Check out the Vendors and Activities Happening at the 2018 Tuesday Night Mill city Farmers Markets in The Commons - Starting Today, June 5!

On Tuesday, June 5th the Mill City Farmers Market is opens its Night Market at The Commons park, the 4.2 acre green space next to US Bank Stadium. Mill City Night Market will run from 4 to 8pm every Tuesday until the end of September with locally grown summer grocery staples like fresh salad greens, cucumbers, pasture-raised meat for the grill, sweet corn and also a wide assortment of farm-to-table prepared foods for to-go dinners and week night picnics in the park. In addition to great food, Mill City Farmers Market will stay true to its mission of offering “can-do” cooking and wellness education and being a space for community engagement through recipe sampling, yoga classes, live music, monthly beer and wine nights with neighborhood brewery Day Block Brewing.

Monthly Beer and Wine Nights 

4 to 8 p.m. with Day Block Brewing

• June 26
• July 31
• August 28
• September 18

Music Line Up 

6 to 8 p.m., unless otherwise noted

• June 5 – Gypsy Mania
• June 12 – Sinfonia from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., followed by One Ukulele
• June 19 – Roe Family Singers from 5 to 7 p.m., followed by a movie in the park!
• June 26 – Brass Messengers
• July 3 – The Preludes to a Blizzard
• July 10 – Lila Ammons
• July 17 – Ring Toss Twins DJs
• July 24 – Light of the Moon Duo
• July 31 – TBD
• August 7 – Michael Keys & Jim Krans
• August 14 – Upper Midwest Folk Fiddlers
• August 21 – Honest Maude
• August 28 – Lila Ammons
• September 4 – The Moonlight Duo
• September 11 – Roe Family Singers
• September 18 – Hamdog
• September 25 – Sam Timmreck from 4 to 6 p.m., followed by The Minnesota Orchestra

Free Yoga Classes 

5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Commons lawn with Alchemy and YogaFit Studios

• June 5 & 26
• July 3, 10 & 24
• August 7, 14, 21 & 28
• September 4, 11 & 18

Mill City Night Market Vendors:

Farmers & Grocery

• Bean Market – heirloom dry beans and fresh fruits and vegetables
• Best Cellar – pickled vegetables and mushroom jerky
• Burning River Farm – Certified Naturally Grown vegetables
• Calvit’s Shrubs – vinegar drink mixes
• GYST Fermentation Bar – pickled vegetables and kombucha
• Holistic Health Farm – microgreens and other vegetables
• Horner’s Corner – maple syrup and seasonal fruit
• Nistler Farms – melon, sweet corn and tomatoes
• Northerly Flora – Minneapolis urban flower farm with fresh bouquets
• Prairie Hollow Farm – fresh fruits and vegetables, mushrooms, farmstead cheese and bread
• Sunshine Harvest Farm – grass-fed beef, pasture-raised chicken & eggs, pork, lamb and bison
• Well-Rooted Teas – loose leaf tea
• Wild Run Salmon

Dinner & Sweet Treats

• Black Cat – barbecue, rice bowls and more
• Chef Shack – tacos, burgers, and brats
• Gohan Sushi
• Green Garden Bakery
• Northern Fires Pizza
• Saint Pops – fresh juice popsicles
• Solomon’s Bakery
• Sonny’s Ice Cream

Local Artisans

• Aprilierre – jewelry
• Barkley’s Bistro – artisan dog treats
• Bhavana Organics –natural body products, teas and herbal remedies
• Crankosaurus Press – tea towels hand-printed in St. Paul
• Fair Anita – jewelry and apparel

mpls downtown council Announces Line-up of Outdoor Music, Movies, Trivia, Fitness & Fun with Free Activities Throughout Downtown This Summer

Via a June 4 e-newsletter from mpls downtown council:

The mpls downtown council (mdc) and its partners announced today a full schedule of free events for all ages and abilities to enjoy outside this summer through several key initiatives taking place throughout downtown Minneapolis.

The mpls downtown council’s summer lineup of activities are headlined by Go Outside with Hennepin County, Pianos on Parade and The Minneapolis Aquatennial. The majority of these events will take place during June through August.

“Keeping downtown active is an important part of ensuring our city’s core is thriving, safe and vibrant,” said mpls downtown council vice president of external relations Leah Wong. “We invite you downtown this summer to enjoy fun, free programming and events for all ages and abilities in the heart of our city.”

Go Outside with Hennepin County is a collection of free activities taking place at Target Field Station (335 N 5th Street) and Hennepin County Government Center South Plaza (300 S 6th Street). A partnership between Hennepin County and mdc and now in its fourth year, Go Outside features a variety of events for all ages to enjoy. At South Plaza from June through August, enjoy the Downtown Farmers Market on Tuesdays (open through the end of October), yard games, meditation areas, an art cart and other special activities on Wednesdays, and piano performances on Thursdays. For more information, visit www.mplsdowntown.com/gooutside.

Go Outside with Hennepin County South Plaza events schedule

Tuesdays, 6/1-10/31: downtown farmers market | 9 am – 3 pm
Wednesdays, 6/1-8/31: yard games and fun activities | 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Thursdays, 6/1-8/31: piano performances | 12 pm – 1 pm

Target Field Station’s activities include free outdoor movie nights (June 13 & 27, July 2, 16 & 23, August 8 & 22), trivia nights (June 12 & 26, July 17 & 24), The Most Epic Family Day (August 12) and outdoor fitness (August 6, 13 & 20). Trivia nights will include prizes to winning teams, and The Most Epic Family Day will include games and activities with a Minnesota lake theme.

Go Outside with Hennepin County Target Field Station schedule

Outdoor Trivia Nights

Tuesday, June 12: 7 pm – 8 pm
Tuesday, June 26: 7 pm – 8 pm
Tuesday, July 17: 7 pm – 8 pm
Tuesday, July 24: 7 pm – 8 pm

Outdoor Movie Nights

Wednesday, June 13: “A League of Their Own” | 7 pm
Wednesday, June 27: “Space Jam” | 7 pm
Monday, July 2: “The Lion King” | 7 pm
Monday, July 16: “The Princes Bride” | 7 pm
Monday, July 23: “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark” | 7 pm
Wednesday, August 8: “Coco” | 7 pm
Wednesday, August 22: “Mary Poppins” | 7 pm

Family events & fitness

Sunday, August 12: The Most Epic Family Day | 12 pm – 4 pm
Monday, August 6: Monday Fitness Night with Alchemy | 5-6 pm
Monday, August 13: Monday Fitness Night with Alchemy | 5-6 pm
Monday, August 20: Monday Fitness Night with Alchemy | 5-6 pm

Pianos on Parade returns for its third year and will offer pianos painted by local artists with a “Sounds of the City of Minneapolis” theme at 25 different locations in our downtown core. The pianos are free for public use daily from June 1 through June 30, and each piano will have a free outdoor performance on Thursdays in June from 12 pm – 1 pm. More information on Pianos on Parade, produced by the mpls downtown council, Mpls Downtown Improvement District and The Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association in partnership with Keys 4/4 Kids, can be found at www.mplsdowntown.com/pianos.

Aquatennial is the official civic celebration of the city of Minneapolis, and it returns from July 18-21. Approximately two dozen free events are located along the Mississippi Riverfront, where our city was born, and throughout the downtown community headlined by flagship events like the CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade (Wednesday, July 18) and Target Fireworks (Saturday, July 21). For more information on the Aquatennial lineup, visit www.aquatennial.com.

For more information on the mpls downtown council, follow @mplsdowntown on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtags #mplsdowntown and #2025plan.

About the mpls downtown council

Founded in 1955, and one of the most historic central business associations in the nation, the mpls downtown council (mdc) is a membership-based entity that works to create an extraordinary downtown. The mdc’s collaborative developments of Intersections: The Downtown 2025 Plan was designed to help downtown businesses, community leaders and citizens build on downtown assets and implement future goals. For more information, please visit mplsdowntown.com.

About Go Outside with Hennepin County

Go Outside with Hennepin County is a series of free outdoor activities and events for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy throughout the summer in downtown Minneapolis. A partnership between Hennepin County and the mpls downtown council, Go Outside began in 2015 and has since provided programming including music, trivia, movies, food trucks, lawn games, and the Downtown Farmers Market. Go Outside with Hennepin County programming takes place at Target Field Station (335 N. 5^th Street) and Hennepin County Government Center South Plaza (300 S. 6^th Street). For more information, visit www.mplsdowntown.com/gooutside.

About Pianos on Parade

Pianos On Parade is an initiative produced by the mpls downtown council, Mpls Downtown Improvement District and The Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association in partnership with Keys 4/4 Kids. The program includes 25 pianos painted by local artists depicting “Sounds of the City of Minneapolis”. The initiative runs from June 1-June 30. The public is welcome to play these pianos seven days a week during designated hours and to share their experience through photos or videos on social media using the hashtags #pianosonparade and #mymplsdt. For more information, visit http://www.mplsdowntown.com/pianos or follow @MplsDowntown on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About the Minneapolis Aquatennial

The Official Civic Celebration of the City of Minneapolis offers outstanding entertainment and activities in the City of Lakes for all ages. It is managed and produced by the mpls downtown council. The 2017 Aquatennial was sponsored by Target, CenterPoint Energy, U.S. Bank, Love Your Melon, Hennepin County Medical Center, Metro Transit, Fulton Beer, Familia Skateshop, Minneapolis Recycles, City of Minneapolis, Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, Minnesota Twins, K102 FM, WCCO-TV, BUZN 102.9 FM, 104.1 JACK FM, 830 WCCO-AM, Go 96.3 and K102. For more information, please visit aquatennial.com or call (612) 376-7669. 

Hennepin County to hold 2018 Health and Safety Fair on June 6

Via a June 4 News Release from Hennepin County:

Hennepin County experts and more than 25 exhibitors will share resources on health and safety topics. Attendees can learn tips for staying safe at work and at home.

The Health and Safety Fair is held each year in conjunction with National Safety Month. Special topics for 2018 include the opioid epidemic, hoarding and emergency preparedness.

When: Wednesday, June 6, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Hennepin County Government Center, skyway level, 300 South Sixth Street, Minneapolis

Exhibitors:

Hennepin County

• Emergency Management
• Environment and Energy 
• Environmental Health and MN Hoarding Task Force
• HealthWorks
• Hennepin 5K
• Maternal Child Health (early childhood)
• Human Resources
• Omada Health
• Pedestrian and Bicycle Team
• Public Health (opioid crisis)
• Public Works Transportation 
• RedBrick Health
• Sand Creek Group EAP
• Volunteer Connection
• Workplace Safety

Health 

• Hennepin Healthcare — Minnesota Poison Control System
• Hennepin Healthcare — Traumatic Brain Injury Center
• Melanoma Awareness and Prevention
• Memorial Blood Centers
• Minnesota Department of Health

Public safety

• Minneapolis 911
• Minneapolis Fire Department
• Minnesota Safety Council

Transit

• Move Minneapolis
• Nice Ride Minnesota

Utilities 

• Xcel Energy
• CenterPoint Energy

 Municipal

• Three Rivers Park District
• Minneapolis 311

Metro Transit Offers Travel Assistance during I-35W Contruction Work

Via a June 4 e-newsletter from Metro Transit:

I-35W Construction – Ride it out with us!

Know how to navigate your way to, through and from downtown during the ongoing I-35W construction project. Minimize your stress by letting Metro Transit get you downtown and back on bus or the METRO Blue Line. Many routes will have transit advantages, making the move from your car to a bus or train an easy decision!

There will be enhanced service added to routes 133, 135, 146, 156, 467, 535, 552, 553, 554, 558 and 578. Service levels in the corridor will increase by 40% for affected routes; with standby buses and new trips added during morning and evening rush hours.

Other transit advantages include:
• Rush hour bus-only lanes on Park and Portland avenues
• Northbound HOV lane access all the way to 31st Street with exclusive access to exits at 31st Street
• Multiple Park & Rides within the corridor for even more access and convenience

Find out more about the I-35W project, detours and transit advantages at metrotransit.org/35w.

Sign up for Email/Text Rider Alerts!

Scenes for the June 2 Mill City Farmers Market

Attention peony fans! If you missed the June 2 Mill City Farmers Market, be sure to make it on June 9, as it's peony season right now!

Plus plenty of other lovely flowers!

The first strawberries and broccoli of the season arrived at the June 2 Market.

No shortage of yummy baked treats!

Milly the goat!

Abdirizak Bihi is Working Hard to Bring People Together and Bridge Cultural Differences

Article by Claudia Kittock

I first met Bihi in a coffee shop in Cedar Riverside. His passion and energy bristled out of every pore in his body. I asked for the meeting so that I could learn about how I could be a better neighbor to people living in the Cedar Riverside area. Although only a few blocks away, it often seems as if there is a huge space separating us. I was ashamed of that, and once I realized it, vowed to do better. Meeting Bihi was my first step.

Abdirizak Bihi, Photo credit Global News

Bihi is currently the director of Director at the Somali Education and Social Advocacy Center and manages the Somali Link Radio Show on KFAI FM. Describing Bihi in these simple ways is very much like calling a tornado a breeze. Bihi is everywhere, doing everything, and always has a kind, gentle heart guiding him. His resume is long, impressive, and ever evolving. Bihi is never still and never uninvolved.

I learned that Bihi’s route to America was not an easy one. He came to America and settled in Washington D.C. and within a matter of years left 3 times to help expedite the immigration of family members. Some of those trips lasted years as immigration is never easy and seldom fast. In the late 70s, he was hired by HCMC as a cultural liaison and moved his family to Minneapolis. His job included serving as a translator and assisting new refugees in navigating the system. Not an easy job, but one Bihi loved. His skills and his commitment to helping brought new jobs.

Bihi’s role in the Cedar Riverside community was elevated after September 11, when there were many misunderstandings between the Cedar community and the surrounding communities. The Cedar Riverside community was adamant about needing more Somali police officers and better trained officers. Bihi served as a negotiator between the sides and, today, there are 20 Somali officers, and 65% of young people in the neighborhood between the ages of 5-15 report wanting to grow up to be an officer in MPD. That was a momentous change.

The more Bihi served as a bridge between the Cedar Riverside community and the other communities in Minneapolis, the more his services were needed. Bihi seems unaware of the word "no" as his advocacy work is endless and he seems to never tire.

One of Bihi’s projects involved pairing the elders of the community with teenagers. He wanted the two groups to meet and talk with each other in order to dispel the incorrect ideas of each side. Bihi is passionate about how difficult it is to harshly judge someone once you get to know them, and project after project proves he is right.

Shortly after we met, Bihi asked me to be a guest on his radio show. While the purpose of my appearance was to talk about the Mill District and invite people from Cedar Riverside to join us at events, we quickly segued into a discussion about raising children. Bihi was eager to hear my opinions as a child psychologist about issues of parenting we all face. While I have never been an immigrant, I have been a parent, a professor, and a psychologist for a long time. As always happens, the longer we talked, the more we found we had in common, including that wonderful stage in every junior high child’s life when anything uttered by a parent is greeted with an eye roll and a sigh of disgust! A universal language.

One of the fascinating endeavors Bihi started was leading people on a tour of the Cedar Riverside community. As all of us who live in downtown know, seeing anything when you are walking is vastly different than driving by. Bihi told us about the places he takes people and I am embarrassed to say I only know a few of those places. Stay tuned! We are organizing tours very soon.

Another project that began last year involved getting more young people on bikes. Bihi contacted Allina Health, and Cedar Riverside became part of their project to put bikes into the hands of young people. In 2017 over 100 children received bikes, helmets, and instructions about riding. This summer, over 230 children received bikes, helmets, bike locks donated by Friends of the Mill District, with many volunteers to help the young people learn to ride. Some families were in line as early as 5 a.m. even though the event didn’t begin until 9 a.m. The joy and energy there was palpable.

When I asked Bihi how I could be a better neighbor, he said simply, “Show up!” I took this seriously and have been doing just that. My life has broadened and grown so much richer because of the simple act of showing up. Now when I go to an event in Cedar Riverside, I am honored to have neighbors shouting for me to "Come here!”

How can you "show up"?

• Come to the park next to the Brian Coyle Center between 5-7 pm on any day. You will meet many neighbors and find that the activities there are similar to the ones in Gold Medal Park. It is just a different group of neighbors.
• Soccer will be starting soon and is very competitive and interesting. Attend a game.
• Youth baseball starts soon. Show up!
• Sign up for a tour as soon as they are offered.

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About Claudia Kittock

Claudia is a resident of the Mill District. In addition to writing for Mill City Times, she is a founding Board Member of Friends of the Mill District. Claudia is the author of Health Through Chaos, mentors young adults at YouthLink, and has served on the Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association (DMNA).

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Contact: claudia@millcitymedia.org

Summer at North Mississippi Regional Park

Via a June 2 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park and Rec Board:

Summer Kickoff Event Saturday June 23rd 1-4pm

Start the summer off with an afternoon of outdoor fun for the whole family! Explore the park to play games, meet an animal, go on a scavenger hunt, visit the Discovery Den and Pop-up Library, get your face painted and play with water. Activity #83870

Then at sunset enjoy watching the movie Moana in the park!

Summer Day Camp for Kids - Monday through Friday 8am-4pm all Summer!

Register kids ages 6-12 for week long, naturalist-led summer camps. Explore outdoors, get messy and learn by doing. Spend a summer of fun playing in the park at North Mississippi. Registration Fees: Full Day $150. Half Day (am or pm) $80.

June 11-15th  Nature Engineering   Full #83977   AM #83992    PM #83993

June 18-22nd  Backyard Camping   Full #83908   AM #83995    PM #83996

June 25-29th   Insectopia                 Full #83911   AM #83999    PM #84001

July 9-13th      Slither and Slime      Full #83976   AM #84013    PM #84002

July 16-20th    Ninjas of Nature       Full #83907   AM #84044    PM #84014

July 23-27th    Prairie Power           Full #83980   AM #84049    PM #84048

July 30-3rd      River Romp             Full #85694   AM #84055     PM #84052

Aug 6-10th      Avian Adventures    Full #83912   AM #84063     PM #84058

Aug 13-17th    Underground Explorers   Full #85693   AM #84069   PM #84067

Aug 20-24th    Neighborhood Nature    Full #83979    AM #84083    PM #84075

Day camp is based out of Kroening Interpretive Center. Every day please bring a lunch, snack and water bottle. Dress for the weather and a mess. Afternoon sessions will spend time at the splash pad.

Summer Programs

Early Birding

First Saturday Each Month 9-10:30am. Join us for a morning of bird watching! We’ll hike through prairie, woodland and along the river while keeping our eyes and ears open for our feathered friends. Binoculars provided.

July 7th  Activity #83867  Aug 4th  Activity #83868

Thursday Neighborhood Nights 6:30-8:30pm

Each week spend an evening at your neighborhood nature center! Every week enjoy a bonfire, campfire cooking and nature activities. Develop your wilderness skills, play games or simply relax around the fire with a tasty treat. Thursdays nights, come hang out in our backyard!

Beginning June 14th Activity #84215 until August 30th Activity #84227

Saturday Nature Hikes

Minnesota Trees: June 12th 1-2pm. Use a dichotomous key to try identifying trees by comparing different features while on a hike through the park. Learn more about the species you find and how trees support the habitats they live in. Activity #81546

Prairie Flowers: July 28th 2:30-3:30pm. Discover the adaptations prairie species have developed to be successful in a grassland and what makes this ecosystem so diverse.  Activity #83873

Migratory Birds: August 18th 2:30-3:30pm. Minnesota hosts a number of summer bird visitors. Why do some birds travel such long distances to spend just a few short months here? Find out while hiking the park with a naturalist in search of migratory birds. Binoculars provided. Activity #83874

Family Funday Sundays

Summer Arts and Animals: June 17th 1-3pm. Come learn about our neighborhood native species. Meet a MN animal up-close, and then let nature inspire your creation of summer themed art work to take home. Activity #83864

Underwater World: July 15th 6:30-8pm. Discover the dynamic ecosystem of water habitats! We’ll get our hands wet and use nets to take a closer look at what’s living in, on and around the water. Activity #83865

Dragonfly Snag & Spy Event: August 12th 1-4pm. Come celebrate the wonders of dragonflies with an afternoon full of activities, art and games. Participate in dragonfly monitoring efforts, go on a prairie hike with a naturalist, and find out how you can help support dragonflies. Activity #83866

Outdoors & Nature Art

Nature Tie Dye: June 30th 2:30-3:30pm. Make a lasting impression with nature. Create designs and patterns using natural found objects to decorate fabric. White bandanna provided to dye and take home. $5  Activity #83869

Pollinators in the Prairie: July 21st 1-2pm. Join a naturalist on a hike through the prairie to look for pollinators. Learn about pollination and then observe and catch insect pollinators in action.  Activity #83871

Urban Wildlife: August 25th 3-4pm. You don’t need to leave the city to see wildlife, it is right here in our neighborhood. Explore the park with a naturalist to find out more about the creatures living alongside us every day. Activity #83872

Public programs are FREE for all ages unless otherwise noted. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a registered adult

Nature Nuts Play Group Fridays

Come with your little one to play and have fun in nature with other children and parents/guardians. Each day is different, but will have nature themes about animals, plants, and seasons. Enjoy the outdoors together all summer! Ages: For kids 5 and under with an adult.

This is an Adult/Child interactive program. Registration Fee $15

Spring weather is always changing! Wear clothes and shoes for playing outside.

June 6th - June 27th  10:30 - 11:30am   Activity #83877

July 11th - Aug 1st  10:30 - 11:30am   Activity #83880

Aug 8th - 29th  10:30 - 11:30am   Activity #83882

UPDATE: Metro-35W@94 Downtown to Crosstown Construction

We have several upcoming closures we wanted to let you know about, as well as a last chance opportunity to take photos of downtown Minneapolis from the 24th St. pedestrian bridge.

Closures
• 26th St. bridge closes June 1
• I-35W weekend closure scheduled, June 1-4
• Access to/from downtown and I-35W closes June 8
• 31st St. ramps on I-35W close June 8
• Eastbound I-94 to southbound I-35W ramp closes June 8
• I-94 weekend closure scheduled June 8-11
• Northbound I-35W overnight closure June 8
• Additional closures in June

Event
• Last chance to take photos from the 24th St. pedestrian bridge June 7
Details on these closures and the event are provided below.

26th Street bridge closes June 1
The 26th St. bridge is scheduled to close about 6 p.m. Friday, June 1. The bridge will remain closed to motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists through early November 2018. The Franklin Ave. bridge is expected to reopen in mid-June. During the overlap of closures of the 26th St. and Franklin Ave. bridges, motorists will be detoured to Portland Ave. to Lake St. to 1st Ave. Pedestrians will be detoured to use 28th St. via 5th Ave. S and Stevens Ave. However, beginning on June 1, the Franklin Ave. bridge will reopen to one lane of westbound traffic, pedestrians and bicyclists.

We apologize for the inconvenience of the overlapping closures. The late arrival of spring delayed progress on the Franklin Ave. bridge. In addition, the 26th St. bridge is being reconstructed, which requires a 5½-month closure. Any delay to this closure puts the reopening later this fall at risk, especially if there is challenging weather. To give us as much of a weather advantage as possible and avoid having the bridge be closed through the winter, it is necessary to close the 26th St. bridge before the Franklin Ave. bridge is fully open.

I-35W weekend closure June 1-4
Demolition of the 26th St. bridge will begin the evening of Friday, June 1 and requires a weekend closure of I-35W between I-94 and Hwy 62. The weekend closure is scheduled from 10 p.m. on Friday, June 1 through 5 a.m. on Monday, June 4. Southbound lanes will be open between 46th St. and Hwy 62. Crews will be working 24 hours a day during the weekend closure. Motorists should follow the posted detour.

Access to/from downtown and I-35W closes June 8
Beginning on Friday, June 8, access from northbound I-35W to downtown (11th St./Grant St./5th Ave.) and access from downtown (12th St./4th Ave.) to southbound I-35W will be closed. The northbound access will reopen in fall 2018; however, the southbound access will remain closed through fall 2021.

31st Street ramps on I-35W close June 8
The ramp from northbound I-35W to 31st St./Lake St. is scheduled to close to motorists on Friday, June 8 and remain closed through fall 2018. Also, the ramp from 31st St. to southbound I-35W will close on Friday, June 8, but will remain closed through fall 2021. From June 8 through fall 2018, buses will be able to use both ramps.

Eastbound I-94 to southbound I-35W ramp closes June 8
Starting on Friday, June 8, the ramp from eastbound I-94 to southbound I-35W will close and remain closed through fall 2021.

I-94 weekend closure scheduled June 8-11
To accommodate bridge and road demolition in the I-35W and I-94 junction, there will be a weekend closure of I-94 between I-394 and I-35W starting at 10 p.m. Friday, June 8 through 5 a.m., June 11. During this weekend closure, access to/from downtown and I-35W will also be closed.

Northbound I-35W overnight closure June 8
Beginning 10 p.m. on Friday, June 8 northbound I-35W will be closed between Hwy 62 and I-94 until 6 a.m. on Saturday, June 9. Motorists should follow the detour using eastbound Hwy 62 to northbound Hwy 55 back to northbound I-35W. During the closure, crews will be moving barrier and restriping the northbound lanes between 26th St. and the 3rd St. exit to add a third lane which will help accommodate traffic during the closure of access from northbound I-35W to downtown (11th St./Grant St./5th Ave.).

Additional closures in June

The following closures are tentatively scheduled to occur in June:
• June 15-June 18: Weekend closure of I-35W between I-94 and Hwy 62
• June 15: Bridge closure: 24th Street pedestrian bridge, this bridge was originally scheduled to close June 1 but has now been postponed.
• June 15: Ramp closures: 35th Street ramps

Join us! Last chance to take photos from the 24th Street pedestrian bridge: June 7
Don’t miss out on your last chance to get photos of the Minneapolis skyline from the famous 24th St. pedestrian bridge. The bridge will close on Fri, June 15 until fall 2021. The new bridge will sit 20 ft. lower than the current bridge, which means you won’t have the same view when it reopens. Take your photos by Thu, June 14, or join us on Thu, June 7 from 6 to 8 a.m. on the bridge for a send-off event with Glam Doll Donuts. Send current and past photos to info@35w94.com. We’ll include them in our bridge opening celebration in 2021.

More about this project
To learn more, including all current traffic impacts and detour routes, visit the project website at: www.mndot.gov/35w94.
Metro Transit bus routes will be impacted as a result of construction. For updated route information, and to sign up for Rider Alerts, visit www.metrotransit.org/35W.
Minnesota Valley Transit Authority routes will be impacted as a result of construction. For updated route information, visit www.mvta.com.

Stay connected
• Visit the project website:  www.mndot.gov/35w94
• Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/mndot and Twitter: @mndotnews
• Email the project team at info@35w94.com
• Call the project hotline at 612-284-6125
For real-time travel information anywhere in Minnesota visit http://www.511mn.org/ or dial 5-1-1.

DMNA Seeks Input From People Who Live, Work or Own Property in the Downtown East and Downtown West Neighborhoods

Via a June 1 e-newsletter from Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association (DMNA):

The Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association is seeking input from people who live, work or own property in the Downtown East and Downtown West neighborhoods of Minneapolis.

In line with our mission to promote the common good and general welfare of the residents, property owners, businesses, and employees of Downtown Minneapolis, we are looking to you – the people we serve – for your ideas on how to prioritize our outreach strategies and community engagement activities to maximize resources.

The goal of this survey is to find out what YOU THINK makes a successful and livable community, as well as to find out what the best method is to communicate with you and to get you involved in our neighborhood organization.

We intend to collect responses and present the results at our Annual Meeting. We will use the responses to chart our direction for 2019 and beyond.

Thank you for taking this survey! We appreciate your input! Follow the link below to get started.

DMNA Community Engagement Surveyvia SurveyMonkey

DMNA Community Engagement Survey - PDF copy to print - please submit via mail to:

DMNA
40 S 7th Street
Suite 212, PMB 172
Minneapolis, MN 55402

Section of West River Parkway Trail closes June 4-5

Closure necessary for inspection and repair of Guthrie Theater Endless Bridge

West River Parkway Trail will close between Portland Avenue and 11th Avenue S for two days beginning Monday, June 4, 2018. The closure is necessary for workers to build a scaffolding tunnel so that the trail may remain open during a month-long project to inspect and repair the Guthrie Theater Endless Bridge.

Motorized traffic will not be affected by the project. Bike/walk trail traffic will be detoured along Second Street S for two days at the beginning of the project while the scaffolding tunnel is constructed, and again for two days at the end of the project, likely in early July, while the scaffolding tunnel is deconstructed.

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board appreciates the public's patience while the project is completed.

Four Tuesday Night Movies in The Commons!

The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul, in partnership with Green Minneapolis, presents Movies in the Park at The Commons Summer 2018! The Commons is a 4.2 acre public green space in downtown Minneapolis bounded by 4th and 5th Streets and Park Avenue and 5th Avenue.

FILM LINEUP

• Roller Dreams + The Rookie Season - Tuesday, June 19, 7:00pm
• Isle of Dogs - Thursday, July 26, 7:00pm
• Black Panther - Thursday, August 9, 7:00pm
• Wonder Woman - Thursday, August 16, 7:00pm

Top Spots for a Mill City Date Night

Submitted article by Jane Sandwood, freelance writer

American icon Maya Angelou was once quoted as saying, “Love is like a virus. It can happen to anybody at any time.”

Minneapolis is the perfect setting to find your soul mate thanks to its beautiful scenery and countless date-worthy venues. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as many as 64% of the city’s population over the age of 15 are still single – making for plenty of fish in the sea for someone looking for a date. The city in its entirety, but the central riverfront area, in particular, boasts countless restaurants, parks and cultural events perfect for a couple to enjoy together. If you have your heart set on someone, why not muster up the courage and ask them out on a date to one of these, or any other, superb date-night spots in and around the splendid Mill City area.

Catch a show at Guthrie Theater
For lovers of the performing arts, the Guthrie Theater holds great appeal as a date night destination. Founded in 1963, the Guthrie creates transformative theatre experiences to the delight of locals and visitors alike. Conveniently situated on South 2nd Street, the lineup is a diverse combination of events including new plays from talented playwrights as well as classics from bygone years. If you want to grab a bite to eat before your theater date, the Guthrie has onsite eateries for your perusal. The Level Five Café offers American-style brunches and dinners, as well as cocktails and wine in a relaxed atmosphere. Sea Change, an upmarket seafood restaurant inside the theater complex, will present you with a vast, interesting menu and stylish décor.

Geocaching at Fort Snelling State Park  
There is no rule book that states a date needs to take place at night. If you and your partner like outdoor adventures, a bout of geocaching at Fort Snelling State Park might be a date idea right up your alley. Geocaching is an outdoor treasure hunting game that makes use of GPS-enabled devices such as smartphones. The purpose of the game is to find a cache by following a set of GPS coordinates. Once the geocache is located, the find is documented in an online logbook. The cache-finder then leaves his own treasure behind in accordance with the geocaching rule of “take-a-treasure/leave-a-treasure.” Treasures should be family-friendly and packaged in such a way that it cannot be damaged by the elements.

When you arrive for your geocaching adventure at Fort Snelling, you will be provided with a hand-held GPS device free of charge. The park is open from 8am to 4pm daily, giving you ample opportunity to find a whole array of interesting treasures. Apart from having fun out in nature, geocaching is rather exhilarating and can provide a loving couple with the perfect opportunity to bond in an exciting environment.

Have dinner at the Aster Café
If you are looking to take your partner on a romantic date that involves delectable food, an impressively varied wine list and live music, you should look no further than the Aster Café. Situated under trees on one of the loveliest streets in all of Minneapolis, the café overlooks not only the magnificent Mississippi River but the rather impressive city vista as well. When you go to the Aster, go hungry. The menu is both creative and positively fresh, with the executive chefs priding themselves on the fact that they don’t have a deep-fryer in their kitchen. You can choose between being seated on the quaint European-style patio or in the candle-lit main restaurant area with its stylish bar area. Whether you are a young couple still exploring your fondness for one another, or a long-married twosome celebrating a lifetime together, an evening at the Aster is bound to ignite a romantic flame within your hearts.

Regardless of where you choose to go on your Mill City date, spending quality time with someone dear is what is ultimately important. The Minneapolis riverfront is brimming with magical places, just waiting to be discovered. One date night a week might not be enough to discover all there is to see and do in the city. You may very well find yourself having to make every night date night just to experience a fragment of what is on offer old and new couples alike.

Art on the Rooftop: a Party to Benefit Northern Spark

Excerpt from a recent e-newsletter from Northern Lights.mn:

Every year, we work with some of the most talented artists in the Twin Cities. This year during our benefit party, you’ll get to meet them up close and personal. Art on the Rooftop: a Party to Benefit Northern Spark will connect guests with artists exploring this year’s theme Commonality:

• Carry On Homes, the winner of the Creative City Challenge, will create an immersive experience around ideas of home with an Instagrammable backdrop.
• Mischa Kegan and Jonathan Herrera’s window-drawn art allows guests to trace the drawings with their own poster to bring home!
• Kashimana Ahua’s The Applause Posse, (NS 2017) will serenade you with compliments.
• Clarence White (NS 2013, 2017) and his vintage typewriter will create poems inspired by your intimate conversation with the poet.
• Danielle Everine’s (NS 2018) installation will spark the night!
• And while you jam to DJ Sarah White, indulge in complementary food and drinks from the finest local restaurants!

Art on the Rooftop is at the rooftop lounge at Le Meridien Chambers Hotel on Saturday, June 16, 2018 from 7-10pm.

Purchase your tickets to support Northern Spark here.

Police Chief Arradondo to Honor 6 Organizations with Chief’s Award of Merit

Via a May 29 News Release from the mpls downtown council:

Minneapolis Police Chief Arradondo to honor 6 organizations with Chief’s Award of Merit at mpls downtown council board meeting
Awards highlight street outreach work done during Super Bowl
                                                     

Six organizations are being recognized for their street outreach work and support while Minneapolis hosted the Super Bowl in February. Over the 10-day operation period, 490 engagements were documented. The six organizations to receive the honor are:

• St. Stephen’s Human Services Street Outreach
• YouthLink
• Youth Coordinating Board
• MAD DADS, Inc.
• The Link
• Mpls Downtown Improvement District Livability Team

About the mpls downtown council
Founded in 1955, and one of the most historic central business associations in the nation, the mpls downtown council (mdc) is a membership-based entity that works to create an extraordinary downtown. The mdc’s collaborative developments of Intersections: The Downtown 2025 Plan was designed to help downtown businesses, community leaders and citizens build on downtown assets and implement future goals. For more information, please visit mplsdowntown.com.

Scenes from the May 26 Mill City Farmers Market

Thank you to everyone who visited the Mill City Farmers Market on a very steamy May 26! With the use of hoop houses, we are seeing a variety if vegetables earlier than previous years. Fresh cucumbers in May? What a treat! :D 

Phil Nusbaum interviewed Steve Horner of Horner's Corner during a live broadcast of Bluegrass Saturday Morning (Jazz88 KBEM 88.5 FM).

Regular MCFM shoppers are wise to sign up for a $40 annual membership. You'll receive a packet inclusive of tokens and deals, plus there are weekly specials.

Milly the goat!

The World Needs More Men Like Joseph Desenclos

Article by Claudia Kittock

Joseph DesenclosJoseph Desenclos is an extraordinary man in the most ordinary ways. He believes in living an honorable life, in taking care of his neighbors, and of treating people as he would like to be treated. Revolutionary? Maybe!

When I became a board member of the DMNA, I knew that I had a lot to learn. As a lifetime academic, I began to study. I found that the best way to study was to attend meetings and listen. Some meetings I only attended once and others I attended regularly because I found the subject matter fascinating. Two of those meetings were Court Watch and the Task Force to End Street Homelessness. I found myself with much the same thoughts that I had in graduate school. “Please don’t call on me because I don’t know anything!” Luckily for me, no one called on me as I continued to soak up enormous amounts of knowledge.

After a few months of attending both these meetings, Joseph and I happened to sit beside each other and he introduced himself. When I explained that I was a newcomer with little to offer, just a need to learn, he asked me about my background and soon was urging me to use my expertise. Within a short amount of time, Joseph and I were friends, and my education really began.

Joseph’s journey to outreach was a journey of twists and turns. After college, Joseph was working for a construction company and doing well in every traditional way of measuring success. However, he realized what he hadn’t found yet was happiness, so he set out to change his life. He decided to volunteer at Dorothy Day Center in St. Paul, and after a short time he applied for and got a job there. 

Later, he applied to be a case worker at St. Stephen’s Human Services without having any experience as a case worker. During his interview, he was urged to think about doing outreach work and decided to try it. He knew very quickly that he had found what he was looking for, work that mattered to him and filled a need to be useful.

Joeseph with Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria "Rondo" Arradondo at a 2017 National Night Out event.

The lessons Joseph has learned doing outreach work are lessons I attempt to apply to my daily life. He has taught me so much and it is my honor to share a few of these lessons.

As an outreach worker, Joseph spends every day visiting people experiencing homelessness and working to build relationships. He learned that, as in all other parts of life, building a relationship takes time, and that is the essence of outreach work. Joseph has great patience which gives him the ability and willingness to put in as much time as it takes to make these important connections.

Curiosity is vital in outreach work, as is the ability to truly listen. Good outreach is respecting the privilege of the work itself as well as knowing when to be small. Joseph talks about sports, about the weather, about any item of interest as you would with anyone you have just met and may want to form a friendship.

Outreach work is about trust and being mindful of a person’s readiness and of personal boundaries. Imagine eating breakfast and having a stranger walk into your home and begin lecturing you about what you are doing wrong and what you need to change. It would be outrageous, and yet can be something that happens to a person experiencing homelessness.

Joseph, along with MDID Livability Team members Christian Huelsman and Liz Conley.

Joseph told me an amazing story from his first-grade class. A classmate was talking and Joseph was eager to join in. His teacher said, “Joseph, don’t talk unless you can improve the silence.”  Joseph uses that mantra in his daily work. Sometimes, being silent with another person is the most powerful thing.

Looking for similarities in people is a guiding principle of outreach, and should be for all of us in our day to day existence. If we can hone in on how each and every person we meet is like us, the differences aren’t so important. Finding those similarities is important work.

People who are experiencing homelessness are not ‘homeless people’. Each and every one had a life before experiencing homelessness, and hopes to have a life after this period in their life. What happens to cause homelessness? Too many reasons to imagine. People experiencing homelessness are not a monolithic group.  There is as much variation in this group as in any group of people. The title of ‘homeless person’ can engender powerlessness and be degrading and debilitating. The experience of being homeless is a period of life, not the defining part of any life.

When someone decides to sleep in your neighborhood, they make that decision for many of the same reasons you decided to live there. It may be because they feel safe here, or love the river, or enjoy the green spaces, or just love the vibe of the neighborhood. No one wants to experience homelessness, but while that is a reality, looking for a reasonable place to sleep is a priority.

Joseph is an important teacher and friend in my life. I learn from him every time we talk and I am so honored to be his student. He is extraordinary in all his ordinariness. Joseph shows us all how we need to live through his quiet example and important work. 

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About Claudia Kittock

Claudia is a resident of the Mill District. In addition to writing for Mill City Times, she is a founding Board Member of Friends of the Mill District. Claudia is the author of Health Through Chaos, mentors young adults at YouthLink, and has served on the Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association (DMNA).

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Contact: claudia@millcitymedia.org

Public Tours will be part of St. Anthony Falls Laboratory 80 Year Anniversary Celebration

For anyone who has traversed the Stone Arch Bridge and wondered, "What is that place?" - here's your chance to find out first hand! Public tours will be part of the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory (SAFL) 80 year celebration. Below are the tour dates, registration links, and a description of what to expect.

Tours of the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory:
Thursday, June 21, 3:00 PM
Thursday, July 19, 3:00 PM
Thursday, August 16, 3:00 PM
Thursday, September 20, 3:00 PM
Thursday, October 18, 3:00PM

The St. Anthony Falls Laboratory (SAFL), through which the Mississippi River runs, is an interdisciplinary fluid mechanics research and educational facility of the College of Science and Engineering at the UMN. These public tours through this historic facility will showcase the experimental facilities and research projects.

Once registered, you will receive an email a day or two prior to the scheduled tour with details of where to meet your tour group. There is no cost to attend, but donations are welcomed through this link (suggested donation of $5 per participant).

Preparing for the tour:

- Please wear closed-toe shoes - no flip flops or sandals. Be prepared to stand and walk for the duration of the tour (1+ hour). SAFL does have an elevator to assist those with some mobility restrictions - please list that concern when you sign up for a tour.
- Parking is reserved for SAFL personnel only (unless you require a handicap space). Off-site parking options include:
    - Garage: 212 SE 2nd Avenue
    - Lot: 200 University Avenue SE
    - Metered street parking is available along SE Main Street, portions of SE 3rd Avenue, and 2nd Street SE
    - Bike racks are available

NOTE: Are you interested in touring the SAFL but are unavailable for the listed public tour dates/times? Please provide your contact information and you will be contacted with other potential tour dates/times throughout Summer/Fall 2018.

AchieveMpls Volunteer Opportunity: Seeking Graduation Coaches for Minneapolis High School Students

Via a recent Press Release from AchieveMpls:

AchieveMpls, the nonprofit partner of Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS), is recruiting adult volunteers to serve as Graduation Coaches for 9th and 12th grade students in MPS schools during the 2018-19 school year. Whether you're a young professional or a retiree, an executive or an artist, we're looking for caring, open-minded adults who enjoy working with young people.

Research shows that a supportive adult can powerfully impact a young person’s academic and personal success. Students with mentors are more likely to feel connected to school, have better self-esteem and experience greater success in setting and achieving their goals. But one in three young people will grow up without this kind of additional adult support. 

AchieveMpls Graduation Coaches help close this gap by providing personalized guidance to MPS students twice each month in a classroom setting throughout the academic year, from September - May. Coaches meet with individual 12th grade students or small groups of 9th graders to help them transition into and out of high school and build the skills and confidence they need to be successful in school and beyond. Coaches can also offer additional monitored support via email between sessions. 

All Graduation Coaches receive volunteer training, program curriculum and ongoing supervision and support throughout the school year.

For more information about the program, participant videos and application form, visit   www.achievempls.org/GraduationCoaches or contact Amy Shapiro at ashapiro@achievempls.org or 612-455-1550.  All applications are due Friday, June 15. Volunteers from diverse communities are particularly encouraged to apply.

About AchieveMpls
As the strategic nonprofit partner of Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS), AchieveMpls rallies community support to inspire and equip Minneapolis students for careers, college and life. We manage Career & College Centers in 11 MPS high schools, train and place over 1,600 young people in paid STEP-UP internships with 200+ employers each year, engage hundreds of volunteers as Graduation Coaches and career exploration volunteers, raise support for MPS strategic priorities, and manage MPS school and department funds. Join us a volunteer, employer, donor or partner at www.achievempls.org.

Become an AchieveMpls Graduation Coach for the 2018-19 School Year
The single most important factor in a young person’s success is a consistent relationship with a caring, supportive adult—but unfortunately one in three young people grows up without a mentor. AchieveMpls Graduation Coaches help fill this gap by providing personalized support to 9^th and 12^th grade Minneapolis Public Schools students as they transition into and out of high school and build the skills and confidence they need to be successful in school and beyond.  Graduation Coaches volunteer for two classroom hours each month throughout the school year with a small group of 9th graders or one-on-one with 12th grade students. We provide the curriculum, structure and training—you bring the wisdom and encouragement! Apply today at www.achievempls.org/GradCoaches. For more information, contact Amy Shapiro at ashapiro@achievempls.org or 612-455-1550. 

Minneapolis Parks Add More “Good Chairs”

This summer, more than 150 “Good Chairs” will be in 12 Minneapolis parks, including the shores of Lake Bde Maka Ska.Via a May 23 News Release:

This Memorial Day week, volunteer-led nonprofit, The Minneapolis Good Chair Project, will be expanding in its third year to provide up to 150 custom wooden chairs to 12 Minneapolis parks. Given the popularity of the free-standing chairs, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board invited the nonprofit to place more chairs throughout its acclaimed parks system through September.

In addition to its first locations in Currie Park and Lake of the Isles, park patrons can find a comfortable place to sit and recharge at:

• Bottineau Field
• Powderhorn Park
• Keewaydin Park
• North Commons
• Fairview Park
• Cleveland Park
• Lake Nokomis
• Lake Bde Maka Ska
• Seward Parklet
• Cedar Lake/Hidden Beach

After multiple requests, Good Chairs are now available for purchase for memorials and personal use, including personalized engraved messaging. The chairs cost $1,500 and can purchased by contacting the designer and builder, Minneapolis-based, Willie Willette Works. Proceeds will support the construction of more chairs for public use.

This summer, the chairs will also serve as a platform for leaders of local nonprofits to be filmed in a video series called, “Who’s in the Good Chair?” The videos will be shared on social media and through paid media placements to generate more awareness of the good works being done in our community. Executive directors from a diverse set of organizations such as the Soo Visual Arts Center, The Brand Lab, Ann Kim with Young Joni and Lola restaurants and Amol Dixit with Hot Indian Foods, will share their mission while being filmed sitting in a Good Chair.

The program, started by retired General Mills’ chief marketing officer, Mark Addicks, is designed to equip the Minneapolis parks system with high-end chairs that help foster community connections and personal reflection through engraved phrases such as “Sit. Share. Debate. Engage,” and “Sit. Breathe. Contemplate. Meditate.”      

“We’re honored to work the city to expand the program to all corners of the city,” said Mark Addicks, founder of the nonprofit. “From popular parks like Bde Maka Ska and Lake Nokomis, to Currie Park in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood and Fairview Park on the north side, the chairs are now adding more resources for residents throughout the entire Minneapolis community.”

To learn more, or to make a donation, visit the nonprofit’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

Minneapolis Repeats as Nation’s Best Park System, According to The Trust for Public Land’s 2018 ParkScore® Index

Minneapolis has the best park system in the United States, according to The Trust for Public Land’s 7th annual ParkScore® index, which was released today by the nonprofit organization.

Minneapolis narrowly edged Saint Paul to earn top honors. A different regional rivalry claimed third and fourth place, as Washington, DC, barely outscored Arlington, Virginia, to hold on to third. In another big move, Chicago cracked the top 10 for the first time in ParkScore history.

“We’re honored by the top ranking for the sixth year in a row! My motto is ‘playing for life’ and parks are a vital resource for youth, adults and families throughout the city. We are committed to serving the diverse needs of our residents, and we’re proud of the initiatives we’ve taken to continually assess and improve our park facilities and the services we provide the community,” said Mary Merrill, Superintendent of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.

“Minneapolis will always be a great city in a park. From quality of life, to safe recreational space, to tourism—our parks are critical to who we are as a city. I’m thrilled that our park system continues to earn accolades. We have world class parks and the world is taking notice,” added Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.

“Saint Paul is excited to be recognized again as a world-class park city,” said Mayor Melvin Carter. “We are proud of what we have achieved and are grateful for the partnership we have built with the Trust for Public Land. I believe that parks play an important role in both social and environmental resilience and am glad that the Twin Cities have set a high standard for what a successful park system looks like.”