Alma Cafe and Hotel: WOW!

Earlier this month I got a sneak peak at the new Alma Cafe & Hotel. In a word - WOW - guests are in for quite a treat! There has been a lot of press on Alex's culinary accomplishments, but I'm going to focus on the hotel.

Owners Alex and Margo Roberts

The architectural scale model from James Dayton Design was on display during our meandering tour through the building, and local artisans who worked on the project were on hand to provide insight.

Eamonn McLain from Marvin Freitas and Talin Spring worked on the furnishings and decor.

There are six rooms on the second floor, and one handicap accessible room on the main floor. All have modern appointments with hints of the past; minimalist, yet cozy, and each with its own special touches plus a hidden surprise or two.

The bathrooms have organic personal care products by Margo's company, Bespoke Body and Wellness. The soothing scents add to the relaxation and romance of each room. (I came home with samples, so I'm not just saying they're wonderful - they really are.)

In the bar and Cafe area, guests can watch their meal being prepared in the open kitchen. The Cafe serves an all-day, a la carte menu. The newly re-opened Restaurant (not pictured) features a 3-course fixed price menu (dinner only).

You can also reserve a private party area.

Alex and Councilman Jacob Frey

Alma Cafe and Hotel is located at 528 University Avenue SE.  Follow them on Facebook to keep up to date on their events, menu, etc. Phone: 612-379-4909

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Seeks Developer for Scherer Bros Site

Via a Nov 17, 2016, e-newsletter from the Mpls Park and Recreation Board:

An artistic rendering envisioning the future Scherer site and rebuilt Hall’s Island

Request for Qualifications issued in search of qualified team to redevelop ‘Parcel D’

Developer submissions due December 15 at 4 pm

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is seeking a creative and qualified real estate developer to participate in the revitalization of a former lumberyard on the Northeast Minneapolis riverfront. 
 
The Scherer Bros site contains 11.7 acres of land directly north of the Plymouth Avenue Bridge on the east bank of the Mississippi River. The site is part of the RiverFirst Initiative, which envisions private development of 3.55 acres spanning the northwest corner of the property (currently identified as ‘Parcel D’). Parcel D sits next to the recently opened Mississippi East Bank Trail as well as a future riverfront park leading to a rebuilt 4-acre Hall’s Island in the Mississippi River.
 
See the resources linked below for more details on the vision for the site:
 
Scherer Bros Site Concept Design
Scherer/Hall’s Island 3D Fly-Through Animation
Scherer Bros Site – Parcel D Development Project Page
Scherer Bros Site – Hall’s Island Project Page

Site History and Next Steps

The MPRB purchased the Scherer site for $7.7 million in 2010. Since then, the land underwent pollution remediation, hosted several popular concerts and had a section of a mile-long bike and pedestrian trail paved through it.
 
The selected development team will work with a 15-member Community Advisory Committee (CAC) and the MPRB to create a concept plan with an innovative design that helps activate the park. The CAC is comprised of stakeholders who will share insight and resources and serve to build and sustain relationships between the community, the development team and the MPRB.
 
Interested developers must submit a summary of their qualifications. The Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and accompanying information about the site and redevelopment goals may be found on the MPRB Project Bidding Page.
 
The deadline for submission is 4 pm on December 15, 2016.

Winter Hazard Awareness Week and 2016-2017 Snow Emergency Information

It’s winter hazard awareness week, and we may see snow in parts of the area on Friday. Before then, here is information about the county’s snow and ice removal efforts and what you can do to stay safe on winter roads.

The county's role is to plow its roads

There are 66 plow routes, with crews coming out of five stations across the county. These routes help us cover the more than 2,200 lane miles of county roads.

The first shift may start as early as 2 a.m. What we do varies based on the weather. In some cases, we may apply anti-icing chemicals. If the snow is coming down and sticking to the pavement, the goal is to make all travel lanes passable before traffic gets heavy with the morning commute.

Keep in mind that traffic affects snow plowing operations. That's one of the reasons why we start so early. Plowing and clean up take longer when traffic is congested. And, the number of vehicles on the road can affect the length of time it takes for roads to get clear of snow and ice.

Drivers have a role, too

Be cautious when driving in winter weather. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
• Plan ahead for snow days – give yourself extra time
• Know the road – when weather is good, learn where the road curves, how many turn lanes there are and other qualities of the road
• Be patient – slow down and give plows room to work
• Never use cruise control or get distracted in your driving –  keep your eyes on the road, as well as hands and feet ready to respond

Remember, just because a road is plowed, it doesn’t mean it is OK to speed up. The de-icing materials crews are spreading as they plow need time to do their work.

SNOW EMERGENCY! You know it's inevitable, so you might as well get familiar with the drill... If you didn't receive the 2016-2017 Minneapolis Snow Emergency Brochure in the mail, you can find snow emergency information online. And, here's a helpful video:

Current Hennepin County Advisory Board Openings

Via a November 15 e-newsletter from Hennepin County:

Current Hennepin County Advisory Board Openings

The members of these boards help make a difference by advising commissioners on issues, programs and policies. Participating is a great way to make sure that citizens’ perspectives and expertise are represented in the ongoing work to fulfill the county’s mission.

All interested citizens are welcome to apply for membership on a board. Current board vacancies are listed below; click on the links for duties, meeting schedules and other information for each board. Note that legitimate expenses related to serving on an advisory board (which may include child care, travel and parking) are reimbursable.

Applications are due December 31 and the board will interview qualified applicants in January 2017.
• Adult Mental Health Local Advisory Council (PDF) - 10 open positions
• Community Action Partnership of Suburban Hennepin Board (PDF) - 2 open positions
• County Extension Committee (Minnesota Extension Service (PDF) - 1 open position
• Human Resources Board (PDF) - 1 open position
• Library Board (PDF) - 5 open positions
• Lower Minnesota River Watershed District Board (PDF) - 1 open position
• Nine Mile Creek Watershed District Board (PDF) - 3 open positions
• Three Rivers Park District (PDF) - 1 open position
• Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Board (PDF) - 10 open positions

For more information, contact Yolanda Clark, Board Clerk’s office, 612-348-3257 or visit www.hennepin.us/advisoryboards. 

To understand the poem Walk a Mile in His Moccasins, run a mile with this group

Article by Claudia Kittock

Walk a Mile in His Moccasins

Pray, don't find fault with the man that limps,
Or stumbles along the road.
Unless you have worn the moccasins he wears,
Or stumbled beneath the same load.

There may be tears in his soles that hurt
Though hidden away from view.
The burden he bears placed on your back
May cause you to stumble and fall, too. . .

Several years ago I heard about a Minneapolis group of volunteers who come to shelters twice at week at 6 a.m. and run with anyone who wants to run. The group, A Mile In My Shoes, sounded compelling.  My experiences with this group changed me and how I view every part of my life.

The power of volunteering is meeting and being with people different from the people in our day-to-day lives.  I have never experienced homelessness and know nothing about it. Running gave me that context. I discovered that people I run with shared many of my struggles as a runner.  As we run, we talk about our kids, our day, our aches and pains, and how much we wish we could run faster and easier. All of the people I have run with share the human struggle to run. Jose told me that running was the only time in his week when no one asked if he had found a job, if he was sober, if had called his kids.  We share the experience of running together, struggling to do our best to finish the run and discover our shared humanity.

I learned that the people I run with are like me except for a twist in their life that I haven’t experienced.  Was that twist caused by something immoral they did, some personal failing? Not unless you consider a tornado destroying your home a moral failing, or a farm accident, or a layoff when the economy tanked, or coming home from Iraq with PTSD something you caused or deserved.

I have the best conversations on my runs.  I look forward to running with Jason, who has read dozens of books on philosophy.  I look forward to running with Henry who teaches me about history on every single run.  I look forward to running with Laura who has 6 kids, all of them grown and close to my own children’s ages.  We talk about mothering adults, and all the complexities that go with it.

I am a different person because I dared to walk into a shelter at 6 a.m. I learned that the only way to change the world is by changing myself, and that change comes by being bold, by daring to talk with someone different than myself, by daring to spend time listening, and by daring to admit all the things I do not know and understand.

My challenge for all of us as we go about our week is to be bold and to dare yourself. Smile at someone you don’t know. Say, ‘hello’ to a complete stranger. Sit by someone you would never sit by.  Introduce yourself and begin a conversation. Listen with sincere interest, admitting that there are things you don’t know. Be comfortable with being uncomfortable. What you will gain from these experiences will far outweigh anything you invest.

Walk a Mile in His Moccasins

...Brother, there but for the grace of God go you and I.
Just for a moment, slip into his mind and traditions
And see the world through his spirit and eyes
Before you cast a stone or falsely judge his conditions.

Remember to walk a mile in his moccasins
And remember the lessons of humanity taught to you by your elders.
We will be known forever by the tracks we leave
In other people's lives, our kindnesses and generosity.

Take the time to walk a mile in his moccasins.

Mary T. Lathrap 

Editor's Note - Click here for the full Walk a Mile in His Moccasins poem. 

Claudia can be reached at claudia@millcitymedia.org

McKinney Roe: Welcome to the Neighborhood!

Article by Julie Craven, Photos by David Tinjum

Restaurateur Dermot Cowley describes McKinney Roe as upscale-yet-comfortable. But somehow comfortable sounds a bit understated for an establishment that boasts a two-story, 3000 bottle wine and spirits library, poised over a 50 foot bar. Maybe show-stopper would be a better descriptor!

The opening night for the newest concept of the Irish Born Hospitality restaurant group served as both a coming out party and a fundraiser for a wonderful organization in our community, Sharing and Caring Hands.

Although the bar is the scene stealer - the appetizers at the November 10th opening event were indeed impressive.  Ahi tuna, croquettes and small plates of pistachio crusted salmon all received great reviews.  It’s tempting to call McKinney Roe an Irish pub, but it’s poised to be much more than that.  Its location, with a sweeping view of the Vikings/U.S. Bank Stadium and The Commons park, sets it up to be the perfect place for everything from a happy hour stop to an executive lunch. The outside patio seats 150, while inside there is seating for about 320.

Named after Cowley’s mother’s and wife’s mother’s maiden names, McKinney Roe opened for dinner November 11th, and daily lunch service begins November 16th. Weekend brunch service will start November 26th, and there will be Happy Hour specials from 3:00-6:00pm daily.

Cowley’s team has deep roots in the Minneapolis food scene: Christian Oxley heads up culinary for the Irish Born Hospitality group as a whole and his Twin Cities ties include WildSide Catering at Xcel Energy Center and the BLVD Kitchen and Bar in Hopkins. Chef Michael “ Mickey” Jost spent time in Chicago with the likes of Rick Bayless at Zinfandel and more recently has been with D’Amico Cucina, Tejas and Barrio MSP. John Ziegler, the General Manager, will be a familiar face to many after 12 years at McCormick & Schmick’s on Nicollet Mall.

It’s a pretty good sign that the offerings will be varied when the signature dishes range from an over-the-top pork shank to the double McKinney Roe Burger. Doug and I have already picked out our order for our first official visit - he’s going with the Shrimp Risotto and I’ll have the Bacon & Blu Chopped Salad!

Location: 530 4th Street South, Minneapolis, MN 55415

Website: McKinneyRoe.com, Facebook

Julie Craven can be reached at julie@millcitymedia.org 

Sunday, November 13 - Free Sambusa, Chai, and Hugs in Loring Park

Via an e-newsletter from R.T. Rybak, President and CEO of The Minneapolis Foundation:

Free Sambusa, Chai, and Hugs

In the face of threats during and after the election, many of our Somali neighbors have shared they have been overwhelmed by an outpouring of support. To thank those who are standing with them in very uncertain times, the Coalition of Somali American Leaders, with the support of The Minneapolis Foundation, is hosting Sambusa Sunday this Sunday, November 13, from 4-5:30 p.m. in Loring Park. It's a neighborhood gathering where the Somali community is giving out, in their words, "free sambusa, chai and hugs." It's not a rally and no big speeches.

The Foundation encourages our friends and donors to join us in Loring Park on a sunny fall day, visit with your neighbors, and join us in the work we have always done, bringing together people, resources and ideas to build a stronger community. We will keep striving toward the ideal of OneMinneapolis – a place where every person has the opportunity to thrive, and where everyone is involved in the work of building a community we can all be proud of. Please join me and The Minneapolis Foundation in support of these values. #OneMpls 

November Public Programs at North Mississippi Regional Park

Via a November 9 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park and Rec Board:

Early Birding - Saturday, Nov 12 9:00am-10:30am
Join us for a morning of bird watching at North Mississippi Regional Park.
We will hike through prairie, woodland and along the river
while keeping our eyes and ears open for our feathered friends.
Binoculars provided if needed. Meet at the Kroening Interpretive Center.
FREE All Ages (kids under 12, must be accompanied by an adult)
Register online Activity# 71025
 
Nature’s Black Friday Fun - Friday, Nov 25 11:00am-3:00pm
Ditch the mall crawl and opt outside this year! We’ll have both
naturalist led and self-guided nature exploration activities.
Hike, build a fort, go on a scavenger hunt, play games and more!
Activities will be based out of Kroening Interpretive Center. FREE for All Ages.
Register online Activity# 71029

Arts and Animals Sunday, Nov 27 1:00pm-3:00pm
Your opportunity to meet some MN animals up-close and personal with your
family. Then, get inspired by nature's beauty as you make art work to take home.
Activities will be based out of Kroening Interpretive Center. FREE for All Ages.
Register online Activity# 71030
________________________________________

Visit North Mississippi on the Weekends
Explore a different seasonal theme in the park each weekend for free!
 
Naturalist’s Nature Table
Every Saturday between 11am-3pm stop by the Nature Table to learn more about each topic with a naturalist through activities and a craft.
 
Family Funday
Sundays are about learning and enjoying nature while spending quality time as a family every week from 12:30-3:30pm.
 
Like North Mississippi on Facebook to discover our weekend themes and stay in the loop about what’s happening in our park!

Learn more about North Mississippi Regional Park at our website.
________________________________________

Contact:
Kroening Interpretive Center at North Mississippi Regional Park
4900 Mississippi Court Minneapolis, MN 55430
Phone: 612-370-4844
Email: NorthMississippi@minneapolisparks.org

'Spirit: Made Here' Launch Event Planned For December 8

Twice per year, Made Here fills windows and other underused spaces throughout WeDo with art made by local artists. The project has grown from visual displays in windows to live performances, artist markets, pop-up galleries and a lot more.

Since it launched in 2013, Made Here has produced more than 336 window displays in commercial spaces, making it the largest initiative of its kind in the country … and that presence has mattered! Nine downtown commercial spaces have been leased since participating in Made Here. And more than 390 artists have worked as part of the project to make WeDo a more visually-vibrant destination for everyone to enjoy.

Spirit: Made Here fills over 30 window displays with art that interprets the theme “spirit.” All displays are on view from December 8, 2016 through March 30, 2017. Enjoy a warm cup of cocoa while on a tour through the Cultural District made bright (literally) by art.

The launch of Spirit: Made Here coincides with 5 to 10 on Hennepin, featuring an artists’ market, street performers and live music on the Northern Lights Stage presented by Jack Link’s!

Here’s a rundown of the launch activities:

Launch Reception:
5:00-8:00pm Minneapolis City Center atrium (light appetizers and cash bar)

The Northern Lights Stage presented by Jack Link’s
5:00-6:30pm Spotlight Education student performance
5:45-6:00pm Welcoming remarks
6:30-8:00pm Spoken word by Kulture Klub Collaborative
6:45-7:00pm Tours of Spirit: Made Here installations

Local Artists’ Market
5:00-8:00pm Featuring more than 15 artists and makers + free flu shots

Local Nonprofits Participating in Give to the Max Day, November 17

Launched in November 2009, GiveMN helps nonprofit organizations of all sizes reach new donors, increases giving through fun and engaging campaigns and significantly reduces overall fundraising costs. It is an independent 501(c) (3) supporting organization of the Minnesota Community Foundation. Donations through the GiveMN.org site to nonprofit organizations are tax deductible and irrevocable.

The scheduled giving period for Give to the Max Day 2016 is underway! All gifts made using GiveMN.org through November 16 will be scheduled to process on November 17, making those donations eligible for all Give to the Max Day prizes!

Here are some local nonprofit organizations to consider, along with the links to their GiveMN page:

Minneapolis Bicycle Coalition
https://givemn.org/organization/Minneapolis-Bicycle-Coalition

Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership
https://givemn.org/organization/minneapolisriverfrontpartnership

MacPhail Center for Music
https://givemn.org/organization/Mac-Phail-Center-For-Music

The Loft
https://givemn.org/organization/Loft

Open Book
https://givemn.org/organization/Open-Book

Minnesota Center for Book Arts
https://givemn.org/organization/Minnesota-Center-For-Book-Arts

The Southern Theater
https://givemn.org/organization/The-Southern-Theater

Mill City Commons
https://givemn.org/organization/Mill-City-Commons

Mill City Museum (via MN Historical Society)
https://givemn.org/organization/Minnesota-Historical-Society

The Film Society of Minneapolis/St. Paul
https://givemn.org/organization/Mspfilmsociety

People Serving People
https://givemn.org/organization/Peopleservingpeople

House of Charity
https://givemn.org/organization/Houseofcharitymn

YouthLink
https://givemn.org/organization/YouthLink

St. Stephen's Human Services
https://givemn.org/organization/St-Stephen-s-Human-Services

Friends of the Mississippi River
https://givemn.org/organization/Friends-Of-The-Mississippi-River

Friends of the Skyway Senior Center
https://www.givemn.org/organization/the-friends-of-the-skyway-senior-center-incorporated

High Tech Kids
https://www.givemn.org/organization/high-tech-kids 

Election Day Information

2016 Election Day Voting

All 132 polling places in Minneapolis will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.

You need to vote at your assigned polling location. Not sure where that is? Find out at http://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/

Need to know more about what you're voting on? Find out what is on the ballot and starting in late September download a copy of your sample ballot at http://vote.minneapolismn.gov/voters/BALLOT

Mayor's Update: 2017 Budget Focus: Community Partnerships for Public Safety

Via a November 7 e-newsletter from the office of Mayor Hodges:

2017 Budget Focus: Community Partnerships for Public Safety

Public safety — being safe on the streets, at work, in your home, anywhere and everywhere you go — is the most important thing that I work on as Mayor. It’s the most important thing that all of us — police officers, firefighters, police chief, fire chief, city attorney, licensing, City Council, and I — work on at the City of Minneapolis. And all of us know that in the 21st century, policing alone, as necessary as it is, is not sufficient: in the 21st century, the community must be involved as full partners if every person in every neighborhood is to be, and feel, safe.

For years, I have heard from community members that they want to partner with the City and with our Police Department in keeping their neighborhoods safe on the ground. This is why I invest nearly $1 million in several community-based strategies to enhance public safety in the City of Minneapolis’ 2017 budget that I proposed earlier this year.

These are the highlights of those strategies:

• I have funded $200,000 for a mental-health co-responders pilot program. Trained mental-health professionals will be paired with three highly-trained police officers to respond with sensitivity, understanding, and compassion to public-safety calls where someone may be experiencing a mental-health crisis. This is the public-safety initiative that community members have most often asked me for.
• In addition, I have funded $290,000 for a strategy called Group Violence Intervention. It teams community, law enforcement, educational and social services to offer support and resources to the most violent offenders who desire to leave violence behind, and relentlessly holds accountable those who do not. This is a violence-reduction strategy that has been put to use successfully in other cities. We have already received a federal grant of $250,000 to implement it this year, and I propose adding more resources in 2017 to expand it next year.
• I have also funded $500,000 for collaborative, community-driven, public-safety strategies in two locations with high levels of youth violence: the West Broadway Corridor and the neighborhood in and surrounding Little Earth. We will provide technical and financial resources for residents and business owners of these areas, and the community-based organizations that serve them, to decide for themselves what on-the-ground, downstream, public-safety interventions will best improve public safety there. I know of no other city that is providing resources directly to community members to design and implement the strategies that they think will keep them safe.

I am working with the City Council to pass these investments, and many more that I have proposed for 2017 to enhance public safety, by December of this year. Fully 70 percent of the new, ongoing investments that I propose in the 2017 budget are dedicated to public safety. I have made many more investments in public safety and public trust that I will tell you more about soon.

These public-safety investments join others that I propose for 2017 in running the city well and in managing the great growth that we are seeing all around our city. As I said in August when I proposed the 2017 budget, rising to the imperatives of good government, growth, and public safety is increasingly one and the same thing in our 21st-century city. To me, innovative, community-based, public-safety strategies are a terrific example of community and government working together as partners not only to keep people safe, but to manage our growth and run our city well for the benefit of all of us.

Sincerely,
 
Mayor Betsy Hodges

The Friends of the Mill District Singers are Back!

by Claudia Kittock

The Friends of the Mill District Singers are back from a short hiatus. We will resume our Saturday rehearsals on November 12th, from 2:00pm-3:30pm.  All of our rehearsals before Christmas will be at the Guthrie in an 8th floor classroom. 

Please join us!  We are a group of people who share a joy of singing without worrying about how well we sing as individuals. The magic of singing in a group is that when we all sing together we sound better.  Come discover the joy and fun in our community, and help us be even better!

Come take the 'JD Challenge'.  Sing with us for one rehearsal. If you can resist JD's talent and charisma, OK.  I'm betting you can't resist!  Please contact Claudia Kittock at cjkittock@gmail.com for any questions.

House of Charity: The Numbers Don't Lie - Their Services Save Taxpayers Millions

Article by Claudia Kittock, photos by Rick Kittock

If I asked you to give me one dollar, and promised you twelve dollars in a year, would you do it?  If I offered you a night in a jail cell for $308 or a night in a small apartment for $45, which would you choose? These are choices that are being made with public moneys every day, and yet most of us do not understand the choice.  In 2013, the Minnesota Department of Human Services found that for every $1.00 spent on drug treatment services, $12 is returned to society in reduction in drug-related crime, criminal justice costs, and health care costs. A night in the Hennepin County Jail cost approximately $308.76, while a night in the House of Charity cost $45.16.

For more than 60 years, House of Charity, 510 S 8th Street, has been serving those in need in Minneapolis.  The mission is to feed those in need, house those experiencing homelessness, and empower individuals to achieve independence.  The House of Charity’s treatment program served 211 people in 2015, with a return on investment to society of $6,542,700.

In 2015, House of Charity was presented with the chance to purchase the Finance and Commerce building on 7th Street and Portland Avenue, which is the land adjoining the current Food Centre. With that purchase, there are plans and a capital campaign to raise $23 million to build 55 units of permanent supportive housing, an expanded addiction and mental illness treatment facility, a new Food Centre with improved kitchen and dining room, an upgrade to the current Transitional Housing building, and units reserved for youth and veterans experiencing homelessness. $18 million of that total will come from government funds with the remaining $5 million to be raised from private capital.

Once the new building is completed, it will allow House of Charity to double the number of people served, increasing the return on investment to an estimated $13,642,536. These are powerful and compelling figures that make a strong case for this type of investment of public moneys.

The Food Centre is the only public lunch program in Minneapolis that is open 365 days a year. Breakfast and lunch are available on weekdays, and there's a weekend brunch. In 2015, House of Charity’s Food Center served 130,827 meals, averaging 237 meals every day.

Please meet two people whose lives are better because of the work House of Charity does every day of the year. Terry is 84 years old and has lived on the streets for more than 3 decades, his life marked with unthinkable trauma, sadness, and loss. After serving his country as a soldier, he has encountered one devastating life experience after another, each one cutting a little bit more out of his resilience. His experience with homelessness began in 1985, when his beloved dog, Cliff had to be put down. “The day I had my dog put down hurt me more because Cliff was the last vestige of my former life.” When Cliff died, Terry lost the last remaining link to his past and he gave up on everything.  Terry lived on the streets for over 30 years, admitting, “I put it off...I really didn’t want to come inside and have to live by someone else’s rules.”  He used to come to the Food Centre at least 4 times a week for his one “sit down and enjoyable” meal. With his eyesight and health deteriorating rapidly, he knew living on the street was no longer an option.

Eight years ago, Jennifer suffered severe back trauma when a speeding car in a mall parking lot struck her. As a Certified Nursing Assistant (CAN), Jennifer worked two different jobs at assisted living facilities for the elderly. She loved her work and had been doing it for 18 years. Disabled and unable to work, she soon lost her home and was forced to live in her car. Driving by House of Charity one day compelled her to stop in. She remembers being treated with compassion and respect, and soon found the help she needed to find housing.  Now she walks with a cane and is exploring a change with her profession that will allow her to continue to work. She remains grateful to House of Charity and optimistic about her future.

House of Charity does kind, respectful, compassionate work 365 days a year, and they can do more with help. How can you help? There are several ways:

· Learn more about House of Charity and the work they do.  Go to http://www.houseofcharity.org/ and sign up for the newsletter.
· Volunteer for weekend brunches at http://www.houseofcharity.org/volunteer
· Tell other people about what you have learned and your experience as a volunteer.
· Donate

Please consider not only the personal costs to those experiencing homelessness, but the societal costs. We can invest our money and help improve the lives of so many, and reap the financial benefits of those investments.

Claudia can be reached at claudia@millcitymedia.org

Street Closures near US Bank Stadium for Sunday's Vikings Game

The City of Minneapolis will close streets around US Bank Stadium for the Noon Vikings game:

Beginning at 5:00am Sunday, the City will close:
- Chicago Avenue, from Fourth Street to Sixth Street.

Beginning at 9 a.m. Sunday, the City will close:
- Fourth Street from Park Avenue to Interstate 35W.
- Norm McGrew Place from Third Street to Fourth Street.

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.

Reminder! "Fall Back" Saturday Night, November 5

Hopefully most of your devices will automatically update, but if you have manual alarm clocks, appliance clocks, etc., don't forget it's "Fall Back" tonight, November 5. Will this archaic practice ever go away?

Washington Avenue Reconstruction Project Update - Pavers!

New pavers going in as end of 2017 construction nears

Crews began installing new pavers this week that will help delineate the cycle track (off-street bicycle path) and sidewalk. So far, the pavers have been installed between Hennepin and 2nd avenues on the westbound side of the road.

Work to begin wrapping up in coming weeks

Work remains on schedule and crews expect to open the road to traffic in the coming weeks. If the weather remains nice, it is possible crews will continue to work behind the curb once the road is reopened. This could require closing a single westbound lane or turn lane at a time to allow for work to continue on things like installing light fixtures and other minor touch-up work in the boulevard.

Other work on Washington Avenue

Elsewhere on the project, crews have been this week busy:
• Installing sidewalk and cycle track between 2nd and 3rd avenues
• Removing old sewer pipes beneath the 3rd Avenue intersection
• Replacing below ground utilities between 4th and 3rd avenues
• Continuing to install curbs and gutters around the 5th avenue intersection

Next week, between 4th and 5th avenues, crews will be installing curbs and gutters, as well as sidewalk and cycle track. They will also be continuing to lay pavers up to 3rd Avenue and continuing with below ground utility work at the 3rd Avenue intersection.

Traffic changes and considerations

3rd Avenue one lane in each direction
The 3rd Avenue intersection will continue to be one lane in each direction while crews continue with work there. Motorists should expect delays and may consider choosing an alternate route. This work is expected to continue until around Thanksgiving.

5th Avenue northbound lane open
One northbound lane is open at 5th Avenue. The intersection is expected to fully reopen by mid-November.
________________________________________
Contact us
Website: www.hennepin.us/washingtonavenue
Email: washingtonave@hennepin.us
Phone: 612-543-3722
Project engineer:
Stanley Lim, P.E.
612-596-0292
stanley.lim@hennepin.us

New App from Metro Transit - Use Your Smartphone to Pay for Bus and Rail Fares, and More!

Check out this StarTrib article regarding a new app from Metro Transit that enables riders to use their smartphones to pay bus and rail fares.

Train and bus riders who download the Metro Transit App from either the Google Play or Apple iTunes app store also will be able to access schedules and route maps, plan trips and get real-time bus and train arrival and departure times.

Nice Ride Season Ends this Sunday, November 6

All good things must come to an end, and the 2016 Nice Ride Minnesota kiosks are no exception. Mother Nature is blessing us with beautiful weather, so be sure to take advantage of those bikes one last time before the snow flies! :D

Northeast Minneapolis Farmers Market Announces 2016-2017 Winter Markets

The Northeast Farmers Market invites you to the Winter Market located at the Solar Arts by Chowgirls, 711 15th Avenue NE. Support local food vendors and artisans throughout the Winter months. Expect over 30 local vendors, music from DJs The Ring Toss Twins, children’s activities, meat raffle drawings, plus cocktails and local beer at the Chowgirls bar.

Hospitality Sponsor, Chowgirls Killer Catering, will be serving Winter Dinners every month. Comfort food meals including kid sized portions. Take the worry out of dinner planning for the evening and bring the whole family to relax and enjoy at the Northeast Farmers Market Winter Market.

November Dinner:
Swedish meatballs with mashed potatoes and Chowgirls popular roasted vegetables. Also available will be meatless wild rice mushroom meatballs.

DJs The Ring Toss Twins are back again this Winter Market season with a vinyl collection to cover all genres. They'll be dropping some gems for you each month and it's sure to be fun for all!

November Theme:
BYOV (Bring Your Own Vinyl)

Dates and times:
Wednesday, November 16th, 4pm-7pm
Wednesday, December 21st, 4pm-7pm
Wednesday, January 18th, 4pm-7pm
Wednesday, February 15th, 4pm-7pm
Wednesday, March 15th, 4pm-7pm

For more information visit our website at northeastmarket.org