Alan Page Collection Events Aim to Reframe Conversations About Racial Justice

Via an e-newsletter from Hennepin County Library:

Film screenings, talk by Hall of Famer Alan Page during Super Bowl expand on exhibit's messages 

A series of free events will appeal to football fans during Super Bowl LII, while also broadening and deepening the conversation around racial justice. The events are concurrent with the TESTIFY exhibit at Hennepin County Library's Cargill Hall, a display of selected art and artifacts from the Diane and Alan Page Collection, which chronicle our nation's racial history. 

Alan Page addresses difficult questions 

NFL Hall of Famer and former Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Alan Page will present a talk titled "TESTIFY: It’s Not About the Flag or the Anthem, It’s About Justice." The address will respond to the controversy surrounding NFL protests and will attempt to shift the focus from whether player protests are appropriate back onto the underlying issue of racial justice.  

The event will be held Wednesday, January 31, 2 to 4 p.m., at Hennepin County Central Library, 300 Nicollet Mall. The exhibit is on view January 8-February 6.

Film screenings explore Page's life story

NFL Films chronicles Alan Page's life in "Black Star Risen," a film produced by David Plaut. As a player, Page redefined the defensive tackle position in pro football and made the Hall of Fame – only to leave the game behind for a new career in law and education. Another film, ‘A Football Life: Alan Page’ is a documentary about Page’s journey in sports and beyond.

Both movies will be screened at Thursday, February 1, Friday, February 2 and Saturday, February 3, at 3 to 5 p.m., at Hennepin County Library.

The collection traces the history of race in America

The Diane and Alan Page Collection is a selection of art and artifacts that paint a portrait of race relations and representation in the 19th through 21st centuries. Gathered by Diane and Alan Page over decades of civic engagement and very personal work in their community, the collection reflects their belief that even as we face the most painful aspects of our past so that they will not be repeated, we must also find bright moments of transcendence that point another way forward. 

Learn more about the exhibit 

The TESTIFY exhibit is presented at Cargill Hall with the support of the Friends of the Hennepin County Library, the National Football League, the Minnesota Vikings, The McKnight Foundation, the Pohlad Companies, The Minneapolis Foundation, Robins Kaplan LLP and Tunheim.

For additional information about the collection and the TESTIFY exhibit, please visit The Diane and Alan Page Collection Facebook page, Twitter feed or Instagram.

Super Bowl-related Activity at The Commons

Via an e-newsletter from Green Minneapolis:

NOTE: The NFL and its vendors will begin working in the area this weekend. Here is an overview of what's in store: 

Super Bowl at The Commons - Overview:

- The East Block of The Commons will be an entry point to the stadium on game day. There will be no public activities at The Commons in the week prior to the game.

- The East Block of The Commons will be closed to the public from January 6 - February 9, 2018.

- The West Block of The Commons will remain open and accessible for public use from January 6 - February 9, 2018.

- Commons hosts will continue to assist visitors, remove trash, etc. on the West Block of the park.

Public Meeting about Super Bowl activity:

Join Kyle Chank, Vice President of Operations & Logistics for Super Bowl Host Committee, and Council Member Lisa Goodman for an informational meeting on how the Super Bowl will effect your neighborhood. Hear how the event will benefit residents and how you can participate in all of the events around town. Learn more about travel, security and the great events happening in your neighborhood.

Both meetings will occur January 11 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1200 Marquette Ave S:

6:00 - 7:15pm: Geared towards residents living close to NICOLLET MALL AND THE CONVENTION CENTER

7:30 - 8:15pm: Geared towards residents living close to THE STADIUM

Key Dates for Commons activity:

- January 4/5: Commons restrooms relocated to West Block near Portland Avenue/5th Street

- January 5: East Block/NFL: Equipment delivery

- January 6: East Block/NFL: Protective flooring and perimeter fence installation begins

- January 7: East Block/NFL: Tent installation begins

- January 15: East Block/NFL: Interior tent buildout

- January 23: East Block/NFL: Audio and visual, wayfinding screens, graphics installation. 

There will be some sound testing during setup, but systems will only operate on game day, or if temperatures are particularly low and equipment needs to stay warm.

- February 2: Removal of restrooms on West Block.

There will be no public restrooms available at The Commons until Feb 12.

- February 4: Super Bowl

All attendees exit the game on the west side of the stadium, headed toward downtown ~10pm. Expect significant pedestrian traffic in the neighborhood.

- February 5-9: East Block/NFL: Clean up and load-out

- February 12: Reinstallation of Commons restrooms on East Block

More information:

Please see the Host Committee's Know Before You Go guide and website for more information about activities and happenings in town, as well as key transit and traffic information.

ABOUT GREEN MINNEAPOLIS
Green Minneapolis is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 multi-project conservancy established to advance the vitality of downtown Minneapolis through parks, greening and program activation. Green Minneapolis engages in strategic public, private and philanthropic partnerships to advance the common goal of creating a vibrant public realm.

Progress at Peavey Plaza

Excerpt from a January 3 e-newsletter from Preservation Alliance of Minnesota (PAM):

Photo Copyright The Cultural Landscape Foundation 

The Preservation Alliance of Minnesota has been a strong advocate for the preservation of Peavey Plaza since 2008, when it was first identified as an endangered property. After several twists and turns, including a demolition proposal by the City of Minneapolis, a subsequent legal challenge by PAM and The Cultural Landscape Foundation, listing in the National Register of Historic Places, and a preservation-focused legal settlement, rehabilitation work is due to begin on Peavey Plaza in 2018.

The landscape design by Coen + Partners and Preservation Design Works is nearing completion, and the city anticipates going out for bid next week. The design will result in some noticeable changes, but PAM and our partners, including TCLF, Docomomo US MN, and Preserve Minneapolis, continue to advocate for the retention and rehabilitation of features that reflect Peavey Plaza’s historic character. Check out the 90% plans and the evolution of the rehabilitation design on the city’s website.

Minneapolis Streets Closing Around US Bank Stadium in Preparation for Super Bowl LII

Via a January 2 e-newletter from the City of Minneapolis:

The City began the first phase of street closures around U.S. Bank Stadium this morning in preparation for Super Bowl LII on Sunday, February 4.
 
The closures include:
• Chicago Avenue between Fourth and Sixth streets;
• Norm McGrew Place between Third and Fourth Street; and
• Fifth Street South between 11th Avenue South and the loading dock of the 511 Building.

The closures will remain in effect until mid-February.

                                                                                 
Over the past several months, the City of Minneapolis has worked closely with stakeholders, including the Minnesota Super Bowl Host Committee, NFL, their vendors and several other local partners to craft a traffic management plan that will enhance the Super Bowl LII experience while providing as minimum disruption to traffic and parking as possible.

Stay up-to-date on the latest information related to Super Bowl LII street closures by signing up for City traffic alerts at minneapolismn.gov/traffic. For more City-related Super Bowl LII information, go to minneapolismn.gov/SuperBowl. For additional travel tips for the 10-day Super Bowl festival, visit mnsuperbowl.com/transportation.

Super Bowl LIVE: 10-day Fan Event on Nicollet Mall, Jan 26 - Feb 4

Super Bowl LIVE presented by Verizon is a 10-day fan festival taking place January 26 - February 4 on Nicollet Mall. Free and open to the public, Super Bowl LIVE will feature something for everyone, including free live concerts, national broadcast activations, food and fun, with nods to winter that showcase Minnesota's authentic, Bold North brand.

Music acts include the likes of Morris Day and the Time, The Revolution, Dessa, Vocal Essence, The Suburbs, The Steeles and more.

Bold North photo opportunities for fans will include snow globes, ice jerseys, and ice sculptures.

A drum and dance exhibition will be celebrated every evening at 5:00PM by Native American school children.

Check the website for updates as the event draws near. 

Minneapolis Super Bowl Media Coverage

In-depth coverage of the Minneapolis Super Bowl

WEEK OF 12/11/2017

Minneapolis officials ask for National Guard help during Super Bowl
Host Committee will pick up cost; move would free up police for other duties.

Prince tribute, J.Lo among performances set ahead of Super Bowl
Jennifer Lopez will headline a VIP concert series at downtown’s Minneapolis Armory the night before next February’s Super Bowl game at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Keeping Super Bowl Fans Connected at U.S. Bank Stadium
What's a Super Bowl without a selfie to prove you were there?

612Brew, Vikings’ Kyle Rudolph to release beer for Super Bowl
A Northeast Minneapolis brewery is celebrating the Super Bowl a way only a brewery could: by brewing a limited-edition beer.

Oft-burned Vikings fans temper joy to avoid Super Bowl jinx
Vikings fans whisper "Skol!" trying not to tempt their Super Bowl karma.

Click to read more ...

Key North Boutique: Both Fashion and Fairness

Article and photos by Merle Minda

Key North Boutique is on First Avenue NE with its own parking lot!Key North Boutique is a mixture of influences – beautiful influences, actually. Begun 12 years ago in the Hennepin Avenue North East retail district, the store presents a mixture related to the symbiotic relationship of its two owners, who have also been partners for thirty-five years and married for the last four. Katie Greene and Gwen Engelbert could be called Northeast Minneapolis fixtures, but in truth, they have worked hard for their achievements.

Their approach to buying and stocking their store goes far beyond its stunning offerings and affordable pricing. Sustainability is their watchword. What does this mean? It means they only stock products that are “eco-sustainable”, made more of organic, natural fibers – with less dye and often fabrics made by hand. They insist their manufacturers pay fair wages, a “Living Wage”, no matter what country they are made in. They research the factories of their designers and suppliers, to ensure there are no ‘sweat shops’ and no child labor involved and that their other criteria are met. It perhaps takes more time than it should, but “it is well worth it,” says Gwen.

Katie Greene and Gwen Engelbert; owners/proprietors of Key North Boutique

Even with these restrictions that they put on their own buying choices, they feel they have ended up buying better quality clothing overall. Their fashion goals are to be “ageless, talking style and fashion for every age woman," notes Katie.

A gorgeous necklace and matching bracelet by NYC award-winning designer Natalie FrigoAnd it works – their raft of dedicated customers head for Key North first to find what they are looking for. “Our stock turns over every couple of months,” says Katie. “And our 360 cashmeres can be gone in far less time,” she continues.

Stop in and see – from good-looking separates, slacks and sweaters, they also have a wide variety of jeans, jackets, marvelous hats, all sorts of accessories and jewelry to die for! Patterns and designs tend to be unique and not easily found elsewhere due to their savvy buying. They are at market at least six times a year, and many of their manufacturers are from Europe and the Far East as well as the United States.

"Something for everyone," says Katie Greene

Cashmere hats with a mink topping? "Why not," says Gwen Engelbert“Our stock can take you from morning ‘til night, from casual to dressy,” note Katie and Gwen almost in unison. They were early adopters of e-commerce and send out a regular online newsletter with tips, ideas and new designers coming into the fold. “Our customers often have a particular point of view, they want to look classy and maybe a bit different, even a little artsy,” the partners continue. And their customer base has become very loyal, returning season after season to get the Key North “look.” During the year they hold a series of special events, often featuring one or more of their jewelry designers – these are worth watching for. And there are interesting designer salons coming up yet this winter, so stay in touch.

Katie likes this one!In short, it is a partnership that works on so many levels. Katie and Gwen’s son John is a Twin Cities architect who was recently married to Anna, so their family is growing. We, who are both friends and customers, treasure Katie and Gwen’s warmth and friendship, not to mention their sustainable beauty and very, very good taste.

Key North Boutique is located at 515 First Avenue NE in Minneapolis (almost adjacent to the Red Stag Supperclub). And, wonder of wonders in this busy neighborhood, they have their own parking lot! Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10am – 6pm, 612-455-6666, Facebook.

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About Merle Minda

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

Brice Okocha - an Inspiration

Article by Claudia Kittock, photos by Rick Kittock

I met Brice Okocha on a cold morning in November, 3 years ago. It was 5:45 a.m. and my running partner and I had decided to join Mile In My Shoes, whose mission is to ‘run together to change perceptions and change lives’. That’s all we knew about the group, but we knew we loved running, and felt as if we had much to learn about people experiencing homelessness . . . so we showed up.

If you have never been to a homeless shelter at 5:45 a.m., it is an interesting experience. Most shelters close by 8 a.m. and do not reopen until 4 in the afternoon, so mornings are about gathering all your belongings and preparing to spend the day somewhere else. It is often a chaotic time.

Brice Okocha

As we entered the building, a large man made his way to us, stuck out his hand and said, “Hi, I’m Brice. Welcome!” He immediately went into a short tutorial about what to expect. Before we left he said, “I’ll run with you today. Don’t forget, whatever happens, I have your back.” The run was wonderful and I left thoroughly interested in Brice. What I wouldn’t know for several months of running with him was that he lived at Higher Ground.

Brice lives in one of the small units on the 2nd floor. The cost is $7/day and is referred to as Pay-for-Stay. We immediately bonded over our love of running and his pursuit of a college degree. At the time, Brice was a full-time student at MCTC and we talked about papers, tests, courses, and his goals for a degree and his future. I quickly fell in love with my early morning runs there, and Brice fascinated me and became a good friend.

When Mile In My Shoes decided to add a running and walking cohort at Emanuel Housing, I volunteered to head that project and no longer ran with the group from Higher Ground. Brice and I kept track of each other through Facebook, emails, and even a funeral. A few weeks ago, Brice posted his grades on Facebook and said he had one semester left before graduation. I promptly asked if he would allow me to tell his story, and he agreed.

Brice grew up in Minneapolis and attended Patrick Henry High School, graduating from Cooper High School in Robbinsdale. He enlisted in the Navy after graduation and served 6 years, stationed in Pearl Harbor. When Brice returned from his service, he worked security at the IDS and at City Center before being laid off in 2013. After a short break, Brice enrolled at MCTC and within a year found himself homeless.

How could someone like Brice Okocha find himself homeless? If it happened to Brice, it can truly happen to anyone. Because of some family difficulties, he found himself without a place to live. Brice found Higher Ground and rented a small room there so that he could keep going to college. $7/night is affordable for a college student. Imagine trying to find a rental somewhere else in the city for that amount of money.

Brice graduated from MCTC in 2016, promptly enrolled in Metropolitan State and is scheduled to graduate in the spring of 2018 with a degree in law enforcement. He is currently a Reserve Police Officer in Maplewood where he works a minimum of 8 hours/month, all of which counts toward his degree. After graduating he will take a post-test which will allow him to activate his license to become a police officer in Minnesota.

Mile In My Shoes played a part in changing Brice’s life. He credits the group with helping him stay motivated both in running and having a different outlook. He learned to be a leader and to engage with his community. Running is an activity where your background doesn’t matter. There is a commonality to running that makes interacting with other runners very easy. Runners all struggle, runners all complain, runners persevere, and the humor of runners while you are running is hard to beat. Running with Brice is wonderful, and while I HATE hills, Brice made me laugh every time we ran uphill. I am always the last one up the hill and Brice’s voice can be heard above everyone’s. “C’mon Claudia, you are almost there. You MADE it!!!”

Brice and Claudia - friends for life

How did he do it? How did he stick it out and earn his degree when life seemed to be conspiring to make sure he failed? Brice told me that he works to stay resilient and to stay positive. Anger can get in the way of reaching a goal, but as Maya Angelou so famously said, “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” Brice embodies that in everything he does.

I asked Brice to tell me what he would tell a young person experiencing homelessness. He stressed the idea that things will get better and that this situation will pass. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, just keep moving through the tunnel.

Brice changed my life. He taught me through his example that people experiencing homelessness can be anyone. There is no ‘they’ in homelessness. People experiencing homelessness are as varied as any population, and the problems causing this are complex. There is no one cause-one cure paradigm. It is complicated, but there is hope. Brice taught me all of that.

I am honored to know Brice Okocha and to call him my friend. He will be an amazing police officer. Brice is excited to use his social skills, to build relationships, and to practice conflict resolution and de-escalation.  Can you imagine what a wonderful officer he will be? I can!

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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

Note Street Closures Near US Bank Stadium for Sunday’s Vikings Game

The City of Minneapolis will close streets around U.S. Bank Stadium for Sunday’s Minnesota Vikings game, which starts at noon. 

Beginning at 6 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31 the City will close:
• Chicago Avenue, from Fourth Street to Sixth Street.
• Norm McGrew Place from Third Street to Fourth Street.

Beginning at 9 a.m. Sunday, the City will close:
• Fourth Street from Park Avenue to Interstate 35W.

These street closings are for traffic safety and security needs related to a large stadium event. All streets will reopen about one hour after the completion of the game.

Metered spaces change for events
Prior to the game, metered parking spaces on streets surrounding U.S. Bank Stadium will switch from hourly rates to event rates. Starting at 9 a.m., event rate spaces will require a flat fee of $25, which will cover parking costs for the entire game. Anyone starting a parking session after 1 p.m. will use hourly rates. To find out which streets have event rate parking, please see the attached map or use the interactive parking meter map at www.minneapolismn.gov/parking.

All of the City’s parking pay stations and the MPLS Parking app on a smartphone (iPhone or Android device) will automatically charge the rate in effect. Drivers should follow all signed hours of enforcement, time limits and other parking restrictions.   

Metro Transit, J.J. Taylor Distributing Co and Miller Lite team up to offer Free Rides New Years Eve

Celebrate New Year’s Eve responsibly and get a free ride!

On December 31, Metro Transit customers can ride free from 6pm to 3am on all Metro Transit routes – buses and light rail. No fare, no coupons; simply hop on and take a seat for free. MVTA will also be providing free rides.

Whether you’ll be out celebrating, or simply not interested in driving alongside those who are - riding Metro Transit is an easy, safe alternative.

Miller Free Rides is a community service program in partnership with Metro Transit, J.J. Taylor Distributing Company and Miller Lite.

Learn more at 1-800-FREE-RIDES, or visit MillerLiteFreeRides.com.
Miller Lite Free Rides is a community service program in partnership with Metro Transit and Miller Lite.

Plan your Miller Lite Free Ride now with our interactive Trip Planner. Know your route, and note that not all routes operate past midnight.

METRO Blue Line and Green Line trains and 29 bus routes offer trips after midnight on December 31 - check out the schedule here:  https://www.metrotransit.org/millerlitefreerides

Mississippi Watershed Management Organization's 2017 Magazine is Now Available Online

The Mississippi Watershed Management Organization's (MWMO) new 2017 Magazine is now available online. Read about their latest work protecting and improving water quality and habitat in our watershed, including:

• Water Quality Monitoring
• Capital Project Grants
• Stewardship Fund Grants
• Communications and Outreach
• Planning
• Watershed Assessment
• Staff, Budget and Other Info

Friends of the Mississippi River's Request for Community Feedback at January 18 NIEBNA Meeting

This information was shared in a December 27 e-newsletter from the Nicollet Island - East Bank Neighborhood Association (NIEBNA):

Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) has asked NIEBNA to take an official vote during the January 18 Meeting in support of both the Natural Resource Management Plan and the additional management brief. If you have questions or comments, please submit them directly to Alex at aroth@fmr.org. A full copy of the additional plan (50 pages) will be made available by January 2, 2018. This link points to a map that shows the entire 7.1-acre project.

Hours extended to prepay 2018 Hennepin County property taxes

Via a December 26 e-newsletter from Hennepin County:

Hennepin County has extended hours for residents to prepay their 2018 property taxes in person at the Hennepin County Government Center. The extended hours are a response to an unprecedented number of taxpayers wishing to prepay their property taxes following recent federal tax law changes. 

Extended hours:
- 8am to 5:30pm Tuesday, December 26, to Friday, December 29
- 9am to 2:00pm Saturday, December 30 (The Government Center parking ramp will be open during this time.)

How to prepay:

Residents may pay up to the amount stated in their proposed property tax (truth in taxation) notice sent in November. Prepay your taxes using one of the following methods:

In person
Services are located at the Hennepin County Government Center (map).

E-check
Pay via e-check by 11:59 p.m. Sunday, December 31. 
   1) Enter your 13-digit property ID.
   2) Click the "other years" button.
   3) Enter your payment amount. Do not choose a transaction type, but continue to enter your banking information.
   4) Click "continue" and follow directions to complete your payment.

Mail
Hennepin County must receive payments by Friday, December 29. The county will not honor postmark dates.
- Make checks payable to the Hennepin County Treasurer.
- Specify that the amount is a prepayment of 2018 taxes.
- Include the property identification (PID) number.
- Mail to Hennepin County Treasurer: A-600 Government Center, 300 S 6th Street, Minneapolis, MN, 55487.

More Info:

• View more details online. 
• Contact 612-348-3011 or taxinfo@hennepin.us with questions.

UPDATE: Correction: A previous version of this news release included incorrect information about the mail payment deadline. Hennepin County will accept any mailed prepayment of 2018 property taxes. However, to ensure that the payment is deductible in 2017, please talk with your tax advisor.

Hennepin Health’s Walk-In Service Center is Temporarily Relocating (Jan 22 - Feb 5) due to Super Bowl

Via the Hennepin Health Quarterly Newsletter from Hennepin County:

Hennepin Health is temporarily relocating its walk-in service center from January 22 through February 5 so members can still receive the services they need in the weeks leading up to the Super Bowl. With how close Hennepin Health is to the U.S. Bank Stadium, along with the fact that transportation will be limited downtown, Hennepin Health made the decision to have staff available at two more easily accessible locations:

HSD – Brookdale
Brookdale Regional Center
6125 Shingle Creek Parkway
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
Suggested bus numbers: 19 & 22

HSD – Chemical and Mental Health Services
1800 Chicago Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Suggested bus numbers: 2 & 14

Services
• Members will be able to receive continued assistance from their care guides, the community health workers and the social services navigation team.
• Members who qualify for a bus pass will still be able to receive their pass either by stopping in at one of the temporary locations or reloading their pass over the phone.
• At the Chicago Avenue location, members can receive chemical and behavioral health services by appointment; at the Brookdale location, members can receive human services, as well as WIC and child protection services.
 
If you have any questions about the walk-in service center’s temporary change in location, please call Hennepin Health Member Services at 612-596-1036.

The Mill Yard at Stonebridge Lofts Art Exhibit: “Nature: In the Eye of the Beholder” debuts with January 13 Opening Reception

The Stonebridge Lofts, 1120 South 2nd Street, is debuting "The Mill Yard at Stonebridge Lofts", a new art exhibit venue, with a January 13 opening reception for The Mill Yard at Stonebridge Lofts Art Exhibit: “Nature: In the Eye of the Beholder”.  

 This exhibit will run January 13 to March 31, 2018, and will showcase the work of eight artists, around a Nature theme:

Bevie Labrie (painting)  “Hundreds of days and nights spent in nature over the course of my life have imbedded the colors, textures, smells and intricacies of my natural surroundings into my mind’s eye.  Each of these paintings were completed from a very intuitive, expressive place inside of me.”

Owen Brown (painting)  “These works were painted during a residency I received last year in the south of France, in the little village of Pampelonne.  The French countryside was beautiful, low hills, small fields, rivers and streams, copses of wood, barns and tiny storerooms. The sun was spellbinding on the earth.”

Richard James Nelson (printmaking), “My woodblock prints are inspired by the Inuit and Japanese printmaking and echo the spiritualness of nature.”

Julie Carson (photography) “On any given day, you will find me scouring the ground looking for objects, patterns and colors to photograph. Photography captures and holds the moment to draw upon later.  No matter where I go, I find ideas in a rusted trash can, leaf or flower.”

Marilyn Cuellar (graphite) “I find my vision in the details of life. My art brings out the subtle details in its subjects, creating a picture of life more particular than the fleeting glance with which we normally look at the world.“

Ernest Miller, “As a maker, inspiration comes from field landscape, farm implements, and architectural features such as barns found in the Midwest as starting points for ceramic vessels and glaze surfaces. Observations of source material may be interpreted literally or sometimes abstracted using elements to complement functional or sculptural forms.”

Nick Earl, “I am continually fascinated by the softness and reception of the clay from which my pots are made. These qualities translate into the finished pieces, objects that will hopefully enrich the regular ceremonies of life. I have a strong interest in art history and I try to exhibit the strength and beauty I see in old pots in my own work.”

Audra Smith, “My goal is to make well-made, utilitarian pottery. I continually explore color, pattern, space, and shape in the surface decoration, all of which inform the ongoing discovery of my personal language as a ceramic artist.” 

(Opening reception only: Potters Ernest Miller, Nick Earl and Audra Smith)

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

Facebook - Twitter, Contact: TheMillYard.Stonebridge@gmail.com

The Mill Yard at Stonebridge Lofts thanks Luke Kleckner, Condo Development and Sales, for his generous sponsorship.

"Together We SOAR" Contest at Cedar Riverside Community School reflects Bright Students Working Towards a Positive Future

Article by Claudia Kittock, photos by Rick Kittock

The future is in very safe hands with the students of Cedar Riverside Community School. 

December 21 was a very important day in the lives of the students of Cedar Riverside Community School. It was the day for the long anticipated ‘door judging’. Seven years ago, Coach Jennifer Weber started a contest between the classes that entailed decorating the door to each classroom around a theme. This year the theme was Together We SOAR. I was honored to be a judge along with Jan Mershon, Coach Weber, and Mecca Mohamed the school administrative assistant. Rick Kittock was the photographer.

Judges Coach Weber, Mecca Mohamed, Jan Mershon and Claudia Kittock

When we came into the school there was an immediate buzz, “They are HERE! Get your paper. Don’t forget to say what we rehearsed.” As we walked from class to class, a small number of students from each room presented their decoration, describing to us what they had, how they had reached their decisions, and what the designs meant. The judging was based on 6 categories: Visual Impact, Craftsmanship, Completeness, Class Involvement, Originality and Perseverance, awarding 1-4 points for each category. Many of presenters went through each category explaining why they deserved a ‘4’ for each one.

I am not a believer in the ‘everybody deserves a medal’ philosophy of dealing with children, but these designs were incredible. We handed in our score sheets to Coach Weber and she announced the winners the next day. I have to confess I was glad I wasn’t there because every class did a wonderful job.

The 90 minutes of judging reminded me of what the future can look like. I saw polite, well-educated, articulate, enthusiastic young people with a strong sense of responsibility to do well for their families and for their community. The future is in very safe hands with the students of Cedar Riverside Community School.  They truly do SOAR together!!

And the winners were:

Pre-K - 2nd: Pre-k (Gingerbread Baby)

3rd - 5th: Tie between 3rd & 4th (Eagle Heart and Eagle with the beaded snowflakes hanging above the door.)

6th - 8th: 7th Grade (Marble Run) almost perfect score. Most original design!

Click here to view the full set of pictures on Flickr.

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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

Sheridan Memorial Park Improvements Update

Via an e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board:

An artist's depiction of the exciting slate of improvements scheduled to be constructed at Sheridan Memorial Park in 2018.

Online survey available to weigh in on impact to Grain Belt Brewing Company Historic District

The preferred concept for more than $1 million in upcoming improvements at Sheridan Memorial Park has been updated.

Click the link below to view a detailed depiction of the proposed improvements, which include new playgrounds, paths, public art, restrooms, picnic shelter and basketball court. Construction is scheduled in 2018.

Sheridan Memorial Park Improvements Preferred Concept

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Grain Belt Brewing Company Historic District

Funding for these improvements is supported by a $500,000 grant from the National Park Service for Outdoor Legacy Partnership and a $1 million match from Minnesota Parks and Trails Legacy funding. 

These funding sources and the park's location within the Grain Belt Brewing Company Historic District requires review under the provisions of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Public participation is an important part of the Section 106 process. Take the survey linked below to give feedback on how you think the upcoming park improvements will affect the historic district.

Take Survey

Drone Footage from the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory (SAFL)

Did you know the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory (SAFL) is poised to celebrate their 80th anniversary (1938 - 2018) next year?  Here is some drone footage of St. Anthony Falls and the SAFL:

35W Bridge Lighting Has Been Restored

MnDOT's 35W Bridge Aesthetic Lighting Replacement Project appears to be complete.

These shots are a little fuzzy because I took them with my cell phone on the way to work this morning (sans any special settings), but you get the idea. The black outs are gone and it appears to shine brighter than ever.

     

Out of the Box Opera to Pop Out Again in February

Article by Merle Minda, photos by Dan Norman Photography

Fledgling opera company Out of the Box Opera will stage another imaginative and fun performance February 10, 2018 at the Weisman Art Museum. Performances to date have been wildly acclaimed for originality, top-notch musicality and all-round enjoyment. Their most recent performance last fall featured a DIVA CAGE MATCH, staged at the Uppercut Boxing Gym in NE Minneapolis. Six opera divas faced off in the ring until a winner was chosen. Judges were American baritone Lucas Meachem; Twin Cities rapper Dessa, and well-known performer J.D. Steele. Click here to see this evocative video of what actually took place.

Program for February 10 is still to-be-announced, but artistic director for Out of the Box David Lefkowich promises yet another spectacle, this time mixing opera with jazz and soul. These are “don’t miss” events. Watch their website and Facebook for upcoming details.

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About Merle Minda

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