Meet the Mill City Farmers Market Vendors – Morning Glory Farm and Gardens

Aricle by Becky Fillinger

Ready to greet customers at the Mill City Farmers Market   Photo provided by Faye

A Discussion with Faye Jones, co-owner

Morning Glory Farm and Gardens has decades of dedicated organic farming and land stewardship practices. Nestled in the northernmost tip of the driftless region of western Wisconsin, in Spring Valley, the farm includes woodlands, pastures, gardens, campsites, and small-scale livestock. We talked to co-owner Faye Jones about her background in organic farming, one of her most popular products - ramp salt, and when you will see her next at the Mill City Farmers Market.

Q:  I read that you’ve been farming for 38 years. How did you get into organic farming? 

A:  It’s actually longer than 38 years. I started farming over 45 years ago – vegetables and flowers and sold them at the St. Paul Farmers Market. This was in pre-internet days and no formal programs on organic farming were available. I worked on organic farms for 4 - 5 years to learn as much as I could. I was very much influenced by Diet for a Small Planet by Frances Moore Lappé. The book was published in 1971 and it helped me and many others looking at a different approach to food production.

Q:  You were Executive Director of Midwest Organic & Sustainable Education Service (MOSES), now renamed as Marbleseed, for many years. It is a nonprofit organization that promotes organic and sustainable agriculture by providing the education, resources and expertise farmers need to succeed. Do you continue to mentor or serve the organization? What have you seen as changes in your years with midwestern organic farming? 

A:  I attend the annual conferences but no longer serve in an official capacity. There have been so many changes since I began farming. There was no "local food" when I started farming. We also see great consumer awareness and the government also coming around to support agriculture – and not just large corn and soybean farmers. Enthusiastic twenty-year-olds are becoming organic farmers!

Faye assists a customer purchase ramps at the Mill City Farmers Market  Photo: Mill City Times

Q:  Let’s now focus on your ramp products. Please tell us about your ramp crops and ramp salt.

A:  In early May our woods are filled with abundant ramps – native to North America. My husband, Mark Plunkett, and I own a 20-acre patch of woodlands with good soil that is conducive to growing ramps. They grow slowly. I clip the top third of the ramp plant and the plant will regrow – it’s perfectly sustainable. We sell fresh ramps in early spring at the MCFM. I started to think of ways to sell a ramp product beyond the very limited fresh plant timeframe.

Photo provided by FayeI started drying ramps as another product to sell and one thing led to another and I started selling ramp salt and it has grown into quite a business. There are all sorts of salts – garlic salt, rosemary salt, etc. – I only make ramp salt. Ramps are only in season for two or three weeks at the most in the early Spring (April 20 – May 15) and ramp salt is best with early season leaf. I dry the leaves on a low setting in the dehydrator and lightly crush the leaves after drying. I vacuum pack the dried leaves and store in the freezer.  I make my salt blend in the week leading up to market day. I am a proud cottage food producer. 

Q:  How do you recommend that we use ramp salt?

A:  Ramps have a delicate oniony, leeky flavor that’s soft and tender. Ramp salt can be used on vegetables, soups, eggs, popcorn, steaks, burgers, other meats and proteins. It is delicious on anything!

Above and below photos provided by Faye.

Q:  When will we see you again at the MCFM? 

A:  I’ll be there at both winter markets in November and December. Ramp salt makes an excellent holiday gift!

Q:  How may we follow your news?

A:  People can sign up for my newsletter at the booth but also contact me at mgfarmwi@gmail.com – I’ll add you to our email list. My website is fayesramps.com. I’m toying with Instagram, so stay posted! 

How to Report Lights Out on Parkways or in Parks

With the sun now setting before 5pm, lighting outages on parkways or in parks are more noticeable. If you see a non-functioning light, here's who to contact:

PARKWAY LIGHTS

City of Minneapolis - 311 Service Center

Call: 311

Email: minneapolis311@minneapolismn.gov

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PATH AND TRAIL LIGHTS IN PARKS

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) - Customer Service

Call: 612-230-6400 (8am-4pm M-F)

Email: info@minneapolisparks.org

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If you witness someone damaging a light, call CALL 911 (don't text), regardless of location.

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The Minneapolis Park and Rec Board thanks you for helping them maintain parks, parkways and trails in Minneapolis.

The Jingle Bar Experience is Coming to Brit's Pub in December

Jingle Bar Minneapolis is the ultimate holiday destination, offering a unique and immersive experience for guests of all ages. Mark your calendars to join your friends at Brit's Pub, 1110 Nicollet Mall, December 1 - 29.

Get ready to jingle all the way to the most festive event of the season! Step into a Hallmark movie moment, where good cocktails, games, and endless festive fun await. Known for delivering the most enjoyable pop-up bar experience, The Jingle Bar guarantees a holiday event like no other.

Ticket holders can look forward to the ultimate festive experience at Brit's Pub, featuring tinsel, trees, presents, and a venue dedicated to everything Xmas. All the best Xmas tunes and classics will be spun by DJs across your ticketed session, ensuring a joyous atmosphere. Enjoy festive cocktails and nibbles, all themed and delicious to enhance your holiday spirit. Christmas entertainment hosted by our elves includes fun-themed games and more.

Thank You to all Veterans

Our gratitude to all the men and women who have served our country.

Jill A. Anderson Brings a Wealth of Experience to the Role of Managing Director at Children’s Theatre Company

Article by Becky Fillinger, photo provided

Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) has a new Managing Director, Jill A. Anderson. We are so lucky in Minneapolis to live near the nation’s largest theater for young people. What makes it so special – the world premieres, the outstanding casts, the witty approach that keeps parents and children engaged? Yes, but the management behind the shows is also exemplary. We talked to Ms. Anderson about her prior theater management roles, her collaborative management style and keeping the theater solvent and running most efficiently.

Jill AndersonQ:  Congratulations on your appointment as Managing Director of the Children’s Theatre Company. You’re originally from the Midwest, growing up in Marshfield, WI. What are your thoughts about returning after stellar career positions in Syracuse, NY, Washington, DC and Waterford, CT?

A:  Thank you so much! It’s truly an honor to step into this role at such a prestigious institution. Coming back to the Midwest feels both exciting and full-circle for me. Growing up in Marshfield, I developed a deep appreciation for community and the power of arts education to shape young minds. After my time in Syracuse, Washington, and Waterford, where I had the opportunity to work with incredible teams and engage with diverse communities, I’ve gained new perspectives on leadership, innovation, and collaboration. These experiences will inform how I approach my work here, but at the heart of it all, returning to a community like Minneapolis - where arts and culture are so vital - feels like coming home. I’m thrilled to bring everything I’ve learned into this new chapter.

Q:  You previously won the Interfaith Works’ Racial Justice Award. Will you have an opportunity to incorporate and promote themes of racial justice in your new role? If yes, how might it happen?

A:  Absolutely. Racial justice is something I am deeply committed to, both personally and professionally. I believe that art has a unique power to challenge perceptions, ignite conversations, and inspire change. At CTC, we have an opportunity to engage young people in these important discussions in ways that are age-appropriate and impactful. Rick Dildine (Artistic Director) and I will continue working with the CTC team to ensure that our productions are inclusive and reflect the diverse communities we serve. Additionally, I see a role for the theater in promoting racial justice not just through storytelling, but also in how we engage with staff, artists, and the broader community. It’s about fostering an environment where a multiplicity of voices is heard, valued, and reflected.

Q:  Many aspects of the financial management of a theater are the responsibility of the Managing Director. What are your initial thoughts about the budget, financial operations, and fundraising strategies at CTC?

A:  Financial sustainability is key to the long-term success of any arts organization, and I’m excited to dive into the budget and financial operations here at CTC. It’s clear that this institution has a strong foundation, but there are always opportunities to grow and innovate in how we approach fundraising and financial management. My initial thoughts are to take a close look at current revenue streams - such as ticket sales, grants, and donations - and identify areas where we can expand or diversify. I’m also committed to strengthening relationships with current donors and forging new partnerships with corporate sponsors, foundations, and individual philanthropists. Ultimately, my goal is to create a model where we not only ensure the financial health of the company but also invest in accessibility so that all children have the opportunity to experience the transformative power of theater.

Q:  You both have a lot of responsibilities at CTC, but how do you see yourself collaborating with Rick Dildine, the Artistic Director of CTC?

A:  Rick and I will be a team in every sense of the word. While my focus will be on the operational side - financial management, fundraising, and strategic planning - Rick’s expertise in the artistic vision and programming will be invaluable in shaping our collective goals. I see our collaboration as a partnership where we each bring our strengths to the table. We’ll work closely together to ensure that our productions reflect our shared commitment to creating impactful, inclusive work for children and families. I’m excited about the opportunity to support Rick’s artistic vision while ensuring that the logistical and financial frameworks are in place to make those visions a reality. Collaboration between us, the staff, and the community will be key to creating a dynamic and sustainable future for CTC.

Q:  We wish you many years of success. How may we follow your news?

A:  The best way to follow news and updates from CTC is through our social media channels (Facebook, Instagram and YouTube) and the CTC website. We share all kinds of behind-the-scenes insights, upcoming events, and announcements across those platforms. I’m always happy to engage in conversations about the exciting things happening at the theater and in the broader arts community. Keep an eye on CTC’s platforms, and I look forward to keeping everyone updated on our work and plans!

Diane's Place Begins Dinner Service Today, November 9

Seafood Red Curry

Diane’s Place is a vibrant destination, where Hmong heritage and culinary excellence intertwine. Since its opening in April 2024, they has captivated guests with a robust menu of brunch, drinks, pastries, and desserts. Today, November 9, acclaimed chef Diane Moua launchs of dinner at her celebrated full-service Hmong American restaurant,on Saturday, Nov. 9. 

“Since opening our doors, the community support has been extraordinary,” said Moua. “This menu includes many of my favorite Hmong dishes that I grew up eating. My hope is that it connects our guests to Hmong culture and the rich traditions that inspire our food.”

Guests can look forward to a dinner menu with a variety of savory and sweet offerings. Highlights include warm green scallion croissant rolls, duck stew with Thai eggplant, Hmong pulled pork with ginger, seafood red curry noodle soup, Thai tea and pistachio affogato, and deep-fried bananas with croissant ice cream. Brunch menu favorites, such as Diane’s Hmong sausage and pan-fried bean thread noodles, will also be included. 

An abbreviated bar menu will be available between lunch and dinner Thursday through Sunday. Diane’s Place continues to expand its bar program with an exquisite array of new cocktails, crafted in collaboration with Robb Jones and Tyler Kleinow of Meteor – served all day.

Reservations for dinner will be available starting Oct. 28: dianesplacemn.com/reservations.

New hours of operation effective November 9:

-Brunch: Thursday through Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

-Dinner: Thursday through Sunday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

-Bar Menu: Thursday through Sunday, 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The private events space at Diane’s Place is available for corporate events, private dinners, wedding receptions, and beyond.

Thanksgiving Tablescape Workshop: Craft, Sip, and Design at Water Works Pavilion, Nov. 26

Thanksgiving Tablescape Workshop

Tuesday, November 26, 6:30-8:30pm in the Lenzmeier Classroom, Water Works Pavilion, 425 West River Parkway  

Looking for a creative way to elevate your Thanksgiving table this year? Enjoy a fun and relaxing evening at Water Works Pavilion, where you’ll learn the art of floral design and create a stunning tablescape to impress your guests!

Valerie from Mossy Roots Botanical will guide you through the fundamentals of floral design, demonstrating how to craft a beautiful, personalized arrangement for your Thanksgiving table setting. Each registration is for one participant, so grab your spot early—space is limited!

Workshop Highlights:

• Hands-on floral design experience
• Craft your own Thanksgiving tablescape arrangement
• Light snacks provided
• Beverages available for purchase upstairs from Owamni
• Small (6-inch base) or large (12-inch base) options 

Whether you’re a floral pro or a beginner, this workshop is designed to inspire creativity and relaxation. Join solo or encourage friends and family to sign up for a memorable evening together. Reserve your spot today and get ready to make your Thanksgiving table extra special.

Thanksgiving Tablescape Workshop reservation

Questions? Contact Aisling Reynolds at areynolds@minneapolisparks.org 

Agatha Christie's The Unexpected Guest opens at Theatre in the Round November 22nd

The Unexpected Guest runs November 22-December 22, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2pm

Theatre in the Round Players (TRP) is presenting The Unexpected Guest by Agatha Christie as the third production of their 73rd Season.

In this classic whodunit, the queen of mystery blurs the line between friend and foe on a foggy night. After his car breaks down in the fog, Michael Starkwedder looks for shelter in a nearby house and stumbles upon a man shot dead with his wife standing over him, holding the gun. Unconvinced by the woman’s dazed confession, Starkwedder decides to help, stepping blindly into a tangled web of lies and family secrets.

This is the 18th year that TRP has presented an Agatha Christie mystery in their season, providing an entertaining evening for patrons looking for a reprieve from holiday programming in November and December.

Mary Cutler directs the ten-member cast with set design by John Woskoff, costumes by Mickey Foley, lighting by Karen Hokenson, props by Roxanne Miller, and sound design by Loren Leipold.

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Tickets: $20-29.

Content Warning: Gunshots, simulated smoking, theatrical fog

More info & Tickets

Box Office Phone: 612-333-3010

Theatre in the Round’s facilities are accessible for audience members using wheelchairs. An Audio-Described performance will be held on Friday, December 20 at 7:30pm. For questions about access services, please email tix@theatreintheround.org or call the box office at 612-333-3010.

Local Chef Spotlight - Christina Nguyen of Hai Hai

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Chef Nguyen                                                                               Photo Credit Matt Lien

Christina Nguyen won a James Beard Foundation Award this summer for Best Chef Midwest. We wanted to learn what the award meant to her, and some dishes not to overlook at Hai Hai. If you haven’t visited her restaurant at 2121 University Avenue NE, make a reservation today to experience her bold, complex Southeast Asian dishes cooked from the heart. She is also the chef behind Hola Arepa, with many press accolades.

Photo Credit Matt Lien

Q:  I’ve read that you’re a self-taught chef – congratulations on excelling at it! What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while teaching yourself to cook? How did you overcome these challenges?

A:  I guess that I would say that it's a lot of trial and error and years of practice. Obviously, it is sort of defeating when you try to make something and it doesn’t turn out as you envisioned, but I never considered cooking as too laborious or too stressful. I have a lot of perseverance; I learn from my mistakes.

Q:  Congratulations on winning the award for Best Chef Midwest from the James Beard Foundation this year. What does winning this award mean to you?  

A: Oh gosh, it means, it means a lot in so many different ways. It is a testament to my whole team’s consistent and excellent work – we make food that is delicious and you do it over and over again every day.  With every single dish, that is always an opportunity to fail or mess something up. I know that everyone tries really hard. I try hard. We all do to make sure we’re making great quality food in a fast-paced setting. 

And also on a personal level, it's really an honor because I know that there are so many people who are better chefs than me who are more deserving. My path started from not knowing how to cook to 13 years later having this honor - I have worked a lot of hours and it definitely didn't happen overnight so I feel personally that it is recognition for the effort and results from learning and creating delicious foods. I was helped by many people – my husband, Birk, and so many others.

Thirdly, in a cultural way, I think it means a lot for immigrant food - for Southeast Asian food to be recognized on the same level as more European or Western food, because I think that a lot of the times when you think of these sorts of awards, you think of a more high-end or, I don't know, French or Italian - that kind of food, and not so much Asian or Southeast Asian food.

People have always loved Southeast Asian food, but I think it always seemed that Southeast Asian food was considered cheap - it's "cheap eats" or it's "a hole in the wall" type of experience. It means a lot to have that recognition for immigrant food in general because it is a labor of love and it is difficult and labor-intensive food to make. So, to have that recognition and to know you don’t just have to be making handmade pastas and souffles and steaks and things like that in order to get this recognition - it means a lot.

Hanoi Sticky Rice

Water Fern Cake

Balinese Chicken Thigh

Q:  How would you describe your culinary philosophy?

A:  I would say that my culinary philosophy is creating delicious food from the heart, with bold flavors. I like to make auntie food, street food and food that female entrepreneurs make all around the world. My food has big bold flavors, with fresh ingredients and herbs – it excites the palate with complex flavors and contrasts.  Vietnamese food and my food have contrasts between hot and cold, savory and sweet, bright and umami.  

Q: Do you foresee expanding your restaurants beyond the Twin Cities?

A:  Ooh, beyond the Twin Cities. I wouldn’t rule it out. I'm not actively searching for that now. I have my hands full, but I wouldn't rule it out.

Q:  Or perhaps selling your products in grocery stores? I sampled your Balinese Chicken and Hanoi Sticky Rice appetizers – both delicious - at this summer’s recent hospitality events surrounding the U.S. Olympics Gymnastics Trials. I could definitely envision those as frozen food items available in grocery stores.

A:  That definitely that would be exciting. Honestly, I know that kind of thing takes a lot to get into grocery stores and getting placement. If I partnered with the right person to make that happen, I feel like that would be awesome and totally a dream come true. I certainly wouldn't mind being able to get more of these flavors out to more people.

Q:  What is one menu item we should not overlook when we visit Hai Hai?

A:  There's definitely more than one menu item we shouldn't overlook! No, I'm kidding, but I would say it's really hard to narrow down. Of course you mentioned the Balinese Chicken and Hanoi Sticky Rice, which are a couple of our best sellers that are both unique and fantastic. I would also throw in our Water Fern Cakes, which are really close to my heart and taste very quintessentially Vietnamese. I love them, and they’re something you can't get in many places.

Q:  Are there any new projects or concepts you're working on that you can share with us at this time?

A:  Nothing that I can 100% share yet! There are definitely some exciting things in the works, fun partnerships and events. I can't wait until I can actually talk about them. So, you'll just have to keep following me and looking at my Instagram to find those things out.

Q:  All right, we will! And that leads into how can we best stay current with your news?

A:  The best is our Instagram accounts: @haihaimpls, and for Hola Arepa @holaarepa. My personal Instagram is @christinanguyenmpls. Please follow us. Please come visit us, too.

Hai Hai feast                                                                        Photo Credit Tyson Crockett

Get Ready for GTMD24 with GiveMN's Giving Guide

Give to the Max is November 21 - Early Giving now open

A Giving Guide with four steps is available to help you use GiveMN.org to find your passions and go the extra mile for the nonprofit causes you love - making Minnesota a better place.

Browse the Donors Guide to GTMD24.

Consider a GiveMN Giving Card

Looking to help your friends or family get involved in Minnesota's giving holiday? GiveMN Giving Cards let your loved ones support the causes they care about this Give to the Max Day! With 10,000+ nonprofits and schools to choose from, it's the perfect way to share the joy of giving.

A new report from the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits highlights the struggles nonprofits face post-pandemic, with rising costs and declining donations. GiveMN is working to support nonprofits and schools in navigating this new reality.

Two Opportunities to Give Feedback on Mayor Frey’s Recommended 2025-2026 City Budget

The proposed 2025 budget is $1.88 billion with a maximum tax levy of 8.3%.  

There are two upcoming public hearings for people to provide feedback on Mayor Jacob Frey’s recommended 2025 City budget and 2026 plan. Comments can also be submitted online at the City’s website.

The City Council has started reviewing the 2025 budget – the first year of the biennial budget cycle – and will vote on adopting the budget Tuesday, Dec. 10.

Visit the City’s website to learn more about the mayor’s recommended budget, key dates in the approval process, FAQs and more. You can also watch a series of videos on the City’s budget process.

City budget public hearings

These public hearings will take place at the Public Service Center, 250 4th Street S, Room 350.

• 10am Tuesday, Nov. 12
• Truth in Taxation hearing, 6:05pm. Tuesday, December 10. (The City Council will vote on adopting the budget following the hearing.)

Learn how to participate in public hearings.

Minneapolis Greening and Public Realm Awards 2024 to be Celebrated November 7th

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Public is invited to the November 7 Downtown Greening & Public Realm: Awards & What's Next event at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Did you know that Minneapolis has a program to recognize outstanding greening and placemaking in our beautiful city? The Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District has sponsored the Greening and Public Realm Awards program since 2010 and the winners are all nominated by the public. We talked to Ella Graham, Sustainability Manager, about the program’s origins, this year’s winners and how you can attend a celebration to recognize the winners.

Q:  Can you please tell us about the origin and goals of the Greening and Public Realm Awards?

Ella GrahamA:  The Greening Awards were established in summer 2010 with the understanding that a green and vibrant downtown is only possible through collaboration. The goal is to celebrate how we all contribute to the downtown community in different ways, including greenery but also art, and vibes! The award categories shift slightly each year based on nominations from the public, but the idea is to highlight projects or efforts by private citizens and organizations that benefit the entire community.

After public nominations close, DID staff select finalists and then the public votes for the winners.

Q:  What criteria does DID staff use to evaluate nominees for the Greening Awards?

A:  Our team selects finalists from the nominee pool by first looking at the number of nominations each potential finalist received. We then make an effort to showcase new or expanded developments and projects that have evolved in sustainable ways. We also look at the quality of maintenance and care at the location. Finally, we try to make sure the finalists are from different areas of downtown, especially those that are off the beaten path.

Q:  What kind of projects or innovative approaches tend to stand out during the awards process?

A:  A project that tries something new while not totally reinventing the wheel really stands out to us.

Q:  Have you noticed that the Greening and Public Realm Awards have had an impact on planning or environmental initiatives at the local level?

A:  We’ve seen consistent public participation in the Awards plus new nominations every year, so the awards have definitely raised public awareness of greening downtown.

We did have to pause the Greening Awards for two years in the wake of the pandemic, as a lot of businesses needed to scale back public realm and greening projects. We brought the awards back in 2022 because we heard from the community that they missed it.

Q:  How do the awards encourage collaboration across different sectors like government, business, and local neighborhood groups?

A:  The awards are a chance to raise the visibility of the work of each of the groups you mentioned not only to the downtown community at-large but also to one another. It’s a way for people who care to see that there are lots of others who care, too, which opens the door for collaborative projects.

Q:  Talk to us about two of the winners: Best Small Green Space and Best Tree.  What are the attributes of the winners in these categories?

A:  The Best Small Green Space is a long-standing award category that recognizes green spaces less than an acre in size. This year, the Minneapolis College Courtyard won the award. The space is open not only for students and faculty but also for community members to enjoy. The Courtyard connects Hennepin Avenue to Loring Park to create a sense of continuity, and features native plants.

Minneapolis College courtyard

Giant cottonwood at Water Works Park.  Photo credit - Kurt Moses Photography

The Best Tree of 2024 is the Cottonwood tree that grows near the Mississippi River, at Water Works Park. I would highly recommend visiting the tree to see for yourself why this one won the award!

Q:  How are the winners recognized?

A:  The DID Sustainability Team placed Greening Awards Winner yard signs at the winning locations. Winners will also receive a commemorative plaque created by Wood from the Hood, a Minneapolis-based company that reclaims discarded trees from urban neighborhoods to created high-quality wood products, at the upcoming Downtown Greening & Public Realm: Awards & What's Next event on November 7th from 3:00-4:30pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church. We invite everyone to come – it is free of charge and will recognize the great work that goes into these projects. 

Q:  How may we follow news of these awards and other sustainable practices happening locally?

A:  Check out mplsdid.com/green for a wealth of information on sustainable practices in downtown.

2016 Green Awards, created by Wood from the Hood

An Immersive, 60-Minute Holiday Train Experience with Specialty Cocktails and Bites is Coming to The Depot

The Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot is excited to announce the debut of its inaugural Northern Starlight Express holiday pop-up bar. This immersive experience transports patrons on a 60-minute journey through a festive reimagining of a historic train car. Guests will enjoy specialty cocktails and curated small bites as they are swept up in the holiday spirit.

Running Wednesday through Saturday from November 29, 2024 to January 4, 2025, the Northern Starlight Express offers a one-of-a-kind, interactive experience designed to evoke the charm of yesteryear while celebrating the holiday season. For those looking to revel in the magic between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, select additional dates are available to keep the celebrations rolling, although the pop-up will be closed on both Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The concept takes inspiration from the hotel’s rich history as a former train depot on the Milwaukee Road line, providing visitors with a nod to the past while engaging their senses with modern culinary delights and whimsical, unexpected elements.

The Northern Starlight Express features an exclusive menu of handcrafted cocktails and delectable bites, all created specifically for this event. Guests can expect seasonal flavors that complement the cozy, nostalgic ambiance of the pop-up. The experience will be available by reservation only, ensuring an intimate and personalized adventure for each attendee.

“We are excited to bring this unique holiday experience to our guests,” said Robert Payne, Area Director of Sales and Marketing at Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot. “The Northern Starlight Express blends our history as a train station with the energy of the season, creating an immersive and memorable experience like no other in the Minneapolis.”

Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot participates in Marriott Bonvoy - the award-winning travel program from Marriott International - allowing members to earn and redeem points for their stay at the hotel and at other hotels and resorts across Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio of brands. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and a contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind.

For more information or to make a reservation for the Northern Starlight Express, visit the Renaissance website or follow the hotel on social media: Facebook and Instagram.

Anda Spa in Hotel Ivy Announces New Locals Memberships

Ahead of the holiday season, the luxurios Anda Spa inside Hotel Ivy has announced a new membership program, designed to entice locals to pamper themselves year-round. This offering comes on the heels of Hotel Ivy’s recent multi-million dollar renovation.

Available in three tiers, all members will be treated to year-round spa offerings, as well as regular access to the spa amenities — including its steam room, dry sauna, hydrotherapy tub, Aura Lounge and Relaxation Lounge. Memberships also grant access to perks at Breva Bar & Grill, Masa & Agave and on retail spa purchases. 

Tier details:

Citrine Membership – $1,050 per year

6 treatments per year, one every other month. Choose between:

• 50 minute handcrafted massage + complimentary enhancement
• 50 minute Himalayan salt stone massage
• 25 minute Aura Flash Facial

Rose Quartz Membership – $2,200 per year

12 treatments per year, one per month. Choose between:

• 50 minute handcrafted massage + complimentary enhancement
• 50 minute Himalayan salt stone massage 
• 25 minute Aura Flash Facial

Amethyst Membership – $3,050 per year

12 treatments per year, one per month. Choose between:

• 80 minute handcrafted massage + complimentary enhancement
• 80 minute Himalayan salt stone massage + complimentary enhancement
• 50 minute Biologique Recherche facial

Additional benefits: 

• Access to spa amenities Monday to Thursday, 9am-7pm, including:
  • Locker rooms: showers, bathrobes, slippers, private lockers, Eucalyptus steam rooms
  • Quartz spa: dry sauna, hydrotherapy tub, heated chaise lounges
  • Aura lounge: Himalayan salt stone lighting, oversized lounges, and weighted blankets
  • Relaxation Lounge: chaise lounges, fruit-infused waters, freshly brewed herbal teas, and light snacks. 
• 15% discount when dining in Breva, Breva Bar, and Masa & Agave
• 15% discount on spa retail purchases
• Complimentary enhancements available are subject to change. Present offerings include: Rose Gold Knesko Eye Mask, Peppermint Foot Therapy, CBD oil, and Alpine Arnica Muscle Repair.
• Anda Fitness Memberships can be added to each membership for $1,000 per year. 

Terms: 

 • Must show active membership card at bars and restaurant to receive discounts. 

 • Rates listed above are subject to tax.

 • All memberships require annual payment and are cancellable with 30 days-notice.

 • At conclusion of 12 month memberships, rates and benefits are subject to change.

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Here's a peek into the Anda Spa:

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Plus, here are two other specials:

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Pumpkin Pie Peel — $25 

For November, Anda has added a Pumpkin Pie Peel as an enhancement to our Biologique Recherche Customized facials. This treatment uses gentle, autumnal blend of pumpkin pulp, avocado oil, and fruit enzymes exfoliates and brightens, while soothing calendula and licorice extracts leave skin hydrated, radiant, and resilient. (It does not actually "peel" your skin like a chemical peel would, but it gets rid of any dead skin using the enzymes, which is great for sensitive skin).

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Mistletoe Lip Treatment — $36 

For December, Anda will be doing a Mistletoe Lip Treatment, which is a seasonal knesko lip mask. This can be added to facials or massages. They contain Hyaluronic Acid to boost hydration, Niacinamide (Vit B3) to smooth skin, and helps to minimize the appearance of skin discoloration around the lips. 

Historical Tibetan Shrine Room at Mia

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room

A Discussion with Matthew Welch, Mary Ingebrand Pohlad Deputy Director and Chief Curator at Mia

Matthew WelchMia unveiled a new fully installed historical Tibetan Shrine Room in September. The Shrine Room is a multi-sensory experience featuring more than 200 new pieces of Tibetan Buddhist art, generously donated by Alice Kandell, a New York collector. We talked to Chief Curator, Matthew Welch, about the significance of the donation, Mia’s extensive Asian collections, and partnership with Twin Cities Tibetan organizations. I recommend visiting the Shrine Room on every visit to Mia; it will center you and prepare you to leave your cares behind and enjoy the many wonders of Mia.

Q:  Can you provide us with timeline on Mia’s Asian collections?  

A:  Mia has long been celebrated for its exceptional collections of Asian art. We were the recipient of Asian objects even before our opening in 1915. John Bradstreet (1914), Alfred Pillsbury (150 bronzes; 194 jades) in 1950, Richard P. Gale (over 300 prints in 1974), Louis W. Hill, Jr. some 1500 works of Japanese art in the 1970s, Mary Griggs Burke, over 670 works of art in 2012, Willard Clark some 1700 works of art in 2013, and over 2000 objects from Bruce B. Dayton over the course of his 70-year involvement with the museum.

Q:  Please give us a historical perspective on the Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room - why is the donation by Alice Kandell significant? 

A:  Of course, with this gift, Mia becomes one of the country's great repositories of Tibetan art. Besides the importance, beauty, and workmanship of each object, the extraordinary thing that Alice has done is to bring it all together to evoke a traditional Tibetan sacred space in all of its richness and complexity as it would have existed in a historic Tibetan home. 

Kandell says that the objects were not considered ‘art’ by the original owners, who would have included them in the family’s shrine room. The objects were necessary for daily rituals and offerings. 

The Twin Cities is home to approximately 5,000 people of Tibetan descent, the second largest population in the United States - following Queens, NY - so it is especially meaningful to have them here at Mia.

Read the full story from Minneapolis Times... 

Be Prepared for Snow Season - Sign up for Snow Emergency Alerts!

Don't let unpredictable weather catch you off guard! Avoid the hassle and expense of getting towed during a snow emergency this winter. Sign up for Minneapolis alerts to stay ahead of the snow and know the parking rules.

Sign up for alerts today!

Text "MPLSAlerts" to 77295 or create a full Smart911 profile online to stay informed this winter.

Watch this video about being ready for snow season:

Theatre in the Round Players Announces Reunion (After the End of the World)

This post-apocalyptic coming-of-age play, full of humor and hope, is a science fiction story for the whole family.

Theatre in the Round Players (TRP), 245 Cedar Avenue, is presenting Reunion (After the End of the World) by Saint Paul native, Will Quam. This co-production with FAIR School for Arts features a cast of FAIR students.

Reunion tells the story of a group of teenagers building a new society after The Event wiped out civilization as we know it. Walled inside the safe and familiar halls of Clearidge School, the students are determined to forget the past. When a group of outside kids comes looking for a mysterious book buried somewhere in the school, the past and present reunite in a play about memory, loss, humor, and what it means to be a kid in extraordinary circumstances.

This is the second partnership between Theatre in the Round and FAIR School for Arts. As a community theater, Theatre in the Round’s expertise lies in creating opportunities for amateur and emerging artists to have high-quality theater experiences. Through this experience, FAIR students have gotten the opportunity to learn how to build sets, make costumes, run sound and light boards, assistant stage manage, as well as act on stage. All of these areas are essential to creating theatre; Theatre in the Round believes that investment in teaching areas of technical theatre is an important piece in preserving theatre for future generations.

Gretchen Weinrich directs the fourteen-member cast of students with set design by Madeline Achen, costumes by Emma Kravig, lighting by Alita Robertson, props by Elliott Van Winkle, and sound design by Sydney Manno.

Reunion (After the End of the World) runs two weekends only, November 1-10, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2pm. Tickets: $15-22. Appropriate for ages 7+. Theatre in the Round’s facilities are accessible for audience members using wheelchairs. Box Office Phone: 612-333-3010

Latest News on Aging Research from the U - a Discussion with Dr. Paul Robbins

Article by Becky Fillinger, photo provided

Dr. Robbins is a resident of the Mill District, but more importantly, he is Professor of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics and Associate Director of the Institute on the Biology of Aging and Metabolism (iBAM) and the Medical Discovery Team on the Biology of Aging at the University of Minnesota. We talked to him about Geroscience and senescent cells and expanding our healthspan because – well - we’re all aging! 

Dr. Paul RobbinsQ:  Please tell us the definition of Geroscience.

A:  Geroscience is the concept that the biggest risk factor for diseases that come with old age is the aging process itself. What we have done with healthcare forever is target one disease at a time. What leads to an increased risk of diabetes, cancer, heart disease, dementia – almost every disease you can name – is aging itself. We need to not target each disease, which leads a handful of different pills, but rather target aging itself. It goes across all disease fronts. We should be focusing on aging to treat or prevent or reduce the severity of all these different diseases.

Q:  Please tell us about senescent cells and why the U is interested in slowing or reversing their damage to the body?

A:  Some years ago, all the aging researchers got together and came up with the hallmarks of aging – things that go wrong with aging. Also, the hallmarks are interconnected so if you could target one of the hallmarks, other hallmarks should improve too, providing a therapeutic benefit to the patient. There are many of these – mitochondria go bad, your stem cells don’t work as efficiently, chronic inflammation, etc. But one of the hallmarks that happens and has been documented extensively is that as cells acquire damage (which can happen through many different ways) they trigger a cell fate called senescence where the damaged cells shut down. Senescent cells stop growing and release inflammatory factors that instruct your immune system to get rid of them. If your immune system is healthy, it will recognize the cells as damaged – the cells are killed and removed from our bodies. But as we age and our immune system starts to fail, these damaged cells are not removed from the body as efficiently. They’re not cleared and it leads to chronic inflammation, which leads to a variety of adverse health conditions. We’ve shown in animal models that if you clear or remove the senescent cells, (using genetic tricks in mice and we’ve developed senolytic drugs that in mice work effectively) mice live healthier and with a 10-20% increased lifespan. The goal is compressing the period of co-morbidity. We’ve observed that people are healthy for a number of years and then everything starts to fall apart. In that slope where things continue to go wrong – the gradual decay – it leads to nursing homes, increased medical care, etc. We are trying to compress that period of decline to keep someone healthier longer. Increasing the healthspan is our goal. We would like to mimic in humans what we’re seeing in mice. 

Q:  How important is interdisciplinary collaboration in your research on senescent cells?

A:  It is absolutely essential. One of the things we were tasked with when we came here was to encourage all researchers to include aging as a variable in their research. We collaborate across campus and all over the country – some you would not expect. If you think about cancer or heart disease, it takes many people and specialties to treat the diseases, with aging as a primary cause of the diseases. An advantage of being at the U is that it is a large university with a large medical school, and they have departments and institutes and centers working in almost every health area. So, for example we work with neuroscientists because Alzheimer’s and dementia are associated with aging. Cancer is absolutely a disease of aging (pediatric cancer aside); the biggest risk for breast and prostate cancer is aging. So, we work with the Cancer Center.  Transplants is another hot area. If you take a liver from a 70-year-old – the senolytics could improve the quality of the liver for the recipient. Also, the Covid pandemic showed the increased mortality of the elderly to viral infection so we are working with the Center for Immunology to increase resilience to pathogens in our aging population. Everyone is interested in aging now. 

The collaboration extends off campus as well. We are collaborating with people with funding from NASA.  Mars astronauts are going to be exposed to a lot of radiation. Damage from radiation leads to cellular senescence. We are sending cells to a laboratory in New York which can radiate them with space radiation.  We’re screening drugs to see which ones work against space-induced senescence. 

Q:  Are you conducting trials for your senolytics?

A:  Yes. Doing trials for aging is difficult – they’re expensive with many moving parts, for example, getting FDA approval to use the drugs on humans that have been used on mice is time consuming but must be done. There is one trial underway at the U for sepsis - they’re testing some of our senolytics for sepsis. Our trial is investigating whether you can reduce time in the hospital and mortality if you treat these people early on with these compounds we’ve developed to clear senescent cells. There’s one with the VA for obesity to see if our compounds can limit weight gain similar to a drug like Ozempic for which we are applying for funding.

We are also part of a national Translational Geroscience Network - 14 universities across the country with more than 40 trials underway for aging and age-related diseases. I’m on the steering committee of the network; the hope is that we will soon have many more clinical trials here at the U using the resources of the network.

Q:  Are there any foods that can reduce senescent cells?

A:  Yes, but you would have to eat a large amount of the foods to make a difference. One of the natural products is flavonoid found in strawberries called fisetin. There is evidence that people in other parts of the world who eat a lot of foods with fisetin are healthier. Is it the fisetin or is it something else? We don’t know.  It’s a natural product that is safe. Getting natural products into a clinical trial is easier. I take a fisetin supplement every couple of weeks. There is a clinical trial in Germany supported by the strawberry growers in Germany - they make a rich strawberry paste. We haven’t tested it here. There is much that we can learn about the foods we eat if we can test them on the hallmarks of aging.

Q:  How may we follow your news?

A:  Please check out our website: The Institute on the Biology of Aging and Metabolism. Here you’ll find our news listed and also podcasts and links to papers with the latest research.

Open Eye Theatre Announces FULL MOON PUPPET SHOW, a Rowdy Adult Puppet Cabaret, Nov 14-16

Open Eye Theatre continues its 2024–2025 Mainstage Season with FULL MOON PUPPET SHOW, the Twin Cities’ rowdy adult puppet cabaret! FULL MOON PUPPET SHOW, hosted by creator Liz Howls, runs November 14 – 16 at Open Eye Theatre. More info and tickets.

Since 2008, FULL MOON PUPPET SHOW has been performing adult puppet slams throughout Minneapolis. This November, selected artists will perform 10-minute original puppet shows to an audience encouraged to howl at the moon and cheer on each show! Featuring works by Lys Akerman-Frank, Brant Bollman, David Valentine, Felicia Cooper, Eva Adderley, Mackenzie Lageson & Kaden Kelsheimer, Monica Rojas, and Steve Ackerman. With music between acts by Adam Zahller's Sick Eagle.

After college, Liz Howls and a group of friends committed to creating a monthly puppetry performance during every full moon. The shows quickly gained momentum, attracting larger audiences and featuring 6 – 8 captivating puppet acts with live musical interludes. For three years, they brought their unique brand of puppetry to diverse venues across Minneapolis – from Bedlam Theatre to warehouses, gardens, and even storefronts. 

A year after taking a hiatus, FULL MOON PUPPET SHOW was reborn at Open Eye Theatre. This new chapter brought exciting developments, including workshops and tech rehearsals for performers, along with staff to support the productions. 

Since 2021, FULL MOON PUPPET SHOW has become an annual tradition at Open Eye, along with an online workshop series featuring instruction from puppetry experts from a wide variety of disciplines. Though the FULL MOON PUPPET SHOW has transformed over time, its core remains the same: a celebration of unruly, inventive, spirited puppetry!

THE ARTISTS & THEIR SHOWS

Steve Ackerman  "Le Cat Hand Puppet Heist" - A group of old, retired cat burglars reunite for one last job. Graying felines, an art museum, unsuspecting security guards, laser alarms, and lots of gratuitous hand puppet deaths. Also, the cats are French for some reason.

Eva Adderley  "The Cat Has a Key" - A woman struggling with depression embarks on a dreamy, cathartic adventure when she follows a mysterious cat who appears at her window.

Lys Akerman-Frank "Impossible Affair" - Impossible Affair tells the story of Sophie, a bodacious fur fantastic puppet, who meets M, a Shadow goddess. Sophie tries to figure out a way to literally fit in M's world so they can be together.

Brant Bollman "Uplifting Puppet Co Presents: A Tribute to Gallagher" - Prepare for mayhem when we eulogize that watermelon-smashing, dad joke telling, follically challenged prop comedian from the 1980s, Gallagher! 

Felicia Cooper "It Has Its Ups and Downs" - Do you ever feel like you have no idea what anyone else is doing? On her first day as an elevator operator, Elenor learns that it's about more than just getting buttons pressed. Using visible mechanisms and hand puppets, this lively show is an attempt at Richard Scarry for adults.

Mackenzie Lageson  & Kaden Kelsheimer "The Roadside Blessing" - Lamenting the absence of a baby in their lives, a taxidermist couple stumbles upon a gift from beyond the veil—a human infant, born of a road killed opossum. 

Monica Rojas "Cloudmakers" - Follow a young apprentice as they learn the different ways to hand craft clouds.

David Valentine "Good Company" - A young worm sets off in search of silence and solitude. But can he get by without a little help from his friends?

Tickets: $18 — General Admission. A limited number of Pay What You Can tickets will be available at the box office starting at 6:15pm each night.

Performance Schedule

Thursday 11/14, 7:30pm - OPENING

Friday 11/15, 7:30pm

Saturday 11/16, 7:30pm - CLOSING

Run Time: 2 hours with a 15 minute intermission

Age Recommendation: 14 and up

Open Eye Theatre is located at 506 East 24th Street, 2 blocks south of Franklin Ave between Portland Ave and 35W. Park for free in the Lutheran Social Services lot at 24th and Portland. 612-874-6338

Letter to the Editor: Ilhan Omar has not forgotten veterans

Being a veteran can be a solitary experience and existence, especially as a Veteran who served under the discriminatory Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy. Too often we experience trauma, sustain injuries — both visible and invisible — and have to navigate how to fit back into society while also trying to navigate through patchworks of services and overwhelmed and underfunded agencies. It is representatives like Ilhan Omar that help us get the resources we need that gives me hope.

Since her first day in Congress, Ilhan Omar has had the backs of our veterans. In 2019, we launched our End the Forever War campaign, urging Congress to end the disastrous and immoral U.S. occupation of Afghanistan. Ilhan was one of the first members to join us in signing our End the Forever War Pledge and was a key voice in making our campaign a success. She understands that these endless wars destabilize countries and are unjust occupations that impact climate change, take funding away from our own communities and put the lives of those serving at risk. Ilhan is committed to a more peaceful and just foreign policy that supports communities across the US and the world. It has been an honor to work with her on ending the war in Afghanistan and in demanding a ceasefire in Gaza.

When we return from our duties, we are often forgotten. The care and support for those serving has a stark line once we come home and complete our service — and for too many of our LGBTQ+ veterans who were unjustly discharged under 18 years of DADT, they are locked out of these critical resources altogether. Trillions are spent on war and funding genocide, but we can’t find the funding to ensure our veterans get the mental healthcare they need to work through their traumas of war, to find a job that provides a livable wage and find affordable safe housing after service. 

Ilhan does not forget about us - she has brought in $750,000 for the Renovation of Snelling Motel to Affordable Housing for Veterans and has pushed to expand the HUD-VASH program and Supportive Services for Veterans Families to eliminate homelessness among Veterans. She has fought for Medicare for All to increase access to mental health programs and opposed the privatization of the Veterans Affairs healthcare system, something that Trump and Project 2025 is giddy to do. She also supports expanding funding for physical and mental healthcare for veterans. She wants to make sure that when we hang up our uniform, we are taken care of. 

So when we look ahead to this November, we need to think about who has our backs as Veterans and human beings. We need to vote for the representatives and candidates that understand our needs and what our communities deserve. Ilhan Omar understands true patriotism. She fights for a better future for all of our communities — she is tirelessly working to ensure our children don’t go hungry, that our future generations have a cleaner, safer environment, and that everyone has access to basic human rights like housing and healthcare.

I am excited to vote for Ilhan Omar and to send her back to Congress this November. Ilhan’s endless advocacy for funding our communities, including our veterans, and commitment to peaceful and just foreign policies instead of funding wars, is the community care and responsibility we need from our politicians. I urge you to join me in voting for Ilhan Omar and our DFL candidates up and down the ballot.

Jacob Thomas, Minneapolis