Mill City Singers 2018-19 Season Concludes With a Performance at the June 8 Loring Park Music Festival

Article by Claudia Kittock

The Mill City Singers will conclude their 2018-19 season on June 8th with a performance at the Loring Park Music Festival. We will be singing at 2:00 and invite everyone to come out. It’s a great event and we are honored to be singing there for the 3rd year.

It has been a magical season for the Singers and one we will all treasure. For 30 weeks, stretching from September to June 8, the Singers have rehearsed on the 8th floor of the Guthrie Theater on Saturday afternoons, from 2:00-3:30. The Guthrie has been an amazing partner, donating the space to the Singers. We are so grateful for their continued generosity and support, and hope that relationship continues for a long time.

The philosophy of the Singers is "if you love to sing, and call yourself a friend of the Mill District, come." Directed by J.D. Steele and accompanied by Fred Steele, we come together every Saturday to sing, but so much more than that happens. The age range of the Singers is 18-94, and voices ranging from professional singers to ordinary voices. J.D. takes that mix and, somehow, makes it sound wonderful. Every single week, we laugh, we sing, we hug, and then we leave feeling more optimistic to face another week. That happens every single week. We also understand that adults live adult lives, full of complications. So, people come when they can and deal with the complications of life when they need to do that. We know we are stronger together, and every week we are strengthened by the people who show up.

In the past season, we have sung at the Capri Theater twice, at Orchestra Hall, were featured in a video at the MacPhail Music Matters Luncheon, and performed at the Loring Park Music Festival. We lead the singing of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the 7th inning stretch of a Twins game. Two of our favorite events were holding a rehearsal at Augustana Assisted Living and at Catholic Eldercare. We have been invited back and plan to do that next season too.

The Mill City Singers started as an experiment in forming community, and is now firmly established as an integral part of the community. We are so blessed to have this group here and excited to continue for as long as possible. 

If you are interested in more information, please contact Claudia Kittock at cjkittock@gmail.com. Sponsored by the Friends of the Mill District, we welcome any and all contributions. Our only expense is the salaries of J.D. and Fred. All other work is done on a volunteer basis. We would love to add you to our list of friends!

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

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).

.

Contact: claudia@millcitymedia.org

MSP Film Society Presents GREAT ART ON SCREEN, a New Documentary Series

Via a May 28 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis St. Paul Film Society:

MSP Film Society is proud to present a new programming initiative, Great Art on Screen. This series of documentaries, exclusively for U.S. cinemas, features fresh and in-depth looks at the most extraordinary and groundbreaking art masters of their time.

Van Gogh - Of Wheat Fields and Clouded Skies

May 28 at 7:00pm

Take a fresh look at Van Gogh through the legacy of the greatest private collector of the Dutch artist's work: Helene Kröller-Müller (1869-1939), one of the first to recognize the genius of Van Gogh. In the early 20th century, Kröller-Müller amassed nearly 300 of Van Gogh's paintings and drawings now housed at her namesake museum in Holland.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

.

Caravaggio: The Soul and the Blood

June 25 at 7:00pm

Take an immersive journey through the life, works and struggles of the Italian master Michelangelo Merisi di Caravaggio. Roberto Longhi, a Caravaggio expert, explores in the artist's masterpieces the echo of personal experiences and the expression of the human state, both physical and emotional.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

.

Klimt & Schiele: Eros and Psyche

July 23 at 7:00pm

Klimt & Schiele: Eros and Psyche, recounts the start of the Vienna Secession, a magical art movement formed in the late 1890's for art, literature and music.

.

Additional films:

.

Water Lilies by Monet - The Magic of Water and Light

August 27 at 7:00pm

Tintoretto: A Rebel in Venice

September 24 at 7:00pm

Gauguin in Tahiti: Paradise Lost

October 22 at 7:00pm

The Prado Museum: A Collection of Wonders

November 26 at 7:00pm

Northern Lights.mn Invites You to 'Move Your Feet, Make Some Noise' in The Commons During Northern Spark, June 14 & 15

Via an e-newsletter from Northern Lights.mn:

Northern Spark returns to this urban park for the third time this summer with installations that compel you to move your feet, make some noise, and reclaim your space.

Join dynamic duo Beatrix*Jar for Let’s Make Some Sounds!, a one of a kind audio experience where you can make music on vintage electronics instruments and have sonic conversations with the community. People of all sonic skill levels are invited to experiment with sound minus the pressure of a formal musical outcome.

Will you move your body in joyful protest? What Will You Dance For? (The Exuberant Activist Body), presented by the artist collective Don’t You Feel It Too?, invites participants to dance their wild and embodied state of resilience and resistance. Try this form of mind-body training, exuberant art, flash mob, and street protest.

The winner of the 2019 Creative City Challenge, Radical Playground is a participatory art installation by Candida Gonzalez and Mary Anne Quiroz. Try your hand at painting an alejibre and dance to the beats of all-femme DJ collective Indigo Crew throughout the nights.The artists invite Indigenous communities and communities of color to a space where they feel free to gather, to play, to heal.

The Ethiopian Harp Begena is an instrument that has been around for centuries along with many other traditional instruments. Festival-goers who visit Begena At Night: The ceremony of Ethiopian art through different mediums by Yilma Hailu will be able to experience the different aspects of Ethiopian art such as traditional instruments like the Begena, gesture paintings, and coffee ceremonies.

Created by artist Kelly Leaf, Poetry People/People Poetry: A Community Conversation is about making YOUR statement of belonging. Choose an anthem or slogan or phrase you would like to communicate from a selection of large word cards. Your statement will be photographed, posted to Instagram, and become a line in our community poem!

And finally, artist Joshua McGarvey wants to highlight the ability of humans to Synchronize heartbeats. Participants are invited to wear a harness that allows them to feel the heartbeat of the person sitting across from them and vice versa. Stare into the eyes of the person across from you, match breathing, and feel the presence of another.

The Creative City Challenge is a program of the Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy of the City of Minneapolis created in collaboration with The Commons. We’re thankful to these partners for their support of CCC and the projects featured in The Commons!

Law Enforcement Organizations Announce Launch of 2019 Joint Beats Program in Downtown Mpls

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), Metro Transit Police Department, today announced its continued successful Joint Beats partnership program in downtown Mpls.

Now in its 13th 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 during the summer months.

The 2019 Joint Beats program launched collectively on Memorial Day and will run through Labor Day. During that span, more beat officers are being placed in downtown’s core as a way to enhance real and perceived safety during the summer months.

“Law enforcement cooperation between MPD, HCSO and Metro Transit PD is a key part of 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. “Business organizations like mdc, DID and others invest in safety programs including prevention, outreach and street activation. When it comes to dealing with illegal acts and conduct which threatens public safety, we rely on effective action by our partners in law enforcement and the criminal justice system. ‘Joint Beats’ is part of that effective response.

A collection of added initiatives by 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.

“We value our relationships with our local law enforcement partners, and Joint Beats really highlights the importance of our collective collaboration on the streets,” said Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo. “Another important layer to Joint Beats’ success is the tremendous contribution of social service ‘street outreach’ worker. Together, we are actively working to build relationships with our community and provide appropriate services to those in need.”

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

"Downtown is an active and vibrant part of our county, and our team is excited to continue working together with our local partners during Joint Beats," Hennepin County Sheriff David Hutchinson said. "Together we look forward to a fun, safe summer downtown."

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.

About the mpls downtown council

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

About the Mpls Downtown Improvement District

Founded in early 2009 by the downtown business community, the Mpls DID delivers higher levels of service to make downtown cleaner, greener, safer and more vibrant throughout a 120-block area. It is funded almost exclusively by the commercial property owners of downtown Mpls, and it is the largest Business Improvement District in the state of Minnesota. For more information, visit www.mplsdid.com.

Gold Medal Park Signage Restored

You may recall the Gold Medal Park signage was vandalized this spring while the Final Four events were going on (Star Trib article). The entire structure had been removed for the restoration process, leaving the front of the park looking a bit naked. The signage has since been reinstalled, and it looks pretty spiffy.

Twin Cities River Rats Ski Show Returns for the 2019 Season on June 6

The Twin Cities River Rats Ski Show returns in June. Watch performance on the banks of the Mississippi on West River Road between Plymouth and Broadway.The home site is located just north of downtown Minneapolis, and the hillside along the river provides excellent viewing for the best show in the Twin Cities. 

The River Rats perform an hour long show combining various water skiing acts with skits and music. Acts include Barefooting, Pyramids, Doubles and more. All shows are free and concessions are available.

Here is the June schedule:

Thursday Night Show - June 6 @ 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Thursday Night Show - June 13 @ 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Thursday Night Show - June 20 @ 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
MN Military Appreciation Show - June 25 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Thursday Night Shows - June 27 @ 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Follow the Twin City River Rats on Facebook.

Cynthia Froid Group to host "State of Downtown Real Estate: A look at 2019 Minneapolis Housing Trends" Event on June 12

Via a May 24 e-announcement form Cynthia Froid Group:

Join us for our 4th annual real estate update! We will present you with all the most current info relevant to Downtown Minneapolis neighborhoods. We will give a brief run-down of current market trends, short-term forecasts, and new developments to help you as property owners (or potential buyers) make the most informed choices moving forward.

Special guest Andrew Flesher, luxury interior designer and cast member of NBC's American Dream Builders, shares his insight on design trends for here and now! Keep current with the expert advice of Cynthia Froid and Andrew Flesher in one condensed info session.

Please specify your building in your RSVP and send in any questions you would like addressed; we want to make the presentation as informative as we can to those in attendance.

Refreshments provided.

Wednesday June 12th - 6:00-7:00pm - Mill City Museum

Please RSVP to admin@cynthiafroid.com ASAP; Space is Limited!

Cynthia Froid and Andrew Flesher

North Loop Reconstruction & Pedestrian Improvements Update

Editor's note - This is an ongoing series of updates as the North Loop Reconstruction and Pedestrian Improvements project.

North Loop Reconstruction & Pedestrian Improvements

The North Loop Reconstruction & Pedestrian Improvements Project consists of two separate projects:

1. A full street reconstruction along 3rd St N between 10th Ave N and 5th Ave N
2. A pedestrian improvement project generally bounded by 10th Ave N on the north, 1st Ave on the south, West River Parkway on the east, and 4th St N on the west

What's Happening

.

5th Ave N

• CenterPoint Energy made it though the intersection of Washington and 5th Ave N and is currently at 3rd St N working towards 4th St N
• Started sidewalk removals on the east side of 5th, the west side will remain available for pedestrian access
• Removed old railroad tracks

7th Ave N

• Pavement has been removed
• Removed old railroad tracks
• Utility work has begun between 3rd St N and 4th St N (above photo 13' deep sanitary sewer manhole rebuild)
• The soil conditions are very poor in the area, this will be remedied as soon as

For more information on this project, visit the project website.

Upcoming Work

.

WORK ANTICIPATED FOR THE REMAINDER OF THIS WEEK AND NEXT WEEK

5th Ave N

• CenterPoint Energy 6” gas line installation continuing from 3rd St N to 4th St N
• Finish sidewalk removals on the east side of 5th Ave N

7th Ave N

• Continue utility work
• Water system upgrades – There is a water shut-off planned along 7th Ave N on Tuesday night beginning at 11 pm and ending around 5 am Wednesday morning. If your property is effected, a blue notice will be placed on the door of your property in 48 hours’ in advance for impacted businesses, 24 hours’ in advance to impacted residential properties.
• Sanitary Sewer – Crews are currently reconstruction sanitary structures on 7th Ave N
• Storm Sewer - Storm sewer work will begin tomorrow

8th Ave N – Tentatively planning on right after Memorial Day

• Begin salvaging brick pavers on 5-29-19
• Followed by full depth removals

9th Ave N

• Begin salvaging brick pavers on 5-31-19

.

Updates

.

Project still scheduled to begin June 17, 2019.

For more information on this project, visit the project website.

Friends of the Mill District to Sponsor Book Drive during the June 15th Mill City Farmers Market

Article by Claudia Kittock

For any of us who love to read, our lives have been spent accumulating books, and then we wonder how that happened. Many are books we will never read again, and yet, they sit on our shelves. Friends of the Mill District and YouthLink are hoping to offer a solution.

On Saturday, June 15th, we will be collecting books for YouthLink. We will be outside of the Guthrie on 2nd Street from 8am-1:00pm during the Mill City Farmers Market. The books will all be donated to YouthLink. Being able to pick up a book and read it whenever you want is a luxury many young people don’t have. We hope to be able to fill in a bit of that void with as many books as we can. 

That will only happen with your help. What books are best? Any and all books are best as we all love slightly different types of books at different times in our lives. Please start piling up books that you know you won’t read again and bring them to the Guthrie on June 15th. Nothing could be better than sharing your love for reading!

Please contact Claudia Kittock at cjkittock@gmail.com with any questions or comments.  Thank you!

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

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).

.

Contact: claudia@millcitymedia.org

The Minneapolis Central Library

Article by Michael Rainville, Jr.

The largest library in Hennepin County, the Minneapolis Central Library, houses the third largest per capita public library collection of any major city in the United States, with a collection of more than 2.4 million items. A remarkable resource for residents in the area. Education is important for the growth of any city, and libraries have been anchors for many communities throughout Minneapolis.

Before the city’s library system came to be, there was a subscription library founded in 1859 and charted as a corporation in 1860 called the Minneapolis Athenaeum. Other subscription libraries popped up around the area during this time, such as the St. Anthony Literary Society and the Mechanics Library. However, the Athenaeum was the only one able to find success. Years later in 1865 they constructed their own building located in the heart of a fledgling Minneapolis called Centre Block, which is where Gateway Park currently lies. In 1885 the Athenaeum partnered with the newly created Minneapolis Public Library and has been associated with them ever since. Their collection is housed in vaults located on the 4th floor Special Collections Department of the current Minneapolis Central Library.

Original library, 1900

After four years of existence, the Minneapolis Public library opened its first central library in 1889, and it was situated along 10th Street and Hennepin Avenue. The main attraction of this new castle-like building was the art collection of T.B. Walker, the namesake for the Walker Art Center. Just as the city of Minneapolis was rapidly growing throughout the 20th century, so was the library, and in 1961 the Minneapolis Public Library and Information Center opened along 4th Street and Nicollet Avenue. This location was chosen in order to be a cornerstone for a very run-down Gateway District that was in the process of being redeveloped thanks to the 1960’s Urban Renewal project that impacted some of the larger cities throughout the United States.

Second library, 1961

The new building included a library, planetarium, auditorium, and a museum in its basement that was known for its Egyptian mummies. The planetarium was without a doubt a hit with children and adults alike. It was operated by the Minneapolis Planetarium Society, and from 1974-1982 they partnered with the Science Museum of Minnesota to jointly run the planetarium that saw over 170,000 visitors per year during its early years, and over four million during its entire lifespan. Unfortunately, good things come to an end and the city was without a planetarium once the Minneapolis Public Library and Information Center closed its doors in 2002 to make way for a brand-new building. Initially the plan was to construct a planetarium on top of the new building, but plans fell through and in 2011 the Minneapolis Planetarium Society merged with the Bell Museum of Natural History. Everything ended up working out for everyone, as a state-of-the-art planetarium is included in the new Bell Museum that opened in July of 2018.

Rendering of the current library with the planetarium on the roof.

Now back to the library. In the 1990s, city and library officials recognized that the downtown community was outgrowing the current building, technology was rapidly improving, and the library’s collection was growing by the day, so the process of planning a new one began. In November of 2000 the citizens of Minneapolis voted to approve a $140 million funding to improve the library. Almost six years later in May of 2006, the Minneapolis Central Library you see today opened to the public. Designed by César Pelli, who is known for designing the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur and the World Financial Center in New York City, the new library features many windows to allow natural light in, a rooftop garden, an Adaptive Technology Lab, homework tutoring for K-12 students, and a beautiful collection of art that is spread throughout the building. The Minneapolis Central Library has been vital for the educational growth of the city and its residents since it first opened it doors, and three buildings later it shows no signs of slowing down.

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

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 lead guide at Mobile Entertainment LLC, giving Segway tours of the Minneapolis riverfront for 6+ years.

He can be reached at mrainvillejr@comcast.net.

Women Warriors: the Current Issues Facing Women Veterans

Article submitted by Matt Hill and Hill and Ponton Disability Attorneys

Even though only about 10% of all U.S. veterans are women, this demographic often gets ignored and overlooked. Our women veterans have served just as their male counterparts, but women veterans face some specifically challenging obstacles when it comes to acclimating back into daily life after combat. This is why the Minneapolis VA recently sponsored a Women’s Health Week, to celebrate our women veterans and highlight the specific services and programs offered for these warriors. 

Women Veteran Health Risks

For some perspective on the issues facing women vets, the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs compiled some statistics.

●     About 20% of women veterans have reported some form of Military Sexual Trauma (MST).

●     PTSD, hypertension, and depression are the top three ailments faced by women veterans.

●     Women veterans are four times as likely to experience homelessness than their male peers.

●     Low-income levels and homelessness directly impact a woman’s access to health care and proper gynecological services.

On a nationwide scale, the U.S. VA offers a variety of different services specifically for veterans including pelvic exams and mammography screening, family planning counseling and contraceptive services, menopause treatment, infertility testing, and sexual trauma therapy.

As a way to spread the word about these services, the Minneapolis VA held their Women’s Health Week. Each day was dedicated to a specific section of women’s health care such as maternity health, breast care, gynecology, mental health, and MST and interpersonal violence.

There are over 300,000 veterans in Minnesota. If you are a woman veteran looking for some additional resources from the VA, please contact the Minneapolis VA Patient Call Center at 866-414-5058.

Experience the Twin Cities Has Two New Tour Options for Summer 2019

Experience the Twin Cities is offering two new ways for you to enjoy local craft beers during the summer of 2019: the Minneapolis Brewery and Boat Tour, and Brews 'n Bites.

MINNEAPOLIS BREWERY AND BOAT TOUR  Can you think of a better way to spend a Minnesota afternoon than on the water with craft beer? The new Brewery and Boat Cruise tour allows you to enjoy summer like a true Minnesotan. You will board a beautiful riverboat where you’ll enjoy craft beer of your choice while seeing Minneapolis landmarks from serenity of the Mississippi. After experiencing the bustling city from a unique  viewpoint, hop back on your open air bus or enclosed coach for visits to two iconic local breweries for more craft beer. TOUR OPERATES: Saturdays 1:30-5:30pm (June - Oct) WHATS INCLUDED: Enjoy local craft beer at each location 90-minute Mississippi River cruise Snacks Bottled Water Cooler to store your growlers in Fun and knowledgeable tour guide that will show you a great time and help select your craft beer Convenient pick up and drop off location Professional driver Enclosed spacious coach or our new open air bus  PRICING: $85 per person PICK UP: 825 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis MN 55402 - Outside of Rock Bottom Brewery in LaSalle Plaza  BREWS 'N BITES Combine the award-winning brewery tour with an opportunity to sample delicious foods along the way. Introducing Brews ‘n Bites! Satisfy your taste buds on an evening experience of local craft brew and iconic local nibbles. Brewmasters giving their recommendations for the perfect beer pairing to each bite. However, it’s ultimately up to you – select your favorite craft beer! Don't worry about the ride, we've got that covered. Get comfortable in our open-air bus or a spacious coaching while enjoying a worry-free experience led by a knowledgeable and fun tour guide. Tour duration is 3 hours. TOUR OPERATES: Fridays and Saturdays at 6pm (June-Oct) WHATS INCLUDED: Enjoy local craft beer at each brewery Bites include: a famous local brat made with their flagship beer (with or without sauerkraut and fries), large, mouth-watering chocolate truffle made by a local chocolatier, and more!  Snacks  Bottled water Cooler to store your growlers in Fun and knowledgeable tour guide that will show you a great time and help select your craft beer Convenient pick up and drop off location Professional driver Enclosed spacious coach or our new open air bus Special brewery discounts PRICING: $75 per person PICK UP: 825 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis MN 55402 - Outside of Rock Bottom Brewery in LaSalle Plaza

June 2019 Events at the Hennepin History Museum

Just in from our friends at the Hennepin History Museum:

Friday, June 7, 4 – 6 PM

Field Trip! Dinkytown: Forever Young Walking Tour

Hennepin History Museum's Interim Director, Cara Letofsky, will be your guide on this half-mile walk. This tour explores Dinkytown’s early commercial years, signature buildings, legacy businesses, and its role in the student protests of the 1960s. Because of its proximity to the U of M, Dinkytown has always been subject to the winds of change and cycles of urban growth and decline.

Admission: $12; $10 for HHM members. Tickets: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4249039 

Thursday, June 13, 6 – 8 PM

Mapping Prejudice Volunteer Training

You can be part of this important project. Penny Peterson and Maggie Mills will conduct a volunteer training session and guide you through the process of researching documents. Bring along a laptop and learn how you can contribute to building the interactive Mapping Prejudice map of racial covenants in Hennepin County.

Admission: Free for volunteers, but please RSVP: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4246521 

Saturday, June 15, 2 – 4 PM

Walking Tour of Washburn-Fair Oaks Historic District

Author and historian Shari Albers will lead a walking tour of the Washburn-Fair Oaks historic neighborhood where Hennepin History Museum is located. Many fine old homes still stand in what was known as the Miller District. Shari’s tour also points out locations of homes that no longer exist, but were designed to impress.

Shari Albers is a long-time volunteer docent at Hennepin History Museum. She developed this tour and others, which she leads for the Museum and Preserve Minneapolis.

Admission: $12; $10 for HHM members. A tour booklet is included in price. Tickets: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4249099

Sunday, June 16, 2 – 4 PM

Fireside Chat: Creating the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party

Celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Minnesota’s Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party. Concern about the power the Republican Party exerted on elected offices throughout the state, and an approaching national election, provided incentive for the Farmer-Labor Party and the Democratic Party to merge in 1944. The new party carried the state for Roosevelt that year and elected Hubert Humphrey Mayor of Minneapolis in 1945. Speakers will discuss the political tenor and events leading up to the merger, the forces at work, the key figures involved, and its relationship to Hennepin County. Come for an interesting conversation with artifacts from the time and many historic photographs.

Admission: $8; $5 Seniors/Students; free for HHM members. Tickets: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4248960

Thursday, June 20, 6 – 8 PM

Fireside Chat with Marcia G. Anderson, Author of A Bag Worth A Pony

Retired curator Marcia G. Anderson will talk about her book A Bag Worth A Pony: The Art of the Ojibwe Bandolier Bag. As a result of thirty years of study, Marcia shares what she learned from the talented bead artists who keep the form alive, from historical records, and from the bags themselves. From the 1870s to the present day, Ojibwe bead artists of Minnesota have been especially regarded for their lively, creative designs. Neighboring Dakota people would trade a pony for a beautiful beaded bag.

Marcia examines the history, forms, structure, and motifs of the bags, giving readers the tools to understand a bag’s makeup and meaning.

Admission: $8; $5 Students/Seniors; free for HHM members. Tickets: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4249058

Save the Date: Thursday, June 27, 6 – 8 PM

Opening Reception - Being Human: Stories from Humans of Minneapolis

In 2010, Stephanie Glaros began walking to work in downtown Minneapolis with her camera in hand, and asked people she encountered along the way if she could take their photograph. It was a means of breaking through the social barriers she felt between herself and others. Originally a personal project called Minneapolis Strangers, it evolved into Humans of Minneapolis, inspired by the storytelling project Humans of New York. She shared her photographs and interviews online, developing a social media following of over 70,000. While preparing a book about the work, published in 2016, she learned how the project had affected the people in the photographs. It is a project that keeps on giving. She relaunched as a nonprofit organization in 2018, with the mission of connecting hearts and minds with storytelling to encourage empathy and build community. Being Human: Stories from Humans of Minneapolis is a curated collection of memorable stories from the project.

MacPhail Video Featuring the Mill City Singers

This video from MacPhail Center for Music's 2019 Music Matters luncheon captures the essence of the Mill City Singers, led by J.D. and Fred Steele. 

Cardinals in Love

Mill City Times photographer Ryan Ojard has been following this pair of cardinals, nicknamed Alice and Eugene, throughout the spring. Eugene lovingly tends to his mate, and Ryan was quick to catch this shot of him feeding Alice.

North Loop Paving Update

Editor's note - This is an ongoing series of updates as the North Loop Reconstruction and Pedestrian Improvements project.

North Loop Reconstruction & Pedestrian Improvements

The North Loop Reconstruction & Pedestrian Improvements Project consists of two separate projects:

1. A full street reconstruction along 3rd St N between 10th Ave N and 5th Ave N
2. A pedestrian improvement project generally bounded by 10th Ave N on the north, 1st Ave on the south, West River Parkway on the east, and 4th St N on the west

North Loop Reconstruction Updates

WORK THIS PAST WEEK

Full depth pavement removals on 5th Ave N between 4th St N and 5th St N5th Ave N

• Finished salvaging brick pavers on 5th Ave N
• Finished full depth pavement removals on 5th Ave N.  Local access allowed, once CenterPoint’s work begins, 5th Ave N may become a one-way. More to come.
• CenterPoint Energy is currently at the intersection of Washington Ave and 5th Ave N and working towards 4th St N

7th Ave N

• Began full depth pavement removals between Washington and 4th Ave N, tentatively planning on starting on 4th St N and working towards Washington (skipping 3th St N). As crews progress with pavement removals they will build a gravel access road. 
• Preparing for next week's utility work

WORK ANTICIPATED FOR THE REMAINDER OF THIS WEEK AND NEXT WEEK

5th Ave N

• CenterPoint Energy 6” gas line installation

7th Ave N

• Begin utility work on 7th Ave N on Monday May 20th
• Water – there may be some short term, shut offs, the water department will give 48 hours’ notice to impacted businesses, 24 hours’ notice to impacted residences
• Sewer
• Gas
• Electric

MISCELLANEOUS

8th Ave N – Tentatively planning to begin work at this location right after Memorial Day

• Begin salvaging brick pavers on 5-28-19
• Followed by full depth removals

Stakeholder Meeting -These meetings are informal, held biweekly and intended to offer residents and businesses located on the project site an opportunity to get construction updates, ask construction and access related questions.

Date/Time:         May 29th, 7:30 am to 8:30 am

Location:            Corner Coffee 514 N 3rd St #102, Minneapolis MN 55401

As always, feel free to John Benjamin (651-443-1096) or myself (612-673-3365) with any construction related questions or concerns.

For more information on this project, visit the project website.

North Loop Pedestrian Improvements Updates

This project is tentatively scheduled to start on June 17, 2019. More to come.

For more information on this project, visit the project website.

Contact Information

Project Manager:

Stephanie Malmberg, stephanie.malmberg@minneapolismn.gov, 612-673-3365

Chief Field Inspector:

John Benjamin, john.benjamin@minneapolismn.gov, 651-443-1096

Friends of the Mill District's Complimentary Yoga in the Park returns to Gold Medal Park on Saturday, May 25

Article by Claudia Kittock

It has been a long winter, and it seemed as if warm weather would never come. At last, the Friends of the Mill District is happy to announce Mill City Yoga in Gold Medal Park is back! We will be meeting on Saturdays, beginning on May 25th, ending on August 31st.

Each session will begin at 9 a.m. and end before 10. Grab your mat (or a towel), bring a neighbor and meet us by the orange sculpture. The sessions are free of charge and sponsored by the Friends of the Mill District charity. Come salute the sun and enjoy the beauty of our neighborhood with your friends and neighbors. Questions and comments can be sent to cjkittock@gmail.com.

New Exhibit Featuring MNHS Fashion Collections Opens Today at Minneapolis Institute of Art

Via a May 16 News Release from the Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS):

Photo: Brocade burgundy velvet two-piece evening dress created by dressmaker Mary G. Worley of St. Paul, ca. 1884-1889A new exhibit co-curated by staff from the Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) and Minneapolis Institute of the Art (Mia) traces the rise of Twin Cities couture—high-end, hand-sewn, custom-made clothing—during a pivotal moment for fashion both worldwide and the developing state of Minnesota. 

Opening today in Mia’s Cargill Gallery, the new exhibit “The Art of High Style: Minnesota Couture 1880–1914” features historic dress from the Minnesota Historical Society collection—most never displayed before—set in context with paintings and works on paper from Mia’s collection.

”We’re delighted to share these extraordinary objects that tell the story of Minnesota’s little-known historic couture fashion industry and the talented female artisans who led it,” said Nicole LaBouff, associate curator of textiles at Mia. 

Twin Cities couture ascended during a pivotal time for Minnesota. Abundant natural resources extracted through milling and mining, along with innovations in rail transportation, brought a rapid growth in the state’s population. The economic boom enriched early Minnesotans and attracted industrial tycoons, and this class of wealthy white citizens sought elegant dress to reflect its new status.

Local designers had strong ties to Paris and other fashion centers, and their painstakingly and meticulously tailored clothing kept their clientele in step with tastemakers around the globe.

"The exhibit highlights the interrelationships between the couturieres who created the vision, their clients who dressed for their social occasions, and the workers who constructed the garments. All set within a backdrop of the development of Minnesota's industries,” said Linda McShannock, MNHS textile curator and co-curator of the exhibit.

“The Art of High Style” will be on display at Mia through Aug. 4, 2019, and is free and open to the public.

Expanded Skate Park and Field Lighting Coming Soon at Elliot Park

New project will significantly upgrade skate park and install field lighting at new athletic field

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board announced a new project at Elliot Park that will expand and enhance the skate park and add new athletic field lighting, along with new paths and potentially upgraded picnic facilities.

The Elliot Park skate park was built in 2004. Phase Two, planned for construction this fall, will add a new sidewalk connection to the corner of S Eighth Street and S Ninth Street and a variety of new features, like a a skateable seat wall, quarter pipe, rail and ledges. The Minneapolis Skate Park Activity Plan, approved in January 2018, helped guide the Phase Two design. 

The athletic field, which was upgraded and expanded in 2015, will be outfitted with four new light poles to extend play into the evening. Existing pedestrian and path lighting will also be replaced throughout the park. 

If funds are available within the budget after construction bids are received, the project could include upgraded picnic facilities. One option is a new lunch patio on the west side of the park, another is to relocate picnic tables to shaded areas on the north side of the park.

This project is funded through a $535,000 allocation from Elliot Park neighborhood Park Dedication Funds and 20-Year Neighborhood Park Plan park rehabilitation funds. 

Follow the links below to check out diagrams and renderings of the planned improvements & complete a short online survey.

Aerial Diagram [PDF]

Skate Park Renderings [PDF]

Take Online Survey

Project Page

2018 Pedestrian and Bicycle Progress Report

Via a May 14 e-newsletter from Hennepin County

New pedestrian and bicycle progress report now available 

Biking, walking and rolling are an important part of everyday life for many Hennepin County residents. Whether it is for transportation, recreation or physical activity, we work to create options for getting around that are safe, comfortable and efficient for more people.

Every year, we invest in our growing network of sidewalks, trails and bikeways. In 2018, the county bikeway network grew by 15.6 miles with 22 projectscompleted and two priority gaps in the network closed. We also installed or upgraded 450 sidewalk ramps and added 32 accessible pedestrian signals.

Check out the full report to learn more about how Hennepin County worked to serve people walking, biking and rolling in 2018.