Parkway Closures for October 6 - 7 Events

The following roads will be temporarily closed on October 6 and 7:

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Saturday, October 6 - SlutWalk

3:45pm - 5:15pm

- Main Street

- West River Parkway - 4th Avenue to Stone Arch Bridge

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Sunday, October 7 - Twin Cities Marathon

Closures starting at 7:30am

Impacted parkways listed below:

- Lake of the Isles Parkway (West side of Lake)

- Dean Parkway

- W Lake Calhoun Parkway (West side of Lake

- William Berry Parkway

- E Lake Harriet Parkway (Bandshell to Minnehaha Pkwy)

- Minnehaha Parkway (Harriet to Godfrey Parkway)

- Lake Nokomis Parkway

- Godfrey Parkway

- West River Parkway (Godfrey to Franklin Ave)

- West River Parkway (Portland to 22nd Ave), 

- East River Parkway (14th Ave to Lake Street)

- Marathon Detour List by Intersection

- Twin Cities Marathon Additional Information 

Star Tribune’s Sid Hartman to Officially Become a Hall of Fame Inductee at the Minnesota Sports Awards

Via an October 4 News Release:

The return of the Star Tribune Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame will take place on Oct. 24 at U.S. Bank Stadium; Hartman will be the first inductee in 12 years

Today, Sports Minneapolis, powered by Meet Minneapolis, is pleased to announce legendary Star Tribune sports columnist Sid Hartman will be the first person in 12 years to be inducted into the Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame. The honors will take place during this year’s Minnesota Sports Awards, presented by Sports Minneapolis, on Wednesday, October 24, at U.S. Bank Stadium.

“Sid has seen it all in Minnesota sports. And he has done it all, too. As a columnist, Sid has a unique voice. He’s never been about criticizing athletes or coaches. Instead, he prefers to reach important newsmakers and let them tell their stories. This is his winning formula,” said Star Tribune Assistant Managing Editor of Sports, Glen Crevier, who has been Sid’s boss for more than 20 years. “As he rounds the corner toward his 99th birthday, he is as relentless as ever pursuing news. His impact on the Minnesota sports scene is as great as any athlete he ever covered.”

Hartman’s career in the news business began during the Great Depression, when he became a delivery boy at nine years old – tossing two-cent newspapers from his bicycle. In 1944, he took his first job on the sports desk, for the Minneapolis Times. When the Times folded in 1948, Hartman went to work for the precursor of the Star Tribune, starting a run that continues to this day. 

Along the way Hartman became chief cheerleader for Minnesota sports, playing a leading role in bringing professional sports to Minneapolis with his influential columns, managing the Minneapolis Lakers for a brief stint, and he has been a ubiquitous voice on WCCO radio for more than 60 years. Throughout his career, Hartman has remained a “close, personal friend” of team owners, coaches and athletes nationwide.

Hartman’s induction during the Minnesota Sports Awards will re-introduce the Star Tribune Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame, which was inaugurated in 1958 but has not included a new inductee since 2006. 

The second annual Minnesota Sports Awards – created to shine a spotlight on the impact of sports throughout the state – provides fans from across Minnesota with an opportunity to nominate athletes and coaches in designated categories. This year, the Minnesota Sports Awards, presented by Sports Minneapolis, will honor Minnesota athletes and coaches in the following categories:

• High School Athlete of the Year (Male/Female) – presented by Mall of America
• Collegiate Athlete of the Year (Male/Female)
• Professional Athlete of the Year – presented by FOX Sports North
• Courage Award – presented by TRIA
• Coach of the Year
• Minnesota Sports Moment of the Year

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

• Oct. 24 at U.S. Bank Stadium
• Purchase online
• Doors open at 5:00 p.m.
• Dinner served at 6:30 p.m.
• Awards show begins at 7:30 p.m.

A portion of the proceeds from the Minnesota Sports Awards will benefit the Sanneh Foundation, created by former Major League Soccer player and native Minnesotan, Tony Sanneh. The Sanneh Foundation seeks to support and empower youth through programs targeting both physical and emotional well-being.

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

ABOUT SPORTS MINNEAPOLIS

Sports Minneapolis is focused on recruiting, enhancing and producing sporting events in the Minneapolis area for the benefit of our community. In addition to generating significant estimated economic impact, amateur and professional sports events can help connect the community through sport, fostering health and wellness.

Minneapolis is on a winning streak in securing upcoming major sports events over the last several years, including the Super Bowl LII in 2018, the X Games 2018, 2018 WNBA All-Star Game and the NCAA Men’s Final Four in 2019, among others. Sports Minneapolis has played a major role in bringing these events to Minneapolis, along with events like Northern Lights Junior Volleyball Qualifier, USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championships and many other professional, collegiate and amateur sporting events.

For more information, visit sportsminneapolis.org.

“A brain-twitching Great Irish Famine revenge thriller”

The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul has announced the theatrical premiere of BLACK ’47, a revenge thriller chronicling one man's ruthless pursuit of justice during the darkest chapter of Irish history.

BLACK ’47 opens October 12 at MSP Film Society's Screen #3 at St. Anthony Main Theatre, 115 SE Main Street.

It’ s  1847  and  Ireland  is  in  the  grip  of  the  Great  Famine  that  has  ravaged  the  country  for  two  long  years.  Feeney,  a  hardened  Irish  Ranger  who  has  been  fighting  for  the  British  Army  abroad,  abandons  his  post  to  return  home  and  re-unite  with  his  estranged family. He’s  seen  more  than  his  share  of  horrors  but  nothing  prepares  him  for  the  famine’s hopeless  destruction  of  his  homeland.  He  discovers  his  mother  starved  to  death  and  his  brother hanged  by  the  brutal  hand  of  the  English.  With  little  else  to live  for,  he  sets  on a  destructive  path  to  avenge  his  family, systematically  working  his  way  up  the  political and  social  hierarchy  of  19th  Century  Ireland.  Hannah,  an aging  British  soldier  and famed  tracker  of  deserters,  is  sent  to  stop Feeney  before  he  can  further  stoke the  fires of  revolution.  But  Hannah  and  Feeney  are  old  army  comrades  with  a  mutual  respect forged  by  their  times  fighting  together.  Personal  bonds  and  shifting  allegiances  cause both  men  to question  their  motives,  as  they  are  tested  to  the  limit  by  the  hellish landscape  of “the  Great  Hunger”.

“A brain-twitching Great Irish Famine revenge thriller” - The Irish Times

"Getting to the Heart of the Matter, A History of Cardiac Care" on Display in Hennepin Gallery thru November 28

“Getting to the Heart of the Matter, A History of Cardiac Care” on display in Hennepin Gallery October 3 through November 28

The Hennepin Medical History Center (Center) will present an exhibit, “Getting to the Heart of the Matter, A History of Cardiac Care,” in the Hennepin County Government Center Government Gallery.

The Center includes two collections, MMC Historical Library, made up of objects and historical information from St. Barnabas, The Swedish Hospital and Metropolitan Medical Center.  The Hennepin Country History Collection preserves and represents the history of Minneapolis City Hospital, Minneapolis General Hospital and Hennepin County Medical Center.

The displays will illustrate the history of cardiac care and the special contributions and innovations by our medical pioneers past and present and our local medical device companies.  The history includes evolution of care, crash carts, pacemakers, resuscitation and emergency medical services.

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 Street, Minneapolis. The exhibit is sponsored by and a project of Hennepin County Communications.

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Seeks Youth Volleyball Coaches

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is seeking enthusiastic volunteer coaches for youth volleyball.  

Hightlights:

• Practices starting now!
• Athletes range from 8-14 years old
• Teams practice 1-2 times per week
• Games are scheduled for a weeknight and/or Saturdays (October 27- mid-December)
• MPRB will provide orientation for all new coaches
• Can't coach this fall? We'll need coaches for Basketball, Hockey, Gymnastics, and Wrestling this winter

To receive more information or express interest in MPRB volunteer opportunities: complete a Volunteer Interest Form, call 612-230-6493, or email an inquiry to recvolunteers@minneapolisparks.org.

Lineup of Movies and Music at Orchestra Hall

Watch the complete films while listening to the Minnesota Orchestra perform the scores live, conducted by Sarah Hicks!

* * * * * * * * * * FEATURED CONCERTS * * * * * * * *

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban™ in Concert

October 26–28

Tickets and information

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Jurassic Park In Concert

November 24–25

Tickets and information

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Disney Beauty and the Beast In Concert

December 22

Tickets and information 

Maintenance Work Scheduled at 5 Hennepin County Road Bridges Over the Mississippi River Starting Monday, October 1

Via an October 1 e-newsletter from Hennepin County:

Bridge joint flushing begins this week

This week, Hennepin County bridge maintenance crews will begin routine maintenance work on five bridges over the Mississippi River in Minneapolis. The bridges, listed in anticipated order of work, are: 

• Franklin Avenue Bridge (County Road 5)
• Lake Street Bridge (County Road 3)
• Hennepin Avenue Bridge (County Road 52)
• Broadway Avenue Bridge (County Road 66)
• Lowry Avenue Bridge (County Road 153)

Crews will be flushing bridge expansion joints. Typically done every six months, flushing removes dirt and debris that build up inside joints over time. Properly maintaining these joints helps keep the bridge functioning as designed.  

Access and timing

People driving should expect short-term lane closures, and people walking should expect sidewalk closures. However, we will keep at least one lane for each direction of traffic and one side of the sidewalks open at all times. 

Signage, cones, barricades and flashing arrow boards will be on site to guide you around the work areas.

Weather permitting, maintenance work on each bridge is expected to take up to two days to complete. Once complete, crews will move onto the next bridge.

To minimize impacts to traffic, work will be completed on weekdays at off-peak hours between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. 

Expect delays when traveling through the area. For your safety and the safety of our crews, please exercise caution and slow down as you travel through the area. 

Book Launch: "Double Exposure - Images of Black Minnesota in the 1940s

Minneapolis Central Library

Saturday, October 6^th, 2-3pm

Doty Board Room, 2^nd floor

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After serving in World War II, John Glanton returned home to Minnesota and used his camera to capture the sights and scenes of everyday life for African Americans in Minneapolis, highlighting black-owned businesses, the music and club scene, weddings and other family occasions. Glanton's photos in Double Exposure: Images of Black Minnesota in the 1940s offer a rare look into the lives and lifestyles of families and individuals often left out of histories of Minnesota's past. Books will be available for purchase.

Music by the George Scott Trio.

Light refreshments will be provided.

This program is being co-sponsored by the Minnesota Black Community Project.

Register online https://hclib.bibliocommons.com/events

Girls Play House, Women Build Them

Article by Cynthia Froid

On Wednesday, September 26, the Cynthia Froid Group (CFG) once again hosted Women Build Day in North Minneapolis. CFG, along with co-organizer and long time pal Susan Boren, rallied the support of thirteen other female volunteers to spend an entire day hammering, sawing, painting, and of course, writing checks. Big ones. The group donated approximately $5,000 to the organization. 

Habitat for Humanity formed the first Women Build program in the late 1990’s after the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project was launched. Women Build typically consists of an all female crew, female supervisor, and female volunteers. Supervisor Ashley Rose stated Tuesday that a family had not yet been identified for the home at 2907 Knox Avenue N, but the family will be expected to contribute over 100 hours of their time in building the home. Additionally, they’ll be required to take classes on household maintenance, financial management and other useful home ownership necessities.

Women love supporting other women. Since the majority of people who struggle with affordable housing or who live in poor conditions are women and children, it only makes sense that women come together to support each other achieve their housing dreams.

Froid and Boren organized a group in the summer of 2017 to build a home in North Minneapolis, and vowed to make it an annual tradition. Many of the same volunteers returned this past week, along with first-timers as well. Cathy Rydell, Mill District resident and Executive Director and CEO of American Academy of Neurology stated that she had wanted to volunteer for Habitat since she met President Jimmy Carter in an airport in North Dakota in the mid 1970’s. He was there building a home and urged her to do the same. She promised she would, and nearly forty years later, she fulfilled that promise.

To learn more about Habitat for Humanity and Women Build, organize your own group of volunteers or donate money, please visit tchabitat.org.

Susan Boren and Cindy Froid would like to thank the following volunteers for their time, muscle, money and compassion: Virginia Mills, Ellen Young, Cathy Rydell, Nell Reuckl, Chris Bray, Lynn Burn, Wendy Caslavka, Elizabeth Hawn, Paula Meyer, Angela Morken, Susan Plimpton, Phyllis Saltzman, Karen Kepple and Wendy Dayton.

Swiss Artist to Transform Mill City Museum into Light Art Sculpture on October 6

Via an e-announcement from the Minnesota Historical Society:

Swiss Light Artist Gerry Hofstetter has chosen Mill City Museum as Minnesota’s signature venue for his Light Art Grand Tour USA. Hofstetter says he works around the globe “transforming monuments and landscapes into light art sculptures for a short moment in time, as a way to highlight their history and importance to the world.” The art is also meant to showcase the friendship between the United States and his home country, Switzerland.

Mill City Museum, image courtesy Minnesota Historical Society

Light Art on Jungfrau in the Swiss Alps, image courtesy Gerry Hofstetter

For his “Grand Tour USA,” Hofstetter is visiting all 50 states selecting one monument, landscape or venue in every state to bathe in light for one night. A mix of images will be chosen by the artist and will feature historical images of the mill.

Mill City Museum and the connecting Washburn-Crosby grain elevator will be lit on Saturday, Oct. 6 from 8 to 9 p.m.

The Light Art will be shown on the river side of the museum, and the public is encouraged to watch from the Minneapolis riverfront, Stone Arch Bridge and St. Anthony Main.

Fall Fun in Nature Awaits You at North Mississippi Regional Park

* * * * * * Outdoor & Nature Programming * * * * * *

School Release Day Camps for Kids

Register kids ages 6-12 for naturalist-led day camps on no school days throughout the year! Explore outdoors, get messy and learn by doing. Spend days off in nature's classroom while having fun playing in the park at North Mississippi.

MEA Break: Creepy, Crawly Creatures

Wednesday - Friday October 17 - 19, 8am-4pm: If you like the creepy, the crawly and the slimy, then join us for some gross, spooky fun. We'll explore outdoors, play games and make art. Nature is full of freaky things that will make your skin crawl, if you dare to find them. Registration Fee $90.  Activity #87902

Predator-Prey Adventure

Thursday & Friday November 1 -2, 8am-4pm: Find out how animals battle for survival. Learn about food webs and adaptations by looking at skulls, furs and more! Take your knowledge to the trails by searching for animal signs and playing games. Registration Fee $50.  Activity #87903

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.

 * * * * * * * * * * * Special Events * * * * * * * * * * *

Animal Masquerade Party - Oct 28th  1-3:30pm: Party animals welcome to the animal costume party! Come dressed as your favorite animal to enjoy an afternoon of games, dancing and fun. It may not be so spooky, but you can disguise your identity in natural style by making a leaf mask to complete your costume.  All Ages. Activity #87879

Nature’s Black Friday Fun - November 23 11am-3pm: Ditch the mall crawl and opt outside this year! We’ll have naturalist programming and self-guided nature exploration activities. Hike the park, build a fort, go on a scavenger hunt, play games and more! Activities will be based out of Kroening Interpretive Center.  All Ages. Activity #87899

Nature Nuts Play Group Wednesdays

Come with your little one to play and have fun in nature with other children and parents/guardians. During this four-week series each day will be different, but will have nature themes involving plants, animals, and seasons. Enjoy the fall together! For kids up to age 5 with an adult. Registration Fee $16 (for 4 weeks of classes)

October 24 - November 14 10:45 - 11:45am   Activity #87895

November 28 - December 19 10:45 - 11:45am   Activity #87896

 * * * * * * * * * * Nature Programs * * * * * * * * * * 

Bird Watching

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. First Saturday Each Month 9-10:30am. Binoculars provided.

Fall Migration - Oct 6th: look for the last of our summertime migratory songbirds. Ages 8 & up. Activity #87876

Mississippi River Flyway - Nov 3rd: Find out more about how and why birds use the Mississippi River to guide them during their roundtrip migration Ages 8 & up. Activity #87875

Saturday Nature Hikes 2-3pm

Fall into Phenology - Oct 13th: Explore the park with a naturalist to learn about phenology, the seasonal happenings of plants and animals. We’ll search for the ever-changing elements of autumn and ways that plants and animals in the park are getting ready for winter. All ages. Activity #87883

Our Park, Past and Present - Nov 10th: The mighty Mississippi influences how we live, work and play as it runs through the heart of our city. Hike with a naturalist to learn more about how the land on the banks of the river has changed over time. Find out how human use and attitudes towards the river have changed through the years. Ages 10 & up. Activity #87884

Family Funday Sundays

Animal Masquerade Party - Oct 28th 1-3:30pm: Party animals welcome to the animal costume party! Come dressed as your favorite animal to enjoy an afternoon of games, dancing and fun. It may not be so spooky, but you can disguise your identity in natural style by making a leaf mask to complete your costume.  All Ages. Activity #87879

Turkey Time -  Nov. 25th  1:30-3pm: Get ready for goofy gobbles as we discover more about turkeys! Play games and have fun investigating feathers, tail fans, snoods and feet to learn more about these big birds.  FREE for All Ages. Activity#87880

Outdoor Exploration & Nature Art

Soil Critters - Oct 20th 1-2pm: Who lives beneath our feet in the dark mysterious world of soil? What are the benefits and challenges to living underground? Prepare to get dirty as we explore the creatures below the surface. Ages 6 & up. Activity #87887

Cornucopias - Nov 17th 1:30-2:30pm: As a symbol of the harvest’s bounty, cornucopias are a great reminder to show thanks for the bounties in our own lives. Craft your own “horn of plenty” for your dining table this year using natural materials found in the park.  All ages. Activity #87890

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

Thursday Neighborhood Nights 5:00-7:00pm

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. Thursday nights, come hang out in our backyard! Through the end of October.

More Ways to Enjoy the Park

- Stop by the front desk at the Kroening Interpretive Center to check out binoculars, nature activity packs and 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. 

Fall Building Hours

9am-5pm, Tuesday & Thursday

10am-5pm, Wednesday & Friday

10am-4pm Saturday

12pm-4pm Sunday

Closed Mondays

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Kroening Interpretive Center at North Mississippi Regional Park

4900 Mississippi Court, Minneapolis, MN 55430

Phone: 612-370-4844

Email: NorthMississippi@minneapolisparks.org 

Minneapolis Releases Final Draft of Comprehensive Plan

Via a September 28 e-newsletter from the City of Minneapolis:

Minneapolis releases final draft of comprehensive plan

The City of Minneapolis is pleased to share with you the final draft of its 2040 Comprehensive Plan, a document that will guide equitable growth in the city over the next 20 years.

First and foremost, thank you for the time, dedication and thought that you put into the comments that you made on the initial draft.

Over the past two years, we have been to every corner of the city, meeting with a diverse range of residents to hear your vision for our city. We heard that people want to reduce disparities, provide access to affordable housing and living-wage jobs, create a sustainable community, and remain a health and diverse economic center.

Over the four-month public comment period on the initial draft, the City received more than 10,000 comments, and planning staff read every single one. Your feedback made this plan stronger and more reflective of our community’s values.

We encourage you to review the final draft at Minneapolis2040.com. We have provided an executive summary as well as a marked-up version of the plan so that you can easily see what was changed.

You still have time to share your feedback on the final draft. Public comments can be submitted to the Planning Commission and City Council online at minneapolis2040.com. The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on October 29, and the City Council will also hold a public hearing the week of Nov. 12. The City Council is expected to vote on the Comprehensive Plan in December before submitting the plan to the Metropolitan Council.

Minneapolis is growing, and will continue to grow. Thanks to your input, we are confident that this plan will allow new growth to help our city become a healthy, sustainable, and thriving place for all.

Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board and Graco Announce Plans to Work Together on Riverfront Park

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) and Graco Inc., a Minneapolis-based manufacturer of fluid handling equipment, have reached proposed agreements on the development of the riverfront park adjacent to Hall’s Island in northeast Minneapolis. 

Separately, the Graco Foundation has announced its intention to donate more than $3 million to the MPRB to fund the development of the open space portion of the site, which will be named “Graco Park.” Along with Hall’s Island, Graco Park will be part of the Above the Falls Regional Park, which includes parkland on both the east and west banks of the Mississippi River and extends from the Plymouth Avenue Bridge north to the city limits.

On Oct. 3, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Administration and Finance Committee will vote on a resolution related to several agreements between Graco and the MPRB. If approved, the MPRB full Board is anticipated to vote on the resolution on Oct. 17. These agreements signal Graco and the MPRB’s ongoing commitment to Minneapolis and serving the community for generations to come. 

“This agreement with Graco allows the Park Board to build a world-class park that will return much needed green space along the river for everyone while also preserving the city’s ability to retain and attract jobs,” said Brad Bourn, MPRB President. 

MPRB President Brad Bourn was joined by Superintendent Mary Merrill, Mayor Jacob Frey and leaders from Graco and the MPRB as he announced proposed agreements for a new riverfront park.

Included in the agreements, Graco will give the trail easement to the MPRB for free, the parties will end the legal proceedings related to the East Bank Trail easement and the MPRB will sell a 2.2-acre portion of the 3.55-acre Parcel D located next to Graco’s Riverside production facility to Graco at a fair market value of $1.1 million. 

Of the 11-acre site, the 3.55 acres of Parcel D were purchased by the Park Board without state regional park dollars. At the time of the acquisition from Scherer Brothers Lumber Company in 2010, the Park Board, the City of Minneapolis and the Metropolitan Council all agreed that Parcel D would not become parkland and planned to instead use Parcel D for a public-private partnership of some kind. 

Graco’s total financial commitment is valued at approximately $10.6 million, through a combination of release of its condemnation claim and related fees, prepayment of park dedication fees, payment for certain flood protection components to be constructed on Parcel D, payment to purchase part of Parcel D, and a donation from the Graco Foundation. Approximately $5 million from Graco and the Graco Foundation will be dedicated for the development of Graco Park and development of the MPRB’s 1.35-acre portion of Parcel D.

The contribution from Graco allows the public amenities to be constructed up to a decade earlier than they otherwise could. If the agreements are approved by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Commissioners, it is anticipated all additional steps to finalize the agreements would be complete by the end of 2018. Pending finalization of all agreements, community engagement, final design, engineering and permitting for the park would take place in 2019, with construction in 2020-2021 and the park open to the public as soon as 2022.

“We are extremely pleased to assist financially in the development of this beautiful new park to be enjoyed by all community stakeholders, including Graco employees,” said Pat McHale, Graco’s President and CEO. “Graco has been committed to its Minneapolis operations for nearly 100 years, providing hundreds of great jobs with full benefits as well as donating tens of millions of dollars to worthy charities through the Graco Foundation. This agreement is an outstanding example of public and private cooperation, and we thank both the Park Board and the City of Minneapolis for their constructive work to achieve this result. While we have no immediate plans to build, having a park-oriented green space buffer between our industrial operations and Graco Park should be a positive outcome for all involved.”

Vibrant and Safe Downtown - Working to Create a Better Downtown For All of Us

Article by Claudia Kittock

We live downtown. It is an exciting and interesting place to live, full of energy and activity. There are always things to do and choices to make. It is never boring, but like all cities sometimes there are concerns about safety. Can I do what I want to do when I want to do it and feel safe?           

Safety in an urban setting is always a high priority, and in 2018 it is a collaborative effort. During a recent conversation with Mpls Downtown Improvement District(DID) director of safety initiatives Shane Zahn, I learned just how multi-faceted it is. Shane began working with Vibrant and Safe Downtown,  previously known as the Minneapolis SafeZone Collaborative, in 2007, partnering with Minneapolis Police 1st Precinct downtown. Shane, who worked with Target at the time, began collaborating with the police department to work on safety concerns. After two years on loan from Target to run Vibrant and Safe Downtown, Shane joined the DID staff in 2009 to continue this work, and today remains a leader in downtown safety and collaboration.

Vibrant and Safe Downtown is a wholly-owned, 501c3 subsidiary of the DID. Its focus is building collaborations to ensure a safe and vital downtown community by bringing public, private and non-profit entities together through key initiatives, including connecting public-private radio and camera networks, partnering with social outreach teams and much more. Part of that strategy is helping with programming in the downtown area that will provide opportunities for the community to gather. The intent is to add creative activities throughout the city as a way to decrease violence.

One of the resources available to Vibrant and Safe Downtown is the DID Safety Communications Center. Located within the Minneapolis Police First Precinct, the Safety Communications Center serves as a downtown safety information hub. Part of its work is to dispatch DID Ambassadors, responding to pedestrian requests from Ambassadors on the street, tracking weather and emergency alerts, communicating with outreach services for people in need, monitoring public area cameras and collaborating with private security.

Dispatch Ambassadors staff at the Safety Communications Center 

The DID Safety Communications Center is a resource available for day-to-day needs as well as a major asset for overseeing big downtown events like Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game in 2014, the Super Bowl in 2018, the upcoming NCAA men’s basketball Final Four in 2019 and NCAA women’s basketball Final Four in 2022. Through RadioLINK, for example, the Safety Communications Center is connected to approximately 65 buildings downtown. Last year alone, DID Ambassadors made more than 89,000 pedestrian assists - many of which are coordinated through the Safety Communications Center.

For programming, the DID and Vibrant and Safe Downtown collaborate with organizations to help bring initiatives like the mpls downtown council’s Pianos on Parade program, which places pianos throughout downtown, including the Mill District. Who hasn’t been moved by beautiful piano music reverberating through the downtown streets?

RadioLINK brings the private and public security partnership to life. The radio equipment is coordinated through the City of Minneapolis’ Radio Communications Electronics department and is a valuable tool in expanding law enforcement’s reach. There are an estimated 13 private security officers for every one law enforcement officer in downtown. The DID Safety Communications Center serves as the central point of the RadioLINK system and it connects officers directly with private security teams and outreach teams via a common radio channel.

Collaborations with social service organizations is another way that DID and Vibrant and Safe Downtown work to enhance a livable downtown for all. DID Livability Team supervisor Joseph Desenclos came to DID from 15 years as Outreach Director at St. Stephen’s. Everyone knows Joseph, and he knows everyone. His incredible skills and knowledge make him the perfect person to head up the outreach portion of the DID Ambassador operations. Joseph is joined by partnerships with the outreach teams from YouthLink and St. Stephen’s.

How can you help to be part of the work done by Vibrant and Safe Downtown?
1. Donate to Vibrant and Safe Downtown.
2. Want more information on DID and Vibrant and Safe Downtown or how to get involved? Email info@mplsdid.com.

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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

Free October 4 Event Provides Low-income Families with Pre-winter Vehicle Inspections and Care Kits

The Lift Garage is a local nonprofit providing low-cost car repair to those in need. Last year we published an article about them, Nonprofit Spotlight: The Lift Garage - Changing the World One Car at a Time. 

On Thursday, October 4, the Lift Garage and Eden Prairie-based Element Fleet are joining forces to offer free pre-winter car inspections to vehicle owners from low-income families. 300 winter car care kits that include jumper cables, a blanket, hat, mittens and more will also be given out. Car owners simply need to sign up online.

Getting a vehicle professionally inspected before the winter months can mean the difference between doing a small repair now or getting stranded on the side of the road in zero-degree temperatures.

The goal of Lift Garage and Element Fleet is to keep families safe all winter long by offering tips and flagging potential vehicle issues – for free.

Inspections will take place at:

Element Fleet, 3 Capital Drive, Eden Prairie, MN 55344

Appointments are avilable between 7:00am and 5:00pm, taking about 20 minutes.

Metro - 35W@94 Downtown to Crosstown in Minneapolis: 2017-2021 Construction Update

Via a September 26 electronic announcement from MnDOT:

In this update:

- Franklin Ave. lane closures Sept. 27

- I-35W overnight closure Oct. 8

- Westbound I-94 to southbound I-35W ramp closure Oct. 12-22

- I-35W weekend closure mid-October

- Update on bridge, ramp and road closures

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We are happy to report that construction activities are progressing well despite the rain over the past week. We have some major milestones coming up in the next month: westbound I-94 will have three lanes back open; access from northbound I-35W to downtown (11th St./E. Grant St.) will reopen, and the 26th St. bridge is expected to reopen. To reach these milestones though, we need an overnight closure of I-35W, a ramp closure from westbound I-94 to southbound I-35W and a full weekend closure of I-35W.

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Franklin Ave. lane closures Sept. 27

We are ready to permanently stripe the pavement on the Franklin Ave. bridge. To do this, we need lane closures on Thu, Sept. 27 on Franklin Ave. between 4th Ave. and 5th Ave. from 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

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I-35W overnight closure scheduled for Oct. 8

We are ready to pour the new 26th St. bridge deck and need a nighttime closure of I-35W, which is scheduled for the following date:

- On Mon, Oct. 8, I-35W will close in both directions between Hwy 62 and I-94 at 10 p.m. The highway will reopen at 5 a.m. on Tue, Oct. 9. The detour route includes Hwy 62, Hwy 100 and I-394.

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WB I-94 to SB I-35W ramp closure Oct. 12-22

We need to do utility work and repave the ramp from westbound I-94 to southbound I-35W, so will need to close the ramp for 10 days on the following dates:

- On Fri, Oct. 12, the ramp from westbound I-94 to southbound I-35W will close at 10 p.m. The ramp will reopen on Mon, Oct. 22 at 5 a.m. The detour route is WB I-94 to WB I-394 to SB Hwy 100 to EB Hwy 62. However, for drivers coming from the east metro traveling to the south, we recommend using alternative routes including I-494, Hwy 52, and I-35E.

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I-35W weekend closure scheduled for Mid-October

We are looking forward to the project hitting a major milestone in mid-Oct. when we move into the next phase of the project. We anticipate reopening one lane of traffic from northbound I-35W into downtown to 11th St./E. Grant St. (access to 5th Ave. will remain closed through 2019) and shifting lanes of traffic on southbound I-35W. To make all of this happen, an I-35W weekend closure is tentatively being scheduled for mid-October. More details will follow.

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Update on bridge, ramp and road closures

We are working quickly and efficiently to reopen bridges, ramps and roads. Here’s an update on upcoming openings and closures:

- WB I-94 between Chicago Ave. and Nicollet Ave. returns to three lanes mid-October.

- Access from NB I-35W to downtown (11th St/E. Grant St.) reopens: mid-October. (access from NB I-35W to 5th Ave. will remain closed through 2019; and, access from downtown to SB I-35W will remain closed through 2021)

- 26th St. bridge reopens late October/early November

- 28th St. bridge closes late October/early November

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To learn more, including all current traffic impacts and detour routes, visit the project website. 

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.

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Stay Connected

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.

Win Mall of America® and Nickelodeon Universe® Prizes at the October 4 ‘First Thursdays’ Event at Minneapolis Visitor Information

Via a September 26 News Release:

Minneapolis Visitor Information, located on Nicollet at 5th Street, is bringing the fun of Mall of America to downtown Minneapolis for its monthly “First Thursdays” event. Beginning at 9 a.m. on Oct. 4, guests may register to win a Mall of America coupon book and Nickelodeon Universe all-day wristband.

Winners will be selected every 10 minutes between noon and 2 p.m.* In addition, Mall of America staff will be onsite giving away promotional items and answering questions. Guests also will receive 10 percent off retail merchandise from Love From Minneapolis during this event.

Guests may:

• Register to win a coupon book and wristband and receive promotional items from Mall of America
• Purchase Love From Minneapolis merchandise at 10 percent off from noon to 2 p.m.

Even after the October First Thursdays ends, Minneapolis Visitor Information will continue to be the only downtown location where Mall of America coupon books and Nickelodeon Universe all-day wristbands can be purchased.

First Thursdays are held each month to encourage residents, employees of downtown businesses and visitors to learn more about Minneapolis Visitor Information and its partners, Love From Minneapolis and Move Minneapolis, as well as highlight community organizations and events.

For more information and daily hours, visit www.minneapolis.org/visitor-information/ 

*No purchase necessary. Need not be present to win.

ABOUT MINNEAPOLIS VISITOR INFORMATION ON NICOLLET: SHOP. MOVE. FIND.

Minneapolis Visitor Information includes three services in one convenient location on Nicollet at 5th Street:                                                                

• Shop: Love From Minneapolis offers Minneapolis- and Minnesota-themed apparel, art, specialty foods, souvenirs and gifts, including many made by local artisans. Products are also available at: https://lovefromcompanies.com/shop-minneapolis.
• Move: Move Minneapolis (formerly the Commuter Connection) provides services to commuters, carpool information, transit passes, schedules and maps, MnPass and bicycling commuting information and accessories. Visitors seeking help with transit options should make this their first stop downtown.
• Find: Meet Minneapolis staff is available to answer questions, share visitor maps and provide suggestions 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.

New Facilities for People Biking in Downtown Minneapolis

Excerpt from September 24 Hennepin County e-newsletter:

A few new resources to support people biking are being installed near the Hennepin County Government Center in Downtown Minneapolis.

Fixit station

This resource is located across the street from the Government Center at the 701 building near the intersection of 4th Avenue South and 7th Street South. Like other Fixit Stations around Hennepin County, it includes some basic bike tools to aid in simple repairs such as fixing a flat, tuning your derailleur, or checking your brakes.

View all Fixit Station locations

Bike parts vending machine

A new vending machine with spare bike parts and accessories will be installed this fall. One-on-One bike shop will supply items like spare inner tubes, rim tape, water bottles, bike lights and more.

New bike racks at Government Plaza LRT station

New bike racks were recently installed near the Government Plaza light rail station. The new racks make it even easier to combine transit and biking for a truly multimodal trip in downtown Minneapolis.

These new resources were made possible through a partnership between Hennepin County's Active Living team, Blue Cross Blue Shield and the Minnesota Department of Health's Statewide Health Improvement Partnership.

Minnesota Tellabration 2018 - Story Artists Donate Day of Storytelling at Open Book, November 24

Tellabration!, an annual event promoted by The National Storytelling Network and hosted in over 300 venues around the world, will be celebrated in downtown Minneapolis on Saturday, November 24, 10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. at Open Book, 1011 Washington Ave S.

The day-long event, which is free to all, features a dozen panel discussions, classes, and workshops that explore a wide-range of topics about storytelling, narrative techniques in other disciplines (e.g. film, podcasts, poetry), and how to craft, promote, and refine stories for audiences and print. Topics include: Storycrafting, Creating and Hosting a Spoken Word Series (with five veteran hosts), Growing a Social Media Presence, and Smart Micro-Publishing That Makes the Effort Worth It.

There will also be a literature/merchandise table, games and stories to which guests can contribute, and, most importantly, a hosted open mike from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. where all visitors are invited to tell a story, or a story about a story.

The event will conclude with an evening concert in the Target Performance Hall featuring the donated talents of Kevin Kling, Tom Cassidy, Erica Christ, Dorothy Cleveland, Loren Niemi, Laura Packer, Richard Rousseau, Sue Searing, and Jim Stowell.

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

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

Mill City Players - New Season, New Call for Community Support

Article by Claudia Kittock

The Mill City Players will begin another session in mid-October. We are so very excited to begin rehearsing with this group of talented young actors. They bring their considerable talents, intelligence, and enthusiasm to this group and we are so very grateful to be able to do this work.

Our community has been incredibly generous in helping this group and we are, again, asking for your help. 

Friends of the Mill District makes sure each and every actor gets a meal during all rehearsals. In the past, we've asked community members to help us by preparing and bringing the meals. We again request your help to feed our actors, but this time we're asking for a different type of help: monetary. Ordering in food from a restaurant is the easiest and most consistent method of feeding the actors, but also costly (about $7,000 to cover every rehearsal for the duration of this session). 

If you are interested in helping build our "food fund", please:

• Send a check, made out to Friends of the Mill District, to: Claudia Kittock at 212 10th Avenue S, #102, Minneapolis, MN 55415; or

• Donate at https://www.givemn.org/organization/Friends-Of-The-Mill-District

 

We are so grateful for your support and help. Feeding young people is an important part of the work we want to do, but we can only do this work because of you!

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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