtual Puzzle from Meet Minneapolis

For anyone currently stuck with extra time on their hands - Meet Minneapolis has 14 digital puzzles showcasing popular landmarks across the city. Here's one example:

Be Prepared for the New 2020 Mill City Farmers Market Shopping Experience

Please familiarize yourself with the new reality of Farmers Markets in the COVID-19 world

Farmers markets are a vital part of our food system and are essential to our farmers. The State of Minnesota considers farmers markets essential grocery providers, and the Mill City Farmers Market plans to remain open every Saturday May through October, unless otherwise directed by officials. 

Some significant changes await you at the 2020 outdoor season, which begins this Saturday, May 2. Please read this information, pre-order/pre-pay online whenever possible, and allow yourself extra time, as safety precautions and social distancing will be top priorities.

Directives via the Mill City Farmers Market website: 

When you pre-order/pre-pay online, your packaged order will be waiting for you at the vendor's booth.We have made many changes to the market to ensure the community's safety, including limiting numbers of customers and entry points and adding space between vendor's stalls to be in compliance with CDC's physical distancing guidelines. We have also cancelled market events including cooking demos, sampling, music and other entertainment.

Farmers markets have long been places to gather and build community. However, this season we must follow public health recommendations and resist the urge to linger and socialize. Please help us ensure a safe environment for everyone by following our new rules.

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2020 MARKET RULES:

• Stay home if you or someone in your home are sick.
• 8 - 9 a.m. is for immunocompromised shoppers.
• Maintain 6-foot distance from others.
• No dogs.
• Wear a face mask or covering. Our vendors and staff are wearing masks to protect you. Please wear a mask to protect them too. Many of our vendors live in rural communities, where an outbreak would be devastating to small-town hospitals.
• Limit shoppers to 1 if possible. A 2nd shopper may wait at our entrance to help carry items or pairs may separate to pick up items from multiple vendors more efficiently.
• No eating. Takeout is available from vendors at 2nd St. & Chicago Ave.
• Don't touch. Let vendors serve you.
• Limit socializing. Keep your visit short and do not linger, socialize or congregate inside the market, so our vendors can serve as many customers as possible. Save conversations for digital platforms.
• Shop efficiently. Preorder online, and shop with a grocery list. 

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  - 

To help you plan your visit, here is the May 2 Market Map.

May 2 Vendor List (those offering pre-order/pre-pay will have hyperlinks). 

 -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  - 

Editors Note:

I'm stressing this because I care deeply for the well-being of the MCFM vendors, staff and volunteers.

While all vendors will be offering traditional walk-up sales and accept cash and Market Tokens, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE pre-order/pre-pay; and for the vendors who aren't currently offering online ordering, use a card for contactless payment with vendors who offer it. You can still get tokens at the information booth, but this is not preferred for the 2020 season.

Thank you for continuing to support the MCFM. A little inconvenience is worth it to me to have access to quality produce, cheeses, eggs, meats and other products from local producers - and I hope you feel the same way!

Kim :)

Theater Latte Da's At Home Series: Sally Wingert

Reprinted with the permission of Theater Latté Da

Editors Note: Theater Latté Da's At Home with... interviews their family of artists to hear what is inspiring them (and keeping them sane) during these days of social distancing. Below they feature actress Sally Wingert, who has graced their stage in performances ranging from Maria Callas in Master Class, Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd and The Librarian in Underneath the Lintel.

Q:  Do you have a daily ritual that's keeping you grounded these days?

A:  My daily, grounding ritual is taking a long, sometimes 2-hour morning walk with my dog, Richie Tozier (yes, you read that right! Sally's dog is named after a character in Stephen King's novel, IT). We got him as a rescue last summer and he has proved to be one of the best decisions we have ever made. My husband Tim and I are smitten with him. Nature grounds me and I can almost forget the crisis our world is in.

Q:  What are you reading?

A:  Here is the list of books by my bedside:

   - City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert

   - Missing Mom by Joyce Carol Oates

   - The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

   - Searching for MInnesota's Native Wildflowers by Phyllis Root

   - A Lady's Life in the Rocky Mountains by Isabella Bird 

Q:  Is there a work of art--a song/poem/piece of music - that sustains you?

A:  I am writing this the day after John Prine's death. His music has been a soundtrack to our family's life. Songs like Hello in There, Sam Stone, All the Best, In Spite of Ourselves, Summer's End...really any and all of his songs. Such humanity.

Q:  Any TV shows or series you’re streaming (okay, bingeing)?

A:  Yes!!!

   - Killing Eve (OMG...Soo good. A little scary, a little funny and those women, all of them are fantastic)

   - High Maintenance (Idiosyncratic, compassionate look at human beings) Ozark (Especially Season three)

   - Unorthodox (I just started watching this. Already obsessed)

Q:  Of the roles you've played at Theater Latté Da, which is your favorite?

A:  Seriously, I cannot name a favorite. I could wax rhapsodic about every character I've played for Latté Da, which says more about the astonishing opportunities that theater has given me than it does about my affinity to them. I am grateful to Peter Rothstein for my career, and I mean that. That said, I have been thinking a lot about Maria Callas (who I played in Terrence McNally's play Master Class at Latté Da) because of Terrence McNally's death. I loved playing her. I loved what she said about art. I loved just how flawed she was and how ferocious she was. See clips from Master Class.

Q:  If you could throw a Fantasy Dinner Party (since that's the only kind we can throw right now!) who would be on the guest list?

A:  Because of these times, it would be all my family, both mine and Tim's. The real fantasy would be to have our deceased parents there.

Q:  What are you doing to feel creative or productive in this time?

A:  I am not feeling productive. I feel fragile. But I see other artists' practice and their productivity, and I marvel and gather strength from them.

Q:  Are you cooking? Is there a recipe you'd like to share?

A:  Am I cooking?? Does a bear...?? (I'll let you finish that thought, Dear Reader) Tim and I are cooking a lot. I also bake a bit. Recently the Bittersweet Brownie Shortbread from the NYTimes was yummy.

Q:  Would you share a quote that's meaningful to you?

A:  "I am a woman and a serious artist, and I would like so to be judged."- Maria Callas

Q:  This series is called "At Home with..." How about a selfie of you at home?

A:  Sure! Glamor, be damned... here’s me in my kitchen. 

Coming Together For Our River: 2019 Annual Report from Friends of the Mississippi River

April 25 e-letter from Whitney Clark, Executive Director, Friends of the Mississippi River

I’ve been thinking lately about an animated map making the rounds on the web. In the map, our continent is stripped of borders and state lines. A satellite image boasts the deep greens of the Midwest, the dark signature of our great lakes, the tawny dry western deserts. Through the middle, as if an artery between east and west, a deep blue line runs from north to south, from creek to sea. Hundreds of other turquoise lines race to join. By the end of the animation, more than half of the land is covered by these veins through one body of blue: Our Mississippi River watershed.

You can watch the full animation in our interactive 2019 annual report. There, you'll also find stories of how you joined together for the river last year. These stories are proof of your far-reaching collective impact, calling to mind the wide sweep of that stunning animation.

Animated watershed map made with images by NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio and U.S. Geological Survey EROS Center. The Blue Marble data is courtesy of Reto Stockli (NASA/GSFC).

From protecting drinking water for all to creating habitat for more than 20 at-risk species; from generating a new Youth Empowerment Program to organizing for a right response to a riverfront toxic waste dump — we’re so proud and so grateful to do this work with you.

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Last year, we spent more than 10,000 hours together learning about and stewarding this land. This year will be different.

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COVID-19 presents a serious, inequitable threat to members of our communities. What can protect us is coming together with and for one another, not physically, but in the spirit of an ethic of interdependence. This pandemic makes clear what has always been true: that we are responsible for each other’s well-being.

That ethic is not unlike the one you hold for this beloved, threatened river that runs through us and connects us to each other. Our Mississippi River binds us to the sandhill cranes journeying north, to the western deserts and to the eastern forests, to every barge worker, farmer and paddler, every industrial town and bustling city in our shared watershed.

You are at the heart of this vital movement for a healthy Mississippi River. In this challenging season, may you drink deeply from the river. May the river carry you safely through.

With sincere gratitude,

Whitney L. Clark

Executive Director, Friends of the Mississippi River

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P.S. We're celebrating Earth Day all month! Join us or make a gift for the river.

Minneapolis Police Precinct 1 Update - Bicycle Thefts

Via an April 24 e-announcement:

Between 3/1/2020 – 4/20/2020 there have been 30 bicycle thefts in the First Precinct.

• The incidents have been primarily in the North Loop and Loring Park communities.

• Eighteen of these incidents have been in the last week.

• Fifteen have taken place at 5 locations over this time period. Please be aware.

• One suspect in these incidents has been identified, arrested and charged, although he is currently NOT being held.

• A map and tips for residents and management are located on this flyer.

• Questions or concerns can be directed to the First Precinct at 612-673-5701 or email Crime Prevention Specialist, Renee Allen, at renee.allen@minneapolismn.gov. 

April 24 Newsletter from Council Member Lisa Goodman

The news this week has shown that people are starting to get restless as it pertains to the various stay at home orders issued by governors around the county. Although I can understand the frustration, this is not the time to give in and throw away the progress that has been made through our stay home order. I personally support Governor Walz’s position and trust that he is making conscious, thoughtful decisions based on fact. I also believe that he and his team will put together a comprehensive plan that is in the best interest of maintaining the health of our state and communities.

Below we will once again share information and I am also going to share about a special Ward 7 business that within one week of needing to close to the public, came up with a new way to bring hope and creativity to the community.

Keep the faith and hold tight and continue to care for yourself and others.

Lisa

Ward 7 Spotlight

ARTrageous Adventures is a small art studio on 21st and Penn Ave that had to close its doors, as so many other small businesses, due to being considered a non-essential business. In order to keep its art instructors employed they decided to create a new different business model. They are now putting together ARTrageous BOXED Adventures and delivering them to homes throughout the Twin Cities. The kits are meant to help kids create art with their families.

ARTrageous currently offers a preschool, school aged and teen box with many different seasonal themes such as the recently released eARTh Day box and the upcoming May Day box. The May Day box will highlight the annual tradition of the Heart of the Beasts' May Day parade that sadly won't be happening this year. They are hoping to bring smiles to families throughout the city with these products. There is even a Birthday Box to commemorate the special day, especially since so many birthday parties have had to be cancelled. Each box comes with the supplies and an instructional booklet to create up to 5 projects. You also receive a fun follow up email that has a video link with a DIY on how to turn your ARTrageous box into something special for each theme so families are encouraged to reARTcycle to create no waste.

Some community members asked how they could help ARTrageous if they did not have children. This led to the idea for a Donation Box that could be purchased by any community member to be delivered to a Senior Facility, Foster Home or family in need. Jones Harrison was the first recipient of this idea and CIDNA has supported this project by approving a delivery of May Day baskets to each resident there. Recently the National Kidney Foundation reached out requesting a donation from ARTrageous to deliver boxes to families who have children with chronic kidney disease who are in isolation. 

If you would like more information about purchasing a box for your family or for another please go to www.ARTrageousAdventures.com.

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2020 Spring Street Sweeping Continues

Below you will find a basic guide for street sweeping dates by neighborhood.

Please be aware these dates are subject to change so please follow the actual street sweeping link for the most accurate and up to date information.

• http://www.minneapolismn.gov/publicworks/streetsweeping/

Bryn Mawr:

• Week of April 27

Cedar/Isles/Dean:

• Week of April 27

East Isles:

• North/South
  • Emerson, Fremont (week of April 27)
  • Girard, Humboldt (week of May 11)
  • Irving: North of 26th Street (week of May 11)
  • Irving: South of 26th Street (week of May 4)
  • James: (week of May 4)

• East/West
  • 28th Street (week of April 27)
  • 22nd, 24th, 25th, 25½th, 26th and 27th Streets (week of May 4)

• Euclid Place & Lake Place
  • (week of May 4)

Kenwood:

• North/South
  • week of April 27

• East/West
  • week of May 4

Loring Park:

• East/West (week of May 4)
  • Oak Grove, 14th, 15th, 16th
• North/South (week of May 11)
  • Clifton, Groveland, Dell, Willow, Spruce, LaSalle, Nicollet, 1st Ave

Lowry Hill:

• East/West (week of May 4)

• North/South
  • Bryant, Colfax, Dupont, Emerson, Fremont, Logan, Morgan
    • (week of April 27)
  • Girard, Humboldt, Irving, James, Knox
    • (week of May 11)

Stevens Square:

• Pleasant Ave (week of April 27)
• Remainder (week of May 11)
• http://www.minneapolismn.gov/publicworks/streetsweeping/

City Has Begun Taking Applications for Gap Funding Applications for Renters

The City of Minneapolis began taking applications April 22 for the City’s $3 million in Gap Funds for Housing for renters. The online application opened at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, April 22, and will close at noon on Monday, April 27.

Apply online or call:

• Applicants can apply online or call the Tenant Resource Center at 612-302-3180. Callers will need to leave a voicemail message. An intake worker will return the voicemail message within three days.
• The Gap Funds for Housing will establish an Emergency Housing Assistance program for citywide emergency rental assistance and open the successful, existing Stable Homes Stable Schools initiative to all Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) elementary schools.
• The amount of assistance provided will depend on the individual needs of the household, taking into consideration other resources the household is eligible to receive. In most cases, the maximum amount of assistance will not exceed $1,500 per household, but providers will have the flexibility to provide up to $2,000 under extraordinary circumstances. Eligible expenses include rent payments, utility payments and/or other housing stability related costs.
• Payments will be made directly to the rental property owner, utility company or the housing cost payee.
• The City has worked with the Tenant Resource Center to establish a broad team of Community Prevention Providers to facilitate the Emergency Housing Assistance program.
• Learn more about Minneapolis Gap Funds for Housing.

Donations for Gap Funding

The City is open to accepting donations from private individuals or entities for the Gap Funds for Housing and the forgivable 0% interest loans for Small Business Program. Donors could direct their donations to be expended in a manner consistent with the program guidelines but would not have any additional control over how the donation is allocated. Please contact the City if you are interested in donating.

Minneapolis Property Owners Can Buy Trees for $25.00 (Through May 1)

• This year Minneapolis offers twice as many low cost trees for property owners to plant on their private property (not to be planted on boulevards)
• 22 Varieties available (including large species, flowering and several kinds of fruit trees)
  • Comparable trees cost $125 at a nursery
• Trees are available on a first-come, first served basis for residents, businesses and nonprofits (limit one tree per address)
• Trees must be picked up May 16, 17 or 18 at the Minneapolis Impound Lot
• ORDER THROUGH: https://mpls-tree-sale.myshopify.com/

City Extends Comment Period for the draft Minneapolis Transportation Action Plan

• The new deadline is May 22, 2020
• Check out the program or comment at: http://go.minneapolismn.gov/
• This 10 year action plan will guide future planning, design and implementation of transportation projects for all people in all the ways they get around
• Staff will hold its first online open house on the Transportation Action Plan
  • Monday, April 13 (4:30-5:30 pm)

City Extends Comment Period for Neighborhoods 2020

• The new deadline is July 15, 2020
• Check out the program information at: www.minneapolismn.gov/neighborhoods2020
• You can submit comments:
  • Email: neighborhoods2020@minneapolismn.gov
  • Phone: 612-673-3737
  • Mail: Neighborhood and Community Relations; 105 Fifth Ave South; Suite 425, Minneapolis, MN 55401

Situational Update as of 12pm, April 22

There are over 2.6 million confirmed cases worldwide. There have been over 180,000 deaths globally. CDC has issued a global Level 3 Travel Warning and a recommendation that anyone returning from international travel self-quarantine for 14 days.

There are 830,789 confirmed cases in the US with new cases being updated rapidly. The US is now the country with the highest number of cases and deaths by a significant margin. A total of 45,153 deaths have been reported in the US.

There are 2,721 cases in Minnesota out of approximately 49,344 tested (combined MDH Lab + Private Numbers). There have been 179 deaths from COVID-19 in Minnesota. There are 1,073 cases and 113 deaths in Hennepin County.

There are 281 cases in the City of Minneapolis and 35 deaths. The City is sharing Minneapolis specific daily case counts through a public facing dashboard at www.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/dashboard.

Congregate living facilities in Minneapolis continue to see new cases and represent about one-third of confirmed cases.

MDH is using strict testing criteria to focus on the highest priority specimens, including hospitalized patients. Health care workers and those in congregate living settings such as long-term care and correctional facilities continue to be given high priority.

Resources

• City of Minneapolis: http://minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/index.htm
• Impacts to Services:  How Coronavirus is impacting City Services.
  • http://www.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/WCMSP-223375
  • NOTE: This link has links to dozens of city departments and services
• FAQS on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
  • http://minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/WCMSP-223282
• FAQS for Businesses
  • http://www.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/WCMSP-223299
• Contact the Minneapolis Small Business Team:
• 612-673-2499 (BIZZ) or SmallBusiness@minneapolismn.gov.
• Community Support
  • http://www.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/WCMSP-223288
• Housing
  • http://www.mnhousing.gov/sites/Satellite?c=Page&cid=1520221592207&pagename=External%2FPage%2FEXTStandardLayout
• Resources in multiple languages
  • https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/materials/index.html
• Minnesota Department of Health
  • https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html
• Center for Disease Control
  • https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

• State of Minnesota Dedicated COVID-19 Hotlines:
  • Community (schools, child care, business) questions
    • 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504 (7:00 am – 7:00 pm)
  • Health questions
    • 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903 (7:00 am – 7:00 pm)

judy.sherin@minneapolismn.gov or call at 612-673-2207 

Weekend Closure of the Third Avenue Bridge Begins May 15

Via an April 24 e-notice from MnDOT:

Weekend closure of the Third Avenue Bridge begins May 15

Beginning at 10 p.m. Fri, May 15 through 5 a.m. Mon, May 18, the Third Ave. Bridge will be fully closed so crews can prepare for the upcoming bridge work. Motorists, transit riders, and people walking and bicycling will need to use alternative routes across the river during this time.

Partial bridge closure begins mid-May

Starting Mon, May 18, the Third Ave. Bridge will be reduced to a single lane in each direction through December. Traffic will not be detoured at this time, but we encourage commuters to plan ahead and expect delays during peak travel times.

A transit-only center lane down the middle of the bridge will support buses traveling into downtown Minneapolis during the weekday morning commute. During the weekday afternoon commute, this center lane will reverse direction and support buses leaving downtown Minneapolis.

Pedestrians and bicyclists will share the protected sidewalks on the bridge. Sharing the path during the closure may require extra care while passing.

Full bridge closure starting January 2021

There will be a full closure of the bridge from January 2021 through November 2022. Motorists, transit riders, and people walking and bicycling will need to use alternative routes across the river during this time.

MnDOT road work has been identified as a critical service in Gov. Tim Walz’s Stay at Home executive order. We are being as flexible as possible with schedules during this period of lower traffic volumes to keep projects moving forward and minimize the impact to motorists. Following guidance from state and federal health officials, and to prevent further spread of COVID-19, crews will maintain social distancing practices while working.

More about this project

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

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

For more information, visit the project website at: mndot.gov/metro/projects/hwy65andthirdavebridge.

Stay connected

• Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/mndot and Twitter: @mndot
• Sign up for Metro area weekend traffic impacts email updates
• Be ready. Know your route: mndot.gov/knowyourroute
• Email the project team: connect@thirdavebridgeclosure.com
• Project hotline: 612-547-7968
• For real-time travel information anywhere in Minnesota visit 511mn.org or dial 5-1-1

Arbor Day is April 24: Celebrate the Trees Near You!

Via an April 24 e-newsletter from Minneapolis Park & Rec Board

* * Celebrate Arbor Day on April 24 * * 

How do we love trees? Let us count the ways...

We wish we could invite everyone to this year's Arbor Day festival, which would have celebrated urban street trees.

Instead, due to the ongoing response to COVID-19, we're opting to share some tree-mendous ways that everyone can enjoy, celebrate and help the trees all around us. 

Scroll down for more - and a look at the new trees just added to a new Minneapolis neighborhood.

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Tree I.D.: Get to know the trees in your neighborhood Can you tell a sugar maple from a silver or red maple? Learning a little something about the trees living near you can be rewarding all around (same goes for your human neighbors!).  Anyone can become a whiz at identifying trees, using these tools from our research and outreach partners at the University of Minnesota’s UFore Nursery & Lab: Tree Identification Cards - Download or print cards with photos and general characteristics for 51 trees, from amur maackia to willows.   Beginners Guide to Tree I.D. - Coniferous or deciduous? That’s first step to figuring out what you’re looking at with this 20-page guide to 35 trees commonly to Minnesota.

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Adopt a tree No housebreaking or litterbox training. No obedience classes. All an adopted street tree asks of you is water - once a week through the current growing season. Brewing a Better Forest has thousands of public trees available for adoption: Select yours today.    Join the family! Beyond adoption, consider joining the Family of Trees, a new project based in North Minneapolis. Their dual mission is to grow both the urban tree canopy and environmental engagement to help address climate change. They have many ways for everyone to help.  Get a new, green-leaved pen pal Strike up a virtual correspondence with a new friend at Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park in south Minneapolis. Get details from the Kingfield CommuniTree Forest, or take a virtual visit to the park to select a tree right now.

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Room to spare? Plant a tree there! The Minneapolis City Trees Program offers trees for $25 to Minneapolis property owners, until May 1 or whenever all trees are sold. You can also consider other local or online sources, including the Arbor Day Foundation. Get help in selecting, planting and caring for your new tree with a visit to the Arbor Month page at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Earth Day All Month: Give trees a cleaner, greener home  Join in this year's Do-It-Yourself version of MPRB's Minneapolis Earth Day Clean-up, taking place through the end of April. Volunteers are collecting trash in their neighborhoods and nearby parks, and sharing photos of their cleanup on the @MPLSEarthDay Facebook page. Get details there or at www.minneapolisparks.org/earthday.

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Arbor Day prequel: Welcome some of Minneapolis’ newest residents

Last week, MPRB forestry crews planted more than 100 trees in downtown's North Loop neighborhood, along North Third Street between Fifth and Tenth avenues - the site originally planned to host the Arbor Day festival. The trees are one of the finishing touches on a project that reconstructed the street to better serve people walking, biking, using transit or driving.

Downtown streets may be the toughest place for a young tree to grow. But the reconstructed stretch of North Third Street has a boulevard with extra space for water to infiltrate and tree roots to grow. This "continuous open boulevard" feature allows trees to grow healthier and live longer.

The rendering below shows North Third Street in a few years, with trees well on their way to providing a lush canopy. Good street trees make great neighborhoods!

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More new trees are coming to streets and parks near you

You're bound to find newcomers in your neighborhood and the local park: We're planting more than 9,400 trees across the city this year! Later this spring, we'll send an update with tree profiles on some of your new neighbors.

Minneapolis Parks Foundation Community Profile: Doug and Nancy Verdier

Article by Christine Moir, Minneapolis Parks Foundation, via an April 22 e-newsletter.

Mill District residents, Nancy and Doug Verdier

This month we welcome Doug and Nancy Verdier’s park story to the blog. Doug and Nancy have been supporting the Parks Foundation since 2008. We are grateful for long-time donors like them. Their support has also included critical volunteer work including Doug taking photos of the Water Works project as construction progresses. 

Recently, Doug and Nancy have been donating through both qualified charitable distributions from an IRA and from their donor advised fund. The Minneapolis Parks Foundation as a 501(c)(3) can accept these donations at any time throughout the year. Gifts from donor advised funds have become more popular in recent years and the Parks Foundation works with corporate and community foundations to help donor advisers make their gift.

Doug and Nancy also give through a qualified charitable distribution which is a wonderful way to give for donors 70 1/2 or older to give to their favorite charity. It is a simple process of requesting your IRA distribution to go directly to a charity (like the Parks Foundation!). They are a great way to support your favorite non-profit while often giving a tax benefit to you.*

A favorite childhood memory of being in a park:

Doug: I grew up in Waynesboro, a small town in South Central Pennsylvania, in the late 1940s and 1950s. Our Memorial Park included a large green space with baseball and softball fields, tennis courts, picnic areas and a paved walking trail. One corner of the park had a grassy slope where kids could roll down the hill in summer and sled in winter.

As the name implied, Memorial Park included a large area dedicated to remembering those who had served the country in war. A stone wall on one side of that area contained several large bronze plaques listing the names of town residents who died in wars from the Revolutionary War to the present day. In front of the wall was a tall flagpole where the American flag always flew. As a young kid, I did not really grasp the significance of our annual Memorial Day ceremonies there. I was more focused on playing Little League baseball on the field near the war memorial area. Today I have a greater understanding and appreciation for the permanent recognition of the veterans whose names are on those bronze plaques in the park. I’m grateful that Waynesboro has a Memorial Park, and I’m glad for the memories of growing up there.

Nancy: When I was 4 years old, living in northern California, my family took a trip to Yosemite National Park. I remember the enthusiastic, reverential way my parents spoke of the soaring redwood trees, rugged mountains and breathtaking waterfalls. They wanted me to know how special this beautiful place was. As a result, the love of parks—large and small—has continued to grow throughout my life.

During my childhood, my family camped often in Virginia state parks and Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park. On a cross-country family trip, I remember my mother commenting on how the Midwest has always had the nicest city parks for families to enjoy. Today, my middle-aged daughters are passing on that family passion for parks to yet another generation!

What park experiences do you like to share with out-of-town guests?

We love to take visiting family members and guests to Minnehaha Regional Park. The shady trees, beautiful waterfall and lively park café make a fun, refreshing activity for visitors.

We also enjoy strolling with guests through Father Hennepin Park. The combination of abundant trees, walking paths filled with folks of all ages, and proximity to restaurants along the scenic brick-covered Main Street make this a favorite location for family and friends.

Why do you support the Minneapolis Parks Foundation?

Doug: I appreciate that the founders of Minneapolis included parks in their plans for the city. They obviously recognized the value of places to recreate and enjoy nature. That need exists today even more than it did in the early days of the city. Parks contribute in so many ways to the quality of life for everyone. But in order to continue to do that, they must be maintained and often improved. That takes planning and resources. The Minneapolis Parks Foundation has a key role in keeping our park system healthy, safe and beautiful.

Nancy and I are glad to support the mission of the Parks Foundation in a number of ways. First, we contribute financially. I designate the Parks Foundation as a recipient of Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD) from my Individual Retirement Account. It’s a great way to support the parks, and it helps reduce the taxes on my IRA distributions. Nancy created a donor-advised fund through Schwab Charitable. She put some of her investments into that fund, thus reducing our taxable income. And now, each year, she can request that dollars in that fund be directed to the Minneapolis Parks Foundation. It’s a win-win!

Another way that I support the parks is through conversations with neighbors, friends and visitors. For the past several years, I’ve been involved with the Parks Foundation in support of the new Water Works Park project underway across the street from our condo on First Street. I did this through articles I wrote for our condo newsletter, informing my neighbors of the evolving plans for the new park and encouraging them to get involved by participating in community information presentations as well as making donations to the project. To that end, I organized presentations by Parks Foundation staff the past three years for our condo residents to update them on the plans and progress and give residents an opportunity to provide staff with comments and feedback on the park design and amenities. Since construction has been underway, I have been taking photos of the construction at the site and providing them to the Foundation for use in their publications and website.

Nancy and I enjoy watching the day-to-day activity at the site and look forward to seeing the new park emerge from what once was an abandoned building and gravel parking lot. It’s going to be a beautiful, well-designed attraction along our riverfront. We are proud to be a part of that transformation and will enjoy frequent visits to Water Works Park.

*This is not financial advice. Please consult with a professional financial advisor. 

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Editor's Note - 

Mill City Times thanks Doug for submitting ongoing Water Works project progress photos. It's fun to watch the structures and grounds take shape!

Southbound Lane of East River Parkway Closes to Motor Vehicles on April 21 to Allow Pedestrians More Space for Social Distancing

Southbound lane of East River Parkway closes to motor vehicles, opens to pedestrians on April 21

Beginning tomorrow morning, April 21, the southbound lane of East River Parkway will close to motor vehicle traffic and open to pedestrians from Fulton Street SE to Emerald Street SE. Bicyclists are asked to stay on bike paths.

Map of East River Parkway Closure [PDF]

The East River Parkway closure joins closures already in place for Bde Maka Ska Parkway, Cedar Lake Parkway, Lake Harriet Parkway, Lake of the Isles Parkway, Lake Nokomis Parkway, West River Parkway and Main Street SE. Maps of every closure in the Minneapolis park system are posted on the MPRB Road Closures page.

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Parkways Closed to Motor Vehicles are for Pedestrians Only

Once closures go into effect:

• Parkway roads will be dedicated to two-way pedestrian traffic; cyclists should remain on bike trails.
• Walking paths will be dedicated to two-way pedestrian traffic.
• Bike paths will remain bike paths in their current direction, if applicable.

Exceptions and Conditions

• Emergency vehicles will be allowed on closed sections of parkways and streets at all times.
• Service, delivery and sanitation vehicles will be allowed on closed sections of parkways and streets as part of their regular operations. Vehicle drivers will be required to move and replace barricades.
• Access to residential buildings and residential parking facilities on closed sections of parkways and streets will be maintained.

Social Distancing

The Minneapolis Health Department, Minnesota Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control offer the following guidelines to limit the spread of COVID-19 when visiting parks:

• Bring a water bottle. MPRB water fountains remain turned off for the health and safety of park users.
• Bring disinfectant wipes or hand sanitizer. MPRB restroom buildings remain closed.
• Do not use parks if you feel sick or have symptoms, including fever, body aches, coughing, nasal congestion, runny nose and sore throat.
• Cover your cough with your elbow, don’t cough into your hands.
• Wash your hands immediately before and after visiting a park or trail.
• Maintain at least six feet of distance between you and other people that are not a part of your household.

Stay Updated

Visit minneapolisparks.org/coronavirus for more information on the MPRB's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Receive timely email updates by visiting minneapolisparks.org/subscribe, entering your email and selecting the “COVID-19” topic in the “News Updates” section.

Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board and the City of Minneapolis Announce the 2020 Do-It-Yourself Earth Day Clean-Up

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB), along with the City of Minneapolis, invite residents to participate in this year's Do-It-Yourself Minneapolis Earth Day Clean-Up, through the end of April.

 

The Minneapolis Earth Day Clean-Up has been the city's largest community service project for many years. Since 2008, more than 20,000 residents have removed more than 160,000 pounds of garbage from Minneapolis parks, neighborhoods, and watersheds.

 

To keep volunteers safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19, the 2020 cleanup - during the 50th anniversary of Earth Day - is going forward as a DIY project. Everyone is encouraged to share photos of their cleanup: a great way to show what we can all accomplish #alonetogether.

 

No registration needed! Just follow these steps:

1) Use a trash bag from home.

2) Head to a nearby park or trail to pick up trash (while getting fresh air and exercise).

3) Practice social distancing and other current COVID-19 guidelines. Learn more at www.minneapolisparks.org/coronavirus-covid-19-information/

4) Share photos of your trash haul on MPRB's @MPLSEarthDay Facebook page and get a prize!

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Event contact:

Erica Chua, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board

612-230-6479 / echua@minneapolisparks.org 

April 17 Newsletter from Council Member Lisa Goodman

Mask made by Ward 7 resident Margaret Anderson KelliherAs I sit here writing these thoughts for our newsletter, I’m in my den overlooking a quiet street in Bryn Mawr, and I’m reminded of the slogan I’ve seen and heard so many times over the past month: Alone - Together.  It is true that we are being asked to stay at home and that has been hard but through this situation we have discovered new and creative ways of connecting and by embracing the stay at home order we are truly helping ourselves and our community.

As we go through this scary and uncertain time and when we come out the other side, we know that things are going to be different.  There are friends, family, neighbors and colleagues that will be affected directly or indirectly by the physical disease as well as the horrible economic impacts associated with this pandemic.  We will be challenged to figure out how to comfort and support those we care about, even if we are not able to be with them in person.

Despite our best efforts, we are going to lose some of our local and beloved small businesses.  Even with the extra financial assistance government is providing, there are those that will not have the necessary reserves to weather the storm.  This is a definite source of sadness for many of us and at every level we will feel and experience the loss of favorite restaurants, small businesses, arts organizations, nonprofits and even neighbors who fall ill or loved one that succumb to this disease.  The days and months ahead will be a time of adjustment, mourning, and allowing ourselves time to grieve these losses.

For me the biggest loss is the loss of time and important experiences that bind us together.  Not being able to gather over the Passover Seder was particularly hard for me. We are also missing out on the other important life events like Easter, graduation, prom, neighborhood annual meetings, the opening of theatre productions, even fundraisers to help our favorite organizations. These are the things that bind us together and create memories when times are hard.

In the darkness there is also light.  Daily I see people stepping up to do the right thing and to do what they can to care for other people.  I see this in big ways through the work of the staff and leadership in the City of Minneapolis and at the State of Minnesota. I see and appreciate the commitment of our health care workers and first responders as well as our front-line workers in grocery stores including our local Bryn Mawr market.  I see the small and significant ways neighbors are stepping up to help the person down the street that needs a helping hand, sharing a hot meal or a homemade mask. There are also the anonymous donations of food to hospital workers and the passionate support of local restaurants still offering food and those that are buying gift certificates to help provide a source of income, so they care for their employees.

We know that our state and community has done a really good job with social distancing to help keep the infection rate low, all the while just wanting to hug those we care about. We embraced social distancing early and now we up the ante by choosing to wear face coverings when we go out in public. We do this knowing this doesn’t to protect us but those around us. This is yet another simple and selfless action I see people take to show they care for their neighbors and their community.

I find inspiration in our collective actions, seeing businesses able to continue operating due to community support and in the ways we all continue to work to ensure the safety and needs of our neighbors and the lives saved due to flattening the curve.

We are in a unique and interesting time in our history and in the midst of the upheaval and the feelings of isolation we get to see the goodness of people and to practice kindness by caring for those around us.  My wish to you all is that you continue to take care of yourselves and those around you.

Lisa

2020 Spring Street Sweeping Reminder

As we do every Spring and Fall, the City of Minneapolis is set to begin the Spring Street Sweeping the week of April 20, 2020.

• Please pay attention through the look up feature on the City Web Page so you are not caught off guard. While many of us are using our cars far less frequently, I don’t want anyone to get towed while this is underway.
• Specific schedules are not yet available but you can check the city web page for updates at http://www.minneapolismn.gov/publicworks/streetsweeping/

2020 Collection of Leaves and Bundled Brush Reminder

• Just in time as the weather continues to improve and we all find ourselves wanting to spend more time outside,
• Starting this week (Beginning April 6, 2020) Minneapolis Solid Waste will once again be accepting yard waste as part of their regular pick up services.

Coronavirus Response Resources Available for Minneapolis Small Businesses

Businesses across Minneapolis have shut their doors or changed their operations to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. This presents an unprecedented challenge, but there are resources available to support small businesses, independent contractors, and non-profit organizations in this time. To stay up to date as new information is available, visit the City of Minneapolis Coronavirus FAQs for business and check out this excellent guide from Minnesota DEED.

• Payroll Protection Program: Forgivable loans for up to 2.5 months of payroll expenses for business who keep their employees
• SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Long-term loans up-to-$2 million at 3.75%, includes an up-front $10,000 grant
• Pandemic Unemployment Assistance: Unemployment benefits for those who do not typically qualify, such as independent contractors and self-employed people.
• Minnesota Small Business Emergency Loan: Interest-free loans of $2,500-$35,000 for businesses impacted by the Governor’s temporary closure orders. Loans are partially forgivable.
• City of Minneapolis Forgivable, No-Interest Loan: $5,000-$10,000 forgivable, no-interest for small businesses and self-employed people with fewer than 20 employees or under $1 million in revenue and located in certain parts of the city. The deadline is Monday, April 20 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon). Apply today!

This information may feel overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate it alone. The City of Minneapolis has expanded Business Technical Assistance Program services to make sure that you have an expert to talk to about your specific situation. You can also contact the City’s Small Business Team at 612-673-2499 or smallbusiness@minneapolismn.gov. We are all in this together.

Internet Service Enhancements in Response to COVID-19

U.S. Internet (USI)

• USI opened its Wi-Fi network in Minneapolis for those who may need temporary internet access.
  • Select the “City of Minneapolis Public Wi-Fi” or “USI Wireless” network on your mobile device and you will be connected. The process is similar to using Wi-Fi at a coffee shop or the airport.
  • A password, credit card or social security number is not is required to sign-in.
  • These networks are available throughout the City of Minneapolis. Check the signal strength for your best option based on your location.
  • Go to the Wireless Minneapolis webpage for the Wi-Fi coverage map.
  • Contact US Internet for more information or to get help over the phone.

Comcast

• Comcast opened its Xfinity Wi-Fi network and is offering unlimited data for free.
  • For a map of Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots, visit www.xfinity.com/wifi.
  • Once at a hotspot, select the “xfinitywifi” network name and open your internet browser.
  • Internet Essentials is free to new customers.
  • Refer to Comcast's COVID-19 resources for additional details and how to get help.

See the Get Connected guide for ongoing low cost internet and computers resources in Minneapolis.

City Extends Comment Period for Neighborhoods 2020

• The new deadline is July 15, 2020
• Check out the program information at: www.minneapolismn.gov/neighborhoods2020
• You can submit comments:
  • Email: neighborhoods2020@minneapolismn.gov
  • Phone: 612-673-3737
  • Mail: Neighborhood and Community Relations; 105 Fifth Ave South; Suite 425, Minneapolis, MN 55401

City Extends Comment Period for the draft Minneapolis Transportation Action Plan

• The new deadline is May 22, 2020
• Check out the program or comment at: http://go.minneapolismn.gov/
• This 10 year action plan will guide future planning, design and implementation of transportation projects for all people in all the ways they get around
• Staff will hold its first online open house on the Transportation Action Plan
  • Monday, April 13 (4:30-5:30 pm)

Minneapolis Property Owners Can Buy Trees for $25.00

• This year Minneapolis offers twice as many low cost trees for property owners to plant on their private property (not to be planted on boulevards)
• 22 Varieties available (including large species, flowering and several kinds of fruit trees)
  • Comparable trees cost $125 at a nursery
• Trees are available on a first-come, first served basis for residents, businesses and nonprofits (limit one tree per address)
• Trees must be picked up May 16, 17 or 18 at the Minneapolis Impound Lot
• ORDER THROUGH: https://mpls-tree-sale.myshopify.com/

Situational Update as of 12pm, April 15

There are over 2 million confirmed cases worldwide. There have been over 130,000 deaths globally. CDC has issued a global Level 3 Travel Warning and recommendation that anyone returning from international travel self-quarantine for 14 days.

There are 631,187 confirmed cases in the US with new cases being updated rapidly. The US is now the country with the highest number of cases and deaths by a significant margin. A total of 26,950 deaths have been reported in the US.

There are 1,809 cases in Minnesota out of approximately 40,242 tested (combined MDH Lab + Private Numbers). There have been 87 deaths from COVID-19 in Minnesota. There are 651 cases and 46 deaths in Hennepin County.

The City will begin sharing Minneapolis specific daily case counts through a public facing dashboard later this week.

Twenty-seven long-term care facilities in Hennepin County and twelve in Minneapolis have seen at least one case of COVID-19 among either a resident or staff.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has reported that social distancing may be having an impact in that COVID cases are doubling every eight days instead of the expected doubling of cases every one or two days.

MDH is using strict testing criteria to focus on the highest priority specimens, including hospitalized patients. Health care workers and those in congregate living settings such as long-term care and correctional facilities continue to be given high priority.

The Stay At Home order is in effect to May 4.

Current mitigation strategies such as the closures of bars/restaurants will stay in place through May 4, and schools will provide for distance learning through May 4

Resources

• City of Minneapolis: http://minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/index.htm
• Impacts to Services:  How Coronavirus is impacting City Services.
  • http://www.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/WCMSP-223375
  • NOTE: This link has links to dozens of city departments and services
• FAQS on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
  • http://minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/WCMSP-223282
• FAQS for Businesses
  • http://www.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/WCMSP-223299
• Contact the Minneapolis Small Business Team:
• 612-673-2499 (BIZZ) or SmallBusiness@minneapolismn.gov.
• Community Support
  • http://www.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/WCMSP-223288
• Housing
  • http://www.mnhousing.gov/sites/Satellite?c=Page&cid=1520221592207&pagename=External%2FPage%2FEXTStandardLayout
• Resources in multiple languages
  • https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/materials/index.html
• Minnesota Department of Health
  • https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html
• Center for Disease Control
  • https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

• State of Minnesota Dedicated COVID-19 Hotlines:
  • Community (schools, child care, business) questions
    • 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504 (7:00 am – 7:00 pm)
  • Health questions
    • 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903 (7:00 am – 7:00 pm)

judy.sherin@minneapolismn.gov or call at 612-673-2207

Celebrating National Park Week, April 18-26...Virtually!

Next week is National Park Week! Join Mississippi Park Connection and the National Park Service each day for a virtual celebration of America's greatest conservation triumph.

Catch a web talk from a ranger, then head out for some properly distanced perusing of your local national park. To see the full list of events, visit the event page.

National Park Week: Junior Ranger Day                                                                   Saturday, April 18 - 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Junior Ranger Day celebrates a program that engages youth with national parks across the country through workbooks and activities. Mississippi National River and Recreation Area will host a Junior Ranger follow-along activity on Facebook Live at 10 AM CST.

National Park Week: Volunteer Appreciation Day
Sunday, April 19 - All Day

Volunteers are an integral part of practically everything Mississippi Park Connection and Mississippi National River and Recreation Area does to serve the community through youth education, environmental stewardship and public programming. Learn about their impact today and how you can get involved.

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National Park Week: Military Monday
Monday, April 20 - All Day

Perched above the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota River, Historic Fort Snelling will be celebrating its bicentennial anniversary in 2020! Learn more about this and other historical topics on the park’s website.

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National Park Week: Transportation Tuesday
Tuesday, April 21 - 10:00 AM  10:30 AM

Mississippi River Paddle Share is a self-serve kayak program that lets you rent a boat for up to three hours and paddle to a destination downriver. It is one of the most immersive ways to experience this national river park. Its fifth season in operation brings new routes and ways to have an on-water experience in the park. Join Ranger Lauren for a #CoffeeWithARanger presentation on Facebook Live to learn how the Paddle Share system works, get tips for planning your trip, and ask questions.

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National Park Week: Do-It-Yourself Earth Day
Wednesday, April 22 - All day

The holiday to honor the earth and promote healthy and sustainable environmental practices was founded 50 years ago in the United States in 1970. We believe that Earth Day is a state of mind and can be practiced and celebrated every day of the year, wherever you are. Learn how you can take action and make a difference.

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National Park Week: Throwback Thursday
Thursday, April 23 - All Day

To commemorate the centennial anniversary of the 19th amendment, we are debuting an online series of stories of women who’ve had a great impact on the Mississippi River and the river park. Do you know of someone, a historical figure or someone still alive today, who should be included in this series? If you would like to contribute your own essay or nominate a notable person to be featured, contact Anna at awaugh@parkconnection.org.

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National Park Week: Friendship Friday
Friday, April 24 - All Day

In times of joy and peace or sorrow and uncertainty, parks are an essential community space and resource. Just within the boundaries of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, we see people benefiting from outdoor spaces in a myriad of ways. Parks bring the community back in balance by providing needed support. When we care for the river, we are caring for our community. Nearly every national park in the country has a friends group or co-op that gives monetary, programming, staffing and/or operational support. Mississippi Park Connection works side by side with the National Park Service to bring educational programming, environmental stewardship opportunities and fun events to the community surrounding the park.

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National Park Week: Discover Your MN Park
Saturday, April 25 - 10:00 AM  2:00 PM

In honor of National Park Week, NPS sites in Minnesota will host short virtual talks about trip planning and recreation so you can discover new parks from home! Tune into Facebook Live on April 25th to learn about exciting opportunities that await you at Minnesota’s national park sites.

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National Park Week: BARK Ranger Day
Sunday, April 26 - All Day

The BARK Ranger program is a fun and inclusive solution to help dogs and their owners enjoy the park while keeping it safe through stewardship.