Info to Help You Prepare for the 2020 Elections

Via an e-notice from Hennepin County:

It may only be May but election season has already begun. We are offering a variety of ways to participate in elections from home this year. Here are a few things you can already do to participate in the 2020 elections.

Register to vote

Register to vote online with the Secretary of State.

File for office

Candidate filing opens today for offices with a potential primary.  Candidates can file for office by mail, email or drop-off.  Candidate filing closes at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2. For more details visit our file for office webpage.

Apply for absentee ballots online

Apply for an absentee ballot online with the Secretary of State.

Some important dates to mark on your calendar:

• June 26 - Absentee voting opens for the primary election
• August 11 - Primary election
• November 3 – Presidential election

Contact us:

- 612-348-5151

- hc.vote@hennepin.us

- hennepin.us/elections 

Theater Latte Da's At Home Series: Kelli Foster Warder

Reprinted with the permission of Theater Latté Da

Our At Home with...Series this week features Kelli Foster Warder, who has choreographed many shows with Theater Latté Da throughout the years. Recently, you may have seen her beautiful work in Bernarda Alba, Chicago, Once, Five Points, and Ragtime among others.

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

A:  I don’t. I hear it is helpful to have a schedule. But that is not my strength. I thrive on creativity and flexibility. Which is a good thing because I have a full-time job (Kelli is the Director of Education and Producing Associate at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts), freelance work, 2 teenagers and a toddler, a dog and a partner working in the other room. Flexibility is our routine. :)

Q:  What are you reading?

A:  By my nightstand:

Bossypants by Tina Fey

Margaret and Marguerita by Lynn Reiser - a wonderful bilingual Spanish/English children’s book.

We Were Eight Years in Power by Ta-Nehisi Coates

(More time for reading is one of the positive outcomes of this current situation.)

Q:  Which work of art - book, poem, painting, piece of music--provides some solace for you?

A:  It is remarkable to see the arts giving the peace, solace and engagement the world needs right now. Well - the arts always have done that, but it is uniquely poignant and relevant in these times. A couple of special pieces for me right now:

Maya Angelou - always. Her poem Alone speaks to what we are experiencing now.

Sara Groves is a beautiful singer song-writer based in St. Paul. This song of Sara’s, Add to the Beauty, is my heart.

Q:  What's your go-to, binge-watching TV series?

A:  My almost-13-year old son and I are working our way through some good old teenage angst/end of the world epics - Marvel's Runaways and The 100.

My daughter and my husband binge Survivor.

The whole family watches Black-ish together.

For me - I enjoyed Star Trek: Picard, and can’t wait to start Mrs. America.

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

A:  I would love to bring friends together from around the world to eat and laugh and love. But full fantasy? A conversation about the arts with those who have inspired me by giving advice, hope and encouragement would be the best. Tell me what to do Prince, Debbie Allen, Gregory Hines, Gene Kelly, Maya Angelou, Diana Ross, Geoffrey Holder, George C Wolfe, August Wilson, Terrence McNally, Alvin Ailey, Sammy Davis, Jr and Lin Manuel Miranda. Throw in Peter Rothstein, Jamil Jude, Crystal Manich, Shelley Quiala, Maureen Sherman-Mendez, Elissa Adams, Torrie Allen and my late daddy, Billy Foster, and we could change the world. Anyone want in? I keep thinking of more names. I’ll get a bigger table.

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

A:  At the Ordway, I oversee our education programs. I have been so grateful to repurpose some contracts with artists to create online educational lessons focused on musical theater for the close to 60,000 students and teachers the Ordway serves every year. Not a plug - just the facts. ;) You will see some familiar Latté Da faces at ordway.org/education/.

I have been so encouraged by the time spent with my own kids supporting their artistic pursuits in dance, drums and guitar.

And, I am going way out on a dream and starting a 4-week playwriting class next week!

Q:  What's a theater production you've seen that you wish you could stream right now?

A:  I like it live. I can wait for it. Plus, when theater is filmed, they rarely shoot the choreography well. They’ll do a close-up on a face while beautiful movement is happening all around that is not in the shot! I need the full view. :)

Q:  Are you cooking? Do you have a favorite recipe to share?

A:  Haha. I have 3-4 staples that I can make and we all can agree to eat it. I have other gifts. :)

Q:  Of the shows you've worked on at Theater Latté Da, which is your favorite?

A:  Of the 11 or so Latté Da productions I have had the privilege to work on I would say - Bernarda Alba has my heart, Once has my mind and Ragtime has my soul.

If you insist on one - it is Ragtime. When Peter entrusted me with this opportunity it quite literally changed my life.

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

A:  Here’s something I am thinking about a lot right now. We have a chance to examine, re-set, renew, in the midst of these difficulties. I don’t want to squander it.

“I used to be afraid of failing at something that really mattered to me, but now I'm more afraid of succeeding at things that don't matter.”

― Bob Goff, author

Q:  Since this is the At Home with...Series, do you have a favorite spot in your home? Would you be willing to take a picture of it that we could share?

A:  This is in my favorite spot of our house. A 3-season porch that has comfy couches and a pretty view of the sunset each day.

Also - this picture - an amazing feat for my flexible fam! Lia, David, Mama, Mark, Skylar and Will.

May 15 Newsletter from Council Member Steve Fletcher

Ward 3 Friends -

I’ve heard a range of reactions from many of you about Governor Walz’s announcement on Wednesday that he is letting the Stay Home order expire on May 18, and replacing it with a “Stay Safe” order that allows many businesses to resume operation. I want to share a little insight about what it means for Ward 3. As a regional destination for work and recreation, our fates and our health are tied to the rest of the region, so we need our statewide strategy to succeed. If Minnesotans do not proceed cautiously, we could bear the brunt of people’s bad judgment and may have to show some agility and adjust to new conditions. 

First, I want to acknowledge that many people are concerned that this announcement will be misconstrued. If you only read the headlines, the emphasis is on re-opening, but if you listen to the Governor’s speech, he’s clear that we need to keep up the efforts that have been working to keep the virus from spreading quickly through our community. While some businesses and activities will resume in a limited way that will be a relief to business owners and customers alike, we still owe it to ourselves and our neighbors to take steps to avoid infection. Masks are even more important as more people come into closer contact with each other, and we should still be minimizing contact in general. 

I asked Mayor Frey in our Council meeting this morning about guidance for employers and workers to make sure newly reopened businesses are reopened in a safe way, and I was encouraged to hear that he is taking seriously our unique role as the work destination for the region, and considering new regulations to increase mask usage and other prevention measures to protect workers returning to their jobs. The Governor’s order puts a lot of pressure on everyone to figure out what safe re-opening looks like very quickly, and we’ll be working hard to support workers and employers in creating safe work spaces.

The order enables some businesses to re-open at a reduced capacity and sets a timeline for others like restaurants and bars. Make no mistake – many business owners are feeling a sense of relief at seeing a light at the end of the tunnel, but most will continue to struggle. There are very few businesses that can thrive at 50% capacity, and there will inevitably be less traffic and less business activity as we all continue to act in the interest of safety. The City is dedicating significant resources to helping businesses figure out strategies for safely reopening so that they can start generating some revenue, and for some business models, that will be beneficial. Small businesses and their workers will still need our support for a long time to come.  

Starting Monday, the Governor is allowing gatherings of up to 10 people, which will be a huge relief to close friends and family who have been separated during isolation, but will also enable more infection-spreading events if people overuse this. As tempting as it will be to make abundant use of this new freedom after many weeks of isolation, it could be very dangerous if people use it irresponsibly, and bounce from small gathering to small gathering. We didn’t come this far together, only to risk becoming super-spreaders of the virus by jumping too quickly into in-person socializing.  

My heart is crying out to be with you in person again. This weekend should be Art-a-Whirl, which is one of the best weekends of the year, and this weekend would have been the nicest weather Art-a-Whirl has had in a while. It is tempting to hear what we want to hear, and go back to normal too quickly, but we’re smarter than that, and we care for each other more than that. So, we’ll do Art-a-Whirl virtually this year (starting at 5:00 PM tonight!), buy art online, share it with our friends online, and look forward to the day when our heads and our hearts are telling us to go fully back into the world again. We still have a long road ahead.    

---

How We're Responding to People Experiencing Homelessness Camping Outdoors

I’m hearing from a lot of you from around the Ward about people experiencing homelessness camping outdoors, and as always, I appreciate the spirit of compassion evident in those conversations. I want to share as much accurate information as I can about how the City is responding, what solutions we are working on with our partners at Hennepin County, and how you can help.  

First, this is certainly not unique to Ward 3 or to Minneapolis. We were facing an urgent shortage of deeply affordable, low-barrier housing before the pandemic, and COVID has put strains on all of our existing systems of shelter and support for people experiencing homelessness. We are tracking about 85 encampments around the city, including several small ones (3 tents or fewer) in Ward 3. For the most part, small groups are keeping to themselves and discouraging people from joining them to avoid drawing attention. West River Parkway near Plymouth, Nicollet Island, and the Commons are the most visible ones in Ward 3. There are larger, more concerning encampments in Whittier and Phillips to the south. 

The Commons is newly under the Park Board's control, as are the other sites in Ward 3, but that does not prevent us from collaborating on outreach, public health, and policing. The City monitors camping activity, works to keep it as healthy and safe as we can, and we intervene if the activity begins to pose a more direct and explicit public health or safety threat.  

We are actively working with Hennepin County on shelter and housing options that people can choose (but are not required) to take. The County has placed people from the shelter system into 600 hotel rooms so far, and is working on more. They’re even exploring the option of purchasing hotels, to create long-term low-barrier housing – a concept I strongly support. One thing that is unfortunately delaying that expansion is a debate in the Minnesota Senate on whether or not to take federal CARES Act funding away from the County to give to cities, instead of funding cities with the unallocated CARES Act funds currently held by the state.  

That's significant, because the Governor's executive order limits our ability to disperse encampments during the stay-at-home order. We try to take a compassionate approach to people camping and are usually able to find alternate housing options. Part of what sometimes motivates people to consider other shelter choices is a deadline, which they now know we are unable to set. Advocates tell us they believe many who are camping would choose a hotel bed over a tent if given the option, so the safest and best way to help everyone shelter safely is to expand hotel shelter access. 

Please call 311 if you see a new encampment just in case it's not already on our radar (though it likely is), and please feel free to contact me and my office directly if you see camping activity causing issues that require a response.  

The city has a special partnership with St. Stephens to provide effective, accountable outreach and direct service to people experiencing homelessness, and their hard work and dedication to their mission is critical to our response. I get questions from many of you about how you can contribute money or volunteer time to help others during the pandemic, and among many worthy efforts deserving of generosity, St. Stephens is surely high on the list. You can donate to St. Stephens at https://ststephensmpls.org/donate.

---

The 25th Art-A-Whirl is Online!

Art-A-Whirl is the largest open studio tour in the country, and is celebrating their 25th year! Due to COVID-19, we can’t gather together across Northeast Minneapolis this May, but over 1,000 artists, galleries, bands, businesses, restaurants, and breweries are active and ready to connect with you through the Art-A-Whirl Online Experience.

The online Art-A-Whirl experience is LIVE HEREThe online Art-A-Whirl experience is LIVE HERE!

• Find artists by map location, studio building, or medium.
• Browse over 800 artist profiles and shops with shipping and curbside pick-up options.
• View art demos, virtual studio tours, and musical performances.
• Order takeout or delivery from NE restaurants and breweries. 

 (Virtual) Coffee With Your Council Member

I normally hold regular open community office hours at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, at a rotating neighborhood coffee shop in Ward 3 for constituents to drop by, ask questions, and raise any issues you see in the community. 

Right now, I am holding my community office hours remotely on Skype:

Wednesday, May 20, at 5:00 P.M.

Skype Link or by phone: 612-276-6670, 940707330#

Wednesday, May 27, at 5:00 P.M.

Skype Link or by phone: 612-276-6670, 940707330#

If you have questions or a topic to discuss, email Aurin.Chowdhury@minneapolismn.gov to RSVP.

---

Good Morning Ward 3 Postponed Indefinitely

Two months ago, at the onset of COVID-19, I had tentatively postponed our planned March Good Morning Ward 3 to next week on May 20.

However, large group gatherings continue to be strongly discouraged, and unfortunately, that will likely be the case for the foreseeable future.

It is with no small degree of sadness that as a result, I have to postpone Good Morning Ward 3 indefinitely. In the meantime, I will continue to host my weekly virtual coffee hours and join as many of you as I can in other virtual gathering spaces.

If you are part of a local community group that meets virtually, and you would like me to join you to talk about what's going on in our Ward and "at City Hall", please email Aurin.Chowdhury@minneapolismn.gov, so we can get it on my schedule! 

---

Governor Walz Turning the Dial with New COVID-19 Executive Orders

---

Allows More Businesses to Re-Open at Limited Capacity

Gov. Tim Walz announced the next phase of the COVID-19 response in Minnesota. Citing progress made to prepare for the peak of infection, the governor announced a measured, cautious turning of the dial toward a new normal. With the stay home executive order set to expire May 18, the governor will replace it with an order continuing to encourage Minnesotans to stay close to home but allowing for gatherings of friends and family of 10 people or fewer.

• Minnesotans are still asked to stay close to home and limit travel to what is essential.
• All gatherings are limited to 10, and physical distancing with masks, hand-washing and other safety measures should be followed to protect each other.
• No matter what, Minnesotans are asked not to gather in large groups.
• The governor will also allow retail stores and other main street businesses to open if they have a social distancing plan and operate at 50%. Additional guidance, including a template plan and checklist for businesses, is available on DEED’s website at mn.gov/deed/safework.

Acknowledging that there is no stopping the storm of COVID-19 from hitting Minnesota, the governor said that we have made great progress preparing for it.

Gov. Walz also signed executive orders strongly encouraging Minnesotans at greatest risk of serious illness to continue staying home, ensuring workers can raise concerns regarding the safety of their work environments without fear of discrimination or retaliation, and protecting workers from loss of income if they refuse to work under unsafe or unhealthy conditions.

Following the guidance of public health officials, the governor announced a preliminary set of health indicators that could trigger a decision to re-impose restrictions to slow the spread of the virus. These indicators will be refined over time as we learn more about the virus and the course of the pandemic in Minnesota.

They include the number of COVID-19 tests that can be conducted as well as the rate of increase in:

• Number of new COVID-19 cases.
• Percent of COVID-19 tests that are positive.
• Percent of COVID-19 cases for which the source of infection is unknown.

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

---

Minneapolis Parkways Will Remain Open to Pedestrians Through at Least End of June

Sections of eight parkways or park roads totaling 21 lane miles are closed to motor vehicles and open to pedestrians to allow more space for trail users to follow social distancing practices and limit the spread of COVID-19. Park Board staff estimates this will remain in place until at least the end of June.

Learn more about the parkway availability.

---

City Amending Budget Due to COVID-19

Financial stresses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic including a projected $100-$200 million revenue shortfall are forcing the City of Minneapolis to reassess our budget.

2020 Amended Budget Process

The mayor will present a recommended revised 2020 budget to the City Council on June 12. The City Council will hold a series of meetings in mid- and late June to hear from City staff about the impacts of the recommended revisions and make any modifications they see necessary. There will be two opportunities for the public to engage and share their voices in this process. Details are being finalized and will be released as soon as they are available.

Budget Steps Already Taken

The City has already frozen wages for all non-bargaining-unit employees and are working with labor partners to implement a wage freeze across the enterprise to help guard against deeper cuts later.

Bills up before the Legislature right now could affect possible State and federal funding that would allow Minneapolis to get a share of the federal coronavirus relief bill. As of now, the City has received none, which has implications across our budget. 

---

Final Call for Public Comments on Draft Transportation Action Plan - Closes Friday, May 22

Public comment on the Public Works Department's draft Transportation Action Plan closes next Friday, May 22. 

On social media, follow the City of Minneapolis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and use the hashtag #gompls to share your feedback with us. 

The Minneapolis Transportation Action Plan is a 10-year action plan to guide future planning, design, and implementation of transportation projects for all people in all the ways we move around the city. The plan will identify specific actions for the City and our partners to take to implement the transportation vision outlined in Minneapolis 2040.

If you have feedback or ideas about how you walk, bike, bus, drive, scooter, roll, ride, or otherwise get around your neighborhood, I strongly encourage you to comment on this plan in the next week! 

---

Online "Open House" for University & 4th Street Improvements

Hennepin County, in participation with the City of Minneapolis, MnDOT, Metro Transit, and the U of M, is developing roadway improvements for University Avenue and Fourth Street between 35W and Oak Street.

One main goal of this project will be to improve bicycle and transit facilities on University Avenue and Fourth Street to help make the roadway safer for all users. This project will also upgrade intersections for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), modernize the traffic signal systems and improve access to transit stops.

You can access the online open house here to explore the project, learn more, and provide your feedback. 

---

New Renter Protections Take Effect on June 1

The City of Minneapolis passed new renter protection rules that go into effect soon. Starting June 1, there will be caps on security deposits and limits on what a rental property owner can use to deny rental applications.

• Inclusive screening criteria will set limits on what information in a renter’s criminal, rental and credit history can be used to deny a rental application. Landlords who don’t use the inclusive screening criteria will have to specifically state why an application is denied and provide an opportunity for the applicant to add more context to their history.
• Security deposits will be capped at one month’s rent, or one-half month’s rent if the landlord requires first and last month’s rent to be paid in advance. If they require the first and last month’s rent to be paid along with the security deposit, renters must have the option to pay the security deposit in installments over three months.

The ordinance goes into effect June 1 for owners with more than 15 rental units. The effective date for property owners with 15 rental units or fewer is Dec. 1. Enforcement will be through the City’s housing maintenance code.

This follows previous renter protection efforts adopted recently, including relocation assistance for displaced renters and a requirement that owners of naturally occurring affordable housing rental property give the City 60 days’ notice before selling their units.

To learn more, visit minneapolismn.gov/renterprotections.

Work Continues on Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Housing

Council Member Schroeder and I introduced a Tenant Opportunity to Purchase ordinance process last year, and staff work on that ordinance continues. City staff are receiving technical assistance in that work from LISC-Twin Cities (The Local Initiatives Support Corporation) and the Coalition for Non-Profit Housing and Economic Development (CNHED) in Washington, DC. 

Along with Council Members Ellison and Gordon, who are also working with us on this project, we recently received a progress report from the consultants and City staff, who are studying options for a tenant opportunity, a City opportunity, and/or a non-profit opportunity to purchase rental housing when it goes up for sale.     

If you have questions about this project and/or would like to be included in opportunities to learn more and help shape it, please contact David.Zaffrann@minneapolismn.gov. 

---

Sign Up Online to Vote Early by Mail This Election Year

With health officials advising everyone to reduce contact to keep each other safe during the pandemic, the City of Minneapolis is recommending voting early by mail this election year.

Voters can sign up now to get ballots for the August primary and November general election mailed to them. Ballots will arrive approximately six weeks before those elections, along with postage-paid envelopes for return.

All Minnesota voters are eligible to vote early by mail. Ballot applications should be made no later than 10 days before an election so the ballots can arrive in the mail with enough time for voters to return them.

Although voting early by mail is recommended, voters will still be able to cast their ballots in person at the City’s Early Vote Center, 980 E. Hennepin Ave., or at their polling places on the day of the election.

Watch this video about voting by mail, sign up for your absentee ballot here, and get more voting information at vote.minneapolismn.gov. 

---

Check Out the Neighborhood Census Response Rate Map, Encourage People You Know to Complete the Census

Minnesota is currently number one in the nation in responding to the census. With a 69% response rate, we are 11% over the national average of 58.7%

Minneapolis is doing well also, landing at number six of large cities in the nation with populations of 300,000 or more with a response rate of 66.5%, which is close to surpassing our 2010 decennial rate of 72.8%.

However, there is still work to be done. There are several neighborhoods in Minneapolis with previously low response rates that have yet to gain real ground in their 2020 census completion. Too often communities that are underrepresented in the census are subsequently under-resourced when and where they need it the most.

View the Minneapolis neighborhood response rate map and encourage your friends, neighbors and community to complete the census!

Data from the census is used to provide not only services and programs that many of our communities rely on, but also critical medical equipment and first responders during times of crises, much like the current pandemic. Data from the previous census is currently being used to determine where to send ventilators based on population numbers. Our collective response to the census is crucial to our ability to respond successfully to the needs of community.

Take the census now: www.my2020census.gov.

Pining to do Something "Normal"? Take a Segway Tour!

Via a May 15 e-newsletter from Mobile Entertainment, LLC

Together we can get back up... and Out!

SOCIAL DISTANCING? SO ARE WE!

Since 2003, we have had one very important safety tip that is more relevant today than ever before... “KEEP A SIX FOOT BUBBLE AROUND YOUR SEGWAY AT ALL TIMES” Now more than ever, this rule is being applied to all tours, whether you are walking or biking with The Fit Tourist or Segwaying in style as a Human on a Stick.

COVID-19 POLICIES

Additional safety measures have been put into place, including requiring masks for our staff and encouraging masks for our guests. Everything surface that you come into contact with be sanitized and cleaned from handlebars to helmets. Will will also suggest you watch our safety video online prior to your tour. To learn more about our Covid-19 preparedness plan click here.

OUR TOURS HAVE ADVANCED We are keeping our tours fun, engaging and informative, while reducing contact. How are we doing that? TECHNOLOGY! Lucky for us, one of our very own tour guides (way over qualified I might add) developed a prototype that allows you to listen to your tour guide from 3+ city blocks away! No Static!

example of our narrative CLICK HERE!

READY TO PLAN YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE?

For more information call 952-888-9200 or visit humanonastick.com

BOOK NOW!

We thank you in advance for supporting our local, family-run business!

Minnesota’s only LGBTQ+ Employment Equality Conference Goes Virtual June 23 - 26

Via a May 14 Press Release:

MOSSIER’S PROUD TO WORK MN CONFERENCE GOES VIRTUAL, CONTINUING ADVANCEMENT OF LGBTQ+ EMPLOYMENT EQUITY

Tickets to the June event include a 2-month online subscription with 30+ hours of virtual webinars and live expert Q&As

Mossier, a non-profit social enterprise helping businesses offer inclusivity for LGBTQ+ people all over the world, today announced its third-annual Proud to Work MN Conference is going virtual. The June 23 – June 26 event is Minnesota’s first and only employment equality and LGBTQ+-focused conference, packed with 30 sessions over 4 days and paired with a learn-at-your-own-pace online subscription with keynote speakers.

“Mossier has helped establish equality in the workplace since its inception in 2017, advancing conversations about the LGBTQ+ community in corporate America,” said Nick Alm, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Mossier. “We’re coming up on a historic LGBTQ+ Pride Month, as a number of cases could finally determine if the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects LGBTQ people in the workplace. There is no better opportunity for HR professionals and corporate businesses to join the discussion and reevaluate their own commitment to inclusive practices.”

Each day of the conference will be dedicated to key audiences, including Human Resources Champions, Diversity and Inclusion Champions, LGBTQ+ Champions, and LGBTQ+ Advocates. Sessions will be evenly split between tactical business strategy work and expanding attendee understanding of different lived experiences in the LGBTQ+ community—a new structure compared to past years. For companies and individuals navigating COVID-19, there will be sessions on the impact on the LGBTQ+ community and “Leading Through Crisis.”

This year’s conference carries on Mossier’s community-first approach, featuring a diverse group of speakers aligned with culturally specific topics. Livestream keynotes, with a virtual chat component, will be presented by notable speakers including Minneapolis City Councilwoman Vice-President Andrea Jenkins, Commissioner for the MN Department of Human Rights Rebecca Lucero, and OutFront MN Executive Director Monica Meyer.

Tickets will come with a 2-month subscription to an online learning platform, offering 30+ hours of virtual webinars, live expert Q&As and access to presentations from the conference, including audio-only sessions for those who want to take their learning outdoors. Available to individuals and businesses at different levels of understanding, the platform is designed for subscribers to learn at their own pace and focus on the topics most important to them.

“With virtual learning becoming the new norm, an online subscription was the perfect way to accelerate our mission and extend our impact,” said Elizabeth Kubicek, Program Director. “Attendees will have the opportunity to continue learning well past the 4-day conference and use the platform to best meet their needs. And, the best part is we can now open it up to people outside of the Twin Cities area.”

Both individuals and companies alike, in all 50 states, can purchase tickets to the Proud to Work MN Conference on the Mossier website. Mossier is also offering individual scholarships, awarding free admission to the conference and this fall’s career fair, among other VIP benefits. The scholarship is open to anyone and will focus on unemployed individuals and students in need of additional support during these unusual times, with an application deadline of May 25. Ticket pricing is as follows: 

• Corporate, Single Ticket: $199
• Corporate Team, 5 Tickets: $899
• Non-Profit/Government/Education, Single Ticket: $99
• Non-Profit/Government/Education Team, 5 Tickets: $449

The conference is made possible through generous support from sponsors 3M, UnitedHealth Group, Land O’ Lakes, Ecolab, Allianz and many more, representing a large and diverse line-up spanning many sectors, including government, non-profit, for-profit, and education.

About Mossier

Mossier is on a mission to advance LGBTQ+ employment equity across generations and borders, helping businesses of all sizes and types offer inclusivity for LGBTQ+ people all over the world. Since launching in 2017, Mossier has worked with corporations on LGBTQ+ workforce issues and uses revenue and donations to fund LGBTQ+ businesses in Uganda, Kenya, and the Dominican Republic. By the end of 2020, Mossier will have granted $160,000 to LGBTQ+ communities globally who are working on employment access. The organization believes that the most sustainable pathway for human rights in the community is to utilize business as the foundation for stability for all LGBTQ+ people, everywhere. For more information on Mossier, visit www.mossier.org. 

FINNOVATION Lab + ImpactSKU Launch Virtual Program for Purpose Driven Start-Ups

Via a May 11 Press Release:

ImpactSKU Pivots to Virtual Program

Twin Cities 1st CPG Accelerator responds to COVID-19 with 6-week program

With COVID-19 creating an unprecedented situation, ImpactSKU is pivoting to a virtual program to give consumer packaged goods (CPG) startups a glimpse of the accelerator’s full program. Originally, ImpactSKU was scheduled to launch in June with a 12-week program covering key topics of importance to purpose-driven startups. Unfortunately, given the volatile market and uncertainty, the full program has been postponed until 2021.

But since ImpactSKU is a new program, the team didn’t want to ignore the founders and mentors who want to participate in the program. Instead, they created the ImpactSKU Preview Program, which will launch August 4th with 10 companies.

“We’ve had a great response from regional start-ups and mentors applying to be a part of our first cohort, and we wanted to offer them the opportunity to get a preview of the full accelerator,” said Connie Rutledge, CEO of FINNOVATION Lab and executive director of ImpactSKU. “With the Preview Program, participants will see why SKU has such a successful track record in accelerating the growth of CPG startups.”

The ImpactSKU Preview Program will include programming on such topics as Vision +Purpose, Market Validation + Positioning and Channel Strategy. Throughout the program, participants will have access to CPG experts. They also will develop pitches for the 2020 Showcase @ Twin Cities Startup Week.

ImpactSKU is for purpose-driven ventures with business models that support environmental sustainability, fair labor practices, ethical supply chains, and healthy communities. By focusing on social impact, we aim to support entrepreneurs who know that long term growth is based on business practices that protect the planet’s resources and nurture wellbeing for everyone.

ImpactSKU is a partnership between Austin-based SKU – the nation’s first CPG accelerator and FINNOVATION Lab, supported by two of Minnesota’s great CPG companies: The Stable and 301 Inc., General Mills venture-capital unit.

SKU has produced a wide variety of interesting and successful brands, including Siete Foods, EPIC Provisions, Mosie Baby and Austin Eastciders.  A 2016 Forbes magazine column identified SKU as one of the country’s top three accelerators. SKU has been a powerful catalyst in establishing Austin as a CPG powerhouse.  Companies in the SKU cohort receives a cash stipend upon graduation of the program and agree to provide SKU with equity.

Theater Latte Da's At Home Series: Bradley Greenwald

Reprinted with the permission of Theater Latté Da

Our At Home with... series this week features Bradley Greenwald who has graced our stages as Cyrano De Bergerac in C. (for which he also wrote the book and lyrics), Voltaire/Pangloss in Candide, and Frid in A Little Night Music.

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

A:  I start every day the same: a French press pot of coffee and a slice of whatever I baked for breakfast; read the New York Times and do the crossword; peruse the local online news.  I go to Fox News and Breitbart as well— E. B. White wrote that in order to form your own solid opinion, you should read everything, even if you find it questionable; walk the beagles; feed the beagles; get the beagles to stop yelling so my husband, John, can sleep (a Sisyphean task).

Q:  What are you reading?

A:  Since the last preview of La Bohème in March: 

   Quichotte by Salman Rushdie

   A Different Drummer by William Melvin Kelley

   A biography of lyricist John La Touche

.

And next on the pile:

   The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich

   The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner

   The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee by David Treuer

.

Q:  Which work of art - a book, poem, painting, piece of music - provides some solace for you?

A:  John gave me The Complete Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson, a beautiful hardbound box set of all the daily comic strips. The first volume is set up on a library stand in a corner of the living room, and every day I read one strip. It takes a lot of discipline not to peek ahead, so that’s got to be a healthy thing. Just one strip, every day. I find it comforting that something I loved as a young adult remains timeless. Bill Watterson’s work is funny, gorgeous, inspired and naughty. That’s a Daily Solace.

Q:  What's your go-to, binge-watching TV series?

A:  Killing Eve

     Boardwalk Empire. I tell myself it’s research for the next Chronofon concert we’re putting together for Open Eye Theatre. (No, the concert’s not about Steve Buscemi.)

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

A:  My sister Kathy, and brothers Gary and Dan. I can’t remember the last time we were all together. Really. It’s been decades. We’re all that’s left of the family now, it would mean a lot to me. And it would mean the world to my sister.

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

A:  Steve Epp and I are working through Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi for Latté Da, writing a new English libretto and creating an extended prologue before Puccini’s one-act kicks in. We’re doing it by Zoom. We’re Zooming. Is that a verb now? I guess it is. Should it be capitalized? I capitalized it. Also, Dan Chouinard, Prudence Johnson, Diana Grasselli and I are also Zooming weekly for the aforementioned Chronofon show, something about the early 1920s in Minnesota and the world— radio, Prohibition, the 19th Amendment, etc., all celebrating their centenaries.

And gardening. Gardening is my therapy. Since the lockdown, and since spring has sprung, I work everyday out there to get exhausted enough to want to fall asleep at night. It’s an empty canvas that I’m not masterful at painting yet, but I do it anyway because when I sit down at the patio table I see proof of the day’s labor. You don’t get that as a performer. Your work dissipates into the ether as soon as it’s exhaled. I need the garden. And the beagles need to destroy it, but that’s part of the whole trip. When they dig up a shrub or trample the life out of a perennial, it’s just another invitation to start something new.

Q:  What's a theater production you've seen that you wish you could stream right now?

A:  You know, I thought long and hard about this one, and I came up with nothing. I just don’t enjoy watching a production on a screen the way I do in the theater. I have a long list of personally meaningful productions in my mind, and that’s where I’ll keep them, and stream them.

Q:  Are you cooking? Do you have a favorite recipe to share?

A:  Yes, choquettes! Here’s a recipe!

The Triplets of Belleville is one of my favorite movies, and John came across Sylvain Chomet’s only live-action film — Attila Marcel. Delightful. The hero constantly eats choquettes— little balls of pastry sprinkled with pearl sugar. They’re not sweety-sweet, just a tasty little treat to have with a cup of coffee.

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

A:  Latté Da tells their stories beautifully, every time, but my favorite is the staged concert of Candide we did last spring with Philip Brunelle and VocalEssence. It’s on my short list of productions I’m immensely grateful to have been a part of.

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

A:  There’s so much to worry about, and the coming reality is a scary thing to contemplate, so I don’t. I guess it’s all about a single day. I get up in the morning, and there’s just the day ahead. There must be something good in that for me, because I have found nothing to complain about, really. I’m actually quietly content, bordering on something that Joseph Campbell might call bliss:

“If you do follow your bliss you put yourself on a kind of track that has been there all the while, waiting for you, and the life that you ought to be living is the one you are living. Follow your bliss and don't be afraid, and doors will open where you didn't know they were going to be.”

― Joseph Campbell, author of The Power of Myth

Q:  Since this is the At Home with... series, do you have a favorite spot in your home? Would you be willing to take a picture of it that we could share?

A:  In my therapy room.

North Loop News

Via a May 8 e-newsletter from the North Loop Neighborhood Association:

Despite the continuing disruptions caused by COVID-19, we're seeing many positive developments in the North Loop. Here are a few things happening in the coming days.

We've added another pop-up neighborhood cleaning for Saturday. All who join us outside Corner Coffee at 9:00 AM will get a $5 gift card plus bags and gloves.

We have about 170 new trees in the North Loop that need to be watered. (And dog owners: please steer your pets away from them.) To learn about our Adopt A Tree watering program, click here.

Thanks to all who kept the pressure on the city, we now have new stop signs on 2nd St at 5th Ave. More "traffic calming" measures are also under consideration according to our city council representative, Steve Fletcher.

Tend the Demonstration Prairie on Nicollet Island with Friends of the Mississippi River, June 11

Photo by Tom Reiter for FMR

Tend the Demonstration Prairie on Nicollet Island

Thursday, June 11, 2020 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Last year, Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) volunteers planted over 600 native prairie plants in the demonstration prairie boxes on Nicollet Island. Along with adding pollinator habitat and beauty to the island, these boxes are educational. Identification plaques give park visitors the chance to learn more about the stunning array of species coming up throughout the restored prairies on the island.

However, the boxes need upkeep and tending! Join us this June to work in the demonstration prairie to ensure that this resource is providing everything it can for the human and wildlife communities on Nicollet Island. Volunteers will also help pull garlic mustard and other invasive plants from forested areas where buckthorn was recently removed. 

FMR is leading a multi-year restoration of the natural areas on the north half of the island in partnership with the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization and the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board. The restoration plan includes the removal of invasive species, enhancement of degraded forest areas, and the creation of new, diverse habitat, including two acres of native prairie and the re-creation of a pocket of maple forest historically present on the island.

All are welcome. No experience is needed; however, registration is required and capacity is limited. All tools, gloves and training will be provided.

Ready to register?

To sign up and receive directions to the meeting spot, contact FMR Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator Sophie Downey at sdowney@fmr.org, 651.222.2193 x27. Please include the name of the event, your name, address, phone number and the number in your party.

You will receive a confirmation email from sdowney@fmr.org within two business days. (If you don't, please check your Spam or Promotions folder.)

If you're under 18 and interested in volunteering without the company of your parent or guardian, please take a moment and have them fill out this brief minor permission form.

To maintain social distancing, our events will be smaller than usual. Please register right away if you are interested. Once the event is full, we will start a waitlist, and any spots that open up will be offered on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Can't make it?

To receive notices of future volunteer events, contact FMR Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator Sophie Downey at sdowney@fmr.org, or by selecting Sophie by name under "Category" via the FMR contact form. Or, visit our events calendar for our most up-to-date listing of upcoming events. To receive a twice-a-month e-newsletter including all FMR activities and news, sign up for Mississippi Messages.

What about coronavirus?

We're watching the CDC and Minnesota Department of Health guidelines closely. If plans change based on their recommendations, FMR Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator Sophie Downey will email registrants with event updates. (Be sure to add sdowney@fmr.org to your contacts so updates don't land in spam.) And we'll update this page if anything changes.

If this event does proceed as planned, it is unlikely we will have masks but we'll continue to offer gloves and hand sanitizer.

Partners: 

Thank you to our partners and funders: Mississippi Watershed Management Organization, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Friends of the Riverfront, BNSF Foundation, Coca-Cola, Hennepin County, RBC Wealth Management and Xcel Energy.

Mpls Downtown Improvement District Launches Cloth Mask Drive for People Living in Vulnerable Settings in Downtown Minneapolis

Mpls DID Cloth Mask Drive, May 7 through May 31

The Mpls Downtown Improvement District (DID) today launched a cloth mask drive aimed to provide masks for people living in vulnerable settings in downtown Minneapolis.

Masks are a basic need during this pandemic, and the goal of this drive is to help those in need have access to this important resource. DID will gather donated masks and distribute them to project partners at emergency shelters and congregate care facilities. More than 3,000 masks are needed to meet existing needs of residents and staff at these facilities.

To help meet this goal, DID will source and distribute 500 cloth face masks directly to people in need on the streets of downtown through its Livability Team. The organization already purchased 300 masks from vendors at the Nicollet Makers Market to get started toward the goal.

The public is encouraged to create or purchase cloth masks and donate them to those in need through this drive to meet that 3,000 mask goal. The dropoff is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day at the Minneapolis Fire Department’s Fire Station No. 1.

To donate masks in person: Mpls Fire Department Fire Station No. 1 (530 S 3rd Street, Minneapolis, MN 55415)

To donate masks by mail: Mpls Downtown Improvement District (1030 S 3rd Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55404)

JAZZ FEST LIVE Fills a Void During the Pandemic - Starting Tonight, May 7!

Via a May 7 e-announcement:

COVID-19 has impacted everyone and we are disappointed that jazz fans will not gather in Mears Park this summer. Twin Cities Jazz Festival Executive Director Steve Heckler has embraced technology and added a series of free jazz concerts – streamed weekly on Thursday nights via crowdcast.com. JAZZ FEST LIVE has been a welcome diversion for music lovers from across the nation. The artists are paid for their performances.

The online platform (Crowdcast) is used to share live performances Thursdays at 7:00 pm CDT.

“We were full steam ahead for Jazz Fest 2020 until the impact of COVID-19 began to effect our plans. We could not safely gather our fans in Lowertown,” Heckler said. “We took a look at some pretty new technology that allows us stream live jazz concerts into the homes of music lovers across the world. With the support of our generous sponsors and funders, we made the series a reality.”

The concerts are also streamed live on the Twin Cities Jazz Fest’s Facebook page.

Heckler has the next couple of weeks booked with regional and national artists:

Thursday, May 7 @ 7:00 p.m. Minnesota’s own Sam Miltich live from his home in northern Minnesota

Thursday, May 14 @ 7:00 p.m. Local duo Jennifer Grimm and Joe Cruz

Thursday, May 21 @ 7:00 p.m. 19 year old jazz pianist Matthew Whitaker live from his home in New Jersey

Jazz fans can register for upcoming concerts via this channel https://www.crowdcast.io/tcjazzfestival. It’s simple and free!

JAZZ FEST LIVE is presented by AARP Minnesota and supported by the Minnesota State Arts Board, St. Paul Cultural STAR, HIWAY Federal Credit Union, JAZZ88 and by music lovers who support live jazz.

Emergency Rental Assistance Available

Via a May 6 e-announcement from Hennepin County:

Emergency Rental Assistance

At their meeting yesterday, the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners approved $15 million for emergency rental assistance for low-income residents throughout Hennepin County.

Low-income households and households of color have been disproportionately impacted by the economic consequences of COVID-19. Many low-income renter households are working in the industries that have lost the most jobs due to COVID-19. To address these disparities, funds will be targeted to renters with incomes below 50 percent of the area median income.

This funding is expected to help 9,000 low-income Hennepin County residents maintain stable housing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Learn more and apply

Doug Verdier's Early May Water Works Photos

Editors Note: Mill District resident Doug Verdier continues to document the progress of the Water Works project.

With warmer weather, much progress is being made on construction of Water Works Park from end to end, both inside the pavilion and throughout the landscape. The scene changes almost daily. Large cranes put pre-cast concrete elements into place in multiple places, and it is becoming easier to visualize what the area will look like in several more months. Photos below were taken over the course of a week in early May.

Above, the former Columbia Mill foundation and lower walls have been stabilized, and the foundation has been refilled with dirt and sand prior to turning the area into a grassy space next to the pavilion underway (green walls). Previously, this area was a gravel parking lot across the street from RiverWest condo.

Interior framing underway in what will become the Sioux Chef restaurant on the 2nd level of the pavilion.

Restoration of exterior walls of former Occidental Mill takes patience and a good eye to get stones of proper size and fit in place. Seen from 1st Street.

Trenching along West River Parkway in preparation for continuing placement of stormwater capture and drainage system.

Part of the stormwater system in place. It will be covered when the line is complete.

Poured concrete walls that will be part of the edge of a sloping tree and grass-filled outdoor area overlooking a promenade below. 

Teams of masonry workers in yellow vests restoring the existing walls of the Occidental Mill that will be part of the uphill side of the sloping landscaped overlook.

Excavation in general area of the future woonerf beneath the bridge on 1st Street.

View of the excavation and placement of stormwater system in future woonerf location. Plans call for a play area to be constructed in this general area next to a walkway leading down to lower level of the park. Photo taken from the bridge on 1st Street.

Cranes are a common sight these days as pre-cast concrete slabs are hoisted into place at a variety of locations within the park area. 

Workers positioning concrete slab near newly constructed stairs next to the pavilion. The area in this photo will be known as the South Plaza.

Workers positioning concrete slab near newly constructed stairs next to the pavilion.

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.

---

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

---

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.