February 5 Ward 7 Update from Council Member Lisa Goodman

DID Launches 2021 Safety Plan

The plan provides wrap around support for downtown Minneapolis                               

The Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District today announced a new partnership with Hennepin County to add a social worker as part of the DID Livability Team’s ongoing work. The position will help more effectively address a range of mental health and chemical dependency issues throughout downtown.

This new partnership aligns with the full unveiling of the DID’s 2021 safety plan—a robust, five-tiered approach made possible by $3.5 million worth of investments from downtown property owners focusing on overall safety measures, activity, and collaboration.

The DID safety plan will bring members of the public, private, and non-profit sectors together throughout the year providing a variety of resources that, together, build a cohesively vibrant downtown experience. The plan has begun rolling out and all tactics are expected to be deployed prior to this summer.

“We strongly believe it takes full collaboration to build confidence in downtown’s safety, and that includes community outreach, law enforcement, communication with our downtown stakeholders and street level activations,” said Steve Cramer, President & CEO of the Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District. “This plan is thorough, brings a great deal of expertise together and is a unified effort in providing public safety to our downtown community.”

The plans five focus areas include:

1. Communications and collaborations
2. Security presence and response
3. Livability outreach and street engagement
4. Advocacy for a safer downtown
5. Activation, vibrancy, and crime prevention

Outreach and security presence are cornerstones of this safety plan. The security presence and response plan includes DID Ambassadors, dedicated downtown patrol, added Joint Beats presence, and more.

In addition to the new Hennepin County social worker, the plan includes street outreach engagement through the DID Livability Team, YouthLink, Youth Coordinating Board, St. Stephen’s, Office of Violence Prevention Outreach Interrupters and MAD DADS.

To further enhance communication, the plan will include the DID Safety Communications Center at the First Precinct coordinating with a network of law enforcement, outreach teams and private security. RadioLink, security meetings, downtown safety workshops and more will be part of the communications plan.

Vibrant streets make safe streets, so activations are part of the safety plan. This year’s activation plans, subject to public health guidelines throughout the year, include the Nicollet Farmers Market, Nicollet Maker Market, street show music performances, Street Eats incubator food cart program, MN Fringe Beyond the Box performances, MNSpin, and more.

For more information, visit www.MplsDID.com or follow @MplsDID on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About the Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District

The Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District (DID) is a business funded non-profit focused on creating a more vibrant downtown. DID leads and collaborates on programs that make downtown safer, cleaner, and greener. DID convenes people across sectors and jurisdictions to work on issues of mutual interest; develop innovative solutions to complex public space challenges/opportunities including strategic activation and seeks continuous improvement of ongoing programs including the ambassadors. For more information, visit www.MplsDID.com

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Hennepin County Shelter Availability

In preparation for the upcoming weather, there have been additional shelter beds added for single adults this week. Almost all emergency shelter is currently accessible 24 hours a day and all shelters have made accommodations to be CDC compliant. We encourage anyone that is currently sleeping outside to contact the Adult Shelter Connect to access shelter. We understand there is hesitation, for many reasons, but it is critical over these next few days to get out of the cold and this is the best way to do that.

To access emergency shelter, please call the Adult Shelter Connect at 612-248-2350 from 10:00AM - 5:30PM Monday-Friday, or 1:00PM - 5:30PM on weekends and holidays.  More info here.

If you work with any families that are in need of shelter there is ample capacity. Call 612-348-9410 to speak to shelter representative.

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Ward 7 Spotlight

Small, family-owned businesses are the life-blood of Minneapolis. The smaller they are, the more important their history in our community. Gittelson Jewelers has been a downtown Minneapolis business serving consumers, MN athletes and musicians for over 35 years. In fact we just celebrated our 35th anniversary this last fall during COVID-19 and the aftermath of city-wide unrest. Needless to say, the results of our generational celebration were all but forgotten in the wake of our current environment. The skwyways are empty and these businesses are all but forgotten.

Gittelson Jewelers is in the Norhtstar Center building serving generations of clients and Minneapolis’s most interesting customers for now, almost 36 years. Please remember to support the smallest of our family-onwed businesses in downtown Minneapolis, specifically the hidden “Gems" in the Minneapolis Skyways. 

Gittelson Jewelers specializes in:

• Diamond engagement rings
• Custom made engagement rings and other fine jewelry
• Jewelry & watch repair
• Diamond earrings, necklaces, bracelets and more.

We’ll clean, check and inspect your jewelry for free while in our store. 

We’ll comp your parking in the Crowne Plaza ramp if you are purchasing with us. 

If you don’t want to come in the store, we’ll do virtual consultations and even deliver it to your doorstep if you’re within the Twin Cities metro locale. 

We are the longest standing jewelry store in the Minneapolis skyway system since 1985. 

For Valentine’s Day we have numerous sale items throughout our store. 

www.gittelsonjewelers.com

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COVID-19 Situation Update as of February 3, 2021

Situational updates: Minneapolis

• As of February 3, there are 31,699 cases in Minneapolis and 377 deaths. The total number of cases increased by 1.3% over the previous week. Hospitalizations increased by 1.3% and ICU admissions increased by less than 1%.
• Over the past week, there have been about 75 new cases per day on average. Minneapolis-specific daily case counts and demographics are available at www.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/dashboard.
• The new case rate in Minneapolis has decreased significantly, however we are still seeing at least 10 new cases per day, as well as averaging five hospitalizations, one ICU admission, and one death per day. It is important to continue taking precautions and take advantage of the available testing.
• The seven-day rolling average rate for Minneapolis is at 16.3 cases per 100,000. The rate continues to decrease, but the impact of the re-opening of bars and restaurants, as well as the return to school and sports, remains to be seen.
• The State is releasing $6.9 million in federal vaccination funding to local public health departments. MHD will receive $368,621 to spend by June 30. In addition, the Minneapolis Police Department received federal funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance for the COVID response and MHD will allocate $268,000 of it for COVID testing, case investigation, and contract tracing.
• Mayor Frey’s Emergency Regulation No. 12 regarding masks remains in effect. The regulation requires people to wear face masks in all indoor public places.

Situational updates: Minnesota

• As of February 2, there are 463,766 cases in Minnesota out of over 6.6 million tests completed. There have been 6,234 deaths from COVID-19 in Minnesota. There are 96,262 cases and 1,539 deaths in Hennepin County.
• The State uses a color-coded map to track a seven-day rolling average of new cases. As of January 26, Minnesota is reporting 18 cases per 100,000 and Minneapolis is at 16.3 cases per 100,000.
• The State continues to work with the CDC to conduct surveillance to determine how prevalent the newly identified strains of COVID-19 might be in Minnesota. As of today, 16 cases of the B.1.1.7 and two cases of the P.1 variant have been detected in Minnesota.
• MHD encourages everyone to sign up for the State’s COVIDaware MN exposure app. The app notifies you if you may have been exposed to COVID-19 by anyone else using the app. The app complements, but does not replace, case investigation and contact tracing.
• The statewide mask mandate remains in effect. People are required to wear masks in all indoor public places where people gather and some outdoor venues where physical distancing is difficult.
• Governor Walz’s Emergency Order 21-01 is in effect. Details are available on the City’s Guidance for Restaurants, Bars and Breweries and Distilleries web page.

Have a COVID-safe Super Bowl

• Looking forward to the big game on Sunday? The safest way to cheer on your favorite team is to stay home and watch with people in your own household. Attending large gatherings increases your risk of getting and spreading COVID-19.
• If you host or attend a party, there should be no more than two households total and a maximum of 10 people indoors. While you’re around others, it’s very important to stay physically distanced, wear a mask, and wash your hands.
• The CDC offers additional recommendations for COVID-safe celebrations on their website.

Health Department Incident Command updates

• The Health Department is offering multiple community testing and vaccination clinics every week during the month of February, with many more to come in the next few months. We need City staff to volunteer at these events. Thank you to those who have already signed up to help out! Anyone who is interested can fill out a brief survey. Staff who volunteer will receive training and personal protective equipment, including COVID vaccination for those volunteering at multiple events.

Case investigation/Contact tracing

• MHD staff are conducting case and contact follow-up for Minneapolis Public School (MPS) staff diagnosed or exposed to COVID-19, and providing recommendations to MPS on next steps.
• We continue to conduct follow-up on individuals diagnosed with COVID-19, as well as contact tracing at workplaces and with exposed individuals. Of the cases in Minneapolis, 65% have been interviewed and 2.3% have refused. Thirty-three percent of cases have been lost to follow-up and less than 1% of new Minneapolis cases still need to be interviewed.
• Twenty percent of interviews of Minneapolis residents have been conducted in a language other than English, representing over 15 different languages.
• We have 50 active case investigators, including two non-MHD enterprise staff and 17 AmeriCorps staff. With the decrease in cases, case investigators are interviewing an average of 60 cases per shift and making an average of 100 calls per shift, plus conducting workplace and other contact follow-up.
• Cases now have the option of completing the interview online. Cases receive a text and are able to choose one of four languages to complete the survey in. About 5% of Minneapolis cases have chosen to complete the interview online.

COVID-19 vaccination

• We continue to partner with Hennepin Healthcare to vaccinate Phase 1A priority groups in Minneapolis. This week, we are hosting 10 clinics and expect to vaccinate Metro Transit workers, older adults in assisted living facilities, school health workers, and unaffiliated health clinic staff. To date, we have given out over 2,000 vaccines.
• Hennepin County Human Services has been and will continue to vaccinate certain groups in Minneapolis where they have existing relationships (i.e. shelters, the unsheltered homeless, and board and lodging facilities).
• The State is opening a vaccination clinic at the Minneapolis Convention Center this Thursday, Saturday (February 4 – 6), with second doses being provided in March. They are expecting to vaccinate approximately 9,000 people at this site including 4,500 educators/childcare workers and 4,500 people over age 65. Other updates about the State’s vaccination distribution plans and progress can be found on their vaccination website.
• Vaccine demand continues to far outpace available doses at this time. While waiting to be vaccinated help stop the spread of the virus by continuing to wash your hands, stay 6ft apart, and wear a mask.
• We are hosting vaccine briefings for Enterprise Leaders every other Monday from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. The next briefing is scheduled for Monday, February 8. Past recordings can be found on the COVID Vaccination Channel.

Community Public Information and Outreach

• As a Health Department, we’re committed to providing timely, culturally appropriate, science-based information to help people make informed decisions about COVID-19 vaccination.
• We established agreements with five community partners (Insight, Centro, Somali Center Resettlement Services, MIGIZI and SEAD-Southeast Asian Diaspora) to serve as trusted messengers. These groups will help us ensure that critical COVID-19 information is reaching BIPOC communities using the most effective messages and channels.
• We are developing, translating and disseminating community friendly materials for trusted messengers to use when educating about COVID-19.
• We are offering community conversations about COVID-19 vaccinations, testing, and ways to prevent the virus. Please use this form to request a conversation.
• A City vaccine webpage called “the hub” will be available in the next several weeks so that Minneapolis residents can find a vaccination site close to their home.
• Food, Lodging, and Pools inspectors along with NCR staff are distributing flyers to promote the COVID-19 testing events listed below.

COVID-19 Testing

In the past week, 209 COVID-19 saliva tests were provided at three community based events, a local business, and a coffee shop. Despite the vaccine roll-out, it is important to get tested. Please help us promote the following free saliva testing events:

• Minneapolis Public Schools Davis Center, 1250 West Broadway, February 4 (2 p.m. to 7 p.m.) for MPS staff and community and offered with the Power of People Leadership Institute on February 13 and February 20 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) for all community members.
• MN Chippewa Tribe Building, 1308 East Franklin Ave, February 16 (3 p.m. to 7 p.m.).
• Columbia Manor, 3300 Central Ave. N.E. on February 4, 11, 18, and 25 (4 p.m. to 7 p.m.).
• Phyllis Wheatley Community Center, 1301 10th Ave N., February 27 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
• Free saliva testing is also offered at three local sites hosted by the State health department. Visit the State’s COVID-19 testing web page to register and find more information.
• Minneapolis Convention Center - 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.
• Brooklyn Park Starlight Center - 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.
• Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport - 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.
• The State is also offering free at-home saliva tests. Any person in Minnesota can order a saliva test kit from the COVID-19 Test at Home program. The test will be delivered to your home with rush shipping.
• The City's testing web page offers the latest information on testing sites and guidance about what to do while you wait for COVID-19 test results. Staying away from others while you wait for your results is extremely important, especially if you have any symptoms. The web page has short videos in multiple languages explaining how to quarantine and isolate effectively.

MHD distribution of saliva test kits:

• The Health Department is offering free saliva testing kits to community partners, organizations and businesses. After you request saliva testing kits, a staff member will contact you for more information. Virtual training on how to administer the tests is offered upon request.
• To date there have been 64 requests from businesses and community partners for 6,989 test kits.
• MHD may also offer testing to companies; testing was provided at the Broadway Equipment Company on February 2.

Responding to community needs

• We have a good stock of personal protective equipment on hand (masks, hand sanitizer, and gloves) and are able to fulfill community and business requests for supplies. These items may be requested through the COVID-19 Requests and Inquiries form.
• We are responding to 10-15 emails per day in our COVID19@minneapolismn.gov inbox. Most people are requesting information about COVID-19 vaccine distribution. Please continue using the COVID email for any questions about vaccines or other COVID-related issues.
• Last week, we distributed 7,660 hygiene items to unsheltered homeless persons through community partners. Items included wipes, toothbrushes and paste, deodorant, condoms, warm weather gear including gloves and boots, and 4,320 handwarmers.
• With CARES funding, we purchased equipment to support the weekly free food distribution at Corcoran Park (tables, chairs, tents, carts). We are working with other community food distribution sites to determine if and how we can share the equipment.

The City specific COVID email address is: COVID19@minneapolismn.gov.

MSP Film Society Announces the 40th MSPIFF Will be May 13-23, Passes Now on Sale

Via a February 2 Press Release from the MSP Film Society:

MSP Film Society is thrilled to announce the 40th Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival (MSPIFF40) will take place Thursday, May 13 through Sunday, May 23, 2021! Due to the ongoing pandemic, MSPIFF40 will be a hybrid festival, with films and panels presented primarily in thevirtual world, while plans are in motion for several outdoor screenings, as long as state and local Covid-19 orders allow. Details will be released in the coming months, once MSPIFF40 films and locations are confirmed.

MSPIFF40 Festival Passes are on sale now at mspfilm.org

All-Access Passes for MSP Film Society Members are $175 through March 20, then go up to $200. Non-Member All-Access Passes are $250 and include a 1-year MSP Film Society Core Membership.The complete lineup for MSPIFF40 will be announced Thursday, April 22, 2021.

Like most nonprofit arts organizations, MSP Film Society took a deep financial hit in 2020, due to the shutdowns put into place to help control the spread of Covid-19. Thankfully, our members and supporters adapted as swiftly as our staff, and remained engaged with our virtual programing while staying safely at home.

“We are relieved to have weathered the storms of 2020, and as we find our footing in 2021 with renewed hope, MSP Film Society turns our focus on the 40th MSP International Film Festival – yes, that’s right, forty years!” said Susan Smoluchowski, Executive Director of MSP Film Society, theparent organization of MSPIFF. “We have lots of great ideas on how to make MSPIFF40 our most fabulous festival yet, and worthy of its standing as a tried and true Minnesota cultural institution.”

MSPIFF is Minnesota’s largest film festival and, at 40 years running, one of the longest-running film festivals in the country. As in most years, MSP Film Society staff began mapping out plans for MSPIFF40 last fall, when programmers began discussing themes, anticipated films, possible tributes, and potential guests. Most years, the MSPIFF programmers attend a few key fall and winter festivals to scour the newest films to hit the fest circuit, including Toronto and Sundance – and that continued this year, albeit virtually, while concurrently screening films submitted directly to MSPIFF.

“This year we received over 800 submissions to MSPIFF, which is on par with previous years,” said MSPIFF Programming Director Jesse Bishop. “So the storytellers continue to wow us with their new work, and whether we are presenting a physical, virtual, or hybrid festival, our job essentially remains the same: to seek out a range of voices and debut the latest and greatest in international cinema to our ever-expanding MSPIFF audiences.”

The MSPIFF40 programming team is also tasked with determining each year’s Spotlight Theme, and with all the strife and division we collectively endured, it has been decided the 2021 Spotlight theme could only be: Common Ground: Presenting stories that focus attention on and explore equity and bias that manifests across the human experience, from racial and gender, to social, educational, geographic or economic.

MSP Film Society looks forward to sharing the films that fit this theme along with all we have in store for MSPIFF40, including our many MSPIFF filmmaker panels, conversations, and tributes recognizing filmmakers of note to complement another rich slate of films from around the globe, including an occasion to remember the legacy of the Film Society’s founder Al Milgrom and a VIP fundraising event celebrating MSPIFF40. Please stay tuned for upcoming announcements.

MSPIFF40 is generously supported by many sponsors including: Star Tribune, Cedarwoods Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts’ Art Works Grant, Best Buy Community Grant, McKnight Foundation,St. Paul Foundation, Minneapolis Foundation, KNOCK, Inc., Jazz 88, numerous locally owned and basedbusinesses, consulates from around the world, our Masters and Auteurs Member Circles, the 2,500+ Members and Donors of MSP Film Society…and more to come!

MSPIFF is presented by the MSP Film Society, 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.

The Mill City Times Interview: LaToya Burrell, Author, Be Bold: How to Prepare Your Heart & Mind for Racial Reconciliation

Article by Becky Fillinger

Racial equity is a central focus for President Biden. Are you interested in taking a sincere step in curing the racial injustice in our local society? We have an expert in our community, LaToya Burrell. LaToya is the Dean of Graduate Education and Accreditation at North Central University and the author of Be Bold:  How to Prepare Your Heart & Mind for Racial Reconciliation. Her new book has the practical advice we need to move forward. 

Q:  For those who want to start courageous conversations for racial harmony, what practical steps can you recommend?

A:  This process is not a one size fits all process, but one thing consistent is the requirement that a person be intentional and willing to commit to this very personal journey. The person should be open and honest with their past and history and understand that the process is not designed to make anyone feel guilty or ashamed, but instead, designed to make us aware. The awareness leads to change and growth. The first step is to make a plan. In my book, I have specific resources and exercises that I recommend everyone explore in the self-examination process.

LaToya BurrellQ:  Tell us about the notion of growth groups. Have you seen growth groups form and sincerely address issues like racial injustice?

A:  The idea behind the growth group is that we were not designed to be alone! This process is no different. Collaboration and community is useful in this process because growth groups can hold one another accountable, share resources and stories, and provide different perspectives to enrich the discussions. I have seen growth groups be useful tools when groups are intentional, committed and sincere. Like self-examination, there is not a one size fits all rule of what growth groups can and should look like.  How often you connect and how long you connect, exactly what you discuss, and ground rules for mutual respect, are all flexible. Yes, I have enjoyed hearing growth group success stories.

Q:  Can you give us some examples of how people have started to change their perceptions by 'being bold'?

A:  Being Bold encourages people to step into the area of uncertainty or discomfort, especially if those things have been barriers in the past.  Being Bold ultimately leads to growth and liberation. During the process of being bold, you listen and learn and examine yourself and possible biases. You’re able to determine where you are versus where you want to be and make a plan. The process is life changing and enlightening for many!

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Read reviews of Be Bold on Amazon...

Brianna Rose interviews LaToya Burrell

DID Launches 2021 Safety Plan

Via a February 3 Press Release from the Mpls Downtown Improvement District

The plan provides wrap around support for downtown Minneapolis

The Mpls Downtown Improvement District (DID) today announced a new partnership with Hennepin County to add a social worker as part of the DID Livability Team’s ongoing work. The position will help more effectively address a range of mental health and chemical dependency issues throughout downtown.

This new partnership aligns with the full unveiling of the DID’s 2021 safety plan—a robust, five-tiered approach made possible by $3.5 million worth of investments from downtown property owners focusing on overall safety measures, activity, and collaboration.

The DID safety plan will bring members of the public, private, and non-profit sectors together throughout the year providing a variety of resources that, together, build a cohesively vibrant downtown experience. The plan has begun rolling out and all tactics are expected to be deployed prior to this summer.

“We strongly believe it takes full collaboration to build confidence in downtown’s safety, and that includes community outreach, law enforcement, communication with our downtown stakeholders and street level activations,” said Steve Cramer, President & CEO of the Mpls Downtown Improvement District. “This plan is thorough, brings a great deal of expertise together and is a unified effort in providing public safety to our downtown community.”

The plans five focus areas include: 

• Communications and collaborations
• Security presence and response
• Livability outreach and street engagement
• Advocacy for a safer downtown
• Activation, vibrancy, and crime prevention

Outreach and security presence are cornerstones of this safety plan. The security presence and response plan includes DID Ambassadors, dedicated downtown patrol, added Joint Beats presence, and more.

In addition to the new Hennepin County social worker, the plan includes street outreach engagement through the DID Livability Team, YouthLink, Youth Coordinating Board, St. Stephen’s, Office of Violence Prevention Outreach Interrupters and MAD DADS.

To further enhance communication, the plan will include the DID Safety Communications Center at the First Precinct coordinating with a network of law enforcement, outreach teams and private security. RadioLink, security meetings, downtown safety workshops and more will be part of the communications plan.

Vibrant streets make safe streets, so activations are part of the safety plan. This year’s activation plans, subject to public health guidelines throughout the year, include the Nicollet Farmers Market, Nicollet Maker Market, street show music performances, Street Eats incubator food cart program, MN Fringe Beyond the Box performances, MNSpin, and more.

For more information, visit www.MplsDID.com or follow @MplsDID on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About the Mpls Downtown Improvement District

The Mpls Downtown Improvement District (DID) is a business funded non-profit focused on creating a more vibrant downtown. DID leads and collaborates on programs that make downtown safer, cleaner, and greener. DID convenes people across sectors and jurisdictions to work on issues of mutual interest; develop innovative solutions to complex public space challenges/opportunities including strategic activation and seeks continuous improvement of ongoing programs including the ambassadors.

Social Justice Exhibit at the Northrup King Building Includes 4 Events

Via a February 1 e-announcment:

Eye-opening, thought provoking, inciting needed conversations; the Social Justice Exhibit at Northrup King Building, hosted by Beverly and A. Drew Hammond opens this Thursday, February 4th from 5-9pm in Gallery #322.

You don’t want to miss this amazing and diverse body of works from seven artists who are expressing their views on social justice in America through their art! Artists include:

• Loreta Bebeau
• Broderick Poole
• seangarrison
• A Drew Hammond
• Beverly Tipton Hammond
• Karen Kraco
• Kathy Mommsen

Join the Virtual Forum on Social Justice on Saturday, February 6th from 6:30-7:30 p.m., hosted by Tina Burnside, Co-Founder of the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery.

Additional Dates and Times:

Saturday, February 13, 12-4pm

Saturday, February 13, 5-10pm during Northrup King Nights

Melon-Colony, A. Drew Hammond

The World Heard Your Pain, A. Drew Hammond

The Mill City Times Interview: Golnaz Yamoutpour, Founder, Eat Drink Dish MPLS®

Article by Becky Fillinger

Golnaz YamoutpourDo you like curated menu recommendations?  Want to also help our restaurants survive?  Meet Golnaz Yamoutpour, founder of Eat Drink Dish MPLS®, who is a kindred spirit.  We talked to Golnaz about her fascinating lifelong connection to food and entrepreneurial spirit that is helping foodies and making meaningful change for our local eateries. 

Q:  Please tell us about your earliest food memory. 

A:  My earliest food memory is probably watching my mom cook Persian food at home. She cooked from scratch almost every day, and as the youngest in my family, I was always with my mom. So I'd watch and sometimes help her make food.

Q:  Your parents emigrated from Iran in 1990.  They became restaurant owners - was your family in the food business in Iran?

A:  That’s right - My family immigrated to the United States from Iran, when I was about 3 years old, and chose to live in Minnesota since we had family living here. My parents worked at corporate jobs back in Iran, so the food business was new to them. They bought a Cousins Subs franchise around the mid-90's in downtown Minneapolis and I started working at 8 years old as a cashier. I would stand on a plastic milk crate and take customer orders, even during the busy lunch rush hours! I loved the idea of working when I was a kid and enjoyed my adventures roaming around the skyways in downtown Minneapolis. Even today, I know the skyway system like the back of my hand!

Q:  When did you become a US citizen?  

A:  I became a US Citizen at 17 years old! So it took us almost 15 years to gain citizenship.

Q:  Why did you start Eat Drink Dish MPLS®?

A:  The main purpose of starting Eat Drink Dish MPLS® was to support local businesses, and to create a voice for myself in a state where I never really felt like I fit in. I started the digital brand while I was pursuing my MBA career, and working full-time. So it was also a great way to apply what I was learning in business school to actual real life practice. I chose the topic of food and restaurants because, at that point in my life, I had a strong background in the food industry. From helping my parents at our family-owned restaurant for most of my childhood, waitressing for 5 years at a couple restaurants, to studying Nutrition at the University of Minnesota. It was/is also part of my lifestyle - I love to travel with my palate and I love to hear why people start their own business. Eat Drink Dish Mpls became a stepping stone into owning my own business as a Brand and Marketing Consultant, where I get to help entrepreneurs and businesses better understand their why so I can show them their how.

Q:  I have to ask, why did you feel that you never fit in?

A:  Living in between two cultures, American and Persian, was very confusing for me as a child growing up. I didn't have the same rules, food, or customs as most of my friends did so that immediately set me apart socially. Then, add in that you weren't born in the US, have an unusual name, have strong Middle-Eastern features, and live in a predominantly white community, and you're set as always trying to fit in. Eat Drink Dish Mpls allowed me to stop trying to fit in by enabling me to contribute and share my voice through food.

Q:  Can you tell us more about Eddy's Yum Club?

A:  Eddy's Yum Club is our premium membership program under our new Curated Twin Cities Food and Restaurant Guide, called Eddy. On November 10, 2020, we launched our very first digital food guide at www.eatswitheddy.com where you can access and search for our curated recommended restaurants by appetite. We like to keep our recommendations rotating and seasonal because we want to ease the decision-making process when trying to figure out where to eat. So, each appetite category will have anywhere between 5-15 recommendations along with an accompanying "Signature Yum," which is our personal recommended dish for each restaurant. No rants, ratings or reviews - just great food.

Eddy is free to join, but if you're a self-proclaimed Foodie and want to help give back to the restaurant community, you can join Eddy's Yum Club for only $48 per year ($4/month)! The membership includes lots of great perks like exclusive giveaways, discounts, guides, and a section where you can use Eddy as your own personal concierge service twice a year. Lastly, 3% of each Eddy's Yum Club membership fee is donated to our non-profit partner, The North Stands.

A pie from Parkway PizzaFor restaurants, Eddy's Yum Club is a great way to get in front of one of the largest digital food audiences in the Twin Cities. There are multiple ways to partner up with us through our Eddy's Yum Club Goodies, High Five Guides, and Eddy's Recommendations. We are working with a few local restaurants right now who are offering up amazing exclusive promotions and giveaways on Eddy's Yum Club, like Parkway Pizza and Waffle Bar. Under this offering, you can take $8 off any Parkway Pizza online order up to 8 times through March 1, 2021.

Later this spring, we plan on rolling out our official Eddy advertising and partnership packages.

Q:  What, in your opinion, are steps that we can take to help our local restaurants survive?

A:  Joining Eddy's Yum Club is a great way to start helping local restaurants survive during these times. Not only is 3% of the membership fee donated directly to a local non-profit, helping primarily BIPOC-owned restaurants, the rest of the funds go to help us keep creating quality content and experiences that benefit everyone; including the restaurant community (keep an eye out for upcoming virtual events!). We are a very small team, self-funded, and truly do this out of passion and for the love of the creative people behind our vibrant food scene.

Other ways to help local restaurants are to purchase gift cards, order food for pickup versus delivery, share your food pics on Instagram and tag the restaurants so they can repost them on their page (with photo credit, of course). While you're at it, be sure to tag us (@eatdrinkdishmpls, #eatdrinkdishmpls), for a chance to be reposted on our page where we share the love of food with over 70,000 of our awesome followers!

Q:  Do you have a favorite Minneapolis restaurant?

A:  I always get asked this question! I don't really have a favorite restaurant, and I've gone to so many restaurants that I usually find something to love about each one. However, I am a lover of sushi and true comfort food for me is Persian food. There's only one place in the Twin Cities that offers up authentic Persian food close enough to what my mom made growing up, Caspian Bistro.

Q:  How can we follow your news?

A:  Keep up with us and what's hot in the local food scene by following us on Instagram @eatdrinkdishmpls and @eatswitheddy. Also, sign up for our monthly newsletter, "The Eddible," where we dish out what's new, what's still happening, and what's coming soon in the Twin Cities!

The Mill City Times Interview: Sarah Peters, Director, Northern Lights.mn

Article by Becky Fillinger

Later this month, Illuminate the Lock returns to the St. Anthony Falls lock wall. It’s a collaboration between many non-profit and government groups to tell the Mississippi River’s story using images, sound and lights. We spoke to Sarah Peters, Director of Northern Lights.mn, one of the event’s partners, about art and technology in public spaces. 

Sarah PetersQ:  How did you get interested in art in public spaces?

A:  It is hard to pinpoint a precise moment or project, but I would say I was inspired to start thinking about interactive art in public spaces from the early days of the Art Shanty Projects. Some friends and I built and hosted a shanty for two winters on Medicine Lake. The experience of welcoming people to our shanty and watching a community of artists grow around the project was very energizing. At that time I was working in the Education and Community Programs department of the Walker Art Center doing exhibition-related programming for adults. Towards the end of my decade there, my colleagues and I launched a project called Open Field that encouraged visitors to become programmers of the green lawn outside of the museum. After a summer of programming outside and in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and seeing how people brought a more embodied, active curiosity to the activities, it was hard for me to imagine going back to concentrating my energy on in-gallery programs and lectures. I left the Walker and eventually started working with Northern Lights.mn on the Northern Spark festival.

Illuminate The Lock: Madweyaashkaa: Waves Can Be Heard by Moira Villiard takes place February 18, 19 and 20 at the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock Visitor Center.

Q:  Tell us about some of the uses of technology in presenting art in public spaces.

 A:  This could be a very long list! One thing I’ll note is that the word “technology” is relative. By that I mean a pen and paper is a technology as much as a system of geolocated tags in an online map, depending on the circumstances. Here are a few examples of the art:

Wind Chime (after "Dream")I’m a fan of uses of sound in outdoor spaces, like the site-specific sound walks of Janet Cardiff or the “low-tech” act of hanging carefully tuned wind chimes in a grove of trees at the Walker Sculpture Garden. Wind Chime (after ‘Dream’) by Pierre Huyghe. 

These can be technologically complex, geo-tagged projects or use a relatively simple dial and listen phone tree, like the Art on Foot Poetry Trail at Silverwood Park in St. Anthony Main. 

Large scale projections and projection mapping — the process of fitting a projected image/s to the precise architecture of a building or other surface — is one of the most exciting and popular formats of temporary public art happening right now. This is a growing field, with a lot of flashy projects, but I tend to appreciate projects that focus on story and meaning over the fanciest tricks.  

For example, at Northern Spark 2014 we partnered with Mizna, a local organization that supports Arab and Arab-American artists, to present a project called Confluent that projected a simple video of the Euphrates River on the underside of the Third Ave Bridge over the Mississippi in Minneapolis. The project was about the temporary and conceptual joining of these two bodies of water that will never connect physically, but are interrelated by the ever-complicated relationship between the U.S. and Iraq. 

Also, that same year, Michael Murnane turned the facade of the Pillsbury A Mill into a celebration of ice fishing in an ode to his father and growing up in Minnesota.

Another one: Marina Zurkow and Paul Virillio’s Flight. Northern Lights presented this project for Illuminate South Loop in Bloomington, MN during the Super Bowl in 2018. On the back end of the installation, they created a feed that pulled daily weather data, plane departures and arrivals from MSP airport and bird migration data from the MN Wildlife Refuge to populate a real-time animation of planes and birds that was projected onto the side of the Hyatt Regency.  I love how the artists responded to the unique features of that specific site and time: winter in Minnesota, being near the Wildlife Refuge and the airport.

I Heard There Was a Secret Chord creates a metaphysical connection between them through a sensory experience, in an attempt to demystify this universal hymn.

The internet is also public space, despite the many challenges to free, open public access. This project by Montreal-based design studio Daily Tous Les Jours, I heard there is a secret chord, is both a gallery installation and an online space that created a data-driven, public choir dedicated Leonard Cohen’s to beautiful song “Hallelujah.” The piece consists of a room and a website. Both continuously broadcast Hallelujah’s melody, hummed by a virtual choir. This choir of humming voices is directly impacted by the visitors. Whether they are listening online or in-situ, the number of voices heard increases and decreases as a result of their presence. The fluctuating number is displayed in real time.

Q:  Please tell us about Northern Lights’ involvement with art on the Internet.

A:  Here are a handful of examples:

a coming together: a performance for our time by Kathy McTavish and Hawona Sullivan Janzen, 2020

In March of 2020, right as the COVID shut down took place in Minnesota, Northern Lights.mn was scheduled to have our annual fundraiser. We quickly realized we’d need to shift to an online experience, and the artists we’d contracted to present at the event decided to work together to make an online piece. a coming together was a live, 638 hour web experience that combined code, sound and graphics by Kathy McTavish with a poem written and recorded by Hawona Sullivan Janzen. Ticket buyers to the fundraiser received a link to view the piece online, which randomly generated the text bits, image and sound. It ran for the month of April 2020.

Neighborhood Climate Change, Tumblr feed, 2016-2017

We’re interested in what artists can do with existing tools on the internet, such as Tumblr, back when Tumblr was a happening thing.  In 2016 and 2017 we focused the Northern Spark festival on climate change. For the year in between the June festivals, we published works of photography about climate on a Tumblr blog.  In many ways Neighborhood Climate Change was a simple project — we invited photographers to take an image from their immediate environment that spoke to their personal experience of climate change. The page now serves as an archive of artistic climate observation from that year. Read more. 

iPad app for Ding an sich by Piotr Szyhalski

Several years ago, we launched a free app to view an internet-based work of Minneapolis artist Piotr Syzhalski on an iPad. When the work, Ding an sich, launched 20 years ago, it responded to a user’s touch to create individual interactive experiences. Over the years with changes to internet browsers and technology, the piece became functionally extinct. Media migration is one of the most significant challenge to works made for different technology platforms. The app allowed viewers to experience the work as it was originally designed for the early web.

Q:  How might we follow your work and your partnerships? 

Lots of ways! Sign up for our episodic e-newsletter here. And follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Q:  Do you have opportunities for volunteers? 

Yes! Most of Northern Lights.mn projects need volunteers. Follow us at the links above for volunteer calls or send a note introducing yourself to volunteers@northern.lights.mn.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

Article by Michael Rainville, Jr.

The United States Federal Reserve System was created on December 23rd, 1913 when President Woodrow Wilson signed the Federal Reserve Act into law. The System is responsible for managing the country's money supply, making loans and providing oversight to banks, as well as serving as a lender of last resort. All of these responsibilities and more are entrusted to twelve regional banks that have their own districts, with the Minneapolis bank overseeing the 9th District.

9th District map

The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis was officially incorporated on May 18th, 1914. Once John H. Rich and Theodore Wold were appointed as the bank’s first agent and governor, they attended a convention in Washington D.C. where a decision was agreed on to open the twelve banks the following April. However, with World War I escalating, the start date was moved up to November 16th, 1914 in an effort to keep the U.S. economy as stable as possible. During the bank’s first two months, they had offices and vaults in many different buildings in downtown Minneapolis, such as the Minnesota Loan & Trust Company and the Lumber Exchange. In January of 1915, they moved to the New York Life Insurance Building on Fifth Street S and Second Avenue.

The first decade of the Minneapolis bank had many ups and downs. Farmers were increasing their income during WWI since importing food had drastically decreased, but once the war ended, crop prices reverted back to where they were before the war, and trust was lost in the banking system across the United States. Banks were closing left and right, but the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis was quickly outgrowing their space. In 1921, the Federal Reserve System approved the creation of eighteen branch banks with the 9th district receiving none. Minneapolis still needed the help, so Norman B. Holter, a businessman from Helena, Montana and a member of the Minneapolis Board of Directors, successfully lobbied to put a branch in his hometown. To this day, Helena is the only other branch in the 9th district.

510 Marquette Building, 1926

To help alleviate even more pressure on the Minneapolis offices, the bank purchased property on 5th Street S and Marquette Avenue with the intent of building their first permanent home. They hired the famous architect Cass Gilbert, known for designing the Capitols of Minnesota and West Virginia, the United States Supreme Court Building, and the St. Paul Seminary. Opening in 1925, the bank’s new neoclassical home was four stories with a large sub-basement, and the façade was adorned with giant granite Roman columns. The building expanded in 1956 when an additional nine stories were added to the original structure.

With the bank settled into their new home in 1925, the stock market would soon crash a few years later and plummet the U.S. into the Great Depression. With all the work that went into creating programs that would eventually help the nation rebound, the Federal Reserve System was also altered to better handle another economic disaster. One of the more major changes came with the Banking Act of 1935 that combined the roles of agent and governor into one role, the president. The Board of Directors of each of the twelve banks would elect a president who would then have to be approved by the Board of Governors before they would take on their new role.

1964

Just as the world was experiencing rapid technological growth in the middle of the 20th century, so was the Federal Reserve System. In 1947, IBM created their Proof Machines that completely changed the check collection process. The machine automatically sorted and placed checks in their appropriate compartment then computed the totals, and was a huge time-saver compared to non-mechanical models. The booming post-war economy in the 40s and 50s meant that the bank would soon outgrow their current home even after the addition of nine floors. From the 1950s to 1973, the bank rented out more office space next door in the Syndicate Building on Nicollet Mall, which later housed Penny’s and was demolished in 1989.

Eager to expand, the bank purchased land at 250 Marquette and wanted a modern building for their new headquarters. The building was completed in 1973 and became the first and only building in the world to utilize catenary cables for suspension to keep it standing. The architect even designed the building so it would be able to expand and double its height if need be. The catenary cables used for the expansion would be inverted, which would create an oval shape on the two main sides of the building. Unfortunately, window leaks and an asbestos problem ixnayed the expansion, and were big enough problems that the bank looked to build a new campus.

1975

The bank conducted a thorough search in 1994 for their new home, looking at the Nicollet Hotel, the Warehouse District, the Twin Cities Rapid Transit Company Steam Power Plant, the Main Street Hydro Electric Station, and the Berman Buckskin Building, among other sites. They eventually decided on a large swath of land just a few blocks away on 1st Street N and Hennepin Avenue. Prior to the bank purchasing the land, that site had many other uses. The Pacific Lumber Mill, owned by T.B. Walker, the Northrup King Seed Company, and James J. Hill’s Great Northern Depot were the main tenants of the site until 1978 when the depot was razed.

2008 photo of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis' current home along the Mississippi River.

The new, state-of-the-art campus was completed in 1997 and features an eight-story office tower and a four-story operations building. The address the bank chose for their new home is 90 Hennepin Avenue, to match their designation as the 9th District. Prior to the pandemic, the bank was offering free tours of their facilities and at the end of the tour, all the guests receive their own bag of shredded money!

To no one’s surprise, my favorite part about the bank’s campus is how they preserved local history. Located along a walkway between the office tower and the Hennepin Avenue Bridge are five 3D bronze interpretive exhibits that show the chronological growth of Minneapolis from 1805 to 1995. With help from the Minnesota Historical Society, these were designed and installed by HOK, the architect firm that also designed the buildings on the new campus.

With Akron, Ohio-native Neel Kashkari serving as president since 2016, the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis looks to continue its positive economic impact on not just the 9th District, but the entire U.S. Now that this article has come to an end, take a look at the bills in your wallet. If they have an “I” or “I9” on them, it was printed in Minneapolis; we are the 9th District and “I” is the ninth letter in the alphabet. If there is a star symbol at the end of the serial number, if the serial number is below 100, and if the bill is in mint condition, the bill is worth way more than you think!

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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 historic interpreter and guide at Historic Fort Snelling at Bdote and a lead guide at Mobile Entertainment LLC, giving Segway tours of the Minneapolis riverfront for 7+ years. Contact: mrainvillejr@comcast.net. Click here for an interactive map of Michael's past articles.

Small Business Spotlight: Northeast Tea House

Simon Parrish, owner of the Northeast Tea House gives us his take on creating an urban oasis dedicated to the joy of tea service. Our Small Business Spotlight highlights how his shop is one of few producing fresh matcha and the gongfu service is guaranteed to produce a sense of calm into your day.

Illuminate The Lock: Madweyaashkaa: Waves Can Be Heard

Illuminate The Lock: Madweyaashkaa: Waves Can Be Heard will be on display February 18-20, 6-8:30 PM.  In this segment of Milling Around, Brianna Rose interviews artist Moira Villiard. Moira (pronounced "Mee-Ree") grew up on the Fond du Lac Reservation in Cloquet, MN and is a Fond du Lac direct descendent of mixed settler and Indigenous heritage. She works in painting, surrealism, community-engaged and public art and recently in animation.   Moira explains that the art installation honors all our relatives, human and nature based and the sacred resilience of Native women.  The event is free but tickets are required.

January 29 Ward 7 Updates from Council Member Lisa Goodman

Keep Safe While Waiting for Vaccinations

With the welcome news that vaccinations have begun against the coronavirus, we also know the demand for vaccine far outpaces the supply. The entire distribution process will take time.

While we wait throughout this process, public health experts remind us to keep protecting ourselves, our loved ones and our neighbors by doing what works:

• Wearing a mask, washing your hands, maintaining social distance, and staying home when you feel sick.
• Getting a free COVID-19 test. Testing is encouraged and available to everyone, whether or not you have symptoms. It’s one of the best ways to stop the spread of COVID-19 and help prevent exposing your loved ones to the virus. Find dates and locations of free testing events — or how to get a test kit in the mail — on the City website.

Thanks for your patience. We will end this pandemic together.

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Federal Government Announces Plans to Increase Vaccine Supply to Minnesota

The Biden administration has announced plans to increase the supply of COVID-19 vaccine doses shipped to states by 16% over current levels for at least the next three weeks. Minnesota is expected to receive nearly 11,000 additional doses each week under the new allocation.

The announcement comes after requests from Gov. Tim Walz and other Midwestern governors for more vaccine to be distributed by the federal government. The Centers for Disease Control had originally allocated fewer than 70,000 doses to Minnesota – not enough to vaccinate priority populations including healthcare workers, long-term care residents, and Minnesotans 65 years of age and older.

Walz announced a goal to have 90% of every dose arriving in the state administered within 72 hours and 100% within one week.

Setting up ways people will get vaccinated

The State is standing up pilot vaccination clinics around Minnesota to test ways of getting more doses to people once more vaccine comes from the federal level. The State is also continuing work with health systems, smaller clinics and community pharmacies to help expand the ways Minnesotans will get vaccinated.

Learn more about the State's vaccine distribution plan.

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Minnesota’s COVID-19 Vaccine Pilot Program Laying Groundwork for State Vaccination Clinics

On Jan. 18, the State launched a vaccination pilot program at nine sites across Minnesota. These initial clinics will set the State on a path for a more extensive network of vaccination clinics in Minnesota communities as the federal government increases vaccine supply. Because this is a limited pilot program, vaccine demand is outpacing available doses.

The pilot program is for Minnesotans 65 and older, pre-K-12 educators and staff (who will work directly with their program or school), and child care workers (who will be randomly selected and notified).

Appointments are extremely limited, and no walk-ins will be accepted.

Besides the pilot clinics, Minnesota health care systems are also providing limited vaccine doses to their patients 65 and older. Health care providers are developing systems to let their existing patients know when they can make an appointment for a vaccine. Providers will contact patients with this information; Minnesotans should not contact their health care providers directly right now.

While waiting to be vaccinated you can help stop the spread of the virus by continuing hand-washing, social distancing, wearing a mask, getting a free test and avoiding high-risk situations.

Learn more about State distribution plans for the vaccine.

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COVID-19 Variants Found in Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Health Public Health Laboratory found the variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus known as the P.1 variant first identified in Brazil in a specimen from a Minnesota resident with recent travel history to Brazil. This case marks the first documented instance of that variant in the United States. Eight people in Minnesota have now been identified with the variant first identified in the United Kingdom.

The new variants appear to spread more easily, but there is no sign yet that they are any different in terms of how sick people can get or how they affect any particular person.

Keep protecting yourself and your loved ones by wearing a mask, staying 6 feet from anyone you don’t live with, avoiding gatherings, washing your hands often, staying home if you feel sick or have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, and getting tested.

Learn more from the Minnesota Department of Health website.

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Find Free COVID-19 Tests; Help Stop the Spread

The City of Minneapolis is offering free COVID-19 saliva tests. Testing is encouraged and available to everyone, whether or not you have symptoms. It’s one of the best ways to stop the spread of COVID-19 and help prevent exposing your loved ones to the virus. Do not eat, drink or use tobacco products for 30 minutes before taking a COVID-19 saliva test.

The State of Minnesota especially asks these people to get tested:

• Students returning to school, youth sports or extracurricular activities. Testing doesn’t sideline your team but helps identify the virus early so it doesn’t have a chance to spread.
• College and trade school students returning to campus or classes.
• Anyone who regularly interacts with people outside of their family unit or household.
• Anyone with symptoms or who was exposed to someone who tested positive or someone they don’t live with.
• Anyone who is working at places that remain open during the pandemic such as critical infrastructure, first responders, health care, retail, schools and child care.

Free COVID-19 tests

Columbia Manor Golf Course, 3300 Central Ave. NE 4-7 p.m. Thursdays, Feb. 4, 11, 18 and 25

Minneapolis Public Schools Davis Center, 1250 West Broadway 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30 2-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13 and 20

Minnesota Chippewa Tribe building, 1308 E. Franklin Ave. 3-7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16

Phyllis Wheatley Community Center, 1301 10th Ave. N. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27

You can expect to get your test results in about two business days.

More free COVID-19 saliva tests

Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 Second Ave. S., Exhibit Room E 9 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends Make an appointment here. Find instructions here.

Native American Community Clinic, 1213 E. Franklin Ave. 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays Appointments required: Call 612-872-8086 to schedule an appointment.

Southside Community Health Services, 324 E. 35th St. 2-3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays Appointments required: Call 612-821-3548 to schedule an appointment. You can expect to get your test results in about two-three business days. Same day testing can be done for health care workers, first responders and essential workers.

Find a current list of free COVID-19 tests on the City website.

Resources

The COVID-19 test is free, and you do not need insurance for the test. If you need medical care but don’t have health insurance, the Minnesota Department of Health offers resources to find low-cost health care or health insurance.

If you can’t attend one of these testing events, you can use this directory to find a testing location near you. The State is also offering free at-home saliva tests. Any person in Minnesota can order a saliva test kit from the COVID-19 Test at Home program.

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Updates on Transforming Community Safety

The City of Minneapolis is committed to a goal of safety for everyone in Minneapolis. On June 12, 2020, the City Council passed a resolution committing to creating a transformative new model for cultivating safety in Minneapolis.

Since then, internal work groups and key stakeholders have been exploring ways to develop an integrated community safety response that works for everyone.

Three pillars of community safety

The City’s realignment to provide a holistic community safety response will take place in phases over time with much staff, partner and community participation. It focuses on three main areas:

• A public-health-oriented response for preventing violence.
• Alternatives to police response for 911 calls.
• Reforming law enforcement policies, protocols and practices.

Some of the work in progress includes:

• Minneapolis’ crime prevention specialists (CPS) now report to the Neighborhood & Community Relations Department instead of the Police Department. The change reflects the crime prevention specialists’ roles in community engagement. Nothing will change as far as work location, scope of work, job titles and programs offered to the community without further planning and engagement.
• If you have a mental health crisis in Minneapolis, you can continue to call 911 or the Cope mobile crisis team in Hennepin County: 612-596-1223 (for adults in Hennepin County) and 612-348-2233 (for children 17 and under). In 2021, two mental health teams will be available 24/7 for crisis calls. This means police may not provide the primary response for a mental health crisis call or police may still respond if the mental health teams are both on current calls.
• To report theft of property damage, you can call 311, 911 or submit an online report. As part of a pilot this year, City employees (non-sworn officers) will take theft and property damage reports from residents.

Stay up to date

Stay updated on this work by visiting the City’s community safety webpage. This source will have updated information on the three focus areas. Information will also be shared out over a variety of channels in many languages.

Staff will present regular community safety updates at City Council meetings. The first is a Health Department presentation on the first phase of engagement around public-health-oriented violence prevention. This presentation will include a summary of the online survey, stakeholder interviews and focus groups you were invited to take part in. Staff from the City Coordinator’s Office will also provide an update on the alternatives to police response work rolling out this year. Watch the Jan. 21 presentation to the Public Health & Safety Committee on the City’s website.

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COVID-19 Situation Update as of January 27, 2021

Situational updates: Minneapolis

• There are 31,276 cases in Minneapolis and 369 deaths. The total number of cases increased by 1.7% over the previous week. Hospitalizations increased by 1.2% and ICU admissions increased by 1.1%.
• Over the past week, there have been about 80 new cases per day on average, the first time the daily number of cases has been below 100 in the past three months. Minneapolis-specific daily case counts and demographics are available at www.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/dashboard.
• The new case rate in Minneapolis has decreased significantly, however we are still seeing at least 10 new cases per day, as well as, averaging five hospitalizations, one ICU admission, and one death per day. It is important to continue taking precautions and take advantage of the available testing.
• The seven-day rolling average rate for Minneapolis is at 17.1 per 100,000. The rate continues to decrease, but the impact of the recent re-opening of bars and restaurants, as well as the return to school and sports, remains to be seen.
• Mayor Frey’s Emergency Regulation No. 12 regarding masks remains in effect. The regulation requires people to wear face masks in all indoor public places.

Situational updates: Minnesota

• There are 457,317 cases in Minnesota out of over 6.4 million tests completed. There have been 6,124 deaths from COVID-19 in Minnesota. There are 94,872 cases and 1,509 deaths in Hennepin County.
• The State uses a color-coded map to track a seven-day rolling average of new cases. As of January 20, Minnesota is reporting 20.9 cases per 100,000 and Minneapolis is at 17.1 cases per 100,000.
• The State continues to work with the CDC to conduct strain surveillance to determine how prevalent the newly identified strains of COVID-19 might be in Minnesota.
• MHD encourages everyone to sign up for the State’s COVIDaware MN exposure app. The app notifies you if you may have been exposed to COVID-19 by anyone else using the app. The app complements, but does not replace, case investigation and contact tracing.
• The statewide mask mandate remains in effect. People are required to wear masks in all indoor public places where people gather and some outdoor venues where physical distancing is difficult.
• Governor Walz’s Emergency Order 21-01 is in effect. Details are available on the City’s Guidance for Restaurants, Bars and Breweries and Distilleries web page.

Health Department Incident Command updates

Case investigation/Contact tracing

• MHD continues to conduct follow-up on individuals diagnosed with COVID-19, as well as contact tracing at workplaces and with exposed individuals. Of the cases in Minneapolis, 63% have been interviewed and 2.3% have refused. Thirty-three percent of cases have been lost to follow-up and 1.4% of new Minneapolis cases still need to be interviewed.
• Twenty percent of interviews of Minneapolis residents have been conducted in a language other than English, representing over 15 different languages.
• We have 55 active case investigators, including two non-MHD enterprise staff and 17 AmeriCorps staff. Case investigators are interviewing an average of 90 cases per shift and making an average of 148 calls per shift, plus conducting workplace and other contact follow-up.
• Cases now have the option of completing the interview online. Cases receive a text and are able to choose one of four languages to complete the survey in. About 5% of Minneapolis cases have chosen to complete the interview online.

COVID-19 vaccination

• MHD continues to vaccinate people in the Phase 1A groups, and is providing 2nd doses for EMS staff. Six vaccination clinics will be held this week for more than 300 individuals. We have given out over 1,200 vaccines to date.
• We are also offering vaccines to Blue and White taxi drivers who provide non-emergency medical transport for COVID patients.
• We are working with Hennepin County to vaccinate sheltered and unsheltered homeless persons.
• On January 18, the State launched a vaccination pilot program at nine sites across Minnesota. The closest site to Minneapolis is Brooklyn Center. Because this is a limited pilot program, vaccine demand is outpacing available doses at this time, and a new lottery system has been put in place to more fairly distribute the vaccine. Minnesotans are encouraged to remain patient as the state waits for more vaccine doses from the federal government. These initial clinics will set the state on a path for a more extensive network of vaccination clinics in Minnesota as the federal government increases vaccine supply.

Minnesotans 65 and older can schedule an appointment at one of these nine pilots sites online at www.mn.gov/vaccine or by phone at 612-426-7230 or 833-431-2053. No walk-ins are accepted. New appointment slots will be made available every Tuesday. If no appointments are available, you may be able to add your name to a waitlist for each site.

• Pre-kindergarten through grade 12 educators and school staff will work directly with their program or school to sign up for a vaccine appointment. The State has set up a vaccination clinic for educators and other school staff at the Xcel Energy Center (Roy Wilkins Auditorium) in downtown St. Paul.
• Child care workers will be randomly selected and notified to secure an appointment through the state-sponsored pilot sites.
• In addition to the pilot clinics, Minnesota health care systems and clinics are providing limited vaccine doses to patients 65 years of age and older. Health care providers are developing systems to let their existing patients know when they can make an appointment for a vaccine. Providers will contact patients with this information – Minnesotans should not contact their health care providers directly right now.
• Updated information on Minnesota’s vaccine distribution efforts is available on the State’s Vaccine dashboard.
• While waiting to be vaccinated you can help stop the spread of the virus by continuing hand-washing, social distancing, wearing a mask, and avoiding high-risk situations.
• We are hosting weekly Vaccine Briefings most Mondays for Enterprise Leaders. Past recordings can be found on the COVID Vaccination Channel.

Community Vaccination Perspectives and Outreach

• As a Health Department, we’re committed to providing timely, culturally appropriate, science-based information to help people make informed decisions about COVID-19 vaccination.
• Health Department staff participated in the City’s cultural radio shows during the month of January. On each show, we provided updates on COVID-19 vaccination efforts and other important safety messages.
• We established agreements with five community organizations to serve as trusted messengers. These groups will help us ensure that critical information is reaching BIPOC communities using the most effective messages and channels.
• Recently, we completed a vaccination perspectives survey, with more than 4,600 community members responding. Survey results revealed key values held by community such as the need to acknowledge trauma and for government to be transparent when talking about COVID vaccination. The survey also showed community concerns about the prevalence of vaccine misinformation and inequitable vaccine distribution. These findings are informing our ongoing communications and vaccination plans.

COVID-19 Testing

In the past week, 104 COVID-19 saliva tests were provided at three community based events.

COVID testing in Minneapolis has dropped by about 20% compared to the last quarter of 2020. Despite the vaccine roll-out, it is important to get tested. Please help us promote the following events:

Upcoming free COVID-19 saliva testing events:

• Minneapolis Public Schools Davis Center, 1250 West Broadway, January 27 (4 p.m. to 7 p.m.), January 30 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and February 4 (2 p.m. to 7 p.m.), February 13 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and February 20 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
• Hennepin United Methodist Church, 511 Groveland Ave, January 28 (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
• Columbia Manor, 3300 Central Ave. N.E. on February 4, 11, 18, and 25 (4 p.m. to 7 p.m.)
• Phyllis Wheatley Community Center, 1301 10th Ave N., February 27 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
• Free saliva testing is also offered at three local sites hosted by the State health department. Visit the State’s COVID-19 testing web page to register and find more information.
• Minneapolis Convention Center-9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.
• Brooklyn Park Starlight Center-9 a.m. to7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.
• Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport -7 a.m. to 7p.m. seven days a week.
• The State is also offering free at-home saliva tests. Any person in Minnesota can order a saliva test kit from the COVID-19 Test at Home program. The test will be delivered to your home with rush shipping.
• The City's testing web page offers the latest information on testing sites and guidance about what to do while you wait for COVID-19 test results. Staying away from others while you wait for your results is extremely important, especially if you have any symptoms. The web page has short videos in multiple languages explaining how to quarantine and isolate effectively.

MHD distribution of saliva test kits:

• The Health Department is offering free saliva testing kits to community partners, organizations and businesses. After you request saliva testing kits, a staff member will contact you for more information. Virtual training on how to administer the tests is offered upon request.
• To date there have been 64 requests from businesses and community partners for 6,989 test kits.

Responding to community needs

• We currently have a good inventory of personal protective equipment (masks, hand sanitizer, and gloves) and are able to fulfill community and business requests for supplies. These items, along with free saliva testing kits, may be requested through theCOVID-19 Requests and Inquiries form on the City’s COVID webpage.
• We are responding to many questions from community members, employers, and staff emailing our COVID19@minneapolismn.gov account. Most of the requests for information pertain to COVID-19 vaccine distribution. The State health department is also forwarding some vaccination inquiries to us. Please continue using the COVID email for any questions about vaccine distribution or other COVID-related issues.
• The Health Department is hosting regular community testing and vaccination clinics, with more to come in the next few months. We need City staff to volunteer at these events. Anyone who is interested can fill out a brief survey. Staff who volunteer will receive training and personal protective equipment.

Businesses

• Health inspectors followed up with seven food safety/sanitation/COVID-19 complaints, two of which were related to non-compliance with the current bar and restaurant COVID-19 restrictions.

• While routine health inspections are temporarily suspended, inspectors have been re-assigned to support COVID-19 contact tracing and case investigation efforts. They also continue to assist with the delivery of COVID-19 saliva test kits to businesses requesting them.

The City specific COVID email address is: COVID19@minneapolismn.gov.

New Locally-curated Valentine's Day Gift Boxes from Experience the Twin Cities

Experience the Twin Cities has launched new Twin Cities Valentine's Day gift boxes, featuring locally-curated items from hot cocoa bombs and truffles to craft beer items and lip balm. The four gift box options make unique Valentine's gifts that support small Minnesota businesses, and they're perfect for kids, chocolate lovers, beer fans, and beauty connoisseurs.

Be My Sota Girl

My Little Valentine

Craft Beer Lover

Chocolate Indulgence

Two locations for picking up your Valentine's Day Boxes:

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Chocolate Indulgence, Be My Sota Girl, My Little Valentine

Experience the Twin Cities' Golden Valley office: You'll receive a Pick Up email with exact address

Dates: Friday, February 12, 7am-7pm and Saturday, February 13, 12pm-5pm

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Craft Beer Lover

Inbound BrewCo; you'll receive a Pick Up email with exact address

Dates: Friday, February 12, 3pm-8pm and Saturday, February 13, 3pm-8pm

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Contact them to discuss alternate arrangements if these dates and times don't work. Call 612.750.9898 (Mon-Friday 9a-4p) or email info@experiencethetwincities.com.

Updates on the 4th Annual Illuminate the Lock, February 18, 19, 20

An image of the Grandmother moon (Nokomis), fire, earth, water, and the jingle dress dance entwined in swirling colors, Madweyaashkaa celebrates the resilience of Indigenous women on a spectacular scale.

MADWEYAASHKAA: WAVES CAN BE HEARD debuts during 4th annual Illuminate the Lock

The 49-foot tall chamber of Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam will come alive again with a winter program of large-scale projection and sound. Madweyaashkaa: Waves Can be Heard by Duluth-based artist Moira Villiard (Fond du Lac Band of Ojibwe direct descendent) celebrates the resilience of Indigenous women on a spectacular scale. An animation projected onto the 400 x 49 foot wall of the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam is synced with a soundscape featuring music by Lyz Jaakola (Fond du Lac Band of Ojibwe) and a recorded narrative by Dakota/Ojibway First Nation elder Millie Richard. Viewers will also find small video projections with flickers of imagery from the main video distributed around the lock.   With images of the Grandmother moon (Nokomis), fire, earth, water, and the jingle dress dance entwined in swirling colors, the piece will explore themes of homecoming and finding connection within ourselves to culture, to ancestors, and to nature, no matter how far away we may sometimes feel. From an Ojibwe perspective, it is as a reminder that Nokomis is always around, an elder always ready for us to reach out and willing to hear what’s in our hearts.  “This is my first creation using animation as the main medium, and it’s really wild and humbling to think that it’s going to debut on such a large and public surface. I’ve really just been honored to work with so many wonderful folks to bring this immersive experience to life, especially during such a chaotic personal and societal moment in time. I sincerely hope the piece literally illuminates a message of hope and clarity for whomever needs to hear it.” -- Moira Villiard PROGRAM DETAILS Illuminate The Lock: Madweyaashkaa: Waves Can Be Heard by Moira Villiard  February 18, 19, 20 - 6 - 8:30 pm   Owamni-yomni / Gakaabika / Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam  1 Portland Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401 Enter at the west end of the Stone Arch Bridge Free; Registration required. Visit http://bit.ly/2021IlluminateLock to pick a time slot.   For more information, visit parkconnection.org/illuminate. Production notes: Moira Villiard is a self-taught, dynamic visual artist, Fond du Lac Band of Ojibwe direct descendent, and current Minnesota-based community organizer. Additional artist credits: Sound effects and audio production by JayGee of DanSan Creatives. Hand drum and vocals by Lyz Jaakola. Projection and process mentoring by Jonathan Thunder. Madweyaashkaa is presented as part of Bring Her Home: Sacred Womxn of Resistance, an annual exhibition at All My Relations Arts gallery that invites Indigenous artists to reflect on the epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. This project is a partnership with All My Relations Arts, a program of Native American Community Development Institute (NACDI), Northern Lights.mn, Mississippi Park Connection and Mississippi National River and Recreation Area and is supported through a grant from the St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board. A note on place and language: Owmani-yomni is ‘whirlpool’ in the Dakota language. Gakaabika is ‘severed rock’ in the Ojibwe language. Both are the names of the place where the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam currently sits, in the homelands of the Dakota. Prior to colonial settlement, the Dakota lived along Owamni-yomni / Gakaabika and Ojibwe,Ho-Chunk, and other nations traveled through that place. It was and still is an important and sacred place to Ojibwe, Ho-Chunk, Dakota and Indigenous peoples currently living here. What To Expect: This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required. Viewing of Madweyaashkaa will work like a gallery visit where visitors stroll around the perimeter of the lock chamber to view the projections. Chairs are not allowed. This is an industrial federal facility where pets, alcohol, and smoking are not permitted. Kids under 12 need to be supervised by an adult at all times. Strollers are not allowed on the lock. Accessibility: there are three steps to reach the lock wall. There is also a fully accessible entrance. Please ask staff for assistance if you need to use the accessible entrance. Some surfaces at the lock are metal grates; please wear appropriate shoes. This event will take place entirely outdoors next to the Mississippi River in February, so dressing for the weather will give you the best experience! You can expect to be outside for at least 15 minutes. One accessible portable restroom will be on site. COVID-19 Safety Protocol: If you are not feeling well, or think you might have been exposed to COVID-19, please stay home to keep your community safe. This event will take place entirely outdoors. This is a timed entrance event and registration is required. No more than 250 people will be allowed on the outdoor structure at a time. Mask: Please wear a mask upon arrival and for the duration of your time at the event. Social Distance: Keep a distance of 6+ feet from anyone who is not a part of your household, including the artists, park rangers, and staff. If a viewing area is crowded, please wait until there is enough space for you to safely step forward. The video will run on a 10-minute loop, leaving plenty of time to view the entire projection. ABOUT THE MISSISSIPPI NATIONAL RIVER AND RECREATION AREA In 1988, a National Park was created to enhance the significant values of the waters and land of the Mississippi River corridor within the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Known as the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, the park extends for more than 70 miles along the river, running directly through a metropolitan area (the park corridor begins in Ramsey and Dayton and ends just south of Hastings). The park provides leadership, acting as a facilitator and coordinator, in promoting a common vision for river corridor management among 25 municipalities and numerous partner agencies and organizations, whose responsibilities intersect. Learn more at nps.gov/miss. ABOUT MISSISSIPPI PARK CONNECTION Mississippi Park Connection is the charitable, nonprofit partner of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. Its mission is to strengthen the enduring connection between people and the Mississippi River by enriching the life of the river and the lives of all who experience our national park. Mississippi Park Connection works with partner community groups and individuals across the Twin Cities to create meaningful and exciting experiences at the river. Learn more at parkconnection.org ABOUT ALL MY RELATIONS ARTS  All My Relations Arts is an initiative of NACDI (Native American Community Development Institute), an intermediary organization that envisions a community in which all American Indian people have a place, purpose, and a future strengthened by sustainable community development.  All My Relations Arts presents the work of American Indian contemporary artists and fills a critical space in the Twin Cities arts community, providing high-quality gallery space and consistently recognized shows that raise up Native arts from this region and provide access for Native artists. As well as hosting/ co-presenting events in the community to bring arts practices to youth and elders and all through creations of murals, art cars, through classes, tours, artists talks, and more.  Learn more at http://www.allmyrelationsarts.com/ ABOUT NORTHERN LIGHTS.MN Northern Lights.mn supports artists in the creation and presentation of art in the public sphere, focusing on innovative uses of technology to imagine new interactions between audience, artwork and place and to explore expanded possibilities for civic engagement. Learn more at northern.lights.mn

Rhythmically Speaking Announces a Virtual Screendance Premiere Featuring Jazz, RadioHead and Winter

Via a January 26 e-announcement:

Rhythmically Speaking (RS) is thrilled to premiere our first original screendance February 26th, 2021 from 7-8pm via Zoom. Like many a performing arts company, the good people of Rhythmically Speaking have embraced COVID-necessitated pivots to learn new skills and ways of sharing art: for us this last few months, it’s been figuring out how to make dance films outside! We are proud to be premiering RadioBody: The Screendance Iteration virtually with our home audience before submitting it to dance film festivals across the country! The screening event will also feature peeks into the creation process and a Q&A with the artists.

Originally undertaken with a February 2021 stage show at Amsterdam Bar & Hall in downtown St. Paul in mind (which will now occur February 2022), The RadioBody Project is a collaboration with local composer Mike Lauer exploring the jazz sensibilities and human toil and triumph embedded in the work of pioneering alt-electronic band Radiohead. Thanks to their rich, multilayered rhythms, unique harmonies and long-form jams, their songs are often covered by jazz composers. A favorite band of RS Artistic Director Erinn Liebhard, when she began to discover this connection between Radiohead and jazz, she felt compelled to explore it through movement.

Together, composer Lauer and AD Liebhard selected one song from each major Radiohead album for the stage show, and from those, selected three to explore for the screendance iteration of the project: “Knives Out” from album Amnesiac (2001), “High and Dry” from The Bends (1995), and “Jigsaw Falling Into Place” from In Rainbows (1997). Lauer recorded his original renditions of these songs for the film, playing guitar and rounding out the ensemble with bass guitar and cello (Greg Byers), saxophone (Andrew Long), and drums (Ben Erlich). The rest of the artistic personnel include our company of seven dancers and videography team TJ Tronson and Cully Gallagher of Flywheel Media Productions, who braved the Minnesota Winter for outdoor, wilderness film shoots: the main of which we were lucky enough to be among landscapes covered in rare, beautiful rime ice!

There are a total of 100 Zoom sign-ins available for this premiere event, reserved through Eventbrite. A donation of $15-$20 per person watching is suggested, and can be made at our GiveMN page. 10% of the proceeds from this event will be donated to the scholarship fund of Hopewell Music North: we are thrilled to be building a multi-faceted partnership with them to help better access to jazz music and movement learning experiences on the North side of Minneapolis. Dance, Jazz and Radiohead fans alike, we hope you’ll join us for this event!

Using the rhythm that is at our shared human core to groove together, Rhythmically Speaking cultivates vibrant, embodied human connection. Since our founding in 2008, we've gotten 350+ artists and thousands of audience members grooving together through presentation of 95 original and remounted works and over 30 workshops and other events.

Science & Public Policy

By Representative Phyllis Kahn, Vice President, Great River Coalition

My life as described in this work, has been devoted to advocating two propositions:

1) we will all be better served when good science informs public policy and 2) scientific advancement will be facilitated if public policy makers appreciate the role of science and support it more fully.

One of the worst current problems is the prevalence of climate deniers in public policy decision positions with the most important one recently occupying the White House. We also have participants from industries that should be regulated, i.e., those that effect health or the environment, assuming the position of regulators.

A clean economy, protection of the environment, cyber security, the effects of toxic waste dumping as just a few examples, need a thoughtful, balanced and informed perspective. And while we are talking about balance, we need to add the importance of including the voices of women in the discussion.

The combination of science and public policy seems to have greater relevance today. We saw the increased interest of the public as evinced by the March for Science events in DC and in many localities including St. Paul. Also important is the creation of a new political group, 314 ACTION, designed to encourage scientists to seek political office.

We are also seeing increased political polarization of scientific issues such as global warming, emphasized now by Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Accord.

What is it like to try and do science in the political scene? In my first election, rather than emphasizing the women's issues that had sparked my interest in politics, I concentrated on the importance of having someone with an understanding of science in office. (My credentials include a BA in physics and a PhD in biophysics and some years of research in molecular genetics.)     

I do need to point out that in the 2016 election, both PhD credentialed scientists in the Minnesota Legislature were defeated.

Scientific and technological advances have been an important part of human development ever since the first Neolithic Farmer started to analyze conditions necessary to improve her agricultural practices for increased crop production leading to better nutrition and survival. As human interactions have increased in complexity and become dependent on more political interaction, science and technology has become increasingly important to each part of our political system; legislative, executive and judicial and at each level of government, federal, state and local.

A noted authority on science policy once wrote, “State and local governments employee science and technological knowledge in much the same way as the American populace employees the English language--On a daily basis, unquestioningly, and at less than technically attainable standards of performance.”

A traditional politician often takes a rather short term view of most public policy issues. It becomes difficult for him to consider issues which may not be significant in 10 or 20 years or perhaps a millennium, when his next election is in six months. In addition, the immediate consequences of actions are always awarded a higher perceived importance than any possible long-range problem.

It is not surprising that the general public feels uncomfortable in areas requiring scientific knowledge and that the politician reflects this discomfort to an even greater degree. The pressure of making a wrong decision on a subject she knows little about and understands even less appears to be an avoidable risk.

Folks on each side point out the inability of anyone without years of training in complex sciences to comprehend the full ramifications of any such decision. It is argued that it is far better and safer to political bodies to do nothing and to let the experts, i.e., the regulatory agencies on one side or tobacco companies, chemical companies or drug manufacturers decide.

A part of the problem is that the hopes of society have been raised and scientists have appeared to promise more than they can deliver. We are all familiar with the “man on the moon” speech, some variation of the plea that the same talent that put a man on the moon could get him to work on time, keep him out of jail, end pollution on earth and so on ad infinitum.

The additional complication is that these problems are often the province not of the federal government but of some murky intermediate stage of city, county, regional or state government. Local levels of government face an increasing number of problems with heavy scientific and technological content in the areas of healthcare, land management, pollution, nuclear power and other energy problems, waste management, transportation and even social issues in either rural or urban settings.

The scientists in the public view, take on conflicting roles. One is that of the neutral technician who produces the knowledge and lets others use it. Tom Lehrer expresses this in one of his songs:

“Once the rockets are up

Who cares where they come down?

That's not my department

Says Wernher von Braun.”

At the opposite pole are the scientists who think of all knowledge residing with themselves. The solution then appears to be to find a broker and translator to the public policy makers and relieve the decision-makers of the responsibility of evaluating technical competence. In this simplistic model, the best minds are assembled; they ask thoughtful questions; they reach solid conclusions and resolve the conflicts between any conflicting technical views. The public decision maker then confidentially adopts as policy the wisdom so delivered. These are models for the implementation of scientific decisions mainly conceived by scientists and so far unused in the real world as a replacement for the traditional political process.

Government uses and needs science and even appreciates it's need for science but the basic principles of running government have been derived by people trained in law with little understanding of the scientific method and thought processes.

The political – legal mind must make a decision even with inadequate data and in the absence of reason, will settle for ideology, a comparison of alternatives, political acumen or even “Gut reaction”. However, the scientist without data will most often remain silent or feel that she has forfeited her credentials to speak as a scientist. This fundamental difference in the decision-making process is perhaps the most difficult for either the scientist or the politician to understand.

The situation becomes even more complicated for the politician when confronted with conflicting scientific advice. Disagreement can occur from basic scientific evidence or from the implications imputed to this evidence or even the political orientation of the scientists producing the data.

With the issue of climate change, we see even the small minority of climate deniers given scientific credence because it fits into someone's personal agenda. 

How can we integrate sound science and public policy ? Even if we become expert at distinguishing cases of sound science from cases of junk science, in the public policy arena, scientific evidence is only part of the policy puzzle.

Public officials will also want to factor in social, economic, financial, logistical and political information into the decision-making process. Most frustrating to many scientists is the situation that just because the scientific evidence is sound doesn't mean it will be the sole determinant of the direction of public policy.

Part of the problem is diverse public policy opinions on the appropriate responses to science and technology policy issues, concerning the best strategies of balancing health, safety and environmental concerns against economic considerations, or the cause of productivity decline and the most effective means of stimulating innovation.

The necessary creative dialogue requires better education for its participants at all levels. There is a strong argument for judges to understand the subject matter of any dispute they are to resolve. The courts should understand the technical issues well enough to convey the implications of their decisions to the professionals in the agencies. This is also true of the responsibility of legislators for their statutory enactments.

Executive agencies are usually the repository for informed experts, and this makes the current administration's attack on the science-based executive agencies all the more alarming.

The scientific and industrial establishments have delivered the message that American scientific and technological advances have built the American way of life. Yet there is also the realization that we face serious problems in maintaining this way of life; including the establishment of new safe energy supplies, with attention to the problems of climate change, to dispose of solid or hazardous waste, to protect endangered species and enhance economic development while maintaining international competitiveness.

Despite some disillusionment, indications are that the public still retains great faith in science and technology and even still naïvely believe that technological fixes can be found for almost all the ills of the world. Our citizens, believing in participatory democracy, want to control the important forces serving their lives; Thus, the desire to control science and technology.

The imposition of public controls on science and technology must be done within a democratic social ethic. This means by lawyers, scientists, engineers, farmers, government officials and academics. There is an enormous job in both mutual education and translation on our hands.

Thought-provoking Climate Conversations and Media at The Great Northern

Via an e-announcement from The Great Northern:

The Great Northern will feature keynote conversations, live podcasts, film screenings and other thought-provoking formats that allow us to explore our changing climate through the lenses of culture and heritage, the economy, and social equity. See below for a round-up of climate-focused events January 28 – February 7.

Climate Action Films: Earth, Water, Air, Fire / Jan 28 – Feb 7

A series of films speaking to essential issues in the climate conversation based around the four elements: Earth, Water, Air, Fire. In partnership with MSP Film Society.

Learn more

A Conversation on Climate Science, Policy and Justice with Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson / Jan 28
"The most influential Marine Biologist of our time" (Outside) Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson (co-creator of the podcast How to Save a Planet) kicks off The Great Northern’s climate solutions series with a conversation on climate science, policy and justice with MPR’s Dan Kraker. Copresented with Westminster Town Hall Forum. Register

Stokeyard Outfitters: Thermaculture Tour / Jan 28

Join local sauna experts for a virtual live tour of the hottest backyard saunas in North America—and beyond. Presented by Stokeyard Outfitters in partnership with the Great Northern.

Learn more

On Being with Krista Tippett and J. Drew Lanham / Jan 28 podcast release, Jan 31 broadcast

Peabody Award-winning broadcaster, New York Times bestselling author, and National Humanities Medalist Krista Tippett interviews poet, teacher, birder and conservationist J. Drew Lanham, author of The Home Place—Memoirs of a Colored Man’s Love Affair with Nature (Milkweed Editions) for a special episode in partnership with The Great Northern.
Learn more

Climate Solutions Lunch time Series / Feb 1–5

A series of virtual panels engaging perspectives on climate solutions. In partnership with Greater MSP, MBOLD, Project Drawdown, Minnesota Design Center, Minnesota Humanities Center, MPR News, Climate Generation, and The Nature Conservancy.
Learn more

Diane Wilson: The Seed Keeper / Feb 7

In this exclusive book preview, Diane Wilson discusses The Seed Keeper, a work of historical fiction centered on the true story of the forced march of Dakota women and children in Minnesota in 1862. In partnership with Milkweed Editions, hosted by MPR’s Brandt Williams.

Register

The Great Northern Blog & Podcast

Enjoy a series of writing debuts and conversations on our newly launched podcast and blog. 

* * * * * View full list of events * * * * *

About The Great Northern

The Great Northern celebrates our cold, creative winters through ten days of diverse programming that invigorate mind and body. In an era of changing climate that threatens our signature season, we seek to create community, inspire action, and share the resilient spirit of the North with the world. For more information on The Great Northern, please visit www.thegreatnorthernfestival.com.

Funding for The Great Northern is generously provided by sponsors including the McKnight Foundation, Askov Finlayson, U.S. Bank, Minneapolis Foundation, Nature Valley, Minnesota Public Radio, Greater MSP, iPondr, Carlson Family Foundation, Meet Minneapolis, Climate Generation, Caribou Coffee, Weinstein Hammons Gallery, Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, and Sahan Journal, along with community partners and individual donors.

January 21, 2021, Third Avenue Bridge and Water Works Park Progress Photos from Doug Verdier

Editors Note: Mill District resident Doug Verdier continues to document the progress of the Water Works project. He has also been documenting the Third Avenue Bridge rehab project.

Exterior masonry on the Water Works pavilion wrapped up this past week. The scaffolding and plastic sheeting are gone, revealing the new brickwork and windows on the building.

Workers put final touches on new windows on the First Street side of the pavilion. A new street light pole has been installed as well.

This side of the pavilion building will open out onto a grassy area where outdoor eating and activities will be available. A row of trees seen on the right of the photo shields the area from First Street traffic.

Panoramic view of the cranes now in place on the Third Avenue Bridge as construction ramps up. With the bridge now closed to all traffic, pedestrians, bikes, etc. until November 2022, construction activity has increased significantly.

View of the three large cranes as seen from the path along the river in front of Water Works Park.

Small Business Spotlight: Katherine and Lisa, Co-owners, Hark! Cafe

Article by Becky Fillinger

Check out the new 100% vegan, gluten-free, celiac-safe restaurant in the North Loop – Hark! Cafe! We talked to co-owners Katherine and Lisa about the inspiration for their café and what treats to try on your first visit.

Lisa (left) and Katherine

Q:  Please tell us about your history as friends and how that led to Hark! Café.

A:  We met at Oberlin College in 2009, where we became best friends bonding over a shared love of Homestarrunner.com, doughnuts, and Ben Folds. At Oberlin we both went vegan out of concern for the environmental impact of the animal agriculture industry and our love and compassion for the lives affected by this industry. The name Hark! is an homage to the Harkness co-operative at Oberlin, which we belonged to and love dearly. We’ve dreamt of creating a vegan food business together since joining Harkness Co-op. After Katherine was diagnosed with Celiac disease in 2017, we wanted to create a completely vegan and gluten-free cafe where we could guarantee there would be no cross contamination.

Hark! Cafe is located at 430 N 1st Avenue, #150, in the historic Kickernick Building

Q:  What discussions did you have about opening a restaurant at this time in this location?

A:  From the beginning we wanted to open our cafe in downtown. We love this neighborhood, and are excited to be a part of its reinvigoration. The timing is truly just a matter of fate! After months of searching for the right location and negotiating our lease, we ended up signing our lease the day Minnesota went into lockdown in March 2020. Safety for our employees and customers has always been of the utmost importance to us. We opened doing take-out only and will continue to focus on that, and not open for dine-in until we feel it is safe to do so. The creativity and flexibility with our menu has been heavily discussed during this time as well! Highlighting dishes and drinks that might be more exciting for people to get as take-out, dishes that travel well, and food that is comforting above all else. We are also focusing on curating and providing special pre-order menus. We have ones for Valentine’s Day and the Super Bowl coming up!

A Mini Key Lime

The Bagle Sandwich

Q:  Please let us know about the Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day menus. What should we try on our first trip to Hark! Cafe?

A:  Our special seasonal coffee drink is a chocolate orange mocha, and it is a must-have. Pair that with a bagel sandwich, and grab a bit of dessert for later - like our mini key lime!

Q:  Delicious ideas - how may we follow your news?

A:  Our Instagram and Facebook are great places to follow us! Visit us - Hark! Cafe is located at 430 N 1st Avenue, Suite 150.  Hours are 7am-4pm Tues-Fri, and 8am-3pm Sat-Sun.

Episode 5 of Milling About with Brianna Rose Airs January 21

Article by Becky Fillinger

Brianna RoseThe January episode of Milling About with Brianna Rose will first air on Thursday, January 21, 2021 at 8PM on MCN6. The show replays for a month every Thursday and Friday at 8PM and Monday and Tuesday at 5PM.

The January show has something for everyone, from magic to art to meditative practices: 

 Jim Berg, Owner of Twin Cities Magic & Costume. Jim shares with us how he began a career as magician at the age of 13 and demonstrates the first trick he learned - cups and balls – a magic trick that dates back to Roman times.

 Billy Tserenbat, owner of Billy Sushi, gives us his philosophy on life and its unpredictability – since living in a pandemic is a challenge – go for it!  He did ‘go for it’ and opened his newest restaurant in North Loop in the midst of the COVID-19 shutdowns. Billy also describes some of his favorite menu items for us – you’ll be as intrigued as we are!

 Nell Rueckl, founder of the Watershed Spa, is featured in our Small Business Spotlight. The Watershed Spa, when it opens in late spring, will be an urban retreat offering a wide range of healing modalities. Watch her segment to learn more about the meditative aspects of soaking and bathing in a communal environment.

 Audrey Liquard gives us some easy to adopt changes to our shopping habits for a #ZeroWasteLifestyle.

 Dianne Walsh and Peter Zenner describe the Art at the Bridgewater program. They’re co-chairs of this remarkably innovative program that brings rotating art exhibits and permanent art acquisitions to a condo community in the Mill District.  

 What can one person do to affect the water quality of the Mississippi River? Turns out there is much we can all do! Michelle Spangler, an Audubon Park resident and Master Water Steward, tells us about the Adopt-a-Drain program that can remove pollutants from our drinking water source and simultaneously bring a neighborhood together.

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Milling About with Brianna Rose is a production of Mill City Times, and we cover topics of interest to our readers. We focus on local entertainers, small businesses, neighborhood stories, Mississippi River connections, local food producers and history - and are open to suggestions! Please email Becky Fillinger, executive producer, at becky_fillinger@hotmail.com to suggest ideas or to be a guest on the show. 

Winter Safety with Lisa Dugan, Minnesota DNR

When is it safe to venture onto the ice?  We talked to Lisa Dugan, Boat and Water Safety Outreach Coordinator for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources about this topic. In our discussion, Lisa discusses early winter safety tips, snowmobile and ATV advice and equipment you’ll want to have with you on the ice.  Remember – ice is never 100% safe.  Thank you Lisa for giving us this timely information!