Children’s Theatre Company's Upcoming Production of Corduroy set for Feb 14 - Apr 2

Corduroy, winner of the American Alliance for Theatre & Education “Distinguished Play” Award, will play from February 14 – April 2 at Children’s Theatre Company's UnitedHealth Group Stage. Opening Night is Saturday, February 18 at 7pm. Purchase tickets online at childrenstheatre.org/corduroy or by calling the ticket office at 612-874-0400. Ticket prices start at $15.  

Join the beloved teddy bear as he takes a rollicking ride up the escalator and begins a delightfully destructive romp through every section of the department store. Will he find his button at the top of a teetering store display? Will Lisa ever get to bring him home, or will the bumbling security guard catch him first? Where, oh where, is Corduroy’s BUTTON?

 

The Star Tribune hails Corduroy as “ebullient…utterly delightful” and the St. Paul Pioneer Press raves that it “leaves its audience delightfully impaired by extreme laughter.” Don’t miss this delightful and wonderfully comic tale of friendship.

“Corduroy, with its title character’s quest for his missing button, is the story of a little toy bear’s very real need to find a ‘Friend’ and a place to call home, along with that of a little girl’s corresponding need to bring that bear home - as a Friend,” says Playwright Barry Kornhauser. “I’m absolutely delighted that this little adaptation of that story has found a home once again with all of its ‘Friends’ at Children’s Theatre Company where the play was first nurtured and produced. It is always a gift and a joy to work with Peter [Brosius] and his brilliant and passionate team as they bring classic children’s literature to life so vividly, so imaginatively, and so lovingly. Corduroy may have lost a button, but Corduroy has found its way back to the CTC stage, and for that I am ‘beary’ grateful.”  

 

“It is such a joy to bring Corduroy to our stage,” said Corduroy Director and CTC Artistic Director Peter C. Brosius. “This is a story that touches our hearts and has us rolling in laughter. Barry Kornhauser has brought his brilliant comic mind to this adaptation and created a truly delightful play of friendship, persistence and determination and what it means to never give up on your dreams. Corduroy inspires us all with his heart and his hope and we can’t wait to share it with you.”

School groups interested in attending Corduroy can contact schools@childrenstheatre.org for more information. This production is best enjoyed by everyone age 4 and up. Lap passes are available for children 3 years and younger. Runtime: ​90 minutes with one 15-minute intermission. 

Nonprofit Spotlight: Civic Orchestra of Minneapolis

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

A Discussion with Carol Margolis, Concertmaster

Carol MargolisThe Civic Orchestra of Minneapolis celebrates its 70th season of music with the 2022-2023 concert season. I highly recommend you make plans to attend their upcoming concert - performances are offered free of charge and the musicians are exceptionally talented. We spoke to Carol Margolis, Concertmaster, about the history of the Orchestra, her many responsibilities and how to support this cherished institution.

Q:  Please tell us the history of the Civic Orchestra of Minneapolis.

A:  I’d love to. In autumn of 1952, a group of Twin Cities’ musicians organized the Civic Orchestra of Minneapolis under the baton of Henry Denecke, timpanist with the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra. The fledgling orchestra had its first concert that following spring on Tuesday, May 5, 1953.

In its early years, Civic rehearsed in the auditorium of Schmitt Music. Tom Nee, Assistant Professor of Music at Hamline University, assumed leadership of the Civic in 1954 and helped to build the ensemble into a leading community orchestra. Under his direction, Civic established a commissioning fund to support the composition of new music, commissioning its first work in 1957.

Long noted for its innovative programming, the Orchestra has received eleven awards from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), a prestigious number for a community orchestra of its size. This tradition is ongoing, with new compositions currently in the works.

The Civic Orchestra of Minneapolis continues today as the oldest community orchestra in Minneapolis. We perform under the direction of Cary John Franklin, Music Director since 1994.

Q:  You are the Concertmaster for the Orchestra. Could you tell us about your responsibilities in this role?

A:  You know, I'm glad you asked that question! There are many!  

First of all, I am responsible for scheduling auditions for the violins with the Music Director and then for deciding what our requirements are for members.  How well can they sight read? What is their technical proficiency? How committed are they to playing all rehearsals and concerts?

Secondly, once I know who is in the violin section, I need to seat the players in both the first and second violin sections according to ability and preference. I do try to rotate the players between the first and second sections to give them variety and an understanding of the importance of each section. 

Next, I am responsible to make sure the bowings of both sections are consistent with each other and work technically and musically for the repertoire we are playing. I do try to keep bowings as simple and appropriate for the composition at hand as possible.

Civic Orchestra

Lastly, and most important, I lead the violin sections in rehearsals and performances. Obviously, the first priority for orchestra members is to follow the conductor, but the violins always have their eyes on me as well. They follow my bowings and phrasal entrances and finishes as we rehearse and perform.   

Q:  A little bit off course, but you also teach English to adult refugees and immigrants. Do you have time management tips to share?

A:  The dual careers of teaching English as a second language as well as keeping up a busy performance/jobbing schedule with the Lake String Quartet and the Civic Orchestra can be daunting!!! I love them both but have had to make some changes as the years have accumulated! Fifteen years ago, I could keep up with thirty hours of teaching, weekend gigs and Civic rehearsals and performances. Now, however, I have had to modify my schedule. A couple of years ago I retired from teaching, and now volunteer once a week at the school I formerly taught at. In making that decision, as hard as it was to give up full-time teaching, my volunteer work has kept me happily active in the ESL community. I still enjoy performing and jobbing with the quartet as much as ever and love playing with the Civic Orchestra.    

I have served as Concertmaster with the Civic Orchestra of Minneapolis for almost 10 years now and the position and the privilege of playing with a group of such talented musicians has given me more joy and gratitude than I can express! We all come to our orchestra dedicated to playing beautiful music with each other and to sharing it with audiences. It is truly a delight! 

Q:  Are there upcoming performances?

A:  Yes, we are preparing for our next concert which will be held at the Ted Mann Concert Hall. It features Gao Hong premiering her new work for Pipa and Orchestra composed specifically for the Civic Orchestra.  Here’s information on the full program:

March 5, 3:00 PM - Musical Journey for Pipa and Orchestra 

• Adolphus Hailstork – An American Fanfare 
• Gao Hong – Musical Journey for Pipa and Orchestra, World Premiere 
• Antonín Dvořák – New World Symphony 

Mark your calendars and come hear our performance! Please check our website for other upcoming concerts.

Q:  How may we support this community treasure?

A:  We are so thankful for your donations. There are so many ways to support us: click here to select from among the different options. Also, please follow us on social media, Instagram and Facebook.

Minnesota Library Access Center: Cavernous Storage!

Article by Becky Fillinger

MLAC is located 85 feet below Elmer L.Andersen Library on the University of Minnesota’s West Bank campus.

Think you know all about Minnesota libraries? How about a mega-storage facility located 85 feet below the Elmer L. Andersen Library – in caverns? We talked to MLAC staff, Kate Brownrigg and Michelle Penna, about the history and capacity of the Minnesota Library Access Center. You might want a tour – keep reading.

Kate Brownrigg (left) and Michelle Penna

Q:  Please tell us the history of the Minnesota Library Access Center.

A:  The Minnesota Library Access Center (MLAC) is the state- and university-funded cornerstone of Minnesota libraries’ efforts to provide cost-effective storage, access, and preservation, while promoting the use, and ensuring the long-term survival of the knowledge and culture contained in the collective library resources drawn from multiple library collections throughout the state.

MLAC is operated by Minitex, a joint program between the University of Minnesota and the Office of Higher Education. Many Minnesotans might not know that Minitex exists, but library staff sure do. At Minitex, it’s our mission to collaborate with each and every one of Minnesota’s libraries to help them do their best for their communities. Working together, we offer what just might be the highest quality library service of any state in the nation. We provide interlibrary loan, free online databases, and a whole lot more (check out our website). MLAC is emblematic of that spirit of cooperation. After all, MLAC is a collection of books from 22 separate institutions, managed expertly, and made available to any Minnesotan who wants or needs them, at no cost to the patron.

MLAC is located at the University of Minnesota. It opened January 2, 2000. The service was designed to help relieve space shortages for Minnesota academic, government, and public libraries. No other university or state at that time had tried to develop a storage center that would serve all types of libraries in a state.

MLAC includes items from over 20 academic, public, and government libraries across Minnesota. The largest single-day deposit of books at MLAC came in February, 2001 when over 24,000 books packed in seven semi-trucks arrived from the St. Paul Public Library. The smallest deposit was a single book from the Goddard School. 

MLAC is a University of Minnesota program located on the Twin Cities campus. MLAC operates as an integral program of the University of Minnesota Libraries, Twin Cities, and Minitex on behalf of all Minnesota libraries.

A specialized HVAC system maintains temperature and humidity controls. This image shows partially filled shelves from the early 2000s. 

MLAC shelves are 17 feet high, and most must be reached with a stockpicker.

MLAC contains 1.5 million volumes from over 20 Minnesota libraries.

Q:  How many volumes are stored at MLAC?

A:  Currently, 1.5 million volumes are stored in MLAC. Books in MLAC are shelved by size, not by subject or alphabetically like a typical library. The goal is to shelve at the highest density possible to maximize space usage. Unlike a typical library, our shelves are 17 feet tall. 

Q:  Is there a risk of reaching capacity in terms of storage? If yes, what would happen then?

A:  The facility where MLAC is located is at capacity — in fact, it’s beyond our expected capacity. This demonstrates that there is a need for collective management of library materials, and is one example of how Minnesota libraries have fully embraced collaboration as a method to meet that need. Libraries know that we need to work together to preserve unique library materials and that working together provides benefit to all. In June 2022, the University of Minnesota Board of Regents approved funding for a new Off-site Collections Facility to provide capacity well into the future. 

Q:  Where is MLAC located?

A:  MLAC is currently located in the caverns, 85-feet below Elmer L. Andersen Library on the West bank of the University of Minnesota. The caverns, dug into the Mississippi riverbank, are connected to the above-ground Elmer L. Andersen Library by a 40-square-foot shaft containing elevators, 140 stairs, ventilation equipment, and a custom-built conveyor system for moving library materials.

Q:  Who may access the materials stored at MLAC?

A:  Minnesota library patrons may request items for delivery to your local public library through MNLINK, which provides access to materials from libraries across the state. University of Minnesota students, staff, and faculty may request items for pickup at any University of Minnesota library location through the University of Minnesota Libraries catalog. 

Q:  Are tours available?

A:  While MLAC is not directly open to the public, tours of the caverns are available through the University Libraries’ Archives and Special Collections’ First Fridays event series. Tours are provided upon request at the conclusion of each in-person presentation event. 

The Book Club Play comes to Theatre in the Round Jan 27 to Feb 19

Theatre in the Round Presents 

THE BOOK CLUB PLAY BY KAREN ZACARÍAS

January 27 to February 19

Audience discussion follows the performances on February 12

Theatre in the Round Players (TRP) continues its 71st season with the light-hearted comedy about books and the people who love them. The Book Club Play runs weekends January 27 to February 19, with a Monday Pay-What-You-Can performance on February 6.  

Laughter and literature collide in this smart comedy about Ana, a tightly wound bibliophile who seems to have it all: an adoring husband, the perfect job and her greatest passion - Book Club. But when her cherished group becomes the focus of a documentary film, their intimate discussions about life and literature take a turn for the hilarious in front of the inescapable camera lens. Shanan Custer directs the seven-member cast with sets designed by Greg Vanselow, costumes by Rebecca Karstad, lighting by Dietrich Poppen, props by Bobbie Smith, and sound by Scott Gilbert.

The Book Club Play runs January 27 to February 10. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2pm.

Tickets are $25. For information, call the theatre’s box office at 612-333-3010 or visit its website at www.TheatreintheRound.org. Book clubs of 6 or more that wish to come as a group have access to $18 tickets by calling the box office or emailing tix@theatreintheround.org and mentioning the “Book Club Deal.”

Minneapolis Businesses Come Together to Donate Winter Clothing to Hennepin Healthcare

Left to right: Jennifer DeCubellis, Melvin Tennant, Lester Bagley, Lisa Goodman, Tykia Hess, RN

For the past month, Minneapolis partner businesses and individuals came together to gather new, warm clothes for Hennepin Healthcare patients through the Meet Minneapolis Warm Winter Clothing Drive. On January 5th more than 370 items were donated for distribution to patients in need at the Hennepin Healthcare Clinic and Specialty Center.

Per Melvin Tennant, Meet Minneapolis President and CEO, “Minneapolis neighbors stick together. And when we learned that Hennepin Healthcare had a great need to help patients and families with something as vital as warm clothing, we quickly launched a clothing drive. We reached out to get a sense of what some specific clothing items were needed, and then the Meet Minneapolis Warm Winter Clothing Drive went full speed ahead to help. We can’t thank our partners enough for pitching in to make sure our friends and neighbors – especially those in communities who struggle with financial or housing insecurity – have access to warm clothing.”

From December 5th through the 30th, Meet Minneapolis collected new, warm clothes to be donated to Hennepin Healthcare. Many Hennepin Healthcare patients have financial challenges. Some patients have damaged clothing after an accident or clothing has been removed to access wounds. Others may not have adequate clothing for the cold weather. Meet Minneapolis staff, board members and partner businesses contributed to the warm clothing drive, donating new coats, boots, pants, tops, mittens, scarves, socks and more.

“Our unique position as Minnesota’s largest level one trauma center means that many patients have pants, tops or clothing ripped or soiled when they arrive,” explained Jennifer DeCubellis. Hennepin Healthcare CEO. “After they have been treated, many patients are in need of clothing so they can be discharged with dignity. Thank you, Meet Minneapolis, for seeing the need and making a difference. We are proud of our Doing Good for Hennepin Healthcare program and encourage other businesses and groups to learn more.”

“Hennepin Healthcare Foundation has the honor of connecting the generosity of the community to the mission of Hennepin Healthcare,” added Theresa Pesch, President and VP of Philanthropy at Hennepin Healthcare Foundation. “Caring for all who walk through our door takes resources and an exceptional team. We are so thankful to Meet Minneapolis for supporting the patients in need of clothing to be discharged with dignity or those in need of extra layers during our winter here in Minneapolis.”

“There are many different narratives of what Minneapolis is and what it isn’t,” said Minneapolis City Council Member Lisa Goodman, a Meet Minneapolis Board Member. “One thing we know to be true is that we consistently have tremendous levels of community engagement in our city. That includes volunteering and giving back to our community, and a perfect example of that is this impactful clothing drive.”

“I’m especially grateful for all of those in the hospitality industry that contributed to this important effort to share warm clothing with patients in need at Hennepin Healthcare,” stated Lester Bagley, Meet Minneapolis Board Chair and Minnesota Vikings Executive Vice President. “On behalf of the entire Meet Minneapolis team, thank you to all who donated to help support members of our community.”

A Discussion with Michaela Neu, Project Coordinator, Green Minneapolis

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Michaela NeuGreen Minneapolis envisions a green future for Minneapolis with trees on every street and vibrant public spaces. It is a powerful link between local governments and private funders, and will continue to help Minneapolis grow and thrive.

We talked to Michaela Neu, Project Coordinator, about Green Minneapolis projects, our urban tree canopy and how you can be part of their efforts.

Q:  Green Minneapolis was formed in 2015 to "enhance the downtown experience." What are some success stories in the past seven years?

A:  We’ve had quite a few - I’ll highlight several for your readers.

The Commons

In 2015, Green Minneapolis led a partnership with the City of Minneapolis and downtown business leaders that raised approximately $15 million dollars from generous companies and individuals for The Commons, a 4.2-acre green oasis that replaced surface parking lots and helped launch the revitalization of East Town. In conjunction with the opening of the adjacent US Bank Stadium, The Commons opened in the summer of 2016 and has hosted dozens of stadium related events drawing thousands of visitors, as well as serving as a tranquil and beautiful green space for residents to recreate and relax. Now under the ongoing care and management of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, The Commons continues to expand its programming and build its community of park users. Green Minneapolis is proud of its leadership role in establishing The Commons as a new and welcoming park in the center of downtown.

Peavey Plaza

Peavey Plaza

Green Minneapolis spearheaded the $10 million fundraising campaign to revitalize Peavey Plaza, with contributions from the City of Minneapolis, State of Minnesota, Target Corporation and many other companies and individual donors. The design team, led by Coen+Partners, facilitated a project that celebrates the Plaza’s historic modernist design, enhances sustainability and makes the Plaza accessible to all. The renovated Peavey Plaza, which is now on the National Register of Historic Places, has been open for three years, and its restoration has won several awards, including two this year - the prestigious 2022 Design Award of Excellence from Docomomo US, and the 2022 Best Activated Space Award from Minneapolis Downtown Council. 

And with pandemic restrictions lifted, this year Green Minneapolis inaugurated our Peavey Plaza Performing Arts Series, with 27 different artists and 65 free performances, attracting thousands of people back downtown to enjoy free music, dance and theater with performances by our programming partners including the Minnesota Orchestra, Cantus, Children’s Theatre Company, James Sewell Ballet and Westminster Church’s Music Program. Due to the resounding success of this year’s programming, next summer we plan to increase the number of performances from 65 to 100. Every one of these performances will be free and open to all, and every artist will be compensated - made possible by donations from Green Minneapolis supporters. We believe in the power of art to nurture human connection, and parks and public spaces like Peavey Plaza are some of the best places in our community where people from all walks of life come together to relax, recreate and get to know one another.

Twin Cities Climate Resiliency Initiative

Launched in 2021, Green Minneapolis expanded its vision for a green city to encompass an urban tree planting initiative focused on mitigating heat islands and environmental inequities across Minneapolis and the seven-county metro area. Called the Twin Cities Climate Resiliency Initiative, it is a 20-year program to plant and maintain 5 million new trees across the Twin Cities.  

Q:  Please tell us more about the Twin Cities Climate Resiliency Initiative.

A:  Green Minneapolis’ Twin Cities Climate Resiliency Initiative is a public/private partnership focused on significantly expanding the urban tree canopy across Minneapolis and the Twin Cities 7 County Metro Area. Designed to address the most harmful impacts of climate change on our region’s residents, it is a 20-year vision to increase the Metro Area’s tree canopy by 30% through planting and maintaining 5 million additional trees on public and private land.

This initiative requires significant new funding, and Green Minneapolis is working with a coalition of environmental organizations and local companies to increase funding for urban tree canopy planting and maintenance. Green Minneapolis joined a coalition of national environmental organizations advocating for urban tree funding to be included in the Inflation Reduction Act, resulting in $1.5 billion of new funding for urban forestry available to cities across the country.  And at the state level, Green Minneapolis is working with its coalition partners to advocate for increases in urban tree funding to help replace trees lost to Emerald Ash Borer.

Lastly, Green Minneapolis’ urban tree carbon offset program is the first to issue carbon offsets in Minnesota, and is the largest in the country.  Our first project with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) includes over 23,000 newly planted trees, and was verified and started selling carbon offset to local companies this fall.  Proceeds from the sale of carbon offsets from this program are projected to generate millions of dollars in new funding for our tree planting partners over the next 20 years.

In addition to working with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, this fall Green Minneapolis launched a project with Hennepin County, and we are in discussions with other Twin Cities local governments as well. To support this expansive scope, Green Minneapolis is forming a coalition of environmentally focused organizations to support the initiative, including The Nature Conservancy, the Trust for Public Land, Minneapolis Parks Foundation, Friends of the Mississippi River, Mississippi Park Connection, Mississippi Watershed Management Organization, Sagiliti and the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce. 

Q:  Why is the urban tree canopy important to Minneapolis?

A:  Green Minneapolis believes that urban tree canopy must be considered an essential component of urban infrastructure that keeps our cities livable and economically vibrant - just like our transit systems, water systems and electricity grid. In addition to sequestering carbon, urban trees provide other quantifiable benefits to urban communities including reducing flooding and water pollution, reducing particulate air pollution, mitigating urban heat islands and reducing heating and cooling energy use. Tree canopy also increases property values, contributes to our mental health, provides habitat for wildlife, reduces crime, slows car traffic, and sustains urban arborist jobs. There is no better technology for making our cities more sustainable and climate resilient than the tree.

Unfortunately, our tree canopy is threatened in Minneapolis and across the metro area from the Emerald Ash Borer, difficult growing conditions due to climate change and increased development. Now, more than ever, is the time to invest in growing our urban tree canopy.

Q:  I read that $1M of American Rescue Plan Funds allocated to Minneapolis may be used to jump start an initiative to plant 200,000 trees by 2040. How is that program proceeding? 

A:  To meet the goal of planting 200,000 additional trees across Minneapolis, the MPRB needs to plant on average 10,000 new trees each year. Long term funding for this level of tree planting is not yet in place. The $1M in American Rescue Plan funds we secured for the MPRB will get them to their tree planting goals in 2023 and 2024, but after 2024 the funding required is not yet in place. Proceeds from the urban tree carbon offset program will help fill some of the funding gap, but other sources - from new state, federal and philanthropic sources - are required.

Q:  How may we as citizens support the efforts of Green Minneapolis?

A:  The Twin Cities Climate Resiliency Initiative brings together individuals and companies that are taking action to reduce their environmental footprint by investing in the local tree canopy and community. You can help make a difference by donating to Green Minneapolis’ Twin Cities Urban Forest Fund, where funds will be used to plant and maintain trees across the Metro Area.

Q:  This is all great news for Minneapolis and the local area. How may we follow your news?

A:  One can sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Prioritize Health in 2023 - Tips from Mayor Jacob Frey

Article by Becky Fillinger

Mayor FreyIt’s the first week of a new year, and at this time we often start to ramp up our fitness regimen. One way to approach this is to get advice from the fittest among us. Our mayor, Jacob Frey, is frequently on the list of fittest mayors in the U.S. I put this question to him: What advice can you give us to get fitter in 2023? Not surprisingly, he had great advice to share: 

Before becoming mayor, I used to run for competition and passion. I now run for my physical and mental health. Running has always been a release for me. It helps me face difficult issues and allows me to think quicker. The absence of my routine runs is noticed not just by me, but by those around me. Prioritizing my health allows me to be the best version of myself, in and out of the office. 

Here are five tips I have for people looking to prioritize their physical health in 2023:    

1. Find a rhythm: The best way to get into a regular workout routine is to work out regularly. If you like to exercise in the morning, maybe that means not spending a ton of time on your phone while in bed. Instead, get up, put on your socks, and lace up those shoes. That first step alone will make it 10 times more likely you will get out the door and to your favorite workout activity.  
2. Frequency is more important than duration: Rather than crushing yourself once or twice a week during your workout, make a daily commitment to get some sort of exercise. Even if it’s a short walk during your lunch break, a little can go a long way. My favorite exercise is running along the Riverfront, which provides some of the best views in Minneapolis.
3. Listen to your body: Not every day is going to be your best. On days when you have a hop in your step, increase the intensity. On days when you’re tired, don’t be afraid to take what I call “active rest” - keep the body moving so you still benefit, but do so with a lower intensity.
4. Dress for the occasion: We live in Minneapolis, where a single-layer cotton shirt won’t be enough for many months of the year. But don’t let that deter you – throw on some layers, a hat, and some gloves, and find a way to get outside. Nothing cleanses the body and mind like some fresh air. Even a phenomenal workout inside usually can’t take the place of experiencing a breath of fresh air outside.
5. Go with a friend: If you are accountable to someone beyond yourself, you’re more likely to show up on time and get the job done. Not to mention, a little banter can make exercising more fun and go by quicker. In Minneapolis, we’re all in this together, especially during the winter, and there are plenty of workout groups and people there to help you stay motivated. On Wednesday mornings, check out November Project and on Friday mornings, check out Flapjack Friday at Mill City Running.

Thank you, Mayor Frey! 

Small Business Spotlight: chemin

Article by Becky Fillinger, photo provided

A Conversation with Death Doula, Wendy Brown

Wendy BrownWe typically associate the word doula with childbirth. But there is a growing movement of Death Doulas – those professionals who bridge the gap between the medical and emotional/spiritual aspects of death for patients and families. We talked to Wendy Brown, owner of chemin, a Minneapolis Death Doula. She told us about why she entered the profession, services provided and local events to learn more about the movement.

Q:  Why did you become a Death Doula? Why did this appeal to you as a career option? 

A:  My interest around end of life began during 2016 when I lost both my beloved Uncle Will as well as my sister's daughter in utero. I began to notice how difficult and seldom people talk about death, a clear fear when recognizing death is a part of life. I also began a Health Care Directive Workshop, Speaking of Dying MN, which opened my eyes to the many options while planning one’s end of life wishes. My sister Sarah Longacre, a Birth Doula, mentioned the idea of Death Doula work and I soon dove right into doula training research. Soon I discovered INLEDA, the International End of Life Doula Association, and picked up the book, Caring for the Dying: The Doula Approach to a Meaningful Death, written by Henry Fersko-Weiss, the founder of INELDA. I immediately felt if I did not pursue becoming a doula as a profession, which I indeed did, I would want to support my family and friends with finding deep meaning and comfort with care given at the end of life. 

Q:  How does a person train to be a Death Doula? Are there degrees or certifications available? 

A:  There are multiple Death Doula trainings offered all around the country. The most well known in my experience include:

• https://inelda.org       
• https://www.henryferskoweiss.com (He was the founder of INELDA, left last year to start his own program.)
• https://www.consciousdyinginstitute.com       
• https://goingwithgrace.com       
• University of Vermont 

NEDA, the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance also lists different trainings on their site: https://www.nedalliance.org/trainer-directory.html

Unlike Birth Doulas, there is no national certification to become a Death Doula. Each program is completely different from the others. I trained with INELDA and decided to become certified as the feedback around my hands on experience was valuable. All this said, there are those with no training or certification who are Death Doulas through their experiences around end of life and natural ease with death. 

Here's a bit more on the certification process that might be of interest: https://www.nedalliance.org/about_eold_certification.html. 

As a NEDA member, a Death Doula can decide if they would like to earn a NEDA EOL Doula Proficiency Badge: https:www.nedalliance.org/proficiency-assessment.html.

Q: You're a founding member of the Minnesota Death Collaborative. Could you tell us more about this organization?

A: The Minnesota Death Collaborative is a resource for bridging the gap from life to death, for navigating the journey and reconnecting to the natural aspects of death. MNDC was created as a resource for those both in the death field as well as individuals searching for their own support around end of life. We embrace and honor death as a part of life.

You may sign up for our monthly newsletter here. Each month we welcome incredible, passionate speakers to our Community Call - these opportunities, as well as past recordings, are part of the MNDC membership. If you’re not sure about joining on one of our membership levels, we welcome you to attend a few community calls as our guest. Our January 11 Zoom meeting will feature local mortician Angela Woosley – bring your questions and learn more about natural burials, green cremation – she’ll answer any questions you have about working with morticians and funeral homes.

Q:  Do you help clients write legacy letters? Are there other legacy projects?  

A:  Yes, creating legacy letters is one form of a Legacy Project I focus on with my clients, as well as written stories, audio and video recordings, memory boxes and albums. It’s a profound experience to gather a person’s stories, be it at the final stages of life or with no diagnosis in view. My gift is to listen deeply to what each chapter has meant to my clients — the highs, the lows, and the turning points. The exercise is often more than simply chronicling one's history. For many, creating a Legacy Project can be a spiritual process as we look at the significant moments in a life, what one has learned, valued, and believed, as well as reflect on the impact one life has had on others and how others have impacted them. Legacy Projects provide an invaluable opportunity to find inner peace and control while deepening the exploration of one’s story. It also provides family and friends an ongoing relationship with their loved one, a touchstone of the most significant kind.

Q:  Are Death Doula services covered by Medicare or other insurance plans?

A:  Unlike Birth Doulas, currently Death Doula services are not covered by insurance. That said, many Death Doulas support families and their loved ones through pro bono action. Slowly we are seeing hospice homes and health care providers include Death Doulas as a part of their support system. As Death Doulas can provide a broad range of support, from spiritual and emotional help to physical comfort and logistical assistance, many people find Death Doulas an important service, along with hospice or palliative care.

Q:  How may we follow your news?  

A:  The MNDC newsletter and our Facebook page is a wonderful resource for local and national information around end-of-life support. Personally, you can follow me on my Instagram account and website: https://www.mychemin.com.

Stone Arch Bridge On Minneapolis by Ric Rosow

Submitted by Ric Rosow

Stone Arch Bridge on Minneapolis

I was working on a photograph of Downtown Minneapolis that I took New Year's Day. The sky was unremarkable, rather pale. There were no clouds, no blue or pink tones.The cityscape however looked good. The buildings were sharp and clear with a mixture of complimentary colors. I decided to combine the three images I had open at the time into one image. The other two images were close ups of the Stone Arch Bridge, images that contained very different colors from downtown. My end result is a digital version of a photomontage, a process that includes cutting, gluing, rearranging and overlapping several images. After overlapping the images I was able to modify the result to obtain a color balance and tone that I liked. Other artists in the Tres Leches Art Gallery physically combine different materials, textures, types of paint, resins and objects to create works of two or more dimensions. Photography is one dimensional. Creating the perception of dimension is a goal of almost all fine art photography.

You can view my work in person and the work of other Tres Leches artists, a number of whom create two and three dimensional works of art, this Thursday evening, January 5, at the Tres Leches Art Gallery, Studio 173, located in the Northrup King Building, 1500 Jackson Street NE from 5-9pm. On Saturday, January 21 from 5-9pm NKB will be open for you to browse works from hundreds of artists and shop multiple open creative studio. There is plenty of free Parking, a passenger elevator, and comfortable spaces for you to enjoy.

Meet Chief of Police, Brian O'Hara, at the Ukrainian Center, January 11

Message from Council Member Rainville

Greetings to all my Ward 3 neighbors,

I want to start by wishing all of you a Happy New Year. I'm looking forward to another great year of working for you all.

I want to invite you to the Ukrainian Event Center (301 NE Main St) on Wednesday, January 11 at 6pm to hear from our new Chief of Police, Brian O'Hara. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about Chief O'Hara's vision for MPD, and ask any questions you may have. 

I hope to see many of you there.

Your neighbor,

Michael

MacPhail Announces Free Family Event Saturday, January 21

MacPhail Center for Music has announced a free family event with a concert and activities for children Saturday, January 21, 2023.

The soulful sounds of Motown will combine with the power of the trombone as The Paper Clips provide an informative and engaging performance at Sing Play Learn with MacPhail®’s next Free Family Music Series. The Paper Clips will connect the sounds of “Hitsville” USA to its roots in Black American and popular music styles of the 20th century, a program for fans of all ages. The vibrancy of Minneapolis will set the stage in Antonello Hall at MacPhail’s downtown location. Members of The Paper Clips trombone quartet include Chris Allen, Brooklynne Audette, Lauren Husting and MacPhail’s very own Ben Bussey.

Activities Include:
•Free Family Concerts at 10:15am and 11:15am
•Instrument exploration
•Visual art station
•Snacks

Bussey, also MacPhail Faculty Member and K12 School Partnerships Development Representative, expressed his excitement about sharing this program with such a young audience. “We are thrilled to be able to bring some of our classic Motown program to the Free Family Music series. This is the music our parents played for us when we were kids, and we love sharing it with young people. The music of Motown is essential listening when considering the history and impact of Black American music in world popular culture. The blending of jazz and gospel in the city of Detroit birthed an unmistakable sound in the 1960s that continues to resonate with people today, and launched the careers of artists like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, and many more.” 

An Update on Bald Eagle Poisonings with Dr. Dana Franzen-Klein of The Raptor Center

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Dr. Dana Franzen-KleinOur majestic neighbors, the bald eagles, are a keystone species – vital to the health and well-being of its ecosystem (that includes all of us). In early in December, over a period of a few days, 11 bald eagles were found critically ill near a landfill. The birds were brought to The Raptor Center for diagnosis and treatment. We spoke to Dr. Dana Franzen-Klein, DVM, MS, Medical Director at The Raptor Center and Wildlife Veterinarian, to learn more about what turned out to be poisoning and how the eagles are faring now. One has fully recovered and been released back to the wild!

Q:  Can you please tell us what happened around the recent news about the poisoning of bald eagles in the area?

A:  At the start of December, The Raptor Center responded to nearly a dozen critically ill bald eagles found suffering from probable poisoning from pentobarbital. Pentobarbital is a drug that is found in euthanasia solution and eagles can get poisoned by this drug if they feed on the bodies of animals that have been euthanized with it. All of these birds were found in the same location next to a landfill, where it was confirmed that there were euthanized animals in the landfill that the eagles could have had access to. Of the 11 eagles that were rescued, one bird was also infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza and sadly did not survive. The remaining 10 were treated in intensive care for the suspected pentobarbital poisoning, as well as other poisonings or injuries found on exam including lead poisoning and injuries to their feet. We are excited to report that all 10 eagles survived the initial poisoning event, and one bird has even been released back to the wild (watch video of the release). We are hopeful that the remaining nine in our care will continue to recover and will once again fly free in the next month or two. As Bald Eagles are a federally protected species, this suspected poisoning incident is under active investigation by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

One of the eagles brought in for care.

These are the 10 eagles that survived the suspected pentobarbital poisoning, thanks to care at The Raptor Center. Some eagles have colored nontoxic stickers on their beaks to help with patient identification when they are housed with others. 

Q:  Do eagles typically eat items found within a certain range of their nests? 

A:  During the month of December in Minnesota when this poisoning occurred, eagles are not paired up to breed or sitting on nests and will often leave their nesting territories to look for food over a range of locations. Once breeding season starts, they often hunt or scavenge much closer to their nest sites.

Q:  What does rehab look like for the eagle patients? 

A:  Rehabilitation is a two-step process at The Raptor Center. Our specialized veterinary and rehab team first work to heal all of the medical issues in the patients - this includes giving intensive supportive care to the poisoned birds as many came in non-responsive - unable to sit up or stand on their own. They needed fluid therapy to help their bodies process the toxins, nutritional and vitamin support, nursing care, and antibiotics to treat the aspiration pneumonia that resulted from the birds being unable to protect their airways when they were sick. Additionally, a number were also experiencing lead poisoning, a poison that we sadly see in 80-90% of eagles that come into our center, and needed intensive treatment to help the birds bind and secrete the lead from their bodies. Finally, many birds also had additional physical injuries that might or might not have been related to the poisoning event. 

Once the birds have recovered from their medical problems and are determined to be healthy, they move to the second step of their recovery process and receive a test flight by our veterinarian technicians to ensure that they are strong and can fly well enough for release. If needed, they will enter a flight strengthening program where they build back the muscle and stamina needed to survive and thrive in the wild during a number of exercise flights by our flight crew volunteers. Once we determine they are strong, healthy, and have good flight, they are released back to the wild in neutral territory along one of the riverways in our area.

Q:  How can we support your efforts?  

A:  The Raptor Center’s specialized hospital for ill and injured raptors runs almost 100% on donations from the community. Because of the support of the public, we are able to treat over 1,000 sick eagles, hawks, owls, falcons, and vultures a year and give them a second chance at life. To help support birds like these eagles, please visit z.umn.edu/raptorgive and join our team to help protect birds and the world we all share.

Additionally, this incident shows the importance of recognizing that we as humans play a huge role in what goes into our ecosystem and chemicals or contaminants that we put out into the environment can have unintended consequences in our wild animals. Sadly, we see hundreds of poisonings every year ranging from lead poisoning to unintentional poisoning from rat bait, and from other drugs like pentobarbital in this case. These are all 100% preventable and we as humans have the power to help take actions to protect not just raptors, but the world we all share.

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Dry January? Try These Non-Alcohol Beers from FINNEGANS

If your New Year's resolution pledge is to give up drinking alcohol for the month of January, that doesn’t mean giving up going out or having fun. FINNEGANS has three Non-Alcohol Hairless Dog beers for you to enjoy. Unlike many non-alcoholic beers, Hairless Dog is the first truly 0.0% craft beer in the U.S. Not a drop of alcohol has been produced during the making process, which is unique.

The Citra Lager and IPA are on tap in FINNEGANS' Taproom. Additionally, Hairless Dog is found in many retail outlets - consult the Beer Finder to locate one nearest to you. If you are new to the brand, FINNEGANS is also offering 25 store samplings across the metro area so you can try before you buy.

Magical Monochrome Morning With a Touch of Maroon and Gold

Thank you to Susan Schaefer for sharing this frosty photo overlooking the Mississippi River, taken December 31, 2022.

Small Business Spotlight: Trutech Wildlife Service

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Russell DepeuHome or business owners in Minneapolis may at some point experience animal pests in their structures. If that happens, it's best to not ignore the situation. Trutech Wildlife Service can remove the animals humanely and guarantee your peace of mind. We spoke to Russell Depeu, District Manager for Minneapolis, about common wildlife nuisances in our area and the services his company offers. Give them a call at 612-429-1110 to discuss your animal issues.

Q:  What services do Trutech Wildlife Services provide?

A:  Trutech offers humane wildlife removal and control for both residential and commercial customers. Our services include safe animal trapping and removal, remediation to clean up the mess left from the animals, and exclusion repairs to keep the animal from returning. I’m repeating myself, but I want to stress that we use humane wildlife handling techniques that go the extra mile to protect wild animals.

Q:  What makes the Minneapolis area such a good market for wildlife removal services?

A:  Minneapolis is one of the most populous cities in the U.S. One of the reasons people like to live here is the readily available access to the outdoors year-round. Minneapolis has over two hundred parks and an extensive biking infrastructure to access them. Located in the Eastern Broadleaf Forest, the area is full of deciduous trees and glacial lakes. Animals like raccoons, foxes, rabbits, squirrels, opossums, snakes, etc., also live in this area. Wildlife will enter homes and businesses through chimneys, roof vents, gaps, cracks, holes in shingles or siding or natural openings like doors and windows. The Twin Cities have cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers – animals see your homes as a sanctuary from harsh weather conditions.

Q:  Trutech is in your company name - what technologies do you use in removing wildlife from homes?

A:  We use many innovative methods to remove wildlife from homes, starting with proper inspections on your whole house, up-to-date trapping, tentative timing, and special tools that allow us access to all heights on your roof.

A juvenile raccoon next to an excluder valve. A raccoon can get out, but the trap prevents them from returning.

Q:   What's the most unusual animal your team has removed from a Minneapolis home?

A:  We usually find squirrels, raccoons, and bats in attics. This year we have had several calls for nuisance foxes, and one squirrel managed to find its way into someone’s living room! A dear customer of mine had a fox burrowing under her house decking area as well as getting inside her attic. After thorough inspection from my wildlife specialist, we quickly discovered a whole family of foxes. We work closely with the Minneapolis Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. After we used various non-harming and humane trapping methods that were comfortable to the animal, they were all safely relocated to their natural habitat. After safely removing the family of foxes from the home, we were able to comfort the homeowner by ensuring that foxes would not re-enter her home by not only giving her a full year warranty but by completely repairing/sealing all around her decking as well as sealing all potential entry points accessed via the roof. The faces on the baby foxes face once they were warm and in proper shelter was priceless!

Q:  Do you offer warranties on your work?

A:  Yes, with Trutech, your satisfaction is guaranteed. Trutech technicians take great pride in providing quality workmanship to solve your wildlife needs. If you are not completely satisfied, we move to fix the issue at no additional charge, or offer a full refund.

Q:  How may we follow your news?

A:  You can follow our blog to learn more about wildlife. Our Instagram and YouTube channel shares photos and videos from the field. You can also follow our company’s news on Linkedin.

Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota-North Dakota Shares 5 Things They Learned About Alzheimer’s Disease in 2022

According to the Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota-North Dakota chapter, 2022 was an especially productive and promising year for Alzheimer’s research, including new discoveries related to the causes, risk factors and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Here is their list of the five important things they learned about Alzheimer’s in 2022:

1. Alzheimer’s treatments are getting better. In November, pharmaceutical companies Eisai and Biogen announced positive results from their global Phase 3 clinical trial of an Alzheimer’s drug called lecanemab, slowing the rate of cognitive decline in study participants by 27% over 18 months. These are the most encouraging results we have seen to date for an Alzheimer's treatment. A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) decision on accelerated approval is expected early in January 2022, potentially making lecanemab the second FDA-approved drug in 18 months that changes the course of Alzheimer’s disease.
2. A daily multivitamin may slow brain aging. Research published in September in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association found that taking a multivitamin-mineral supplement every day for 3 years resulted in a statistically significant cognitive benefit. This is the first positive, large-scale, long-term study to show that multivitamin-mineral supplementation for older adults may slow cognitive aging. With confirmation through research, these promising findings have the potential to significantly impact public health — improving brain health, lowering health care costs,  and reducing caregiver burden — especially among older adults.
3. Frozen pizza, candy and soda may raise the risk of cognitive decline. At the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) last summer, new research results found that eating a large amount of ultra-processed food can significantly accelerate cognitive decline. The research was then published in JAMA Neurology in December. Ultra-processed foods make up more than half of American diets. The good news is there are steps we can take to reduce risk of cognitive decline as we age. These include eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting good sleep, staying cognitively engaged, protecting from head injury, not smoking and managing heart health.
4. Experiencing racism is linked to poor memory. Also at AAIC 2022, researchers reported that experiences of structural, interpersonal and institutional racism are associated with lower memory scores and worse cognition in midlife and old age, especially among Black individuals. These data are especially important given Black Americans are about twice as likely, and Hispanic Americans are about one and one-half times as likely, to have Alzheimer’s or other dementias according to the 2022 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report.
5. Wearing hearing aids may reduce risk of dementia. Individuals with hearing loss who used hearing restorative devices had a 19% decrease in risk of long-term cognitive decline, according to research published in December in JAMA Neurology. These data appeared five months after the FDA announced it will allow hearing aids to be sold over the counter, greatly expanding access to 30 million Americans living with hearing loss. In addition to improving daily communication, use of hearing aids may also benefit brain health.

While advancements are happening, the significant impact of Alzheimer's remains. Over a recent 20-year period, deaths from heart disease went down 7.3%, while deaths from Alzheimer’s increased 145%. In 2022, Alzheimer’s and other dementias will cost the nation $321 billion.

“With several FDA decisions expected on Alzheimer’s treatments in 2023, this is a very exciting time in the fight to end this disease,” said Lisa Groon, Alzheimer’s Association Senior Health Systems Director. “Thanks to increased research funding from the federal government and nonprofits we’re hopeful that the new year will bring more advances and discoveries for people living with, and at risk for, Alzheimer’s and other dementia.” 

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. The Minnesota-North Dakota chapter provides no-charge classes for individuals and organizations, support groups, training and resources.

Artaria String Quartet Announces February and April Performances at MacPhail

Members of the Artaria String Quartet from left to right: Annalee Wolf, Ray Shows, Nancy Oliveros and Patricia Ryan

Artaria String Quartet, a long-standing professional quartet based in the Twin Cities, will be performing concerts at MacPhail Center for Music in February and April.

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The first concert is Friday, February 3 at 7:30pm in Antonello Hall at MacPhail. "Beyond the Wall" features quartets by Zhou Tian, Mendelssohn and Bartok. Tickets are $25 and are available at the Artaria Quartet website, www.artariaquartet.com - scroll below the Quartet photo for show date.

The second concert is Monday, April 17 at 7:30 pm in Antonello Hall at MacPhail. This concert features quartets by Brahms, Haas and Rudd-Moore. Tickets are $25 and are available at the Artaria Quartet website, www.artariaquartet.com - scroll below the Quartet photo for show date.

Success Lessons with Margaret Murphy, CEO and Founder, Bold Orange Company

Article by Becky Fillinger

Margaret MurphyBold Orange Company (BOCO) was founded in 2018 by Margaret Murphy. Margaret was named a 2022 Notable Entrepreneur by Twin Cities Business Magazine and has a long history in the Minneapolis marketing community, having worked at ICF Olson and the marketing division of Carlson Companies. Bold Orange also landed number two on the Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal Fast 50, with growth topping 518%!

At just over 100 employees, and located at 100 Washington Square in downtown Minneapolis, Bold Orange is a leading customer experience agency helping companies evolve and transform their brand experiences for better impact in the areas of customer acquisition, growth, and retention. Bold Orange works for such brands as Polaris, Anytime Fitness, Citibank, and Behr Paint.

One sign of a great workplace - smiling employees!

To learn more about their success, we asked Margaret what are the Top 5 things that make Bold Orange successful. Here’s what she had to tell us:

1. Humans First

To me, Talent Is Everything. Our purpose and why we exist at Bold Orange is because we believe authentic human connections drive business and societal progress. And we exist to create and foster those connections. Our culture is anchored in authenticity and with that comes “we” success, not “me” success. We’ve grown and have satisfied clients because we work together, side-by-side, to make a difference in the market.

2. Passion and Commitment

To do your best work, you have to believe in what you do. I believe marketing can be undervalued at times when, in reality, it should be the growth driver of any business. Who you are, what you do, and why people should choose you all comes from strong marketing. So, to define your customer and what moves them, to create communication paths and content that engages and inspires them, and then moves them to act is complex work. At Bold Orange, we are deeply passionate about solving business problems. We get energy from the “gray” and don’t look for answers to be black and white. It’s in the gray where the biggest impact can be found. Live in the gray and you’ll succeed. 

3. Curiosity

At Bold Orange we say this is our Superpower. As we all know, curiosity is the strong desire to learn something. We pride ourselves on learning our clients’ business quickly and deeply. And then we take that curious nature and apply those learnings to their problems, their market, and their objectives and we bring forward relevant solutions that drive results. “Applied curiosity” is core to our success. 

4. Proactive Leadership, Client Obsessed

We start every day focused on our customers. Their goals are our goals. And we work in a way that is conducive to their environments and remains flexible and nimble. They hire us to bring them ideas and solutions they can’t do on their own. They want to be led. We work hard to “bring the outside in” and provide a valuable outside perspective. 

5. We are Professionally Sassy

Our culture is energizing, it’s hard-working, and it’s fun. We don’t take ourselves too seriously and we work to make authentic connections with each other. We genuinely care about each other, human-to-human. And we laugh with, and at, each other daily. Talent Is Everything and, bottom-line, that’s why we’re successful.

Congratulations, Margaret Murphy and Bold Orange - we wish you a prosperous and equally celebrated 2023!

Firefighters Deliver Gifts to Hennepin Healthcare Burn Center Patients

For the 11th year in a row, Firefighters for Healing volunteers helped spread holiday cheer by shopping for burn survivor patients, wrapping those gifts with love and delivering those gifts via fire truck to the Hennepin Healthcare Burn Unit Center

Scheels in Eden Prairie provided a $5,000 gift card and personal shoppers to help F4H volunteers fulfill wish lists. Volunteers helped wrap and organize the wrapped gifts at the Transitional Healing Center, and the Minneapolis Fire Department helped move gifts to Hennepin Healthcare.

“Helping families through the multiple stages of grief and healing is what Firefighters For Healing aims to do through emergency housing, our camp program and resources. Each year as this gifting event has grown and impacted more families and new frontline staff, they repeatedly tell us that this simple act of kindness means the world to them."

Jake LaFerriere, Founder of Firefighters for Healing and former Minneapolis firefighter

From shopping to wrapping and organizing...

...to transporting...

...and finally delivering to the recipients!

THANK YOU to Firefighters for Healing for your compassion and tireless work in easing the pain of burn survivors! 

Retaining Wall Under Construction Below the 3rd Ave S / 1st St S Intersection

Submitted by Doug Verdier

Work continues on the Third Avenue Bridge project despite bitter cold and snow. The photo here was taken before the “Blizzard of 2022.” Shown here is work to construct a retaining wall in the area below the intersection of First Street S and Third Avenue S. The post office building is seen in the background.

The previous earthen bank and retaining wall were severely deteriorated and collapsing, so those features were removed earlier this year. Shown here is a new concrete retaining wall with what are called “soil nails” inserted along the front of the wall. Sometime in spring 2023, this part of the project will be completed and landscaping will take place as previously planned. Residents who would like to view this location can do so by walking along the woonerf below First Street S toward the North end of Water Works Park. Please exercise caution when in the area and do not attempt to enter the trench in front of the retaining wall or climb on the structure now protected by plastic.