The Mill City Times Interview: Michelle Courtright, Owner of Fig + Farro, Eco-vegan Restaurant in Minneapolis

Article by Becky Fillinger, images provided

Fig + Farro announced Sunday that it will permanently close on May 31. Owner Michelle Courtright is redirecting the mission of food and climate into a foundation.

You have one last week to order the delicious food from Fig + Farro – let’s help the trail-blazing and award-winning restaurant go out with the biggest week in their history!

Michelle Courtright. So many ways to describe her – climate change warrior, rock and roll groupie, restaurant visionary – we attempted to cover as many as possible in our interview.

Q:  Where did you grow up?

A:  I grew up in Colorado Springs. My parents were excited when I chose "a good Lutheran college" and moved to Minnesota to attend Gustavus Adolphus College. With the exception of a few temporary moves to Ireland and France, I've spent the better part of 20 years in the Twin Cities and I love it!

Michelle CourtrightQ:  What’s your earliest food memory?

A: Our backyard garden was always overflowing so I always remember having loads of fried zucchini with ranch dressing and fresh-baked zucchini bread.

Q:  Are your parents vegetarians?

A:  My parents are definitely not vegetarians, but they have been good sports trying dairy-free and gluten-free at different times, and they have significantly decreased their meat intake for environmental reasons.

Q:  Who taught you about vegetarian cooking? Did you go to culinary school?

A:  I never went to culinary school, just tinkered around in my own kitchen. When I returned from living in Dublin, I needed a job and applied as a line cook at the old restaurant, Sydney's. They asked if I had line experience and I said "yeah, sure." That was a trial by fire of learning proper knife skills, quick thinking and keeping my space clean. I learned more in my first month there than I could have at a school.

Q:  Several of your online bios mention ‘touring with Radiohead’ - what do you do on tour with them? How did it start?

A:  Haha, the "groupie" title is a joke with friends. My husband and I are big fans and we try to see as many shows as we can. They are definitely my favorite band.

Q:  You’re a member of the member of Women Presidents’ Organization. Did they contact you when you had achieved a career milestone?

A: WPO is my favorite organization. I reached out as I knew others had great experiences with the group. We've been meeting via Zoom several times a week during COVID-19 and they have provided so much legal and financial guidance during everything. My cohort inspires me every day!

Q:  Does your restaurant's name have special meaning to you?

A:  We were looking for a name that reflected the global aspects of the food, and Fig + Farro had a nice ring to it. People often ask the pronunciation of farro. I always say it’s either/"i"ther, tomato/to"mah"to.

Q:  The daily news is filled with stories about meat shortages. What message would you like to tell us about a future with less meat?

A:  Industrial meat production creates up to 18% of all greenhouse gas emissions, particularly the more powerful methane and nitrous oxide gases, so we really need to rethink our meat consumption in this country. Additionally, you're seeing the vulnerability of workers in meat-packing plants who are not given proper safety conditions to do their job. We should all be sending a message to these large corporations that we don't want cheap meat in exchange for poor working conditions and environmental degradation. *

Q:  Tell me about being a Humphrey Fellow. Do you teach at the U?

A:  I was a Policy Fellow at the Humphrey School in 2012, and it was an incredible experience. Our cohort was mixed ideologically, and it really made me appreciate how decency and respect can get you a long way when you're creating laws and policy for your community. The program instills a great sense of responsibility and civic leadership and really was my foundation in the climate work we've done at Fig + Farro.

Q:  How has reopening been for Fig + Farro?

A:  Terrible, like most other restaurants out there. We reopened on May 6 and our revenues are down 90%. Takeout doesn't provide enough revenue to keep the lights on, and even if we eventually open the dining room, we'll need to lower capacity (and obviously that means revenue) to 25% of previous levels. It's a tough industry to begin with, but COVID-19 has been a disaster for my friends and colleagues who own restaurants. ** 

That said, we made the decision to close the restaurant permanently. The last day will be Sunday, May 31st. We’d love your support in our final week, especially any videos you can send about your favorite server, meal or experience you’ve had in our space and ideas for the future. This has been a really hard time for all of us and we’d love to hear your positive memories. Guests may preorder online at figandfarro.com, call ahead to 612-208-0609, or simply roll-up to the restaurant on Lake Street, right off Hennepin, within Calhoun Square.

How can we help our local restaurants?

1. When restaurants open on June 1, go out to eat.
2. Honor reservations.
3. Continue to use takeout and delivery options.
4. Buy gift cards and merchandise.
5. Stock your freezer or pantry with groceries that restaurants are selling.
6. Tip servers.
7. Follow #SaveTwinCitiesEats.
8. Be a restaurant reviewer! Tag your favorite restaurants and meals using their social media handles.
9. Tell your friends to do these steps!

  * Michelle was a delegate to COP24, the 2018 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Katowice, Poland. Hear her thoughts about the conference here.

** Interviewer’s note:  Many restaurants fear for their survival, according to a study released in April by the National Bureau of Economic Research. The study found that restaurateurs believed they had a 72% chance of survival if the crisis caused by the virus outbreak lasted a month, but if it lasted four months, they believed they had only a 30% chance of survival. At six months, a 15% chance.

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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. 

Farview Park

Article by Michael Rainville, Jr.

Today’s story begins in 1883 when the newly established Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board laid down plans for their first three major parks. The downtown communities received Central Park, later renamed as Loring Park, the dense neighborhoods of lower Northeast were happy when Logan Park was created, and the final park was to be located in an area with one of the best views in the city.

Land that was a part of a hill and not suitable for easy development was purchased by the Park Board along Lyndale Avenue North, and the new park would keep the tradition going of early uninspiring park names and be called “Third Ward Park.” Once the park was completed, the name switched to the more appealing “Prospect Park,” two years before the Southeast Minneapolis neighborhood bearing the same name. Horace Cleveland, the mastermind behind the Grand Rounds parkway, initially wanted the parkway to extend north via Lyndale Avenue, ending in this park, at the top of the hill. Those plans never came to fruition, but success and popularity would soon find the park.

Farview Park Lookout Tower - 1910Prospect Park’s first attraction came in 1887 when a toboggan track was installed on the long, slopping hill that continues to be perfect for winter fun. The sledding hill would be the focus of drama in 1906 when Superintendent Theodore Wirth ordered the park police officer who was stationed there to stop the children from sliding down the hill to instead slide with them; a classic “gotcha” moment. In 1889, the most iconic structure of the young park was completed when a castle-like lookout tower was built atop the hill in order to take advantage of the spectacular views of the Mississippi River and the growing downtown. Later that year, tennis courts were added upon the request of the neighborhood. The next year, in 1890, the park once again changed names to fit the location better and perhaps quell confusion with the new neighborhood in Southeast, this time going with “Farview Park.” Not to be confused with the often-used place name “Fairview,” Farview Park was aptly named because its views reached, well, far. That checks out.

1892 marked another important year when it became the first park to have two sewer-connected restrooms. In 1907, the park’s playground received a facelift and later that year, the very first free summer outdoor music concert the Park Bard hosted took place in Farview Park, a tradition that has continued on to today in almost every park and that my band has even participated in. With the addition of sporadic concerts at the park, its neighbors eventually became quite the singers. For seven years, between 1924-27 and 1935-37, Farview Park won the yearly “community sing” trophy. The award, which was retired in the 1950s, was given to the park that sang the best during the summer concerts.

In 1960, the park received $260,000 for improvements and renovations. It brought in better tennis courts and athletic fields, a new shelter, and an updated playground. However, it did see the demolition of the 30-foot tall lookout tower. The recreation center was upgraded in 1992 with the addition of a gymnasium that is still one of the more popular spots to catch a game of pick-up basketball. Nine years later in 2001, Farview once again became home to another “first” when the first computer lab in the park system was installed in the recreation center.

Purple Raindrop sculptureMore recently, in 2012, the Minnesota Twins Community fund, among other non-profit organizations, completely redid the athletic fields and installed a state-of-the-art football and baseball field with artificial turf. In December of 2018, a new sculpture was installed that honors Prince. Purple Raindrop stands fifteen-feet tall and has been a great addition to the park. Looking forward, starting in 2023, the Park Board plans on pumping over $1,000,000 into updating the park once again, this time focusing on areas of the park that haven’t received any TLC during recent renovations.

A view of the skyline from atop the hillAs one of the very first parks in Minneapolis, Farview has been a hub for sports, leisure, and recreation for the communities of near north since its inception, and I look forward to watching the park continue to grow and improve as the years go on. The next time your life’s journey takes you to the Hawthorne Neighborhood, visit Purple Raindrop, watch a game of football, slide down the hill, or soak in the breathtaking view of the Minneapolis Skyline, all in Farview Park.

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About Michael Rainville, Jr.

A 6th generation Minneapolitan, Michael Rainville Jr. received his B.A. in History from the University of St. Thomas, and is currently enrolled in their M.A. in Art History and Certificate in Museum Studies programs. Michael is also a historic interpreter and guide at Historic Fort Snelling at Bdote and a lead guide at Mobile Entertainment LLC, giving Segway tours of the Minneapolis riverfront for 7+ years. Contact: mrainvillejr@comcast.net. Click here for an interactive map of Michael's past articles.

March 24 e-newsletter from the MSP Film Society

March 24 e-newsletter from the MSP Film Society:

March 24, 2020

CALENDAR FESTIVAL DONATE MEMBERSHIP

Our heartfelt thanks to you for participating in MSPIFF39 Redefined. We did it for you. We can't do it without you. This week, we move back to our Virtual Cinema presentations, which directly benefit MSP Film during this time of social distancing. Virtual Cinema is not part of MSPIFF39 Redefined.   All MSP Film Society staff will be on leave from May 24-31.

Diana Kennedy: Nothing Fancy

Now Playing Featuring extensive interviews with Diana Kennedy and famed chefs José Andrés, Rick Bayless, Gabriela Camara and Alice Waters, Diana Kennedy provides an intimate look at the leading expert on Mexican cuisine. The author of nine acclaimed cookbooks and a two-time James Beard Award winner, Diana is called the “Julia Child of Mexico”, but the feisty cook prefers “The Mick Jagger of Mexican Cuisine."

Military Wives

Now Playing Military Wives centers on a group of women from different backgrounds whose partners are away serving in Afghanistan. Faced with their loved ones’ absences, they come together to form the very first military wives choir, helping each other through some of life’s most difficult moments, and quickly find themselves on an international stage. Peter Cattaneo (The Full Monty) directs Kristin Scott Thomas and Sharon Horgan in this feel-good crowd-pleaser inspired by true events.

The Painter and the Thief

Now Playing Desperate for answers about the theft of her 2 paintings, a Czech artist seeks out and befriends the career criminal who stole them. After inviting her thief to sit for a portrait, the two form an improbable relationship and an inextricable bond that will forever link these lonely souls.

Papicha

Available to Watch May 29 Algeria, 1990s. Nedjma (Lyna Khoudri starring in Wes Anderson’s upcoming The French Dispatch), an 18 year-old student passionate about fashion design refuses to let the tragic events of the Algerian Civil War to keep her from experiencing a normal life and going out at night with her friend Wassila.

Theater Latté Da's At Home With Series: Sara Ochs

Reprinted with the permission of Theater Latté Da

This holiday weekend's AT HOME WITH... drops in on Sara Ochs, Theater Latté Da alum and actor featured in many productions including A CHRISTMAS CAROLE PETERSEN, SWEENEY TODD, ASSASSINS, and BERNARDA ALBA, to name just a few. Sara shares some of her favorite recipes, routines, music, books and poems, all to help bring peace and enjoyment during these days of distancing. Enjoy!

Q:  Do you have a daily ritual that's keeping you grounded these days?

A:  My best days have usually included at least one of these: Write a gratitude list and a couple morning journal pages when I wake up. Make a cup of caffeine-free tea. Sip tea. Listen to cardinals singing. Watch my 12-pound dog get righteously mad at the rabbits in our backyard. Walk around our neighborhood. Enjoy people’s gardens and dogs. Breathe in the trees.

Q:  What are you reading?

A:  Cookbooks! I’ve had a hard time staying focused. Cookbooks have matched my attention span perfectly. I’d like to improve my baking and Korean cooking, so I’ve been reading:

Bravetart by Stella Parks. This is the best cookbook I’ve ever read. It’s a history, science, and baking lesson wrapped up in fabulous writing.

Maangchi’s Big Book of Korean Cooking by Maangchi. Maangchi’s blog got me started on cooking Korean food at home. Her recipes taste the closest to what I remember in Seoul, and her how-to videos are helpful AND cute.

My Korea by Hooni Kim. Most of my Korean cooking study comes from blogs or cookbooks in Korean that I clumsily translate. It’s been really interesting to read recipes from a Michelin star chef’s perspective.

Ed Yong’s science reporting in The Atlantic has been my go-to this spring. He’s an incredible writer.

I know previous artists have mentioned N. K. Jemison, and I want to add another YES! Read her books! The Broken Earth trilogy is brilliant. Meghan Kreidler lent me the series (thank you!) and I devoured the whole thing in like two weeks. It’s sooooo good.

Q:  Which work of art - a book, poem, painting, piece of music - provides some solace for you?

A:  Oh gosh, so much has been helping me cope.

Poetry: Alternate Reality, or, A Narrow Opening by the insanely talented (and local!) artist Bao Phi. I’ve read this poem several times since it was published last week, and it gets me in the heart each time.

Music: Covet, HYKOH, Radiohead, Natalia Lafourcade and Questlove’s Instagram

Photography: Drawings for my grandchildren, Sion Fullana, Caroline Yang, Magnum Photos, Daniel Arnold, Pensivite, Gabriele Galimberti, Masanari Kawahara

Misc: Goodmorningtown almost makes me want to get a tattoo. Also, Yedy 101 on Instagram and YouTube. She makes cute drinks and snacks. Sometimes they’re great. Sometimes they’re disasters. She punches the disasters. I like her.

Q:  What's your go-to, binge-watching TV series?

A:  Crash Landing On You on Netflix! It’s a romantic comedy about a South Korean CEO who accidentally gets stranded in North Korea. The show’s writing team included a North Korean man who helped create a nuanced portrayal of North Korea. Even my husband got into this show. I love tv that makes you laugh and cry and care so hard about the characters.

Q:  If you could throw a Fantasy Dinner Party (the only kind of dinner parties we can throw right now!) who would be on the guest list? 

A:  I am not a party person, but I’ve found a lot of comfort in imagining the massive dinner party I want to have when it’s safe to gather in large groups again. I want to make Maangchi’s bossam recipe and my friends’ favorite banchans, get a massive abundance board from Kieran’s Kitchen, make this cake or these brownies, serve tons of soju, and hug and feed every single loved one we can cram into our home.

In dreaming-big fantasy land, I’d love to gather people who could solve all the world’s problems and partner them up with the people that could make their ideas a reality, like behavioral psychologists and master communicators and linguists and politicians and philanthropists and people with connections and so on. They’d eat and drink and develop 100% effective plans that would heal everything – climate change, racism, systemic inequities, health insurance tied to employment, our cultural inability to distinguish charisma from actual leadership, which way to properly hang a toilet paper roll, etc. etc. etc. It would be epic and everyone would take home leftovers that taste even better the next day and there would be no hangovers.

Q:  What are you doing to feel creative or productive during this time?

A:  Not a lot. I filmed a cooking show episode for Theater Mu’s Saturday morning family workshop series and was part of the recording for this beautiful project by Evan Tyler Wilson. I love taking photos on walks. But mostly, I’ve been working to give myself a pass on needing to be creative or productive. I have plans to learn some new instruments, but for now, I’m letting myself wander. Giving myself permission to be anxious. It’s okay. In the past, I’d try to squish everything down and bury myself in work. It wasn’t healthy for me. I also really don’t want to measure my self-worth in how productive I can be during a global pandemic. It’s a work in progress. Some days are easier than others. I’m really enjoying the art that I catch by those who are productive now, and I’m super excited to experience the art that will be inspired by this time.

Q:  Is there a theater production you've seen that you wish you could stream right now?

A:  Can I please stream everything I’ve missed seeing instead?

Q:  Are you cooking? Do you have a favorite recipe to share?

A:  My husband likes banana bread, so I’ve made this and this for him. This Instant Pot Chicken Congee is low key and simple comfort food. We use frozen chicken thighs, frozen shredded zucchini instead of spinach, and 8 cups of stock. These are two of my favorite Korean dishes – Sundubu Jjigae and Bibimbap. We’ve also been getting takeout at several Korean restaurants in town.

Q:  Of the roles you've played at Theater Latté Da, which is your favorite?

A:  Oooooo, I’ve loved them all for different reasons. I think my favorite has been Sarah Jane Moore in ASSASSINS. I love Sondheim’s work, it’s so challenging and smart and funny and flawed and human. I learned a lot researching Sarah Jane Moore and got to tap into places I don’t usually access onstage. Everyone working on the show was wonderful. It was one of those magic theatrical experiences. I’ve been so lucky to have worked on multiple magical shows at Latté Da.

Q:  Would you share a quote that's especially meaningful to you?

A:  I have a terrible memory. People that can quote off the top of their head – how do you do it? 

Q:  Since this is the At Home with...Series, do you have a favorite spot in your home? Would you be willing to take a picture of it that we could share?

A:  This is probably weird, but for me, the best spots in my home are wherever my husband and dogs are at any given moment.

Instead of a place, I’d like to share photos of our dogs in their latest home grooming adventure.

Oscar is the oreo and Jane is the latte. They detest baths and love peanut butter and make me laugh every day.

National Park Service and Mississippi Park Connection's Go With the Flow Newsletter

Via a May 22 e-newsletter from Mississippi Park Connection

Last weekend was a rainy one! Have you ever wondered where all of that rainfall goes when it enters the Mississippi River? Well besides flowing downstream, eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides) trees take up 50 to 200 gallons of water each day depending on their size and health. That's a lot of water being used and stored in these natural water towers along the Mississippi! Eastern cottonwoods need that much water because they are fast growers. They can grow 13 feet in their first year and as much as 5 feet in the following years, reaching towering heights of 60 to 100 feet when mature.

Eastern cottonwoods are a key member of the floodplain forest. They stabilize river banks and they provide habitat for wildlife, especially the beloved bald eagle. Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) need strong trees that rise over the canopy to support their large nests and to provide a high vantage point to spot prey in the river. Eastern cottonwood produce cottony seeds around this time of year that need to be submerged in water to germinate. Keep an eye out for their seeds as you walk the floodplain forests at Crosby Farm Regional Park and Fort Snelling State Park.

Check out the video above to learn more about floodplain forests from Ranger Jim!

Feeling stuck at home? Looking for one of a kind, scenic views? Ranger Will took us on a journey through the park and back in time on this week's Coffee With a Ranger. This program allows you to look at 3D images that show you what the Mississippi was like 150 years ago. You will also be inspired to learn how to make a DIY 3D viewer to continue your at home adventures. Grab your favorite mug and fill it to the brim before you travel into the past with Ranger Will!

Watch Coffee With a Ranger: Historic 3D Images 

Music and Movies Update from MPRB

Via a May 22 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park and Rec Board:

Music in the Parks

Lake Harriet Bandshell Music Performances are cancelled for the month of May and June due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are working on a virtual concert series for everyone to enjoy. Please stay tuned.

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Mississippi Riverfront

Music Performances are cancelled for the month of May and June due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

We are working on a virtual concert series for everyone to enjoy. Please stay tuned.

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Fan Mail Alert!!! In place of gathering together we want to hear your favorite memories and stories from summers past concerts and movies. You can write to one of your favorite artists, the staff, your favorite venue or a loved one you attended an event with. We want to hear about your favorite shows, best moments and milestones that were celebrated at these great outdoor events so that we can all be reminded of what makes Minneapolis Parks great! Share this form to keep the fan mail coming!

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Virtual Concerts. The Music and Movies in the Parks events have moved virtual for 2020 due to COVID-19, and we are excited to highlight our wonderful local artist community and share performances from groups that would have graced the Minneapolis Parks outdoor stages as part of our annual Summer Music in the Parks Series with the 2020 Virtual Concert Series. We will kick the series off on Monday with recorded performances from Rich Mattson and the North Stars & The Belfast Cowboys , along with some special announcements about the series as well.  The remainder of virtual concerts will launch the week of June 1, and new videos will be shared each Monday.    You can subscribe for updates, including the announcement of our virtual concert schedule by clicking here

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Movies in the Parks 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic we have to take a pause on the movies that we provide to the community. we are working on a way to bring movies back to the parks as soon as we are safely able to. please stay tuned for more updates.

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Celebrating more than 120 years of free entertainment in Minneapolis parks. Find the complete schedule at  www.mplsmusicandmovies.com.  For schedule updates and weather notifications: Facebook | Twitter

Free COVID-19 Testing Available Across MN This Weekend

Via an e-newsletter from the City of Minneapolis

Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan just announced that any Minnesotan who needs or wants testing for COVID-19 can access free testing at six locations across Minnesota throughout the Memorial Day holiday weekend: Saturday, May 23, through Monday, May 25. Testing is free and Minnesotans will not be asked for insurance cards or IDs. No appointment is needed. Please help spread the word in any way you can!

Just as this virus disproportionately impacts Indigenous communities, people of color, immigrants and refugees, people experiencing homelessness, low-income Minnesotans, older adults, and individuals with pre-existing conditions and disabilities, these same communities often face the most barriers to accessing testing. These six testing sites across the state eliminate many of these barriers so that we can focus on what matters most – the health of all Minnesotans. Testing, tracing, and isolating are the best tools we have to both understand the impact of the pandemic on our communities and to contain it, so we can continue safely navigate this pandemic.

Testing Locations:

• East St Paul - 1530 Maryland Ave E, St Paul, MN 55106
• Minneapolis Armory - 1025 Broadway St. NE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55413
• Moorhead Armory - 1002 15th Ave N, Moorhead, MN 56560
• Duluth Armory - 4015 Airpark Blvd, Duluth, MN 55811
• Faribault Armory - 3000 W Airport Rd, Faribault, MN 55021
• St. James Armory- 521 Armstrong Blvd N, St James, MN 56081

The sites are hosted by the Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota National Guard, the State Emergency Operations Center, and the Community Resiliency and Recovery Work Group. You can find more information online here.

MCBA & Loft Literary Center Partner to Offer Online Summer Camps for Youth

Online Summer Camps for Youth Staying close to home this summer? Your imaginations can still venture far! Minnesota Center for Book Arts (MCBA) is partnering with the Loft Literary Center for three virtual camps that combine personal storytelling and bookmaking.

Write Like An Animal with Carolyn Williams-Noren & Madeline Garcia For youth ages 9–11 Monday–Friday, July 6–10; 1–4pm This Book is a Monster with Ellen Fee & Madeline Garcia For youth ages 6–8 Monday–Friday, July 27–31; 9am–noon It’s All About Me with Brenda Hudson & Madeline Garcia For youth ages 9–11 Monday–Friday, Aug 3–7; 9am–noon

Law Enforcement Organizations to Launch 2020 Joint Beats Program in Downtown Mpls

Via a May 22 Press Release from mpls downtown council (mdc):

14th year of Joint Beats collaboration will run through Labor Day.

The mpls downtown council (mdc) and Mpls Downtown Improvement District (DID), in collaboration with the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD), Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), and Metro Transit Police Department, today announced that the 2020 Joint Beats partnership program in downtown mpls will launch on Memorial Day.

Now in its 14th year, the Joint Beats program showcases collaboration between MPD, HCSO and Metro Transit PD that increases law enforcement visibility on the streets and helps enhance collaboration with street outreach teams—all in an effort to keep downtown safe.

“Law enforcement cooperation between MPD, HCSO and Metro Transit PD is crucial to the comprehensive public safety strategy the downtown business community supports and relies on,” said Steve Cramer, president & ceo of the mpls downtown council and Downtown Improvement District. “Joint Beats is an important part of an effective proactive safety plan. We believe prevention, outreach and street activation all work in tandem to create a safe environment for our community. Public safety is a top priority, and our partnerships through Joint Beats help insure we are keeping our community safe.”

The 2020 Joint Beats will run through Labor Day. During that span, more beat officers are being placed in downtown’s core to enhance safety during the summer months.

The collective partnership between MPD, HCSO, and Metro Transit PD—along with continued work by the DID Safety Communications Center, DID Ambassadors, and local street outreach teams—work together to add to the safety of our downtown core.

“Working collectively as a downtown community is important, and we value the relationships we have with our local law enforcement partners, the business community and city officials,” said Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo. “These relationships, along with the continued efforts with street outreach teams in our community, provide a robust plan to not only prevent criminal activity but also build relationships and provide appropriate services to those who need them.”

The Mpls Police Department will continue its downtown presence in the 1st Precinct along with its Police Reserves program. The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office will have a substantial presence in downtown Minneapolis through Labor Day. Metro Transit Police will also add additional officers to the downtown beat.

“We have a dynamic downtown that is not only home to more than 50,000 residents and 216,000 daily workers, but it also welcomes millions of visitors each year. It is a vibrant destination in Hennepin County,” Hennepin County Sheriff David Hutchinson said. “Our team is excited to work together with our local partners and help those who live, work and play here have a fun and safe summer downtown.”

As a transit hub that intertwines LRT, bus routes and the North Star commuter rail, downtown is a key destination for Metro Transit riders throughout the year.

“Safety for our riders throughout their transit experience is our top priority,” Metro Transit Police Chief Eddie Frizell said. “Our team is committed to working in collaboration with our local law enforcement partners in helping make downtown a safe and welcoming place through enhanced presence and strong patrol and community connectedness.”

The continued efforts this summer communicates a serious and shared focused on downtown safety, which is the foundation of any successful community. The Joint Beats program works in tandem with City of Minneapolis leadership, the downtown business community, and street outreach organizations to help meet the needs of all who live, work and play downtown.

Bird's-eye View of Water Works Site

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

Thank you to Doug Verdier's neighbor Doug Caldwell for capturing and sharing these photos from an upper floor of RiverWest.

Above, a bird's-eye view of the grassy outdoor area under construction next to the Water Works pavilion building.

Above, view of Water Works pavilion building rooftop. HVAC and mechanicals are on the left, and the air scrubber above kitchen area under construction is on right. The South Plaza sidewalk and ramp to the right of the building are at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and S First Street. 

Minneapolis Named Best City Park System in U.S. on Trust for Public Land’s Annual ParkScore® Index

Via a May 20 Release:

Annual ParkScore^® Index Reports Sharp Increase in Park and Trail Use, but Experts Sound Alarm over Park Inequities and Risk of Budget Cuts 

As the world weathers the COVID-19 pandemic, The Trust for Public Land announced that Minneapolis, Minn., reclaimed its position as the nation’s best park system on the annual ParkScore^® Index, edging ahead of defending champion Washington DC. Saint Paul dipped to third, after placing second last year. The annual ParkScore Index evaluates park systems in the 100 most populous U.S. cities. 

The nonprofit organization reported national progress for parks this year but warned that city park systems have reached a critical tipping point, as widening inequities in equitable park access and COVID-related budget cuts risk irreversible damage in 2020 and beyond. 

“When stay-at-home orders permitted, people increasingly turned to parks, trails, and public open spaces to connect with nature, exercise, and enhance their mental and physical health. Residents deeply value parks, but continued inequity and the risk of future budget cuts threaten severe damage to the park systems that make many cities so livable,” says Diane Regas, President and CEO of The Trust for Public Land.  

Parks and trails are open in the Twin Cities, although most amenities, such as playgrounds and restrooms, are closed. Minneapolis and Saint Paul have closed more than 40 miles of roads and parkways to motor vehicle traffic to expand safe outdoor access for pedestrian and bicycle use. 

PARKSCORE RANKINGS RELEASED FOR 2020 

According to the Trust for Public Land’s ninth annual ParkScore^® index, Minneapolis, Minn., has the best city park system in the country. The city pulled slightly ahead of 2019 champion Washington, DC, largely because of new park acquisitions and strategic expansions. ParkScore data now show that 98 percent of Minneapolis residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, up from 96 percent last year. Minneapolis has held the top spot in four of the past five years. 

Saint Paul finished third, despite increasing 10-minute park access to 99 percent from last year’s 98 percent. The park system received strong marks on all ParkScore rating factors, but its final ranking was hurt by the city’s median park size of 3.2 acres, which is below the national ParkScore average of 5.2 acres.   

“We are honored by the top ranking and recognize how important parks are to all Minneapolis residents, particularly during this national health crisis,” said Al Bangoura, Superintendent of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. “We remain committed to providing critical park improvements and services, with a focus on the most racially diverse and economically challenged areas of the city. For years we have used equity tools and metrics in establishing our annual budget, capital improvement budget and recreation programming, and we will continue to do so during this pandemic.” 

Boston, Mass., reached the Top Ten for the first time since 2016, landing in ninth place and pushing rival New York into 11th position. Boston and San Francisco, Calif. (eighth place), are the only ParkScore cities where 100 percent of residents have a park of public open space within a 10-minute walk of home. 

Boise, Idaho, defended its title as the best park system for dogs, with a nation-leading 6.0 dog parks per 100,000 residents, narrowly beating Portland, Ore. Irvine, Calif., received top marks for basketball hoops, Madison, Wis., scored best for playgrounds, and Cleveland, Ohio, earned top marks for splash pads and other water features.  

The number of playgrounds increased nationally by 3.6 percent since last year, largely because of “shared use” agreements that open school playgrounds for neighborhood use after school hours and on weekends. The number of dog parks increased by nearly four percent, continuing the trend first reported by The Trust for Public Land five years ago. 

INEQUITY AND COVID-RELATED BUDGET CUTS TOP PARKSCORE CONCERNS 

ParkScore reports significant inequities in park access between large city park systems. For example, more than 98 percent of residents in ParkScore’s three highest ranking park systems (Minneapolis, Washington, and Saint Paul) enjoy 10-minute walk access to a park, compared to 47 percent in the three lowest ranking systems (Charlotte, N.C., Mesa, Ariz., and Oklahoma City, Okla.).  

“Across the United States, 100 million people—including 28 million children—lack access to a quality park close to home. These inequities exist not only between cities but also within them. Low-income neighborhoods do not get their fair share of park investment, which is a missed opportunity to prevent long-term health and climate inequities. At the Trust for Public Land, we are striving for a park-rich future that offers inclusive public space for everyone to lead healthier, happier, lives,” says Diane Regas, President and CEO of The Trust for Public Land.  

“Parks are a critical part of health and wellness—reducing anxiety, stress, and depression and improving physical health—all the more necessary during this public health emergency,” says Sadiya Muqueeth, DrPH, MPH, Director of Community Health at the Trust for Public Land. “Sunlight, fresh air, exercise, and access to nature all have a positive effect on our physical health and emotional wellbeing.”  

Analysts at The Trust for Public Land also warned that the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic will strain municipal budgets and threaten progress on parks.  

“While few cities have announced budget plans for 2021 and beyond, park advocates are gearing up for a fight,” said Bill Lee, Senior Vice President for Policy, Advocacy and Government Relations at The Trust for Public Land. “We encourage the federal government to provide relief to struggling park systems in the next recovery bill. We need our parks, and we will not allow park systems to be collateral damage from the COVID-19 pandemic.”  

Following the 2007-2008 economic crisis, parks budgets were slashed across the nation by approximately 20 percent, which slowed new park acquisition and improvements for several years.  

PARKSCORE METHODOLOGY AND RANKINGS 

ParkScore rankings are based equally on four factors: park access, which measures the percentage of residents living within a 10-minute walk of a park; park acreage, which is based on a city’s median park size and the percentage of city area dedicated to parks; park investment, which measures park spending per resident; and park amenities, which counts the availability of six popular park features: basketball hoops, off-leash dog parks, playgrounds, “splash pads” and other water play structures, recreation and senior centers, and restrooms.  

According to The Trust for Public Land, the 10 highest ranking park systems in the United States are: 

Rank City ParkScore (Max: 100)  

 1. Minneapolis, MN 85.3 

2. Washington, DC 83.3 

3. Saint Paul, MN 82.5 

4. Arlington, VA  81.5 

5. Cincinnati, OH 80.6 

6. Portland, OR 79.8 

7. Irvine, CA 79.6 

8. San Francisco, CA 78.9 

9. Boston, MA 76.5 

10. Chicago, IL 76.0 

The lowest-ranking park systems are: 

90. Hialeah, FL 33.1 

91. Baton Rouge, LA 32.0 

92. Fresno, CA 31.8 

93. Lubbock, TX 31.6 

94. Ft. Worth, TX 31.2 

95. Charlotte, NC 29.8 

96. Mesa, AZ 29.0 

97. Oklahoma City 23.8 

Fort Wayne, Ind., and Indianapolis, Ind., declined to participate in ParkScore 2020 and were not ranked. Gilbert, Ariz., was not ranked because the necessary data was unavailable. 

The ParkScore Index uses advanced GIS (Geographic Information Systems) computer mapping technology to create digital maps evaluating park accessibility. Instead of measuring distance to a local park, the rating system’s GIS technology considers the location of park entrances and physical obstacles to access. For example, if residents are separated from a nearby park by a major highway, the ParkScore Index does not count the park as accessible to those residents, unless there is a bridge, underpass, or easy access point across the highway. The Trust for Public Land collaborated with GIS industry leader Esri on GIS design and implementation. 

Municipal leaders use ParkScore information to guide park improvement efforts, studying park access on a block-by-block basis and pinpointing the areas where new parks are needed most. The ParkScore website, www.tpl.org/parkscore, is free and available to the public, empowering residents to hold their elected leaders accountable for achieving equitable access to quality parks for all.  

About the Trust for Public Land 

The Trust for Public Land creates parks and protects land for people, ensuring healthy, livable communities for generations to come. Millions of people live within a 10-minute walk of a Trust for Public Land park, garden, or natural area, and millions more visit these sites every year. To support The Trust for Public Land and share why nature matters to you, visit www.tpl.org. 

Mississippi River Paddle Share Set to Open Saturday, May 23

Via a May 19 e-announcement:

The popular summer recreation program Mississippi River Paddle Share set to open Saturday is back this summer with COVID-19 protocols in place. Opening May 23, Minnesotans can add kayaking on the Mississippi River to their summer bucket list.

Paddle Share is a self-serve kayak program that lets participants rent a boat for several hours and paddle to a destination downriver. Its fifth season in operation brings new routes and a new schedule to the Twin Cities community.

“We are delighted to offer this recreational opportunity to our community this summer. Paddle Share is the perfect social distancing activity, offering a close-tohome adventure,” says Katie Nyberg, Executive Director of Mississippi Park Connection, a major partner of the program. Boat rentals will be available 6 days a week, rather than weekends only.

Paddle Share is a collaborative program developed to increase opportunities for people to get on the Mississippi River. Although the river passes through the Twin Cities, it is under-utilized for recreation. Paddle Share was established by the National Park Service to encourage kayaking on the river and reduce the need to own a boat or a vehicle in order to access the river.

“Paddlers can opt for a variety of river experiences,” says Lauren DeGennaro of the National Park Service. “From skyline views to wildlife watching, each route highlights different aspects of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.”

Designed for experienced paddlers, the program offers a variety of routes on the river above St. Anthony Falls that range from 2 miles to 8.5 miles. Beginner paddlers can also enjoy a more predictable paddle at the Pickerel Lake station in St. Paul.

How it works:

The system is a one-way kayak rental. Users go to the paddleshare.org website to select the route they would like to paddle, make a reservation at least a few hours in advance of when they would like to go, and are sent an access code. Users then go 111 Kellogg Blvd East, Suite 105 | Saint Paul, Minnesota 55101 parkconnection.org to the rental location and use their access code to unlock the designated locker, which contains a kayak, paddle, and life jacket.

Once on the water, there is plenty of time to leisurely paddle and explore sites along the route. Users return equipment to the corresponding locker at the return station downriver before their rental time ends. Since users conclude the ride at a different location, public transportation, bike share, and ride share can help them return to their original location. Participants can also utilize two personal vehicles, one at the start and one at the finish.

Rentals are offered every day of the week except Wednesdays and Thursdays (Thursdays will open in mid-June). Prices are $30 for a single kayak, $45 for a tandem. Rates on Pickerel Lake are $20/$35.

More about COVID-19 protocols:

COVID-19 Protocols: Paddle Share is committed to providing a clean and safe way to recreate. We adhere to these standards based on best practices and CDC guidance.

Social Distancing: Staff and users must maintain the social distancing standard of 6 feet. 

Cleaning: Staff will hand wash all life jackets after use. They will wash all hard surfaces including paddles and kayaks with CDC approved cleaning agents after each use.

Scheduling: All equipment will be used only once in Scheduling: a 36-hour period. This will allow everything to be cleaned and then rest before it is used again. The reservation windows are longer than in previous years, allowing for a more staggered start time.

Info to Help You Prepare for the 2020 Elections

Via an e-notice from Hennepin County:

It may only be May but election season has already begun. We are offering a variety of ways to participate in elections from home this year. Here are a few things you can already do to participate in the 2020 elections.

Register to vote

Register to vote online with the Secretary of State.

File for office

Candidate filing opens today for offices with a potential primary.  Candidates can file for office by mail, email or drop-off.  Candidate filing closes at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2. For more details visit our file for office webpage.

Apply for absentee ballots online

Apply for an absentee ballot online with the Secretary of State.

Some important dates to mark on your calendar:

• June 26 - Absentee voting opens for the primary election
• August 11 - Primary election
• November 3 – Presidential election

Contact us:

- 612-348-5151

- hc.vote@hennepin.us

- hennepin.us/elections 

Still Open: Skyway Operations Summary

Skyway Operations Summary report based on information compiled from individual buildings. Please note, this report reflects only those buildings that have reported their planned skyway operations and is subject to change.

Provided by the Minneapolis Downtown Council.

Download the Skyway Operations Summary report...

Report updated 05/18/2020

Theater Latte Da's At Home Series: Kelli Foster Warder

Reprinted with the permission of Theater Latté Da

Our At Home with...Series this week features Kelli Foster Warder, who has choreographed many shows with Theater Latté Da throughout the years. Recently, you may have seen her beautiful work in Bernarda Alba, Chicago, Once, Five Points, and Ragtime among others.

Q:  Do you have a daily ritual that's keeping you grounded these days?

A:  I don’t. I hear it is helpful to have a schedule. But that is not my strength. I thrive on creativity and flexibility. Which is a good thing because I have a full-time job (Kelli is the Director of Education and Producing Associate at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts), freelance work, 2 teenagers and a toddler, a dog and a partner working in the other room. Flexibility is our routine. :)

Q:  What are you reading?

A:  By my nightstand:

Bossypants by Tina Fey

Margaret and Marguerita by Lynn Reiser - a wonderful bilingual Spanish/English children’s book.

We Were Eight Years in Power by Ta-Nehisi Coates

(More time for reading is one of the positive outcomes of this current situation.)

Q:  Which work of art - book, poem, painting, piece of music--provides some solace for you?

A:  It is remarkable to see the arts giving the peace, solace and engagement the world needs right now. Well - the arts always have done that, but it is uniquely poignant and relevant in these times. A couple of special pieces for me right now:

Maya Angelou - always. Her poem Alone speaks to what we are experiencing now.

Sara Groves is a beautiful singer song-writer based in St. Paul. This song of Sara’s, Add to the Beauty, is my heart.

Q:  What's your go-to, binge-watching TV series?

A:  My almost-13-year old son and I are working our way through some good old teenage angst/end of the world epics - Marvel's Runaways and The 100.

My daughter and my husband binge Survivor.

The whole family watches Black-ish together.

For me - I enjoyed Star Trek: Picard, and can’t wait to start Mrs. America.

Q:  If you could throw a Fantasy Dinner Party (since that’s the only kind of dinner party we can throw right now!) who would be on the guest list?

A:  I would love to bring friends together from around the world to eat and laugh and love. But full fantasy? A conversation about the arts with those who have inspired me by giving advice, hope and encouragement would be the best. Tell me what to do Prince, Debbie Allen, Gregory Hines, Gene Kelly, Maya Angelou, Diana Ross, Geoffrey Holder, George C Wolfe, August Wilson, Terrence McNally, Alvin Ailey, Sammy Davis, Jr and Lin Manuel Miranda. Throw in Peter Rothstein, Jamil Jude, Crystal Manich, Shelley Quiala, Maureen Sherman-Mendez, Elissa Adams, Torrie Allen and my late daddy, Billy Foster, and we could change the world. Anyone want in? I keep thinking of more names. I’ll get a bigger table.

Q:  What are you doing to feel creative or productive during this time?

A:  At the Ordway, I oversee our education programs. I have been so grateful to repurpose some contracts with artists to create online educational lessons focused on musical theater for the close to 60,000 students and teachers the Ordway serves every year. Not a plug - just the facts. ;) You will see some familiar Latté Da faces at ordway.org/education/.

I have been so encouraged by the time spent with my own kids supporting their artistic pursuits in dance, drums and guitar.

And, I am going way out on a dream and starting a 4-week playwriting class next week!

Q:  What's a theater production you've seen that you wish you could stream right now?

A:  I like it live. I can wait for it. Plus, when theater is filmed, they rarely shoot the choreography well. They’ll do a close-up on a face while beautiful movement is happening all around that is not in the shot! I need the full view. :)

Q:  Are you cooking? Do you have a favorite recipe to share?

A:  Haha. I have 3-4 staples that I can make and we all can agree to eat it. I have other gifts. :)

Q:  Of the shows you've worked on at Theater Latté Da, which is your favorite?

A:  Of the 11 or so Latté Da productions I have had the privilege to work on I would say - Bernarda Alba has my heart, Once has my mind and Ragtime has my soul.

If you insist on one - it is Ragtime. When Peter entrusted me with this opportunity it quite literally changed my life.

Q:  Would you share a quote that's especially meaningful to you?

A:  Here’s something I am thinking about a lot right now. We have a chance to examine, re-set, renew, in the midst of these difficulties. I don’t want to squander it.

“I used to be afraid of failing at something that really mattered to me, but now I'm more afraid of succeeding at things that don't matter.”

― Bob Goff, author

Q:  Since this is the At Home with...Series, do you have a favorite spot in your home? Would you be willing to take a picture of it that we could share?

A:  This is in my favorite spot of our house. A 3-season porch that has comfy couches and a pretty view of the sunset each day.

Also - this picture - an amazing feat for my flexible fam! Lia, David, Mama, Mark, Skylar and Will.

May 15 Newsletter from Council Member Steve Fletcher

Ward 3 Friends -

I’ve heard a range of reactions from many of you about Governor Walz’s announcement on Wednesday that he is letting the Stay Home order expire on May 18, and replacing it with a “Stay Safe” order that allows many businesses to resume operation. I want to share a little insight about what it means for Ward 3. As a regional destination for work and recreation, our fates and our health are tied to the rest of the region, so we need our statewide strategy to succeed. If Minnesotans do not proceed cautiously, we could bear the brunt of people’s bad judgment and may have to show some agility and adjust to new conditions. 

First, I want to acknowledge that many people are concerned that this announcement will be misconstrued. If you only read the headlines, the emphasis is on re-opening, but if you listen to the Governor’s speech, he’s clear that we need to keep up the efforts that have been working to keep the virus from spreading quickly through our community. While some businesses and activities will resume in a limited way that will be a relief to business owners and customers alike, we still owe it to ourselves and our neighbors to take steps to avoid infection. Masks are even more important as more people come into closer contact with each other, and we should still be minimizing contact in general. 

I asked Mayor Frey in our Council meeting this morning about guidance for employers and workers to make sure newly reopened businesses are reopened in a safe way, and I was encouraged to hear that he is taking seriously our unique role as the work destination for the region, and considering new regulations to increase mask usage and other prevention measures to protect workers returning to their jobs. The Governor’s order puts a lot of pressure on everyone to figure out what safe re-opening looks like very quickly, and we’ll be working hard to support workers and employers in creating safe work spaces.

The order enables some businesses to re-open at a reduced capacity and sets a timeline for others like restaurants and bars. Make no mistake – many business owners are feeling a sense of relief at seeing a light at the end of the tunnel, but most will continue to struggle. There are very few businesses that can thrive at 50% capacity, and there will inevitably be less traffic and less business activity as we all continue to act in the interest of safety. The City is dedicating significant resources to helping businesses figure out strategies for safely reopening so that they can start generating some revenue, and for some business models, that will be beneficial. Small businesses and their workers will still need our support for a long time to come.  

Starting Monday, the Governor is allowing gatherings of up to 10 people, which will be a huge relief to close friends and family who have been separated during isolation, but will also enable more infection-spreading events if people overuse this. As tempting as it will be to make abundant use of this new freedom after many weeks of isolation, it could be very dangerous if people use it irresponsibly, and bounce from small gathering to small gathering. We didn’t come this far together, only to risk becoming super-spreaders of the virus by jumping too quickly into in-person socializing.  

My heart is crying out to be with you in person again. This weekend should be Art-a-Whirl, which is one of the best weekends of the year, and this weekend would have been the nicest weather Art-a-Whirl has had in a while. It is tempting to hear what we want to hear, and go back to normal too quickly, but we’re smarter than that, and we care for each other more than that. So, we’ll do Art-a-Whirl virtually this year (starting at 5:00 PM tonight!), buy art online, share it with our friends online, and look forward to the day when our heads and our hearts are telling us to go fully back into the world again. We still have a long road ahead.    

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How We're Responding to People Experiencing Homelessness Camping Outdoors

I’m hearing from a lot of you from around the Ward about people experiencing homelessness camping outdoors, and as always, I appreciate the spirit of compassion evident in those conversations. I want to share as much accurate information as I can about how the City is responding, what solutions we are working on with our partners at Hennepin County, and how you can help.  

First, this is certainly not unique to Ward 3 or to Minneapolis. We were facing an urgent shortage of deeply affordable, low-barrier housing before the pandemic, and COVID has put strains on all of our existing systems of shelter and support for people experiencing homelessness. We are tracking about 85 encampments around the city, including several small ones (3 tents or fewer) in Ward 3. For the most part, small groups are keeping to themselves and discouraging people from joining them to avoid drawing attention. West River Parkway near Plymouth, Nicollet Island, and the Commons are the most visible ones in Ward 3. There are larger, more concerning encampments in Whittier and Phillips to the south. 

The Commons is newly under the Park Board's control, as are the other sites in Ward 3, but that does not prevent us from collaborating on outreach, public health, and policing. The City monitors camping activity, works to keep it as healthy and safe as we can, and we intervene if the activity begins to pose a more direct and explicit public health or safety threat.  

We are actively working with Hennepin County on shelter and housing options that people can choose (but are not required) to take. The County has placed people from the shelter system into 600 hotel rooms so far, and is working on more. They’re even exploring the option of purchasing hotels, to create long-term low-barrier housing – a concept I strongly support. One thing that is unfortunately delaying that expansion is a debate in the Minnesota Senate on whether or not to take federal CARES Act funding away from the County to give to cities, instead of funding cities with the unallocated CARES Act funds currently held by the state.  

That's significant, because the Governor's executive order limits our ability to disperse encampments during the stay-at-home order. We try to take a compassionate approach to people camping and are usually able to find alternate housing options. Part of what sometimes motivates people to consider other shelter choices is a deadline, which they now know we are unable to set. Advocates tell us they believe many who are camping would choose a hotel bed over a tent if given the option, so the safest and best way to help everyone shelter safely is to expand hotel shelter access. 

Please call 311 if you see a new encampment just in case it's not already on our radar (though it likely is), and please feel free to contact me and my office directly if you see camping activity causing issues that require a response.  

The city has a special partnership with St. Stephens to provide effective, accountable outreach and direct service to people experiencing homelessness, and their hard work and dedication to their mission is critical to our response. I get questions from many of you about how you can contribute money or volunteer time to help others during the pandemic, and among many worthy efforts deserving of generosity, St. Stephens is surely high on the list. You can donate to St. Stephens at https://ststephensmpls.org/donate.

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The 25th Art-A-Whirl is Online!

Art-A-Whirl is the largest open studio tour in the country, and is celebrating their 25th year! Due to COVID-19, we can’t gather together across Northeast Minneapolis this May, but over 1,000 artists, galleries, bands, businesses, restaurants, and breweries are active and ready to connect with you through the Art-A-Whirl Online Experience.

The online Art-A-Whirl experience is LIVE HEREThe online Art-A-Whirl experience is LIVE HERE!

• Find artists by map location, studio building, or medium.
• Browse over 800 artist profiles and shops with shipping and curbside pick-up options.
• View art demos, virtual studio tours, and musical performances.
• Order takeout or delivery from NE restaurants and breweries. 

 (Virtual) Coffee With Your Council Member

I normally hold regular open community office hours at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, at a rotating neighborhood coffee shop in Ward 3 for constituents to drop by, ask questions, and raise any issues you see in the community. 

Right now, I am holding my community office hours remotely on Skype:

Wednesday, May 20, at 5:00 P.M.

Skype Link or by phone: 612-276-6670, 940707330#

Wednesday, May 27, at 5:00 P.M.

Skype Link or by phone: 612-276-6670, 940707330#

If you have questions or a topic to discuss, email Aurin.Chowdhury@minneapolismn.gov to RSVP.

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Good Morning Ward 3 Postponed Indefinitely

Two months ago, at the onset of COVID-19, I had tentatively postponed our planned March Good Morning Ward 3 to next week on May 20.

However, large group gatherings continue to be strongly discouraged, and unfortunately, that will likely be the case for the foreseeable future.

It is with no small degree of sadness that as a result, I have to postpone Good Morning Ward 3 indefinitely. In the meantime, I will continue to host my weekly virtual coffee hours and join as many of you as I can in other virtual gathering spaces.

If you are part of a local community group that meets virtually, and you would like me to join you to talk about what's going on in our Ward and "at City Hall", please email Aurin.Chowdhury@minneapolismn.gov, so we can get it on my schedule! 

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Governor Walz Turning the Dial with New COVID-19 Executive Orders

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Allows More Businesses to Re-Open at Limited Capacity

Gov. Tim Walz announced the next phase of the COVID-19 response in Minnesota. Citing progress made to prepare for the peak of infection, the governor announced a measured, cautious turning of the dial toward a new normal. With the stay home executive order set to expire May 18, the governor will replace it with an order continuing to encourage Minnesotans to stay close to home but allowing for gatherings of friends and family of 10 people or fewer.

• Minnesotans are still asked to stay close to home and limit travel to what is essential.
• All gatherings are limited to 10, and physical distancing with masks, hand-washing and other safety measures should be followed to protect each other.
• No matter what, Minnesotans are asked not to gather in large groups.
• The governor will also allow retail stores and other main street businesses to open if they have a social distancing plan and operate at 50%. Additional guidance, including a template plan and checklist for businesses, is available on DEED’s website at mn.gov/deed/safework.

Acknowledging that there is no stopping the storm of COVID-19 from hitting Minnesota, the governor said that we have made great progress preparing for it.

Gov. Walz also signed executive orders strongly encouraging Minnesotans at greatest risk of serious illness to continue staying home, ensuring workers can raise concerns regarding the safety of their work environments without fear of discrimination or retaliation, and protecting workers from loss of income if they refuse to work under unsafe or unhealthy conditions.

Following the guidance of public health officials, the governor announced a preliminary set of health indicators that could trigger a decision to re-impose restrictions to slow the spread of the virus. These indicators will be refined over time as we learn more about the virus and the course of the pandemic in Minnesota.

They include the number of COVID-19 tests that can be conducted as well as the rate of increase in:

• Number of new COVID-19 cases.
• Percent of COVID-19 tests that are positive.
• Percent of COVID-19 cases for which the source of infection is unknown.

Updates on the COVID-19 pandemic in Minnesota are available at mn.gov/covid19. 

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Minneapolis Parkways Will Remain Open to Pedestrians Through at Least End of June

Sections of eight parkways or park roads totaling 21 lane miles are closed to motor vehicles and open to pedestrians to allow more space for trail users to follow social distancing practices and limit the spread of COVID-19. Park Board staff estimates this will remain in place until at least the end of June.

Learn more about the parkway availability.

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City Amending Budget Due to COVID-19

Financial stresses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic including a projected $100-$200 million revenue shortfall are forcing the City of Minneapolis to reassess our budget.

2020 Amended Budget Process

The mayor will present a recommended revised 2020 budget to the City Council on June 12. The City Council will hold a series of meetings in mid- and late June to hear from City staff about the impacts of the recommended revisions and make any modifications they see necessary. There will be two opportunities for the public to engage and share their voices in this process. Details are being finalized and will be released as soon as they are available.

Budget Steps Already Taken

The City has already frozen wages for all non-bargaining-unit employees and are working with labor partners to implement a wage freeze across the enterprise to help guard against deeper cuts later.

Bills up before the Legislature right now could affect possible State and federal funding that would allow Minneapolis to get a share of the federal coronavirus relief bill. As of now, the City has received none, which has implications across our budget. 

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Final Call for Public Comments on Draft Transportation Action Plan - Closes Friday, May 22

Public comment on the Public Works Department's draft Transportation Action Plan closes next Friday, May 22. 

On social media, follow the City of Minneapolis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and use the hashtag #gompls to share your feedback with us. 

The Minneapolis Transportation Action Plan is a 10-year action plan to guide future planning, design, and implementation of transportation projects for all people in all the ways we move around the city. The plan will identify specific actions for the City and our partners to take to implement the transportation vision outlined in Minneapolis 2040.

If you have feedback or ideas about how you walk, bike, bus, drive, scooter, roll, ride, or otherwise get around your neighborhood, I strongly encourage you to comment on this plan in the next week! 

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Online "Open House" for University & 4th Street Improvements

Hennepin County, in participation with the City of Minneapolis, MnDOT, Metro Transit, and the U of M, is developing roadway improvements for University Avenue and Fourth Street between 35W and Oak Street.

One main goal of this project will be to improve bicycle and transit facilities on University Avenue and Fourth Street to help make the roadway safer for all users. This project will also upgrade intersections for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), modernize the traffic signal systems and improve access to transit stops.

You can access the online open house here to explore the project, learn more, and provide your feedback. 

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New Renter Protections Take Effect on June 1

The City of Minneapolis passed new renter protection rules that go into effect soon. Starting June 1, there will be caps on security deposits and limits on what a rental property owner can use to deny rental applications.

• Inclusive screening criteria will set limits on what information in a renter’s criminal, rental and credit history can be used to deny a rental application. Landlords who don’t use the inclusive screening criteria will have to specifically state why an application is denied and provide an opportunity for the applicant to add more context to their history.
• Security deposits will be capped at one month’s rent, or one-half month’s rent if the landlord requires first and last month’s rent to be paid in advance. If they require the first and last month’s rent to be paid along with the security deposit, renters must have the option to pay the security deposit in installments over three months.

The ordinance goes into effect June 1 for owners with more than 15 rental units. The effective date for property owners with 15 rental units or fewer is Dec. 1. Enforcement will be through the City’s housing maintenance code.

This follows previous renter protection efforts adopted recently, including relocation assistance for displaced renters and a requirement that owners of naturally occurring affordable housing rental property give the City 60 days’ notice before selling their units.

To learn more, visit minneapolismn.gov/renterprotections.

Work Continues on Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Housing

Council Member Schroeder and I introduced a Tenant Opportunity to Purchase ordinance process last year, and staff work on that ordinance continues. City staff are receiving technical assistance in that work from LISC-Twin Cities (The Local Initiatives Support Corporation) and the Coalition for Non-Profit Housing and Economic Development (CNHED) in Washington, DC. 

Along with Council Members Ellison and Gordon, who are also working with us on this project, we recently received a progress report from the consultants and City staff, who are studying options for a tenant opportunity, a City opportunity, and/or a non-profit opportunity to purchase rental housing when it goes up for sale.     

If you have questions about this project and/or would like to be included in opportunities to learn more and help shape it, please contact David.Zaffrann@minneapolismn.gov. 

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Sign Up Online to Vote Early by Mail This Election Year

With health officials advising everyone to reduce contact to keep each other safe during the pandemic, the City of Minneapolis is recommending voting early by mail this election year.

Voters can sign up now to get ballots for the August primary and November general election mailed to them. Ballots will arrive approximately six weeks before those elections, along with postage-paid envelopes for return.

All Minnesota voters are eligible to vote early by mail. Ballot applications should be made no later than 10 days before an election so the ballots can arrive in the mail with enough time for voters to return them.

Although voting early by mail is recommended, voters will still be able to cast their ballots in person at the City’s Early Vote Center, 980 E. Hennepin Ave., or at their polling places on the day of the election.

Watch this video about voting by mail, sign up for your absentee ballot here, and get more voting information at vote.minneapolismn.gov. 

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Check Out the Neighborhood Census Response Rate Map, Encourage People You Know to Complete the Census

Minnesota is currently number one in the nation in responding to the census. With a 69% response rate, we are 11% over the national average of 58.7%

Minneapolis is doing well also, landing at number six of large cities in the nation with populations of 300,000 or more with a response rate of 66.5%, which is close to surpassing our 2010 decennial rate of 72.8%.

However, there is still work to be done. There are several neighborhoods in Minneapolis with previously low response rates that have yet to gain real ground in their 2020 census completion. Too often communities that are underrepresented in the census are subsequently under-resourced when and where they need it the most.

View the Minneapolis neighborhood response rate map and encourage your friends, neighbors and community to complete the census!

Data from the census is used to provide not only services and programs that many of our communities rely on, but also critical medical equipment and first responders during times of crises, much like the current pandemic. Data from the previous census is currently being used to determine where to send ventilators based on population numbers. Our collective response to the census is crucial to our ability to respond successfully to the needs of community.

Take the census now: www.my2020census.gov.

Doug Verdier's Mid-May 2020 Water Works Photos

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

It took only about 30 minutes to connect and lift the HVAC mechanical package from the trailer to the roof of the Water Works Pavilion, but the task required patience and precision.

Workers attached cables to each corner of the HVAC unit.

The lift itself went smoothly, with several workers both on the ground and on the roof guiding and making sure the unit was placed exactly where it was supposed to go and in the correct orientation.

New sidewalk and ramp along the First Street edge of the future South Plaza.

Lower portion of ramp from First Street level of South Plaza to vicinity of new main entrance of Pavilion.

Another view of the ramp and sidewalk from First Street level.

New stone arch main entry to Pavilion under construction. Remind anyone of the Stone Arch Bridge?

Panoramic view of the project from THird Avenue Bridge. In foreground is preliminary work on future woonerf location that will provide access to lower level of park via a passage beneath the iron bridge on First Street just south of Third Avenue.

Pining to do Something "Normal"? Take a Segway Tour!

Via a May 15 e-newsletter from Mobile Entertainment, LLC

Together we can get back up... and Out!

SOCIAL DISTANCING? SO ARE WE!

Since 2003, we have had one very important safety tip that is more relevant today than ever before... “KEEP A SIX FOOT BUBBLE AROUND YOUR SEGWAY AT ALL TIMES” Now more than ever, this rule is being applied to all tours, whether you are walking or biking with The Fit Tourist or Segwaying in style as a Human on a Stick.

COVID-19 POLICIES

Additional safety measures have been put into place, including requiring masks for our staff and encouraging masks for our guests. Everything surface that you come into contact with be sanitized and cleaned from handlebars to helmets. Will will also suggest you watch our safety video online prior to your tour. To learn more about our Covid-19 preparedness plan click here.

OUR TOURS HAVE ADVANCED We are keeping our tours fun, engaging and informative, while reducing contact. How are we doing that? TECHNOLOGY! Lucky for us, one of our very own tour guides (way over qualified I might add) developed a prototype that allows you to listen to your tour guide from 3+ city blocks away! No Static!

example of our narrative CLICK HERE!

READY TO PLAN YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE?

For more information call 952-888-9200 or visit humanonastick.com

BOOK NOW!

We thank you in advance for supporting our local, family-run business!

Minnesota’s only LGBTQ+ Employment Equality Conference Goes Virtual June 23 - 26

Via a May 14 Press Release:

MOSSIER’S PROUD TO WORK MN CONFERENCE GOES VIRTUAL, CONTINUING ADVANCEMENT OF LGBTQ+ EMPLOYMENT EQUITY

Tickets to the June event include a 2-month online subscription with 30+ hours of virtual webinars and live expert Q&As

Mossier, a non-profit social enterprise helping businesses offer inclusivity for LGBTQ+ people all over the world, today announced its third-annual Proud to Work MN Conference is going virtual. The June 23 – June 26 event is Minnesota’s first and only employment equality and LGBTQ+-focused conference, packed with 30 sessions over 4 days and paired with a learn-at-your-own-pace online subscription with keynote speakers.

“Mossier has helped establish equality in the workplace since its inception in 2017, advancing conversations about the LGBTQ+ community in corporate America,” said Nick Alm, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Mossier. “We’re coming up on a historic LGBTQ+ Pride Month, as a number of cases could finally determine if the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects LGBTQ people in the workplace. There is no better opportunity for HR professionals and corporate businesses to join the discussion and reevaluate their own commitment to inclusive practices.”

Each day of the conference will be dedicated to key audiences, including Human Resources Champions, Diversity and Inclusion Champions, LGBTQ+ Champions, and LGBTQ+ Advocates. Sessions will be evenly split between tactical business strategy work and expanding attendee understanding of different lived experiences in the LGBTQ+ community—a new structure compared to past years. For companies and individuals navigating COVID-19, there will be sessions on the impact on the LGBTQ+ community and “Leading Through Crisis.”

This year’s conference carries on Mossier’s community-first approach, featuring a diverse group of speakers aligned with culturally specific topics. Livestream keynotes, with a virtual chat component, will be presented by notable speakers including Minneapolis City Councilwoman Vice-President Andrea Jenkins, Commissioner for the MN Department of Human Rights Rebecca Lucero, and OutFront MN Executive Director Monica Meyer.

Tickets will come with a 2-month subscription to an online learning platform, offering 30+ hours of virtual webinars, live expert Q&As and access to presentations from the conference, including audio-only sessions for those who want to take their learning outdoors. Available to individuals and businesses at different levels of understanding, the platform is designed for subscribers to learn at their own pace and focus on the topics most important to them.

“With virtual learning becoming the new norm, an online subscription was the perfect way to accelerate our mission and extend our impact,” said Elizabeth Kubicek, Program Director. “Attendees will have the opportunity to continue learning well past the 4-day conference and use the platform to best meet their needs. And, the best part is we can now open it up to people outside of the Twin Cities area.”

Both individuals and companies alike, in all 50 states, can purchase tickets to the Proud to Work MN Conference on the Mossier website. Mossier is also offering individual scholarships, awarding free admission to the conference and this fall’s career fair, among other VIP benefits. The scholarship is open to anyone and will focus on unemployed individuals and students in need of additional support during these unusual times, with an application deadline of May 25. Ticket pricing is as follows: 

• Corporate, Single Ticket: $199
• Corporate Team, 5 Tickets: $899
• Non-Profit/Government/Education, Single Ticket: $99
• Non-Profit/Government/Education Team, 5 Tickets: $449

The conference is made possible through generous support from sponsors 3M, UnitedHealth Group, Land O’ Lakes, Ecolab, Allianz and many more, representing a large and diverse line-up spanning many sectors, including government, non-profit, for-profit, and education.

About Mossier

Mossier is on a mission to advance LGBTQ+ employment equity across generations and borders, helping businesses of all sizes and types offer inclusivity for LGBTQ+ people all over the world. Since launching in 2017, Mossier has worked with corporations on LGBTQ+ workforce issues and uses revenue and donations to fund LGBTQ+ businesses in Uganda, Kenya, and the Dominican Republic. By the end of 2020, Mossier will have granted $160,000 to LGBTQ+ communities globally who are working on employment access. The organization believes that the most sustainable pathway for human rights in the community is to utilize business as the foundation for stability for all LGBTQ+ people, everywhere. For more information on Mossier, visit www.mossier.org. 

The Mill City Times Interview: Jesse Roesler, Local Emmy and James Beard Award-winning Filmmaker

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided by Jesse Roesler

Jesse Roesler is an Emmy and James Beard award-winning filmmaker whose work has moved millions via SXSW, The Travel Channel and The New York Times. His debut feature film The Starfish Throwers was named “The Most Heartwarming Film of the Year” in 2015 by The Huffington Post. He lives in Minneapolis with his wife and two sons where he is Principal and Creative Director at the creative content studio Credo Nonfiction. We talked to him recently about his current projects and earliest inspirations.

Q:  Your company has been nominated for a 2020 James Beard Foundation Award. Congratulations! Can you tell us about the project? Is this your first James Beard award?

A:  Thank you! The project is called The Taste of Place, which celebrates the concept of terroir, which people often talk about with wine, but we are looking at food through that same lens. How do things like geography, climate and cultural traditions come together to create some of the most distinctive and delicious flavors on Earth? Which ones are in danger of disappearing and how can we protect them? In particular, the first episode of this series about Wild Rice received the nomination. This would be our second James Beard Award if we win. We received the award for Best Documentary in 2016 for our feature length film, The Starfish Throwers, which we’ve actually made free to stream on VIMEO during the pandemic. Here’s that link: https://vimeo.com/73092552. 

Jesse RoeslerQ:  Was this project for a client? Or an original work by Credo Nonfiction?

A:  This was an original work that began as we were launching Credo Nonfiction a few years back. It was a passion project for me personally that I was able to fund primarily with a McKnight Foundation Fellowship.

We have three more episodes nearing completion (that were filmed in Ecuador, Spain and the Faroe Islands) and are working on finding a distributor to help release those to the largest possible audience very soon. Here is the link to the series trailer. 

Q:  Who inspires or inspired you to be a storyteller?

A:  I got inspired early on to go into film from the works of Jean-Pierre Jeunet, Amelie in particular. And my love for non-fiction comes from the great literary journalists like Joseph Mitchell and food writers like M.F.K. Fisher. I was also a huge fan of Charles Kuralt in journalism school. I love character-driven stories about people who have remained authentic and true to their sometimes-eccentric vision in an increasingly inauthentic and homogenized world. I also think storytelling and filmmaking’s highest function is to inspire others to return to their own unique potential (not what society tells them to be), which I believe in turn makes the world a more authentic, inspired place. These are the heroes of the stories I want to tell. 

Q:  Many of your films have focused on food or feeding those in need. How did you become interested in these topics?

A:  To me, food is this amazing container for so much of what interests me: history, anthropology, cultural studies and not to mention on the surface level, it’s a feast for all our senses! It’s an art form that tantalizes sight, smell, taste, touch, even sound (think of cracking into a crusty baguette). Food is also love and compassion - which are the themes we explore in The Starfish Throwers. I often show my affection through cooking for someone I love, and it can also be a form of therapy for the one doing the cooking. If I’m having a down day (as so many of us have recently), getting lost in knife work, building a fire, combining multiple ingredients to create what feels like alchemy - this brings me to a flow state and any troubles or negative thoughts I’d been having kind of melt away.

Q:  Did you grow up in Minnesota?

A:  I grew up next door in North Central Wisconsin in a town called Wausau. I came to the University of Minnesota and fell in love with the cities and remained a Minnesotan after graduating from the School of Journalism. 

Q:  What is your earliest food memory? Earliest memory of wanting to be a journalist?

A:  Shucking and eating freshly picked corn on the cob from the garden. Earliest memory of wanting to be a journalist: Seeing a rather poetic Charles Kuralt On The Road segment* about a man who still carved his own canoes by hand and realizing journalism could be an art from - and a cinematic one at that.

The Wild Harvest is a new foraging & cooking series.

Q:  Who is your customer?  

A:  We serve a broad range of brands, non-profits and publishers at Credo Nonfiction, but our sweet spot is creating non-fiction, story-driven content for brands who are self-publishing. We also have a specialty and wealth of experience in the food and outdoor lifestyle categories. We’re often working with marketers, advertisers, PR and communications professionals to craft stories that build emotional connections through first-person narratives - be it in video/film, audio or written/photo stories.

Q:  Do you script your films as well as direct and shoot them?

A:  We do script them, but this is often something we call “Scripted/Unscripted” since we work a lot with real people in the documentary space. We draft story outlines that contain key messages and structure but then draft questions that will allow our subjects to answer questions in their own words for maximum authenticity.

Q:  How do you find new business?

A:  We’ve been fortunate to have been recommended by many past and current clients to new ones. Beyond that we create a wealth of thought leadership content to help our prospective partners. The biggest example of this is our podcast Content That Moves in which I interview leaders in brand storytelling from some really amazing brands like REI, 3M and Hilton among others. Links to the podcast episodes can be found on our website or directly in Apple Podcasts.

Q:  How do you reinvigorate yourself if you feel stuck or unmotivated on a project?

A:  It’s funny. Sometimes the most seemingly unglamorous projects allow for the most creativity. How do you show people something they’ve seen hundreds of times before in a completely new way? This is a question we ask ourselves a lot. We also look to other art forms - painting, literature, great music for inspiration in our work.

Q:  What will you tell your two sons about choosing a career?

A:  I’ll tell them to pursue whatever lights the biggest fire in their belly and if they do that, the money will follow. It’s a simple phrase that’s become a bit of a cliché but I still think Joseph Campbell may have said it best when he said, “Follow your bliss.” In fact, I often refer to this passage of his to help keep me on my path:

“Are you going to go on the creative soul’s quest or are you going to pursue the life that only gives you security? Are you going to follow the star of your zeal of your own enthusiasm? Are you going to live the myth or is the myth going to live you?”

*Shared link is to a CBS news ‘look back’ at the earlier Kuralt report.

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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.