Letter from the Executive Director of GiveMN re: Cedar Riverside Fire Emergency Fund

Via a November 27 email from GiveMN.org: . Dear friends, . I don't often write to you about a specific need in our community, but as many of us are preparing to gather with family and friends for the Thanksgiving holiday, more than 100 of our fellow Minnesotans have suffered an incredible tragedy. Wednesday morning's fire at the Riverside Tower in the Cedar Riverside community of Minneapolis claimed the lives of multiple people and injured many others. . In addition to the first responders who worked to extinguish the fire and ensure the safety of residents and neighbors, the staff of People's Center Clinic and their partner organizations are working to provide for the needs of victims who are displaced from their homes, in need of food and clothing and medical care, and will need additional support in the weeks to come. They have established a specific fund to support those impacted by the Riverside Tower fire. . Please consider making a donation to the Riverside Tower Fire Emergency Fund. Your gift, together with mine and those of our neighbors, will provide crucial support to those whose lives were forever changed by this tragedy. . In gratitude,

Jake Blumberg Executive Director, GiveMN

Event-related Road Closures for November 28 and 30

The Minneapolis Park and Rec Board has announced the following event-related road closures:

Thursday, November 28

Turkey Day 5K, 7am-11am

West River Parkway - Plymouth Ave to 11th Ave S

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Saturday, November 30

Moustache Run, 8:30am-1:30pm

Main Street - 6th Ave SE to Plymouth Ave

West River Parkway - Plymouth Ave to E 38th St

Stone Arch Bridge

Here's What to Expect in Minneapolis Parks When Snow Arrives

Via a November 26 e-announcement from the Minneapolis Park and Rec Board:

After each snowfall of at least two inches (accumulated), MPRB maintenance crews

clear snow from about 107 acres of parking lots, 140 miles of sidewalks, paths and regional trails; and (in season) ice rinks at 24 locations. 

Locations are prioritized as follows:

1. Parking lots
2. Trails in regional parks and regional trails
3. Perimeter sidewalks - all parks
4. Interior pathways - all parks 
   
   Note: Parkways are cleared of snow by the City of Minneapolis.
   The City's snow emergency webpage has parking rules, routes for city streets and parkways and other info.
   MPRB's parkway webpage has additional information on parkway maintenance. 

MPRB makes every effort to have snow removed throughout the park system within 24 hours after the snowfall ends. Delays may occur due to blizzard or other severe weather conditions. Thanks for your patience and understanding in these circumstances. Get more information on winter maintenance in Minneapolis parks.

Report a snow-removal issue: If it's been more than 24 hours since a snowfall ended and an area needs attention, please email maintenance@minneapolisparks.org or call MPRB Customer Service: 612-230-6400, from 8 am­ to 4:30 pm, Monday–Friday.

Recreation centers and programs

• Recreation center hours are noon to 9 pm on Wednesday, November 27 and Friday, November 29 (school-release day hours, as Minneapolis Public Schools are not in session). 
• Athletics, recreation and Rec Plus programs: Cancellations are not likely, but if they occur, registered program participants will be notified. Families enrolled in MPRB's Rec Plus school-age childcare program can check the MPRB website or WCCO /CBS Minnesota for information. 

Safety Tips

• Use caution and take your time when walking, biking or driving in parks and on parkways.
• Yield to pedestrians on shared-use trails in winter. 

Get up-to-date information from the National Weather Service Hazardous Weather Outlook report. 

Doug Verdier Shares His Latest Progress Photos of the Water Works Project

Editors Note: Mill District resident Doug Verdier continues to document the progress of the Water Works project. The below photos were taken within the past week.

Of particular interest: Before and after shots of the reinforced concrete wall and elevator shaft going in next to the Columbia Mill wall; prep work for installation of large storm water infrastructure, which will be part of the reuse system; asphalt being laid on West River Parkway in front of the future park pavilion as well as on First Street S and 5th Avenue S intersection. 

This is a “before” shot of workers installing rebar in preparation for constructing forms that will be used in pouring the concrete reinforcing wall and elevator shaft next to former Columbia Mill. The “after” shot is at the end.

Preparing the site for installation of storm water retention and reuse system.

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Large pipes that will form part of the storm water reuse system. These pipes were positioned along West River Parkway prior to being emplaced and connected on the site.

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Some of the storm water infrastructure in place.

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Rows of connected storm water system in place. The white bands indicate connections between sections.

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Crew laying asphalt on West River Parkway.

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Asphalt-laying operation on West River Parkway looking toward 3rd Avenue Bridge.

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Curve at 1st Street S and 5th Avenue S after base layer of asphalt has been laid.

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Here’s the “after” shot of crews removing forms after the concrete reinforcing wall and elevator shaft next to the former Columbia Mill exterior wall was set.

The City of Minneapolis Invites You to Take the Open Streets Minneapolis Survey

Via a November 25 e-announcement from Matthew Dyrdahl, Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator, City of Minneapolis:

Open Streets Minneapolis is an annual event series that opens city streets to folks biking, walking, and rolling. Every summer since 2011, Our Streets Minneapolis has temporarily closed major streets to motor vehicles so folks can explore their city and discover local businesses, use active transportation, and connect with their neighbors. In 2019, over 103,000 people came out to Open Streets Minneapolis events!

The City of Minneapolis and Our Streets Minneapolis are reflecting on the Open Streets Minneapolis program and evaluating ways for the program to be sustainable and meaningful beyond the 2020 season. We have heard many ideas from people over the years about how Open Streets could evolve and multiple themes have emerged, including types of routes, programming, and timing for the events. Help us determine how to shape the future of the Open Streets program by completing this short survey:

Future of Open Streets Minneapolis Survey

The five questions in this survey reflect the most common comments, questions, and feedback we receive about Open Streets. Your feedback on these five questions will inform what Open Streets looks like in the future.

The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train Rolls into St. Paul's Union Depot on December 10

If you want to experience the brightly lit Canadian Pacific Holiday Train, mark your calendar for December 10, when it will stop at Union Depot in St. Paul for a 30-minute outdoor holiday musical performance. The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train is expected to arrive around 6:45 p.m. and festivities will begin with a welcome by Ramsey County Commissioner Rafael Ortega. Guests will be treated to a festive concert experience while enjoying the colorful holiday lights that cover the train.  

Attendees are encouraged to bring cash or a heart-healthy food donation for Merrick Community Services, charitable partner for this year’s Hub for the Holidays festivities at Union Depot. The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train’s unique mission aims to fight hunger. This program spreads awareness of this issue while providing a fun and engaging way for the public to help give back. The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train has raised more than $11 million and collected 4.5 million pounds of food since its start in 1999.

The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train concert is free to the public; however, VIP tickets are available for $10 with all proceeds going to Merrick Community Services. VIP ticket holders will be granted access to a preferred viewing area closest to the stage. Visit cptrain2019.eventbrite.com to purchase tickets.

Hop on the light rail and take the Green Line to the Union Depot Station.

Meet Minneapolis Teams up with Minnesota Makers on Small Business Saturday, Nov 30

Minnesota Makers proudly celebrates the work of local Minnesota artists by promoting them and providing a place to sell their work. All products in their stores are created by Minnesota artists, with over 120 artists represented. 

Small Business Saturday is November 30, and Minnesota Makers will be celebrating it with Meet Minneapolis at the Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center, 505 Nicollet Mall. You'll find sale items, treats, giveaways, and more. This is a perfect opportunity to support your local small businesses and artists! 

Minnesota Makers also hosts craft classes. While you're there, learn more about their classes and reserve your seat for a future class. Experience gifts are a great idea for the holidays, and Minnesota Makers has gift cards available for classes and shopping as well.

Cynthia Froid Group Serves as a Drop Off Site for Holiday Toys and Gifts for People Serving People, Nov 25 - Dec 13

Spread some holiday cheer to children and families supported by People Serving People’s shelter and programs.

Cynthia Froid Group's office, 709 2nd S Street, will once again serve as a drop off site for holiday toys and gifts from November 25 to December 13.

Donations accepted: Toys and gifts from (or inspired by) People Serving People’s Target registry, $25 Target gift cards, wrapping paper and tape. All gifts must be new and unwrapped.

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

 

Utility work continues on the corridor. The major scopes of work are Xcel Energy duct bank and manhole replacement, and City Sanitary Sewer Replacement.

What's Coming Up 

The Sanitary Sewer replacement work is nearing the end of their Phase 1 work within the 12th Street Intersection.  The Intersection will remained closed until Monday. Following that work the pavement restoration will continue until mid next week.

Xcel Energy is progressing on the both ends of the corridor with both underground construction and new electrical cable pulling operations.  This work will continue through the winter months.

For more detailed information please see attached update. 

Hennepin_Update_Vol17.pdf

For more information on this project contact: 

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

www.hennepindowntown.com

Ready for Winter at North Mississippi Park

Nature's Black Friday Fun

Ditch the mall crawl and opt outside this year! Hike the park, build a fort, go on a scavenger hunt, play games and join in the coloring contest!
Friday November 29 11am-3pm    Activity #97361

Winter Solstice Celebration  

Walk a glowing luminary trail, play winter themed games, get your face painted make a luminary to take home and enjoy the warmth of a bonfire while sipping hot spiced cider with campfire treats. All Ages. $5 – Kids under 13 free
Saturday Dec 21 5:00-7:30pm      Activity #97366 

ADULTS

Bird Watching

• Watchful Wednesdays   Every other week  8:30-10:00am
  Discover what to look for when identifying birds in the field. Learn about bird behaviors while strolling with a naturalist. Coffee, tea and treats provided. Dec. 4   #100231    Dec. 18   #100232

• Winter Birds  Saturday Dec 7  8:30-10am    Activity #97363
  Look for the last of our summertime birds with a naturalist guide
• Winter Woodpeckers  Saturday Jan 4       3-4:30pm  Activity #101557
  Seek out the bright flashes of woodpeckers on the bare trees

Nature Nights

• Date Night  Thursday December 12 6:00-8:00pm   Activity #100236
  Enjoy naturalist-led gourmet campfire cooking and craft a ginger-bird house to bring home.
• Book Club   Every other Sunday 4:30-6:00pm 

Prepare for fun and engaging discussion and a safe place to share insights and opinions. Explore short stories and passages from nature based works.

Dec. 1  Activity #100254

Dec. 15  Activity #100255

Hikes

• Senses in the Season  Friday December 20 5:30-6:30pm   Activity #100220
  After the hustle and bustle of the week, take a peaceful walk through the park to realign your senses with nature.
• Phenology Hike Club  Every other Tuesday 4:00-5:00pm

Get outside for a walk in the park to observe and track the seasonal happenings of nature then gather and submit citizen science data with a naturalist guide. Socialize, exercise and contribute to the study of Phenology.

Dec. 3  Activity #100247

Dec. 17 Activity #100248

YOUTH & FAMILIES

Early Childhood

• Nature Play Group  4 Wednesdays 10:15-11:15am
  Get those inquisitive minds and bodies exploring nature and socializing with peers! Bring your little one to play and have fun outside with other children and parents/guardians. For kids up to age 5 with an adult
  Nov 27- Dec 18  Activity #100212

• Nature Tots  2nd & last Sundays 3:00-4:00pm

December 1 Oh Deer! Activity #100267

December 15 Ready for Winter Activity #100268

December 29 Snowflakes Activity #100269

Home School Days

• Animal Neighbors    Thursday Dec. 12 1-3pm   Activity #100224

Learn why some animals prefer to live in our backyards and neighborhoods, search for the clues they leave behind outside and meet a live education animal.

• Northern Life   Thursday Jan. 9 1-3pm    Activity # 101564
  Learn how the animals that stay here all year have figured out ways to survive by taking a closer look at animal bodies and behaviors.

Nature Art & Exploration

• Cornucopias  Saturday Nov. 23       1:30-3pm   Activity #97360

Craft your own “horn of plenty” for your dining table this year using natural materials found in the park.

• Family Funday: Turkey Time  Sunday Dec 1  1:00-3:00pm    Activity #97362
  Play games and have fun investigating feathers, tail fans, snoods and feet to learn more about these big birds.
• Ginger-bird Houses   Saturday Dec. 14 1:00-2:30pm    Activity #97364

Invite birds into your backyard this winter by crafting an edible snack house for them. All ages $5, all supplies included.

• Family Funday: Sleep, Flee, Freeze  Sunday Dec.29 1-3pm  Activity #97365

Learn about hibernation, migration and ways animals survive Minnesota winters. Meet live animals and find out how their bodies protect them through the winter.

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Winter Break Options for Kids

Explore outdoors, get messy and learn by doing! 8am-4pm for ages 6-12

WINTER WHIMSY Thursday & Friday December 26 -27      Activity #97368 Build an icy fortress, follow mysterious footprints as you adventure across the frozen land, determine which animal is your familiar friend, and more. Registration Fee $60.

Creatures of the Cold Thursday & Friday January 2-3        Activity #101599 From thick protective fur to big snowshoe feet we'll test out some of the methods animals use to combat the cold as we explore the winter landscape in the park Registration Fee $60.

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Snowshoeing

DROP-IN PROGRAM. Get some wonderful exercise while recreating in nature by checking out a pair of snowshoes for free! A naturalist will be available to show you the basics and then you are free to explore the park on your own. Ages 5 & up.

	Saturdays 11am-3pm	Sundays 1-3pm
December	21   Activity #97367
	28   Activity #97369
January	4   Activity #101577	5  Activity #101585
	11  Activity #104578	12  Activity #101586

Full Moon Snowshoe Hike   Friday Jan. 10 6:30-7:30pm    Activity #101608
Learn how the animals that stay here all year have figured out ways to survive by taking a closer look at animal bodies and behaviors.

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More Ways to Enjoy the Park

Stop by the front desk to check out binoculars, outdoor explore packs & nature guides. Talk with a naturalist to meet and learn about our education animals. Celebrate your birthday with us!  

Like North Mississippi on Facebook to stay in the loop about what’s happening in our park! Learn more about North Mississippi Regional Park at our website

The City of Minneapolis and the 2020 Census

The U.S. census is a count of all residents in the United States taken every 10 years and is required by the U.S. Constitution. It is used to determine political representation and federal funding distribution for governments, including at the state and local levels. In 2020, it will determine how many congressional representatives Minnesota will have for the next decade. Getting an accurate and complete count of all residents is vital. The Neighborhood & Community Relations Department leads the City of Minneapolis' efforts to ensure a complete count.

More Info

Sign up here for the latest We Count news for the 2020 census.

The City is taking steps to ensure that the 2020 census accurately counts Minneapolis's residents through the establishment of a community-led Complete Count Committee to guide the creation of the We Count engagement campaign. Read more and apply for open seats on the committee.

Downtown section of West River Parkway Reopens in mid-December

Via a November 20 update from Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board:

West River Parkway will reopen between Fourth Avenue North and Portland Avenue in mid-December. Once it reopens, the parkway will remain open throughout the winter.

The parkway closure was necessary to accommodate work on Water Works, a new riverfront park project currently under construction. An exact date for the parkway reopening has not yet been determined. That date depends on variances in weather and a number of other factors that can affect a complicated construction project like Water Works. 

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board appreciates everyone's patience while this exciting new waterfront amenity is constructed.

Illustration depicting Water Works from above

Enjoy the 2019 College of Science and Engineering (CSE) Winter Light Show on December 5, 6, 7 or 14

The 2019 CSE Winter Light Show dates are Dec. 5, 6, 7 and 14.

Join the University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering (CSE) for four high-tech light shows designed by science and engineering students and featuring more than 250,000 LED lights set to music written and recorded by University of Minnesota students. 2019 marks the ninth year for this show.

Surrounding the semi-circular Civil Engineering Courtyard, the lights will be synchronized to music for a 360-degree sensory outdoor experience. Features include a giant 22-foot lighted tree, two 8-foot 3D snowman signs, 8-foot lighted arches, a 5-foot-by-12-foot lighted pixelated changeable sign, a 6-foot circular light structure, 10 two-foot lighted snowflakes, several lighted trees and new music.

Shows are at 5:30, 6 and 6:30 p.m. on the Civil Engineering Building Courtyard, 500 Pillsbury Dr. S.E., Minneapolis. Each show will last about 20 minutes. All events are free and open to the public.

A Premiere Party is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 6, 5-6:30 p.m., WSB and Rosene Student Lounges, Civil Engineering Building, Second Floor. Free hot chocolate and cookies while supplies last.

The light show is presented by the University of Minnesota Tesla Works student group.

Satisfi Labs Continues to Enhance the Visitor Experience at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, Building Knowledge of Featured Artwork and Artists

Via a November 14 News Release:

Satisfi Labs Continues to Enhance the Visitor Experience at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, Building Knowledge of Featured Artwork and Artists  

The AI Knowledge Management Platform features a deepened knowledge base of museums to provide an enhanced visitor experience 

Satisfi Labs​ is proud to announce the continued success of their partnership with the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia), deepening the AI-Powered Knowledge Management Platform’s understanding of visitor interests and priorities, as well as artwork and artists featured in the museum. Through the ongoing partnership, Satisfi Labs has helped one of the most recognized art museums in the country provide a better visitor experience and gather valuable data and insights on their audience that can impact future experiences and offerings.  

 

Since the launch of the partnership in Winter 2018, the Satisfi Labs virtual assistant has provided responses to museum visitors’ frequently asked questions through web chat in English and Spanish. The platform has seen an increase in inquiries about types of art and specific artists. These unique insights have prompted Mia to build a deeper knowledge base on the museum's artwork and artists to drive more discovery. The virtual assistant has answered over 60,000 questions focusing on ticketing, art pieces, traffic, and rotating exhibit information. As a free institution, Minneapolis Institute of Art is dedicated to providing an easy way for visitors to discover information about the museum experience and how to purchase tickets for their special exhibits. 

 

“With the second most frequently asked visitor question being around the type of artwork and artists in the museum, it is extremely important for us to increase our understanding of what art the visitors are most interested in,” said Eric Bruce, Head of Visitor Experience and Insights for Minneapolis Institute of Art. “By working with Satisfi Labs, we’re able to gather the data from customer questions and learn about exhibit and art interests, which informs future communication and visitor experience decisions.”  

 

“Our partnership with the Minneapolis Institute of Art has been extremely rewarding, we’re glad to be able to provide data and research for one of the top museums in the country and be a part of the conversation around cultural education and art appreciation,” said Don White, CEO and Co-Founder of Satisfi Labs. “What makes this partnership so unique is the ability to relay information in both English and Spanish, expanding the reach of information to more visitors.”  

 

The virtual assistant is available on the Mia website. Satisfi Labs has plans to continue building the knowledge base around specific artists and types of art that are housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.  

 

About Satisfi Labs  Satisfi Labs’ Answer Engine which enables search for physical locations through conversational AI, allows physical locations to answer any customer questions on-demand. They take in your physical and digital data through their Knowledge Management Platform and make it AI-ready allowing the Answer Engine to provide the most accurate and relevant answers to any owned channel on the web, mobile, SMS, and voice devices. ​www.satisfilabs.com​. 

About the Minneapolis Institute of Art Home to more than 90,000 works of art representing 5,000 years of world history, the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) inspires wonder, spurs creativity, and nourishes the imagination. With extraordinary exhibitions and one of the finest art collections in the country—from all corners of the globe, and from ancient to contemporary—Mia links the past to the present, enables global conversations, and offers an exceptional setting for inspiration. General admission to Mia is always free. Some special exhibitions have a nominal admission fee. For more information, call 612.870.3000 or visit artsmia.org. 

Hennepin County Invites You to Apply for a Citizen Advisory Board Volunteer Position

Share your voice and help shape policy

Give back to your community by applying for a citizen advisory board. The Hennepin County Board is recruiting for 25 openings this fall.

Volunteers advise the county board on a variety of issues, such as mental health, our region's workforce, libraries, water quality and more. 

Current openings

• Adult Mental Health Advisory Council – 10 vacancies
• Capital Budgeting Task Force – two vacancies
• City Planning Commission (Minneapolis) – one vacancy
• County Extension Committee (University of Minnesota Extension) – one vacancy
• Library Board – five vacancies
• Mental Commitment Attorney Panel Advisory Board – one vacancy
• Minnehaha Creek Watershed District Board – two vacancies
• Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Board – three vacancies

Application timeline

• Now through December 31 – apply at hennepin.us/advisoryboards.
• Starting January or February 2020 – the county board will conduct interviews.
• First quarter of 2020 – the county board will appoint volunteers to the positions.

Look for more news on the Hennepin County website at hennepin.us/news.

Discover how we're making a difference in our communities at hennepin.us/stories.

Oratorio Society Opens 40th Season with The French Connection at the Basilica of St. Mary, Nov 15

Enjoy an evening of sublime and powerful sacred French music performed by soloists, the Oratorio Society of Minnesota chorus, chamber orchestra and organ in the magnificent space of the Basilica of Saint Mary, 1600 Hennepin Avenue on Friday, November 15, 8pm.

In the middle of the nineteenth century, the state of church music in Paris was a source of bitter controversy. The passion for opera and ballet that dominated the musical life of the city had become firmly entrenched even in the churches, where organists deficient in both taste and technique gratified their undiscriminating clergy and congregations with music that was either sentimental or vulgar, or both. But by the middle of the nineteenth century, a "bloodless revolution" was in the making.

The mastermind was the great organ-builder Aristide Cavaillé-Coll, who built or rebuilt most of the organs in Paris during his long career.  Enabled by these magnificent instruments, and beginning with Cesar Franck, the evolution of French sacred music took root and progressed throughout the balance of the nineteenth century into the first half of the 20th century. The French Connection traces this progress from Gabriel Fauré's Cantique de Jean Racine (1865) to Maurice Duruflé's Requiem (1947).

Oratorio Society of Minnesota’s 40th Anniversary season opens with a themed program entitled The French Connection. The program of French music will be conducted by OSM Artistic Director Matthew Mehaffey and will feature the 100-voice Oratorio Society Chorus, a professional chamber orchestra, soloists Philip Zawisza and Kara Morgan, and organist Helen Jensen. The first half of the program will feature sacred music by significant French masters such as, Fauré, Franck, Widor, Dupré, and Honegger; the second half of the program will be a performance of Maurice Duruflé’s beloved Requiem, Op. 9. 

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Program:

Gabriel Fauré - Cantique de Jean Racine (1865)

Charles Marie Widor - Gloria (Mass op. 36, 1878)

César Franck - Psaume 150 (1883)

Jean Roger Ducasse - Crux Fidelis (1911)

Marcel Dupré - Sustinuit Anima Mea (De Profundis, 1917)

Arthur Honegger - Laudate Dominum (Une Cantate de Noël, 1940/1952

Maurice Duruflé - Requiem op. 9 (1947)

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Tickets

It Takes A Village to Raise A City

Article by Michael Rainville, Jr.

Throughout the first half of the United States’ history, moving west was a dream for many. Mormons sought their own theocratic state, outlaws were on the hunt for their next heist, and pioneers journeyed with wagon trains to untamed lands. In the early 1800s, Fort Snelling was one of the few outposts in this neck of the woods for the vast, unlawful territories west of the Mississippi. The safety of Fort Snelling attracted pioneers and settlers to the area, and small communities began popping up, like Mendota and Pig’s Eye. As the years rolled on, people started venturing further from the Fort with many congregating on the east side of St. Anthony Falls.

Village of St. Anthony - 1857

The few people who decided to set up shop in this area in the 1840s made their living by operating or working in mills. With the help of an investment in milling by a civilian shopkeeper at Fort Snelling, Franklin Steele, the Village of St. Anthony was officially incorporated in 1849, the same year Minnesota became a territory. Back then, the east bank of the Mississippi was a part of Ramsey County. Remnants of this bygone era can still be seen today in Chute’s Square where the oldest house in Minneapolis lies, the Ard Godfrey House.

One of the first orders of business the Minnesota Territory legislature did was decide where important territorial institutions would be established. St. Paul received the capital, Stillwater was given the territorial prison, and St. Anthony was awarded the university. In fact, the university’s original location was present-day Chute’s Square. Equipped with a young university and a rising milling industry, St. Anthony also became a resort town. The Winslow House provided a luxurious place to stay for those visiting during the summer months, mainly from the south, and during the day, visitors would spend their time at places like Pettingill’s Resort along the river.

The painting "St. Anthony" by Ferdinand Richardt

St. Anthony also played an important role in the trading business. The Red River ox cart trails provided safe traveling between St. Paul and Winnipeg, Canada. Once riverboats unloaded their supplies and goods onto ox carts in St. Paul, their nearly 600-mile journey north began. Depending which way you were traveling, St. Anthony was either the last major city for hundreds of miles or the first sign of civilization after a tiring trek. The ox carts would roll along the riverfront through St. Anthony, which spurred the development of many businesses along this part of the route. Years later, the village would give that route the name Main Street.

Even though St. Anthony Falls and the rapidly developing milling industry were key in securing prosperity for the Village of St. Anthony, and a few years later Minneapolis, the success of the two villages quickly plateaued. In order to build off this early success, Franklin Steele and John Stevens built the first bridge to span the Mississippi River and connect St. Anthony to Minneapolis in 1855. Not only did it make travel between the two villages a lot quicker and safer, it meant that both of their economies could continue to grow and prosper.

The Steamboat Enterprise being portaged around St. Anthony Falls along Main Street, circa 1863 (the current-day Segway shop resides in the building on the right).

Both villages grew at an exceptional rate during the next two decades that saw their population triple in size. Since the two villages’ economies were so connected, officials in Minneapolis wrote up a proposition to officials in St. Anthony. Minneapolis wanted to annex St. Anthony and also expand Hennepin County’s borders to encompass the new city boundaries. A few St. Anthony politicians and business owners were not the biggest fans of this deal. There was no way little ol’ West St. Anthony was going to absorb the first, the original settlement along St. Anthony Falls. After reality set in for those with hometown pride, the two villages came to an agreement. Minneapolis would annex St. Anthony, which would also become a part of Hennepin County, and the county and Minneapolis would have to build two more bridges across the Mississippi, the Upper Bridge, now the Plymouth Avenue Bridge, and the Lower Bridge, also known as the old Tenth Avenue Bridge.

While the Village of St. Anthony is no more, its spirit lives on along St. Anthony Main and the East Hennepin business district, the neighborhoods of St. Anthony West and East, and the suburb of St. Anthony Village.

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About Michael Rainville, Jr.

A 6th generation Minneapolitan, Michael Rainville Jr. received his B.A. in History from the University of St. Thomas, and is currently enrolled in their M.A. in Art History and Certificate in Museum Studies programs.

Michael is also an intern at the Hennepin History Museum and a lead guide at Mobile Entertainment LLC, giving Segway tours of the Minneapolis riverfront for 7+ years. Contact: mrainvillejr@comcast.net.

Click here for an interactive map of Michael's past articles.

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