Be That Neighbor Launches New Initiative: Let's Boost Small Business!

Article by Becky Fillinger

It’s November and Be That Neighbor is launching a new initiative – Let’s Boost Small Businesses!

Before we launch our small business boost initiative, we should state the obvious - 2020 has seen hundreds of Twin Cities small businesses close permanently. These are businesses that pay local taxes and employ us and our neighbors. Why else is it important to support local small businesses? I’ll list a few, but welcome feedback and ask that you chime in with other reasons too.

Community Involvement – Who do you turn to for donations for youth sports teams, nonprofit donations, guest lecturers at events? For Be That Neighbor, we know that local small businesses are always there to support our charity events. Last year for our fundraising event, we received in-kind donations from Bacon Social House, Wasabi Fusion, Umbra, Smith and Porter, Pog Mahones, Conexion, Crooked Pint, Keefer Court, Kindee, Afro Deli, Guthrie Theater, Trader Joe’s, Mill City Times and the Mill City Museum. We could not have put on a successful fundraiser without their support.

Community Identity – Check out the North Loop or the Sheridan neighborhood as examples. It’s the small businesses that give the character and appeal to the area. One-of-a-kind and locally made products can attract customers to a community – like Steller Handcrafted Goods.

Community Congeniality – Small business owners know their customers’ names. They know the other small business owners on the block. They give referrals to other small businesses.

Community Health – Walking to local businesses can reduce automobile use and urban sprawl. They encourage walking, biking or taking local transit. From my apartment in downtown Minneapolis, I can walk to grocery stores, fitness studios, chiropractors, coffee shops, art supply shops, bakeries and many more.

Increased Tax Base – When you shop at small businesses, the tax dollars stay here. This sparks more economic development.

Local Jobs - Small businesses create jobs. Period.

Will you join us in supporting and boosting local small businesses? Share a positive comment on your interactions with the business and its products or services. Tag it so that the business sees all the positive reinforcement.

State to Open Saliva Testing Location at Minneapolis Convention Center on Monday, November 9

Via a November 5 News Release from the Minnesota Department of Health:

Site will offer free saliva tests to anyone who needs it

The State of Minnesota today announced it will open a saliva testing site on Monday at the Minneapolis Convention Center. This will be the eighth in the state, offering free saliva tests to any Minnesotan who believes they need to be tested.

“What’s happening in Minnesota right now is alarming,” said Minnesota Commissioner Jan Malcolm. “We are seeing record numbers of new cases every few days. And it’s because we’re falling behind the rapid spread of this virus. This is truly a statewide outbreak, and we encourage anyone who believes they may have been exposed to COVID-19 to visit one of these no-barrier testing sites. Testing is a key part of our strategy, and we’ve made great progress in removing obstacles to testing thanks to strong partnerships across the state. When combined with social distancing, masking, avoiding crowds and staying home when sick, testing helps us slow the spread of COVID-19 and move us closer to the day when we have safe and effective vaccines.”

Testing will be located at the Minneapolis Convention Center, at 1301 2nd Ave. South in downtown Minneapolis. Those coming for testing should enter on the west side of the building off 1st Avenue, then continue to exhibit room E. Free parking will be available and marked in nearby surface lots and parking ramps.

Due to expected demand, 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. The State of Minnesota and Vault Health will reevaluate hours of each site as others open and demand waxes and wanes with disease progression in Minnesota. Appointments can be made through the Vault Health registration site.

The state opened the first saliva testing site in Duluth on Sept. 23. Since then, saliva testing locations have opened in Winona, Moorhead, Brooklyn Park, Mankato, St. Cloud, and Saint Paul. State officials plan to open at least two more in the Twin Cities metro area in coming weeks. Those tests will be processed right here in Minnesota, at the new saliva lab in Oakdale. Results will be provided via email within 24-48 hours.

“The Minneapolis Convention Center offers access to thousands of people in the heart of the metro,” said Dan Huff, MDH assistant commissioner for health protection. “Our COVID-19 numbers are moving in the wrong direction, but we still have a chance to turn the tide here in Minnesota if everyone does their part; we hope this increased access to testing will help people learn if they are positive for COVID-19 and to isolate when necessary.”

Testing is free to all Minnesotans who believe they need a COVID-19 test, including those who are asymptomatic. Participants will be asked for their health insurance information so the state can bill their insurance company on their behalf. If a person is uninsured or for any reason insurance doesn’t cover some or all of the cost, the state will cover the difference so testing remains completely free to everyone.

“We’re glad to have another COVID-19 testing option in our community,” said Hennepin County Public Health Director Susan Palchick. “This new site will make it easier for people to access testing, to know if they’re positive, and to take steps to protect themselves and others."

“This is a welcome additional source of testing for those who live or work in our community,” said Gretchen Musicant, Minneapolis Health Commissioner. “Because it will be open seven days a week without barriers it is an important resource as we work to stem the rising number of COVID-19 cases.”

The same saliva test was also recently made available to 23 counties and the Red Lake Nation through the COVID-19 Test at Home Program The service will be available soon to all Minnesotans statewide.

The saliva test is a PCR test, just like the traditional nasal swab, with the same effectiveness rate; however, it is more comfortable to take. Those who come for a test should avoid eating, drinking, chewing, or smoking anything for at least 30 minutes before providing a sample. Once they arrive at the site, they will self-administer the test by spitting into a funnel attached to a small tube. Clinic staff will be available on-site to monitor the collection process and ensure there is enough saliva to be tested.

“Our strategy to managing the virus continues to be proactive, data-driven, and aggressive,” continued Huff. “A higher testing capacity, combined with masking, social distancing, and isolation when appropriate, is critical to that strategy. Our work to bring saliva testing to Minnesotans is an important supplement to the COVID testing options already offered across the state. Growing and diversifying our testing options is a tool to keeping Minnesotans safe.”

For more information about the saliva testing site in Minneapolis, please visit COVID-19 Saliva Community Testing Sites.

A Message from Friends of the Hennepin County Library

A message from Kristi Pearson, CEO, Friends of the Hennepin County Library

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Recently, a young girl gave a gift to the library with a handwritten message tucked in: I’m giving this donation so you can buy books for others. The note proudly declared that she was a friend of the library.

After I read her words, I sat for a quiet moment and reflected.

Especially in a year of such hardship, reading a sentiment so pure and simple from a young patron set so much into stark and dazzling clarity—what does friendship really mean, in a time when our connections to one another are being tested so fully?

My thoughts then turned to our library.

This year, when we've all been in need of support, our library has been a friend to each of us. It has listened to patrons, adjusting quickly to meet the high demand of digital materials. It has understood the need to balance safety with access, opening 30 locations for Grab and Go service. It has distributed free books to children in parks who needed ways to engage in a summer stripped of so many activities.

And of course, our library has shared. Sharing is the very foundation of the library: passing books from hand to hand, sharing knowledge, stories and resources. So today, we’re asking you to do what true friends do best and share whatever you are able.

Give to the Max is the single, largest day of giving to our library, and it’s coming up on Thursday, November 19. It’s a time when our friends from all over band together to support the library that supports us all so well in good times and bad.

Your donation now through November 19 will be counted toward our 1,000 Friend goal to unlock an additional $30,000 matching grant. That extra support is critical with increasing demands and so much uncertainty still ahead.

If you are able, here is the link to donate: https:/give.supporthclib.org/givemax2020

Thank you for ensuring that everyone has a friend in their library. Your kindness and generosity make all the difference.

In solidarity and friendship,

Kristi

Kristi Pearson
CEO, Friends of the Hennepin County Library

Minneapolis Police Precinct 1 Update

Via a November 4 e-announcement from the Minneapolis Police Precinct 1:

Important Informational Alert

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -

In response to the recent uptick in criminal behavior in the 1st Precinct, please take note of these safety reminders.  Please, also share this information with friends and neighbors. As always, if you see or experience ANY suspicious or questionable behavior, CALL 911.

YOUR SAFETY IS OUR #1 PRIORITY

Personal Safety

• Be aware of your surroundings. Always. Look at and take note of who is near you or your vehicle
• When driving, keep your doors and windows locked
• Take note of vehicle descriptions, license plate numbers or suspect descriptions
• Do not leave your vehicle running and DO NOT leave keys or a fob inside the car
• Maintain good social distance from strangers, this is a good rule for personal safety and personal health
• Be wary of someone asking for the time, directions, to use your phone or if you have spare change
• Do not carry your cell phone in your hand. Keep it safely in an inside pocket. Do not carry it in your back pocket
• Do not walk and text
• Avoid carrying a purse. Carry only what you need in a secure pocket. If you do carry a purse, utilize a smaller bag. Make use of a cross body strap, carry it under your coat so the purse is not displayed
• Consider a self-defense class to increase confidence when out in public
• Use a buddy system when walking, if possible
• Walk in well lit, well-traveled areas

Phones and Financial Security

• Always have your IMEI and serial number for your phone in a safe place.   Keep an electronics inventory list with serial numbers and product descriptions for computers etc.
• Consider a “track my phone” app
• Use a pass code to lock your phone when not in use
• Hide all apps for banking, credit cards and cash pay along with personal information in an “incognito” file
• Record all your credit card, driver’s license, banking, and pass code information. Keep it in a safe place. Consider emailing it to yourself. Do not store this info on your phone unless protected
• Know how to access accounts and institutions incase of loss or fraudulent activity
• Report Lost or stolen items immediately to your financial institutions

Vehicles

• NEVER leave keys or a fob in your car EVER. Do not leave it in the ignition, the glove box, center console or hidden. If it is in the car, your car can be stolen
• Look around before entering or exiting your vehicle
• Check your owner’s manual for a valet key and remove it
• Don’t leave a spare key hidden or in another vehicle
• LOCK YOUR DOORS, even when parked in an access-controlled garage
• Do not leave personal property in plain sight
• Keep doors locked when driving
• Call 911 if intimidated on the road, stay on the phone with 911, do not stop or engage. Drive to a populated, well-lit area.

Residences and Garages

• Keep ALL doors and windows locked – even inside multi-unit dwellings. Use your deadbolt
• Do not prop open any exterior doors
• Be mindful of common use outside doors (front doors, overhead garage door) DO NOT allow someone to follow you into the building
• If you live on the ground floor be vigilant about your access points
• Utilize available lighting or consider adding more
• Do not leave valuables such as bicycles unsecured. Record description and serial number
• If you need to keep your bicycle in the garage, lock it to a secure pole or bike rack bolted to the floor or wall
• Whether single family or multi-unit, ensure your security cameras are operational and are good quality. While cameras rarely prevent a crime, they are excellent in aiding an investigation and subsequent arrest
• Do not leave your garage door opener in your vehicle
• Lock your vehicle when parked inside the garage and do not leave valuable such as purses, weapons and electronics
• Maintain good key and access card/fob control
• Get to know your neighbors. Consider forming a building or block club to share information

IF YOU BECOME A VICTIM OF CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR - FILE A POLICE REPORT.  Call 911 to report assaults, robberies or carjackings. Call 311 or go to http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/police/index.htm to file a theft report.

FOR QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS, PLEASE CALL THE 1ST PRECINCT AT 612-673-5701 or contact Crime Prevention Specialists Renee.Allen@MinneapolisMN.gov or Carla.Nielson@MinneapolisMN.gov for further assistance and/or guidance.

Visit the Minneapolis Police Department on Facebook.

Lighting Up the River

Submitted by Mill District resident, Ric Rosow

Lighting Up the River

I took this photograph last Thursday, October 29, from the Stone Arch Bridge. The buildings to the right of the river are, from left to right: Cedar Riverside Plaza, The Eleven (under construction), the Legacy and a faint blue outline of Stonebridge. I love taking photographs of the Mississippi River and in the process capturing all the development along the river. It was a great time to photograph from that location as the sun was setting off to my right behind downtown. The reflection of the sun on the buildings along the river contributed to the color of this artistic interpretation.

Ric Rosow

River Story: A New Path Ahead

By Rick Margl, Great River Coalition

RIVER STORY: A NEW PATH AHEAD

By Rick Margl, Great River Coalition

I was beginning to get the feeling that I’d messed up. After a long day meeting with local staff in Grand Rapids, I had decided there was enough daylight left to grab a quick run. Padding along on the highway shoulder, I came upon an interesting looking dirt road, took a quick turn on a whim and headed into the woods. You know how sometimes you turn onto an interesting trail, then another trail and then another? So, on I went, always expecting a clearing or a view of the town through a break in the dense foliage. At some point I realized that it was probably time to reverse route and head back to the motel.

But you know how trails and landmarks can look very different when you’re going in the other direction? My mind had been elsewhere as I ran and I was also unconcerned about losing my way, having over the years spent much time trekking in woods and along rivers. Now, victim to that self-confidence and inattention (yes, a dangerous combination), daylight was dimming around me while I investigated several likely looking but ultimately unhelpful trails. I began to contemplate the prospect of spending a night in the woods.

This memory came to me the other morning while I was out for an early ramble along the river. The woods are open now, with vistas all around which scant weeks before were unseen and unimaginable. The river, recently stippled with burnt orange, gold and scarlet leaves, now runs clear, quiet and cold between snowy banks. Shrubby alder, chokecherry, silver maple and young ironwood overhang the banks. Beneath slate gray skies, intermittent clouds of flurries drift through the bare branches like ghosts. Today, at least, I was in no danger of becoming lost.

Yet as I walked along, I contemplated how we all occasionally lose our way, not only individually but also collectively, as communities and entire societies. Obviously, we can go astray as I did on that long-ago evening, by thoughtlessly wandering about without compass, knowledge or (heaven forbid it nowadays) a cell phone. But we can also lose our way by mindlessly following well-established and once useful routes that are no longer advantageous, given the vagaries of our rapidly changing world.

In the concluding chapter of Walden, Henry Thoreau wrote, “The surface of the earth is soft and impressible by the feet of men; and so with the paths which the mind travels. How worn and dusty, then, must be the highways of the world, how deep the ruts of tradition and conformity!” For our own good, we should consider the possibility that much of our accepted wisdom is subject to a ‘shelf life’ in this evolving world. Why should it be surprising that new knowledge and facts could cause us to develop new answers and new directions that we can use to move our society towards broadly desirable goals? Recent polls report that only a small percentage of our fellow citizens are convinced that ‘the country is moving in the right direction’. No surprise there.

As I contemplated the darkening woods outside of Grand Rapids, I had a few options. Find a roost for the night, wander some more until nightfall, or acquire additional decision information. To use the trite phrase, I thought outside the box. More specifically, I gained a different perspective on the problem by climbing about thirty feet up a handy maple tree. At that height, I was sufficiently above the mass of foliage so that I could hear traffic passing on Highway 169. Armed with that new knowledge, I cut across country in that direction and emerged at the roadside before nightfall.

Sometimes you just have to set out in a direction of your own choosing, rather than blindly following the paths that tradition would dictate. What’s true for you and me is equally applicable for our society. Changing circumstances are best addressed through investigation, deliberation, decision and action. Inaction and acquiescence to the status quo might at some point bring disappointing or even tragic results.

Back when my sons were quite young and learning (sometimes grudgingly) how to be responsible for themselves, I would chide them with fatherly nuggets of wisdom when they fell short. My frequent admonition whenever they left a mess behind them was, “Don’t make it easy for the wolves to find you”. At a basic level, all of us are little entropy generators, converting order into randomness and waste as we live out our lives on this earth. As our world has become smaller and the detritus of our existence becomes increasingly apparent, those metaphorical wolves of consequence are emphatically snapping at our heels.

Strewn along the path behind us are animal and insect extinctions, rising and warming seas, increasing storm intensity, new disease vectors, crop failures and a long litany of other basic changes to the world and the environment that has sustained us until now. What to do about it? Well, that’s up to you. Perhaps make more thoughtful consumption (and disposition) decisions. With your time and other resources, support organizations that are developing solutions. Provide input to our government leaders about their plans. At a very primary level, as physicist Leo Szilard cautioned, “Do not destroy what you cannot create.”

Oh, and if you haven’t voted yet, please get it done. Speak out for the future of the Earth. Thank you.

The Great River Coalition is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that advocates for preserving, protecting and promoting the historic, commercial and environmental significance of the Mississippi River, the City of Minneapolis and its relationship to the people and their communities.

The Mill City Times Interview: Hon. Bruce Peterson, University of Minnesota Law School

Article by Becky Fillinger 

We’re bombarded daily, even hourly, with news of how polarized our society has become. With a contentious 18-month campaign and culminating election next week, people are looking for solutions to reduce stress in their lives. We reached out to an expert, Hon. Bruce Peterson of the University of Minnesota Law School, who tells us about his course on peacemaking, mindfulness and tips for healing our community.

Hon. Bruce PetersonQ:  You teach a class at the University of Minnesota Law School on Lawyers as Peacemakers. One syllabus item is a daily mindfulness practice. Do you believe that mindfulness can help ordinary citizens become better peacemakers? Or help us become better citizens? If yes, how?

A:  Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. Developing this skill helps us become aware of our own thoughts and emotions, as well as those of other people. We become calmer, less reactive, and more thoughtful. Few things could make us better peacemakers or better citizens, especially in a country that is so over stimulated and where people are prone to instinctual reactions to whatever they hear or see.

Q:  How did you develop peacemaking as a specialty?

A:  “Specialty” perhaps overstates my expertise. I became interested in peacemaking during my 20 years as a judge watching people struggle with conflict. It became apparent to me that people have a complex human nature, with both good and bad features, and circumstances and conditions have a lot to do with which part of our nature comes out at any given time. I also saw that certain legal reforms, like problem solving courts, restorative justice, and collaborative law, simply worked better than traditional adversarial, retributive processes. So I embarked on a study of what conditions would consistently bring out the best in people.

Q:  Is there something in human evolution that leads us to want to collaborate?

A:  Absolutely! We are the only ultra-social species, able to collaborate readily in worldwide networks of unrelated individuals. This capacity originated with the communal nature of the first human hunter-gatherer bands two million years ago. Skills like reciprocity and group loyalty made it into the next generation, whereas people who tried to go it alone did not pass on their genes.

Q:  Many of us are very anxious about the election. Aside from the active step of voting, what can we do to facilitate peace for ourselves and our communities? And I also think we are a deeply polarized country which seeps into divisions in our local communities. Other than mindfulness, are there other activities we can engage in to heal our local communities?  

A:  I have several suggestions:

1. Be aware of our instinctive reactions to political issues, especially since they are so primed by the politicians, bloggers, and commentators who enhance their careers by stoking our animosity. Hearing something that supports our team or “disses” the other guys actually gives us a hit of the feel-good-hormone, dopamine. We become literally addicted to polarization. See it and resist it!

2. Since we are such a collaborative species, social interaction outweighs political ideology. We listen to and try to understand and to be truly heard by people we talk to face to face and whose good will and respect we want to elicit. So it is useful to seek opportunities to truly listen to people we disagree with and not simply jump to contradict them. The next best thing is to listen to or read opposing viewpoints and try to picture how people of good will might hold these views. A convenient place to start is with the red/blue conversations organized by Braver Angels, or take the With Malice Toward None pledge.

3. Many local activities, organizations, teams and projects cut across tribal lines and have nothing to do with political ideology. That is where most of the creative and productive activity in our country is going on at this time. The more contact we have with different kinds of people, the less their politics matters. Act locally and give politics a rest. 

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  - 

About Becky Fillinger

I’ve been a resident of the Mill District only since July 2019, but have visited the Guthrie, the Farmers Market, restaurants and friends in the area for many years prior to making the leap to Minneapolis. I’ve lived in many places (and climates) in the US and can testify that our cultural events, bicycle and hiking trails, parks and green spaces, museums, diverse neighborhoods and wonderful restaurants put Minnesota and Minneapolis high on my best places list. I’m a member of the Mill City Singers and look forward to our choir practices and performances.

One of my main interests is community - a very broad concept. For me it means bringing people together with common interests to form meaningful relationships. I look forward to reporting on businesses and individuals in our neighborhoods. Feel free to drop me an email at becky_fillinger@hotmail.com with your thoughts and ideas for stories. 

The Mill City Times Interview: Dana Thompson, Co-Owner/COO, The Sioux Chef and Executive Director, NATIFS

Article by Becky Fillinger

Dana ThompsonIt’s November and you're probably starting to think about Thanksgiving meals. Do you like to eat corn, beans, squash, turkey, wild rice, cranberries and blueberries? Who doesn’t like these Indigenous foods?

We sat down with Dana Thompson, Co-Owner/COO of The Sioux Chef and Executive Director of NATIFS, to learn more about traditional Indigenous foods, where we may enjoy them and the new Mississippi riverfront park project, Water Works.

Q:  Please tell us about NATIFS and the Indigenous Food Lab.

A:  NATIFS, or North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems, is a 501c3 nonprofit founded in 2017. Our mission is to promote Indigenous foodways education and facilitate Indigenous food access. We spread Indigenous food knowledge, train and develop Indigenous food producers, create Indigenous food access in tribal communities, and provide Indigenous education focused on Indigenous food systems. I co-founded this nonprofit with my partner Sean Sherman, with whom I also own the company The Sioux Chef.

We are launching a culinary training center called the Indigenous Food Lab in Minneapolis. The Indigenous Food Lab will offer different kinds of classes on all aspects of Indigenous-focused food service, including Native American agriculture, farming techniques, seed saving, wild foods, ethnobotany, Indigenous medicines, cooking techniques, regional diversity, nutrition, language, history, health, and healing. Through distance learning, a robust archive of instructional videos, live Zoom classes, and in-person classes as possible, we will give instruction on how to process and work with these foods.

The goal for this training center is to help tribal communities in our region develop, implement, and maintain Indigenous food entities for their communities, which could be as small as developing a product for market or designing a small catering operation utilizing products grown by Native farmers, or as large as a full-scale restaurant, depending on the means and resources of the individuals and the community. Once open, these satellite tribal entities will help directly influence community members by giving them access to healthy Indigenous foods that are designed to represent their tribe, in their language, using their regional flavors, and giving them the resources to grow community gardens, create permaculture landscapes, process and preserve foods, and create more Indigenous food leaders and food processors to plug into our growing network.

Dana and Sean

Q:  Can you tell us about the genesis of the Water Works project? What groups came together to make it happen?

A:  My partner, Sean and I were approached by an employee of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) back in 2015 as we were at the Owamni Falling Water Festival with the Tatanka Truck, our former food truck. They told us a little bit about the RiverFirst initiative and the project slated to take place across the river. Of course we were excited by the idea in any capacity, just the thought of another parks restaurant was incredible, and on the Mississippi...wow! They then told us that they would be putting out a public request for proposals for the food operator. We kept our eyes open for this opportunity, and when the time came, we put together a beautiful presentation and were ultimately selected! 

Once we got through the process, we were invited by the MPRB and the Minneapolis Parks Foundation to work with the architects at HGA to advise on the design of the building to make sure it was thought through with an Indigenous lens. Then as we moved closer to the build-out we were introduced to Damon Farber Landscape Architects. We had all agreed that it would add more educational opportunities to the site if we used native plantings in the landscape. We worked with our team to research all the uses of plants that we had chosen and broke them into columns - Food, Medicine and Ceremony. After that we helped to deliver the Dakota names for each of these plants so signs could be created to help people on walking tours begin to understand the long history of these sacred relatives.

Q:  I walk by the Water Works construction almost daily - what's the status/timeline for completing the facility?

A:  The construction team estimates that Water Works will be completed by early Spring of 2021. We plan to start doing at least take-out and delivery by then. Depending on the state of the pandemic, it's hard to say when we will be able to allow indoor seating, but there is plenty of outdoor seating, so we think it's going to be incredible no matter what happens.

The Owamni by The Sioux Chef restaurant will feature a wall of windows looking out on the Mississippi River, and ample outdoor seating.

Q:  What is your vision of how the new park facility will be used?

A:  There are so many resources onsite. Inside of the building there is a big lobby that will open eventually, and a community room that can be reserved using a calendar that the Park Board will have ready for the community. We plan to use that room for Indigenous education and also for the occasional coursed dinner that people would be able to purchase tickets to well in advance. There is a playground and so much space to run around. We hope that people of all ages will be able to enjoy it! The park designed everything they could think of to be ADA compliant, so all people will be able to spend time inside, enjoying the views from the patio, and wander around the grounds fairly easily.

One of Sean's 10 essential Native American recipes: Three Sisters Bowl with hominy, beans and squashQ:  I was inspired after reading of the partnership with Second Harvest Heartland. How is that project progressing?

A:  We have been producing 300-500 meals per day for the at-risk community here in the Twin Cities since June. We have other funding partners now which is going to increase our production to closer to 800/day through the end of the year. We are bringing in new staff almost weekly to help us meet the demand, and many of them are Indigenous. We hope that some of these staff members will be interested in working at Water Works too, eventually. It's great to have some of our restaurant community being able to participate in something with such meaning, and to give back to the community that is experiencing food insecurity right now.

Q:  How may our readers stay current with your projects?

A:  We encourage people to sign up for the mailing list on our websites, or follow us on social media to stay attuned to our goings-ons. We are running at full speed right now so it's hard to stay in communication with everyone, so social media is fun for that purpose.  

NATIFS Twitter  The Sioux Chef Twitter  Facebook: NATIFS The Souix Chef. Here is our most current Kickstarter update as well. 

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  - 

About Becky Fillinger

I’ve been a resident of the Mill District only since July 2019, but have visited the Guthrie, the Farmers Market, restaurants and friends in the area for many years prior to making the leap to Minneapolis. I’ve lived in many places (and climates) in the US and can testify that our cultural events, bicycle and hiking trails, parks and green spaces, museums, diverse neighborhoods and wonderful restaurants put Minnesota and Minneapolis high on my best places list. I’m a member of the Mill City Singers and look forward to our choir practices and performances.

One of my main interests is community - a very broad concept. For me it means bringing people together with common interests to form meaningful relationships. I look forward to reporting on businesses and individuals in our neighborhoods. Feel free to drop me an email at becky_fillinger@hotmail.com with your thoughts and ideas for stories. 

Doug Verdier's October 30, 2020 Water Works Photos

Editors Note: Mill District resident Doug Verdier continues to document the progress of the Water Works project.

This week marked another milestone in the restoration and construction of Water Works Park pavilion with the arrival of bricks and the erection of scaffolding around two sides of the building. Brick laying to the exterior of the pavilion should begin during the coming week.

Scaffolding in place and bricks and mortar mix in bags along West River Parkway side of the pavilion.

Closeup of some of the bricks that were delivered this week.

Scaffolding went up quickly around two sides of the building. The large windows shown will provide excellent river views from the restaurant to be named Owamni by The Sioux Chef, scheduled for opening in Spring 2021. When it opens, Owamni will be the only locally indigenous restaurant in a major U.S. city.

Another view of the front of the building showing scaffolding in place. The large white cone-shaped structure in front of the building will mix the mortar that will be used in laying the bricks.

Two additional artifacts from the former mill buildings that will be displayed in the park.

Josh Thoma of Smack Shack Invests in New COVID-19 Safety Measures

Via an October 30 Press Release:

New UV Light Air Purification System And Ionic Electrostatic Sanitizing Spray Provide Peace Of Mind For Guests And Staff At Smack Shack And The Lexington This Winter and Beyond

With colder weather already here and COVID-19 cases on the rise throughout the Midwest, local restaurateur Josh Thoma, owner of Smack Shack and The Lexington, has invested in new sanitizing technologies to keep his restaurants clean and his staff and guests safe.

Thoma has installed a new Steril-Aire UV Light Air Purification System at both his restaurants. The system is installed in the existing HVAC ductwork. As the air passes through the filter, UV light penetrates the cell wall of the microorganisms and disrupts the structure of the DNA thereby prohibiting reproduction of the cell. Air continually passes through the filter killing 99% of viruses and bacteria providing clean air to the entire restaurant every fifteen minutes.

“We wanted to do all that we could to provide a safer environment to our guests and staff,” said Thoma. “This is an uncertain time for all of us and our commitment to everyone’s safety is our number one priority.”

In addition to the new Steril-Aire, Thoma has added Graco SaniSpray systems at Smack Shack and The Lexington. The SaniSpray system uses ionic electrostatic technology making the sanitizing process much more thorough and effective than traditional spray bottles. Sanitizer is sprayed at a wide angle thereby covering a larger area. The electrostatic nature of the spray then adheres to surfaces, including frequently touched and difficult to reach areas, resulting in a more comprehensive coverage.

For those guests that may still be apprehensive about dining indoors, Smack Shack has also installed fourteen infrared heaters on their covered patio so that it may be used year-round. Since the system uses infrared heat, not only does it warm the air to a reasonable temperature, but surfaces including the tables and floor absorb the heat as well providing a more comfortable sustained temperature.

For more information on the restaurants safety measures, visit smack-shack.com and thelexmn.com.

October 30 Ward 7 News from Council Member Lisa Goodman

Absentee Ballots Must be Received by Election Day to be Counted

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit has overruled the approved consent decree which had extended the deadline for submitting absentee mail ballots for this year’s presidential election. As you know, that consent decree would have allowed absentee mail ballots that were postmarked on or before November 3 (Election Day) to be accepted and included in the final results tally through November 10. The Court of Appeals ruling means that absentee mail ballots must be received by Election Day in order to be counted; there will be no extension provided to receive mail ballots after polls close on Election Night. The Secretary of State’s Office will be disseminating updates about this decision via paid statewide media to alert all voters of this significant change in the rules governing the administration of the election this year.

---

Voting Updates

With less than a week until the Nov. 3 election, City election officials have opened two additional Early Vote Centers, making early in-person voting more convenient for even more Minneapolis voters.

There are now four places Minneapolis voters can cast early ballots:

• The new North Early Vote Center at Urban League Twin Cities, 2100 Plymouth Ave. N.
• The new South Early Vote Center at Longfellow Park Recreation Center, 3435 36th Ave. S.
• The Early Vote Center at Election & Voter Services offices, 980 East Hennepin Ave.
• The Hennepin County Government Center, 300 6th St. S. (for all Hennepin County voters)

Along with avoiding Election Day lines and crowds during the pandemic, Early Vote Centers are especially helpful to people who need language support or other special accommodations, such as curbside voting.

All four early voting locations are open through Nov. 2. For hours and other information on early in-person voting, go to vote.minneapolismn.gov/voters/vote-early-in-person.

Drop off mail ballots now

Because Election Day is just one week away, mail delivery may not be able to return completed absentee ballots in time to be counted. Instead, City election officials recommend dropping off completed ballots at one of 13 mail ballot drop-off locations now open through Nov. 3. 

Voters dropping off ballots from other voters can bring no more than three completed ballots (not counting their own ballots). They will need to show identification with name and signature and complete simple paperwork.

On Election Day, mail ballots can only be dropped off at one of the 13 drop-off locations until 3 p.m. and cannot be dropped off at regular polling places.

Voting in person on Election Day after requesting a mail ballot

Voters who completed and mailed back their early ballots should check the online ballot tracking tool first thing in morning on Election Day, Nov. 3. If the tracking tool indicates that their ballots has not yet been accepted, they should look up their polling place and go vote in person.

Voters can vote in person as long as election officials have not yet received and counted their mail ballots. Elections staff at polling places check to see if they’ve received and counted mail ballots from voters who want to vote in person. Voters are given ballots as long as the City has not received and counted mail ballots from them. Any uncounted mail ballots from people who have voted in person will be cancelled and not counted (even if election officials receive it later).

Voting on Election Day, Nov. 3

To make voting safer during the pandemic, 50 polling places have changed locations. Be sure to use the online polling place finder.

Pole locations are open 7:00 am to 8:00 pm If you are in line at 8:00 pm you will be allowed to vote.

---

City Leaders are Taking Steps for Election Safety

In a video message, Mayor Jacob Frey and Police Chief Medaria Arradondo discuss how City leaders are working with partners to ensure public safety before, during and after Election Day on Nov. 3.

The City is taking all threats seriously and coordinating with local, state and community partners on preparedness efforts. 

Watch the video.

---

Free COVID-19 Tests and Flu Shots in Ward

The City of Minneapolis is offering free COVID-19 tests and flu shots. All are welcome. You do not need insurance for the test. The flu shots are covered by insurance. If you have insurance, bring your insurance card for the flu shot. If you don’t have insurance, the flu shot is free.

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

Free COVID-19 tests and flu shots at East Side Neighborhood Services, 1700 Second St. NE Noon-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14

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

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.

---

Fall Street Sweeping Update

Street sweeping has resumed. Keep an eye on the interactive map on the website for the most up-to-date schedule, and as always, watch for signs on your street at least 24 hours before a planned sweep.

During 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.

Read more.

---

Neighborhoods 2020 Public Hearing Nov. 5

Now that the public comment period has closed on the Neighborhoods 2020 draft program guidelines, the Neighborhood & Community Relations Department (NCR) reviewed the 244 public comments received and created a summary to present along with a public hearing at the Nov. 5 Public Health and Safety Committee meeting. The comments and summary will be available on the Neighborhoods 2020 webpage before the City Council takes action.

Next steps

• 1:30 p.m. Nov. 5: public hearing and presentation at the Nov. 5 Public Health and Safety Committee meeting. Find instructions on participating in the public hearing or watching the presentation on the City website.
• Nov. 12: Budget Committee presentation to discuss the program allocations and base funding amounts.
• Nov. 13: Full City Council vote.

By voting on the program guidelines before the budget, the City Council can discuss the funding needed to implement the program as designed.

Over the next few weeks, NCR will send out more information as it becomes available.

Find City Council meeting calendars, agendas and decisions on the City of Minneapolis’ Legislative Information Management System (LIMS).

Read more about Neighborhoods 2020.

---

Comment Period Extended for Draft Built Form Regulations

The City extended the comment period for the draft built form regulations to Nov. 9. The public comment period closes with a public hearing before the Minneapolis Planning Commission, which will vote on forwarding a recommendation to the City Council.

The built form regulations will regulate the scale of new buildings and additions throughout Minneapolis. The regulations are critical to achieving the goals of Minneapolis 2040, the City’s Comprehensive Plan, which was approved by the City Council in 2018. The plan will shape how the city will grow and change over the next two decades so all residents can benefit. Under consideration now are technical aspects of Minneapolis 2040 implementation.

Minneapolis 2040 includes 14 Built Form Districts that will guide the development of new regulations, which will govern issues such as: building height, floor area ratio (FAR), lot sizes and setbacks from property lines, among other things. The new built form regulations will resolve some of the major conflicts between Minneapolis 2040 and the City’s current zoning regulations. They are also intended to provide more predictability for the scale of new buildings and additions in different areas in the city, including neighborhoods, downtown, production/employment areas and areas served by high-frequency transit. 

Minneapolis 2040 went into effect on Jan. 1, 2020, following over two years of community engagement. The plan guides growth and change with 14 key goals, including eliminating racial disparities, promoting climate change resiliency, and increasing access to jobs and housing.

---

Applications Open for Current and Upcoming Vacancies on Crucial City Boards and Commissions

Six major boards and commissions are seeking applications for people to help shape important City decisions. Most of the boards and commissions below meet between one and four times a month.

Examples of past board and commission work includes reviewing a proposed charter amendment related to the creation of a Department of Community Safety & Violence Prevention (Charter Commission), comparing national best practices with current MPD policies for officer interactions with those experiencing mental health crises (Police Conduct Oversight Commission), and reviewing zoning changes to allow new affordable housing options (Planning Commission).

• The Charter Commission oversees proposed amendments to the City Charter, the local constitution for the City of Minneapolis. Applicants must be qualified voters in the City of Minneapolis. Find recent examples of proposals the commission has reviewed on the City website.
• The Civil Rights Commission spreads awareness about the City's civil rights policies and occasionally serves on panels to review complaints of discrimination from Minneapolis residents. Anyone who lives in Minneapolis can apply for this commission.
• The Police Conduct Oversight Commission is a volunteer body of Minneapolis residents from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Commissioners identify potential areas for study on Minneapolis police policy and practice, make policy recommendations shaped by research and engage the community in discussions about police procedure. See examples of studies completed on behalf of this commission.
• The Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission preserves historically and architecturally significant buildings, districts and sites with accommodations for modern day use. Commissioners must have knowledge of historic preservation, reside in a landmark property or historic district, or be a registered architect. See examples of the Heritage Preservation Commission's work on the City website.

• The Planning Commission is responsible for the City’s comprehensive plan, which outlines a vision for developing and improving Minneapolis. The Planning Commission makes decisions about planning and about how properties and buildings are used; reviews proposals; interprets the City’s zoning code; and weighs in on public land sales. See examples of the Planning Commission's work in the annual reports posted on the City website.

The Zoning Board of Adjustment hears requests for exceptions to zoning rules, appeals, and requests for properties or buildings to keep their original use if the zoning code changes around them. See examples of the Zoning Board of Adjustment's work in the annual reports posted on the City website.

---

New Data Dashboards Offer More Transparency with Intuitive Navigation

A new online City resource presents more than 40 different dashboards of continuously updated data. Minneapolis DataSource pulls data sets on many aspects of the City’s work and services including elections, housing, health, community safety (for example, use of force and crime statistics), outdoor air quality, city workforce demographics, and vacant and condemned properties. Minneapolis is using technology to provide services and solve city problems and sharing the data with anyone, anytime, anywhere.

These dashboards provide:

• Transparency.
• One place to find city data.
• Dynamic dashboards responding to user clicks and filters.
• Intuitive navigation and visual data representation.
• Features and dashboards that will continue to grow as part of the continual service improvement efforts.

This comes as part of the City’s IT strategic plan to move toward data-driven decision-making capabilities.

Watch a demo with IT Director Fadi Fadhil introducing the dashboard and some of its capabilities.

Start using the dashboard to find information.

---

City Secures Property Tax Relief for Properties Damaged During Civil Unrest

The State of Minnesota has approved requests by the City of Minneapolis and Hennepin County for property tax relief for properties damaged during civil unrest.

Following the civil unrest that occurred after the death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, the City’s Assessor’s Office began reviewing more than 900 properties in Minneapolis that were reported to have potential damage from the civil unrest and determined there was more than $106 million in reassessed value lost as a result of the damage. 

The amount of property tax relief for impacted property owners is estimated at more than $1.7 million for 2020. Of that, the State will be reimbursing the City and other local taxing authorities $1.3 million. The City’s Assessor’s Office collaborated with departments across the enterprise along with partners from Hennepin and Ramsey counties and the Department of Revenue to seek this relief for taxpayers.

Assessment officials have determined that just over 600 properties of the 900 properties reviewed sustained some level of damage and approximately 75 sustained significant damage or were destroyed during the civil unrest and are eligible for property tax relief.

Damage to these properties included: graffiti, broken windows, structure damage due to forced entry, fire and water. While the damage was primarily along Lake Street, there was damage reported across the city.

Hennepin County notified property owners that qualify for the tax abatement that they were not expected to make the Oct. 15, second half property taxes. The County will recalculate the taxes using the City Assessor’s reassessed value and issue a new property tax statement. If the recalculation results in a tax bill being overpaid, a refund will be issued. If there is a remaining second half tax owed, property owners will have 21 days to pay the remaining amount to be considered timely.

---

City Council Approves Resolution Establishing Truth and Reconciliation Process for City of Minneapolis

The City Council has approved a resolution establishing a truth and reconciliation process for the City of Minneapolis. The ultimate objective of this process is to begin implementing specific solutions to specific harms that created and perpetuate racial disparities with a prioritized focus on healing with historically Black American descendants of slavery and American Indian/Indigenous communities.

The resolution notes that Minnesota and Minneapolis have some of the most severe racial inequities in the country. African Americans make up 31% and American Indians make up 8% of the incarcerated population but only 7% and 1%, respectively, of the statewide population. The Minneapolis median household income for white families is $68,000 compared to $30,000 for African American families.

The resolution calls for the establishment of a working group that will explore the creation of the truth and reconciliation process and study the meaning of reconciliation, research different models of truth and reconciliation commissions, and understand the impact that such a process might have on the City of Minneapolis and its residents.

Truth and reconciliation processes have taken place all over the world, including in South Africa after the end of Apartheid and in Sierra Leone after the end of an 11-year civil war.

Next steps

The City’s Division of Race & Equity will lead the enterprise-wide effort in collaboration with other City leaders to explore the formation of a truth and reconciliation process. Key work will include consulting with local and national truth and reconciliation experts, people skilled in conflict resolution and other stakeholders from the community. Additionally, the work will involve developing the organizational capacity and framework required for a City-led process and recommending an approach for establishing a truth and reconciliation commission. A report back on the proposed truth and reconciliation process and commission framework is due to the City Council’s Policy & Government Oversight Committee in January 2021.

This latest action follows another resolution passed by the City Council in July declaring racism a public health emergency in the City of Minneapolis. City leaders committed to a series of action steps to dedicate more resources to racial equity work.

Read more.

---

Snow Emergency Information Coming to Household Mailboxes

Snow season has arrived. Minneapolis residents should watch their mail over the next several days for information on what to do when the City of Minneapolis declares a Snow Emergency. Residents can avoid a ticket and tow, and also help crews do a complete job by moving their cars when a Snow Emergency is declared. The City is sending out about 182,000 Snow Emergency mailers, one to each household in the city. The mailer has graphics and text showing the parking rules during the three phases of a Snow Emergency.

People should hold on to the mailers throughout the snow season and have them handy whenever a Snow Emergency is declared. They explain the Snow Emergency parking rules and ways to stay informed during the snow season. Following the rules can help make snow season easier for everyone. It’s also important to help neighbors and visitors know the rules.

Snow Emergencies are declared when there’s enough snowfall to warrant a complete plowing of our streets. Moving vehicles allows crews to plow the full width of the street. When the snow flies, City Public Works crews have enormous jobs to do, with more than 1,400 miles of streets, parkways and alleys that need to be cleared. Vehicles parked on the street in violation of Snow Emergency rules can be ticketed or towed.

Getting drivers to follow Snow Emergency parking rules helps the City, too. Towing and impounding vehicles is expensive and makes plowing inefficient, so it’s in everyone’s interest to help drivers follow the parking rules and avoid a ticket and tow.

Sign up now, stay informed throughout the season.

---

COVID-19 Situation Update as of October 28, 2020

Situational updates: Minneapolis

• There are 13,234 cases in Minneapolis and 260 deaths. The total number of cases increased by 6% over the previous week. Hospitalizations increased by 3.9% and ICU admissions increased by 3.3%.
• Over the past week, average daily case counts have increased from the mid-70s to more than 90 cases per day. We have averaged more than 100 cases per day in the last five days.
• Persons under age 35 still make up over 50% of cases over the past week, but we are starting to see a decrease in those under 25 and an increase in those 25 and older.
• 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 139,444 cases in Minnesota out of over 2.7 million tests completed. There have been 2,387 deaths from COVID-19 in Minnesota. There are 34,988 cases and 995 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 27.5 cases per 100,000 and Minneapolis is at 19.5 cases per 100,000. Both the City and State rates have increased over the last week. These numbers put Minnesota in the red category, while Minneapolis remains in the orange 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 is conducting over 50 case investigations and contact follow-ups per day for individuals diagnosed with COVID-19. Of the 13,234 cases in Minneapolis, 84.1% have been interviewed, 2.4% refused, and 10.4% have been lost to follow-up. Approximately 3% of new cases still need to be interviewed. Twenty-five percent of interviews of Minneapolis residents have been conducted in a language other than English.
• Starting November 5, MHD will be responsible for following up on all Minneapolis cases. In the past we have split the case load with State contact tracers. We are working to boost our staffing capacity to handle this increased workload. As of November 2, we will have 37 active case investigators, including four non-MHD enterprise staff and sixteen AmeriCorps staff.

Community COVID-19 testing and flu shots

• In partnership with Communications, we are developing a new ad campaign to promote COVID-19 community testing. The campaign will launch on November 1 and will include 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.
• On October 22 and 23, we supported a State-led free testing event at Sagrado Corazon Church in South Minneapolis. 476 people received COVID-19 tests. We also led an event at Shiloh Temple in North Minneapolis on October 24. Ninety-two people received COVID-19 tests and 80 received flu shots.
• We are continuing to explore options for indoor testing events during the winter months as well as purchasing saliva test kits that can be used at community events or for at-home testing.

Upcoming testing events

The following events are located outdoors. Tents, heaters, and other winter supports will be provided to help participants and staff stay warm. 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. Flu shots will be provided.
• East Side Neighborhood Services, 1700 Second St. NE, from 12-3 p.m. on Saturday, November 14. Flu shots will be provided.

COVID-19 vaccination

• We continue to share COVID-19 vaccination information through presentations and listening sessions with community groups. Last week, we hosted discussions with Mayflower Church, the Lao Assistance Center of Minnesota, the Division of Indian Work, and the Sheridan Neighborhood Association.
• Common themes from these presentations include 1) concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine approval process; 2) questions about flu shots, and 3) questions about timing of vaccine distribution. Two resources we are sharing are the New York Times vaccine tracker and the MN Health Department’s public webpage on COVID-19 vaccination.
• We are activating former members of the Health Department’s Shared Power Advisory Committee to serve as COVID-19 Vaccine Community Liaisons. After receiving training in early November, 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 develop our COVID-19 Vaccination Plan, due to the State by December 4. Health Department staff are meeting regularly with the State and the Metro Region Healthcare Coalition to plan for the initial phases of vaccine distribution focusing on healthcare workers and long-term care staff.

Businesses

• Stories from the field: • Overall day care and pre-school attendance is down significantly. A school director for Head Start McKnight shared that last year at this time, the Center had approximately 800 children attending the school. Presently, only about 20 children attend. Many day cares and preschools are currently not operating.
• A hotel operator mentioned that their hotel is operating 89 out of 229 rooms. On average, 15 rooms are occupied. On the day of inspection, only two rooms were occupied. Three-fourths of the hotel staff are currently laid off.
• Other business owners report their employees are self-diagnosing “medical conditions” so they do not need to wear a mask.
• An operator in the Como neighborhood wanted to express his gratitude to the City for waving Sewer Access Charge (SAC) fees for expansion of premise options rolled out this past summer. This really helped his business survive as he was able to add 10 additional 4-top tables without any SAC fees.
• During the past week, Health inspectors completed over 100 food safety routine inspections with an emphasis on COVID-19 preparedness plans and the implementation of COVID-19 protocols. Health inspectors responded to nine food safety/sanitation/COVID-19 311 complaints. Inspectors also responded to four businesses with reported COVID-19-positive employees and/or patrons.

Halloween messaging

• Check out Mayor Frey’s Halloween video message, featuring his daughter Frida, for tips on how to have spooky fun!
• Find ideas for staying COVID-19 safe in a lighthearted Halloween flyer that ranks activities with pumpkin faces!

Homeless encampments

• City staff is concerned about a growing encampment at 2nd Ave. North and Van White Memorial Blvd in North Minneapolis. The site has environmental concerns. MHD staff is reviewing information about the site to determine if it is safe for people to be camped there. Notification was given to the residents of the site last Friday letting them know we are doing an assessment and that the outcome could impact whether or not people are allowed to stay.
• The Greenway encampment continues to have about 100 tents with people moving in and out daily.

Logistics

• MHD staff continue to distribute cloth masks and hand sanitizer to community requestors. This past week, supplies were distributed to Minneapolis Public Schools, a long-term care facility, a neighborhood association, a community member, and the Civil Rights Commission. Hand sanitizer remains a popular item and we have a variety of sizes available for distribution thanks to a recent donation by Minnesota Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters.
• We are reconnecting with past recipients of supplies to identify ongoing needs, especially any requests we may be able to fill quickly using CARES funding. We are focusing on engagement with long-term care facilities, community clinics, and multi-family housing.

Food insecurity

• Last week, MHD released a rapid response Request for Proposals to address community food insecurity needs linked to COVID-19 and the resulting financial distress. $470,000 will be made available to community groups to purchase food and hygiene products, food storage equipment, and other food distribution supports. 46 applications, totaling more than $1.2 million in requests, were received by the Wednesday, October 28 deadline. Funding decisions are expected to be announced on November 2.

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.

November News from the Northrup King Building

Via an October 30 e-newsletter from the Northrup King Building:

The Northrup King Building November Newsletter

Thank you to everyone who came out for Mask-erade! We loved the fun, the masks, and, especially, the art. November brings with it even more opportunities to revel in and purchase art for your collection. There's no better time to browse than Art Attack! Virtual Edition (this year you can even get in on the attack action early with Art Attack! Collection). And the annual shop local holiday, Small Business Saturday, returns on November 28.   Plus: Celebrating Kolman & Pryor Gallery. And, to artists reading, don't miss on the call for art below!  More after the jump ~

Art Attack! Virtual Edition

Participate in Art Attack! Virtual Edition from the comfort of your blankets (especially nice as hibernation mode came early this year). From Friday, November 6 - Sunday, November 8, you can shop over 350 local, small businesses with art and other goods to embellish your home. Who doesn't need something gorgeous and new to go on a wall nowadays? Shop Art Attack! Virtual Edition here.

Art Attack! Collection

Art Attack! Collection is the perfect balancing act: View and peruse over 350 artist's work at the Northrup King Building in a safe and distanced way! Gallery 332 showcases the breadth and talent of over 100 of our artists during the following openings: Saturday, October 31 | 12:00 - 4:00 PM  Thursday, November 5 | 5:00 - 9:00 PM We hope you'll join us! An attendant will be present to ensure social distancing is able while visitors join us in the gallery space. Masks are required. Image credit: Michael Bellotti Fine Art

Call for Art: Social Justice Exhibit

Call for artists to join a social justice art exhibit & forum at the Northrup King Building in Gallery 332. 10 artists will be selected to exhibit their works and participate in a virtual panel discussion regarding the relevancy of art and social justice, moderated by Tina Burnside, Director of the Minnesota African American Museum & Gallery. Works must be relevant to social justice themes of racism, intolerance, and the need for racial equality in America. The exhibit will be open during three Extended Hours offerings at the Northrup King Building in December. While open, the exhibit will be socially distanced with 10 guests at a time and masks required.   Interested in submitting? Here's the need-to-know info Please submit three samples of your work to Beverly Tipton Hammond at tiptonhammond@yahoo.com by November 2.  Deadline to submit: Monday, November 2 at 5:00 PM.  Art drop off to Northrup King building: November 24.  Exhibit opens: December 3, 5:00 - 9:00 PM during Extended Hours: First Thursdays. Exhibit also open: December 5 & 12, 12:00 - 4:00 PM during Extended Hours: Open Saturdays. Virtual panel discussion: Saturday, December 12, 6:30 - 7:30 PM. Art pick up: Sunday, December 13, 12:00 - 2:00 PM Drew and Beverly Tipton Hammond are the event hosts and submission jury. Above artwork courtesy of Drew and Beverely Hammond.

Exciting News from Kolman & Pryor

Kolman & Pryor Gallery (#395) turns 10 years old on November 5, and to celebrate, they've created a brand-new grant initiative: The Project Space.  The Project Space will award $10,000 grants to Minnesota artists beginning in 2021. This initiative will support the grantees with funds, technical support, and exhibition space to advance their careers. Grants are based on capstone proposals submitted to the gallery. The first group of grantees are: Betsy Ruth Byers, Kelly Jean Ohl, Jodi Reeb, Julie Snidle, and James Holmber. More information about the The Project Space will soon be available on Kolman & Pryor's website.

Small Business Saturday

Support local artists and creative business with our favorite shopping initiative: Small Business Saturday. Small Business Saturday 2020 is November 28, 12:00 - 6:00 PM this year! It's the Saturday after Thanksgiving: If you can't travel to visit family this year, we'd love to have you over. Expect studios and galleries to be open for your enjoyment and shopping ease. Masks required and social distancing will be enforced.

November Extended Hours

This month's regular Extended Hours offerings are:  First Thursdays | November 5, 5:00 - 9:00 PM Open Saturdays | Every Saturday, 12:00 - 4:00 PM Parking is available and free. We hope you'll join us to peruse four floors of art!   Masks are required at all times while shopping at the Northrup King Building, and open studios (and their visitors) must comply with state and city regulations regarding COVID-19, which limits the number of shoppers allowed in a studio/gallery at any one time. Due to the ever-evolving nature of the pandemic, public building hours are subject to change.  Artists and businesses will continue to set their own hours or availability; we encourage you to contact artists ahead of time to ensure they will be open and operating during our extended hours. You can use our online Studio Directory to do so.

Minneapolis Park Foundation Announces "Wild and Rare" Talk, December 10

Via an October 30 e-announcementfrom Minneapolis Park Foundation:

Next Generation of Parks™ Event Series: A "Wild and Rare" Talk

It's opening night of the 2020-2021 Season, featuring Minnesota author and landscape architect, Adam Arvidson

.

When: 7:00pm, Thursday, December 10

Where: Everywhere, via Zoom
Tickets: Always Free • Register Now

Adam ArvidsonAdam Regn Arvidson is Director of Strategic Planning for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, and an award-winning author of two non-fiction books about nature and the environment, including most recently, Wild and Rare: Tracking Endangered Species in the Upper Midwest.

Wild and Rare is an exploration of the ways in which humans are knowingly and unknowingly interconnected with the natural world, through the lens of 10 of our state's most iconic species and their landscapes - lillies, mussels, plovers, roseroot, butterflies, and the lynx, among them.

In this dynamic live event, you'll meet a cast of plant, animal, and human characters that will help you look at our delightfully diverse neck of the woods anew.

The MPRB Invites You to These Halloween Events on October 29, 30 and 31

Join the Minneapolis Park and Rec Board for Family Fun in the Parks!

.

Please note: 

• Registration is required at most events and some may fill up quickly.

• Halloween activities are scaled back this year due to recreation center closures and other COVID-19 safety measures.

• All events take place outdoors with social distancing; the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board encourages people to wear masks.

________________________________________

Thursday-Friday, October 29 - 30

Halloween Flashlight Scavenger Hunt

FREE (registration required) | All ages

Pearl Park | 4:30-7:30 pm

More Info. & Registration

________________________________________

Saturday, October 31

Bike o' Ween: Bike Decorating + Parade

$5 (registration required) | Ages 3-10

Lake Nokomis-Hiawatha Regional Park | 10:30-11 am

More Info. & Registration

________________________________________

Saturday, October 31

Family Funday Event: Animal Masquerade Party

Free | All Ages

Dress as a favorite animal and drop in for nature-based, not-so-spooky fun!

North Mississippi Regional Park | 1-3 pm

More Info. (no registration needed!)

________________________________________

Friday, October 25

Halloween on the Parkway

Free (registration required) | Infants - 6 years

Lake Nokomis Parkway | 30-minute time slots: 1 pm; 1:30 pm; 2 pm; 2:30 pm

A drive-thru experience with space limited to 20 cars for each time slot.

More Info. & Registration

________________________________________

Saturday, October 31

Halloween Trick-or-Treat

Free (registration required) | All Ages

Powderhorn Park | Six 20-minute time slots: 4 to 5:40 pm

More Info. & Registration 

Hennepin Healthcare Urges Prevention, Vigilance as Flu Season Looms and COVID-19 Remains a Threat

Via a News Release from Hennepin Healthcare:

Essential hospitals across the country call on communities to adhere to recommendations for handwashing, mask wearing, and other protective measures.

Hennepin Healthcare is joining Valleywise Health of Phoenix, America’s Essential Hospitals, and a dozen other essential hospitals – those with a safety-net mission – with an urgent call for all Americans to remain vigilant and continue preventative actions to combat the spread of COVID-19.

As the nation faces a potential second surge of COVID-19 with cases on the rise in many states, hospital leaders are imploring the public to double down on safety measures to help keep at-risk people and health care workers safe. 

“The surge we saw earlier this spring and summer was devastating,” explains Dr. Jim Miner, Chief of Emergency Medicine at Hennepin Healthcare. The hospital cared for the highest volume of COVID positive patients of any Twin Cities hospital during the initial surge of cases. “We’ve made innovative changes to our emergency department and campus to safely care for anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, but of course the ideal scenario is to avoid getting sick.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 has disproportionately affected the country’s underrepresented communities – the same populations commonly served by essential hospitals. Leaders at Hennepin Healthcare are asking the public to maintain the most basic – and effective – health and safety measures to keep people safe. These are known as the three Ws: wear your mask, wash your hands, and watch your distance.

“We understand that people are growing tired of hearing prevention messages,” continues Dr. Miner. “So often these messages aren’t taken seriously until an exposure happens to someone you know – or even you. Don’t wait until then. What we’re hearing from patients is that many of their exposures may have been preventable.”

Dr. Miner also encourages everyone to have a conversation with the people they live with to understand their risk of exposure when they are away from home, for example, at work. Are co-workers adhering to safety measures? If not, household members can still practice the 3Ws to avoid bringing the virus home.

 There are already more than 8 million cases in the United States and more than 223,000 deaths due to COVID-19. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, COVID-19 cases in our state continue to rise. While cases decreased in many hot spots in the early spring months, infections are rising again in many states, and some experts are concerned deaths will hit 300,000 by the end of the year.

The CDC reports that most COVID-19 infections are spread through contact with an infected person or through exposure to respiratory droplets within a range of 6 feet. Washing your hands often, wearing a mask, and staying 6 feet apart from others are the most effective ways to stop the spread of the virus.

The nation’s essential hospitals and health systems provide access to high-quality care for all people. They serve large volumes of patients from the most vulnerable populations, including the underinsured and uninsured. 

About Hennepin Healthcare

Hennepin Healthcare is an integrated system of care that includes HCMC, a nationally recognized Level I Adult Trauma Center and Level I Pediatric Trauma Center and acute care hospital, as well as a clinic system with primary care clinics located in Minneapolis and across Hennepin County. The comprehensive healthcare system includes a 473-bed academic medical center, a large outpatient Clinic & Specialty Center, and a network of clinics in the North Loop and Whittier neighborhoods of Minneapolis, and in the suburban communities of Brooklyn Park, Golden Valley, Richfield, and St. Anthony Village. Hennepin Healthcare has a large psychiatric program, home care and hospice, and operates a research institute, philanthropic foundation, and Hennepin EMS. The system is operated by Hennepin Healthcare System, Inc., a subsidiary corporation of Hennepin County. 

Letter to the Editor: Part 1 - A Series On Economic Growth For Minneapolis

By Dennis Paulaha, PhD- Great River Coalition

As an economist, I can promise you there are no great economic theories or arguments spelling out the secret to increasing the rate of economic growth, whether for a city, a state, or a nation.

What we do have, however, are bits and pieces of information and knowledge that can be used to make decisions that are almost certain to increase incomes, profits, wealth, and economic growth on all levels

One, which I discussed in a previous article, is to protect and expand home equity, given the importance of creating and protecting wealth, not only for individuals and families, but for cities, states, and nations. The importance of home equity was reinforced by research done by the Brookings Institution that concluded the single most Important factor or cause of racial inequalities, both financial and educational, is rooted in the differences in home equity by race.

A second is creating a more efficient healthcare system, which I also discussed in a previous article. The argument being it is not necessary to have a government takeover of healthcare to eliminate the waste, fraud, inefficiency, and multi million dollar salaries that can reduce business costs, increase incomes and profits, and let American companies be more competitive in the global economy.

EDUCATION

In a highly praised, but also highly flawed, documentary titled Waiting for Superman, Bill Gates makes the statement that the key to increasing economic growth is education.

Although few would disagree with that statement, agreeing that economic growth is tied to education does not mean it is easy to improve the quality of education in any city, including Minneapolis.

The central point of the documentary is that K-12 education in the United States went from being the best in the world to a spot closer to the bottom of industrialized nations.

That’s the good part, if by good part we mean both the problem and its importance are made as clear as possible.

The bad part, if we are looking for a solution to the problem, is that the documentary blames the decline in education on teachers unions that support and protect incompetent teachers and claims the solution is charter schools.

A more honest solution would begin with the fact that, regardless of how easy it is to find examples of incompetent teachers being protected by unions, teachers unions have been important in protecting our public school systems from politicians who seemed intent on destroying them. 

An honest solution would also recognize that a very small percentage of charter schools can be classified as successful or, by some agreed upon measure, better than the public schools from which they draw students and taxpayer money. The truth is few charter schools are required to monitor and make public the educational progress of their students as is required for public schools, even though charter schools are funded with taxpayer money.

VOUCHERS AND CHARTER SCHOOLS

The idea of vouchers that allow taxpayer money to be used to pay tuition in private schools and charter schools that are supported with taxpayer money was popularized by the economist Milton Friedman.

His argument, which makes sense on paper, is that by allowing students to move from public schools to private schools and charter schools, taking taxpayer money with them, it will force public schools, because of competition, to increase the quality of public school education.

One problem with the argument is it assumes private schools and charter schools are superior to public schools; an assumption that, because private schools and charter schools are not always required to release student information, is not always the case. And if they are not better, then the competition Friedman assumed would increase the quality of education across the board does not exist. 

A second problem is, because of the power and influence of teachers unions, charter schools in most cities are not allowed to compete with public schools on an academic level. In other words, it is difficult or impossible in most cities to create charter schools based on the idea of offering a better academic education than public schools. The result is charter schools offering niche programs to attract students and parents whose main interest is something other than academic excellence.

Which is why the academically excellent charter schools highlighted in the Waiting for Superman documentary, which were schools whose mission was academic excellence, are exceptions. 

Exceptions or not, what matters is that those schools have shown or proven that it is possible to offer students a far better education than they are now receiving. And what makes those exceptions even more interesting is that they did not accept only the “best and the brightest” students who applied. In some cases, students were chosen at random, with a lottery.

What does that have to do with education and economic growth in Minneapolis?

Potentially, a lot.

Ignoring private schools, where, in most cases vouchers were given to parents whose children were already enrolled in private schools, Minneapolis, as does every other city in the country, has an opportunity to re-think it’s charter school program.

First, Minneapolis should allow and encourage charter schools that promise to focus on academic excellence, rather than a niche appeal.

Secondly, instead of treating public schools and charter schools as a competition, those in charge of education should be monitoring the results, not with the another “no child left behind scheme,” but with an interest in identifying the structures and methods that are most successful.

Finally, although it is impossible to ignore the impact of poverty on a child’s life, including educational achievement. In other words, while the city of Minneapolis addresses poverty, it should not use poverty as an excuse for not providing all children the best possible education.

Billy Sushi Makes the Minnesota Monthly 2020 Best New Restaurant List

Article by Becky Fillinger

Billy Sushi is located at 116 N 1st AvenueWhen we spoke to Billy Tserenbat in April, he was fully ensconced in preparing for the opening of Billy Sushi in the North Loop. There were so many hurdles and worries about opening a new restaurant in the midst of the pandemic shutdown. Ever the optimist, the opening took place and business has been good! Billy Sushi was recognized this week by Minnesota Monthly as one of the best new restaurants of 2020. The article calls Billy the “only name you need to know in sushi” and “also loud, funny, chatty, and a one-man party.” We agree!

We spoke to Billy to offer our congratulations and to ask a few follow-up questions.

Q:  Why is this recognition meaningful to you?

A:  The last six months have been brutal for me and my staff. This recognition helps us smile and to see the positivity in life. It makes us want to bring happiness into our customers’ daily lives – that’s a good thing, right?

Q:  What are the restaurant’s plans for 2021?

A:  To do better than in 2020!

Fresh tuna for sushi!

Q:  May we expect any new menu items?

A:  Yes, in November we are going to add a few more dishes and we’re still putting together the recipes. I would like to tell you but invite you to come and visit us in November. I remind everyone – Enjoy Sushi Our Way, Walk With a Smile!

Billy and Hiro

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  - 

About Becky Fillinger

I’ve been a resident of the Mill District only since July 2019, but have visited the Guthrie, the Farmers Market, restaurants and friends in the area for many years prior to making the leap to Minneapolis. I’ve lived in many places (and climates) in the US and can testify that our cultural events, bicycle and hiking trails, parks and green spaces, museums, diverse neighborhoods and wonderful restaurants put Minnesota and Minneapolis high on my best places list. I’m a member of the Mill City Singers and look forward to our choir practices and performances.

One of my main interests is community - a very broad concept. For me it means bringing people together with common interests to form meaningful relationships. I look forward to reporting on businesses and individuals in our neighborhoods. Feel free to drop me an email at becky_fillinger@hotmail.com with your thoughts and ideas for stories. 

MPRB Announces Halloween Hounds Dog Costume Contest

Via an October 22 e-announcement from Minneapolis Park and Rec Board:

Enter to Win!

Enter a photo of your cute canine all dressed up for Halloween! Submit to: www.minneapolisparks.org/halloweenhounds for your chance to win prizes in three categories:

Cutest Costume, Scariest Costume and Best Overall Costume!

.

Entries must be received by midnight, October 28

.

On October 29 and up until midnight October 30, vote online (same web link as above) for cutest, scariest and best overall costume. Prizes will be awarded for the winner of each category. Winners will be announced on Halloween!

Hennepin County Ballot Counting Begins

Via an October 22 e-announcement from Hennepin County:

The process of counting mail-in and early in-person absentee ballots is underway in Hennepin County. Minnesota law allows the counting of cast ballots to begin two weeks before the election.

Join Hennepin County Elections Manager Ginny Gelms for an elections update and a Q&A session.

• Today: Thursday, October 22, at 10:30 a.m. 
• Join the meeting on Microsoft Teams
• Call in: 612-263-6117, Conference ID: 624 559 469#

Ballot drop-off drive thru now available

Whether you're walking into Government Center or pulling up to our ballot drive thru, dropping off your ballot is easy in Hennepin County. Watch this video featuring Hennepin County Elections Manager Ginny Gelms to learn more.

Extended hours to vote early at Government Center

Regular hours

• September 18 - October 23, Monday thru Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Extended hours (starting Saturday, Oct. 24)

• October 24: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• October 26 - 30: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• October 31: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• November 2: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Look for more news on the Hennepin County website at hennepin.us/news.

Discover how we're making a difference in our communities at hennepin.us/stories.

Smack Shack Debuts Virtual Holiday Party Packs

Via an October 20 e-announcement:

Smack Shack’s Virtual Party Packs Bring Corporate Holiday Parties Online with Meal Kits to Prepare at Home and a LIVE Online Cooking Class

With the holiday season approaching and COVID-19 canceling large gatherings, many companies are looking for an alternative. As with most things in 2020, virtual events are now the new normal and Smack Shack has developed a new virtual holiday party program designed for online events. Smack Shack’s Virtual Holiday Party Packs are available at a variety of price points with a selection of menu options.

“While the restaurant was closed earlier this year, we started offering a variety of online cooking classes,” said Josh Thoma, Owner and Chef at Smack Shack. “Since the classes were such a success, we decided to take that model and expand upon it to create our Virtual Holiday Party Packs.”

Designed for groups of thirty or more, each kit includes all the required ingredients to prepare a three-course meal. Completed kits are delivered directly to the client in a refrigerated truck where employees can pick them up in a socially distanced atmosphere. Once back at home, employees can follow along online as Smack Shack hosts a LIVE privately streamed cooking class led by Thoma teaching viewers how to cook their meal, allowing for questions and interaction with co-workers and Thoma.

“We’re excited to bring a little bit of Smack Shack to folks this holiday season,” said Thoma. “While we’ll miss having the fun gatherings in the restaurant, we’re excited to bring the fun online and give our guests a truly unique experience.”

For more information on Virtual Holiday Party Packs or to book your own Virtual Holiday Party with Smack Shack, email info@smack-shack.com.