9th Annual CINE LATINO Film Festival Returns October 8 – 14

Via a recent Press Release from MSP Film Society:

MSP Film Society is thrilled to announce the 9th Annual CINE LATINO Film Festival returns October 8 – 14, 2021 to present another exciting selection of films from the world’s most acclaimed and up-and-coming filmmakers from U.S. LatinX, Latin American, and Iberian communities and regions. CINE LATINO proudly spotlights this vast cultural, linguistic, social, and historical wealth in the following festival sections: Bright New Voices, Cinema with a Conscience, We the People, The Art of Living, Masters, Women & Film, and Cine en Familia.

“Per the mission of the MSP Film Society to unite, inform and transform through the art and power of cinema, the theme of this year’s hybrid CINE LATINO is CINE JUNTOS = CINE LATINO!” said Susan     Smoluchowski, Executive Director of MSP Film Society. “Which is to say, CINE LATINO is about coming together - whether in person or from the comfort of home - through film.”

The 9th edition of CINE LATINO will present 20+ award-winning narrative and documentary films hybrid festival to MSP Film Society Members and our greater community of global cinephiles, with exuberant in-person events and screenings, engaging filmmaker conversations, and we will also continue to present Cine Latino at Home/en Casa via our virtual cinema platform to the growing Spanish-speaking populations throughout Minnesota.

This year’s CINE LATINO will also highlight and honor the African impact on and contributions to Latin American and Ibero history, communities, and cultures through a special focus on Afro-Latino films.

“Between 1525 and 1866, approximately 12.5 million Africans were brought to the Americas against their will as slaves. Besides providing the labor that built nations, this population and their descendants have contributed to the artistic and social wealth of the continent and have shaped the cultural heritage both past and present,” said Hebe Tabachnik, Artistic Director of CINE LATINO. “Recent films from all over the region are richly portraying the history, the struggles, and the lives of Black Latino Americans through fresh and powerful cinematic voices. The 9th Annual CINE LATINO pays tribute to this cultural legacy by presenting a collection of films that provide fresh perspectives and reclaim lost or forgotten histories as well as present strong counter-narratives that question, and build upon, older forms of representation.”

Some of the films that will be included in the 9th Annual CINE LATINO’s Afro-Latino program include:

A BRUDDAH'S MIND (Cabeça de nego) Directed by Déo Cardoso, Brazil, Fiction, 2020

An introvert geek and fan of the Black Panther Movement – is on a mission to promote changes in his school and neighborhood. But during a classroom quarrel, Saulo reacts to a racial insult from a classmate and is expelled. Outraged, he refuses to leave the school until justice is done. His solitary occupation ends up challenging the school’s board & mobilizes the entire community. The students did not anticipate, however, the director’s extreme reaction.

BROUWER: THE ORIGIN OF THE SHADOW Directed by Katherine T. Gavilán & Lisandra López Fabé, Cuba, CyDocumentary, 2019

Leo Brouwer, the outstanding Cuban and world-renowned composer, opens the doors to his creative space allowing the viewer to explore his daily life and work. A die-hard iconoclast, he defies us to question art, Cuba, and even the purpose of this documentary, in a way that is quintessential to his private & artistic persona after eight decades of existence. OFFICIAL TRAILER

EXECUTIVE ORDER (Medida Provisória) Directed by Lázaro Ramos, Brazil, Fiction, 2020

In Brazil’s near future, two roommates become unwitting symbols of resistance when a voluntary ‘back-to-Africa’ program for ‘high melanin’ citizens quickly becomes a violent round-up of all Black citizens in this powerful debut feature from writer/director Lazaro Ramos.

LIBORIO Directed by Nino Martínez Sosa, Dominican Republic/Puerto Rico/Qatar, Fiction 2021

Liborio disappears in a hurricane. One day he returns speaking as a prophet, curing the sick and congregates many followers deep in the mountains. The local powers confront him only to see him vanish, until he decides to confront his deepest fears and battles the invading US Marines. 

SONGS THAT FLOOD THE RIVER (Cantos que inundan al Rio) Directed by Germán Arango Rendón (aka Luckas Perro), Colombia, Documentary, 2020

Oneida was still a child when she learned the Afro-Colombian tradition of singing “alabados” to accompany the dead on their journey to purgatory. With one leg devoured by a snake, and a war without truce, she became the composer of new songs and made her wounds a source of inspiration. Today, Oneida’s compositions unite to the voice of millions in the reconciliation process of a country with one of the longest wars in history.

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The complete line-up of films and special events for the 9th CINE LATINO Film Festival will be announced September 15, 2021. All-Access passes to CINE LATINO are on sale now at MSPfilm.org/cine-latino/ and cost $60 for MSP Film Society Members, $100 for General Public.

Tickets to Individual CINE LATINO Screenings will go on sale September 23 and will cost $5 for MSP Film Society Members, $10 for General Public, and $5 for Community Partners.

CINE LATINO is an annual event presented by the MSP Film Society, Minnesota’s leading non-profit exhibitor of international independent cinema. MSP Film Society is a dynamic 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to fostering a knowledgeable and vibrant appreciation of the art of film and its power to inform and transform individuals and communities.

Out of the Box Opera to Perform at Umbra and Canopy Minneapolis September 10 and 11

          Out of the Box Opera at Umbra/Canopy Hotel

Friday and Saturday, September 10 and 11

Experience unique, interactive entertainment with Out of the Box Opera! They will be performing three shows per night - 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 pm - on both September 10 and 11. Performances take place in and around Umbra, and Canopy Minneapolis' lounge and lobby.

No ticket required. Reserved seating with dinner reservation at Umbra.

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To book a hotel room at Canopy Minneapolis, click here.

Volunteers Needed for September 23rd Planting for Pollinators Event on West River Parkway

Via a recent e-announcement from Great River Coalition:

Please Volunteer: Help our Bees and Pollinators  The Great River Coalition, along with CenterPoint Energy and Great River Greening, are converting an acre of turf grass to pollinator plants! . Thursday, September 23, 2021 7:45 am - 12:00pm, 1240 West River Parkway . The Great River Coalition, along with CenterPoint Energy and Great River Greening, are converting an acre of turf grass to pollinator plants located on West River Parkway along the Minneapolis riverfront (by the CenterPoint building, across the Parkway from the Red Cross). This is an acre of land that currently provides little nourishment for our pollinators. We will be planting on September 23 from 7:45am to 12:00pm. . All tools, gloves, PLANTS, pastries, coffee, water, lunch and snacks will be provided. Photo opportunities as well! . Please invite your friends and family to volunteer and participate in helping pollinators along our Minneapolis Riverfront. Please encourage folks to join us in helping our pollinators along our great river and restore the land our Native Americans valued as they lived along the shores. . Volunteers send an email to: diane@greatrivercoalition.com by September 14. Social distancing will be practiced at the event. Join us! . Sincerely,

Diane Hofstede, President Phyllis Kahn, Vice President

. Great River Coalition Mission Statement: Advocates for preserving, protecting and promoting the historic, commercial and environmental significance of the Mississippi River, the City of Minneapolis and its relationship to the people and their communities.

August 2021 by the Numbers from Cynthia Froid Group

Downtown real estate market update from Cynthia Froid Group:

Water Works Lighting Installation

Editors Note: Thank you to Mill District resident Doug Verdier for capturing the installation of the long awaited lighting in Water Works park.

Twenty overhead electric lights are being installed along the walking path throughout Water Works Park from the woonerf and kids play area to the end of the park near the Pavilion building. About half of the lights have been installed so far, and the cone-shaped covers will direct the light downward onto the walkway.

The Cowles' DECADANCE is a Short & Sweet Fundraiser With a Lot of Good Cheer

Via a September 1 e-announcement:

DECADANCE is a new fundraiser from The Cowles Center celebrating its 10th anniversary. The two-hour benefit provides attendees with a decadence of specialty desserts, bold performances from local dance companies, and attendees will be first to hear a special announcement outlining an exciting initiative for the center to further support local dance talent. In-person and virtual tickets are available. The event takes place in-person at The Cowles Center or virtually on Friday, October 1 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM. Tickets range from $25 - $100, early bird ticket prices (a savings of $25 per ticket) are now available through September 8. Learn more: thecowlescenter.org/decadance.

“This will be a great celebration, and our fundraising goal for DECADANCE is $75,000, which will expand our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility initiatives,” shares Mary Meyers, Individual Gift Manager at The Cowles Center. “We’re rising up to meet what our community asks of us and confronting the realities of our nonprofit budget; the money raised through our Fund-A-Need will open up doors for the Cowles to deepen our DEIA & community outreach.”

Duniya Drum & Dance Company, courtesy the company

Thanks to event sponsorship from The Copper Hen Cakery & Kitchen, in-person attendees will receive a custom Cowles box of desserts to enjoy throughout the event. The event program is expected to run 60 minutes. Duniya Drum & Dance Company and Rhythmically Speaking will perform on the Cowles’ Goodale Stage; their performances will be followed by a Fund-A-Need and special announcement from Cowles’ leadership.

Cowles Co-director Jessi Fett teases that, “If you’re ingrained or even interested in Minnesota’s dance community, we think that you’ll be delighted & surprised at what we are excited to announce during DECADANCE.”

Rhythmically Speaking, courtesy Bill Cameron

Virtual attendees will be provided a livestream of the performance, Fund-A-Need, and announcement program.

The event concludes at 7:00 PM, but attendees are invited to enjoy dinner at the Cowles’ 6th Street neighbor, Gluek’s Restaurant & Bar. As the official DECADANCE Restaurant Partner, Gluek’s will donate 10% of all attendee’s dinner sales to the center.

Attendees are also invited to extend their stay in Downtown Minneapolis with an evening at Minneapolis Marriott City Center, which is providing attendees with a special rate of $144 (plus tax) for a room the night of the event. More details for partaking in that rate are available at thecowlescenter.org/decadance.

After a difficult year, The Cowles Center is so proud to partner with these Minneapolis businesses and Minnesota dance ensembles to host a diverse group of arts supporters for the in-person, on-site components of our benefit.

In-person attendees will need to be masked and show proof of a full course of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 36 hours of the event to be admitted into our theater.

Get tickets at thecowlescenter.org/decadance.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Through performances, classes, workshops, and residencies, Duniya Drum & Dance Company (Duniya) prides itself on making West African rhythm and dance accessible for everyone, no matter their age or ability. The company’s roster of artists is deeply knowledgeable of West African movement artforms, and many are known internationally for their skills. Whenever Duniya is present, you can expect a high-energy and interactive cultural performance that you will never forget.

Since its founding in 2008, Rhythmically Speaking (RS) has sparked vibrancy and connectedness through performance and education work inspired by jazz and American social dance ideas. Touted by Dance Magazine as ‘revitalizing jazz dance in the Twin Cities area,’ RS is proud to be rooted where there is a rich jazz and American social dance history. RS endeavors to support and nurture enthusiastic idea exchange with other passionate people locally, nationally, and internationally.

HEALTH & SAFETY AT THE COWLES CENTER

Masks are required at all times in The Cowles Center’s hallways, common/shared spaces, and theaters. Anyone attending an event or performance in our theaters (the Goodale Theater & TEK BOX) will need to show proof of a full course of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to entry.

We respectfully ask that anyone who is feeling ill or is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms to please stay home.

Please visit thecowlescenter.org/visit to review our full health & safety information.

ABOUT THE COWLES CENTER

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

Third Avenue Bridge Renovation - Rebuilding the Spandrels

Editors Note: We are immensely thankful to Mill District resident Doug Verdier, who did an excellent job documenting the Water Works project through to fruition, and continues to document the Third Avenue Bridge refurbishment project.

Lots of structural work involving concrete has been going on at the Third Avenue Bridge project these past few weeks. In this image, one of the tall tower cranes prepares to lift a form into position atop one of the arches where it will be filled with concrete to form part of a spandrel that will support the bridge deck. The spandrels are the vertical concrete supports seen in the photo between the arch and the deck framework above.

The Minnesota Great River Road: An All-American Adventure

Via an e-announcement from the Minnesota Mississippi River Parkway Commission (MN-MRPC)

No matter the starting point – from the Headwaters to the Bluffs – All-American stories and vistas await Great River Road travelers along the Mississippi River.

Minnesota’s Great River Road became an All-American Road this year, putting it among the best-of-the-best scenic byways in the nation – a true destination unto itself. Follow the route to find your favorite All-American adventure during Drive the Great River Road Month this September.

The 565-mile Minnesota Great River Road is designated along a variety of state and local roads from the iconic Lake Itasca headwaters to the Iowa border. It provides up-close river experiences in a variety of settings, with All-American treasures always nearby.

Find unique scenic reaches - Lake Itasca, the winding Serpentine River, Headwaters Lakes, Prairie River, St. Anthony Falls, The Gorge, The Big River and Driftless Area.

Take in the history and lore - Rustic Architecture of Itasca State Park, Headwaters Dams, Charles Lindbergh House & Museum, Oliver Kelley Farm, St. Anthony Falls Historic District, Historic Fort Snelling, Dayton’s Bluff/Mounds Park, and River Towns.

And so much more - Plan Your Trip online mapping provides information on over 700 things to see and do, along with digital travel guides.

Find your favorite - The Great River Road offers something for everyone. Need some inspiration? Start with a few examples of All-American Favorites for personal tips on great locations. And share your own favorite!

September is the perfect time for a road trip as part of the Drive the Great River Road Month celebration! For more information and a map visit www.mnmississippiriver.com and www.experiencemississippiriver.com.

About the Minnesota Mississippi River Parkway Commission

Minnesota’s Mississippi River Parkway Commission (MN-MRPC) is a statutory Commission, recognized in 1963, whose mission is to...To preserve, promote and enhance the scenic, historic, and recreational resources of the Mississippi River, to foster economic growth in the corridor and to develop the national, scenic, and historic byway known as the Great River Road.  The MN-MPRC is part of the larger 10-State National MRPC organized in 1938 to celebrate the Mississippi River by developing the Great River Road Scenic Byway. The 10 states include: Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi,  Missouri, Tennessee and Wisconsin.

The Minneapolis Industrial Exposition Building

Article by Michael Rainville, Jr.

Long before the Minneapolis Convention Center started hosting events, such as the American Legion’s 100th Anniversary convention, the Industrial Exposition Building was home to many events and fairs. Sitting on the east side of the Mississippi River, the building towered over the riverfront and added to the already impressive sights of St. Anthony Falls and the Stone Arch Bridge. While it may not be there today, it served as an important event center for the city for many decades.

1910 photo of the building through an arch of the Stone Arch Bridge. 

Planning for the Exposition Building started in 1885 to counteract an announcement made that same year by the Minnesota State Fair to call St. Paul their permanent home. Prominent Minneapolitans were upset with the decision, so they quickly came together and agreed to dedicate an impressive structure to host industrial expositions to compete with the yearly agricultural exposition held in the next city over. After passing on many architects, such as Leroy Buffington, who designed the Pillsbury A Mill and the second iteration of the State Capitol Building, the local firm of Isaac Hodgson & Son won the bid.

Photo of the celebration when the laid the cornerstone in 1886.

After acquiring land on 101 Central Avenue SE and considering the construction cost, the total amount it took to complete the building was roughly half a million dollars in 1886, or $13,400,000 in 2018. However, the 5.5-acre plot was donated by the city, and the $250,000 needed for construction was raised by the citizens of Minneapolis. Once the building would open, it would be free of debt. On April 29th, a ceremony was held to celebrate the laying of the cornerstone, and it was attended by over 5,000 people. Only taking three months to construct, the cream-colored brick and Mankato limestone building officially opened on August 3rd, 1886. The majority of the building consisted of a three-story hall that could be divided into smaller rooms, and the main feature of the building was an eight-story tower that was the tallest building in the city upon completion.

The building with the new 3rd Avenue bridge in the foreground, circa 1920's.

To celebrate this brand-new event center, they held their first exhibition on August 23rd. 50,000 people attended the first day of the exposition and saw guest speakers such as Archbishop John Ireland and Senator Cushman Kellogg Davis, who was also the state’s 7th governor. President Grover Cleveland and First Lady Frances Cleveland were also invited but could not make the event. Instead, he wrote a letter, which was read aloud to the many spectators.

“With many thanks for the kind message sent to us by the officers and directors of the Minneapolis Industrial Exposition, Mrs. Cleveland joins with me in tendering to them a hearty congratulations upon the auspicious inauguration of an exhibition which not only demonstrates the prosperity and progress of the great northwest, but also reflects credit upon a country whose greatest pride is the happiness and contentment of its people and their enjoyment of all the gifts of God. Mrs. Cleveland gladly complies with your request and will set in motion the machinery of the exposition. she now awaits your signal.”

— Grover Cleveland

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Standing by in New York, Mrs. Frances Cleveland flipped a switch and all of the machinery at the exposition turned on much to the excitement of the crowd. Running through October 3rd, the forty-day exposition attracted over 500,000 people.

The next significant event at the Industrial Exposition Building was the 1892 Republican National Convention. The ballot consisted of President Benjamin Harrison, who eventually won the nomination, James Blaine, William McKinley, Thomas Reed, and Robert Todd Lincoln, the first son of Abraham Lincoln. Harrison lost the presidential election to Grover Cleveland who then became the first president to serve two non-concurrent terms. Not only was this an important convention for Minneapolis, is was very important for the entire country as it was the first national convention where women could be delegates and vote. (They couldn't vote in the presidential election, however.)

Depiction of the inside of the building when the RNC was there.

The Minneapolis Industrial Exposition Building could never draw big crowds like they once did, and in 1896, it was sold to Thomas Janney for only $25,000. The few events that were held there for the next seven years were concerts, and in 1903, it was sold once again to Marion Savage, owner of the famous race horse Dan Patch, who turned it into the International Stock Food Company. In 1940, it was sold once again to Coca-Cola and torn down to make way for a new bottling plant. However, they did keep the eight-story tower to honor the history of the previous building. While it served an important role in the development of the Mississippi riverfront and was an attractive space to hold many different events that saw many visitors come to the city for the first time, the Minneapolis Industrial Exposition Building could never really compete with the Minnesota State Fair and eventually was lost to history. You win this time, St. Paul.

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About Michael Rainville, Jr.

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

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

He can be reached at mrainvillejr@comcast.net.

Upper Father Hennepin Bluff Park Improvements Project Update

Via an August 30 e-announcement from Minneapolis Park and Rec Board:

A new performance stage and seasonal restroom building next to the Stone Arch Bridge is part of the project

Project includes new stage, seasonal restroom building and improvements to park entry, paths, lights, wayfinding, landscaping and stormwater management

Construction tentatively planned for 2022

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The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is nearly complete with design plans for a number of improvements at Upper Father Hennepin Bluff Park. The project includes:

• A new performance stage and attached seasonal restroom facility
• New park entry plaza spaces
• Upgraded lights, path connections, wayfinding signage and trail markings
• Landscape and stormwater management improvements

Follow the link below to view the project design:

Father Hennepin Bluff Park Improvements Design

Please note some of these improvements have been shifted to avoid disturbing historic artifacts revealed by an archeological investigation in June

The design plans are scheduled to be finalized this fall, then bid for construction. If the MPRB receives an acceptable bid, construction of these park improvements would begin in spring 2022.

Project Page

Minneapolis Parks Foundation's 7th Annual Sunrise on Mississippi is Scheduled for September 9

Via a recent e-announcement from Minneapolis Parks Foundation:

Please join us for the 7th annual Sunrise on the Mississippi

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 7:30am- 9:00am Under the Big Tent at Boom Island Park – 724 Sibley St NE Sunrise on the Mississippi 2021 will bring us back together at Boom Island Park for an in-person celebration, with a virtual-event option. Virtual Keynote Presentation from Toni L. Griffin Professor in Practice in Urban Design at Harvard Graduate School of Design Founder of urbanAC LLC, Founder and Director of the Just City Lab  With additional in-person speakers   Please RSVP by Tuesday, August 31, to let us know if you plan to attend in-person or virtually CMoir@MplsParksFoundation.org

If you plan to join us in-person Please know that we’ve adapted this year’s event to remain safe and welcoming for all who attend. Here are a few ways things might look different this year. We've added 20 feet to the tent for a little more room to spread out. Breakfast, coffee, and other drinks will be pre-portioned in compostable packaging. Seating is flexible and with plenty of space to move chairs, plus standing areas at high top tables, as well as reserved tables and seating for guests who RSVP with a group. Read our additional COVID protocols here. If you plan to join us virtually The Zoom link will be sent to the email you register with prior to the event.    If you are unable to attend Please consider a donation to the Parks Foundation. Your donation helps ensure the parks in our city remain accessible and equitable for everyone. If you aren’t sure yet, or have additional questions, please contact Christine Moir at CMoir@MplsParksFoundation.org

RSVP to Sunrise on the Mississippi

At the Confluence of a River and a Creek: The Minnesota Soldier’s Home

Article by Michael Rainville, Jr.

Photo of the Minnesota Soldier’s Home taken in 1912 with the Mississippi on the right and Minnehaha on the left.

Caring for our wounded soldiers and veterans has been an ever-present need in our country. The first piece of legislation to help those soldiers passed in 1798, and it provided financial relief specifically for sick and disabled sailors. By the mid-1800s, both state and federal governments took responsibility for aiding those soldiers and veterans in need and constructed hospitals in suburban areas, surrounded by beautifully landscaped campuses that provided an attractive and comfortable experience.

The campus in 1900Once the Civil War subsided, the need for soldier and veteran care skyrocketed. Unfortunately, the only choices for Minnesota veterans were to receive financial donations from charities or stay in an almshouse, a house built by a charitable person or organization. This led to 30,000 Minnesota Civil War veterans signing a petition to the state in 1886 to help the many veterans who were in desperate need. A year later, the state legislature agreed to pass a bill that would provide “for the relief of honorably discharged indigent ex-soldiers, sailors and marines, and the widows, minor orphans and dependent parents of such deceased soldiers, sailors or marines, and for the making of an appropriation for the purchase of land and the construction of the necessary building or buildings thereon.” This was also the first bill in the country that gave money to the families of veterans.

A triangular property at the confluence of the Mississippi River and Minnehaha Creek that was donated for the cause was chosen to be the location of a soldier’s home. Tasked with turning this land into a beautifully scenic location was Horace Cleveland, a landscape architect best known for laying out the Grand Rounds parkway system and the Saint Paul neighborhood of Saint Anthony Park. Throughout his career, Cleveland made it a point to use the natural vegetation and landscape in his designs, and that’s exactly what he did for the soldier’s home. A winding avenue from the north leads to the campus where it meets a system of roads that give easy access to all corners of the property. The land was sectioned off into three terraces, with natural shrubbery and deciduous and coniferous trees being prominent features. A ten-acre vegetable garden was located on the upper terrace, most of the buildings were on the middle, and beautiful meadows were located on the lower terrace, near the creek.

The architect who won the bid to design the structures of the campus was Warren Dunnell, who previously worked with Cleveland designing the State Training School in Red Wing. Dunnell utilized the Richardsonian Romanesque style of architecture, known for its heavy appearance, large arches, and short towers, and constructed two soldier’s homes as well as a laundry facility and heating building.

Upon his visit to the Minnesota Soldier’s Home, the National Inspector of Soldier’s Homes noted that, “Minnesota has in many respects the finest home in all the twenty states. In point of location and construction it cannot be excelled.”

Photo of the bridge taken in 1908.

One of the more noteworthy structures at the Minnesota Soldier’s Home is the bridge across Minnehaha Creek that leads to the campus. The Minneapolis Park Board worked with the Soldier’s Home board of directors to provide another route for vehicles to take to the home, and in 1908, they chose the Minneapolis architect firm Bayne & Hewitt to construct the bridge and the Minneapolis Steel and Machinery Company to provide the materials. This 626-foot-long steel arch bridge sits 105 feet above the creek and consists of one three-hinged arch spanning 288 feet across the ravine, with seven approach spans leading to the main arch. The bridge was completed in September of 1908 and cost $40,000, or roughly $1.15 million after inflation. It was an immediate success and a favorite of residents and visitors alike. My own mother has fond memories of driving over the bridge with her family as a child to visit her grandfather at the Soldier’s Home. The bridge was deemed unsafe in 2014 and closed. Once repairs were complete, the bridge reopened in January of 2020.

1912 photo of the campus from the entrance to the bridge.

Photo of the campus taken in 1930

The Minnesota Soldier’s Home began providing medical assistance after World War I, and the board agreed to make medical care a priority in the 1960s. In 1972, a nursing care facility was constructed, bringing the total number of nursing care beds and domiciliary beds to 250 each. Since then, the state erected veteran’s homes in Fergus Falls, Hastings, Luverne, and Silver Bay, with the Minneapolis campus, now known as the Minnesota Veterans Home, currently housing 291 nursing care beds and fifty domiciliary beds.

Veteran feeding a cat at the Home.

Providing soldiers and veterans with beautiful, state-of-the-art spaces to heal and call home is the least we can do for those who put their lives on the line to protect our country, from the Civil War to now. The next time you visit Minnehaha Park, take a walk over the steel-arch bridge, enjoy the spectacular natural landscaping and views of the bluffs, and appreciate those who have come, gone, and still live at the historic Minnesota Soldier’s Home at the confluence of a mighty river and a lively creek.

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About Michael Rainville, Jr.

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

Michael is also a lead guide at Mobile Entertainment, LLC, giving Segway, biking, and walking tours of the riverfront for 9+ years.

He can be reached at mrainvillejr@comcast.net.

Modest Mouse at The Armory

Article and photos by Ryan Ojard

On August 22nd Modest Mouse returned to Minneapolis to play a show at The Armory. After almost two years of pandemic-driven shutdowns, you can imagine how eager fans were to see live music - the venue swelled up fast. 

Isaac BrockWhen the lights lowered there was a roar. The roar grew even louder as front man Isaac Brock and his bandmates took the stage. 

Then, it happened. For the initiated and utmost loyal of fans (myself included) they opened with Dramamine. Opening the show with that song set the tone for the rest of the night.  

Modest Mouse went deep on their set list grabbing from the best of their albums throughout the night.  As the evening came to a close, the highly engaged crowd chanted loud for an encore. As they took the stage the crowd got one of Modest Mouse’s most prolific songs ever, The World at Large.  I’m pretty sure everyone got goosebumps.

They ended the show coming full circle and back to their 1996 album, This Is a Long Drive for Someone with Nothing to Think About, playing Breakthrough. 

Fans left fulfilled. We got a little bit of everything from their 25+ years of making music, and that’s just fine in my book.

Opinion: Proposed City Charter Amendment: "Government Structure: Executive Mayor and Legislative Council" - What it's About and Why You Should Care

Submitted by Mary Moos, Resident Southeast Minneapolis

Minneapolis City Charter Amendment

GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE: 

EXECUTIVE MAYOR and LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

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WHAT IT’S ABOUT AND WHY YOU SHOULD CARE.

There is a very important city election on Tuesday, November 2, 2021. Minneapolis will choose its city officials. This is pretty simple to understand so far. Now for the seemingly confusing part. The ballot will also include three amendments to our City Charter. The City Charter is our constitution. Minneapolis is required by State law to have a City Charter.

One amendment recommends the city adopt a system of rent control.

Another amendment requires the disbanding of the Police Department along with the Police Chief and instead, instituting a new department…the Department of Public Safety. This new department would have police ‘only if necessary.’

I am most interested in this next amendment. And you should be too. The future quality of life in Minneapolis depends on it. The ability of our city to exercise its full potential and take it’s place as one of the great cities in the Upper Midwest. This cannot happen without your support. Officially it is called the Government Structure; Executive Mayor and Legislative Council Amendment. This amendment will be listed first on your ballot.

Yes, it’s a mouthful. It sounds more confusing than it is. In reality it is quite simple.

Our current city government is without a well defined organizational structure. There is no single source of accountability. No one to say the buck stops here. All thirteen Council People and the Mayor are able to give orders to each of the department heads with equal authority. They also have the ability to seek retribution if their orders are not carried out. Having fourteen bosses is at the least confusing and at the worst dysfunctional. As a result there is extraordinary turnover within each department. In the last year the city has lost over eight key positions. Recruiting new experienced and competent people is difficult under the circumstances. We need and deserve the best most experienced city employees available.

I can’t imagine any business operating this way.

Minneapolis must simplify and clarify its government structure. We don’t need to invent this from scratch. And we don’t need band aid solutions. There are effective models for Minneapolis to adopt and easily implement. The Federal and State Governments are perfect examples.

Executive and Legislative Branch.

Under this amendment the Mayor is the Chief Executive Officer and has the authority and accountability to propose the annual budget. The Mayor is accountable to ­all residents of the city for the day to day operations once the City Council approves the budget.

The Mayor also nominates the designated Department Heads who are responsible for the delivery of basic city services. The City Council must approve the Mayor’s recommendations. This amendment sets a clear path for Minneapolis to reform the police department and transform public safety. 

The City Council will be the Legislative Policy making body. It defines the level of city services within city ordinances and the Annual Operating and Capital Budgets. Council members will have the responsibility for advocating and ensuring equity in the delivery of services. They will have oversite to ensure the work is done according to the policies they have set and within the financial parameters via independent audits. The responsibilities of the Mayor and the City Council are clearly stated in this Amendment.

What this means to you, the voter, is that emergencies like the riots of last spring can and will be addressed sooner with speed and compassion and without petty turf arguments.

It means that whatever the outcome of the other amendments, there will be a clear common-sense road map for implementing police reform. Currently there is none. Each department head struggles with serving fourteen bosses.

It means that  the much needed police reforms can take place systematically without jeopardizing the safety of any resident. At a time when city-wide homicides are at and all time high, emotional knee-jerk reactions are not appropriate.

Yes, you will still have access to your city council person. That person will still have the responsibility to advocate for their ward. And you will have peace of mind knowing that Minneapolis city government is working equitably for you today and for the long-term future of our city.  

Vote YES on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 for: 

Minneapolis City Charter Amendment

GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE: 

EXECUTIVE MAYOR and LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

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Early voting begins September 17,2021 

FINNOVATION Fellowship Selects Nine For Social Entrepreneurship Program, Now in its Fourth Year

Via a recent e-announcment:

FINNOVATION Fellowship Selects Nine for Social Entrepreneurship Program

Diverse applicants and areas of impact ranging from environmental sustainability efforts to support and resources for the Black community attracted to the program, now in its fourth year.

FINNOVATION Institute, the newly established non-profit partner of FINNOVATION Lab, has selected nine early-stage entrepreneurs for the fourth cohort of its Fellowship Program, which aims to support and empower entrepreneurs who have bold ideas for sustainable, positive impact. The nine-month program, running September 2021 through May 2022, will push the fellows to solve social or environmental issues through innovative business models. 

Fellows will receive a $50,000 living stipend and $3,000 health care stipend and have access to dedicated workspace and an ecosystem of advisors and mentors. The group will work through a tailored curriculum designed to develop the leadership skills necessary to run a successful social enterprise. In addition to valuable resources and benefits, fellows gain support and critical feedback through working as part of a group with shared values.

“We are excited to support our fourth cohort’s efforts to develop mission-driven businesses with mindful leadership. Their personal and professional progress is important to the work we aim to accomplish through the FINNOVATION Institute,” said Connie Rutledge, CEO of FINNOVATION Institute. “Amidst all of the uncertainty in today’s world, we must remember that our communities are full of innovative ideas that need room to grow.”

The nine fellows were selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants. A group of community leaders and alumni of the Fellowship Program selected this year’s group. The FINNOVATION Fellowship continues to attract diverse applicants, reflected in the final selected fellows and the social issues their business ideas represent. Within this cohort, the majority of founders identify as women and/or people of color, continuing the program’s support for entrepreneurs with personal experience in the issues they aim to solve.

The selected fellows and their areas of impact include: 

• Fun Fun Cheng: Providing healthy and culturally nourishing food to the chronically ill in the Asian community. 
• Charie Gill-Baptist: Reducing disparities for young people aging out of foster care, providing resources for self-development, professional growth, and financial stability.
• Hannah Hendrix: Eliminating access barriers to food and the kitchen using consultation and food delivery services that center disabled people and their experiences.
• Monica Jones: Increasing awareness and understanding of maternal wellness and mortality in the Black, Indigenous, People of Color community.
• Chou Moua: Bringing cultural consciousness into healthcare and social services consulting starting with Adult Foster Care and branching into other service areas.
• Ashleyn Przedwiecki: Tackling waste and the environmental footprint of the events industry through a sustainable events academy and creative design agency.
• Ayanna Rakhu: Addressing drowning disparities among People of Color, developing a culturally relevant swim curriculum.
• Katelyn Retterath Martin: Balancing injustices in cataloging systems, creating a database that forges pathways for equity and inclusion in libraries.
• Brittany L. Wright: Reducing maternal mortality and morbidity through a holistic maternal care center.

“This is a promising group of entrepreneurs,” said Jacquie Berglund, FINNOVATION Lab and FINNEGANS Brew Co. Founder. “Starting a business, especially in the social impact space, is incredibly challenging. One of the primary prerequisites is to have passion for creating change, and that is evident within each of the selected fellows.”

This latest cohort brings the FINNOVATION Fellowship Program network to 32 entrepreneurs, expanding the social impact community and increasing positive social change for local communities. Alumni of the program have gone on to create revenue-building businesses, raise capital funding and serve as visible leaders in our entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The Fellowship Program is made possible through generous support from the Bush Foundation, known for its commitment to innovation and creative problem solving. Dedicated workspace and business resources are available to fellows in the FINNOVATION Lab space within the FINNEGANS House at 817 5th Ave South, Minneapolis 55404.

More information about the FINNOVATION Institute and the Fellowship Program is available at Finn-Lab.com.

Potential Concepts for Graco Park, New Riverfront Park Project in Northeast Minneapolis

A view of Hall's Island, Plymouth Avenue Bridge and East Bank Trail running through the future Graco Park. Image courtesy of Mississippi Watershed Management Organization.

Review and comment on three concepts created based on feedback received over the summer

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is developing a new park along the Northeast Minneapolis riverfront called Graco Park! This summer MPRB staff collected initial feedback from the community and researched opportunities and constraints at the site, which is located just north of the Plymouth Avenue Bridge with Mississippi East Bank Trail currently running through it.

Now three distinct design concepts for Graco Park, created based on the initial feedback and research, are available for public comment. Use the link below to view each concept and comment on what you like or don't like about them. 

Graco Park Concepts

Feedback will be used to generate a refined concept that will incorporate elements from all three designs. The refined concept will be shared in late fall 2021.

Each concept is unique, but all include:

• A public multiuse building
• Access to the Mississippi East Bank Trail
• Improved landscaping and greenspace
• Improved stormwater treatment
• Improved intersection safety near 8th Avenue NE and Sibley Street NE

Get Involved

The MPRB invites anyone interested in the Graco Park project to give feedback on the three park concepts. There are multiple ways to get involved:

Online Survey: Visit the project engagement page to find images and information about the project and concepts, along with prompts to share your thoughts and opinions. All submitted ideas and comments will be documented and considered as designs for the project are developed. The survey will be open until Sept. 26, 2021.

In-Person Event: Share your thoughts in person at Graco Park on Sunday, Sept. 12, 3-5 pm. Look for the MPRB tent and table!

Virtual Conversation: Join MPRB staff and community members for an online open house on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 4:30-6 pm. Use the Zoom link below to join:

Graco Park Zoom Link Meeting ID: 883 7023 0432

Phase 1 Recap

The first round of community engagement occurred June 7-July 7, 2021. During the first round of engagement, MPRB staff met with more than 100 potential park users across several engagements and collected more than 170 comments through an online survey. Engagements included: Neighborhood meetings, Pop-Ups in Graco Park, a Project Advisory Committee (PAC) meeting, a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) meeting,  a virtual Public Open House, intercept interviews in the park, and a Youth Engagement Bus Tour with 60+ youth.

Visit the project engagement page for more details on the feedback received during the first phase over the summer.

Down the Road

A third round of engagement will occur this fall with another survey and additional in-person events to share a preferred park and building design concept for feedback. The final concept will have a public hearing before being considered by MPRB Commissioners for final approval. Contract bidding is scheduled spring 2022, with construction anticipated to begin in summer 2022.

Visit the Graco Park and Lot 2 project page and enter your email address into the box under "Subscribe to Email Updates" to stay informed about this project. 

Local Leader: Tucker Blythe, Superintendent, Mississippi National River and Recreation Area

Article by Becky Fillinger

Superintendent Blythe TuckerTucker Blythe will assume the role of Superintendent of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area on September 12. We talked to him about his lifelong interest in parks and what drew him to Minnesota. 

Q:  Congratulations on your new role! Please tell us about your earliest memories and interest in pursuing a career in the parks.  

A:  As a kid, my family traveled to national and state parks and spent a lot of time outdoors and visiting historic sites. When I went to college, I knew I wanted to pursue something related to history and historic sites. I discovered historic preservation as a major and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Historic Preservation from Mary Washington College, in Fredericksburg, VA. It was really my undergraduate advisor who directed me to the National Park Service (NPS) and my first seasonal appointment. Once I was in the NPS, I knew it was work that filled my soul. I’ve been lucky to have several wonderful positions and posts in the National Park Service. 

Q: What drew you to pursue this Superintendent position? 

A: There are several reasons why I pursued this particular position. First, I love that this park is such a collaborative, relationship-based park. I felt that my experiences and skill sets could help the park grow and allow me to continue to develop as a servant leader. I grew up in Memphis, Tennessee and my formative years were connected to the Mississippi River. My wife Sandy is a Minnesota native, born in Coon Rapids, so the Mississippi River has connected us and been a theme in both our lives. We are really excited to again be close to family. Even though I’m not native to Minnesota, it’s my happy place, and I am looking forward to making it home.

Tucker with his wife Sandy at the headwaters of the Mississippi River.

Q:  You mention the GOAL Leadership Academy in your profiles. What is it? 

A:  GOAL Leadership Academy is a leadership development program for NPS employees. The program started in Grand Canyon National Park, but now it is a program for all mid-level NPS employees. I went through GOAL in 2011-12. The major emphasis in the program is growing self-awareness so that participants can be leaders wherever they happen to be situated in the organization. I know as I went through the program, I was able to see more clearly what I could contribute to the park service as a public servant.  

Q:  What innovative programs from your prior appointments will you consider for your new role? 

A:  This is a tough question for me. I don’t know that I have any set idea of something I want to bring to the park from my previous appointments. What I want is to be open to the strengths that my staff and our partners already have and figure out how to enhance their ability to use those strengths. I love collaborating and brainstorming, so who knows what kind of creative ideas and synergy we will create. I’m looking forward to that!

River Matters: Hidden Urban Waterways with Trinity Ek, U of M Student Researcher

Article by Becky Fillinger

Trinity EkThe history of local unnavigable waterways and natural wetlands, like Bassett Creek, is usually untold. We spoke to Trinity Ek, a senior at the University of Minnesota, who researches hidden urban waterways. She provides background on why it happens and how we can be more aware in our local communities – which can prevent soils unfit for building, sloped land, and landscapes prone to flooding.

Q:  In the U’s 2020 Fall Research Symposium, you presented your research on hidden urban waterways, specifically Bassett Creek. Can you please tell us how you came to learn about the local lost waterways?

A:  You’re right - I took part in the Fall 2020 Undergraduate Research Symposium as a third year undergraduate student (I am now a senior!). I came to learn about Bassett Creek through my mentor, Patrick Nunnally. We had previously worked on a project together at St. Anthony Falls on the St. Anthony Falls Heritage Trail and I expressed interest in continuing my exploration of water and waterways. He introduced me to the story of Bassett Creek and guided me through the project. 

Q:  What did you uncover in your Bassett Creek research?

A:  Bassett Creek is one example of many that illustrates the intersection of race, place, and hydrology. It illuminates how waterways have often been seen as nuisances in urban areas to build around, over or to bury. The ways we interact with the environment around us influence short-term and long-term social and physical outcomes. For example, Bassett Creek was essentially the local dump and its heavy pollution negatively impacted the health of the community around it, as well as devalued the adjacent land at that time. That devaluation led to the locating of the Sumner Field Homes, which were the first federally subsidized homes in Minnesota. They housed predominantly Asian and Black communities who went on to experience flooding and other impacts from the creek. It was later torn down and Heritage Park now stands there today.

Current day Heritage Park

Bassett Creek near the abandoned Fruen Mill, which dates back to 1894.

Q:  What can we as citizens do to help convert lost waterways to usable, beautiful community resources? Is it possible?  

A:  Well, it can be difficult to even know about lost waterways, as they may be obscured, buried, and hard to see or access. However, when we do know about them, we as citizens can voice our desires to daylight the waterways or restore the areas around them whether that be to planners or to a neighborhood association. 

Q:  Will you pursue a career in environmental architecture? Or environmental justice?

A:  I intend to integrate environmental, racial, and climate justice into my future career as an urban planner. I would like to take the learnings from my research and apply it to the practice of planning in ways that benefit historically disadvantaged and marginalized communities now and in the future. 

Q:  How may we follow or stay current in your research topic? 

A:  Follow the work of local organizations who are tackling these issues, such as MWMO and Friends of the Mississippi. To learn more about the intersection of race and hydrology, check out writers like Jason King who explores Hidden Hydrology.  

Bacon Social House Minneapolis Announces Grand Re-Opening Weekend September 10

August 28 UPDATE: The  grand re-opening weekend has been moved to the weekend of September 17.

Bacon Social House, an independently owned restaurant, is re-opening in the Thresher Square building at 700 S 3rd Street with reservations available now through Resy for the official grand re-opening weekend September 10, 2021.

This location is the company’s fourth location, which initially opened in 2019 and shut down due to COVID-19. It will be open Wednesday - Friday 11:00 am - 7:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm, and Sunday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm serving weekend brunch, weekday lunch, dinner, and happy hour specials. The 4,200 square foot space is next door to the new Canopy by Hilton hotel, just two blocks from the U.S. Bank Stadium.

“We are THRILLED...our much-anticipated MSP location is ready to welcome guests back into the space! It has been a tough year for the restaurant industry as a whole, so this opening holds even more significance to us. We are honored to be part of the Minneapolis revitalization both downtown and in the U.S. Bank Stadium. We hope Bacon Social House will once again become a destination for both locals and visitors looking for delicious food and drinks in a place that’s all about bringing fun and good times. We are so grateful for an incredible team and community who have rallied behind us,” said owner David Dill.

Photo: Mill City TimesThe menu is bacon-forward, featuring the signature flight of 6 types of bacon: applewood, BBQ, chili lime, French toast, candied, and a bacon flavor of the month. Many popular items at the Colorado locations will be featured, including brunch favorites like bacon, shrimp & grits, and chicken & waffles with sausage gravy and applewood smoked bacon.

The menu will also feature some regional specialties like poutine with a choice of pork green chili or sausage gravy and melted cheddar, coffee from Spyhouse Coffee Roasters, spirits from Tattersall Distilling, Du Nord Craft Spirits, Prairie Organic Spirits, and RockFilter Distillery, and craft beer from Bauhaus Brew Labs, Lake Monster Brewing, Surly Brewing Co., and more.

MN Craft Brewers Guild's 20th Annual Autumn Brew Review Beer Festival Scheduled for October 16 at Boom Island

Via an August 20 e-announcement from the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild:

On October 16, 2021, craft beer fans can celebrate the season with unlimited samples of Minnesota-made beer, cider, and more at Autumn Brew Review beer festival. The festival will feature special seasonal releases and classic favorites, non-alcoholic and gluten free options, food trucks, music, games, and more!

Autumn Brew Review is hosted by the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild (MNCBG), the state’s nonprofit association for craft breweries and brewpubs. Like other MNCBG festivals, Autumn Brew Review will exclusively showcase the local talent of Minnesota’s breweries, brewpubs, and cideries. “We hear from attendees all the time that they love how they actually get to talk with the head brewers and owners of Minnesota’s breweries at our festivals. Our fests are a great way for craft beer fans to connect in a new way with some of their favorite local businesses, and discover new places they haven’t been able to try yet,” said Lauren Bennett McGinty, Executive Director of the MNCBG.

*  *  *  *  *  Autumn Brew Review Details  *  *  *  *  *

● October 16, 1:30-5:00p

● Boom Island Park, 724 Sibley Street NE

● Tickets On Sale Now

   ○ General Admission: $60

   ○ Sober/DD: $15

   ○ Early-entry available to members of the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild MNthusiast program

● 80+ MN craft breweries, brewpubs, and cideries

● Food Trucks, local shopping, games, competitions, and music hosted by The Current

*  *  *  *  *  Vaccinations Required  *  *  *  *  *

The MNCBG is taking new precautions for the upcoming festival; proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be required for all attendees, workers, and volunteers.The nonprofit will also be releasing tickets in stages, and, in the unlikely case of a full cancellation due to COVID, will offer refunds to ticket holders.

“The health and wellness of craft beer employees and customers is extremely important to the Guild, and so is continuing to host the festivals that energize and connect the craft beer community. As COVID continues to be a concern throughout the state, we felt it was our responsibility to do what we could to support community and industry safety at ABR,” says Bennett McGinty. “We know not everyone will be happy with the vaccine requirement, but our goal is to limit the potential negative impact our festival could have on community health, and allow people to be more confident in working, attending, and volunteering at ABR.”

More information

About The Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild

The Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild is a not-for-profit organization that was founded in 2000 and is made up of more than 165 Minnesota brewery members. The Guild showcases the talent of Minnesota’s craft brewers and promotes Minnesota’s brewing industry by sponsoring festivals and special events, including Winterfest, the MN Brewers Cup, All Pints North, the State Fair’s Brewed in Minnesota exhibit, and Autumn Brew Review. The Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild’s mission is to promote, protect, and grow a robust Minnesota craft brewing industry by building a healthy beer culture and community that allows for independent brewers, industry stakeholders, and craft beer fans to thrive.