November by the Numbers

Downtown real estate market update from Cynthia Froid Group:

MPRB Seeks Volunteers for the Lake Harriet Winter Kite Festival - January 26, 2019

The Minneapolis Park and Rec Board wants to know: Are you a proud Minnesotan? Do you live by the motto: “There is no bad weather, only bad clothes?" Then put on your best winter clothes and volunteer for the 2019 Lake Harriet Winter Kite Festival!

Event and volunteer details: 

• - Saturday, January 26, 2019
• - 12-4 pm
• - Volunteer shifts are 2-hour increments
• - Duties include helping with ice fishing, snowshoeing, firepits, set-up and tear-down and more!

More information and specific volunteer positions are listed online at this link.

Romaine calm!

Via an e-newsletter from the City of Minneapolis:

Romaine calm! An update on the romaine lettuce investigation. 

What we know

No common grower, supplier, distributor, or brand of romaine lettuce has been identified as the source of the current outbreak.

The CDC is advising that U.S. consumers not eat, and retailers and restaurants not serve, or sell any romaine lettuce harvested from the Central Coastal growing regions of northern and central California.

On Nov. 28, the FDA identified these California counties as the focus of the investigation:

• Monterey
• San Benito
• San Luis Obispo
• Santa Barbara
• Santa Cruz
• Ventura

Romaine lettuce harvested from locations outside of the California regions being investigated do not appear to be related to the current outbreak.

If you do not know where your romaine lettuce was harvested, do not eat it.

States impacted

As of Monday Nov. 26, 43 people in 12 states have been infected with the outbreak strain of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157:H7. At that time, Minnesota did not have any confirmed cases. Wisconsin was named as one of the 12 states.

* * * * * * * Steps You Can Take * * * * * * *

Know your source

Romaine lettuce entering the market will now be labeled with a harvest location and harvest date, or will be labeled as hydroponically or greenhouse grown. If your lettuce does not have this information, you should not buy it, eat it or use it.

If you have romaine lettuce harvested from any of the California counties listed above, throw it out. 
Always know where your supplier is getting their food.

When possible and in season, buying locally allows you to know your source better, and contributes to the local economy.

Wash it

With the current E. coli outbreak, washing the romaine lettuce will not make it safe to eat. The E. colibacteria can be in the plant cells themselves, and since it only takes a few cells of E. coli to make someone sick, you cannot wash away the risk.

However, washing produce should be part of your routine practice. Leafy greens are a raw product, grown in dirt, and handled by people many times before making its way into your kitchen. Always wash fresh produce prior to cooking or serving.

Refrigerating and date marking your produce can also help control bacteria growth to keep you and your customers safe from potentially harmful bacteria.

Organic Vs. Non-Organic

Organic produce can contain harmful bacteria. From a potentially hazardous food standpoint, there is no difference between organic and non-organic produce.

Minneapolis Park Board Adopts 2019 Budget

Via a December 5 e-newsletter from Minneapolis Park and Rec Board:

Budget focuses on youth services, fiscal responsibility, environmental protection and engaging the communities’ power

At their December 5 meeting, the Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted a 2019 Budget for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) that focuses on four priorities: invest in youth; be financially sustainable; protect the environment; and engage communities’ power. It also reflects initiatives to meet the changing demographics and needs of the community, including more frontline staff to deliver critical services, piloting the wrap-around full-service community school/park model, and increased funding for a recreation micro-grant program. Commissioners also approved renaming the micro-grant program after former park commissioner Walter Dziedzic.

“Our city has a critical need for enhanced youth programs and services, and youth violence prevention strategies, and the Park Board is uniquely positioned to address this need” said Superintendent Mary Merrill. “We appreciate Mayor Frey’s support for the work we do and his down payment towards the ongoing investment needed for youth services. We are very proud to partner with the Mayor and the Minneapolis Public Schools on piloting the new wrap-around, full-service community school/park model for Minneapolis children.”

A wrap-around, full-service site will be the hub in the community where families will have access to resources where all their needs can be met. The Park Board's role in this partnership will be to find where a park and school share the same site and work together to leverage both park and school resources and services in support of young people and their families.

“I am proud this Board unanimously adopted a budget that increases the number of parkkeepers who care for our parks to pre-recession levels. We also increased our investment in youth, youth jobs and critical youth programming,” said Park Board President Brad Bourn. “It’s an honor to expand our recreation micro grant program and rename it after the late Walt Dziedzic who was such an advocate for parks, youth and families in Minneapolis. Parks are for everyone and this budget puts us in a sound financial position to continue providing services the community wants and needs.”

The MPRB 2019 Budget includes increased funding in the Youth Development Department for the Leadership Fund micro-grant program to focus on elders, girls and Somali program partnerships, and renaming the Leadership Fund the Walter Dziedzic Recreation Innovation Fund. Additional youth development initiatives include increased youth employment through Teen Teamworks, two additional Conservation Corps crews, support for the Run and Shoot Basketball League, and two additional Youthline program specialist positions.

The MPRB 2019 Budget includes a 5.7 percent property tax levy increase that includes 5.8 percent increase for the General Fund annual operating increase, and 3.0 percent increase for the Tree Preservation and Reforestation Levy to address Emerald Ash Borer infestation and tree loss due to storms. Of the Minneapolis property tax paid by Minneapolis homeowners, approximately eight cents of every dollar will go to the MPRB. The 5.7 percent property tax increase will result in an estimated annual increase of $17 for the owner of a $249,000 home.

For details about the approved 2019 Budget, read the full release on the MPRB website.

News from the Northrup King Building

Via a December 4 e-newsletter from the Northrup King Building:

First Thursday, Complementary Hot Chocolate, Indoor Ice Luminary Walk, Santa Claus and more

Holiday Open Studio Saturday - Noon - 4:00 PM

We are open for Holiday Saturdays, December 8th, 15th and 22nd.   

Stop by this Saturday, December 8th for a complementary hot chocolate and stroll the studios.  You'll find art for your home and thousands of gift items including jewelry, ceramics, glass, textiles, wearable art, leather bags, paintings and mixed media pieces of varying sizes and so much more.  

Be sure to visit the Indoor Ice Luminary Walk in the Third Floor Gallery (#332).

The Northeast Minneapolis Arts District will be hopping this Saturday with a number of buildings hosting their holiday shopping shows.

Indoor Ice Luminary Walk

We are excited to celebrate the release of Jennifer Shea Hedberg's new book titled Ice Luminary Magic. To celebrate, Wintercraft will be hosting an indoor ice luminary walk in the darkness of the Third Floor Gallery (#332). This is a free event. Come experience the magic of the glowing luminaries and see all the textures and colors of the ice luminaries.  

The book is available for purchase and Jennifer is available to answer questions. Pictured here is a sample of the ice luminaries you can make.

First Thursday at the Northrup King Building

Beat the crowds and stroll the studios for 4 floors of unique gifts and local art.  

We've got you covered for a warm and cheery experience finding art for your home or gift giving needs.

Meet us at the Main Entrance for a complementary hot chocolate before you start strolling the studios.

Karin Jacobson Winner of MJSA's Online Design Challenge

Karin Jacobson of Karin Jacobson Design is the winner of MJSA's 2018 "A Mission in Life" Online Design Challenge.

MJSA is the trade alliance dedicated to professional excellence in jewelry making and design.

You can find more of Karin's exquisite jewelry at www.karinjacobson.com

¡Bon Appetit!

Holidays are a time to feast and you can save calories by feasting your eyes on the food paintings in this juried exhibition. See the juried show and award winning paintings at Studio Pintura Fine Art Gallery (#293) or browse and shop the online gallery. 

Cynthia Froid Group's Office is a Donation Drop Off for PSP and YouthLink

During the holiday season, the Cynthia Froid Group, 709 2nd Street S, will be a Donation Drop-Off Site for People Serving People and YouthLink. (Their office is undergoing some construction, so please call before you plan to stop by to ensure one of their staff will be there to receive, 612-279-8215.) Alternatively, you can purchase a Target gift card or donate online for either organization (links below). Please have your Holiday donations in by December 13th.

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Holiday items most needed: 

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People Serving People: 

- Toys, baby wipes, mittens and gloves

- Target gift cards: tgt.gifts/holiday2018

YouthLink: 

- Target gift cards: tgt.gifts/YouthLink

- New or gently used warm clothing (sweatshirts, coats, hats, gloves), dish sets, sheet sets

- Holiday youth gift bags (300 of each needed): 

  * Bus pass $10

  * Hoodie sweatshirt

  * Earbuds

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Thank you for considering giving generously to our area families and youth who need extra help at this time of year!

Nimbus Theatre presents THE RIVER BECOMES SEA

THE RIVER BECOMES SEA runs thru December 16

In THE RIVER BECOMES SEA, Nimbus Theatre, 2303 Kennedy Street NE, explores the turbulent world of Reconstruction Era New Orleans. Inspired by Euripides’ The Bacchae, playwright Josh Cragun has populated the Crescent City with a complex collection of ambitious, passionate people. When an exiled scion of Cornelius’ prosperous and respectable dynasty returns, the secret she carries could tear the family apart. Pride, racism, resentment and ambition flow together like a river to the sea. Playwright Cragun has been nurturing the idea of a play loosely based on Euripides’ tragedy.

Every family has its secrets. Cornelius Aloysius Gaines and his daughters are no exception.

Inspired by Euripides’ The Bacchae and set in Reconstruction era New Orleans, playwright Josh Cragun has populated the Crescent City with a complex collection of ambitious, passionate people. When an exiled scion of Cornelius’ prosperous and respectable dynasty returns, the secret she carries could tear the family apart. Pride, racism, resentment and ambition flow together like a river to the sea. And the water is rising.

More info

Celebration of Hmong Culture in Hennepin Gallery, December 3 thru January 24

Via a December 3 e-newsletter from Hennepin County:

Forecast Public Art and the Hennepin County Multicultural Arts Committee announce “Sib Pauv Zog: A Hmong Cultural Harvest,” an exhibit in the Hennepin Gallery created by artists from ArtCrop and curated by Oskar Ly.

The exhibit includes the work and stories of Hmong artists and farmers reimagining Hmong existence and making way for new cultural traditions. Featuring items from fridges to recipe diaries, handwoven hemp to handmade couture, the display rethinks where creativity and inspiration live, what makes a cultural practice, and what a harvest can be.

Sib pauv zog refers to the reciprocal exchange of labor that supports the well-being of one another – an utmost responsibility in Hmong culture. Hmong people have always sib pauv zog, having long cultivated mountainous lands to grow their own food. Along with this, they express their identities through various forms of craft making, storytelling and cultural rituals. While there is no Hmong word for art, creativity exists throughout these cultural practices. Artists as farmers. Farmers as artists.

ArtCrop is the sister model to CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) partnering with artists and farmers to bring art + food culture together.

Learn more at artcrop.com; Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter: @helloartcrop.

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Special event:

“Sib Pauv Zog – A Talk with ArtCrop” Brown Bag Talk

Oskar Ly, Hmong French American multi-disciplinary artist, organizer and creative cultural producer

January 10, 2019, noon - 1 p.m.

Hennepin County Government Center Auditorium, A-level

ArtCrop will present on their work to highlight how art and agriculture are a core part of Hmong culture. The group will discuss their work using the CSA model (community supported agriculture/art), the artist residency on the HAFA farm, and public art exhibits. The session will include an interactive group discussion.

This exhibition and corresponding events are supported by the Hennepin County Multicultural Arts Committee (MCAC), which is receiving support from Forecast Public Art, a non-profit arts organization that activates people, networks and proven practices to advance the transformational power of arts in public life.

The Hennepin Gallery is free and open to the public Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Hennepin County Government Center, A-level, 300. S. Sixth St., Minneapolis. The exhibit is sponsored by Hennepin County Communications.

The Gallery is a project of Hennepin County Communications.

Minnesota Historical Society shares the story of the Christmas Pyramid

Via a November 30 e-newsletter from the Minnesota Historical Society:

Christmas pyramid today and decorated in the Johnson home

New artifact offers a glimpse into holiday decor and folk art of the 1930s 

In the 1930s, Virgil and Helen Johnson purchased a handmade Christmas tree for their family from a Swedish carpenter’s union in Minneapolis. Over the years, the family continued to decorate the tree during over during the holidays, and nearly 90 years later, the artifact is now part of the Minnesota Historical Society’s collections.

This unique style of tree, called a Christmas pyramid, has its roots in German folk tradition, and some historians considered it a precursor to the Christmas trees we know today. The pyramid has several shelves where the Johnsons could place holiday ornaments and figurines.

It’s topped by a wheel of rotating fan blades, and when candles are lit on the pyramid, the resulting heat causes the fan and shelves to spin. For preservation reasons, MNHS curators won’t light candles on our pyramid, but here’s a video of another Christmas pyramid in action:

“The tree and its decorations are great complements to other holiday decor, folk art, and union-made material in our collections,” said Sondra Reierson, 3D objects curator and interim head of collections management.

The tree’s owner also has a unique Minnesota story. Virgil Johnson was a noted hockey player in his day, playing for local minor league teams like the Minneapolis Millers and St. Paul Saints as well as on the 1938 Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks. Johnson became a member of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in 1974.

In addition to the tree, MNHS acquired Johnson's collection of 100+ family photographs and slides chronicling three generations of the family in Minnesota, dating back to his grandparents’ arrival from Sweden in 1881. 

Digitization of collections items for online access is made possible by the Legacy Amendment's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the vote of Minnesotans on Nov. 4, 2008.

New for Holiday Shoppers: Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center Partners with Minnesota Makers

Via a November 29 announcement from Meet Minneapolis:

On December 6, shop and enjoy free refreshments at the December ‘First Thursdays’ event from 9 to 11 a.m.

The Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center on Nicollet and 5th Street is pleased to announce a new retail partnership with Minnesota Makers. Highlighting Minnesota artists, new merchandise and gifts will be available beginning Monday, December 3. To provide a warm welcome to its new retailer and encourage holiday shopping, the Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center’s “First Thursdays” event on Dec. 6 will include free Cardigan Donuts and coffee for customers.

“The Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center, along with our building partner CenterPoint Energy, has always had a vision of activating this prominent downtown corner to engage visitors and locals with more of our great city,” said Meet Minneapolis President and CEO Melvin Tennant. “We are excited that our new retail partner, Minnesota Makers, will help us highlight locally made products and skilled artisans year-round.”

Minnesota Makers features the work of more than 100 Minnesota artists from all over the state, including Minneapolis-centric items like prints, clothing and wood products. Guests shopping at the Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center also will find illustrations by Adam Turman, screen prints by Brian Giehl of Dogfish Media and cutting boards and games by Al Walker of Savanna Woods available for purchase.

“We are thrilled to be working with Meet Minneapolis and to be selected as the retail partner at the Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center on Nicollet,” said co-owners of Minnesota Makers, Christa Kalk and Jay Kalk. “We are passionate about connecting customers to the artists and their stories – and we’ll now be able to reach a wider audience with this new location.”

First Thursdays are held each month to encourage residents, employees of downtown businesses and visitors to learn more about the free services available at the Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center and discover local Minnesota Makers, as well as highlight partners, 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 5^th 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.

ABOUT MINNESOTA MAKERS

Minnesota Makers, with locations in downtown Minneapolis and Robbinsdale, features the work of over 100 Minnesota artists, from near the Canadian border to south of Rochester and New Ulm and everywhere between. It strives to create an experience where the customer will learn more about the featured artists, their work, and the ever-present talent in the state of Minnesota. Shopping at Minnesota Makers is like shopping with more than 100 local small businesses in one. Support local, support artists, shop Minnesota Makers.

Minneapolis Park & Rec Board Invites you to the December 1 Minneapolis International Festival

Join community members from across the city to learn about the many amazing cultures that make Minneapolis such a wonderful place to live.

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Saturday, December 1, 1-5 pm

Central Gym, 3400 Fourth Avenue S

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The Minneapolis International Festival will be celebrating the different cultures in the City of Minneapolis and surrounding communities with music, dance, art, cultural learning booths, exhibits demonstrations, food AND MORE. Learn about all the many amazing cultures that make Minneapolis such a wonderful place to live.

Some of the groups featured that day will include: Mehandi Henna, Rince na Chroi Irish Dancers, Russian Museum of Art, Kuyayki Peru, Keefer Court Bakery & Café, The Greek Dancers of Minnesota and Green Card Voices.

The Minneapolis International Festival is FREE and open to the public. The event will take place on Saturday, December 1 from 1:00 to 5:00 pm at Central Gym in Minneapolis, 3400 Fourth Avenue S. This is an indoor event. Questions? Call 612-230-6400 or visit the Event on Facebook.

The Minneapolis International Festival is FREE and open to the public, and presented by the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board.

SteppingStone Theatre Announces their production of A Charlie Brown Christmas, November 30-December 22

Bring your family together for a performance of this beloved classic, featuring live jazz pianist Sean Turner, at the SteppingStone Theatre. This charming performance will delight everyone on your Christmas list! 

What is A Charlie Brown Christmas about, again? 
All of Charlie Brown’s friends are brimming with holiday cheer, but he’s having trouble getting in the spirit. Can directing a Christmas play help him kick the Yuletide Blues? Discover the true meaning of Christmas and the place where you belong with Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the whole Peanuts gang!

Who is the ideal audience? 
This hour-long performance will be a marvelous experience for Peanuts lovers of all ages! 

When are your Accessible Performances?
December 2: 3:00 PM Pay-As-You’re Able
December 7 : 7:00 PM Audio Described
December 9: 3:00 PM ASL Interpreted

NEW with this show - choose your seats when you purchase Tickets.

Entrance Fees to All 75 Minnesota State Parks and Recreation Areas will be Waived on Friday, November 23

Via a November 21 e-newsletter from the Office of Governor Mark Dayton:

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Governor Mark Dayton today announced “Free Park Friday” in Minnesota, highlighting that entrance fees to all Minnesota state parks and recreation areas will be waived on Friday, November 23, 2018. Governor Dayton encourages all Minnesotans to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends on the day after Thanksgiving.

 

“I wish everyone in Minnesota a very happy Thanksgiving, and recommend visiting one of Minnesota's beautiful state parks — for free — on Friday,” said Governor Mark Dayton. “Like sharing a meal, going for a walk can be a great way to spend quality time with family and friends.”

 

Research shows that spending time outdoors benefits children and adults, including improving mood, enhancing creative thinking and problem solving, promoting a conservation ethic, and improving physical fitness. On Thanksgiving Day, the average American consumes around 4,500 calories. A brisk walk can burn about 300 calories in one hour.

 

“Holidays can be stressful, but Minnesota state parks and recreation areas are open year-round to provide places to unwind and relax, surrounded by natural beauty,” said Erika Rivers, director of Minnesota State Parks and Trails. “We hope that visitors who go to a state park for the first time on Free Park Friday will have fun, feel refreshed, and want to come back.”

 

Although most state park offices and visitor centers will be unstaffed or minimally staffed on Free Park Friday, a variety of on-site and online resources available for visitors:

 

• Find directions to the parks on the individual park Web pages at www.mndnr.gov.

• Look for the self-orientation signs near the park entrance for suggestions on what to see and do during your visit.

• Additional hike recommendations can be found online at the Free Park Friday page. 

• Pick up a hard-copy map at the park office or, better yet, download one of the new GeoPDF maps that show you where you are based on your mobile device’s built-in GPS receiver. Internet access is needed to install the app and map files, but once they are installed, they do not need Internet access or cell phone service to function.

 

A few Minnesota state parks will offer special programs. Examples include:

 

• Feeling Full Hike – 10-11:30 a.m. at Sibley State Park in New London. Join a naturalist on a hike to Mt. Tom, with some stops along the way to learn about our feathered friend: the turkey. Meet at the Interpretive Center.

• Turkey Hike – 1-2 p.m. at Whitewater State Park near Winona. Learn the fascinating history of the wild turkey in the Whitewater Valley! Meet at the visitor center for a brief introduction, then take a hike to look for signs of wild turkeys.

• Bison Tales – 1-2 p.m. at Blue Mounds State Park in Luverne. Join a naturalist to learn more about efforts to conserve bison throughout the state. Touch real pieces of bison, practice your bison communication skills, and make a bison storybook of your very own to take home. Meet at the picnic shelter in the cart-in campsite area. 

 

For additional resources on things to do and places to stay across the state, visit exploreminnesota.com, and share your sights this season on social media using #OnlyinMN.

 

Permalink: http://mn.gov/governor/newsroom/index.jsp?id=1055-359051

The Boom Island-Nicollet Island Bridge is open!

The freshly repaired Boom Island-Nicollet Island Bridge

Via a November 21 announcement from Minneapolis Park and Rec Board:

Historic bridge reopens after six-month repair project

The Boom Island-Nicollet Island Bridge is open for trail users after a six-month repair project!

Minor followup work, including site restoration and seeding, concrete abutment surface repair, and paint touch-ups, will be performed next spring. A Grand Opening Celebration is scheduled next year as well; details will be determined in the spring. 

The trail connection between Boom Island Park and Nicollet Island was originally built in 1901 as a railroad bridge. In the 1970s, the rail yard it served was cleared and the bridge was given to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB), which converted it to a pedestrian and bicycle bridge in the 1980s.

In late 2013, the bridge was closed to emergency and maintenance vehicles after significant deterioration was discovered during an inspection. Emergency repairs were completed in July 2015 and permanent repairs were performed May-November 2018.

The MPRB appreciates everyone's patience while the bridge was closed.

Project page

MPRB Seeks Residents Interested in Serving on a Community Advisory Committee

Via a November 20 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park and Rec Board:

Three advisory committees are now accepting applications

Applications for 2019 appointments are due Tuesday, December 4

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The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) Board of Commissioners is seeking applications for appointments to five ongoing community advisory committees:

• Saint Anthony Falls Heritage Board – One Appointment
• Minneapolis Tree Advisory Commission – Four Appointments
• Park Police Advisory Council – Six Appointments

Service commitment may vary based upon needs, expectations and policy goals. However, most advisory committee members can expect to approximately 10-15 hours of work per month. Most terms are two years and all board and commission members are not subject to term limits.

Some Boards/Commissions have a need for specialized skills, but most people will find a Board or Commission that is a great fit for their knowledge base. Public members of Board and Commissions are people who may not have regular, ongoing experience in a specific topic area, but have a general interest in a Board or Commission’s work area. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about an area of interest and contribute a perspective that is fresh and unique to the service area.

Applications must be received no later than 4 p.m., Tuesday, December 4, 2018.  Following submission, applicants will receive an email confirming receipt of the application and describing the general process for appointment. Appointments for open positions will be made at the January 2, 2019 business meeting of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. For a full description of each committee and to complete the application please visit: https://www.minneapolisparks.org/abca.

Applicants with questions about the appointments process should email their questions to board.appointments@minneapolisparks.org or contact Radious Guess at 612-230-6419.

Please click here to sign up to be notified of all advisory committee opportunities.

Twin Cities Live segment on the Thank You for Shopping Exhibit at Mill City Museum

The next time you visit the Mill City Museum, check out the latest photo exhibit, based on the book Thank You for Shopping: The Golden Age of Minnesota Department Stores by Kristal Leebrick. The exhibit of framed photographs and a slideshow, including many unpublished photos, is located in the museum's central Mill Commons and is free and open to the public during regular museum hours thru February 24, 2019. The book is available in the museum gift shop.

Here's a recent Twin Cities Live segment shot at the Museum, featuring Leebrick:

Event Parkway Closures Nov 22 and 24

Note the following temporary road closures for November 22 and 24 race events:

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Thursday, November 22

Turkey Day 5K

7:30am-11:30am

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West River Parkway - N 4th Ave to 11th Ave S

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Saturday, November 24

Moustache Run

8:30am-1:30pm

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Main Street - 6th Ave SE to Plymouth Ave

West River Parkway - Plymouth Ave to E 38th St

Stone Arch Bridge

Downtown Living: Phoenix on the River

Phoenix on the River prime floor plan! Corner location flooded with morning light & panoramic views. Floor plan features 2 bedrooms and den, 2 bathrooms, open layout, private balcony, loads of custom storage & walls of glass. Perfect eye-level view of the recently renovated Pillsbury Flour sign & illuminated water tank atop the Pillsbury A-Mill. Walking distance to U of M campus, groceries, movies, great restaurants & bars, nature & best of riverfront festivals.

2 bed | 2 bath |2 parking | 2,100 sf | $1,150,000

Listing by Cynthia Froid Group

Click for more details, photos...

Key North, Beloved Northeast Minneapolis Boutique, is “Retiring the Brand”

Article and photos by Merle Minda

Key North, Beloved Northeast Minneapolis Boutique, is “Retiring the Brand”

Markdowns begin Monday, November 19; 13-year run comes to an end

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Beloved Northeast Minneapolis women’s clothing boutique Key North will close its location at 515 1st Avenue NE as of January 31, 2019. Markdowns on all new fall and winter merchandise will begin at 30 percent off starting Monday, November 19. Further reductions to come. Key North has been in the forefront of carrying top quality and unique fashion design for its devoted customers; merchandise carefully selected in markets from Milan to Paris, New York City and Los Angeles.

Owners and partners of Key North are, left: Katie Greene and, right, Gwen Engelbert

Owners and partners Katie Greene and Gwen Engelbert are sad to see their ‘bricks and mortar’ location come to an end, but will be pursuing other innovative plans to carry their unique perspectives and dedication forward.

Partner Katie Greene noted, “The current retail climate conflicts with our mission of working directly with clients who value quality and original design. Retail now depends so heavily on social media and e-commerce marketing/discounting – that is not what we are about.” She continued, “We are deeply grateful for the relationships and loyalty we have enjoyed with our customers over the years; stay tuned for our next chapter!" 

Throughout its time, Key North maintained an ethical model of quality goods made by well-paid people. “No sweatshops for our goods,” stated partner Gwen Engelbert.

Front window of Key North

The imminent closing of Key North comes as a double whammy to the Northeast Business District, following the recently announced closing of Bibelot in the same neighborhood, leaving the retail scene here fairly desolate.

Some quotes from their treasured customers:

• “Fought the good fight! Such a lovely thing to have their store; their attention to detail and quality goods was from their heart.” Clareyse N.

• “My go-to place for brands I can’t find elsewhere. Everyone asks me where I shop.” Mary T.

• “Makes me sad.” Heather D.

• “Love the store and their product choices.” Merle M.

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About Merle Minda

Journalist and free-lance writer Merle Minda writes about travel, business, people profiles and other subjects for a number of national and regional publications, including Delta SKY, Mpls/St. Paul Magazine, Twin Cities Business, Star Tribune, Twin Cities Statement, Minnesota Monthly, and now Mill City Times. She can be reached at mminda@earthlink.net or TravelOverEasy.com on the web.

What Happens When Rivers Merge?

One of the articles in the most recent e-newsletter from Friends of the Mississippi River (Special Places: Confluences where great rivers merge) includes aerial shots of the Mississippi River merging with other rivers. It's interesting to see how different the water quality can be between two rivers. We witnessed this first hand during a pontoon ride with forest rangers a few years ago, but it's even more stunning to see from above:

It's an informative article - please click on the link to read about it and view additional pictures.