St. Anthony Falls Lab is Offering 2 Tours on Give to the Max Day, Nov 14

The St. Anthony Falls Laboratory (SAFL), 2 SE 3rd Avenue, is pleased to participate in Give to the Max Day (GTMD), Thursday, November 14th. They are hosting two public tours that day: the first is Noon-1:30pm and the second is 4-5:30pm. You can register here.

Located on the Mississippi River at the heart of Minneapolis, SAFL is an interdisciplinary fluid mechanics research and educational facility of the College of Science and Engineering at the UMN. They offer a free monthly public tour through the historic facility to showcase the experimental facilities and research projects (donations accepted online). 

Email bkb0811@umn.edu with questions.

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Editor's Note: We have toured this facility several times, and it will never get old. It's fascinating! I encourage anyone who hasn't seen the inside to take advantage of these opportunities.

zAmya Theater Project Celebrates 15 years with the Annual Fall Roadshow: zAmya Zone

Via a recent News Release:

Performances inspire action for housing justice during Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, November 18-23, at venues throughout Minneapolis

zAmya Theater Project announces the Annual Fall Roadshow: zAmya Zone, a 90-minute theatrical event to build understanding about homelessness and inspire action for housing justice. zAmya Zone will be performed at venues across the Twin Cities during Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, Nov. 17-23. zAmya Theater Project will celebrate its 15th birthday with a celebration after the Nov. 23rd performance at Pillsbury House Theater.

zAmya Zone marks the company’s 15th anniversary of creating performances from stories lived by participants who have experienced homelessness, crafted by zAmya’s core artistic members, to change the narrative about homelessness. zAmya believes in the basic human right of safe, stable, affordable housing for all. Sharing personal stories of homelessness helps to heal the trauma for those who have experienced it and begins to unravel the systemic crisis of homelessness. 

zAmya Zone was written by Junauda Petrus-Nasah (who recently released the book The Stars and the Blackness Between Them) and is co-directed by Eric Avery and Maren Ward. The cast includes Joshua Battey, Robert Blood, Annette Bryant, Charles Hilton, Marvin Howard, Lurch, Sol Sepulveda, Tahiti Robinson, and Arminta Wilson.

zAmya Zone was inspired by content generated during weekly workshops at Minneapolis Central Library over the summer with members of the community who have experienced homelessness. zAmya Zone borrows its name from the popular TV series The Twilight Zone and explores the surreal and strange nature of an abundant world that is somehow not enough. 

You unlock this door with the key of imagination. Beyond it is another dimension—a dimension of sound, a dimension of sight, a dimension of mind, a dimension as vast as space and as timeless as infinity. In this dimension we are on beautiful earth, with abundant food and shelter for all. Yet, in this dimension, there exists the world of homelessness, displacement and poverty. A dimension where your class, your mental and physical health, your race, your ancestry could result in you not having a home, safety or care. Redlining and angry mobs, broken treaties with sovereign nations, settled land and enslavement, genocide and gentrification are apart of this legacy too. You're moving into a land of both shadow and substance, of privilege and poverty, between haves and have nots, of shelters and high-rise condos. It is an area which we call the Zamya Zone.

“It’s inspiring to see how zAmya has grown from one show a year to year-round programming! The skills and bonding that have happened with the troupe under the leadership of Maren Ward have been astounding. I’m thrilled to see the breadth of the work—weekly workshops at Minneapolis Central Library, touring SW Minnesota, performing for fundraisers, contributing to organizations' workshops in diversity and inclusion, along with our shows. And the impact continues to be humbling. Expressing our voices together is the heartbeat of the work. My hope is that the participants are invited to do more work inside and alongside those in organizations and that their skills are utilized to bring us together and see each other’s humanity.” — Lecia Grossman, zAmya Theater Project founder and advisory board member

“Art and theater can touch our hearts and minds in ways that annual reports, white papers and news articles simply can’t. The stories of zAmya Theater Project are incredibly important, poignant narratives of how various situations lead to homelessness, many times through no fault of their own. When will we stop staring and start seeing?” — Andrea Jenkins, Minneapolis City Council vice president

Performance Schedule

All performances are free and reservations are not required. More information is available at zamyatheater.org.

Monday, Nov 18, 7pm
Plymouth Congregational Church
1900 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis

Thursday Nov 21, 7pm
Minneapolis Central Library, Pohlad Auditorium
300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis 

Friday, Nov 22, 7pm
Washburn High School
201 West 49th Street Minneapolis

Saturday, Nov 23, 7pm (zAmya 15th birthday celebration after performance!)
Pillsbury House Theater
3501 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

About zAmya Theater Project

Through captivating performances and creative collaboration workshops, zAmya Theater Project builds understanding and connection between individuals who have experienced homelessness and those who have not. From understanding and connection, hearts and minds are changed. Solutions are imagined and achieved. Since 2004 the zAmya Theater Project has been changing hearts and minds through performances and workshops in hundreds of Minnesota locations and with many partners including: Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District, Hennepin Theater Trust, Southwest Minnesota Housing Project, The Guthrie Theater, Edina Reality, Salvation Army, Thrivent Financial, Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless Annual Conference, Basilica of St. Mary, Augsburg College, and more.

zAmya Theater Project has been operating independently for one year after leaving St. Stephen’s Human Services in the fall of 2018. The company recently completed a tour of Southwestern Minnesota with A Prairie Homeless Companion, a new play which brought attention to the widespread need for affordable housing and resources for people who are experiencing homelessnes across Minnesota.

zAmya Theatre Project believes theater can change the narrative of homelessness. Our performances grow from stories lived by participants and crafted by our core artistic members. We share them because we know that if we want to unravel this crisis then we have to unravel the story. Informed by experienced advocates and direct service providers, zAmya is led by professional artists, and employs a core group of actors who’ve experienced homelessness to create the plays, co-facilitate workshops, and guide the direction of the company.

zAmya is a Sanskrit word that means “aiming at peace.” For zAmya, aiming at peace means aiming toward a community with safe, stable, affordable housing options for all. More info at zamyatheater.org.

Hennepin Avenue Downtown Reconstruction Project Update

Hennepin Avenue Downtown Reconstruction Project

Hennepin Ave. reconstruction project, led by City of Minneapolis Public Works, will be reconstructed between 12th Street and Washington Avenue beginning Spring 2019.  The project will reconstruct the pavement from building face to building face, including improvements to public and private utility infrastructure, and improved infrastructure for pedestrians, bicycles, transit, and vehicles.

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Latest Project News

 

The Sanitary Sewer work is coming to an end soon on the south end of the project.  Xcel Energy is continuing progress throughout the majority of the corridor.  Both projects will continue into the winter and these cold temps.

What's Coming Up 

Xcel Energy is nearing 5th Street with their structural work and following behind with their underground cable work from Washington to 3rd.  Their second crew is south of 8th Street and moving into the next block next week between 9th and 10th.

The Sanitary Sewer work is wrapping up between 10th and 11th Streets.  This work is progressing toward the final tie-in at the 12th Street intersection.  This work at 12th will require closure of the intersection to cross traffic on 12th from 10am Wed 11/20 to 6am Mon 11/25.  The Hennepin traffic, 1-lane in each direction, will be maintained through the intersection.

Please see the attached update for additional information: 

Hennepin_Update_Vol16.pdf

For more information on this project contact: 

Construction Manager, hennepinCM@minneapolismn.gov or 612-225-4049

www.hennepindowntown.com

Evaluation Shows Safe Harbor Program is Succeeding in Supporting At-Risk Youth

Editor's Note: I'm passing along this News Release from the Minnesota Department of Health in case anyone reading it knows a young person who could benefit from the Safe Harbor program.

An evaluation of the state’s Safe Harbor Program has found most at-risk and sexually exploited youth in the program reported feeling more hopeful and better prepared for the future.

Wilder Research completed its third evaluation of Minnesota’s Safe Harbor program, a multi-agency statewide initiative designed to meet the needs of sex-trafficked and exploited young people through age 24 using a public health, public safety, human services and human rights approach. Program funds allow agencies and grantees to provide supportive services, housing and shelter, and to deliver training, coordinate across disciplines, and conduct outreach.

Between April 2017 and March 2019, Safe Harbor grantees served 1,279 youth and young adults, including 977 new clients. The last evaluation published in November 2017 found that from April 2015 to June 2017, Safe Harbor grantees provided services to 1,423 people.

“It’s encouraging to see the positive impact of Minnesota’s Safe Harbor approach as we all work to address the serious problem of sexual exploitation,” Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm said. “Our public health model is focused on giving young people the tools they need – housing, education and support from trusted adults – to rebuild their lives after sex trafficking. We need to build on this success and make sure we reach all exploited youth where they are at in their schools and communities.”

The average age of participants served under Safe Harbor was 17. A slightly higher percentage of youth served were in greater Minnesota (54%) compared to the metro area (46%). Most participants were female (91%), while 6% identified as male and 3% as transgender, gender non-conforming and other. More than half (59%) of participants were people of color.

Safe Harbor is a statewide initiative to meet the needs of sexually trafficked and exploited youth. The evaluation showed 97% of youth interviewees noted a positive change after accessing Safe Harbor services, and 88% noted a positive change in their situation.

Almost all (94%) respondents felt more hopeful after receiving services, and 100% felt more prepared to reach educational goals. In addition, 94% said they would seek help from police if they felt unsafe, while 89% felt more prepared to support themselves financially in a safe way.

The evaluation also found that Safe Harbor could be even more effective by decreasing service and training gaps and addressing systemic challenges. Additional needs include housing, mental health, long-term services, rural services, culturally specific services and services for victims/survivors over age 24.

“No young person should have to face the trauma of sexual exploitation,” said Human Services Commissioner Jodi Harpstead. “It’s up to us to make sure the right supports are in place to help them as they recover so they can go on to lead full, healthy lives. This evaluation shows that the right interventions make all of the difference.”

If you or someone you know is sexually exploited or taken advantage of, help is available. Visit Safe Harbor Minnesota. You may also call the Day One Hotline at 1-866-223-1111.

The full report is available the Wilder Research Safe Harbor page.

Bacon Social House Honors Veterans w/Complimentary Entrees on Nov 11

Our friends at the Bacon Social House, 700 S 3rd Street, have great respect and appreciation for all current and former members of the military and are excited to have the chance to give back this Veteran's Day!

On Monday, November 11, the Bacon Social House is offering a free entree for active military and veterans (with military ID or proof of service). 

Hyatt Regency Minneapolis’ Joseph Miklausich Receives Meet Minneapolis ‘Hospitality Hero’ Award

Via an October 5 News Release from Meet Minneapolis:

Joseph Miklausich, Banquet Server at Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, has been named the Hospitality Hero award winner for the third quarter of 2019 by Meet Minneapolis, Convention and Visitors Association. The award is given quarterly to a member of the Minneapolis hospitality community who has been nominated by their colleagues for their valuable contributions to the image and culture of Minneapolis through outstanding hospitality and service.

Maxine Matheson, Director of Events at Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, nominated Miklausich for his dedication to providing the best experience for all guests and his coworkers throughout his more than 38 years of service at the hotel.

Wes Olson, Director of Engineering; Dusty Perryman, Director of Human Resources; Chad Preese, Director of Security; Caroline Guerrera, Associate Director of Events; Andrea Thompson, Banquet Manager; Joseph Miklausich, Banquet Server; Maxine Matheson, Director of Events; Amber Doscher, Assistant Banquet Manager; Dan Bronke, Executive Chef; Deanna Hirts, Director Of Operations; Mark Bastis, General Manager, Hyatt Regency Minneapolis

According to Matheson, Miklausich has been through every significant improvement to the hotel’s event experience, took ownership of creating a training program for new hires and when the new menus are published, he keeps a personal copy for review and goes over every item with the chefs. He also pays attention to the smallest of guest details, such as food allergies and favorite items. “We have had clients who return years later, and Joseph is able to remember their preferences and continues to grow the relationship,” she said.

This personal attention gets recognized, too, as Miklausich receives social media mentions from pleased guests, such as one recent person who lost a wallet during an event and shared his diligent effort to return the item to the guest.

Miklausich is a proud Minnesotan, who Matheson noted loves to share stories with guests and colleagues of the development in the community, improvements to downtown, area history, attractions and the latest on the theater scene.

“Joseph epitomizes ‘Minnesota Nice,’” Matheson said. “Joseph’s amazing persona and his kind and caring nature, matched with authenticity, makes him unforgettable.”

ABOUT MEET MINNEAPOLIS

Meet Minneapolis is a private, not-for-profit, member-based association. It actively promotes and sells the Minneapolis area as a destination for conventions and meetings, works to maximize the visitor experience and markets the city as a desirable tourist destination to maximize the economic benefit to the greater Minneapolis area. Meet Minneapolis is accredited by the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) of Destinations International.

Open Book to host Tellabration!™ 2019 on November 30

Tellabration!™, an annual event promoted by The National Storytelling Network and hosted in over 300 venues around the world, will be celebrated Saturday, November 30, 10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. at Open Book, 1011 Washington Ave S.

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The day-long event, which is free to all, features a dozen panel discussions, classes, and workshops that explore a wide-range of topics about storytelling, narrative techniques in other disciplines, and how to craft, promote, and refine stories for audiences and print. Special classes this year include: Social Justice Storytelling, Writing and Performing Stories with Middle Grade Kids, Telling and Writing Ghost Stories, and Sex, Death & Violence – Go For It! There will be a panel discussion with museum interpreters and another with self-published writers and a chapbook printer. There will also be mini concerts and open tell segments hosted by Story Arts of MN from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and a hosted open mic from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. where all visitors are invited to tell a story, or a story about a story. A Traditional Story Challenge will start at 5:00 and wrap up the afternoon of storytelling in the Auditorium. 

 

The event will conclude with a powerful and eclectic evening concert in the Target Performance Hall featuring the donated talents of Kevin Kling, Amie Durenberger, Barbara Schutzgruber, Danny Klecko, Jim Stowell, Khary Jackson, Maria Vorhis, and Nothando Zulu.

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Three of the region’s story organizations—Cheap Theatre, Northlands Storytelling Network, and Story Arts of Minnesota—combined efforts to produce this engaging showcase of spoken word expertise and talent as part of Tellabration’s international reach.

For additional details visit www.tellabrationmn.org. All classes and the concert are free though donations are appreciated. Doors for the concert open at 6:30 p.m. Questions? Contact: Richard Rousseau via  

Richard@tales-from-another-stage.com or 651-649-1757. 

2019 - 2020 Snow Emergency Info

It's only early November, but winter can strike at any time, and being prepared might save you a few headaches, inconvenience and money.

By now you should have received the Snow Emergency Information mailer from the City of Minneapolis, but if you didn't (or didn't save it), there are a number of ways to keep up to date on weather-related restrictions, etc.

Go to http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/snow/ and you'll find it all: If a Snow Emergency is in effect, the Snow Emergency hotline 612-348-SNOW (7669), towed vehicle info, instructions for downloading the Snow Emergency app and more.

Two Northeast Minneapolis Arts Groups Featured at Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center ‘First Thursday’ Event

Two Northeast Minneapolis Arts Groups Featured at Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center ‘First Thursday’ Event

On Nov. 7, free coffee, doughnuts and local art featured from noon to 2 p.m.

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As part of its “First Thursday” event on November 7, Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center guests will be able to enjoy live artist demonstrations and learn about upcoming events and ART365 from Northeast Minneapolis Art District and Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association (NEMAA) staff. In addition, free coffee and raised, glazed doughnuts made with locally milled flour from Kieran’s Kitchen will be available while supplies last.

First Thursdays take place at the Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center, located at 505 Nicollet Mall, Suite 100, directly across from the METRO Nicollet station.

During this event, guests may:

• Sample doughnuts and coffee from Kieran’s Kitchen, a popular café in Northeast Minneapolis’ The Food Building.
• Enjoy live artist demonstrations such as Paper Marbling by Heather Fletcher and Calligraphy by Sally Wightkin.
• Meet Northeast Minneapolis Arts District and Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association (NEMAA) staff.
• Learn about the new ART365 commitment, where at least one artist within the district will stay open every day of the year.

First Thursdays are held to encourage residents, employees of downtown businesses and visitors to learn more about Meet Minneapolis Visitor Information and its retail partner, Minnesota Makers, as well as highlight community organizations and events. For more information and daily hours, visit www.minneapolis.org/visitor-information/

ABOUT MEET MINNEAPOLIS VISITOR CENTER

As part of Meet Minneapolis, Convention and Visitor Association, the Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center is the official visitor center for Minneapolis, located in the CenterPoint Energy building on Nicollet and 5th Street. Staff is available to answer questions, share visitor maps and resources about things to do in Minneapolis and the surrounding area. The Visitor Information Center in the Minneapolis Convention Center also is available to provide similar information to visitors and convention attendees.

Meet Minneapolis is a private, not-for-profit, member-based association. It actively promotes and sells the Minneapolis area as a destination for conventions and meetings, works to maximize the visitor experience and markets the city as a desirable tourist destination to maximize the economic benefit to the greater Minneapolis area. Meet Minneapolis is accredited by the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) of Destinations International.

New Mill City Museum Exhibit Showcases the Story of St. Anthony Falls Through Prints by Local Artist Gaylord Schanilec

Via an October 29 e-announcement from the Minnesota Historical Society

On Saturday, Nov. 9, a new exhibit “My Mighty Journey: A Waterfall’s Story” opens at Mill City Museum, featuring work from local artist Gaylord Schanilec. Making prints with materials collected along the Mississippi riverbank, Schanilec creates works of art that show St. Anthony Falls over thousands of years, including the waterfall's movement over time from present-day St. Paul to its current location, 15 miles upriver in downtown Minneapolis.

Schanilec’s artwork was created to illustrate the new MNHS Press book “My Mighty Journey: A Waterfall’s Story” by John Coy. This book for young readers showcases prints and poetic storytelling to narrate the history of the only major waterfall on the Mississippi River—known as Owamniyomni in Dakota and St. Anthony Falls in English—and the changes it has witnessed over 12,000 years.

Mill City Museum will celebrate the exhibit's opening on Saturday, Nov. 9 with a family day full of activities for all ages from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. John Coy will read from "My Mighty Journey," and visitors can enjoy a meet-and-greet with Coy and Schanilec from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Plus, visitors can try their hand at using natural and found materials to make their own artistic images of St. Anthony Falls and the Minneapolis riverfront.

The exhibit is located in the museum's central Mill Commons and is free and open to the public during regular museum hours through March 29, 2020.

Exhibit: “My Mighty Journey: A Waterfall’s Story”
Where: Mill City Museum, 704 S 2nd Street
Cost: Free 
Hours: Tues-Sat, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun, Noon-5 p.m.

IDA Awards Top Industry Honor to Mpls Downtown Improvement District for Nicollet Activation

During its 65th Annual Conference and Tradeshow in Baltimore, MD, the International Downtown Association (IDA) recognized the Mpls Downtown Improvement District (DID) with the Downtown Achievement Pinnacle Award for its work and initiatives related to activation work along Nicollet in downtown Minneapolis. 

Each year, IDA recognizes outstanding projects as winners of the Downtown Achievement Awards which identify improvements to urban centers by dedicated organizations around the globe. The industry’s highest recognition, the Pinnacle Award, represents the most creative and inspiring innovations in urban place management. Activating Nicollet-A Street for All won in the category of Achievement Awards for Events and Programming.

“We are honored to receive the 2019 IDA award for events and programming in recognition of the work being done on Nicollet,” said Steve Cramer, President & CEO of the Mpls Downtown Improvement District. “We believe active streets are critically important to the vibrancy of a downtown community, and so helping enhance Nicollet with activities and programming for all to enjoy continues to be an important element of our strategy moving forward.” 

Activating Nicollet is a DID initiative aimed at providing programming that engages the downtown community, developing an inclusive range of cultural experiences for daily users and visitors, capitalizing on new public spaces and infrastructure built during the Nicollet renovation to draw people back to the street.

The DID works collaboratively with local community partners to develop and execute a variety of events and programs on Nicollet throughout the year. Initiatives include the Nicollet Makers Market, Street Show busking-style  performances, Theater in the Round comedy, dance and musical performances, and the Downtown Street Art Festival, as well as close coordination with the long-standing Nicollet Farmers Market.

An important element of the plan was the addition of dedicated activation staff, who work from a vacant storefront, the DID Satellite Pop-Up Office on 6th and Nicollet. From this publicly accessible space, DID collects comments and input on people’s downtown experiences, serves a public restroom, models an activated storefront (with routine games, greening and open houses), as well as connects with the DID Livability Team—a key partner in activation efforts—who provides links to resources and services for people facing challenges in downtown public spaces. 

DID’s efforts aim to attract activities that support a vibrant Nicollet, organize activities that will continue to thrive, partner with organizations to expand the variety of Nicollet events, and find new ways to provide engaging programming for those who live, work, play and explore downtown. 

Nicollet’s schedule of events and programming can be found at www.onnicollet.com/events.

“The Mpls DID’s innovative project received the IDA Pinnacle Award for setting the new standard for improving cities worldwide,” said David Downey, IDA President and CEO. “Nicollet activation has made an impact on its city and the people who live, work and play in the community, and demonstrates the continued commitment to champion livable, vital and thriving urban centers.” 

Washington, DC-based IDA is the premier organization for urban place professionals who are shaping and activating dynamic city center districts. The Mpls DID is the urban place management organization representing the interests of property owners in downtown Minneapolis. 

IDA’s members have a proven track record of creating collaborative public-private partnerships to tackle weighty issues. More than 2,500 downtown management districts exist in cities throughout the U.S. and Canada. Place management organizations affect significant change in every major metropolitan area throughout North America in an industry that is growing rapidly around the globe. Place management work touches every discipline of city building, including economic development, leadership, marketing, events, public space management, policy, planning and infrastructure. 

The 2019 Downtown Achievement Awards are sponsored by Sky Connect Networks. All projects were honored at the 65th Annual Conference & Tradeshow in Baltimore, Maryland on Tuesday, October 29, 2019. Additional information on the Pinnacle award winners can be found online at downtown.org.

About the Mpls Downtown Improvement District

The Mpls Downtown Improvement District (DID) is a business funded non-profit focused on creating a more vibrant downtown. DID leads and collaborates on programs that make downtown safer, cleaner and greener. We convene people across sectors and jurisdictions to work on issues of mutual interest; develop innovative solutions to complex public space challenges/opportunities including strategic activation and seek continuous improvement of ongoing programs including the ambassadors. For more information, visit www.mplsdid.com.

About IDA

IDA is the premier organization for urban place professionals who are shaping and activating dynamic city center districts. Our members are city builders and downtown champions who bring urban centers to life, bridging the gap between the public and private sectors. We represent an industry of more than 2,500 place management organizations, employing 100,000 people throughout North America and growing rapidly around the world. Founded in 1954, IDA is a resource center for ideas and innovative best practices in urban place management. For more information, visit www.downtown.org. Learn more about the 65th Annual Conference & Tradeshow at www.idaconference.org.

Finalists Revealed for 2019 Minnesota Sports Awards

Finalists Revealed for 2019 Minnesota Sports Awards 

Winners to be announced at third annual Sports Minneapolis gala event on Dec. 11

Sports Minneapolis, powered by Meet Minneapolis, has announced the finalists for the 2019 Minnesota Sports Awards. The winners will be announced at the third annual awards gala on Wednesday, Dec. 11, at the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot. 

The Minnesota Sports Awards recognize the outstanding achievements of high school, collegiate and professional athletes during the 2018-19 season, many of whom will be on hand for the evening’s awards ceremony. Tickets are on sale now for the awards gala on Dec. 11. Following are the finalists for each of the awards.

Girls High School Athlete of the Year
CC Bowlby, Edina High School (Hockey)
Erika Bute, Alden-Conger High School (Volleyball/Basketball/Softball)
Shaliciah Jones, North St. Paul High School (Track & Field)

Boys High School Athlete of the Year
Grant Docter, Minnetonka High School (Hockey/Lacrosse)
Dan “Greg” Kerkvliet, Simley High School (Wrestling)
David Roddy, Breck School (Football/Basketball)

Women’s Collegiate Athlete of the Year
Amber Fiser, University of Minnesota (Softball)
Lexy Ramler, University of Minnesota (Gymnastics)
Ashley St. Aubin, Augsburg University (Soccer)

Men’s Collegiate Athlete of the Year
Jackson Erdmann, Saint John’s University (Football)
Parker Mackay, University of Minnesota Duluth (Hockey)
Jimmy Schuldt, St. Cloud State University (Hockey)

Professional Athlete of the Year – presented by FOX Sports North
Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx
Nelson Cruz, Minnesota Twins
Adam Thielen, Minnesota Vikings

Coach of the Year
Rocco Baldelli, Minnesota Twins
Adrian Heath, Minnesota United FC
Scott Sandelin, University of Minnesota Duluth Men’s Hockey

Honorees will also be announced at the awards gala for the Courage Award (presented by TRIA), the Trailblazer Award, the Minnesota Sports Moment of the Year and the Star Tribune’s 2019 inductees to the Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame.

The public is invited to attend this event which includes a silent auction, dinner and an entertaining awards ceremony featuring athletes, coaches and high-profile Minnesota sports celebrities. 

•    Dec. 11 at the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot
•    Purchase tickets online 
•    Doors open at 5 p.m. 
•    Dinner served at 6:30 p.m.
•    Awards show begins at 7:30 p.m.

A portion of the proceeds from the 2019 Minnesota Sports Awards will benefit the United Heroes League, a non-profit organization that actively works to ensure that children of military service members are afforded every opportunity to participate in sports.

The third annual Minnesota Sports Awards will be carried live by FSN across multiple digital platforms and rebroadcast at a later date. 

The Minnesota Sports Awards – created to shine a spotlight on the impact of sports throughout the state – provides fans from across the state with an opportunity to nominate athletes and coaches who have demonstrated excellence in their sports and leadership within the community. For recaps of past years’ Minnesota Sports Awards, go here.

ABOUT SPORTS MINNEAPOLIS

Sports Minneapolis leads the region in bidding, winning and executing major professional and amateur sporting events that impact the city of Minneapolis and beyond. Sports Minneapolis, a division within Meet Minneapolis, has played a major role in securing events such as the Super Bowl, NCAA Men’s Final Four, Major League Baseball All-Star Game, USA Girls’ Jr. Volleyball, CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer, X Games and more. Amateur and professional sports events increase visitor spending and tax revenue that benefits the local community.

Sports Minneapolis and its partners, including the University of Minnesota, have secured upcoming NCAA championships and major events, such as the 2020 Division I Wrestling Championships, the 2021 Division I Men’s Gymnastics Championships, and the 2021 Division I Men’s Basketball Regional, In addition, Sports Minneapolis and its partners will be the local organizing committee for the 2022 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Final Four.

Connect with Sports Minneapolis:

Online: www.sportsminneapolis.org
Twitter: @Sports_Mpls
Watch: Sports Minneapolis, Meet Minneapolis – Impact: Tourism with Purpose

November to Feature a Variety of Public Shows at the Minneapolis Convention Center

Via an October 25 e-announcement from Meet Minneapolis:

November to Feature a Variety of Public Shows at the Minneapolis Convention Center 
Six shows feature wedding and vacation planning, Dave Bautista, dinosaurs and much more

Whether you are planning a wedding, searching for that perfect gift for the holidays or dreaming of the ideal vacation, the month of November is a great time to head to the Minneapolis Convention Center. Several interactive events, open to the public, will fill exhibit halls between now and the end of the year, including GalaxyCon Minneapolis, the Healthy Life Expo, the Minneapolis Gift & Art Expo, and more.

In addition to getting a chance to meet Drax the Destroyer at GalaxyCon or interact with a Velociraptor at Jurassic Quest, the Minneapolis Convention Center has it all under one roof. From freshly roasted coffee at the in-house Dunn Brothers Coffee to great food and drinks at the Craft Bar and Lounge, spend a day or make it a weekend getaway this November at Minneapolis’ meeting place.

• Minneapolis Gift & Art Expo – Nov. 1-3: Celebrate the holidays with a dazzling array of homewares, holiday décor, jewelry, accessories, pottery, sculpture, textiles, paintings and so much more. Find fabulous gifts from accomplished artisans and unique boutiques from across the city. Tickets: $6 (kids under 16 free)

• Unveiled! – Nov. 3: The Wedding Guys’ one-stop shop for wedding planning, including tasting bars, vendors and a fashion show where you might discover your ultimate dream dress. Tickets: $15-40

• GalaxyCon Minneapolis – Nov. 8-10: Go on an adventure through your favorite fandoms with special celebrity and creative guests for fans of comics, superheroes, science fiction, anime, cartoons, video games, wrestling and more. Tickets: $20-250 (kids 9 & under free)

• Star Tribune Vacation & Travel Experience – Nov. 16-17: Planning a vacation? This is the perfect opportunity to meet face-to-face with destination representatives and travel experts while you immerse yourself in dreaming, and maybe even booking a trip, that day. Tickets: $10

• Jurassic Quest – Nov. 22-24: America’s largest and most realistic dinosaur event, kids of all ages will walk through the Cretaceous Period, the Jurassic Period and the Triassic Period and experience what it was like to be among dinosaurs of all kinds. Tickets: $22-24 (adults), $24-26 (kids)

• Healthy Life Expo – Nov. 23-24: Nutrition, fitness and longevity – it’s all here! Explore more than 200 exhibitors, including doctors, clinics, women’s and men’s nutrition, fitness equipment, yoga, food and product sampling, and more. Tickets: $6 (adults), free (kids)

All shows are open to the public. The full Minneapolis Convention Center public calendar, including show links, can be found here.

Hennepin Avenue Downtown Reconstruction Project Update

Hennepin Avenue Downtown Reconstruction Project

Hennepin Ave. reconstruction project, led by City of Minneapolis Public Works, will be reconstructed between 12th Street and Washington Avenue beginning Spring 2019.  The project will reconstruct the pavement from building face to building face, including improvements to public and private utility infrastructure, and improved infrastructure for pedestrians, bicycles, transit, and vehicles.

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Latest Project News

 

Underground Utility work continues on the project.  The sanitary sewer work has progressed across 11th St. and will continue south toward 12th St.  Xcel Energy has completed their manhole and duct bank construction from Washington to 4th on the north end of the project.  Xcel Energy has also completed some of the manhole work south of 7th.

What's Coming Up 

The sanitary sewer work will continue their work south of 10th St.

Xcel Energy will begin their cable pulling work between Washington and 4th St. They will also continue the manhole and duct bank construction south of 4th st.  Xcel will begin moving south of 8th St. with the other crews as well.

See update attached for more details

Hennepin_Update_Vol15.pdf

For more information on this project contact: 

Construction Manager, hennepinCM@minneapolismn.gov or 612-225-4049

www.hennepindowntown.com

Hennepin Healthcare's Newborn Intensive Care Unit unveils "Wall of Hope"

Event Takes Place Saturday, October 26 from 10am to Noon, with Official Unveiling at 10:30am Outside of the Clinic & Specialty Center, 715 S 8th Street.

Hennepin Healthcare’s NICU Wall of Hope

It’s a journey of ups followed by downs, some in-betweens and cherished moments of triumph: life in the newborn intensive care unit (NICU) – now can be seen in an amazing (and adorable) display outside of Hennepin Healthcare’s NICU. On Saturday, October 26, 2019 the photographs will be officially unveiled.

Some babies get a rough start when they enter this world, but many end up thriving thanks to dedicated professionals who deliver round-the-clock care using the latest technology available. But all of that medical know-how cannot replace the love that helps these babies feel safe and secure so they can respond to treatment. 

“While our staff are skilled at cuddling, soothing and swaddling little ones, no arms can replace the love from parents and families of our tiniest patients who must hold and touch their babies through a maze of tubes and monitors,” explains Laura Gary, Nurse Manager of Hennepin Healthcare’s NICU. “Every NICU graduate is a testimony to this partnership, now captured through inspirational images in our Wall of Hope.”

Join us as we unveil Hennepin Healthcare’s NICU “Wall of Hope” and celebrate the miraculous journey of these little ones on Saturday, October 26, 2019 from 10am to noon at our Clinic & Specialty Center, 715 South 8th St. in Minneapolis.

After a brief reception featuring some of the NICU “graduates” featured in the photographs taken by Philip Hussong, guests will go to the NICU for the official unveiling of the display. More information.

Free parking is available in the Clinic & Specialty Center’s underground garage off of Park Avenue between 8th and 9th Streets (821 Park Avenue South). Take the elevator to the first floor for the event.

Parkway Closures for October 26 Halloween Half Marathon, 5K & 10K

The following roads will be temporarly clossed on October 26 for the Halloween Half Marathon, 5K & 10K from 7:30am-12:00pm:

West River Parkway - Plymouth Ave to E 42nd St

Main Street SE

Stone Arch Bridge

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Art Attack 2019 to Include Celebration of NKB Ownership Transfer to Artspace Projects, Inc.

Art Attack 2019 - The Arts Continue to Shine Bright!

In an intentional move to keep the artists and arts at the Northrup King Building vibrant for decades to come, the Northrup King Building has been sold to Artspace Projects, Inc. and will transfer ownership within weeks.

Celebrate the the transfer of the NKB torch with us! Shamrock Properties has nurtured, guided, and fostered the growth of the Northrup King Building for 23 wonderful years. Now the torch  passes to Artspace, the leading non-profit developer of live/work artist housing, artist studios, arts centers and arts-friendly businesses in the U.S..

Put your mark on the torch being sculpted by artist Joel Sisson. Visitors will have a chance to write down what the arts mean to them and Joel will be incorporating the messages into the illuminated flame of the torch during Art Attack.

‍Friday, November 1st - 5:00 - 10:00 PM
Saturday, November 2nd - Noon - 8:00 PM
Sunday, November 3rd - Noon - 5:00 PM

Explore all four floors of this incredible Twin Cities iconic art building. Bring your walking shoes to visit the 350 visual artists working in nearly every art medium.  

Follow the event and updates on Facebook.

The Mill Yard at Stonebridge Lofts Art Exhibit Announces New Exhibit; Opening Reception Set for October 27

Opening Reception 

Sunday, October 27  5:00 - 7:00PM

Stonebridge Lofts, 1120 South 2nd Street

The new show runs from October 27 – February 5, 2020

Join us at The Mill Yard opening reception for an Autumn-inspired cocktail, wine, beverages, snacks and beautiful art.  Local chef Jessi Peine’s popular food truck, Peeps Hot Box, will be out front selling world street foods inspired by seasonal ingredients.

The Mill Yard at Stonebridge Lofts

The Mill City. Residents celebrate our area’s industrial heritage of the mighty Mississippi River and the mills. Today, what we see are the most recognizable Minneapolis landmarks. However, this is only part of the story. Rail lines were key to Minneapolis’ growth, and were particularly integral to the Mill District, bringing in wheat and timber and shipping out flour and lumber. We also honor the history of the mills, the reason for the rail yard’s existence. The Mill Yard aims to be both a gathering place for art and artists and a conduit by which art can be shared with and disseminated into the wider community. Contact us at: TheMillYard.Stonebridge@gmail.com

Artists featured at the Autumn show:

Mary Meuwissen

Inspired by ordinary experiences; recurring shapes such as houses, multiple dwellings, stairways or ladders often appear in Mary’s finished paintings. These shapes and marks evoke thoughts of safety, comfort and a feeling of being grounded. She uses a color palette of bold, unexpected colors to define a sense of energy, joy and surprise. Each finished abstract painting is a culmination of ideas which are defined by marks and playful discovery. Mary believes that each painting tells a story and her goal is that the viewer may find their own story while they look and delve into the nuances of each painting.

Networking in the Middle of Orange

Greg Preslicka

Greg is primarily a plein air painter, which is painting in the field directly from life. His main career has been the commercial side of art, specifically Design & Illustration. He has also spent the last 10 years painting murals in schools, libraries and other public spaces. For Greg, plein air and studio painting offers a much needed break from the client driven work he is often doing for his job. He paints for the love of putting brush to canvas and the challenge of capturing a moment in time. He primarily paints landscapes because he enjoys getting lost in the solitude of nature while painting a scene.

Lower Falls TETT

Susan Wagner

Susan has roots in Illinois, Wisconsin, Florida and Minnesota. After graduating from the University of Minnesota, she moved to NYC for 13 years where she had a successful career in film while studying painting at various ateliers. After returning to Minneapolis, she joined the artist community of the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District where she maintains a studio in the Casket Arts Building. Traveling and hiking is essential to Ms. Wagner’s work, taking pictures and making sketches to take back to the studio. Landscapes and structures hold stories – the countryside, rivers and bodies of water, ancient architecture – geometric forms and nature are her guideposts.

FunReduxs

Peter Wong

After four decades as a professional commercial photographer, Peter has in recent years entered the worlds of fine-art and travel photography, working as shooter, teacher and guide. Melding these genres gives Peter the opportunity not only to capture new experiences but also to share his knowledge and advance the skills of other enthusiasts. The results go far beyond travel postcards with images that show real connections with the places visited, and a deep understanding of the hearts of other people.

Fishermen

New 100 Restrooms Project Aims To Add Free Restroom Options Throughout Downtown Minneapolis

The Mpls Downtown Improvement District in collaboration with the City of Minneapolis launched a new program today improving access to restrooms available for public use throughout downtown.

The initiative, named the 100 Restrooms Project, will implement wayfinding signage pointing the public toward the closest available restroom, new portable restrooms in locations where there are gaps in restroom availability, and an opt-in program for private businesses to offer public use of their private facilities.

Businesses interested in learning more about the opt-in program can visit www.mplsdid.com/100restrooms or contact info@mplsdid.com.

“We know both from conversations with residents, workers and visitors as well as data from our annual Mpls DID Perception Survey that access to high-quality restrooms downtown is a universal concern,” said Steve Cramer, President & CEO of the Mpls Downtown Improvement District. “This initiative will raise awareness that we’re not starting at Square 1 and will provide wayfinding for the public to more effectively find currently available restroom options while also opening up the conversation for the private business community to join in this effort.”

Wayfinding signage will be visible along main corridors of downtown, including 1st Avenue, Hennepin Avenue, Nicollet, 5th Street and 7th Street. These sidewalk signs will point toward the nearest restrooms and estimated walking time to those locations. Examples of the sidewalk wayfinding signage can be found at the intersections of 7th Street and Nicollet and 9th Street and Hennepin Avenue.

Most public restrooms downtown are in public buildings. These are supplemented by new portable restrooms now accessible at three downtown locations: 9th Street S and Hawthorne Avenue, 7th Street S. and 2nd Avenue N., and 10th Street and 4th Avenue S. These are in addition to the custom three-season restroom that was installed at Peavey Plaza this summer as well as the facilities located at The Commons.

A total of 29 public restrooms downtown are currently open during varying hours. Through this program, the goal is to reach 100 locations through partnerships with additional buildings and businesses, and to work toward established best practices in staffing and maintaining these facilities throughout downtown.

“The 100 Restrooms Project is really about our community meeting our own basic human needs,” said John Sweeney, Owner of the Brave New Workshop. “The portable restroom on our block and signage on surrounding blocks letting people know it’s there are small investments, but they’re a big step towards making the public realm in our neighborhood clean and welcoming.”

Each year, the DID’s Perception Survey collects data to help inform real and perceived greening, cleaning and safety aspects of downtown. Public urination has been part of the top cleanliness concerns on five of the past six surveys collected.

The Mpls DID launched a pilot project called Little Free Lavatory in 2015 to test a free, portable restroom open to the public. That restroom stood along the south edge of Peavey Plaza, where the current three-season public restroom currently sits.

In June 2019, the DID in partnership with the City of Minneapolis engaged a team of Humphrey Fellows from the University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs to provide an assessment and case study of other cities’ public restroom strategies to inform the 100 Restrooms Project. The study looked at Denver, Toronto, Washington, D.C. and London, England.

For more information, visit www.mplsdid.com/100restrooms or log onto Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and follow @MplsDID.

About the Mpls Downtown Improvement District:

The Mpls Downtown Improvement District (DID) is a business funded non-profit focused on creating a more vibrant downtown. DID leads and collaborates on programs that make downtown safer, cleaner and greener. We convene people across sectors and jurisdictions to work on issues of mutual interest; develop innovative solutions to complex public space challenges/opportunities including strategic activation and seek continuous improvement of ongoing programs including the ambassadors. For more information, visit www.mplsdid.com.

North Loop Reconstruction & Pedestrian Improvements

Editor's note - This is an ongoing series of updates as the North Loop Reconstruction and Pedestrian Improvements project.

North Loop Reconstruction & Pedestrian Improvements

The North Loop Reconstruction & Pedestrian Improvements Project consists of two separate projects:

1. A full street reconstruction along 3rd St N between 10th Ave N and 5th Ave N
2. A pedestrian improvement project generally bounded by 10th Ave N on the north, 1st Ave on the south, West River Parkway on the east, and 4th St N on the west

* North Loop Reconstruction Updates *

WORK THIS PAST WEEK

5th Ave N

• Finish raising MH castings in preparation for placing the final lift of asphalt this week
• Asphalt paving this week starting today (10-16)

7th Ave N

• Finish raising MH castings in preparation for placing the final lift of asphalt this week
• Asphalt paving this week starting today (10-16)

8th Ave N

• Finished installing salvaged pavers
• Placed concrete intersection at 3rd St N and 8th Ave N

9th Ave N

• Finished installing salvaged pavers
• Placed concrete intersection at 3rd St N and 9th Ave N

3rd St N

• Driveways 85% complete
• All parking bays have been installed
• Asphalt paving this week starting today (10-16)
• Asphalt paving will include work at the intersection of 10th Ave N and 3rd St N

WORK ANTICIPATED FOR THE REMAINDER OF THIS WEEK AND NEXT WEEK

5th Ave N

• Placing final lift of asphalt this week (likely Thursday or Friday)
• Dig tree pits

7th Ave N

• Placing final lift of asphalt this week (likely Thursday or Friday)
• Dig tree pits

8th Ave N

• Dig tree pits

9th Ave N

• Dig tree pits

3rd St N

• Finish sidewalk installation on both sides
• Finish driveway installation
• Tentatively planning on paving from 5th to 10th Aves N (likely today 10-16)
• Start raising MH in preparation for brick pavers ( 7th to 10th Aves N)
• Start raising MH in preparation for final lift of asphalt ( 7th to 5th Aves N)
• Start installing salvaged pavers between 10th and 7th Aves N on Thursday or Friday (10-17/10-18)

For more information on this project, visit the project website.

 * North Loop Pedestrian Improvements Updates *

WORK THIS PAST WEEK

 1st St N

• 4th Ave N NW corner -Continued storm sewer work
• 4th Ave SE corner - Completed

 2nd St N

• 3rd Ave N SW corner – Finished storm, installed curb, installed new signal foundation
• 10th Ave N – Removed signals and replaced with a 3-way stop, began storm sewer work, began electrical work for new signal

WORK FOR THE REMAINDER OF THIS WEEK AND INTO NEXT WEEK

The concrete crews will be following the sewer crews work over the next week includes:

 1st St N

• 4th Ave SE and NW corner- Finish NW corner, start storm work on SE corner

 2nd St N

• 1st Ave N – Currently there are issues getting into any of these corners, do to existing construction.
• 3rd Ave N – SW corner – Pour new foundation, finish sidewalk, install new signal
• 8th Ave N South side and NE Corner – Finish concrete work, finish wiring for crossing, install crosswalk flasher
• 10th Ave N SE and SW corners – Continue with storm sewer and electrical work

4th St N

• 10th Ave N – Start removals at the end of next week

Other

• All signal installation will start mid-October
• Remaining concrete work will continue through October

For more information on this project, visit the project website.

Contact Information

Contact Stephanie Malmberg (612-673-3365) or John Benjamin (651-443-1096) with any construction related questions or concerns.