December 11 Career Fair at Minneapolis Convention Center

Via an e-newsletter from Hennepin County:

Find your next job at free career fair

Connect with employers hiring for jobs in transportation, customer service, healthcare, sales, maintenance and more. 

Event details

• Monday, December 11
• 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Minneapolis Convention Center, room 200A
• 1301 Second Avenue South, Minneapolis

This location is served by several bus routes. Visit www.metrotransit.org or or call 612-373-3333 for more details.

Job-seekers are encouraged to dress professionally and bring copies of their resumes.

Career fair features

• More than 40 employers 
• Tips for career fair success
• An employer panel
• Job search assistance
• Lunch and refreshments

Attending employers 

• ACR Homes
• Alliance Home Health Care & Nursing Services
• American Security & Investigations
• Augustana Care
• Café Zupas
• Cintas
• CobornsDelivers
• Delaware North
• Delta Global Services
• Doherty Staffing
• Dominos
• DoubleTree Hotel St. Paul
• Dungarvin
• Embassy Suites Minneapolis Airport
• Endeavor Air
• FedEx Ground
• First Student
• First Transit
• Goodwill-Easter Seals
• Hennepin County
• HMS Host
• Indrotec
• Integrated Deicing Services
• Intercontinental St. Paul Riverfront
• Macy’s
• Mall of America
• Marsden Building Maintenance
• Menards – Golden Valley
• Metropolitan Council
• Orion Associates
• Osseo Area Schools
• Pinnacle Services Inc.
• Prescription Landscape Inc./Arteka Outdoor Services
• Sheraton Minneapolis West
• Sky Zone Trampoline Park
• Sojos Pet Food
• St. Paul Public Schools
• Swissport
• Target stores
• Toys R Us – Minnetonka
• TSA
• UPS
• Waste Management
• Wells Fargo
• WIS International
• YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities

More information

View full event schedule. Learn more at www.hennepin.us/employmentservices.

“Water Connects Us All” is on display in the Hennepin Gallery thru January 17, 2018

“Water Connects Us All” is on display in the Hennepin Gallery thru January 17, 2018

This exhibit includes 2- and 3-dimensional sculptures arranged in vignettes, and features puppets from In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre. Each element is connected with a simple narrative, written in various languages, designed to draw the viewer into deeper considerations of their own relationship to water and our own best humanity in protecting our water.

Themes portrayed in the exhibit include:

- How much water do we need and use?

- Is water a right, or a privilege?

- What is our relationship to the surrounding watersheds?

- Where does our water come from, and where does it go?

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The exhibit is curated by Sandy Spieler, founder and artistic leader at In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theater and founder and director of the annual MayDay parade and ceremony.

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Special events:

"Cabinets of Water Curiosities”

January 12, Noon - 1:00pm, Hennepin County Government Center Skyway Level

This event will focus on the sharing of water, and will feature five boxes of water curiosities that allow people to open doors, peek in, and talk with each other. The audience will also be able to “find each other” through the sharing of water.    

“Nibi (Water) Walks – Taking Steps to Recognize, Heal, and Protect Water at the Center of Life” Brown Bag Talk

Sharon Day, Ojibwe leader of Nibi Water Walks and Executive Director of the Indigenous People’s Task Force

Karen Galles, Hennepin County Environment & Energy, Land & Water Unit Supervisor

January 17, Noon - 1:00pm, Hennepin County Government Center Auditorium, A-level

"We walk for the water, and as we heal the water we heal all of life."

Nibi (Water) Walks are indigenous-led, extended ceremonies where every step is taken in prayer and gratitude for water, the life giving force. Sharon Day has led Nibi Walks along the St. Louis, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio and other rivers and will share photographs and stories from the walks as well as wisdom around Ojibwe perspectives on the connection between water and all life. This presentation will conclude with some concrete steps we can all take to heal water from Hennepin County's Land and Water Unit.

This exhibition and corresponding events are supported by the Hennepin County Multicultural Arts Committee (MCAC). MCAC was created by the Hennepin County Board in 1995 as part of the organization’s response to the Minneapolis Initiative Against Racism. MCAC sponsors art displays, performances, discussions and exhibits representing Hennepin County’s diverse cultural canvas.

For this exhibition and corresponding events, MCAC is receiving support from Forecast Public Art, a non-profit arts organization that activates people, networks and proven practices to advance the transformational power of arts in public life.

The Hennepin Gallery is free and open to the public Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Hennepin County Government Center, A-level, 300. S. Sixth St., Minneapolis. The exhibit is sponsored by Forecast Public Art and the Hennepin County Multicultural Arts Committee.

Contact: hennepin.gallery@hennepin.us, Phone: 612-348-3848, Map

Gift Shopping in Mill City Museums

Article and photos by Merle Minda

We are lucky. Living in Mill City and in the North Loop near the river means we have immediate access to all kinds of boutique shopping. But as the holidays approach, don’t overlook the incredible museum shopping we have right on our doorstep. I made a tour of four such shops and was amazed and even thrilled by the wide variety and unique gift options. My criteria were: unique and original merchandise; a special theme or perspective related to their museum purpose, and merchandise that perhaps could not be found elsewhere.

The Guthrie Theater Store

Guthrie Theater Store Director of Retail and Buyer Kay McGuireThis isn’t strictly a museum shop but it meets all the criteria. First and perhaps unexpected is rather fabulous and original jewelry made by local artists – earrings, necklaces and even watches (which I was not expecting). There is a wide variety of well-made Guthrie gear, from sweatshirts to warm winter hats.

The shop is themed to past and especially current Guthrie productions. Shakespeare and Shakespeare stuff, natch, including coloring books for children. Endless fun gift ideas including calendars, CDs and books, theater books and scripts. Right now their Noel Coward section, relating to the current Blithe Spirit production, includes Coward’s marvelous autobiographies beginning with Present Indicative.

Noel Coward section

A Scrooge for your tree!Plus little jeweled cases, Lady Macbeth soap, puzzles; Christmas ornaments with even a Scrooge for your tree.

Pretty business card holderThe shop is always open during on-stage productions, so matinees and evenings, plus some added hours. The store is located at 818 South 2nd Street, inside the theater on the main floor. Shop select Guthrie items anytime online at guthriestore.com. Call 612.225.6300 or e-mail store@guthrietheater.org. 

Mill City Museum Store

Phoebe Gray, visitors services associate at Mill City Museum StoreJust down the block from Guthrie are the wonderful Mill City Museum and its equally wonderful Museum Store.

This museum is all about the history of flour and milling in Minneapolis on the river. So, lots of baking stuff – from Bundt pans to measuring spoons. Interesting and unusual cookbooks, especially the new The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen cookbook. Other books focus on Minnesota history, fiction and non-fiction, plus aprons and all sorts of cooking gadgets, pots and pans for holiday cooking.

The Mill City Museum Store includes all sorts of holiday traditions items

A giclée original printThe shop also has some original giclée prints of on the river subjects, including the Stone Arch Bridge and Gold Medal sign. Fun stocking stuffers and toys for kids too.

Here is where you buy tickets for the not-to-be-missed Flour Tower elevator show. Open museum hours, Tuesday – Saturday from 10-5; Sunday from 12-5. Email at millcitymuseum.org. Check out the schedule for the Holiday Baking Workshops in the downstairs kitchen too.

Lots of puzzles and games for kids

The gotta-have wild rice section

100% wooly blankets and scarves

Two Shops at Open Book

If you haven’t discovered Open Book as yet, now is the time. Founded by four non-profit book organizations, there is always much to see and do, classes, readings, performances, book launches, etc. Located at 1011 Washington Avenue, with fairly easy street parking and an adjacent small lot, Open Book also houses two wonderful shops for gift buying.

Milkweed Books

Acclaimed local publisher Milkweed Editions opened this lovely bookshop last year inside Open Book. The book selection is eclectic with numerous literary best-sellers, Milkweed-published books, many small and independent press titles, a good poetry selection and some children’s books.

Daley Farr, bookseller and events coordinator at Milkweed Books

Good books and gift ideas galore here at Milkweed BooksOften book choices are recommended by “someone we trust,” says Daley Farr, bookseller and events coordinator. I did not escape without buying two new books for myself but I will be going back to do some gift-buying. Books can be ordered by phone or online. During my visit I saw a huge pile of stuffed envelopes with book orders to be mailed out. On main floor of Open Book, on-line orders at https://milkweed.org/bookstore or call at 612-215-2540.

The Shop at MCBA (Minnesota Center for Book Arts)

Hand-made marbled paperAnother terrific gift shop. Everything is unusual or original, including a large selection of hand-made and marbled papers; jewelry, one-of-a kind journals, for calligraphy, thoughts or leather-covered.

Also, a wall of “Zines”, hand created and often self-published booklets on a raft of subjects.

Wall of “Zines” hand made and hand published

Jennifer Bowman, The Shop at MCBA stafferStaffer Jill Weese led me through the selection of gorgeous hand-made cards, prints and ‘how-to’ materials for making your own book. Should you have an emerging book maker on your list, the shop also gives classes in book binding and marbling.

I fell in love with a small box that was “cartonnage” style, covered in hand-made paper. Perfect for earrings, I thought. Bring a list and shop for your special gifts here.

Merle’s favorite cartonnage box with hand-made paper

Located just inside the entrance of Open Book, 1011 Washington Avenue S, open Mon, Wed – Sat: 9:30 am – 6:30 pm; Tuesday, 9:30 am – 9 pm, and Sunday 12-5 pm.; contact them at 612-215-2520, email at mcba@mnbookarts.org, or online at mnbookarts.org/shop.

Special Note: Through December 19^th, these two shops will both have extended hours and offer discounts – make a purchase of any retail item from one shop and get 10% off your second purchase at the other! 

My delightful shopping trip took me two and a half hours to visit all four stores. So get going, shopping list in hand, and make your purchases from one or more of these four terrific museum shops.

Editors note: Click here for more photos and larger images.

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About Merle Minda

Journalist and free-lance writer Merle Minda writes about travel, business, people profiles and other subjects for a number of national and regional publications, including Delta SKY, Mpls/St. Paul Magazine, Twin Cities Business, Star Tribune, Twin Cities Statement, Minnesota Monthly, and now Mill City Times. She can be reached at mminda@earthlink.net or TravelOverEasy.com on the web.

Water Works Update: Schematic Design Approved; Partnership with The Sioux Chef Formalized with Letter of Intent

Nov. 29 Board actions set stage for 2018 groundbreaking

The Minneapolis Parks Foundation and Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MRPB) marked another important milestone in the Water Works riverfront park project yesterday, when MPRB Commissioners approved phase 1 schematic design and a Letter of Intent (LOI) with The Sioux Chef. These actions ensure that Water Works stays on course for its anticipated fall 2018 groundbreaking and 2019 grand opening.

Water Works is a park development project overlooking St. Anthony Falls and the Stone Arch Bridge. One of the signature projects in the RiverFirst vision, Water Works will bring visitor services and recreational and cultural amenities to one of Minnesota’s most highly-visited destinations.

The LOI with The Sioux Chef formalizes the parties’ intent to partner, announced last September, on the Water Works restaurant and event venue. The Sioux Chef is a diverse, Indigenous-led team committed to revitalizing Native American cuisine and reclaiming an important culinary tradition that has been long buried and often inaccessible. The restaurant’s working title will be Owamni: An Indigenous Kitchen and it will be the first year-round, full service food venue within the Minneapolis park system. In addition to the restaurant, The Sioux Chef plans to create events and educational opportunities to amplify diverse voices into a larger dialogue about Native American cultures, the river, and cuisine.

Water Works design development is being completed by Minneapolis-based Damon Farber Landscape Architects with HGA Architects and Engineers and a multidisciplinary team that also includes expertise in cultural resources, programming, and engineering.

Project Funding

The philanthropic community is largely funding the Water Works Mezzanine Phase with contributions to the RiverFirst Capital Campaign. To date, the Parks Foundation has raised $13.1 million to complete two signature river projects and anticipates raising the remaining $4.8 million by June 1, 2018.

The General Mills Foundation made the lead corporate contribution to RiverFirst in 2016, with a $3 million gift. More than a hundred individuals and companies have already joined General Mills in support of the campaign, including RBC Wealth Management and US Bank. Most recently, Target committed $150,000 to the RiverFirst Campaign in support of Water Works and new connections from North Minneapolis to the Mississippi River.

Campaign gifts of $100,000 or more are being matched by the Pohlad Family Foundation, though the Parks Foundation welcomes gifts of any size. Interested donors are encouraged to learn more about how to participate in this landmark campaign by visiting the Parks Foundation’s Major Gifts page on its website. 

Schematic Design Details

The schematic design illustrates what will be constructed within the Mezzanine Phase of the Water Works project and is an important step on the path to construction. In undergoing schematic design, the design team makes choices about project details while holding true to the intent, program, and quality originally envisioned.

The pavilion will include a green roof, meeting room, and the restaurant. On the park grounds, and adjacent to the pavilion, city steps will provide a place for contemplation and programming, while a south plaza will be a gateway to the Central Riverfront. The wooded hillside on the north end of the site will retain its character and be enhanced with native vegetation, including plants with edible or medicinal value, and a direct trail link into downtown promotes access and circulation.

Site prep continues into 2018

The MPRB has begun preparing the Water Works site for its 2018 construction start. Selective deconstruction of the Fuji-Ya building began in October and will continue through February 2018. Large timbers from the building are being salvaged and will be repurposed in the stair and lobby area. Excavation of mill remnants that have been filled with soil and debris for over 80 years will begin next April.

Buses Return to Nicollet Mall Saturday, December 2

Via a December 1 e-newsletter from the City of Minneapolis:

With the completion of the new Nicollet, buses will return to the mall on Saturday, Dec. 2.

Metro Transit routes 10, 11, 17, 18, 25 and 59 will return to Nicollet after operating on Hennepin Avenue since late 2015 while Nicollet was under construction.

Now that normal operations have returned to Nicollet, it’s important for drivers, pedestrians and other users of the mall to exercise extra caution and be aware of their surroundings.

Metro Transit will be adding a dozen new shelters on Nicollet later this year with heat, light and real-time displays. Hybrid rides and free rides on some routes will remain features on the mall.

For additional information about routes, visit Metro Transit’s website.

The new Nicollet, completed the end of November, features twice the amount of greenery with nearly 250 new trees, new LED lighting, a more elegant and sustainable streetscape and the city’s largest display of public artwork outside of the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.

Long-term Plan for all Non-riverfront Downtown Minneapolis Parks Approved

Loring Park is one of five existing parks featured in the Downtown Service Area Master Plan

Plan will guide development of existing downtown neighborhood parks and potential new parkland

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) Commissioners approved the Downtown Service Area Master Plan (DSAMP), a document that will guide outdoor improvements at all non-riverfront downtown parks for the next 20-30 years. Click the links below to view plans for each of these five parks:

Elliot Park
Franklin Steele Square
Gateway Park
Loring Park
Park Avenue Triangle

It also plans for the potential acquisition and development of new parks or park-like spaces within Downtown Minneapolis.

The Downtown Service Area Master Plan

The plan is divided into six chapters, which can be viewed by clicking the links below:

Chapter 1: Introduction & Planning Framework

Chapter 2: Planning Process 

Chapter 3: Service Area Vision 

Chapter 4: Park Planning & Design 

Chapter 5: Operations & Partnerships  

Chapter 6: Implementation

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Imagining the Next Generation of Neighborhood Parks

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The DSAMP is one of five geographically organized master plans that will collectively design or redesign every neighborhood park in Minneapolis. The South Service Area Master Plan, which covers all neighborhood parks south of downtown and east of I-35W, was approved in September 2016. This is the second approved MPRB service area master plan.

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Community engagement for the North Service Area Master Plan (North Minneapolis) and East of the River Park Master Plan (Northeast/Southeast Minneapolis) are underway. Check out the links above to get involved! Development of the Southwest Service Area Master Plan begins in 2018. 

Guide to Winter Driving in Minneapolis from Alexander's Import Auto Repair

We've been spoiled by the recent non-winter driving conditions, but we all know what's eventually coming...

Alexander's Import Auto Repair would like to help keep Minneapolis drivers safe this winter, and recently posted Your Guide to Winter Driving in Minneapolis on their website. It covers Minneapolis snow emergency rules, safe winter driving tips, checklists for keeping your vehicle winter-ready, emergency kit items to keep on hand and other helpful content.

A little planning will pay off!

MPRB Seeks Residents Interested in Serving on a Community Advisory Committee

Via a November 29 e-newsletter from Minneapolsi Park and Rec Board:

Applications for 2018 appointments are due Friday, December 22, 2017

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) Board of Commissioners is seeking applications for appointments to five ongoing community advisory committees:

- Saint Anthony Falls Heritage Board – One Appointment
- Minneapolis Bicycle Advisory Committee – Three Appointments
- Neighborhood & Community Engagement Commission (NCEC) – One Appointment
- Minneapolis Tree Advisory Commission – Four Appointments
- HomeGrown Food Council – One Appointment

Service commitment may vary based upon needs, expectations and policy goals. However, most advisory committee members can expect to approximately 10-15 hours of work per month. Most terms are two years and all board and commission members are not subject to term limits.

Some Boards/Commissions have a need for specialized skills, but most people will find a Board or Commission that is a great fit for their knowledge base. Public members of Board and Commissions are people who may not have regular, ongoing experience in a specific topic area, but have a general interest in a Board or Commission’s work area. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about an area of interest and contribute a perspective that is fresh and unique to the service area.

Applications must be received no later than 5 p.m., Friday, December 22, 2017. Following submission, applicants will receive an email confirming receipt of the application and describing the general process for appointment. Appointments for open positions will be made at the January 2, 2018 business meeting of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. For a full description of each committee and to complete the application please visit: https://www.minneapolisparks.org/abca.

Applicants with questions about the appointments process should email their questions to board.appointments@minneapolisparks.org or contact Radious Guess at 612-230-6419.

Contact:
Radious Guess
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
Community Outreach, Equity and Inclusion Manager
612-230-6419
rguess@minneapolisparks.org

Nature Awaits You at the North Mississippi Regional Park

What's Happening at North Mississippi Regional Park in December?

What a fantastic area to get fresh air and exercise while connecting with nature. Public programs are FREE for all ages (unless noted otherwise). Here's what you can look forward to in December and beyond at the Kroening Interpretive Center at North Mississippi Regional Park:

Early Birding - Saturday, Dec. 2nd 9-10:30am

Join us for a morning of bird watching! We’ll hike through prairie, woodland and along the river while keeping our eyes and ears open for our feathered friends. Binoculars provided if needed. Activity #76672

Nature Art: Ginger-Bird Houses - Saturday, Dec. 9th 1:30-3pm

Invite birds into your backyard this winter by crafting an edible snack house for them. These feeders are a lovely decoration and a great food source for our bird friends that brave the cold. *$10 all supplies included. Activity #76685

Family Funday: All About Evergreens - Sunday, Dec. 17th 1-2:30pm

A dash of color in our winter wonderland, evergreens come in many shapes, sizes and shades of green. Find out how they differ from broad leaf trees and the various ways people have utilized them over time. Join us in an exploration of the evergreens. Activity #76682

OPEN SNOWSHOEING Saturday, Dec. 23rd & 30th 11-3pm

Get into the spirit of the season by borrowing a pair of snowshoes to explore the park! Activities available both days:  Dec. 23rd look for signs in the snow with our Track Hunt and Dec 30th borrow a pair of binoculars too and try birding on snowshoes. Activity #76704  &  Activity #76705

Winter Whimsy:  December 27th - 29th 8am-4pm

Discover the fantastical winter world around you.  It’s full of mystical animals, frozen sorcery and adventure.  Develop wilderness survival skills, determine which animal is your familiar friend, build a fortress and more, but something’s amiss. Can you help solve the puzzle?  Activity #76716  Registration Fee $90

Wild Winter Survival:  January 2nd - 5th 8am-4pm

Do you have what it takes to survive in the wild winter world? Develop your wilderness skills by learning to trek through snow on snowshoes, craft survival shelters, track animal signs and more!  Activity #81472  Registration Fee $120

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New! Nature Nuts Play Group Fridays

Come with your little one to play and have fun in nature with other children and parents/guardians. Each day is different, but will have nature themes about animals, plants, and seasons. Enjoy the outdoors together all winter! Ages: For kids 6 and under with an adult.

This is an Adult/Child interactive program. Registration Fee $15

Winter weather is always changing! Wear clothes and shoes for playing outside.

December 1st - December 22nd  11:30am-12:30pm Activity #76710

Also January 12th - February 2nd 2:30-3:30pm Activity #81729

More Ways to Enjoy the Park

Stop by the front desk to check out binoculars, nature activity packs and nature guides. Or, talk with a naturalist to meet and learn about the education animals.

Like North Mississippi on Facebook to stay in the loop about what’s happening in our park! Learn more about North Mississippi Regional Park at our website. 

Winter building hours: Tuesday- Saturday 10am-4pm; Sunday 12-4pm; Monday CLOSED

Contact Info: Kroening Interpretive Center at North Mississippi Regional Park, 4900 Mississippi Court, Minneapolis, MN 55430  Phone: 612-370-4844, Email: NorthMississippi@minneapolisparks.org

Hennepin County Government Center Holiday Music Dates and Times

The Hennepin County Government Center will continue its annual tradition of season and holiday performances, free and open to the public. Music will be performed on the Skyway Level of Hennepin County Government Center, 300 S 6th Street.

SCHEDULE:

December 5, 12 and 20
City-County Chorus  Noon - 1pm
Hennepin County, City of Minneapolis and 4th Judicial District Court employees perform a variety of songs of the season

December 13
Ameriprise Holiday Choir, Noon - 1pm
Sponsored by Ameriprise Financial, Inc. since 1986, 25 members performing secular, Christmas, Hanukah and Kwanzaa holiday songs

December 19
Chippewa Middle School, Noon - 12:45pm
8th grade string orchestra students perform Hanukah and Christmas music

Super Bowl LIVE, a 10-day Festival Leading up to Super Bowl LII, will take place on Nicollet Mall

Nicollet Mall will be the site of a 10-day fan festival, Super Bowl LIVE, leading up to Super Bowl LII on February 4, 2018. Super Bowl LIVE will include 5 free live concerts, national broadcast activations, food and fun, and showcase Minnesota's Bold North brand. It will stretch six blocks on Nicollet Mall, from 12th Street S to 6th Street S, with each block offering unique Super Bowl opportunities. Click here for more info.

Fans will see larger-than-life ice sculptures, national broadcast sets like NBC and ESPN, and stages where both local and national acts will perform throughout the 10-day festival.

Hours of operation:

Friday, January 26         4:00pm-10:00pm

Saturday, January 27     10:00am-10:00pm

Sunday, January 28       10:00am-9:00pm

Monday, January 29       4:00pm-9:00pm

Tuesday, January 30       4:00pm-9:00pm

Wednesday, January 31  4:00pm-9:00pm

Thursday, February 1     4:00pm-10:00pm

Friday, February 2         10:00am-10:00pm

Saturday, February 3     10:00am-10:00pm

Sunday, February 4       12:00pm-3:00pm 

Nonprofit Spotlight: Elpis Enterprises

Article by Claudia Kittock, photos by Rick Kittock 

Every parent knows that raising a competent, caring teenager is complicated. Helping that young person navigate the world of work is even more difficult. Imagine having to traverse adulthood without the support of family, without the guideposts of a warm bed, without the thousands of conversations parents have with their children, and without a model that holds down a steady job.

I first learned about Elpis Enterprises when I interviewed people working for Woodchuck. Elpis helps provide workers for Woodchuck, and is currently in talks with Michael Mader of Hippy Feet to expand their training program to include workers who will work for Hippy Feet.

Paul Ramsour, Executive Director, Elpis

Elpis is the Greek word for hope, and Paul Ramsour and everyone at Elpis Enterprises works to provide hope through job training. Paul started Elpis through his work with the Minneapolis Jaycees Charitable Foundation. He helped raise money for them and was asked to design youth programs. After setting up a focus group and learning about the best practices from professionals who run youth programs, Paul began to imagine a network for youth to learn entrepreneurial skills.

The entire enterprise began when Paul was asked to host a table at a festival in Whittier Park. He got the idea of selling birdfeeders. Paul bought boards and cut kits, and brought them to a group of young people. The birdfeeders sold out, and a concept was born.

Paul’s friend, Mike Patrick, suggested using repurposed wood and became a ‘wood warrior’ driving around the city looking for people taking down fences and throwing out wood. Even though Mike was in a wheelchair, he was able to get help in loading the wood into his van, and brought it to Paul.

All of this early work was done in volunteers’ garages and in-home shops, borrowing tools as they went. The first space was in the building now occupied by People Serving People. Tools were bought and for 1-2 years, the business of Elpis was making and selling bird feeders.

A hobby screen printing machine was donated and, again, through trial and error and a lot of hard work, the people of Elpis learned to print t-shirts. That, too, was successful, and with a grant from the Minneapolis Jaycees, Elpis was able to buy the first screen printing press.

In 2002, Elpis Enterprises was granted 501(c)3 status, and became focused on not just making and selling products, but on teaching young people the business of business. Elpis moved to its current location in Saint Paul in 2005.

Meanwhile, Paul Ramsour spent almost 10 years working at YouthLink, learning about and supporting young people with significant difficulties getting and keeping employment. The time there was invaluable and when a 2014 grant from the Bremer Foundation made it possible to hire a full-time time staff person, Paul became that person.

By 2015, Elpis was able to hire a career counselor to help the young people learn what being employed means, how to learn from mistakes and make the changes necessary to become a good employee. Elpis holds about 150 workshops a year, educating 3000-4000 young people around the metro.  

At present, 8-10 young people at a time work at Elpis to learn job skills and work in either woodworking or screen printing. There are 3 cohorts of young people every year, coupled with field trips to other businesses, and work on resumes and placements files with interview skills as a key component.

Elpis has moved beyond crisis employment to becoming a bridge to support young people on the journey they choose. This is an important place for youth to build skills, experiences, and relationships in the community. They develop as individuals and potential employees by working in real enterprises gaining the skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to overcome homelessness and become contributing members of our community.

Exciting? Needed? How can you help support Elpis Enterprises?
• Volunteer - Elpis is looking for volunteers who can share their expertise and suggest businesses that would be interested in being part of the work.
• Donate - Go to https://www.elpisenterprises.org/donations
• Learn more - Go to https://www.elpisenterprises.org/

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About Claudia Kittock

Claudia is a resident of the Mill District. In addition to writing for Mill City Times, she is a founding Board Member of Friends of the Mill District. Claudia is the author of Health Through Chaos, mentors young adults at YouthLink, and has served on the Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association (DMNA).

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Contact: claudia@millcitymedia.org

Street Closures for November 23 and 25 Races

Please note these street closures for the following two races:

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Thursday, November 23 - Turkey Day 5K

7:30am-11:30am

West River Parkway - N 4th Ave to 11th Ave S

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Saturday, November 25 - Moustache Run

8:30am-1:30pm

Main Street - 6th Ave SE to Plymouth Ave

West River Parkway - Plymouth Ave to E 38th St

Stone Arch Bridge

Black Friday and Small Business Saturday Specials at Minneapolis Visitor Information

Via an e-newsletter from Meet Minneapolis: 

By shopping locally, more money stays in the community plus customers have the opportunity to receive a free ornament and tote bag

Mark your calendars for Minneapolis Visitor Information’s two-day sale on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. Specializing in Minneapolis, and Minnesota-themed gifts from Love From Minneapolis, Minneapolis Visitor Information customers will receive a free tote bag with a $30 purchase, and the first 50 guests, on both days, will receive a Minnesota-shaped ornament with a qualifying purchase. Celebrate the importance of supporting small businesses, as well as local products.

Times: Friday, Nov. 24 from 10am to 6pm and Saturday, Nov. 25 from Noon to 5pm

Location: 505 Nicollet Mall, Suite 100, directly across from the METRO Nicollet station

• Free Minnesota-shaped ornament and tote bag with $30 purchase (first 50 customers each day)

• Free tote bag with $30 purchase (all customers)

Minneapolis Visitor Information includes three services in one convenient location on Nicollet at 5th Street:

• Shop: Love From Minneapolis offers Minneapolis- and Minnesota-themed apparel, art, specialty foods, souvenirs and gifts, including many made by local artisans. Products are also available at: https://lovefromcompanies.com/shop-minneapolis

• Move: Move Minneapolis (formerly the Commuter Connection) provides services to commuters, carpool information, transit passes, schedules and maps, MNPass and bicycling commuting information and accessories. Visitors seeking help with transit options should make this their first stop downtown.

• Find: Meet Minneapolis staff is available to answer questions, share visitor maps and provide suggestions about things to do in Minneapolis and the surrounding area. The Visitor Information Center in the Minneapolis Convention Center also is available to provide similar information to visitors and convention attendees.

ABOUT MEET MINNEAPOLIS

Meet Minneapolis is a private, not-for-profit, member-based association. It actively promotes and sells the Minneapolis area as a destination for conventions and meetings, works to maximize the visitor experience and markets the city as a desirable tourist destination to maximize the economic benefit to the greater Minneapolis area.

Connect with Meet Minneapolis: Online, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and for deals and exclusive experiences: http://go.minneapolis.org

2017-2018 Snow Emergency Info Sources

If you didn't receive the 2017-2018 Minneapolis Snow Emergency Brochure in the mail, you can find the information online and subscribe to various update options:

Hotline - Call the automated 612-348-SNOW (7669) hotline to find out if a Snow Emergency has been declared. If a Snow Emergency is in effect, the hotline will have information on that day’s parking restrictions that drivers need to follow to avoid tickets and tows.

The City’s website - Go to www.minneapolismn.gov/snow to find out whether a Snow Emergency has been declared and for a wealth of information on Snow Emergencies in many languages. Also, check out the street lookup, which lets you put in an address or a neighborhood to see where you can park during a Snow Emergency.

Phone alerts - Minneapolis uses a phone alert system to notify residents when Snow Emergencies are declared. It is an automated notification system that can place thousands of calls per hour. You can add your cellphone or unlisted landline number to the alert system by signing up at www.minneapolismn.gov/snow.

Email alerts - You can sign up to get Snow Emergency alerts automatically emailed to you. Go to www.minneapolismn.gov/snow/snow_esubscribe for more details.

App for Android devices and iPhones – Drivers who have Android devices or iPhones can download the Snow Emergency app. During a Snow Emergency, the app will tell them the parking rules for that day. It also has a street lookup, which lets them see where they can park on that day by street address or by having the device’s GPS pinpoint their location.

The media - News releases are sent to the media so TV, radio stations and other news outlets can inform their viewers and listeners that a Snow Emergency is in effect.

Cable TV - Tune in to cable channels 14 and 79. These channels will have information in several languages when a Snow Emergency is declared.

Facebook and Twitter – Like Minneapolis Snow Emergency on Facebook or follow on Twitter. Both the Twitter and Facebook pages will tell fans and followers when a Snow Emergency is declared.

Now Open: Nicollet Mall

An in-depth look at the new Nicollet Mall
After $50 million and 28 disruptive months of construction, the barriers have finally come down on Nicollet Mall, marking its third remake in a half-century.

Two-plus years in the making: Nicollet Mall back in business
Nicollet Mall reopened at noon Thursday, marking the end of a construction headache that's cost millions of dollars and closed the downtown Minneapolis corridor for more than two years.

Watch: Nicollet Mall opens after 2 years of construction
Nicollet Mall reopened, marking the end of a construction headache that's cost millions of dollars and closed the downtown Minneapolis corridor for more than two years.

The new and improved Nicollet Mall is finally unveiled
It will be an asset for downtown Minneapolis, but public safety is still a concern.

Mary Tyler Moore statue is back on Nicollet Mall
She's back. The beloved bronze statue of Mary Tyler Moore exuberantly tossing her hat into the air is back at its original home at Nicollet Mall and 7th Street in Minneapolis. On Saturday morning, she smiled and tossed it under a dusting of snow.

Metro Transit buses to return to Nicollet Mall Dec. 2 — for a bit
They'll be detoured again for a month as of Jan. 15 due to the Super Bowl.

One weird trick to fix downtown Minneapolis
Have you walked around downtown lately? I don't know. It's not great. The Nicollet Mall reconstruction is, without a doubt, something that has happened. Some of the streets have improved and will continue to improve in the next few years. A number of new Starbuckses have recently opened.

2nd Annual Winterfest on Second Street is December 2!

Article by Claudia Kittock

The 2nd Annual Winterfest on Second Street is Saturday, December 2, from 11:00am - 1:00pm. Winterfest is sponsored by the Friends of the Mill District, a small, neighborhood charity with a mission to build community in the Mill District. This event takes place in conjunction with the Mill City Farmers Market (held inside the Mill City Museum) and is a gathering of neighbors with horse and carriage rides, hot chocolate, sledding (in Gold Medal Park, dependent on snow cover) and caroling. The caroling is organized and led by the Mill City Singers, and we invite anyone interested to join us. We will have lyric sheets and stroll 2nd Street S, singing songs of the season.

We also want to support our neighbors. In this wonderful Mill District, 26% of our population lives below the poverty level. Often invisible in this neighborhood of plenty, we want to make sure everyone is seen and everyone is supported.

Please consider supporting our neighbors in need by dropping off donations at Cynthia Froid Group, located at 702 2nd Street S, across from the Mill City Museum. People Serving People is always in need of diapers, outerwear, and other things. YouthLink needs hats, mittens, and many other items. Donations of money and/or gift cards can also be dropped off.

If you love to sing, join the Mill City Singers for caroling during Winterfest. We will begin at the Guthrie, stopping to sing at various locations along 2nd Street. Come sing with us - all are welcome! You don’t have to be a member of the Singers to participate. We just want to sing together.

Be Grateful!

Article by Claudia Kittock

If you sing with the Mill City Singers, you are familiar with the gorgeous song, simply titled, Be Grateful. This is a time of year when all of us are reminded of the things that bring us joy, the things that are so profoundly important every day of our lives. I do the work I do because I believe in social justice and equality. I believe that I am required to do this work. I was born lucky and I didn’t choose that luck. I was born to parents who loved me, provided a home for me, and urged me to read and to learn. Some people are not born with that luck through no choice of their own. I am required to give that luck back. What I have learned is that for every bit of effort and every bit of investment, it comes back to me 1000 times.           

I am honored to work with people experiencing homelessness. While that may seem odd in an essay on thankfulness, it is not. I have received more ‘thank yous’ and more thankfulness than in any other part of my life. I laugh every single day that I am with the youth, and the hugs are never ending. The strength I see every day inspires me to work harder and to do better.

I am honored to write this column for the incredible Mill City Times. Dave Tinjum urged me to write for a year before I said ‘yes’. He wanted me to tell the stories I hear as I go about my advocacy work. Why am I grateful? Because every single week I am honored to talk with people who are doing the work of social justice, not for show, not for money, and certainly not for glory. They do the work because it is the right thing to do, and I get to be reminded that our world is filled with people like this.

This year in the life of Friends of the Mill District there were many things that require thankfulness. As many of you know, we offered Yoga in the Park from Memorial Day to Labor Day. I was, again, approached by a yoga teacher who asked if she could teach the class for free! She assured me she would take charge of the schedule and find other teachers on the days she couldn’t be there. ALL of that was done for free, for a contribution to building community, for ‘doing the right thing’. Wow!!

The Mill City Singers continues to delight and touch both singers and audiences. In the past year, we have grown from an average of 41 singers in each rehearsal to 49. There has been no publicity to seek new singers, and yet we add people every single week. Our roster now includes 191 singers. Performances this year included the Capri Theater, the Loring Park Music Fest, a Twins game, caroling for Winterfest, and we have been asked to be a community partner with the Minnesota Orchestra.

We launched a new project in August of this year, the Mill City Youth Players. The actors come from the Cedar Riverside neighborhood and from YouthLink. We had 24 actors who participated and put on a sold-out production in the Dowling Theater at the Guthrie on August 24. It was phenomenal! The second session began on November 15 and will continue with rehearsals at the Guthrie, culminating in 3 performances!  There will be 2 performances on January 25, a matinee and an evening performance and will culminate with an evening performance on January 26. Put these dates on your calendar - you won’t want to miss it.

With new endeavors come new challenges. Our biggest challenge this year was finding the money to pay the salaries for the professionals who lead the Mill City Singers and the Mill City Youth Players. Because of the incredible outpouring of love and support from the ‘friends’ of these programs, we were able to find the financial support we needed. We are so very thankful to each and every one of you who help us. The name of our charity has proved very appropriate! You truly are friends of the Mill District and we are profoundly grateful for your friendship.

There are always ways to get and/or stay involved:

• Bring dinner for the actors at the Guthrie. We make sure there is a dinner for them after each rehearsal and ask you to stay and talk with them. Not only is it great fun, but you will be reminded just how much teenagers eat! If interested, please contact me at cjkittock@gmail.com.
• Sing with us! If you think you can’t sing, you are probably wrong, and even so, the Mill City Singers is open to all. No charge, no expectations but to come with a full heart ready to sing with joy and to make friends.  Contact me at cjkittock@gmail.com.
• Support us financially so that these programs can continue. You can donate through GiveMN at https://givemn.org/organization/friends-of-the-mill-district.
• Send a check made out to Friends of the Mill District to: Claudia Kittock, 212 10th Avenue S, Apt. 102, Minneapolis, MN 55415

Be grateful! It matters in how you go through life, and a heart full of gratitude is one way to change the world around you.

Cynthia Froid Group Office is a Convenient Donation Drop Off Point in the Mill District

As many of you know, Cindy Froid offers her Cynthia Froid Group office at 709 2nd Street S as a drop location for donations to People Serving People and YouthLink. Collection boxes are located inside, the office is open during business hours, Monday through Friday.

If you'd like to contribute, below are some helpful ideas for items that will truly make a difference to those who are currently stuggling:

YouthLink wish list includes:

• Feminine professional attire and masculine button-up shirts 

  o At this time they are currently at capacity with masculine professional attire and are not able to take masculine dress pants and suits.

• Winter clothing, age appropriate 

  o Urgent need: coats and winter jackets, masculine jeans, long-sleeve and T-shirts, fashionable young feminine clothing 

• New bras and underwear (all sizes, men's only boxer briefs, women's any style) 

  o Please note - used underwear and socks are not accepted. 

• New backpacks 

• Gift cards, $10.00 value (Aldi gift cards for groceries would be especially helpful) 

• Baby wipes

People Serving People’s top 10 needs include:

• Air mattresses 
• Baby carrier (front pack) 
• Baggies: snack size 
• CaCoats: boys size 5-12; girls 2T-5T; and adult XL-5XL 
• Diapers: sizes 5 & 6; pullups 3T,4T,5T (Huggies is preferred brand) 
• Gloves and mittens (any size, child and adult) 
• Sanitary napkins (with wings) and tampons (super size) 
• Sheets & blankets: sizes T/F/Q 
• Similac: Advance/Iron/Fortified/Sensitive  
• Baby powder 
• Towels: wash cloths, hand and bath sizes 

Please consider helping a neighbor in need of a hand, support and understanding.

Thank you!

Washington Avenue Reconstruction is Complete!

Meet the new Washington Avenue

Hennepin County, in coordination with the City of Minneapolis and Downtown Improvement District, has completed reconstruction of Washington Avenue South (County Road 152) between Hennepin Avenue and 5th Avenue South.

The project began in 2016 with utility relocation work. For the past two years, crews completed work along the project corridor. The new Washington Avenue features the following upgrades:

For people driving:
•New pavement, resulting in improved driving experiences
•New medians and curbs, as well as refreshed striping, which help define roadway better
•Dedicated turn lanes at key intersections

For people biking:
•One-way dedicated bike lanes in both directions
•Specialty striping for bike lanes
•Special bike traffic signals

For people walking:
•New concrete sidewalks
•More dedicated space

The reconstruction also provided the opportunity to upgrade curb ramps and crosswalk signals to meet the standards of the Americans with Disabilities act, as well as the following improvements for safety:
•Shortened crossing distances for people walking
•Behind-the-curb bike lanes
•Striping and stop bars that provide safe distance for all road users

In addition, there is enhanced streetscaping elements, like new pavers, trees and other landscaping. Granite benches, repurposed from Nicollet Avenue, also were added to the corridor.

More information is available at www.hennepin.us/washingtonave.

Visual images of the new Washington Avenue

Early artist's rendering of new Washington Avenue design.

View of completed Washington Avenue in front of 4th Avenue block, roughly approximating the artist's rendering.

View of completed Washington Avenue with all permanent signals functioning, including traffic, pedestrian and cycle track.