MCAD Art Sale 2020: A Beloved Event Goes Online

What's the most popular annual art sale in the Twin Cities?  That would be the MCAD student art sale, now in its 23rd year. Cindy Theis, VP of Advancement at MCAD explains to us that you'll find several thousand pieces of art for sale by 200 artists. The art sale started as a curriculum item - helping the students understand how to market and sell their artwork in the community. It still serves that purpose but it has evolved into a must attend event. Previews begin Wednesday online at mcad.edu/artsale. Although the sale runs through midnight on Saturday, don't dawdle. With thousands of shoppers, you'll want to shop early!

Madweyaashkaa: Waves Can Be Heard - postponed until Feb 2021

EDITOR'S NOTE - Via a November 17 e-announcment from Northern Lights.mn:

Illuminate The Lock: Madweyaashkaa: Waves Can Be Heard has been postponed until February 2021.

"We recognize that COVID-19 cases are on the rise in Minnesota, and this event falls between two holidays that may cause further spread. We feel that postponing this event is in the best interest of our community. We are tentatively rescheduling for February 18-20, 2021, so mark your calendars! If you have already registered for this event, your registration will be automatically cancelled and you will need to register for the new dates. We will post registration information when it becomes available on our website, social media, and Eventbrite. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out at info@parkconnection.org or call 651-291-8164."  

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Via an October 29 e-announcement from Northern Lights.mn

Madweyaashkaa: Waves Can Be Heard

Northern Lights.mn and our partners are very excited to announce the title and theme for this year’s Illuminate the Lock project.  Madweyaashkaa: Waves Can Be Heard by Moira Villiard celebrates the resilience of Indigenous women on a spectacular scale. An animated video collage projected onto the 400 x 50 foot wall of the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam is synced with a soundscape of music composed 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 three silent 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 Anishinaabe 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. Save the details:  Madweyaashkaa: Waves Can Be Heard by Moira Villiard, 2020  Thursday, December 10, 11, 12  5:30 - 8 pm, Free   Owamni-yomni / Gakaabika / St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam

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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.

Why I voted No for More Cops: 3rd Ward Council Member Steve Fletcher

Via email from Council Member Fletcher:

This week, a request was brought by the Police Department for the authorization of $500,000 out of our contingency fund to fund contracts with the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office and/or Metro Transit Police for additional law enforcement services. I voted no on this proposal, and I want to share a little bit more about why.

We do urgently need solutions. There are violent crimes occurring in our community that are not acceptable. The City Council brought in violence intervention experts and passed a staff direction identifying staff resources and outlining a targeted, strategic approach to disrupt the social dynamics that are generating most of the violence. That approach does not lead with law enforcement, but does have a law enforcement component that I support. It is urgent that MPD collaborate and fulfill their role in this violence prevention work.

The Chief’s proposal did not provide for that collaboration, did not emphasize the kind of intelligence-based, targeted strategy we’re calling for, and provided no real alternative strategy. It seeks to add patrol, which in and of itself, is not a strategy to stop crime. We have since learned that Metro Transit Police do not have capacity to provide to MPD, and that MPD has not worked out any details with the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office. It seems pretty unlikely that any additional shifts will materialize before the end of the year, making this vote all the more meaningless.

MPD has also not provided financial transparency that I would request of any department that came to us asking for more money at year’s end, about how they’re managing their $185 million budget. They are projected to be $5.9 million over budget at the end of the year, and we cannot afford to throw endless money at a department with no plan, especially now.

We can act with urgency and still focus on solutions backed by evidence. We all agree on the problem, and we’re all passionate about solving it for our city. I’m a “no” vote on proposals that are designed to address anxiety rather than provide real solutions. We’ve got to do better.

10th Avenue Bridge Update

10th Avenue Bridge and Watermain Project

This project will rehabilitate the historic 10th Ave SE bridge over the Mississippi River and W River Pkwy. A new water main will be installed under the river as part of the project.

Latest Project News

Construction Update Meeting - Friday, November 20 at 10:30 a.m.

Project staff will hold a virtual construction update meeting next Friday using GoTo Meeting. Members of the public are invited to join the online meeting and hear updates on construction progress and speak with project staff.

Please use this link to join the 10th Ave Bridge Online Construction Update Meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone:

https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/784924461

You can also dial in using your phone.

United States: +1 (224) 501-3412  Access Code: 784-924-461  

The bridge was closed on March 30th and the contractor has been actively working on repairs. For more details on the repairs, schedule and bridge deck changes, please see the latest Construction Update or go to the project page 10thavebridge.com

Check out the new drone videos showing construction progress on the project website.

What's Coming Up

The 10th Ave Bridge will remain closed to all traffic including, vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians until Summer 2021.

West River Parkway (roadway only) will be closed to motor vehicles through December 15, 2020. The adjacent trail will remain open for bicyclists and pedestrians.

Work requires the use of heavy equipment that will increase noise, vibration, and dust
in work areas.

Access to adjacent apartments and businesses will remain open during the construction activity.

For More Info

Bridge Contact: Meseret Wolana, meseret.wolana@minneapolismn.gov or 612-673-3527

Water Main Contact: Peter Pfister, peter.pfister@minneapolismn.gov or 612-661-4906

10thavebridge.com

Episode 3 of Milling About with Brianna Rose Airs November 16

Article by Becky Fillinger

Brianna RoseSet a reminder on your schedule - the next episode of Milling About with Brianna Rose will debut on November 16 at 5PM. This episode will air for four weeks on MCN6. Replays follow for one month from the first air date on Thursdays and Fridays at 8PM, and Monday and Tuesdays at 5PM.

This episode will feature speakers and content you’ll not want to miss:

• Dan Turpening, professional accordionist, Owner of The Accordion Shoppe
• Doug Snyder, Executive Director, Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO)
• Heidi Amouta, Co-owner, Minneapolis Boxing Club
• Be That Neighbor interview of Erik Sather, Co-owner and Butcher, of Lowry Hill Meats
• Michael Rainville, Jr., with an extended history of the Thanksgiving Day Fire of 1982

What topics would you like to see covered on the show? 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.

The Mill City Times Interview: Susan Wootten, Congregation Member/Pie Baker, Grace University Lutheran Church

Article by Becky Fillinger

Susan WoottenHere at the Mill City Times, we’ve been offering up a series of activities that can help with stress reduction, ranging from chiropractic treatments and mindfulness practices to guided walks in our local parks. We continue in that vein with our interview of Susan Wootten, who teaches a pie baking class at Grace University Lutheran Church. This particular activity can also produce an amazing end product – fresh baked pie!

Q:  How did you come to offering a pie baking class at your church?

A:  Our congregation, Grace University Lutheran Church (tucked between Moos Tower and the University of Minnesota Hospital along Harvard Street) has had a long tradition of welcoming one and all. During the pandemic we've become very creative about how we reach out to connect to the wider community, not to mention maintaining ties within our church family. Our pastors, Mary Halvorson and Dan Garnaas, proposed a virtual "Grace University" of classes and meeting opportunities. We all had the chance to come up with topics we thought others might learn from and enjoy.

Braeburn Apple PieMy philosophy is that pie still seems to be the perfect, subversive antidote to all manner of anxious anticipation, whether it’s due to elementary school dynamics, family disagreements, or strained political discourse. My hope is you will see yourselves as "baking diplomats" capable of practicing the fine art of Pie Diplomacy and opening the door to healthier, happier relationships in your own corner of the world.

When the classes for Grace University were in development, I knew there were likely to be some pretty heavy topics in the mix and wanted to do something just for fun. Since I love baking pies - sweet AND savory - I thought the idea might get a little traction. I am strictly an amateur home cook and am no expert at any dish in the kitchen, but I do love to bake. My mother, a public health nutritionist and registered dietitian, taught me the pleasure of rolling pie dough and making pies for our family and friends when I was growing up in East Tennessee. I always think of her as I gear up to bake!

Raspberry PieQ:  What will attendees learn during the session?

A:  I hope attendees will come away feeling they can make a pie crust and fillings that would rival any they might buy at their local bakery or grocery. Pie crust seems to cause stress and uncertainty for some folks. I aim to dispel those feelings, replacing them with relaxation and confidence.

Q:  Have you taught other cooking or baking classes?

A:  No! Offering this class is strictly an act of audacity on my part. My Grace friends are going to get the unvarnished, spontaneous "me." As far as class preparation goes, I've reviewed favorite crust recipes and pie fillings, checked a few things on my favorite food sites (King Arthur Flour, Cook's Illustrated, Penzeys), and confirmed a couple of details with my friends.

Thanksgiving pecan and pumpkin pies

Q:  What do you love about baking pies?

A:  I love the feel of dough that's just right, the aroma wafting from the oven, and the pleasure others receive when they're eating pie I've baked. As a dessert, snack, or morning breakfast with coffee, pie just can't be beat. I've found pumpkin pie to be the all-time best (nutritious!) breakfast for reluctant school-age eaters.

Grace University Lutheran Church, 324 Harvard Street

Q:  Is the upcoming class open to everyone?

A:  Yes - We are having so much fun with Grace University - over 80 members have signed up for the fall courses. This is a way to keep people connected, to invite our members to share their gifts and expertise, and to build community. We welcome your Mill City Times readers to join us. Below is the Zoom invitation info for the next class. Please join us! I’ve also included a list of ingredients to have on hand. 

Susan's Crust Making Class

November 18, 2:00 PM

Join the Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86369197569?pwd=NkljY2tGNFdraUh1WHY2VjgydEN0UT09

You can also join by entering the Meeting ID and Passcode via:

https://zoom.us/join  Meeting ID: 863 6919 7569, Passcode: 598364

Here's the class description, which provides the ingredients list if you'd like to assemble your crust alongside me. Do have fun with this, and remember that you can always allow yourself a re-do if necessary! No need for perfection ;) We'll probably go past 30 minutes if we end up chatting, but feel free to leave whenever it suits you.

The (basic!) secrets of flaky, homemade pie crusts, and yummy fillings. 

This class will be 30 minutes in length (bakers, please allow 50 minutes of independent baking at 375˚F). The results of this class will be so satisfying, especially with coffee the next morning. 

Supply list: 

• Clean counter or table top (or large cutting board) 
• Rolling pin (or tall, uniform drinking glass) 
• Pie pan (of any size—usually 9" to 11" diameter) 
• 3 Bowls: small bowl for ice water, medium bowl for crust ingredients, and large bowl for filling 
• Measuring cups and spoons 
• Flour (all-purpose/bleached or unbleached) 
• Crisco and/or butter 
• Salt (no more than 1 teaspoon) 
• Sugar (no more than 3 tablespoons for crust) 
• Dinner fork (or food processor, but not necessary) 

The Mill City Times Interview: Dan Collison, Director of Downtown Partnerships, mpls downtown council, and Cara Deanes, President/CEO of the ROHO Collective

Editor's note: November 17, 2020 UPDATE!

"Due to the rise in our city and nation of Covid-19, we have very thoughtfully have decided to cancel our Holiday Market. The safety of our artists and community members that support us, are our highest priority and your health is something we take very seriously and value. In partnership with the Downtown Council and Chameleon, we are working vigorously to create an online experience. Follow our page for the most up to date information!"

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Article by Becky Fillinger

What will Minneapolis artisans and other small business merchants do during the holiday season to attract customers? We spoke to Dan Collison and Cara Deanes about plans for pop up holiday markets and other strategies to incubate diverse small businesses.  

Dan CollisionQ:  Dan, you have a very cool job title – Director of Downtown Partnerships. Please tell us about it.

A:  I have the distinct privilege of being a bridging business-civic leader connecting three business associations in relationship to our downtown neighborhoods to collectively strive for a more inclusive and vibrant downtown Minneapolis. One of the special projects I work on is the Chameleon Consortium and Shoppes. The Chameleon Consortium is a private and public partnership program of the mpls downtown council (MDC) consisting of more than twenty business and non-profit organizations with capacities and leverages that include retail, regulatory, merchandising, economic development, banking, marketing and real estate services. The work of the Chameleon Consortium is to connect, incubate, and accelerate diverse small businesses in currently vacant downtown retail spaces.

Q:  Are there any special holiday collaborations on the horizon?

Dan:  We are pleased to announce a few holiday markets taking place in the IDS Center in the ground floor retail at the corner of S Marquette Ave and S 8th Street. The first takes place November 20-21, featuring the ROHO Collective. The ROHO Collective previously hosted a pop up at MartinPatrick3 in the North Loop this past summer. The second holiday market will take place December 3, 4, 5, 10, 11 and 12, 10am-3pm. Each market will feature between 20-25 small and locally owned businesses with most of those participating being remarkable BIPOC owned companies.

Cara Deanes

Cara:  The ROHO Collective Artisan Holiday Market, November 20-21, 11AM – 4PM, will be a curated event open to artists and entrepreneurs of color to showcase and sell their work to the public. We will create a high-end retail shopping experience, and a family fun environment. This event will offer handcrafted, artistic gifts and hand-made products, that are sure to make perfect presents for loved ones. Plan to spend the day with us! We will have live entertainment that will move the soul - African dance and drumming, holiday caroling, live art demonstrations and a family edition painting workshop. This event is a great way to kick off the holiday season!

Q:  May we shop online for any of the products?

A:  Yes! Chameleon retailers can be found at this link: https://www.chameleonconsortium.com/retailers/.  

Q:  What COVID-19 protections will be in place for shoppers?

A: The IDS retail space will follow best practices and State guidelines for mitigating COVID-19 in retail environments, with ample room for social distancing and mandatory mask requirements closely adhered to in the shopping environment. Come out and shop with us!

Health Department to Begin Texting Program to Reach Positive Cases, Close Contacts

Via a November 13 e-announcement from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH):

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) will soon expand its toolkit for case investigation and contact tracing (CICT) by notifying people via text that the health department will be calling.

The initiative aims to more effectively reach and inform those who test positive for COVID-19 and their close contacts about what they need to do to prevent further spread, and to better protect the state’s most vulnerable populations through improved outreach and communication. The texting is expected to begin Monday, Nov. 16.

“Reaching every single person by phone who needs information is a monumental task,” said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm. “Our staff and our partners in local public health and tribal health have done enormous work in this area, and will continue to do so. We ask all Minnesotans to do their part by answering the call, and we hope this text notification helps provide some notice and reassurance.”

“We have information and resources to share with Minnesotans, but we understand that many people are wary of answering a phone call from a number they don’t recognize,” said Chris Elvrum, MDH project spokesperson. “Sending the text lets people know we’re going to call and even tells them what number to expect the call from. Adding this tool boosts our chances of slowing the spread of COVID-19 by increasing the number of people who answer the call and successfully isolate themselves.”

A text message will be sent to people identified as a case or the contact of a case to let them know that a case interviewer from state, local or tribal health departments will be calling to discuss their COVID-19 test results or potential exposure.

The text message is simple:
Answer the Call: State and local public health department staff will be calling you with important information about your health. Please answer the call from xxx-xxx-xxxx. This is an automated text message, please do not reply.

The phone number in the text will vary depending on the region of the state the person is in and will help people know what number to look for so more calls get answered and interviews get completed.

Case interviewers from MDH as well as local public health and tribal health not only gather valuable information from positive cases about the outbreak, but also provide connections to resources to help all Minnesotans reduce the risk of infection.

Combatting fears about calls from scammers pretending to be public health workers is another important part of the project. Getting a text message and knowing what number to expect a call from will help, but there are a few other things to know.

Case interviewers will talk to you about: 

• Symptoms you may be experiencing. 
• People you may have been in contact with. 
• How to avoid getting other people sick.

Case interviewers will never ask for a Social Security Number, bank account information, or credit card numbers. Anyone with questions can visit the MDH website for more information on Avoiding Phone Scams.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the goals of case investigation and contact tracing have remained the same: To contact people who have or were exposed to COVID-19, help people isolate themselves to prevent spreading the virus and educate people on reducing their risk. Each case successfully isolating can prevent dozens of people from contracting the disease.

MDH has engaged with a broad array of stakeholders and public health community partners to assist with case investigation and contact tracing. Those who help guide and support this work include tribal government and tribal public health, local public health, advocacy groups, disability advocacy groups, community-based groups representing people of color and indigenous people, counties, workforce partners around the state, colleges and universities and others. 

For more information on case investigation and contact tracing, see Tracing COVID-19.

The Mill City Times Interview: Alayne Hopkins, Director of Programs & Services at The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library

Article by Becky Fillinger

Alayne HopkinsLooking for a new title to read? How about reading a book with everyone in Minnesota at the same time? Alayne Hopkins tells us about the One Book | One Minnesota program and the current selection by local author Louise Erdrich.

Q:  Please tell us about One Book / One Minnesota.

A:  One Book | One Minnesota (OBOM) is a new statewide book club that invites Minnesotans of all ages to read a common title and come together virtually to enjoy, reflect, and discuss. The program is presented by The Friends of the Saint Paul Public in our role as the Minnesota Center for the Book and we work with a statewide network of library partners, especially State Library Services.

Libraries are essential for connection, and through One Book | One Minnesota, libraries across the state – in partnership with local schools – will connect their communities through stories. The program aims to bring Minnesotans closer together during this time of distance and adversity. The first featured title, Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo, premiered in April of this year. You can find out more about previous chapters and resources at www.thefriends.org/one-book.

Q:  The upcoming selection for Fall 2020 is The Plague of Doves by Louise Erdrich. How may interested readers obtain a copy of the book?

A:  OBOM partners with E-books Minnesota to offer free e-book downloads of each featured title for eight weeks. The e-book is available to anyone in Minnesota and for the first two chapters, there were users from nearly every county in the state. For the latest title, The Plague of Doves, we are also offering free, simultaneous downloads of the audiobook. Both downloads are available through this link: https://library.biblioboard.com/module/one-book-one-minnesota/?library=e-booksmn.

Q:  Will there be an author event to go along with the statewide reading?

A:  Yes! There will be a free statewide virtual conversation with Louise Erdrich about her work and The Plague of Doves on Tuesday, December 8, at 7:00 p.m. Register here.

Q:  November is Native American Heritage Month. Louise Erdrich is a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. Was the selection of the book aligned to celebrating Native American writers?

A:  We had originally planned to schedule The Plague of Doves and Louise Erdrich’s conversation this summer and pivoted to feature A Good Time for the Truth: Race in Minnesota, following George Floyd’s murder. As one of Minnesota’s most famous and honored writers, we’re thrilled to be featuring Louise and it’s an added benefit that the reading period coincides with Native American Heritage Month. One of the resources on the website is a suggested reading list from the MN Department of Education that features books by and about Indigenous people for young readers; there are children’s picture books, middle grade, and young adult titles.

Q:  Is Birchbark Book and Native Arts participating in the event?

A:  In addition to providing access to the e-book and audiobook for The Plague of Doves, we are also promoting purchases of the physical book and link to Birchbark Books through the website program page. We created a reading guide for the book and solicited feedback from staff at Birchbark and Louise, as well.

Birchbark Books is located at 2115 W 21st Street, Minneapolis, MN 55405 

Hennepin County & Minneapolis Regional Chamber Launch Elevate Business HC to Support Economic Growth

Via a November 12 e-announcement from Hennepin County:

Hennepin County & Minneapolis Regional Chamber Launch Elevate Business HC to Support Economic Growth

Program offers no-cost support services in three areas for businesses located in Hennepin County

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Today Hennepin County and the Minneapolis Regional Chamber announce the launch of Elevate Business HC, a public-private initiative offering pro-bono services to businesses located in Hennepin County.

“I’m excited about this opportunity to support small and medium-sized businesses in Hennepin County working in partnership with the Minneapolis Regional Chamber,” said Hennepin County Board Chair Commissioner Marion Greene, District 3. “Small businesses bring vibrancy, creativity, and life to our region. Many of our region’s small businesses are minority and immigrant-owned, serving as the backbone of our communities. We want to ensure that they are able to survive, grow, and thrive now and into the future.”

The programs included in Elevate Business HC are designed to support businesses impacted by COVID-19. They include:

• Technical Assistance: Professional service providers are available for one-on-one consultations to discuss and find solutions for issues impacting individual businesses in a variety of areas including financing, human resources, technology, and many others.
• Peer-to-Peer Roundtables: Reoccurring and facilitated small group discussions segmented by industry and areas of participant interest with a focus on sharing best practices and problem solving.
• Topic-Driven Webinars: Industry and subject matter experts will discuss issues facing employers with a focus on workforce needs in remote environments during the COVID-19 pandemic. These include areas like workforce diversification, employee mental health and wellness, insurance policy review, and many more.

“Hennepin County is making this important investment so that our local entrepreneurs and business leaders have tools and resources they need to build a stronger, more inclusive economy than it was before,” said Patricia Fitzgerald, Hennepin County Community and Economic Development Manager. “Helping businesses navigate critical issues and strengthen their organizations will result in benefits across our county and region.”

“Regions that lay a strong foundation now will be better prepared for success when the most difficult part of the pandemic is past,” said Jonathan Weinhagen, President & CEO of the Minneapolis Regional Chamber. “The Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area grew faster in the period after the Great Recession than our competitive peer regions. Let’s make sure we do the same coming out of the current economic downturn. Elevate Business HC will marshal our resources to help businesses come back strong.”

Funding for Elevate Business HC is provided by Hennepin County through the Federal CARES Act. Hennepin County businesses are encouraged to log on to www.elevatebusinesshc.com to learn more and engage.

Stronger Together: The House of Charity and St. Stephen’s Human Services to Merge

Via a November 11 e-announcement:

The House of Charity, Inc. and St. Stephen’s Human Services, Inc. Boards of Directors are announcing the merger of our two organizations, effective January 1, 2021.  

All current programming will remain in place and no staff layoffs are planned. Dr. Deborah F. Moses, the current CEO/Executive Director of House of Charity, will be the Executive Director and CEO of the combined organization. 

House of Charity and St. Stephen’s Human Services are both longtime, respected non-profit organizations. Both have long histories in Minneapolis, with House of Charity forming in 1953, and St. Stephen’s serving the community since 1972.  

The merger of St. Stephen’s Human Services and House of Charity represents an opportunity to more fully integrate our services in support of people experiencing homelessness, hunger, mental health issues, and substance use disorders. The merger aligns with the core missions of both organizations and will create a comprehensive continuum of care for those we serve, as well as a stronger voice as we advocate for equity and social justice issues at the local, state, and national level.   

House of Charity feeds hundreds of individuals and families every day and provides permanent supportive housing to about 270 people along with outpatient treatment for Substance Use Disorders and mental illness. St. Stephen’s Human Services works to end homelessness through Street Outreach, shelter, and housing programs that collectively benefit more than 4,600 individuals per year. 

Together, we will reach almost 8,000 individuals and families each year with program offerings that include Street Outreach, emergency shelter, housing programs, various food supports, and treatment for addiction and related health issues. The people we serve will benefit from the combined expertise and experience of both organizations.  

A new organization name and logo will be chosen through an inclusive re-branding process in early 2021. 

Together, we can achieve our shared goals and have a greater impact on the individuals we serve and the community as a whole. We will be stronger together. 

If you would like to learn more about House of Charity, please visit their website: www.houseofcharity.org.  

We look forward to building the next phase of our history with you. Together, we will be able to provide more comprehensive services to more people than ever before. In the meantime, all of our programs remain in place and all staff remain in their roles. Our address, phone number, and other contact information will not change. You can continue to support our street outreach, shelter, housing, and early intervention programs on the St. Stephen’s website or on our Give to the Max Day page. 

The Mill City Times Interview: Lynette Nyman, Communications and Marketing Manager for American Red Cross, Minnesota and Dakotas Region

Article by Becky Fillinger

On your walks along the river, I’ll bet you’ve passed the American Red Cross building on West River Parkway and wondered about the activities taking place within that facility. We spoke to Lynette Nyman, Communications and Marketing Manager for the American Red Cross Minnesota and Dakotas Region, to get a historical and current perspective on our neighbor, the American Red Cross, and how we can get involved.

Lynette Nyman

Q:  What areas are served by the Red Cross office on West River Parkway? 

A:  The Red Cross facility on West River Parkway serves as our regional and metro-area hub for all five lines of service that we offer: Disaster Cycle Services, Biomedical Services, Training Services, Service to the Armed Forces and International Services. Our Red Cross region is comprised of Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. This amounts to serving more than 7.5 million people across a vast geographic range.

Q:  Tell us about your initiatives - blood drives, disaster relief? Where? How? 

A:  In a nutshell, our humanitarian work includes providing relief for people affected by disasters, mostly home fires; sending emergency communications for military service members and their families; restoring communications between loved ones separated by war and conflict; teaching lifesaving skills such as CPR and first aid; and collecting and distributing lifesaving blood and platelets. People who like a 'room with a view' can take advantage of our Minneapolis Blood Donation Center, which looks west to the Mill District and  the Stone Arch Bridge.

During this fall's busy disaster season, our region supported more than 200 deployments of trained disaster workers to help people affected by wildfires, hurricanes, multi-family fires and a derecho. These were on the ground and virtual deployments. The disaster workers are 90 percent volunteers. We deeply appreciate our region’s 2,000 active volunteers. Their tireless efforts, generosity and commitment make our response possible.

Lynette and Oregon wildfire evacuee KathieSome, for example, help those who've lost everything in a home fire in Minnesota or in a hurricane in Louisiana. Others help people who need to send a verified emergency communication to a family member serving in the military when a crisis happens. Still others transport lifesaving blood to local hospitals or start the international search process for a loved one living in a refugee camp.  

Red Cross volunteers Greg and Renee GrayMany of us based in the Minneapolis office deploy into the field for disaster and relief services. I worked at the Red Cross shelter at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland in September. I’ve shared a photo of me and evacuee Kathie. We were able to celebrate good news - Kathie's home was spared, and she was able to return.

Our volunteers also travel to help with disaster relief. Our volunteers Greg and Renee Gray were in Louisiana in late August, helping people affected by Hurricane Laura. In the picture, they're sitting on the back of an emergency response vehicle that's used to distribute relief supplies like clean-up kits to people who need them.

Q:  What’s the history of the Red Cross and Minnesota?

A:  We’ve been here for a long time. For more than 100 years, the Red Cross in Minnesota has served millions of people. During the American Civil War, The First Minnesota Volunteer Regiment fought in the Battle of Antietam in 1862 – Clara Barton tended to the wounded hours after the battle. In 1898, a group calling itself the “German-American Red Cross Society of Minnesota” organized in St. Paul. The group’s goal was to gather support, such as hospital supplies, entertainment, and other relief items, that the government did not provide for sick and wounded soldiers in the Spanish-American War.

Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross in 1881

Also in 1898, the “Minnesota Red Cross Society” is established in Minneapolis. The group sought approval from the Surgeon General of the U.S. Army to send nurses to care for soldiers in the Spanish-American War. The offer is declined multiple times as the Surgeon General does not see military field hospitals appropriate places for women nurses. In October, 1918, a fire, driven by fuel and tornadic winds, becomes a firestorm, with flames four and half miles in the sky. People as far away as Iowa think the fire was close by. The flames engulf Cloquet and Moose Lake. Nearly 20,000 people lose their homes and more than 450 people die. This remains among the largest natural disasters in U.S. history. The Red Cross plays a vital role in the response and recovery. The St. Paul chapter sent 16 cars worth of furniture, clothes, and other relief supplies.

Also in 1918, the Spanish flu epidemic sweeps around the world, killing millions. In Minnesota, schools and public places close to prevent spread of the deadly disease. The Red Cross supports families through its Home Service program. Volunteers deliver cots and masks, cook for families and furnish transportation.

These historical stories are just a few of the very rich timeline we have in Minnesota and the region. Please see our website for more interesting information.

Q:  How can we stay up to date with the Red Cross?

A:  Our main news channels include our regional website, our blog, and our Facebook and Twitter feeds. You can find all of them via our home page. You can also volunteer with us and donate on Give to the Max Day, November 19 to ensure we’re here for another hundred years.

New Holiday Lights Tour from Experience the Twin Cities

Via a November 10 Press Release:

All Is Bright Open-Air Bus Holiday Lights Tour from Experience the Twin Cities

Experience the Twin Cities revealed a festive new local event for the2020 holiday season, the All Is Bright Holiday Lights Tour. The private 30-minute family-friendly tour takes place in the Experience the Twin Cities open-air bus and travels through the dazzling light displays of Inver Grove Heights with Santa at the wheel playing seasonal tunes. Patrons are encouraged to dress warmly, bring blankets, and bring warm beverages. Time slots are available from 5:30 pm to 9:15 pm Thursdays through Sundays in December. Advanced reservations are required and can be purchased on the Experience the Twin Cities website.

“We’re really excited to offer a fun and safe event to help celebrate the holidays and embrace our Minnesota winter. It’s been a challenging year and safety is our top priority, so utilizing our open-air bus puts a fun, hearty Minnesotan spin on an outing to help families and small groups get out of the house and feel festive together,” says Rebecca Pfeiffer, owner of Experience the Twin Cities.

Experience the Twin Cities’ open-air bus fits up to 13 people and the All Is Bright Holiday Lights Tour is open to private groups only. Reservations must be made in advance on the Experience the Twin Cities website. A festive snack pack featuring local favorite, Candyland Chicago Mix popcorn, is also available for purchase. The tour has also partnered with B-52s Burgers & Brews, Microtel Inn & Suites, and Holiday Inn Express in Inver Grove Heights to offer discounts for All Is Bright tour patrons. COVID-19 precautions will be in place.

About Experience the Twin Cities

Experience the Twin Cities has been partnering with Twin Cities businesses to craft public and private food, brewery, winery, distillery, and sightseeing experiences for Minnesotans and visitors for over nine years. The company’s popular tours, such as the St. Paul Skyway Food Tour and the Countryside Winery Tour, as well as custom tour experiences, are available to private groups during COVID-19. More info.

Small Business Spotlight: Bier + Brauer Chiropractic

Article by Becky Fillinger

Election aftermath got you all in knots? Here’s a surefire way to relax and feel better – schedule a visit with Dr. Chris Bierbrauer, Chiropractor. We talked to Dr. Bierbrauer about his practice and the ways he relaxes when not at work. 

Q:  Please tell us about Bier + Brauer Chiropractic. How long has your office been in the Mill District?

A:  I opened Bier + Brauer Chiropractic at its current location in the Bridgewater Lofts, 221 10th Avenue S., in the fall of 2008. Please note that the clinic provides heated indoor parking – free of charge. Call us at 612-332-4414 to set up an appointment.

          

Q:  What services do you offer?

A:  My practice focuses on not only the treatment of musculoskeletal dysfunctions through chiropractic manipulation of the joints, but also and initially, by identifying and treating dysfunction in the soft tissues (muscle, ligament, tendon and fascia) that move and support the joints. The soft tissues can become tight and tense as the result of trauma, repetitive stress and postural imbalances. When this occurs, joint motion and biomechanics become affected and limited resulting in harmful compensation patterns and stress to joints and adjacent soft tissues. I utilize two soft tissue techniques known as Active Release Technique and Graston Technique to gently mobilize the soft tissues with the intent of reducing restrictive adhesions that form between the muscular and fascial fibers reducing their ability to shorten and lengthen effectively. Once the soft tissues are "released" the joints tend to start moving better on their own and the chiropractic adjustments go more easily and last longer. 

Muscle Activation Technique (MAT) and Reflexive Performance Reset (RPR) are two neuromuscular techniques that I use to "activate" or "turn on" muscles that have been inhibited or are often times muscles tight because other muscles aren't working the way that they should. This is also a compensation pattern but it is brought on by "inhibition" or "weakness" of certain muscles. When a muscle is injured or inflamed it doesn't work as well. The nervous system then asks other muscles to help out but that causes more compensation and the muscles that are helping, in turn become symptomatic or painful. MAT is a specific technique involving range of motion assessment, muscle testing to find weakness and activation of the muscle. This is done by the practitioner to the patient. RPR is a technique that is taught to the patient enabling them to perform on themselves. Typically this is done before exercise or physical activity but it can be done anytime. Both neuromuscular techniques allow the muscles to contract more efficiently, thereby reducing compensation patterns that can affect the body's biomechanics.

Prior to moving to Minneapolis I had worked in fairly traditional practices. These practices were traditional in the way that treatment times were short and patient volume was high. That is a successful practice management style financially and in some cases it is necessary with the limited reimbursement from insurance plans but I knew that I couldn't keep practicing that way. When I opened Bierbrauer Chiropractic, I knew that I was going to incorporate soft tissue work along with chiropractic joint manipulation to provide a more complete treatment. I also knew that my treatment times were going to be longer than the typical five minute session that people often experience at more high volume clinics.

Along with chiropractic joint manipulation, soft tissue mobilization and muscle activation my practice also offers Active Release Technique for the reduction and management of pain, electric muscle stimulation and rehabilitative exercises. I also make nutritional recommendations when necessary and we also sell Hemp Derived CBD in the form of oil tinctures, balms and capsules that are produced locally by Cavan Creek. The hemp used by Cavan Creek is ethically sourced, organically farmed, laboratory tested for purity and is FDA compliant.

Q:  We've all been cooped up during the pandemic. Are there stretches you would recommend that we do at home to stay limber?

A:  Posture (or a lack of good posture) is a big problem in our society and one that has become even worse as more and more people have been working from home for longer hours at less than ergonomic workstations. I recommend taking micro breaks (5-10 seconds) hourly to just stand up and stretch. Our spine likes extension (straightening up and bending backwards a bit) but we are always in a position of flexion when we are sitting at computers, in cars or in front of the TV. A quick stretch in the opposite direction helps to break up the patterns prolonged sitting causes. I also love the use of foam rollers and other self-mobilization devices. The market has been flooded with self-mobilization tools from foam rollers to spheres (lacrosse balls, etc.) to massage guns. The intent for all are to release tight and restricted soft tissues and they are all beneficial in their own way.

Q:  Why did you become a chiropractor?

A:  Growing up, my family was very musical. My mother was a music teacher and my brother is a classically trained singer. When I went to college my focus was in the health sciences but I didn't have a clear major. What I did realize was that I missed singing so I joined a mixed choir and a men's choir. During rehearsals we had to stand and by mid semester I started to notice pain down my right leg. Before long I also began to notice weakness to the point where, when I was driving, it was difficult at times to lift my foot from back and forth from the accelerator and the brake. I told my mom about it and while I was home over spring break she made an appointment for me with a local chiropractor. He evaluated me and took x-rays and said, "I've got good news and bad news." The good news was that he knew what the problem was, but the bad news was that I had a fractured vertebra in my low back that couldn't be "fixed" with chiropractic. However, it was a sable fracture that probably occurred during adolescence and manipulating the adjacent joints could take the pressure off of it, which it did. He recommended that I see an orthopedic specialist and sent me on my way. The adjustment helped dramatically with my symptoms and I realized that becoming a chiropractor was what I wanted to do

Q:  What do you like to do when you're not at work?

A:  When I'm not at work, I spend all of my time with my wife, Missy, and my twin daughters Nola and Cassidy. This past summer was one of indulgence as far as our girls are concerned. We added a slightly larger above ground pool, a trampoline and we rescued two puppies (Buddy and Finny) to go along with our adult dog Gracie! We go on a lot of walks and bike rides and we spend a lot of time at our local park. This winter will hopefully involve some skiing, both downhill and cross country. Before I had children I was a runner and completed several marathons and half marathons. Now, I try to hop on my stationary bike a few times per week. I also still enjoy music but my singing generally only takes place in the car or the shower! 

Holidazzle Announces More for 2020 Virtual Experience

Via a November 10 Press Release from mpls downtown council:

The Holidazzle Show to headline schedule and feature weekly shows bringing Holidazzle to you.

Holidazzle shared today the first of its 2020 virtual experience, The Holidazzle Show.

The Holidazzle Show presented by Comcast will bring elements of Holidazzle to you and yours wherever you are, whenever you’d like. Four episodes of The Holidazzle Show presented by Comcast will be available on Holidazzle.com with new episodes airing Friday, November 27 and the three following Thursdays: December 3, December 10, and December 17.

The show will feature a visit from Santa, DIY holiday projects, entertainment, small business holiday gift ideas, local food spotlights, and more. The Holidazzle Show will complement Holidazzle’s 2020 virtual experience providing online content including interactive social media challenges, past photos and videos, live craft demonstrations, and HoliTivities featuring free activities for all ages.

“We are excited to bring the spirit of Holidazzle to you and yours this holiday season through our 2020 Holidazzle virtual experience,” said Leah Wong, vice president of external relations, mpls downtown council. “Wherever you are, you can enjoy the entertainment and activities you’ve come to expect each year at Holidazzle, and we look forward to being together again when we can safely return to an in-person celebration.”

“Holidazzle has been an important long-standing tradition in our community and we are thrilled this year’s celebration will continue in a new way,” said J.D. Keller, regional senior vice president, Comcast Twin Cities. “All of us at Comcast are proud to be the presenting sponsor of The Holidazzle Show and are excited our customers can seamlessly experience this free and festive destination on the X1 platform.”

Additional details will be announced throughout November.

Other online content and activities include: 

• HoliTivities
• Holiday cooking recipes
• Mpls Craft Market virtual shopping experience featuring local makers
• Where to enjoy winter in the Minneapolis area
• Virtual ice skating lessons
• Weekly social media challenge
• Past Holidazzle photos and videos
• And more

Visit www.holidazzle.com or follow Holidazzle on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to enjoy this year’s virtual content.

Holidazzle—which typically takes place in Loring Park—is moving online this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and continued concerns around public gatherings. In addition to Holidazzle, the Mpls WinterSkate ice rink in Loring Park will take the season off to prioritize public health.

About Holidazzle: 

The 2020 Holidazzle is managed and produced by the mpls downtown council. Holidazzle is an annual holiday tradition in mpls downtown that offers free programming and activities for all ages and ability while also highlighting local people, places, and products that make our community unique. The 2020 Holidazzle virtual experience is sponsored by Comcast, Xcel Energy, Mpls Downtown Improvement District, Fulton Beer and more.

About the mpls downtown council:

Founded in 1955, and one of the most historic central business associations in the nation, the mpls downtown council (mdc) is a membership-based entity that works to create an extraordinary downtown. The mdc’s collaborative developments of Intersections: The Downtown 2025 Plan was designed to help downtown businesses, community leaders, and citizens build on downtown assets and implement future goals. For more information, please visit www.mplsdowntown.com.

A Mandala - Life is Interconnected

Submitted by Mill District resident, Ric Rosow

Mandala has a number of meanings, some of which are spiritual and one of which is that all life is interconnected. 

Although this was created in Photoshop, it is not a photograph. The work was hand drawn using the mandala brush in Photoshop.

To create this image, I started with a blank document in Photoshop and set the color to black. I split the image into six equal blocks. Within Photoshop, I hand drew white lines on the black background. What I drew in one block, the brush automatically repeated in the five others.

From there I applied colors. I adjusted the hue, saturation and brightness of each color, and blended the color gradients into the black and white drawing. I revised the work several times. 

In addition, I printed two words (other than my signature in the lower right) in the primary block. These were replicated in the other section. The words blended into the lines and the color gradients. Perhaps you can find them. 

You can find more of my photography at www.traveltheglobephotography.com.

On Give to the Max Day, Consider Be That Neighbor

Article by Becky Fillinger

We’ve all seen better years than 2020. One local charity that has helped us to see the good in our communities and bring us together this year is Be That Neighbor. November is the month of gratitude and also the month of giving back to Minnesota nonprofits through Give to the Max Day. Consider including Be That Neighbor in your giving plans.

Give to the Max Day is Be That Neighbor’s biggest fundraising opportunity of the year. While November 19 is technically “the big day,” donations made from today through November 19 count toward the goal. This year the goal is $10,000 with 100% of the proceeds going towards community programs.

Claudia Kittock, Executive Director, explains the genesis and mindset of Be That Neighbor: “Be That Neighbor is about community and only about community. We work to offer programs that build a sense of belongingness. We boost the good that is here and make sure that everyone knows about what is working in our community. Promoting and boosting our neighbors is the best kind of work and we are honored to do that.”

Be That Neighbor’s Guarantee: Every single penny of your donation will go directly to funding programs, including Mill City Singers, No Child Left Inside, Community Conversations and Yoga in the Park. Board members fund ALL overhead and administrative costs (as well as one third of the operating budget).

Here’s how you can support Be That Neighbor: Give here. Follow the charity on Facebook. Join any of their activities – whether it’s singing with the choir, supporting local heroes and businesses, making sure that children have opportunities to experience our great outdoors, or bringing important discussions into our communities.

Support the world you want to live in.

October 2020 by the Numbers from Cynthia Froid Group

Downtown real estate market update from Cynthia Froid Group:

November 6 Ward 7 Update from Council Member Lisa Goodman

Minneapolis Sets New Voter Turnout Record

More than 237,000 ballots were cast in Minneapolis, breaking the city’s record for an election turnout. A record number of voters also cast early ballots, largely to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

While the final turnout number for the city may still change, an estimated, unofficial total of 237,689 ballots were cast in this election, including more than 170,000 absentee ballots. That means 80.6% of registered voters in Minneapolis participated in this election.

In comparison, a total of 219,832 ballots were cast in Minneapolis in the 2016 presidential election, which was the previous record. Of those, 60,538 ballots were cast early. Mail ballots postmarked on or by Nov. 3 and received through Nov. 10 will continue to increase the overall ballot totals. A court decision on Thursday gave the City direction to segregate mail ballots received after Nov. 3 but did not direct to the City to leave these ballots uncounted.

Partial, unofficial election results can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.

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Take Survey on Transforming Community Safety

Minneapolis community, please provide your input on what community safety looks like and tell us your ideas about a new model of community safety for the City. You can take the survey in English right now, and translations will follow shortly on the City website. Complete the survey by Nov. 20 for the first phase of survey results. Input provided after Nov. 20 may continue to be used for future engagement phases.

In June 2020, the City Council pledged to create a new model of community safety. As part of that, we committed to a yearlong process of community engagement. This survey is one of the first steps in that process. Through the survey, you can share your vision for a new community safety model. You can also provide ideas for how to accomplish that new model.

Results from the survey will be used to help create recommendations for elected leaders and to help guide the City’s next steps for community engagement.

This survey includes some questions similar to other recent City surveys. That includes questions about alternative responses to mental health crises and non-emergency crimes. Any input you already provided on those surveys is valued and will still be used as planned. Recommendations will also be considered as part of this broader focus on transforming community safety.

Take the survey

Take the survey and share it with your community, and check back for Spanish, Somali, Hmong and Oromo versions soon.

You can also check back to stay up to date on progress and more opportunities to provide input.

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2020 Collection of Leaves and Bundled Brush Ends Soon

Garbage day in the week of Nov. 16 is the last 2020 collection for leaves, brush and other yard trimmings. Minneapolis Solid Waste & Recycling customers can set properly prepared yard waste at their alleys or curbs next to their garbage carts by 6 a.m. on garbage day.

Yard waste must be in compostable bags – paper (Kraft) or compostable plastic – or unbagged in a reusable container 32-38 gallons in size, at least 26 inches high, with sturdy handles. Reusable containers are lifted and emptied by hand; they must be easily managed. Yard waste is not allowed in City-provided containers.

Preparing yard trimmings and leaves

• Less than 40 pounds.

Preparing brush

• Less than 40 pounds.
• Less than 3 feet long.
• Branch size less than 3 inches in diameter.
• Must be bundled with string or twine (no wire or tape).

Reusable containers

• Less than 40 pounds full.
• Between 32 and 38 gallons in size.
• At least 26 inches high.
• Must have sturdy handles.

Which bags can be used in the program?

• Compostable plastic bags labeled with the BPI logo.
• Paper (Kraft) bags.

Bags marked “biodegradable” or “degradable” do not meet the State law and are not accepted.

It’s against the law and bad for our lakes to rake leaves into the street.

Anyone who has questions about leaf and brush pickup can call 612-673-2917 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. People can also find more information on the Solid Waste & Recycling webpages.

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Fall Street Sweeping Continues

City crews continue to sweep streets across Minneapolis before winter to keep leaves and debris out of the storm drains and ending up in our lakes and rivers as much as possible.

During the four weeks of the comprehensive fall street sweep, crews will clean about 1,000 miles of city streets. To make sure crews can do the best job possible, temporary “No Parking” signs will be posted at least 24 hours in advance so streets will be clear of cars when they’re swept. Anyone who parks on the street will need to follow posted parking rules or their cars may be ticketed and towed.

Use this link to check dates for street sweeping in your area: sweeping and leaf collection on streets.

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Free COVID-19 Tests and Flu Shots in Ward 7

The City of Minneapolis is offering free COVID-19 tests and flu shots. Testing is encouraged and available to everyone, whether or not they have symptoms. Testing is one of the best ways to stop the spread of COVID-19 and help prevent exposing your loved ones to the virus.

You don’t need insurance for the test. Your flu shot is free if you don’t have insurance. If you do have insurance, bring your insurance card for the flu shot.

Free COVID-19 tests and flu shots at Hennepin United Methodist, 511 Groveland Ave. Noon-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7

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

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

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COVID-19 Situational Update as of November 6, 2020

Situational updates: Minneapolis

• There are 14,542 cases in Minneapolis and 264 deaths. The total number of cases increased by 10% over the previous week. Hospitalizations increased by 4.5% and ICU admissions increased by 3.8%.
• Over the past week, average daily case counts have increased from the mid-70s to more than 100 cases per day. We have surpassed 200 cases per day 3 times in the past week.
• We are seeing increases across age and racial/ethnic groups.
• Minneapolis-specific daily case counts and demographics are available at www.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/dashboard. Additionally, specific case counts by neighborhood are also available.
• 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.
• Mayor Frey’s Emergency Regulation No. 17 regarding bars and restaurants remains in effect. The regulation closes bar areas in restaurants, nightclubs, and indoor spaces of entertainment. Food and beverages can be served tableside while patrons are seated and patrons can approach the bar to order as long as they don’t congregate.

Situational updates: Minnesota

• There are 160,923 cases in Minnesota out of over 2.9 million tests completed. There have been 2,530 deaths from COVID-19 in Minnesota. There are 38,911 cases and 1,009 deaths in Hennepin County.
• The Minnesota Department of Health uses a color-coded map to track a seven-day rolling average of new cases. As of October 26, the State is reporting 39.6 cases per 100,000 and Minneapolis is at 32.1 cases per 100,000. Both the City and State rates have increased significantly over the last week. These numbers put both Minnesota and Minneapolis in the red category. The red category is characterized as a tipping point which might indicate the need for more stringent safety measures.
• Minnesota is currently in Phase III of the Stay Safe MN plan for reopening.
• Governor Walz’s 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.

Health Department Incident Command updates

Case investigation/Contact tracing

• The Health Department continues to conduct follow-up on individuals diagnosed with COVID-19, as well as, contact tracing at both workplaces and with exposed individuals. Currently there are 37 active case investigators, including four non-MHD enterprise staff and 12 AmeriCorps staff.
• Of the 14,542 cases in Minneapolis, 80.7% have been interviewed, 2.4% refused, and 10.2% have been lost to follow-up. Approximately 6.6% of new cases still need to be interviewed. With increasing number of cases, the percent still needing to be interviewed has also increased significantly. Twenty-five percent of interviews of Minneapolis residents have been conducted in a language other than English.

Community COVID-19 testing and flu shots

• Community testing partner Shiloh Temple sent the following note to Commissioner Musicant thanking the City’s for its commitment to the health of North Minneapolis. “Your team was a pleasure to work with. Also your commitment to the Health of the North Minneapolis Communities is unwavering. Because of you, people of color, and all those who call Minneapolis home, can thrive and be healthy in this great City.”
• A new ad campaign launched on November 1 to promote COVID-19 community testing. The campaign includes targeted social media and community newspaper ads, new dedicated testing webpages on the City’s website, donated billboard space, radio spots, and videos. Messages will be available in multiple languages.
• We are continuing to explore options for indoor testing events during the winter months. We have purchased saliva test kits that can be used at community events or for at-home testing.
• The State health department will offer free saliva testing at the Minneapolis Convention Center starting Monday, November 9. Testing will be available seven days a week, noon to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. Appointments can be made through the Vault Health registration site.

Upcoming COVID-19 testing events

Flu shots will be available at both events. Participants can register at the events and test results are usually available in two business days.

• Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church, 511 Groveland Ave., from 12-3 p.m. on Saturday, November 7.
• East Side Neighborhood Services, 1700 Second St. NE, from 12-3 p.m. on Saturday, November 14.

COVID-19 vaccination

• We continue to share COVID-19 vaccination information through presentations and listening sessions with community groups and neighborhood associations. A good source of reliable information about COVID-19 vaccination is the Minnesota Department of Health’s COVID-19 vaccine website.
• We are recruiting community partners to serve as COVID-19 Vaccine Community Liaisons. So far, we have seven liaisons onboard and are working to fill gaps in geographic or demographic representation. Over the next few weeks, they will conduct community outreach to share information about COVID-19 vaccination and bring back residents’ questions, concerns, and insights to help guide our planning efforts.
• We continue to meet regularly with the State and the Metro Region Healthcare Coalition to plan for vaccine distribution. Initial doses of the vaccine, expected in mid-to late-December, will be distributed to staff at hospitals and long-term care facilities. MHD is reaching out to key partners to coordinate distribution logistics for long-term care sites; the Metro Region Healthcare Coalition will ensure distribution to hospitals.

Food insecurity

• MHD is issuing $970,000 of CARES funding to 37 organizations to increase food security in response to COVID-19. Awards ranged from $2,000 to 53,500 and will pay for food, hygiene supplies and equipment used for food distribution this fall. Organizations will serve BIPOC communities and some are targeting special populations such as HIV/AIDS positive, older adults and persons experiencing homelessness. Funding has been allocated to parts of the city where food insecurity is the greatest.
• CARES funding will also be used to provide supports at Corcoran Park to the families that had been previously served at Powderhorn Park. This effort is a collaboration of MHD, NCR, MPRB and food security partners.

School Based Clinics

• The seven school based clinics (SBC) located in six Minneapolis Public high schools and one alternative school have transitioned to a hybrid model of seeing teens via telehealth and limited in person visits at the clinics. SBC staff have worked hard to ensure that clients have access to health services including mental health and prescriptions often times dropping medications off at students’ homes.
• Although visits and the resulting revenue from insurance is down, the clinics have secured some grant funding to strengthen the capacity for tele-mental health services and health education. While SBCs are successfully adapting, they are concerned about lower immunization rates and the potential for an increased number of sexually transmitted infections due to less STI testing during the pandemic.

Businesses

• Stories from the field: o A couple who own a downtown restaurant reached out to their health inspector asking about City support for their business. The business estimates their sales are at 10% of pre-COVID-19 levels. They are being allowed to pay only 25% of their rent, but the landlord expects the other 75% to be paid in the future. All staff has been laid off except for one part time employee. The Small Business Team is working with them.
• A business owner had an employee test positive. Employees got COVID-19 tests in a variety of places. The owner closed the business while waiting for COVID-19 test results to arrive. The owner was frustrated to find there was not a way to quickly test all staff and possibly prevent the business from closing.
• Environmental Health inspectors performed a bar sweep of six businesses on Friday, Oct 20, as part of a response to increased COVID-19 cases. Overall, the businesses are implementing their COVID-19 preparedness plan accordingly. During the sweep, an inspector noticed a party bus with about 40 patrons on board dancing with no room to move. A complaint was submitted to the party bus company for follow-up.
• Health inspectors completed 94 food safety routine inspections with an emphasis on COVID-19 preparedness plans and the implementation of COVID-19 protocols. Health inspectors responded to 9 food safety/sanitation/COVID-19 311 complaints. Health inspectors responded to 5 incidents of reported COVID-19 positive employees/patrons. One event was inspected over the weekend.

Homeless encampments

• The environmental assessment of the encampment at Van White Memorial Blvd and 2nd Ave N. was completed. The assessment determined the site is not safe to be camped there. City staff visited the site last Friday to inform the residents. Some chose to leave. Due to the lawsuit, we are not demobilizing the site at this time.
• The City is working to remove a significant amount of trash from a small encampment at 27th and 3rd.
• MRBP has only a few remaining encampments.

Logistics

• MHD staff continues to respond to community requests for surgical masks, cloth masks and hand sanitizer. This past week, supplies were distributed to members of the Shared Powers Advisory Committee and senior living facilities.
• MHD’s COVID-19 email address responds to daily inquiries for guidance on COVID testing, quarantine and contact tracing, complaints about mask wearing in businesses, workplaces and public spaces and solicitations for PPE or donated supplies.
• Federal CARES funds have been used to purchase safety and hygiene supplies, equipment and testing materials to support MHD testing events through November 14.

Find COVID-19 tips for staying well and travel guidelines on the Health Department web page.

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

A Step Forward

Article by Claudia Kittock

I became a volunteer in the literacy department of YouthLink nearly six years ago and soon after met Katie Miller, a staff member. Katie was immediately memorable for her humor, her grace, and her incredible skill and empathy with the young people experiencing homelessness. I am a professional observer, and observing Katie was a joy. I knew I wanted to know her.

Katie MillerOver the years we had many conversations and her skills were obvious and remarkable. Selfishly, I was sad when she told me she was resigning to become a Community Navigator with the Minneapolis Police Department. I was also excited for what she would be able to do in this position. Since Katie has been in her new role our paths have continued to cross.  

Community Navigators, as a unit, were created with racial equity for the communities they serve. Each member represents a recognized community group (Native American, LGBTQIA+/Homelessness, LatinX, African American, SE African/Somali, and Intimate Partner/Domestic Violence) that the Minneapolis Police Department recognizes a need to better serve, communicate, and build positive relationships. 

The personnel of the unit, because of their extensive history of social service (10+ years) prior to joining the Minneapolis Police Department, offer a novel approach to victim services, community engagement, and guardianship. This unit, as a non-sworn/civilian entity, offers the communities a different, hopefully non-threatening, interaction point, as they offer assistance through the common accords of each representative group. 

Navigators also assist in recognizing how racial and/or economic inequities harm the populace, and act as connectors to resources and carriers of information both from and to community and policymakers. With the Navigators as a resource, the department increases its capacity to engage in a trauma-informed, meaningful, approachable way with communities that are hesitant to interact with police due to historical trauma, over-policing, and mistrust.

This is a wonderful step forward for our community, and one that has already shown to work. Please join us in offering this amazing group of professionals our support. They are that neighbor.