Ward 7 Outreach and Update

Via a May 31 e-newsletter from 7th Ward Council Member Lisa Goodman

Just wanting to touch base with you all today as there is such fluidity in everything that is happening it is nearly impossible to stay on top of it all. I was relieved to see that last night’s coordinated response was much more successful then what had occurred on previous nights. The State is currently in charge of law enforcement operations and they are working closely with the City of Minneapolis and a wide number of partners to restore peace.

The curfew is in effect again tonight from 8:00 pm until 6:00 am. I want to reassure residents that we have no intelligence at this time of any residential targets but we are encouraging people to consider the following:

• Remove anything from your lawn that could be flammable or a projectile through a window
• Store dumpsters in your garage or move to hidden area in back yard. Consider wetting down the inside contents if they have to be left outside in view.
• Keep LIGHTS ON and some windows open to hear noises that may be approaching. (use caution with windows that may be easily asked from the ground)
• Keep you cell phones charged
• Have alternative ways to communicate with your neighbors and help them to make a plan in case things do get bad.
• Have garden hoses ready and untangled for possible use.
• If you have fire extinguishers-know where they are located
• Check your flood lights; door lights; KEEP THEM ON.
• Be off the streets at 8:00 p.m.
• Be aware of suspicious activities/groups
• Be aware of large gatherings
• Call 911 if you are witnessing suspicious activity and do not confront them
• Watch local news stations for current information
• If you need to be outside wear headlamp, bright colors and reflective clothing
• Check on each other-especially older neighbors, and the vulnerable.

The City of Minneapolis systems have been under cyberattack and the website may be unavailable. The phone and voicemail systems have also been disrupted so the best way to reach me is by email: lisa.goodman@minneapolismn.gov.

As you might imagine, I am receiving an unusually large number of emails and am working to respond to each and every one, please be patient as it may take me a little while to get back to you. With that said, I am asking that people only reach out with critical issues and questions at this time. 911 and 311 are both up and operational. MPD and the Fire Department are still responding to emergency calls in our community.

I am asking each of you to continue using face masks and practice social distancing, however, please reach out to your neighbors and stay connected. Exchange phone numbers and email addresses and stay in close contact with them and your loved ones. This all seems like a nightmare but we will get through this and my hope is that our community will be in a better place on the other side. Stay calm and take care of your mental and physical health.

In Peace and Solidarity,

Lisa

DMNA Announces Opening of Police Safety Center at The Vicinity

Excerpt from the May 27 DMNA e-newsletter:

Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association (DMNA) Board Chair Pam McCrea is proud to announce the opening of the Mill District’s Police Safety Center at The Vicinity building on South Second Street and Park Avenue. The safety center will primarily be used by Lt. Grant Snyder and Sgt. David O’Connor of the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD). Both officers are on the “Homeless Initiative” task force which helps homeless individuals access services for housing, chemical dependency, and mental health. The safety center will not be used for effecting arrests, bookings or interviewing individuals. Rather, it is a workspace for Lt. Snyder, Sgt. O’Connor and other MPD officers, and it will provide our community with a visible and approachable police presence.

Current DMNA board member, and former board chair, Joe Tamburino has been working on the safety center project for over 3 years and is extremely happy that it is now open and running. “This is a wonderful development for downtown because it will give us a greater police presence in the neighborhood and a fantastic opportunity for the police to interact with downtown residents,” Joe said. “Hopefully in the late summer or early fall, after the virus subsides, we will be able to have a grand opening at the safety center so the public can see the space, meet the officers, and enjoy some food and refreshments,” Joe stated. “And I truly wish to thank the wonderful board members and volunteers at the DMNA, the fabulous people at Sherman Associates, the dedicated officers of the MPD, and Chief Arradondo for all of their help in making this project happen.”

The safety center will also be very useful to ensure public safety in the neighborhood during the terrific public events that occur in our great city throughout the year, such as the Stone Arch Bridge Festival, the Pride Festival, Northern Spark, National Night Out, and many other wonderful celebrations.

Minneapolis Bike Tour is Moving from September 2020 to May 2021

Via a May 26 e-announcement from the Minneapolis Park and Rec Board:

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board will not host the Minneapolis Bike Tour in September 2020. The Bike Tour is moving to May 2021, to grow and expand the event. The new date is yet to be determined, but we look forward to sharing details in the coming months. Part of this move will allow us to coincide with Minneapolis Bike Month, create new partnerships and kick off the riding season each spring!

We will continue to update our website throughout the next 3-6 months.

We hope to see you in May of 2021! Thanks for your continued support of the Minneapolis Bike Tour!

10th Ave Bridge Update

Via a May 26 update from the City of Minneapolis

10th Ave Bridge and Watermain Project

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

Latest Project News

Construction Update Meeting - Friday, May 29, 2020 at 10:30 am

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

Please use this link to join the 10th Ave Bridge Online Construction Update Meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/784924461

You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (224) 501-3412
Access Code: 784-924-461

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

What's Coming Up

The bridge will remain closed to all traffic including, vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians until Summer 2021.

West River Parkway will have periodic day time closures throughout Spring & Summer 2020.

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

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

For more information on this project contact:

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

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

DMNA Funds Covid-19 Relief Efforts

At the DMNA meeting on May 18 the board approved funding for two initiatives that respond to immediate needs created as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

First, the board allocated $20,000 to an organization called WorkingPartnerships.org. This organization has established a relief effort to respond to the needs of hospitality and event workers in the Twin Cities.  They are working collaboratively with the City of Minneapolis and Meet Minneapolis, and have asked us to join them, as the downtown community has been severely impacted by COVID-19 with the closing of bars and restaurants, shuttering of event venues and the loss of convention business. The DMNA funds will be used to support the work of Navigators who are helping people from our community with the following challenges:

- Applications for unemployment insurance

- Childcare procurement

- Navigating healthcare coverage

- Securing food assistance

- Providing working protections

In addition to providing funds for WorkingPartnerships.org, the DMNA also allocated dollars for the purchase of masks for people living at The Atrium, a residential building owned by the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority, and for the purchase of masks for giveaway to downtown residents.  They are also considering locations for distributing masks at Trader Joe's, or The Commons.  More info to come on this effort. 

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.