Sherman Associates hosts Downtown Advocate Service Saturday, October 2nd

Via a September 24 e-announcement from Sherman Associates:

Join us to support your unsheltered neighbors at the Downtown Advocate Service Saturday on October 2nd from 1pm to 4pm at 205 Bark, the public dog park located next to The Vicinity, 205 Park Avenue.

Service Saturday will be a day for residents in the East Town and Mill District neighborhoods to gather together to help the homeless community and lend a hand in cleaning up the neighborhood.

Listen or join in the conversation with guest speakers on topics of awareness, volunteerism, and experiences centered around homelessness. Volunteers will assemble care packages and make fleece tie blankets for residents experiencing unsheltered homelessness within the community. Additionally, volunteers will receive garbage pick-up supplies to clean up around the neighborhood.

Guest speakers include Emily Bastian from Avivo Village, a volunteer from Supply Depot, and a person with lived experience of unsheltered homelessness.

All volunteers will receive a discounted drink ticket to W XYZ Bar in the Aloft Minneapolis Hotel and a $5 off voucher to Bacon Social House.

Please register here to volunteer: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/downtown-advocate-service-saturday-tickets-178824507917.

CenterPoint Energy Pollinator Gardens

On September 23rd CenterPoint Energy employees and volunteers from the Great River Coalition planted downtown pollinator gardens featuring native flowers, plants and grasses that offer a critical habitat for bees, butterflies and other pollinator insects. Great River Greening is CenterPoint Energy’s nonprofit partner in creating and managing the pollinator gardens. Information about the pollinator gardens is available at www.CenterPointEnergy.com/MNpollinators.

Mill District resident Rick Kittock captured the following photos from the event:

* Thank you to everyone involved with the project! *

Walking the Beam at the ELEVEN

Submitted by Mill District Resident Ric Rosow

With the exterior of the ELEVEN almost complete, the last of two construction cranes on site is being removed. It is a harrowing task as construction workers labor more than 35 stories up to take down sections of the crane. Yes, the workers are tethered to a safety harness. Nevertheless, to walk across that beam takes a lot of skill, fortitude and courage. Oh did I mention, the wind was so strong this day that my telephoto lens shook even with the camera clamped into a stable tripod. To avoid ending up with blurred images, I switched to a shorter lens so that it was not so severely shaken by the wind. I can’t imagine how strong the wind blew through that crane. You can see more of my work at www.ricrosowphotography.com.

Owámni Falling Water Festival - October 9, 1-5 pm

Via a September 24 e-announcement from Minnepolis Park and Rec Board:

Owámni Falling Water Festival will be held on Saturday, October 9 from 1 to 5 pm

Join us on Saturday, October 9, from 1 – 5 p.m. at Father Hennepin Bluff Park (420 SE Main St, Minneapolis, MN) and at the NEW Water Works Park (333 1st Street S., Minneapolis 55401) for the Owámni: Falling Water Festival, a celebration of indigenous Minnesota cultures, Owámni is what the Dakota called the area at St. Anthony Falls. It means, “whirling or falling water” in the Dakota language, making it an appropriate name for this festival along the Mississippi River.

This free, family-friendly event, co-presented by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and the St Anthony Falls Heritage Board, celebrates indigenous Minnesota culture with music, art, food, and more! Enjoy the many event offerings with the opportunity to learn more about artifacts from the Minnesota History Center’s collection; picnic in the park with Native foods from Owamni by the Sioux Chef and other food vendors.

Art

An arts area focused on Native contemporary traditional and fine arts will showcase the talents of indigenous visual artists. Jewelry and native art will be available for purchase. Hands on art opportunities will also be available.

Music and Entertainment

The Owámni Falling Water Festival will celebrate indigenous voices, connecting both locally and nationally through music featuring Tufawon, Buffalo Weavers, and comedian Rez Reporter.

Food

Pow-Wow Grounds and Owamni by the Sioux Chef will be making and selling local indigenous foods.  NATIFS- North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems will be providing Native Food Education and information.   

This event is made possible by a grant from the St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board. Event partners include the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and Minnesota Historical Society.

Celebrating James Sewell Ballet’s 30th Anniversary - One Year Later - at The Cowles Center

Via a September 23 Press Release:

James Sewell Ballet’s 30th Anniversary Retrospective delights in past company favorites while bringing new contemporary ballet work by Resident Choreographer Da’Rius Malone to The Cowles Center on October 16 and 17. The production celebrates James Sewell Ballet’s (JSB) 30th anniversary a year and a half after the coronavirus pandemic shuttered the company’s commemorative tour. Audiences can see the magic during an in-person or livestreamed performance from the Goodale Stage. Tickets range $20 - $35, fees included.

Eve Schulte, JSB’s Executive Director, shares: “We made it to six of our planned 2020 tour locations before lockdown. Our final performance before entering the void of COVID was March 13, 2020, in St. Cloud, with a cheerful and immediately distanced audience in the beautiful Paramount Center for the Arts. The past 18-plus months have changed us in so many ways, and the program has evolved to highlight both joy and catharsis, including an exciting new premiere from company member Da’Rius Malone.” 

The company is known for its distinct and compelling choreographic voice capable of producing cutting-edge productions which combine theatricality with grace and expanding notions of what ballet could or should be.

James Sewell Ballet’s 30th Anniversary Retrospective will be anchored with Made in America, a work from 2000 that pays homage to some of the vast history of American music and musical culture, a fitting end for an evening whose themes explore reflection, remembrance, and the passage of time. Da’Rius Malone’s work, /kənˈsəm(p)SH(ə)n/, explores the “anger and frustration” which came with the combined grief from the pandemic and police brutality in the recent past. Malone was recently announced as JSB’s inaugural Resident Choreographer, a promotion you can read about on jsballet.org/press. Live music will accompany select works throughout the evening.

JSB will offer a Meet the Artist Q&A for all attendees after the Sunday, October 17 matinee performance. Other community engagements are pending. Learn more and purchase tickets.

HEALTH & SAFETY AT THE COWLES CENTER

Masks are required at all times in The Cowles Center’s hallways, common/shared spaces, and theaters. Anyone attending an event or performance in our theaters (the Goodale Theater & TEK BOX) will need to show proof of a full course of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to entry. We respectfully ask that anyone who is feeling ill or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms to please stay home. Please visit thecowlescenter.org/visit to review our full health & safety information. 

ABOUT JAMES SEWELL BALLET

James Sewell Ballet was founded in New York City by James Sewell and Sally Rousse and brought to Minnesota in 1993. Combining their expertise, vision, and chutzpah, James and Sally envisioned a close-knit company of dance artists willing to challenge their physical limits and expand their notions about ballet. Decades later, the embodiment of the original vision is a professional company of dancers performing innovative work that explores the technical boundaries of ballet.

ABOUT THE COWLES CENTER

The Cowles Center is a dance and performing arts hub that promotes movement and growth for artists through supportive programs and spaces; engages audiences through dynamic performances; and educates learners of all ages through robust and inclusive education initiatives.

Third Avenue Bridge Project - Resident Connection Event Scheduled for October 9

Via a September 22 e-announcment from MnDOT:

Join us in-person for an afternoon of fun!

The Third Avenue Bridge project team is hosting a resident connection event from 1-3 pm on Saturday, October 9 at 30 Main Street SE between Central Ave. and Hennepin Ave. This family-friendly event will include games, activities, live music and local treats. Project team members will be there to provide bridge construction updates and answer questions.

Behind-the-Scenes Construction Tour 

A behind-the-scenes construction tour narrated by construction manager Tim Nelson is online! Check out the video on the project webpage under About this project.

More About the Project

The historic Third Ave. Bridge over the Mississippi River near St. Anthony Falls opened in 1918 and needs significant repairs. The bridge carries Third and Central avenues, which are part of Hwy 65.

Construction began in May 2020 and is anticipated to be complete in August 2023. The bridge is fully closed to traffic through November 2022. Motorists, transit riders, and people walking and bicycling will need to use alternate routes across the river during this time.

For more information, visit the project webpage. To contact the project team email connect@thirdavebridgeclosure.com or call the project hotline at 612-547-7968.

Students, Staff and Fans Return to More Than a New Name at Former TCF Stadium

Via a recent e-announcement:

Gophers welcome back fans with a newly branded club—the result of a 10-year agreement between Cambria and Gopher Athletics

Last month it was announced that University of Minnesota Gopher fans will enjoy special amenities and the best views in Huntington Bank Stadium in a newly designed Club Cambria for the 2021 season. A new energetic and modern Club Cambria will be completed in two phases as a result of a 10-year agreement between Le Sueur–based Cambria, the leading American-made producer of quartz surfaces, and the University of Minnesota.

Cambria and the University of Minnesota have partnered to create a unique, innovative, and advanced-design club space at the newly branded Huntington Bank Stadium, ensuring a high-end, elevated, luxury lounge experience unlike any other seating area in the stadium. The renovations will take place over two phases — the first phase being completed for the start of the 2021 season, including an updated look and feel with new floors, Cambria designs in maroon and gold, and bold Gopher football graphics throughout the space. Phase two will include more extensive renovations, to be completed before the start of the 2022 football season.

Club Cambria will be the central location for premium seat holders, becoming Huntington Bank Stadium’s own “College Game Day” experience for Gopher fans. The club is 20,000 sq. ft. and can hold over 1,000 guests. The space includes two bars, concessions with expanded menu offerings, multiple fireplaces, vaulted ceilings, and access to the outdoor club level. In addition, Club Cambria will be the site of numerous events and non-football-related functions throughout the calendar year, hosting approximately 100 events annually.

“We are thrilled to partner with Cambria and its entire team on the development of Club Cambria at Huntington Bank Stadium,” said Director of Athletics Mark Coyle. “Club Cambria will provide our fans a tremendous experience at home football games and will also have a dramatic and positive impact on Gopher Athletics. We are grateful for the generous support from Cambria and are proud to have an internationally recognized, Minnesota-based company prominently featured at Huntington Bank Stadium.”

Highlighted by nearly 1,300 seats all located between the 25-yard lines with theater-style, padded seating, Club Cambria will feature premium amenities along with an exclusive private entrance. The climate-controlled Club Cambria will offer direct access to the club seating area on the south side of Huntington Bank Stadium and feature newly renovated Cambria quartz surfaces and amenities throughout, making it one of the premier clubs in the Big Ten Conference.

“We’ve been longtime enthusiasts of the University of Minnesota, partnering with the U in various ways for many years now,” said Marty Davis, President and CEO of Cambria. “This partnership is compelling for our company, our employees, and our Cambria brand throughout the region. Sports are an excellent platform to share our brand with consumers, support local communities, and in particular, we are greatly enthused with the Gopher Football program and its future under the elite leadership of AD Mark Coyle and Head Coach PJ Fleck. Winning programs are a key and most critical ingredient to successful marketing and branding efforts. We are very excited about this opportunity. Go Gophers, RTB, SkiUMah!”

Cambria has been a supporter of Gopher Athletics venue development over the last 20 years with projects that include TCF Bank Stadium - developing custom maroon and gold quartz surfaces for many of the luxury areas; renovations to Bierman Athletic Building and the new Gophers Athlete Village - including Cambria surfaces featured throughout state-of-the-art training facilities, dining areas, and offices; and ongoing collaboration with projects to keep historic buildings sleek and modern such as Williams Arena, 3M Arena at Mariucci, and other University-owned-and-operated facilities on campus.

Moon On Top Campbell Mithun Building

Submitted by Mill District Resident Ric Rosow:

At around 6:30 this morning I saw the moon over the stadium moving toward downtown. I had planned to go to the Arboretum last night to photograph the moon, but cancelled because of the rain and heavy cloud cover. At 6:30 the moon was mostly below the cloud cover. As the minutes passed the clouds would cover and then reveal the moon. I did not have time to determine if the moon would land on top of the Campbell Mithun Tower, but figured it would be close. I set the camera to take a photo every ten seconds and then as it came close to the tower I manually increased the frequency. When the moon moved behind the SPS Tower it formed a halo behind the peak of the building. I plan to process that photo as well.

I hope you enjoy the image. See more of my work at www.ricrosowphotography.com.

What's All the Fuss About? Becky Fillinger Visited the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit to Find Out!

Article by Becky Fillinger 

There’s still time to visit the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit – the extraordinary art feature has been extended to November 19. The digital exhibit is open in many cities around the globe, but Minneapolis is one of a handful with actual Van Gogh paintings nearby. The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) owns three pieces by Van Gogh, one of which is on display: Olive Trees. My advice – visit both the amazing digital exhibit at Lighthouse Minneapolis, 1515 Central Ave NE, and complete it with a trip to view our local treasures at Mia.

Bridget BergI spoke to Bridget Berg, on-site manager at the Minneapolis installation. She wants Mill City Times readers to know that although the exhibit is showing in many global cities, each installation is a bit customized. 

“For Minneapolis, our Stone Arch Bridge is dreamily blended into a Starry Night vignette. In San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge is featured.” She also notes that experiencing the art in the digital format is a very different experience than just viewing the art in a museum. “The North East site has allowed the exhibit to pair with breweries and local artists to create experiences – which was our goal. We wanted our guests to think of Van Gogh’s art as important, memorable and experiential.” 

Stone Arch Bridge

Windmill

Attendee Kathleen Lepp takes in the exhibit.

I think the show sponsors have succeeded. I spoke with guest Kathleen Lepp, who commented, “I’ll never forget this exhibit. The art came alive to me – the music, movement and colors surrounded me and gave me such a greater appreciation for Van Gogh.”

Go - you never know who you might see. Mayor Jacob Frey was there with his wife Sarah and daughter Frida. He told us Frida loved the colors and music. I’m with her!

Mayor Frey soaks up the sights and sounds with daughter Frida.

CenterPoint Energy Plants a Green Future on Minneapolis Downtown Riverfront

Via a September 20 e-announcement from CenterPoint Energy:

Pollinator gardens to grow where gas was once produced from coal (and where gas will soon be made from water)

CenterPoint Energy traces its history more than 150 years ago to the founding of the Minneapolis Gas Light Company in 1870. In those early days, gas was produced from coal at a facility near the Mississippi Riverfront and then delivered through hollow wood logs to provide the first artificial nighttime light on the downtown streets of Minneapolis.

Today, the coal is long gone, the soil has been cleaned up and the once-industrial riverfront is now a vibrant downtown neighborhood and recreational destination. Soon, it will be home to a pollinator habitat on CenterPoint Energy property, where a demonstration project is also in the works to produce zero-carbon “green hydrogen” from water to blend with the utility’s natural gas supply.

On Thursday morning, Sept. 23, about 75 CenterPoint Energy employees and volunteers from the Great River Coalition will plant three downtown pollinator gardens featuring native flowers, plants and grasses that offer a critical habitat for bees, butterflies and other pollinator insects. Great River Greening is CenterPoint Energy’s nonprofit partner in creating and managing the pollinator gardens.

Event schedule: 

Thursday, September 23

8:15 am – Welcome/kick-off program

8:45 am - Planting begins and continues through the morning

 CenterPoint Energy, Corner of West River Parkway and 13th Avenue S (map)

The pollinator gardens and the green hydrogen project reflect CenterPoint Energy’s ongoing environmental stewardship as Minnesota’s largest natural gas utility, serving 890,000 residential and business customers in more than 260 communities. Information about the pollinator gardens is available at www.CenterPointEnergy.com/MNpollinators 

Assault and Attempted Mugging (Downtown)

Editors Note: This letter was sent by Joe Tamburino to Mayor Frey & Council Member Fletcher last Wednesday. Joe Tamburino is a Downtown resident and serves on the board of the Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association.

Mayor Frey and CM Fletcher: 

Today at approximately 10:45 a.m. on 9th Street between Nicollet and Marquette, I was walking on the sidewalk talking on my phone via air pods and I was hit from behind in the back of the head, left shoulder and something cut my arm near my left wrist - it was some young punk.

I confronted him, called 911, and went after him so that he wouldn't get away and I caught the attention of an MPD squad going SB on Marquette.  The officer arrested the perpetrator right on the street with the help of two other officers who responded very quickly to the scene.  Also, two people on the street witnessed the assault and gave statements to the police corroborating what happened. 

This is unacceptable and outrageous - you can't even walk on the sidewalk in downtown without running into criminal problems.  Thankfully, the police were right there.  I wish to thank the police officers for their excellent response time to my situation - job well done.  The perpetrator is now in jail.  That he will be released and back on the downtown streets within hours is another issue, but also another problem.  But this nonsense of defunding or dismantling the MPD must stop.  We need police on the street! A social worker or "violence interrupter" would not have helped me today.

Mr. Mayor - you need to come out more forcefully in support of more police, more patrols, and veto any future ballot questions concerning defunding or dismantling MPD that may occur in the future.

CM Fletcher - I truly don't know what to say to you because you're wrong on every single public safety issue and I believe you have contributed to this atmosphere of chaos and crime in our city with your rhetoric and inaction. 

Thank you,

Joe Tamburino

***FOLLOW-UP***

Update: the guy who assaulted me on Wednesday, 9/15, was Ararso Mumad (29 y.o. convicted felon who got out of prison in 2019). He was released from jail on Friday, 9/17, with charges pending regarding my assault.  But, as predicted, he was picked up again yesterday, Saturday, 9/18, around 900 Washington Ave. South at approximately 10:00 p.m., for using a baseball bat in trying to rob people on the street; he's robbing people right near you folks at the Bridgewater and Zenith condos.

CM Fletcher - a social worker or violence interrupter responding to Ararso and his baseball bat would have been completely useless and they would have wound up getting hit with the bat.  Once again the police properly responded and removed a violent person from the street.

The Longest Concrete Arch in the World

Article by Michael Rainville, Jr.

Minneapolis, the City of Lakes, but also, the City of Bridges. Dozens of bridges span the Mighty Mississippi, and each are famous for their own reasons. This week, I will tell the story of a bridge that once held the world record for the longest concrete arch in the world, the Franklin Avenue Bridge.

The old Franklin Avenue bridge, 1912

Starting back in 1889, a metal bridge with stone piers was constructed where the current bridge stands. It served as a vital connected between Prospect Park on the east side and Seward on the west. Thirty years later, Minneapolis grew by nearly 350,000 people, and a larger bridge was needed. The two men tasked with designing a new bridge were Norwegians Kristoffer Olsen Oustad and Frederick William Cappelen, who lead the project. Cappelen designed the Prospect Park water tower, was previously Minneapolis’ municipal bridge engineer, and later was elected as the city engineer, with Oustad taking over as the municipal bridge engineer after Cappelen.

The advancements of concrete and steel in the early 1900s meant that much larger structures could be built than previously imagined, so Cappelen took this opportunity to give this new bridge a center span of at least 300 feet long and fifty feet tall. Over the course of the design process, Cappelen decided to lengthen the center span in order to keep the current bridge in operation until the new one could be completed. Construction started in 1919 and finished in 1923, with the center section spanning 435 feet across the river and providing eighty-eight feet of clearance for boat traffic. Upon completion, the center span was the largest concrete arch in the world.

A 1920 painting of the construction of the current bridge by Ada Wolfe

Unfortunately, Cappelen passed away in October of 1921, five days before his sixty-fourth birthday, so when the new bridge opened in 1923, it was officially named the F.W. Cappelen Memorial Bridge. During this era of bridge construction, similar bridges were constructed throughout the Twin Cities, and the area became known as having the best examples of concrete arch bridges in the world.

1923 photo of the current bridge, looking downstream. Note the piers of the original bridge underneath the new bridge.

In the 1940s, the streetcar tracks were removed from the bridge, and two more lanes of vehicle traffic were added, bringing the total number of lanes to four. Soon thereafter in 1954, West River Road was built underneath one of the arches. The bridge closed in 1971 for its first major renovation, and in 2005, a bike lane was added.

In 2007, an inspection revealed that freezing and unthawing water combined with salt from the winters contributed to significant corrosion. Efforts to repair the bridge began during the spring of 2015 after $28.5 million was set aside for the project the year before, and it was thought that the bridge would have to be closed for two years. However, the construction crew decided to use a method called Accelerated Bridge Construction in order to greatly speed up the process, and the bridge only had to be closed for five months.

Because of U.S. Bank Stadium construction driving up the price of concrete, the piers of the 1889 bridge were salvaged to help with costs, but the newly renovated bridge ended up having a price tag of $43 million. It includes two lanes of traffic with terrific, separated bike and pedestrian lanes, much needed improvements for one of the most bikeable cities in the nation. Because of the fantastic updates and renovation, the bridge and construction teams won the Engineering News-Record Midwest Award of Merit and the American Public Works Association Project of the Year Award in Historical Restoration/Preservation ($25 million to $75 million category), both in 2017.

The F.W. Cappelen Memorial Bridge, commonly referred to as the Franklin Avenue Bridge, is approaching its centennial birthday, and with the recent renovation, Minneapolitans will be able to enjoy this once record-holding bridge for another hundred years.

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About Michael Rainville, Jr.

A 6th generation Minneapolitan, Michael Rainville, Jr. received his B.A. in History, Graduate Certificate in Museum Studies, and M.A. in Art History from the University of St. Thomas.

Michael is a historical interpreter at the Minnesota History Center and has been a lead guide at Mobile Entertainment LLC, giving Segway, walking, and biking tours of the Minneapolis riverfront for 9+ years.

 

He can be reached at mrainvillejr@comcast.net

Local Business Spotlight: Kaleidoscope

Article by Becky Fillinger

Greg DehnBased in the North Loop, Kaleidoscope is an innovative company that pairs students with scholarships in a way never done before. We talked to CEO and Founder, Greg Dehn, about how the program works and ways you, your company or organization, may assist.

Q:  Why is the company named Kaleidoscope?

 A:  Every person has a dream for their lives, for what they want to accomplish, for their career. And, there are organizations that want to help them achieve this. When I think about a Kaleidoscope, I imagine that for each of us, when we look into the scope and we see light fracturing in a unique way only we can see, we are seeing a future that is unique to ourselves. It is this diversity, and the connection of two equal partners – sponsor and scholar - on our platform, aligned by a future goal, that inspired the name Kaleidoscope.

Q:  I grew up in Appalachia where access to grants and scholarships was limited. Let me rephrase that - my knowledge of available grants and scholarships was limited. Kaleidoscope would have been a dream. Do you serve all geographies?

A:  We have award programs on our marketplace sponsored by organizations in all 50 states and D.C., serving applicants nationally and internationally. Today, our focus is on the US market, and don’t turn away customers looking to launch programs internationally.

Award Builder

Q:  What are the company's priorities for the rest of the year?

A:  For the remainder of this year, our team will be focused on launching 6000+ programs, and supporting one of our most exciting product innovations since 2020, the launch of our Award Builder. Award Builder provides the ability for any individual or any organization to launch an education-related award program on our platform, for free on their own. They can now self-register and begin using the best tools in the industry to build, launch and manage their program. We are confident others feel the same as we do, and, by offering a free tier on our platform, we will further mobilize private wealth toward eliminating the financial barriers to education. And, we will do so in a big way.

Q:  You received grants to cover most of the cost of your undergraduate studies. You started Kaleidoscope as a way to return the favor. Give us some details - how many students have you helped?

A:  Today, more than 1 million people have built profiles on the Kaleidoscope platform. We have disbursed well over $150M in funding to students, thanks to our 300 partners and more than 6000+ active awards programs.

Q:  How do you acquire new sponsors?

A:  We have been very fortunate to have many sponsors find us by word of mouth or referrals. A significant benefit of our platform is that the sponsor can fully customize their program with unique branding and configuration options. This unlocks a vast array of possibilities for the types of niche, targeted awards that sponsors can create on our platform, allowing applicant individuality and diversity to live at the heart of the process.

Q:  How may our Mill City Times readers help Kaleidoscope?

A:  The more programs that go live on the platform, the more of a difference we are able to make. Starting a program is easy with Kaleidoscope, and if you are interested in hosting a scholarship, grant, or other award program, we are here to help! Please reach out to hello@mykaleidoscope.com or visit mykaleidoscope.com to learn more. Also, please follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Milling on Minnehaha

Article by Michael Rainville, Jr.

Minnehaha Creek has been an important fixture in Minneapolis and the western suburbs for over 150 years. Ever since the first settlers came to the area when Fort Snelling was established in 1819, people have been drawn to it. The first person to capitalize on the power of the creek was our friend from my last article, The Oldest House in the City, Ard Godfrey.

During the mid-1800’s, Minnehaha Creek and Falls would have been well known throughout the tourism world. It was very popular to take a steamboat from St. Louis up to St. Paul and explore the creek and lakes of Minneapolis. Thousands of people made that journey every year, including many photographers and artists. This lead to the creation of many paintings and stereoscopic view cards of the falls, which spread throughout the country. The popularity of the art and view cards eventually led to Minneapolis and Minnehaha Creek being called a must-see vacation destination.

Now one would think that with the popularity of the area, someone would settle that land immediately. The reason why this was not the case is because it was within the Fort Snelling Military Reservation. Fortunately for Godfrey, he had a friend who was an officer at the fort, and in 1851, with his friend’s help, Godfrey made a claim to "the wooded point lying between the Mississippi river and Brown's creek, as Minnehaha was then called.” His first project was opening a sawmill in 1853 on the north side of the creek, roughly halfway between Minnehaha Falls and the Mississippi. I’m sure he got this idea from the sawmill that was located on the same stretch of the creek which helped build Fort Snelling a few decades before. Even though sawmills would always create a profit since everyone needed wood, he quickly opened a second mill on the creek closer to the Mississippi. This second mill was a gristmill, a type of flour mill, and was a two-story wood frame building with a gabled roof and a redbrick chimney, much like his house in the Village of St. Anthony. Godfrey’s gristmill became very popular as many farmers in the area would take their various grains directly to mill to be made into flour.

Godfrey's gristmill, 1865 

Godfrey's dam, 1889 

Godfrey dam ruins, 1920 

Like many mills that operated during the early years of the city, Godfrey’s sawmill and gristmill burnt down, but while his mills are no more, the foundation of the limestone and wood dam he built for his mills is still visible today. There’s a reason why we’re called the Mill City. Mills weren’t exclusive to the Mississippi around St. Anthony Falls. They could be found anywhere there was a body of water in the city. When you find yourself strolling down Minnehaha Creek, look through the foliage, find the remains of Godfrey’s dam, and imagine a time when the creek was more than just a place of monumental beauty.

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About Michael Rainville, Jr.

A 6th generation Minneapolitan, Michael Rainville Jr. received his B.A. in History from the University of St. Thomas, and is currently enrolled in their M.A. in Art History and Certificate in Museum Studies programs.

Michael is also a lead guide at Mobile Entertainment LLC, giving Segway tours of the Minneapolis riverfront for 5+ years.

He can be reached at mrainvillejr@comcast.net.

The Bacon Social House Returns Today - Here's What's Cookin'!

Article and photos by Becky Fillinger

The Bacon Social House officially reopens Friday, September 17. My advice is to make a reservation and wear clothes that have a bit of give – you’ll be eating lots of bacon - what some people consider the most coveted cut from the hog – and you’ll have plenty of it.

First, the restaurant is gorgeous. Bacon is the star of the show. Bacon neon, murals and an open kitchen remind you of what’s to come. The staff is energized and so ready to welcome you back! Mike, Will, Alexis and Mitchell made my visit memorable – they’re knowledgeable, friendly and proud to be working at Bacon Social House. 

The Green Chili and Chips was a wonderful starter.

The chili was not too spicy and had layers of flavor – jalapeno, chipotle, pork, onions and of course, green chiles. The homemade tortilla served on the side was crispy and made an excellent dipping tool.

On the Wedge Salad of crispy iceberg lettuce with blue cheese drizzled over it, you’ll find many chunks of blue cheese on your plate! Applewood bacon, cut into lardons, and cherry tomatoes added texture and flavor.

Now to the bacon samplers – wow! My bacon flight had 6 crispy strips. Some strips were candied and others were savory - Sriracha, applewood smoked, barbeque and chili lime. As a guest, you’re provided kitchen shears to cut bite sized pieces as you progress through the platter. The baller bacon, also served with shears, is a thicker cut bacon that is candied and baked.

Was there room for more eating? Yes there was! If you go, please check out the Chicken & Waffles. The Belgian waffle is crispy, the chicken breast is crispy, the sausage gravy is decadent and the warm maple syrup pulls it all together. The Baller Mac & Cheese was a very large portion of goodness:  smoked gouda, cheddar, onions and the thick cut baller bacon.

Can a vegetarian find happiness at the Bacon Social House? Yes, there are many items that will please everyone in your party. Is there a happy hour? Yes, and it starts at 3PM! It features $5 small bites (bacon and cheddar tater tots, smoked wings, poutine and the green chili!), $3 beers, $4 well drinks and $2 off any wine. 

Excellent food – check. Friendly staff – check. Great atmosphere – check. Book a table online or call 612-428-7107 for a reservation and make your way to 700 S 3rd Street.

Neon bacon!

MacPhail Announces September 21 Lunchtime Listening Club: The Thrilling Three

As part of their 55+ MacPhail Music for Life™ program, MacPhail Center for Music has scheduled a special Lunchtime Listening Club event, The Thrilling Three, on September 21 at 12:15pm.

Vicky MountainJoin this new listening club to discuss music with others who share your passion for music. MacPhail voice faculty member Vicky Mountain will explore music performed by the Thrilling Three: Sarah Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. Vicky will provide interesting background information about the performers and their art, as well as musical examples from a shared playlist to help spark discussion about these three thrilling female vocalists.

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The event will take place under the tent on MacPhail's lawn for a COVID-friendly atmosphere. Attendees are welcome to bring a lunch. Sign up ahead of time online, by calling Student Services at 612-321-0100, or stop by the front desk that day!

Don't Miss Latino Business Week Pop-Up in Gaviidae Common - Now thru September 17

Article and photos by Becky Fillinger

Chameleon Shoppes, in partnership with Target, is sponsoring a pop-up shopping experience in celebration of Latino owned businesses during Latino Heritage Month. We spoke to Shannon Fitzgerald, Chameleon Consortium Project Lead, and several vendors about the event. This opportunity is over on the 17th – walk over today!

Q:  Tell us about the Latino Business Week project. 

A:  This is the first time that Chameleon has been involved with Latino Business Week and we’re excited to be part of introducing these businesses to the downtown community. From September 13-17, this pop-up will be located at various locations in Gaviidae Common on Nicollet Mall. Chameleon Shoppes will market the event to its downtown community, and Target will market to its corporate employees. This is part of Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins on September 15 this year. 

Q:  How did the partnership with Target come about? Do you see the partnership extending beyond Latino Business Week?

A:  We'd been in conversation with different people at Target for some time to figure out how we could collaborate, and this project was just the right thing. We hope to build on this project next year with them. A long-lasting benefit is that the pop-up will also provide vendors the opportunity to interact with Target Corporation Diversity Supplier leadership focused on developing relationships with new potential company partners.

While we are pleased to be partnering with Target, we are even more excited by the amazing partnerships that we've been able to develop with organizations supporting the Latino community in a purposeful, ongoing way. I'd like to particularly name the people at the Latino Economic Development Center, who are doing incredible work to support and sustain Latino businesses all over the city.

Left to right - Marta Valle, Sandra Ortega and Artez Chef with Shannon Fitzgerald

Q:  What types of products might we see showcased in Gaviidae Common during the week? 

A:  So many items! We have such a large variety of products, from hand-painted and hand-made clothing to jewelry, to candles and oils, shoes and boots, and even balloon bouquets. The vendors are:

* Scent.Tea.Mint  * Sanorte Design * Luceritos Fashion * The Epileptic Chef * Joyeria el Diamantito * Edicion Especial * Corazon Clothing * Susana Mendex Jewelry * Josefina Flandes Handmade Cards * Boga Balloons

Sandra Ortega of Sanorte Design

Marta Valle of Joyeria el Diamantito

Artez Chef of The Epileptic Chef

I spoke to several of the vendors. Marta Valle of Joyeria el Diamantito invites our readers to visit this week or to come by her shop on 1613 E Lake Street to see her wide variety of precious gems and jewelry.

Sandra Ortega, owner of Sanorte, has the slogan Hoy is un buen dial para ser Feliz!, which translates to Today is a good day to be happy! I challenge anyone to feel sad while viewing her clothing designs – they’re vibrant, positive and hand painted masterpieces. She says, "Color is the medium I use to transmit joy and positivity."  Readers, she does it well!

Artez Chef, entrepreneur owner of The Epileptic Chef wants our readers to know that he can create custom t-shirts, candies and cupcakes for your celebrations. 

Q:  May other Latino businesses submit business or product ideas going forward?

A:  We are looking forward to ongoing collaboration with the Latino community, and always like to hear from organizations and businesses who share our mission and would like to partner with us. We are focused on matching downtown resources to BIPOC and women-owned businesses to help create a vibrant downtown experience. We've been excited to do this work with this community, and are excited about supporting it further. Anybody can reach out to us with ideas at this link.

Q:  How may we follow news of the project? 

A:  The best way to follow this project and Chameleon's ongoing work is through our social media channels: Facebook: @chameleonconsortiumshoppes and Instagram: @chameleonshoppes.

Mhonpaj's Garden Now Serving Rollz2Go Spring Rolls at the Mill City Farmers Market

Photo credit: Mill City Farmers Market

The Mill City Farmers Market recently published an article by freelance food writer Mecca Bos entitled Therapy out of Abundance at Mhonpaj's Garden. Enjoy this indepth and uplifting article about Mhonpaj Lee and her mother May, and you'll come to really appreciate this valued MCFM vendor (if you don't already!). 

Mhonpaj's Garden launched a new product at the September 4 Market - "Rollz2Go" spring rolls - both fresh and fried. Look for the spring roll stand by the train shed (near the side entry to the Mill City Museum where the food demos used to take place pre-pandemic). 

You can follow Mhonpaj's Garden on Facebook and learn more on their website.

Hennepin County Administrator Proposes 3.5% Levy Increase in 2022 Budget

Via a September 14 Press Release from Hennepin County:

On Tuesday, Hennepin County Administrator David Hough proposed a 2022 budget of $2.4 billion to the Hennepin County Board. The proposed net property tax levy is $899.6 million – an increase of 3.5% after holding the budget flat for 2021.

The operating portion of this budget totals $2.1 billion, an increase of $6.5 million dollars from the adjusted 2021 budget. The capital portion totals $333 million, which is $142 million more than the 2021 approved capital budget of $191 million.  

Property tax covers approximately 36% of the overall county budget. Federal and state sources, fees and services, and other revenues fund the remainder of the budget.

“We must be responsible with property tax increases for 2022 given the challenges faced by our residents and businesses,” said Hennepin County Administrator David Hough. “While the county’s residential real estate market remains strong, the commercial and industrial market continues to be challenged by the impacts of COVID-19.”

Hough’s proposed budget focuses on pandemic response, pandemic recovery, disparity reduction, climate action and the organization’s future. It includes strategies like minimizing requests for new positions, introducing additional strategies and activities to reduce disparities and supporting the county’s Climate Action Plan.

“Community need has never been clearer than during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Hough. “Intentionally using federal pandemic funds to support the work in disparity reduction domains is critical to ensure that we are not allowing COVID to continue to widen the gap between white residents and residents of color.”   

This budget leverages unprecedented funding from the federal government by way of CARES and the American Rescue Plan and balances a number of additional challenges, including:

• Uncertainty about federal and state government funding levels
• Flat to declining property tax revenues
• Declines in other expected revenues
• Transformational change in how Hennepin County does business
• A rapidly changing environment that may require different services and service levels

“Responding to crises is what we do,” said Hough. “The county’s pandemic response has been a catalyst for change and innovation. Since the onset of the pandemic, our focus has been on maintaining critical services and supporting those most in need. Our innovations were possible because of county board support over the years and our commitment to growing and supporting operational infrastructure.”

Capital budget

One of the key factors in the budget increase is the proposed 2022 capital budget. The capital budget is where the county’s long-term assets are financed – including roads, bridges, transit and other key infrastructure. Some key items in the capital budget include:

• $72 million in investment toward road, bridge, light rail and trail infrastructure
• $52 million for environment and energy infrastructure, including an anaerobic digester
• $42 million in investment for law, safety and justice facilities and infrastructure
• $95 million toward facilities supporting the Health and Human Services lines of business including a parking ramp expansion for Hennepin Healthcare (Hennepin County Medical Center)
• $72 million toward other county operations

Budget hearing schedule

The Hennepin County Board will set its maximum tax levy at its September 21 meeting, which will be followed by a series of budget hearings before a final budget is adopted in December. View the schedule of public meetings at hennepin.us/boardmeetings. 

Property values

Property tax valuations impact the property tax portion of the budget. The Hennepin County Assessor's Office assesses your property and estimates the value it would likely sell for on the open market, which is one factor used in determining your property tax. Other factors include property tax levies set by the school districts, city, county or special taxing districts that the property is in.

Find out more about property values.

Gamut Gallery Announces Balancing Act - A Solo Exhibition by Barret Lee, Opening October 22

Via a September 13 e-announcement from Gamut Gallery

Balancing Act / Oct 22 - Nov 20

A solo exhibition by Barret Lee exploring distinctions of chaos and harmony in the world around us to create balance amidst our reality.

Balancing Act showcases an unreleased body of work from Minneapolis painter, Barret Lee, encompassing the characters he has been illustrating since childhood and subject matters he has expanded upon since graduating from MCAD in 2016. Drawing from his biggest inspirations: surrealism, graffiti and cartoons, Lee utilizes a combination of acrylics, spray paint and occasional collage, expressing a whimsical theme throughout his work, personifying fantastical worlds that encourage the viewer to escape from the chaos of reality. 

Barret sees painting as a form of communicating unrestrained thoughts and softening the discord of everyday experience. His unique approach to surrealism stimulates the audience's imagination and emotions. Naturally, this exhibition reveals that when we maximize our creative capacity, chaos and balance do not merely coexist but can actually live in harmony with one another.

“Those three worlds I look to mold into one of modern escapism. I create fantastical characters and floating landscapes in search of a utopian outlook on life,” says Barret. Like many of his previous bodies of work, Balancing Act features constructs of paradisal wonderlands, however this solo exhibition focuses on satirizing the state of the world and how it affects our mental wellbeing and existence. His use of poppy, saturated colors will draw viewers in as they are given an opportunity to explore the macro- and microcosms that Lee has unleashed from his mind.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Barret Lee is a Minnesota based fine artist and illustrator with a BA in drawing and painting from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) in 2016. Barret is a multidisciplinary artist who works in a range of mediums. He paints a wide variety of subjects, including wide-eyed characters, playful landscapes, and pop culture. 

Since graduating, Barret has participated in countless art fairs and exhibitions around the Midwest, and has been featured at Gamut Gallery since 2017. Barret has permanent collections on view at Rafter Lofts Minneapolis, Saluté Dental in Woodbury Minnesota, and Arete Lacrosse at the TCF performance center in Eagan. He currently works as a freelance fine artist and you may find him at his studio #385 in the historic Northrup King Building in Northeast Minneapolis. 

MEMBERS ONLY PREVIEW NIGHT: Thursday, October 21 / 6-8pm

Meet & Greet with Barret Lee

• RSVP Required
• Memberships required, become a member today!

PUBLIC OPENING NIGHT: Friday, October 22 / 6-9pm

$7, FREE for members
• Michaelton, formerly known as DJ BAARD
• Pre-sales available and recommended

ARTIST TALK: Wednesday, November 4 / 7pm

Moderated by Russ White of MPLSART
$5 pre-sales, $7door, FREE for members
• Pre-sales available and recommended
• Entry will be available at the door if pre-sales do not sell out
• Masks required indoors

ANNUAL MEMBERS GALA: Saturday, November 13 / 7 - 11pm

Our Black Tie event is returning after a year long hiatus. This special evening is in celebration of our Gamut Gallery Membership Community. The evening will be filled with libations, dancing, art & live music. • Floral Backdrop by Pansy Floral • Photography by Caleb Timmerman • Music TBA • Admittance with Gallery Membership, become a Member today!

Gamut Gallery is located at 717 S 10th Street.