POSTERS for PARKS Virtual Shop Open Until October 21

Minneapolis Parks Foundation would like to remind you that your purchase supports local artists and community parks - but this online opportunity is only available through Saturday, October 21st!

Now's the time to collect or give stunning works of original art featuring Minneapolis parks - and the people, plants, and animals that share them. Nearly all 44 designs are still in stock at PostersForParks.org - but some are very close to selling out. Gallery goers snapped up nearly 600 posters the October 14 in-person show. 

Virtual sale details:

• Dates: Now through Saturday, October 21, while supplies last
• Cost: $50/poster, plus flat $12 packaging/postage rate for your entire order
• Good-to-Know: No shipping fees if you pick up your online order the Longfellow House, in Minneapolis, on Wednesday, October 25, from 2pm-6pm. See details at checkout.

RAWR! It's Art Attack 2023!

Image by Barret Lee

During Art Attack, the Northrup King Building showcases four floors of amazing art and gifts that will attack all your senses – in a good way!

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Come and meet the talented artists, witness captivating demonstrations, uncover one-of-a-kind treasures, kick start your holiday shopping, and let your creativity loose with interactive art activities - all featured in this beautiful and historic art building.

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With over 400 artists under one roof, and nourishment provided by KCM Eggrolls, Potter’s Pasties and P.F. Café, the Northrup King Building is a fantastic place to spend a delightful autumn day, or to be honest, maybe even a few days given the sheer size of the iconic structure and the abundance of art it holds.

And this is just the beginning! This event is part of NEMAA’s Fall Open Studios, with three glorious days to immerse yourself in a world of fun, vibrant colors, and boundless inspiration – take time to explore all the sister buildings and see the exciting creativity that the Northeast Arts District has to offer.

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Art Attack Dates and Times:

Friday, November 10, 5-9pm
Saturday, November 11, 12-8pm
Sunday, November 12, 12-5pm

Free Parking, Passenger Elevator, ADA Parking and 4 Floors of Wow!

Meet the Mill City Farmers Market Vendors, Part 3 - Prairie Hollow Farms

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided 

Pam BenikePam Benike comes from a long line of farmers who believed in conservation and regenerative practices.  We talked to her about the range of products offered by Prairie Hollow Farms at the Mill City Farmers Market – year-round greens anyone? Pam explained how her early training in the ministry translates to serving people with healthy wholesome foods. Want to try your hand at organic farming? She’s  even offering a year-round vocational program which will teach organic farming, marketing and the business of farming.

Q:  Your family farm in Elgin MN produces a wide range of products - ranging from vegetables, baked goods, cheeses and meat. How did it all evolve?

A:  From my grandparents' time forward, our family has grown more vegetables and fruit than the family used and sold the rest. Sometimes just to friends and neighbors and sometimes informal farmers markets. As I began running the business, we just kept evolving and adding more direct to consumer products and searching out new marketing venues as a way to stay afloat financially. Farm commodity prices fluctuate too much for a small farm to remain in business, so the alternative was to either create new markets or add value. So instead of selling milk to the processors, we started making cheese. Instead of selling wheat to the local elevator, we started grinding flour and making bread. Rather than shipping our beef and hogs to the sales barn, we teamed up with a family-owned processing plant to offer meat directly to the consumer. We also turned our lifelong foraging habit into a part of our business. Currently, we sell all our products directly to individuals, restaurants, schools and caterers.

Above, Prairie Hollow Farm has been located at the train shed entry since the MCFM began. They have the largest variety of offerings - produce, jams, mushrooms, fresh baked bread, cheeses, walnuts and more. Below, their set up inside the Mill City Museum for the November-April winter markets.

Above and below, greenhouse structures for growing produce during the winter months.

Q:  Do you have a year-round presence at the Mill City Farmers Market?

A:  Yes, we have been with Mill City Farmers Market since its inception, and we were so happy when a winter market was added. We have 4 unheated greenhouses that rely completely on sunshine for warmth (yes, that really does work in cold Minnesota winters!). So, in the winter we have fresh greens: lettuce, spinach, mustard greens, arugula, chard, kale and more. We also have other cool season crops like radishes, salad turnips, beets, carrots, pac choi, etc. We also have our storage crops like potatoes, onions, cabbage, turnips and rutabagas. We love serving up amazing fresh produce to our market and CSA customers in the middle of winter.

Q:  Your college degree is in Church Ministry. You now run the Prairie Hollow Farm, are a consultant and trainer on sustainable agriculture and direct marketing of agriculture products. Please tell us about your pivot from ministry to family farmer.

A:  It's not as big a leap as you might think. Ministry is about serving people at their point of need. The kind of farming we do is also all about serving people at their point of need, the need for wholesome, nutritious food. I discovered that while I have a deeply-rooted relationship with God, I could not be part of organized religion that sought to keep people in bondage to rules and expectations. I love God and I love people and the best way I can serve others right now is by meeting their need for awesome food. I can have a far more meaningful impact on people's lives by providing them with good food and encouraging words. If anyone wants to talk about God, I am always willing, but I believe that actions speak far more loudly than words. During Covid, we were feeding over 300 families a week. By doing so, we offered them hope to replace the anxiety about where they could get good food. To me, that is putting love into action which is what ministry should be about.

Q:  Do your children want to continue a legacy of farming?

A:  Yes! I have seven children with spouses and 26 grandchildren. Not all of them have chosen to farm, but enough of them share my passion for farming and feeding people to carry on the work of providing fantastic food. As a family, we seek to teach the next generation how to grow and use locally grown food. We believe this is the best safeguard against future hunger crises.

Q:  Farmers Kitchen + Bar sources ingredients from your farm. What do you supply to the restaurant?  How often do you bring farm products to the restaurant? Do you provide Prairie Hollow Farm products to other restaurants?

A:  We love our relationship with Farmers Kitchen and Bar! We provide lots of vegetables and fruit, cheese and foraged items like mushrooms and wild greens. We provide them with deliciousness every week. Gardens of Salonica is also a consistent customer. Ground beef, foraged mushrooms and lots of greens are the primary items from us that you see on their menu. Other restaurants in the area look to us for seasonal items. For example, all the asparagus that is used for Spargelfest at Black Forest Inn every May, comes from us. 

Q:  How may we follow your news?

A:  Biggest news right now is that I am teaming up with Dr. Jacqueline Zita to offer a year-long, vocational level organic farming/marketing/business course which begins in November. 

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! And visit our website.

MCFM Vendor, Pure Ginger For You, Opens Juice Bar in Prospect Park

Pure Ginger For You Grand Opening

Sunday, October 15, 1–4:30pm

3408 University Ave SE, Minneapolis

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Mill City Farmers Market vendor Pure Ginger For You (PGFY) will be opening a brick-and-mortar location in the Prospect Park neighborhood of Minneapolis with a grand opening celebration this Sunday, October 15, from 1pm until 4:30pm.

Pure Ginger for You is an immigrant-owned, social enterprise producer of delicious, energizing beverages for the greater Minneapolis area. Beauclarc (Beau) Thomas founded PGFY with a mission to ensure Minnesotans have access to affordable, fresh food, which was a journey for him when he immigrated to the Twin Cities from Liberia:

“When I arrived in the U.S. and reunited with my family, we had just escaped a decade of brutal civil war in Liberia. Due to scarcity, the nutritional value of food was not considered, therefore when we immigrated, we ate everything as we had nothing to eat during the unrest.”

Beau decided to make a change for his health and started making nutrient-dense fruit and vegetable juices, which led to his new company being founded in 2020. With PGFY, he hopes to support not only his own health, but also his family and the greater community.

The fresh-pressed organic ginger juices and shots are made with whole ingredients, the majority of which are sourced directly from local and sustainable farmers. For example, the apples and honey are from Ames Farm, carrots are from Burning River Farm, and melons are from Nistler Farms; these are all connections that he has made and cultivated with his fellow vendors at local farmers markets in the past few years.

Beau with Brian Fredericksen of Ames Farm

Beau with Mike Noreen of Burning River Farm

Beau at Nistler Farms

PGFY juices will allow you to feel revitalized, invigorated, and ready to take on the day while supporting local growers and makers. Stop by the storefront on University Avenue to stock up on your favorite fresh pressed juices – the store will be open with limited hours in the coming weeks (Monday-Thursday from 12:30-6pm, Friday-Sunday 3-6pm). Follow on Instagram for updates on hours, products, upcoming events and more. 

Chloe by Vincent Announces Next Guest Chef in MN Dinner Series

Scott Graden

Chloe by Vincent welcomes New Scenic Café’s Scott Graden for a 5-course tasting menu with a French wine-pairing Sunday, November 5, starting at 5pm. Chef Graden will be alternating courses with CbV’s chefs, Vincent Francoual and Kai Loa, for a truly magical evening. The New Scenic Café has been a treasure to Duluth and a must-stop destination for Twin Cities’ travelers heading up North, since opening in 1999.

Reservations can be made via www.chlobyvincent or on RESY. The cost is $130, including, 5-courses, wine pairing by New France Wine Co. or special NA cocktails, and gratuity. Sales tax will be added at check out. Chef Graden will also be signing his latest cookbook, New Scenic Café -The Second Cookbook, which will be for sale at the event.

This is the second in Chloe by Vincent’s Minnesota Chefs Dinner Series, which promotes collaboration with the outstanding chefs outside the Twin Cities who are cooking amazing cuisine in small towns and resort areas. When two talented chefs get together to create a meal, it creates a special dining experience for the guests fortunate to score tickets, but also for the chefs who can learn from each other in a convivial (and fun) kitchen setting. Both chefs then present their courses to the diners, which allows them instant feedback on their art. Wine pairings will also be highlighted.

The first chef in the series was Matthew Jensen of La Femme in Alexander, MN. Additional guest dinners in this series will be announced in January.

NIEBNA Announces October 19 Community Meeting and Board Elections

NIEBNA Annual Community Meeting

Thursday, October 19, 5:00p to 7:00p at Riverplace and via Zoom

Nicollet Island – East Bank Neighborhood Association (NIEBNA) board meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month and are open to the public. 

October 19 Agenda

ZOOM Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83753338156

In October NIEBNA will be voting for new board members. If you are interested in getting involved in this way, or know someone who would be a good fit, use the links below to learn more. Current board members whose terms are done need not re-apply to be considered for another term.

NIEBNA Board Elections Candidate Form.

If you have any questions about the process or about board membership, please contact Brenda Delaney, NIEBNA Coordinator, at info@niebna.org.

NIEBNA coverage map

Small Business Spotlight: Tavola Italian Kitchen and Bar

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Peter Smith

A discussion with Executive Chef, Peter Ellsworth

Looking for delicious comfort food in the Elliot Park neighborhood? Check out the Tavola Italian Kitchen and Bar at 823 Fifth Avenue S. We talked to Executive Chef Peter Smith about his approach to Italian cuisine and why it is a perfect spot to visit on Vikings Game Day or on any day of the week. One sniff of the Bolognaise sauce wafting through the air will let you know you’ve come to the right place. 

Q:  Can you please tell us about your culinary background and how you came to be an executive chef? 

A:  I have been in the hospitality industry for 25 years - the majority of that time has been in the kitchen. My passion for food started at a wild game steak house in Montana, there I learned a lot about butchery and preparing meat-forward dishes. Italian was the next and last cuisine I moved into. I immediately fell in love with its simplicity and vibrancy and to me it’s more a way of life than just a cuisine.

Q:  How would you describe the culinary philosophy at Tavola? 

A:  At Tavola we don’t stick to one region of Italy, and are intent of creating artful adaptations of classic dishes. We are located in Elliot Park Hotel, which has a Scandinavian “hygge” feel. Bridging those two styles, our culinary philosophy is to offer inspiring dishes that create warmth and comfort.

Q:  How do you approach creating new dishes for the menu? 

A:  Locality and sustainability are at the forefront of every dish that I create. Italian Cuisine at its simplest is using the best local and seasonal ingredients. Here in Minnesota, we have amazing agricultural products at our fingertips and it’s my mission to highlight that as much as possible.

Q:  What’s the most popular item on the Tavola menu? What’s one item that you wish more people would try? 

A:  Our Rigatoni Bolognaise consistently out performs all our dishes. It is composed of house made pancetta and veal, and if you venture into our prep kitchen you will likely smell a batch of it stewing. The 5+ hours that it spends on the stove wafts comforting smells up and down our halls.

We have a well-balanced menu that I feel our guests enjoy from top to bottom, so I always suggest that tables share items to sample as much as possible. One thing that I wish people would try more is our wine selections. We have an artfully curated wine list with some unique paring opportunities.

Q:  Do you offer happy hours or daily specials? 

A:  We have daily lunch specials, and rotating nightly specials. These are always based on seasonality and locally available ingredients.

Q:  What is Vikings Game Day like at Tavola? 

A: Events at U.S. Bank Stadium are always busy days for us, so we highly recommend reservations. Vikings games bring a lot of energy downtown and we are a great option for celebrations. We typically offer a unique menu that allows our guests to enjoy a meal and make it to kick-off in time, post-game our bar and dining room fill up and the atmosphere is hard to describe - you just have to come witness it!

Q:  Sounds fun! How may we follow Tavola news?

A:  Stop in and chat with our bartender is my favorite option!

Any major update will be posted on social media so be sure to follow us @tavolaitaliankitchen. 

Third Avenue Bridge Lights!

Thank you to Nancy Verdier for this photo of the new overhead lights on the Third Avenue Bridge - taken last night, October 7th. We can't wait for the bridge to re-open at the end of this month! 

Minneapolis Downtown Parks Fall Fest - October 13 at The Commons

Enjoy your favorite things about Fall at this FREE event hosted by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board!

Fall Fest highlights include:

• Drag Bingo with great prizes from restaurant gift cards to Joji concert tickets!
• Glow in the Dark Mini Golf
• Cornhole
• Live Music featuring:
  • DJ Jacques
  • Tre Aaron and the Undergroove
• Bonfires
• Enjoy local food trucks: Phal's Best Steak & Gyro and KCM Eggrolls
• Fall Beverages including Beer, Wine and food for purchase!

Help Light the Merriam Street Bridge!

There is a fundraising initiative currently underway to fund a $75K lighting project for the Merriam Street Bridge.

Here is the community campaign donation page: https://givebutter.com/lightthebridge. We were happy to contribute, and hope our neighbors will join us in helping take this project come to fruition!  :)

New MPRB Online Tool Lets You Explore Minneapolis Parks Projects

A new interactive tool offers information about improvements and other projects in parks throughout Minneapolis. 

View of the dashboard map showing 71 park locations where projects are in progress.The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board's (MPRB) new Park Projects Dashboard features information on capital improvements as well as rehabilitation and other projects.

Through the dashboard's charts, maps, tables and various filters, users can get information about specific projects as they cycle through phases from pre-planning to completion. Projects that are on hold or pending assignment are also included.

As a convenient resource for the public and Park Board Commissioners, the MPRB Park Projects Dashboard also complements another interactive tool, the MPRB Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Dashboard, which focuses on funding allocations for planned physical improvements in the park system.

Links to both dashboards are featured on MPRB's page for Current Projects. 

Don’t Miss the 2023 Posters for Parks Show, October 14, 3-7p

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Do you love our local award-winning parks system? Do you also love our local artist community? Here’s a fun event that combines the two – the annual Posters for Parks sale to support the Minneapolis Parks Foundation. We talked to Christine Moir, Director of Development for the Minneapolis Park Foundation, to learn more about the sale and how you may participate. You’ll want more than one poster! 

Q: Could you please tell us the history of the Posters for Parks program? What are the dates for this year’s program? 

A: Posters for Parks is an annual art show featuring limited-edition posters created by local artists and designers who are inspired by Minneapolis parks. Fifty percent of all profits from the show are donated to protect and preserve the award-winning Minneapolis Parks system, with the other 50% going directly to the artists. Posters are limited edition, 18x24 inch numbered prints made specifically for this event. The only requirement for the art is that the subject is park-inspired.

This year’s Posters for Parks event will be Saturday, October 14 from 3-7pm at the Minnehaha Park Pavilion (next to Sea Salt by Minnehaha Falls).

Posters for Parks was started nine years ago by local designer Dan Woychick. Since 2020, we’ve worked with Dan to create both an in-person and online event. This strategy has more than doubled the poster sales benefiting both the artists and our parks!

Q:  How will the funds raised through the Posters for Parks program be used to benefit Minneapolis parks? 

A:  Well, Fifty percent of the proceeds from Posters for Parks benefits the Minneapolis Parks Foundation’s People for Parks Fund. Created by the merger of the Minneapolis Parks Foundation and People for Parks, the People for Parks Fund supports community-driven ideas by inviting Minneapolis residents to enjoy a closer connection to nature. From free swim lessons for underserved families and snowboarding programs for BIPOC kids, to multi-language fishing clinics and free pickle-ball equipment in under-resourced parks, the People for Parks Fund helps connect diverse communities through the parks we share.

Q:  How are the artists selected and vetted to participate in the program? 

A:  Artists apply for the show in May and are informed at the end of June if their application was accepted. Dan Woychick, a People for Parks Fund committee member, and another designer/artist act as jury. The jury looks for a diversity of styles, mediums, and backgrounds of the artists and evaluates their portfolio and previous experience. New and emerging artists are encouraged to apply.

Q:  Please tell us about the pricing for the posters. 

A:  Posters are $50 each with 50% of the proceeds supporting the artist and 50% benefiting the People for Parks Fund of the Minneapolis Parks Foundation.

Q:  Are there any sponsorship or volunteer opportunities available for businesses or individuals interested in supporting Minneapolis parks? 

A:  Well, of course, there are! Sponsorship information is available here. This is a great way to show your support of our amazing park system while connecting with over 10,000 active and engaged citizens.

The Minneapolis Parks Foundation welcomes volunteers to help with our events. Please sign up for our newsletter to learn of current opportunities and we would love for your readers to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Scenes from last years event:

October 2023 Minneapolis Central City Tunnel Project Update

Via an October 3 e-announcement from the City of Minneapolis:

Project Overview

The City of Minneapolis Public Works Department is constructing a new parallel storm tunnel, enlarging a portion of the existing storm tunnel, and constructing a new tunnel access in Downtown Minneapolis.

The new tunnel is being constructed parallel to the existing tunnel located under Washington Ave S between Nicollet Mall and Chicago Ave. The existing tunnel under Chicago Ave between Washington Ave S and the Mississippi River is being expanded to handle the increased stormwater capacity. The purpose of this project is to reduce pressure in the existing tunnel, provide more room for future growth, and to reduce the need for future repairs and tunnel failures.

Project Map

Latest Project News

Mississippi River Portal

• Crews continue to work on lining the existing storm tunnel at the Mississippi River with concrete. Excavation will resume later this fall when they can access the storm flow again.

2nd Ave

• Crews continue to work on lining the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Ave from the new tunnel access shaft in the southbound lanes of 2nd Ave S, just north of the Washington Ave intersection.

Portland Ave

• Crews continue to work on lining the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Ave from the existing tunnel access shaft at the northeast corner of the Washington Ave and Portland Ave intersection.

Lining progress

In September, crews continued to work on the concrete tunnel lining pouring about 1,500 cubic yards of concrete. To date 9,700 cubic yards of concrete have been poured. As noted in the infographic above, this is just under three times the volume of an Olympic swimming pool. This process is approximately 64% complete.

Long-term closures/restrictions

• The north westbound lane, bike lane, and parking lane remains closed on Washington Ave between Portland Ave and Park Ave. These closures will remain in place until the project is completed.
  • During this closure, pedestrians can still use the sidewalks along Washington Ave.
  • Crosswalks across Washington Ave and Portland Ave will remain open.
  • Bicyclists will share the traffic lane.
  • The existing left turn lane on Washington Ave at the Portland Ave intersection will temporarily become a left turn and through lane.

• Northbound lane of Portland Ave will be periodically closed between Washington Ave and 2nd Closures will happen during the workday only.
  • Closure is for the placement of concrete into the tunnel.
  • East crosswalk across Washington and north crosswalk across Portland will be closed.
  • Sidewalks will remain open to businesses and residences.

• The north sidewalk along Washington Ave remains restricted between Hennepin Ave and Nicollet Mall.
  • During these restrictions, pedestrians share the bike lane on Washington Ave.
  • The crosswalks at the Washington Ave intersections of Nicollet Mall and Hennepin Ave remains open.

• The sidewalk on the east side of 4th Ave S remains restricted through the end of the project. The dewatering well and pumps are installed in this area.
  • Pedestrians can use the sidewalk on the west side of 4th Ave S.
  • The crosswalk at the Washington Ave and 4th Ave intersection remains open.
  • Access to driveways off 4th Ave S remains open.

• The west sidewalk of Portland Ave south of Washington Ave will remain restricted to pedestrians around the dewatering well and pumps until the project is completed.

• The parking lot and trail near Mill Runs Park remains open until November 1.
  • The trail will continue to have flaggers to allow concrete trucks to pull into and out of the work site until the parking lot closes for the winter on November 1.

• 2nd Ave S remains a single lane in each direction using the northbound lanes between Washington Ave and 1st St S. Access will be restricted until the project is completed.
  • Access to driveways off 2nd Ave S remain open. There may be short-term access delays while crews move equipment and materials around.

Stay Connected

There are multiple ways to get information including email updates and ongoing stakeholder meetings. Visit the project website for more information and to sign up for project updates.

Email the project team: info@mplscentralcitytunnel.com

Contact the project hotline: 612-888-9418

New Bde Maka Ska Pavilion Opens October 20

Rebuilt pavilion area features Pimento on the Lake restaurant and Pimento Market space for local entrepreneurs, outdoor gathering spaces, public art, and improved trails, landscaping and restrooms

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board will open the Bde Maka Ska Pavilion area on Friday, October 20. This high-profile lakeside attraction at 3000 E Bde Maka Ska Parkway has been completely rebuilt and expanded over the last 15 months.

The $6.5 million project features two new buildings totaling 4,400 square feet that will host a restaurant and market from the team behind Pimento Jamaican Kitchen, Indigenous art, and the return of naval artifacts that were previously displayed at the lake. The project also includes improved outdoor seating with 3,000 square feet of open covered space, a small performance stage, upgraded landscaping and trail safety, and a six-stall, year-round restroom area that opened today.

“We could not be more excited to open the new Bde Maka Ska Pavilion and provide another welcoming, open space in our park system,” said Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Superintendent Al Bangoura. “As beloved as the original pavilion was, I believe this new building will quickly become a favorite gathering space and a Minneapolis icon.”

The former Bde Maka Ska concessions pavilion, also called a “refectory,” was built in 1930 and was operated seasonally until it burned down in 2019.

“We’d like to thank the partners who contributed to make this project possible, including Louis King, Tomme Beevas and the Pimento Jamaican Kitchen team, Cunningham, Concrete Pig with Juxtaposition Arts, Hennepin Theater Trust, Native American Community Development Institute and the upcoming muralists, artist Adrienne Zimiga-January, who created the ‘We are on Dakota / Native Land’ decals, Morcon Construction, and, of course, the dedicated MPRB staff members who spent countless hours making this a reality,” said MPRB President Meg Forney. “It was truly a team effort.”

“I am thrilled the Bde Maka Ska Pavilion and restaurant are back!” added MPRB District 4 Commissioner Elizabeth Shaffer. “It’s an important site for the local community and a major regional attraction for our city as the Chain of Lakes is the second-most visited destination in Minnesota.”

Pimento on the Lake and Pimento Market

Pimento on the Lake team

Two new buildings will each host distinct experiences from Pimento Jamaican Kitchen.

Pimento on the Lake is a new lakeside restaurant offering beach-inspired twists on Pimento Jamaican Kitchen’s authentic, award-winning Jamaican cuisine and libations. It will be open seasonally out of the north building at the pavilion site.

“We’re bringing the magic of Jamaica to the shores of Bde Maka Ska! This is an amazing opportunity to showcase our authentic, award-winning cuisine and host lively lakeside events at one of the most iconic and picturesque places in Minneapolis,” said Tomme Beevas, Chief Strategic Officer of Pimento Jamaican Kitchen.

Pimento joined forces with the team behind Lola on the Lake, which operated the Bde Maka Ska concessions building before it burned down, to create Pimento on the Lake.

“I’m really excited about being a part this next chapter of concessions at Bde Maka Ska,” said Louis King with Lola’s on the Lake. “The Park Board and Pimento have partnered with Lola’s to bring a world-class concept to the lake and region. I applaud the efforts.”

Pimento Market will offer a curated selection of goods, gifts and treats from local BIPOC businesses and entrepreneurs. It will be open year-round in the south building at the pavilion site.

“We’re proud to support BIPOC entrepreneurs, celebrate their talents, and offer a platform for their products to shine,” said Beevas. “Our market will be more than just a place to shop; it's a cultural experience to foster unity and showcase the rich tapestry of talent in Minnesota.”

Follow Pimento on the Lake (Facebook/Instagram) and Pimento Market (Facebook/Instagram) for updates and more information, and visit pimento.com to sign up for email updates and offers!

Pavilion Area Highlights

The entire pavilion area was renovated in addition to the construction of the two new buildings. Highlights:

• Ample outdoor seating areas, including a new community table designed by a Youth Apprentice with Juxtaposition Arts
• Small performance stage
• Improved trail safety and 51 bike parking stalls
• All-gender indoor restroom area with six stalls, including one fully accessible stall with an adult changing table
• Redesigned landscaping with native plants, trees and flowers
• Rebuilt boat launch

Public Art and Memorials

A new mural is planned on the pavilion thanks to a partnership with the Native American Community Development Institute (NACDI), and Hennepin Theatre Trust (HTT).

NACDI and HTT have an ongoing collaborative program called We Are Still Here, a multiyear partnership creating large-scale, high-profile public artworks in the Twin Cities. The mural on the Bde Maka Ska Refectory building will serve as the capstone project for the emerging and mentor artists in the current round of the We Are Still Here program, which is funded in partnership with the McKnight Foundation and the Minnesota State Arts Board – Clean Water, Land & Legacy Amendment.

In addition, Dakota language signs are found on steel columns throughout the buildings, including decals designed by artist Adrienne Zimiga-January.

Two naval artifacts – the Wheel from USS Minneapolis and Bell from USS Minnesota – have returned to the shores of Bde Maka Ska. The American Legion gifted the Bell of the USS Minneapolis to the MPRB in 1928 and the Wheel from the USS Minnesota in 1932. The Navy Memorial at the northeast corner of Bde Maka Ska displayed these naval artifacts for decades, where annual Memorial Day services were also held.

Artistic Director Hebe Tabachnik Gives Her Top Picks for the 11th Annual Cine Latino Film Festival

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Hebe TabachnikMSP Film Society proudly celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with the 11th Annual Cine Latino Film Festival. The festival highlights the best new Latin American, U.S. Latinx, and Ibero Cinema – and it happens in our neighborhood at The Main Cinema, 115 SE Main Street. Artistic Director Hebe Tabachnik gave us her top picks for the festival. See the full line-up here and purchase tickets here. Daily parties at Pracna, food trucks and visiting filmmakers round out the event.

Please also note that Cine Latino presents ¡Hola Cine! at the Minneapolis Institute of Art's Family Day on Sunday, October 8. See the family-friendly collection of Spanish-language short films for free between 10:30am-2:30pm at Mia, 2400 Third Avenue S.

*  *  *  Hebe’s Picks  *  *  *  

RADICAL - Cine Latino's Opening Night film is based on a true story about an unconventional teacher who resorts to creative methods to inspire in his students a contagious curiosity and love for learning and discovery. A more than healthy dose of laughs and tears is warranted!

GOING VARSITY IN MARIACHI - An unforgettable ode to identity, belonging, and resilience alongside youth Mariachi bands. Please come prepared to leave the theater singing and dancing. Mariachi of all ages are welcome! Filmmaker Daniela Quiroz will be in attendance.

ELIS & TOM - IT HAD TO BE WITH YOU - In 1974, Tom Jobim, one of the creators of Bossa Nova, and Elis Regina, the most popular singer in Brazil at that time, met to record what would be the most iconic album of Brazilian music. One of this year’s Cine Latino's tribute to the powerful musical heritage of this magic region.

THE EXTORTION - High-octane entertainment up in the skies and across the Atlantic with lots of twists and turns with unpredictable consequences makes this a great film for a fun night out with friends and family.

20,000 SPECIES OF BEES - Cine Latino's Closing Night film is definitely one of the best films of the year, Winner of the Best Performance Award at the Berlinale 2023 for the eight-year-old protagonist played by Sofía Otero, 20,000 Species of Bees is an emotional and very satisfying tale about diversity, dialogue, and tolerance. 

POWER ALLEY - SNEAK PREVIEW! - Driven by compelling performances, energetic editing, and a dazzling score, this hopeful and spirited celebration of sisterhood and resistance in the face of Brazilian conservatism is the luminous debut feature of Writer/Director Lillah Halla and the Winner of this year’s FIPRESCI Award at the Cannes Critics' Week.

Fall Street Sweeping Begins October 17

Crews are preparing to sweep streets across Minneapolis this month and November to clean the streets before winter. Street sweeping helps keep leaves and debris out of the storm drains and from ending up in our lakes and creeks and the Mississippi River.

Minneapolis Public Works will begin the big task of curb-to-curb street sweeping throughout the city Tuesday, October 17. During the four weeks of the comprehensive fall street sweep, crews will clean about 1,000 miles of city streets. To make sure crews can do the best job possible, temporary hot pink “No Parking” signs will be posted at least 24 hours in advance so streets will be clear of cars when they’re swept. The first signs will be posted Monday, October 16, and sweeping will begin the next day. Anyone who parks on the street will need to follow posted parking rules or their cars may be ticketed and towed.

Ways to stay informed of the parking rules:

• Interactive web feature – The Street Sweeping Schedule Map is available on the City’s website. Visitors to the website will be able to find out which week their street is scheduled to be swept. Then, on the weekend before each of the four weeks, the schedule for the upcoming week will be broken down to show which day of the week streets are scheduled to be swept.
• “No Parking” signs – City crews will post “No Parking” signs at least 24 hours before sweeping any streets. Parking will be banned from 7am to 4:30pm on the day a street is swept. However, the “No Parking” signs will be removed as soon as possible after a street has been completely swept to allow people to resume parking after the signs are removed. Vehicles not in compliance with “No Parking” signs may be ticketed and towed to the Minneapolis Impound Lot. The sweeping takes several steps, so people should not resume parking until the signs are removed.
• Email and text alerts – You can sign up to get an alert automatically emailed or texted to you at the start of street sweeping.
• Social media – The City will use Facebook and Twitter to post periodic street sweeping updates and information.
• Videos – Street sweeping is explained in English, Spanish, Somali and Hmong on the City’s YouTube channel and on Minneapolis City TV.

* * Clean streets mean healthier water * *

Minneapolis streets are swept completely curb to curb with enforcement of parking rules once in the spring and again in the fall. You can do your part by not pushing leaves, grass clippings or other debris into City streets. It’s bad for our lakes and waterways, it can cause safety hazards and it’s against the law.

Leaves that wash into storm drains end up in our lakes and creeks and the Mississippi River. They may quickly begin to break down, creating pollutants that overfertilize lake water and help harmful aquatic plants and algae grow. The murky lake water that results is not good for swimming or fishing. It can also harm wildlife and pets.

Learn more about street sweeping.

Mpls Downtown Improvement District Announces 2023 Greening & Public Realm Award Winners

The Mpls Downtown Improvement District (DID) has announced its 2023 Greening & Public Realm Award winners, a group decided by an interactive public vote that includes three first-time winners among the eight categories.

The Greening & Public Realms Awards aim to amplify the greening efforts by local organizations and companies that help beautify downtown and its surrounding areas through enhancing our urban landscape.

The is year’s four first-time award winners include Mpls College Landing (Best Small Green Space), Hennepin Avenue (Best Streetscape), Rising by Richard Hunt (Best Public Art) and The Alley Project (Best Public Realm Improvement)

Loring Greenway won a Greening & Public Realm Awards for a record 12th straight year – including winning Best Large Green Space for the seventh year in a row. The Loring Park Neighborhood also took home the prize for Best Neighborhood Greening for the seventh year in a row as well. Peavey Plaza won its third straight Greening & Public Realm Award for Best Activated Space.

“We had a tremendous summer downtown, and our community added to the vibrancy felt by residents, employees and visitors through incredible greening in their respective spaces,” said Steve Cramer, President & CEO of the Mpls Downtown Improvement District. “We congratulate our winners of this year’s DID Greening Awards and commend all finalists and nominees on positively contributing to our city’s core.”

Greening & Public Realm Award winners will receive a commemorative plaque created by Wood from the Hood, a Minneapolis-based company that reclaims discarded trees from urban neighborhoods and creates high-quality wood products. Each award will display the year the award was issued and the category that was won. Winning locations will also receive a Greening & Public Realm Awards winner sign to designate their award-winning greenery.

The finalists, nominated by the public, were selected and categorized by members of the Mpls DID staff based on criteria including overall year-over-year enhancements as well as continued excellence in adding vibrancy to the public realm.

Lung Association’s 2024 Fight For Air Climb Will Take Climbers to New Heights in Capella Tower

Climbers of all fitness levels, families, firefighters, and corporate teams from across Minnesota are invited to participate in the February 24, 2024, event

The American Lung Association of Minnesota wants you to start thinking ahead to February for their 2024 Fight For Air Climb. The premiere stair-climbing event will take climbers to new heights for the first time at Capella Tower, 225 South 6th Street. Climbers of all fitness levels can challenge themselves as they make their way up 53 flights towards the top. The family-friendly event supports more than 601,000 people in Minnesota living with lung disease.

The goal is to raise awareness and funds to support the Lung Association’s efforts to improve lung health and prevent lung disease through lifesaving research, education, and advocacy.

Space on the stairs is limited, and participants are encouraged to save their spot and register today. You can also use code “EARLYBIRD” by November 16 to receive $10 off the registration $35 fee.

For more information, visit FightForAirClimb.org/TwinCities.

Downtown Community Storage Program Surpasses 1,000 Clients Served

The Downtown Community Storage Program officially passed 1,000 clients served this summer and continues to provide space for members of the downtown community to store their valuables in short- or long-term capacities.

Launched in late 2021 and located in the basement of Ramp B, the storage facility ensures people’s belongings are safe and secure. As of today, the program has served 1,200 clients.

The Downtown Community Storage Program launched as a resource for those experiencing homelessness in an effort to ease the constant stress and anxiety of making sure belongings aren’t lost, left behind or stolen. It is also a resource for people attending local events who need to store belongings while they are at a venue.

Through funding from the City of Minneapolis, Ameriprise and DID, the Downtown Community Storage Program offers free storage for personal belongings for an unlimited amount of time.

Clients often take advantage of this unlimited amount of storage time as they work towards obtaining housing. Client success is often measured by testimonials detailing their appreciation for storage as a place to keep belongings secure while in housing transition.

“We are thrilled with the continued success the Downtown Community Storage Program is having in our community – and other communities as well,” said Joe Kreisman, Social Impact Manager at the Mpls Downtown Improvement District. “We’ve had outreach from other communities, including Duluth, on how to start up similar programs due to the success and impact our program is making in the community. This is an important resource for many who need help with taking care of their belongings. At any given time, we have hundreds of clients using this space, and we are proud to provide this service.”

The storage program is open on Mondays through Fridays from 9am–5pm. To learn more or contact the Downtown Community Storage program, visit www.mplsdid.com/storage.

Success stories include: 

• Client D came to us from our DID Hennepin County Social Worker James, he had called and said that the client has quite a bit of belongings, but they are in the process of getting housed and she didn’t want her belongings stolen while staying at the shelter. We were able to provide her with two bins and she would call to check in every two weeks for the next four months until her place was ready.

• Client K expressed that she has never been in a situation like this before, but she was pushing through it and determined to get out of it. She would come by at least 10 times a week and grab what she needed for the night and return in the morning to drop it off. After 6 months of keeping that same routine while going to the library and spending time there to read/study, she got into transitional housing. On June 14, 2023, she came down and was very excited, because her hard work and patience paid off.

• Client E signed up on March 9, 2023 and while he was waiting for his housing to go through, he was also working. Every couple of days he would come by and change his outfits and store new clothes. He finally got his keys to move in on May 18, 2023. 

Meet the Mill City Farmers Market Vendors, Part 2 - Dawn2Dusk Farms

Article by Becky Fillinger

Moses MomanyiA discussion with Moses Momanyi, Owner

Moses Momanyi of Dawn2Dusk Farm believes in bringing others along on his farming and entrepreneurial journey. From Kenyan immigrant in 2004, he now owns farm land in Cambridge and he also runs a non-profit with the goal of fostering emerging immigrant farmers. He does not believe in a zero-sum world. Helping other farmers get established does not diminish his livelihood - in fact, it enhances it. Keep reading, but also visit the Mill City Farmers Market to meet this inspiring farmer and community builder.

Q:  Please tell us about your journey as an immigrant from Kenya to a non-profit leader/mentor to so many farmers just getting started.

A:  I came to this country in 2004. I am originally from a rural village in western Kenya and I grew up tending to cattle and farming seasonally cultivated crops on the family farm. After moving to the U.S., I became interested in having a family and living on a farm again. I saw community gardens one day and became so excited! I went to the city hall and was able to get 3 plots in 2006, and the following year I applied for and received 11 plots, and in 2009 I got 34 plots. That is when I realized I needed to find real mentorship on growing vegetables as a business. I went to Big River Farms in 2009 and 2010 and learned how to grow many crops that I had not grown while I was in Kenya, such as broccoli and zucchini. My wife, Lonah, was involved in learning all about farming, too. After I graduated from Big River Farms, we connected with other farmers who had also gone through their programs and leased farming land from them, too. At this time, we also talked to a USDA Farm Service Agency loan officer to get more information on how we could finance my own land. It is from that point that we realized I needed to keep farming records and put my finances together before we could go back for the loan. We continued to rent land and farm from 2010 to 2014 before going back to the USDA. 

Above, Lonah assists customers with Dawn2Dusk's well stocked variety of vegetables.

We were able to get a beginner farm loan to buy the 20 acres in Cambridge, MN. We continued to sell at farmers markets - Mill City, Kingfield, Fulton and Linden Hills. The murder of George Floyd and the pandemic made us open our land to friends who came to Cambridge in 2019 looking for space for healing and to farm. We decided to give 1/4 acre each to five farmers. By the end of the 2020 season, we had 13 farmers, in 2021 we had 19 farmers, and in 2022 we had grown the program to 28 farmers. We decided to form Kilimo Minnesota – an organic incubator farm with a mission to empower emerging farmers of African descent - and to find a training farmland. In 2020 we found a site in Lino Lakes with 14 acres and the owner agreed to have us there.  All of the farmers, except for two, moved to Lino Lakes from Cambridge. Kilimo also continues to find other farms for collaboration. We give a shout out to Philadelphia Community Farm in Osceola for giving some Kilimo farmers space to farm. We have rented other places in Cocrane, St. Francis and Frogtown. We mentor the farmers for 3-4 years on all aspects of the farming business - production, markets, financial readiness, community building and land access. We have reserved a stall at farmers markets – Mill City and Kingsfield. This year, we have 34 farmers who are actively farming and selling wholesale through food hubs like The Good Acre, to restaurants, schools and directly to individuals. I’m happy to say I can count up to 7 farmers who have acquired their own farm land, and 5 more seeking farmland to purchase.

Q:  Did you always envision yourself as a farmer?

A:  No, I did not see myself as a farmer from the beginning. I loved farming because of the memories I have of farming with my parents in Kenya and selling the extra produce we grew. I wanted to live and raise my kids on a farm. I can happily say that Lonah, I, and our two children now live on our farm in Cambridge – we have twenty acres in certified organic cultivation, plus livestock and two greenhouses.  

Q:  I think I know why your business is called Dawn2Dusk, but can you tell us how you thought of it as the name? 

A:  All along I have seen the farming lifestyle as one of getting up so early and going to bed late after everything else. Some chickens only get into the coop when it gets dark and someone has to lock the door! In Kenya, we would get up at three in the morning to get the oxen yoked up, and we’ll go out and till the land in the wee hours of the morning until about 6 or 7pm...that is to me a "dawn to dusk" affair. I see the same here. We wake at 3am in order to arrive at the market 5:30am.

Q:  What produce are you bringing to the farmers markets this year?

A:  We try to grow all kinds of produce for the market - what can grow outdoors in the Minnesota climate. Spring greens like lettuce mix in early May, to winter squashes in late October.

Q:  Have you ever changed your crops in response to customer demand?

A:  Yes, we test the market for customer preferences - red round radishes vs. French breakfast radishes; fingerling potatoes vs. Yukon gold potatoes vs. regular red potatoes; heirloom tomatoes vs. hybrid tomatoes vs. sungold tomatoes. This is ongoing.

Q:  What do you want our readers to know about your farm?

A:  We are mentoring the future food producers by sharing the skills and all the resources we can muster. Other like-minded farmers are doing the same as we try to connect people to their land and food sources.  We invite your readers to visit a local farm once a year, and volunteer if you can. You will come away with a different perspective on food.

Q:  Are you experiencing any changes to your farming operation as a result of climate change?

A:  Yes. We still struggle with watering crops even though we have an irrigation well. We are transitioning to a no-till approach as we try to grow in less water. We are seeing increased insect pressure due to changing weather. More intense weather events definitely put pressure on farming.

Q:  How may we follow your news?

A:  Come visit with us at the farmers markets and follow us on Instagram.