December at the Dakota

We've been going to the Dakota for years, and are sharing this list of Decmeber shows in case anyone out there wasn't aware of this local treasure where every month you'll find a varitey of local, national and international music genres.  Photo: Meet Minneapolis

Sunday, December 1

Humbird + The Aida Shahghasemi, Jeremy Ylvisaker & Jacqueline Ultan Trio

A Homecoming Co-bill - 7pm - $30/25/20

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/humbird-the-aida-shahghasemi-jeremy-ylvisaker-jacqueline-ultan-trio/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

Monday, December 2

Travis Anderson Trio: Celebrates Vince Guaraldi Holiday & George Shearing Centennial - Added Show

7pm - $20/15

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/travis-anderson-trio-celebrates-vince-guaraldi-holiday-george-shearing-centennial-2/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

Tuesday, December 3

Travis Anderson Trio: Celebrates Vince Guaraldi Holiday & George Shearing Centennial

7pm - $20/15

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/travis-anderson-trio-celebrates-vince-guaraldi-holiday-george-shearing-centennial/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

Wednesday, December 4

Willy Porter Well-rendered Tales With Spitfire Strumming

7pm - $30/25/20

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/willy-porter/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

Thursday, December 5

Southside Aces: Christmas in New Orleans - "'Zat You, Santa Claus?" 

7pm - $15/10

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/southside-aces-christmas-in-new-orleans/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

On Sale Fri, Nov 22 at 10am

Friday, December 6

Nicholas David’s Annual St Nick’s Day Show - (on actual St. Nick’s Day)

Alt Soul Celebration - 7pm - $45/35/30

9:30pm - $45/35/30

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/nicholas-davids-annual-st-nicks-day-show-3/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

Saturday, December 7

Tuck & Patti  -  First Couple of Soul Jazz

7pm - $55/50/45

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/tuck-patti/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

Sunday, December 8

Tuck & Patti - First Couple of Soul Jazz

7pm - $45/40/35

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/tuck-patti-2/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

Monday, December 9

Mick Sterling Presents: “At Christmas”

Theatrical Holiday Favorites - 7pm - $25/20/15

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/mick-sterling-presents-at-christmas-2/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

Tuesday, December 10

Richard Johnson Quartet: Ramsey Meets Nancy

A Tribute to Ramsey Lewis & Nancy Wilson - 7pm - $30/35

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/richard-johnson-quartet/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

Wednesday, December 11

Holiday Swing w/Maria Muldaur & John Jorgenson - 7pm - $50/45/35

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/holiday-swing-w-maria-muldaur-john-jorgenson/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

Thursday, December 12

Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles: Navidad Mexicana - Dakota Debut

America's First All-female Mariachi

7pm - $65/55/45

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/mariachi-reyna-de-los-angeles/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

Friday, December 13

Holiday Har Mar Experience Benefitting One Heartland

10pm - $35 General Admission

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/holiday-har-mar-experience-benefitting-one-heartland/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

Saturday, December 14

Holiday Har Mar Experience Benefitting One Heartland

10pm - $35 General Admission

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/holiday-har-mar-experience-benefitting-one-heartland-2/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

Sunday, December 15

Bonerama

Rock Funk Brass Explosion  -  7pm - $45/40/35

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/bonerama/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

Monday, December 16

A Melodious Christmas w/Robert Robinson & Special Guests feat. Mary Beth Carlson and 29:11 from Cape Town, South Africa 

7pm - $35/30

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/a-melodious-christmas-w-robert-robinson-and-special-guests/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

Tuesday, December 17

The Best of Sting & The Police – A Tribute Show by Toast In The Machine

Zenyatta MNdatta

7pm - $25/20/15

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/the-best-of-sting-the-police-a-tribute-show-by-toast-in-the-machine/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

Wednesday, December 18

Alexander O’Neal’s Holiday Concert

One of R&B's Most Iconic Names

7pm - $50/45/40 - 9pm - $45/40/35

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/alexander-oneals-holiday-concert/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

Thursday, December 19 - Date Added

Alexander O’Neal’s Holiday Concert

One of R&B's Most Iconic Names

7pm - $50/45/40 - 9pm - $45/40/35

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/alexander-oneals-holiday-concert/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

Friday, December 20 - Date Change

The Vic Volare Lounge Orchestra’s Holiday Party

Retro-Smooth Sass & Swing - 7pm - $15/10

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/the-vic-volare-lounge-orchestras-holiday-party/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

Saturday, December 21

BoDeans

Acclaimed Heartland Rock

7pm - $65/55/45 (Acoustic Show) / 9:30pm - $60/50/40 (Electric Show)

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/bodeans-2019-1/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

Sunday, December 22

BoDeans

Acclaimed Heartland Rock

6pm - $65/55/45 (Acoustic Show) / 8:30pm - $60/50/40 (Electric Show)

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/bodeans-2019-3/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

Monday, December 23

George Maurer Group: 21st Annual Holiday Show

Clever Contemporary Christmas Tunes - 7pm - $30/25/20

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/george-maurer-group-21st-annual-holiday-show/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

Wednesday, December 25 - Saturday, December 28

The Bad Plus

Progressive Jazz Scientists

7pm - $45/40 / 9pm - $45/40

https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/the-bad-plus-9/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/

Are You Ready to Holidazzle? The 2019 Season Opens in Loring Park on Friday, November 29

The Minneapolis holiday tradition Holidazzle returns to Loring Park on Friday, November 29 for four weekends of community festivities. This year’s Holidazzle adds new programming and offerings to the favorite weekly activities enjoyed annually at Holidazzle, offering a free outing filled with activities and holiday cheer for all ages and abilities. Holidazzle 2019 Thursdays – Sundays, November 29 – December 22 Thursdays from 5 pm – 9 pm | Fridays from 5 pm – 10 pm Saturdays from 11 am – 10 pm | Sundays from 11 am – 7 pm Loring Park | holidazzle.com | Free & open to the public “Holidazzle welcomes you and yours to Loring Park to celebrate the holiday season and create memories in our downtown Minneapolis community,” said Leah Wong, vice president of external relations, mpls downtown council. “There is a great lineup of activities to enjoy, and each weekend will include different festivities and shopping opportunities making each visit unique and special.” This year’s Holidazzle presents a number of new things to see and do: Lampworking Style Glass blowing demonstrations each Friday from 5-10 pm Story time sessions featuring authors and Santa on Saturdays and Sundays Local adoptable rescue animal visits on Saturdays and Sundays Pop-up ice rink skating performances Most Epic Dog Day featuring events & giveaways on Sunday, Dec. 8 Yeti Day giveaways on Sunday, Dec. 15 Expanded Holidazzle Kids Zone presented by U.S. Bank Performance deck Introduction of the new Yeti illuminated interactive art installation Cooking demos featuring the talented Minneapolis culinary scene New food vendors featuring a variety of styles, tastes, and options (including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free). Exclusive items on Thursdays & Sundays only. Added offerings from Fulton Beer (the exclusive “Small Talk Stout” Chocolate Oatmeal Stout, as well as “Goodwill Gold” Golden Lager and Lime seltzer) and Sociable Cider Werks Candy Apple cold beverage The Wandering Mug coffee, lattes and hot chocolate Contact: Meredith Kessler mkessler@tunheim.com (651) 308-6224 Marika Kelly (763) 412-2198 mkelly@tunheim.com Mpls Craft Market, hosting makers daily at Holidazzle, providing a rotating mix of holiday shopping options each weekend in addition to nine flagship, full-run Holidazzle gift vendors Plus, annual favorites returning to this year’s Holidazzle include: Holidazzle Fireworks presented by Xcel Energy (Nov. 29, Dec. 7, 14, 21 at 7 pm) Meet Santa and take photos for free during all Holidazzle hours Eight Holidazzle Movie Nights presented by Metro by T-Mobile (featuring Elf, Home Alone, A Christmas Story, The Grinch [2018], Miracle, Polar Express, Smallfoot and Christmas with the Kranks) Free skating with complimentary skates available at Mpls WinterSkate Local Musical Performances • Bonfires & Warming Houses The Thwing, an interactive multi-person swing Photo and Instagram opportunities inside giant snow globes Alpacas from The Abbey Alpacas on site each Sunday Silent disco skating on Thursday nights SolSta Vinyl Night in Fulton Beer Garden on Thursday nights Drag Queen Bingo at the Fulton Beer Garden on the final Friday nights (Dec. 6, 13, 20) Exclusive Holidazzle brunch each Sunday Visit the Holidazzle schedule page for details: www.holidazzle.com/schedule Holidazzle offers an incredible assortment of on-site prepared food and beverages representing Minnesota’s culinary scene, including limited time items: the exclusive Holidazzle sausage (featuring wild rice and cranberries) from Kramarczuk’s, two new Fulton Beers including a Chocolate Oatmeal Stout called Small Talk Stout and Golden Lager called Goodwill Gold, and Sociable Cider Werks’ Fat Bike hot mulled apple cider and a cold Candy Apple cider released first at Holidazzle. Other food offerings in the lineup include: Cinnamon Roasted Almonds Fair Faves Fresco Foods  Gorkha Palace Heavenly Feast Bar-B-Que iPierogi K-Town Street Foods Kramarczuk’s MSP Pretzel Poffertjes (The Littlest Pancake) Root to Rise Kitchen  Tasty Gyros Twin Cities Paella  Complementing the prepared food and beverages, Holidazzle will have an assortment of shopping options including clothing, accessories, ornaments, craft artwork, syrups and more. The Abbey Alpacas The Beer Dabbler Cabin Customs Hippy Feet KCM Woodworks Northern Drift Three Rivers Farms North Shore Apparel MN/Martin’s Simple Trends The Mpls Craft Market will also be bringing makers each day to Holidazzle. Their space will be packed full of local artists and makers selling handmade jewelry, clothing and accessories, woodwork, home decor, prints, fiber art and more. The lineup of artists will be different each day, so visit us throughout the weekend and you’ll always find something new. For daily updates on the full listing of Mpls Craft Market makers, visit Holidazzle.com. Also, of note: lighting and ambiance will be part of the Holidazzle experience, including twinkle lights within Loring Park, and a new illuminated interactive art Yeti exhibit by Christopher Lutter-Gardella, who created the Wolf and Moose found exclusively at Holidazzle from 2016- 2018. Exclusive food items on select days include Thursday Night Bites (including Fresco’s Foods’ beer braised beef pie, Heavenly Feast Bar-B-Que’s burnt mac & cheese with pork or beef, Root To Rise’s butternut squash & cashew ricotta fried veggrolls with maple cream dipping sauce and more) and Sunday Brunch (including K-Town Street Foods’ breakfast burrito, iPierogi’s beer soup, Fresco’s Foods’ sausage gravy and egg pie and more). Pair your brunch offerings with a Mimosa from Sociable Cider Werks or a Bloody Beer at Fulton Beer. When planning a trip to Holidazzle, visitors can enjoy Free Ride Nights courtesy of Metro Transit each Saturday throughout the run. Get there by bus or light rail with a free-ride pass, which can be downloaded at Holidazzle.com. Print or digitally show your pass for each passenger to enjoy your free ride. The free-ride pass is good from 10 am-11 pm each Saturday from Nov. 30 through Dec. 21. Other arrival opportunities include parking for $5 or less during all Holidazzle hours at Minneapolis College’s parking ramp (1420 Hennepin Avenue). A drop-off and pick-up location will be available on the corner of Yale Place and Willow Street includes Uber and Lyft zones, and ADA-accessible parking spots are available along Willow Street. For more information on Holidazzle scheduling, vendors and entertainment, visit www.holidazzle.com and follow along on social media via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #Holidazzle. While at the event, patrons are also encouraged to use Holidazzle’s Snapchat filter. Holidazzle imagery can be found at www.holidazzle.com/media. About Holidazzle: The 2019 Holidazzle is managed and produced by the mpls downtown council. Holidazzle is an annual holiday tradition in downtown Minneapolis that offers free programming and activities for all ages and ability while also highlighting local people, places and products that make our community unique. The 2019 Holidazzle is sponsored by Xcel Energy, Fulton Beer, CenterPoint Energy, Metro by T-Mobile, U.S. Bank, Power Partner Minnesota, Parsons Electric, Comcast, Metro Transit, Mpls St. Paul Magazine, Sociable Cider Werks, Minneapolis College, Minneapolis Recycles and Premium Waters. 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 www.mplsdowntown.com.

Letter from the Executive Director of GiveMN re: Cedar Riverside Fire Emergency Fund

Via a November 27 email from GiveMN.org: . Dear friends, . I don't often write to you about a specific need in our community, but as many of us are preparing to gather with family and friends for the Thanksgiving holiday, more than 100 of our fellow Minnesotans have suffered an incredible tragedy. Wednesday morning's fire at the Riverside Tower in the Cedar Riverside community of Minneapolis claimed the lives of multiple people and injured many others. . In addition to the first responders who worked to extinguish the fire and ensure the safety of residents and neighbors, the staff of People's Center Clinic and their partner organizations are working to provide for the needs of victims who are displaced from their homes, in need of food and clothing and medical care, and will need additional support in the weeks to come. They have established a specific fund to support those impacted by the Riverside Tower fire. . Please consider making a donation to the Riverside Tower Fire Emergency Fund. Your gift, together with mine and those of our neighbors, will provide crucial support to those whose lives were forever changed by this tragedy. . In gratitude,

Jake Blumberg Executive Director, GiveMN

Event-related Road Closures for November 28 and 30

The Minneapolis Park and Rec Board has announced the following event-related road closures:

Thursday, November 28

Turkey Day 5K, 7am-11am

West River Parkway - Plymouth Ave to 11th Ave S

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Saturday, November 30

Moustache Run, 8:30am-1:30pm

Main Street - 6th Ave SE to Plymouth Ave

West River Parkway - Plymouth Ave to E 38th St

Stone Arch Bridge

Here's What to Expect in Minneapolis Parks When Snow Arrives

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

After each snowfall of at least two inches (accumulated), MPRB maintenance crews

clear snow from about 107 acres of parking lots, 140 miles of sidewalks, paths and regional trails; and (in season) ice rinks at 24 locations. 

Locations are prioritized as follows:

1. Parking lots
2. Trails in regional parks and regional trails
3. Perimeter sidewalks - all parks
4. Interior pathways - all parks 
   
   Note: Parkways are cleared of snow by the City of Minneapolis.
   The City's snow emergency webpage has parking rules, routes for city streets and parkways and other info.
   MPRB's parkway webpage has additional information on parkway maintenance. 

MPRB makes every effort to have snow removed throughout the park system within 24 hours after the snowfall ends. Delays may occur due to blizzard or other severe weather conditions. Thanks for your patience and understanding in these circumstances. Get more information on winter maintenance in Minneapolis parks.

Report a snow-removal issue: If it's been more than 24 hours since a snowfall ended and an area needs attention, please email maintenance@minneapolisparks.org or call MPRB Customer Service: 612-230-6400, from 8 am­ to 4:30 pm, Monday–Friday.

Recreation centers and programs

• Recreation center hours are noon to 9 pm on Wednesday, November 27 and Friday, November 29 (school-release day hours, as Minneapolis Public Schools are not in session). 
• Athletics, recreation and Rec Plus programs: Cancellations are not likely, but if they occur, registered program participants will be notified. Families enrolled in MPRB's Rec Plus school-age childcare program can check the MPRB website or WCCO /CBS Minnesota for information. 

Safety Tips

• Use caution and take your time when walking, biking or driving in parks and on parkways.
• Yield to pedestrians on shared-use trails in winter. 

Get up-to-date information from the National Weather Service Hazardous Weather Outlook report. 

Doug Verdier Shares His Latest Progress Photos of the Water Works Project

Editors Note: Mill District resident Doug Verdier continues to document the progress of the Water Works project. The below photos were taken within the past week.

Of particular interest: Before and after shots of the reinforced concrete wall and elevator shaft going in next to the Columbia Mill wall; prep work for installation of large storm water infrastructure, which will be part of the reuse system; asphalt being laid on West River Parkway in front of the future park pavilion as well as on First Street S and 5th Avenue S intersection. 

This is a “before” shot of workers installing rebar in preparation for constructing forms that will be used in pouring the concrete reinforcing wall and elevator shaft next to former Columbia Mill. The “after” shot is at the end.

Preparing the site for installation of storm water retention and reuse system.

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Large pipes that will form part of the storm water reuse system. These pipes were positioned along West River Parkway prior to being emplaced and connected on the site.

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Some of the storm water infrastructure in place.

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Rows of connected storm water system in place. The white bands indicate connections between sections.

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Crew laying asphalt on West River Parkway.

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Asphalt-laying operation on West River Parkway looking toward 3rd Avenue Bridge.

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Curve at 1st Street S and 5th Avenue S after base layer of asphalt has been laid.

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Here’s the “after” shot of crews removing forms after the concrete reinforcing wall and elevator shaft next to the former Columbia Mill exterior wall was set.

The City of Minneapolis Invites You to Take the Open Streets Minneapolis Survey

Via a November 25 e-announcement from Matthew Dyrdahl, Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator, City of Minneapolis:

Open Streets Minneapolis is an annual event series that opens city streets to folks biking, walking, and rolling. Every summer since 2011, Our Streets Minneapolis has temporarily closed major streets to motor vehicles so folks can explore their city and discover local businesses, use active transportation, and connect with their neighbors. In 2019, over 103,000 people came out to Open Streets Minneapolis events!

The City of Minneapolis and Our Streets Minneapolis are reflecting on the Open Streets Minneapolis program and evaluating ways for the program to be sustainable and meaningful beyond the 2020 season. We have heard many ideas from people over the years about how Open Streets could evolve and multiple themes have emerged, including types of routes, programming, and timing for the events. Help us determine how to shape the future of the Open Streets program by completing this short survey:

Future of Open Streets Minneapolis Survey

The five questions in this survey reflect the most common comments, questions, and feedback we receive about Open Streets. Your feedback on these five questions will inform what Open Streets looks like in the future.

The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train Rolls into St. Paul's Union Depot on December 10

If you want to experience the brightly lit Canadian Pacific Holiday Train, mark your calendar for December 10, when it will stop at Union Depot in St. Paul for a 30-minute outdoor holiday musical performance. The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train is expected to arrive around 6:45 p.m. and festivities will begin with a welcome by Ramsey County Commissioner Rafael Ortega. Guests will be treated to a festive concert experience while enjoying the colorful holiday lights that cover the train.  

Attendees are encouraged to bring cash or a heart-healthy food donation for Merrick Community Services, charitable partner for this year’s Hub for the Holidays festivities at Union Depot. The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train’s unique mission aims to fight hunger. This program spreads awareness of this issue while providing a fun and engaging way for the public to help give back. The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train has raised more than $11 million and collected 4.5 million pounds of food since its start in 1999.

The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train concert is free to the public; however, VIP tickets are available for $10 with all proceeds going to Merrick Community Services. VIP ticket holders will be granted access to a preferred viewing area closest to the stage. Visit cptrain2019.eventbrite.com to purchase tickets.

Hop on the light rail and take the Green Line to the Union Depot Station.

Meet Minneapolis Teams up with Minnesota Makers on Small Business Saturday, Nov 30

Minnesota Makers proudly celebrates the work of local Minnesota artists by promoting them and providing a place to sell their work. All products in their stores are created by Minnesota artists, with over 120 artists represented. 

Small Business Saturday is November 30, and Minnesota Makers will be celebrating it with Meet Minneapolis at the Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center, 505 Nicollet Mall. You'll find sale items, treats, giveaways, and more. This is a perfect opportunity to support your local small businesses and artists! 

Minnesota Makers also hosts craft classes. While you're there, learn more about their classes and reserve your seat for a future class. Experience gifts are a great idea for the holidays, and Minnesota Makers has gift cards available for classes and shopping as well.

Cynthia Froid Group Serves as a Drop Off Site for Holiday Toys and Gifts for People Serving People, Nov 25 - Dec 13

Spread some holiday cheer to children and families supported by People Serving People’s shelter and programs.

Cynthia Froid Group's office, 709 2nd S Street, will once again serve as a drop off site for holiday toys and gifts from November 25 to December 13.

Donations accepted: Toys and gifts from (or inspired by) People Serving People’s Target registry, $25 Target gift cards, wrapping paper and tape. All gifts must be new and unwrapped.

Hennepin Avenue Downtown Reconstruction Project Update

Hennepin Avenue Downtown Reconstruction Project

Hennepin Ave. reconstruction project, led by City of Minneapolis Public Works, will be reconstructed between 12th Street and Washington Avenue beginning Spring 2019.  The project will reconstruct the pavement from building face to building face, including improvements to public and private utility infrastructure, and improved infrastructure for pedestrians, bicycles, transit, and vehicles.

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Latest Project News

 

Utility work continues on the corridor. The major scopes of work are Xcel Energy duct bank and manhole replacement, and City Sanitary Sewer Replacement.

What's Coming Up 

The Sanitary Sewer replacement work is nearing the end of their Phase 1 work within the 12th Street Intersection.  The Intersection will remained closed until Monday. Following that work the pavement restoration will continue until mid next week.

Xcel Energy is progressing on the both ends of the corridor with both underground construction and new electrical cable pulling operations.  This work will continue through the winter months.

For more detailed information please see attached update. 

Hennepin_Update_Vol17.pdf

For more information on this project contact: 

Construction Manager, hennepinCM@minneapolismn.gov or 612-225-4049

www.hennepindowntown.com

Ready for Winter at North Mississippi Park

Nature's Black Friday Fun

Ditch the mall crawl and opt outside this year! Hike the park, build a fort, go on a scavenger hunt, play games and join in the coloring contest!
Friday November 29 11am-3pm    Activity #97361

Winter Solstice Celebration  

Walk a glowing luminary trail, play winter themed games, get your face painted make a luminary to take home and enjoy the warmth of a bonfire while sipping hot spiced cider with campfire treats. All Ages. $5 – Kids under 13 free
Saturday Dec 21 5:00-7:30pm      Activity #97366 

ADULTS

Bird Watching

• Watchful Wednesdays   Every other week  8:30-10:00am
  Discover what to look for when identifying birds in the field. Learn about bird behaviors while strolling with a naturalist. Coffee, tea and treats provided. Dec. 4   #100231    Dec. 18   #100232

• Winter Birds  Saturday Dec 7  8:30-10am    Activity #97363
  Look for the last of our summertime birds with a naturalist guide
• Winter Woodpeckers  Saturday Jan 4       3-4:30pm  Activity #101557
  Seek out the bright flashes of woodpeckers on the bare trees

Nature Nights

• Date Night  Thursday December 12 6:00-8:00pm   Activity #100236
  Enjoy naturalist-led gourmet campfire cooking and craft a ginger-bird house to bring home.
• Book Club   Every other Sunday 4:30-6:00pm 

Prepare for fun and engaging discussion and a safe place to share insights and opinions. Explore short stories and passages from nature based works.

Dec. 1  Activity #100254

Dec. 15  Activity #100255

Hikes

• Senses in the Season  Friday December 20 5:30-6:30pm   Activity #100220
  After the hustle and bustle of the week, take a peaceful walk through the park to realign your senses with nature.
• Phenology Hike Club  Every other Tuesday 4:00-5:00pm

Get outside for a walk in the park to observe and track the seasonal happenings of nature then gather and submit citizen science data with a naturalist guide. Socialize, exercise and contribute to the study of Phenology.

Dec. 3  Activity #100247

Dec. 17 Activity #100248

YOUTH & FAMILIES

Early Childhood

• Nature Play Group  4 Wednesdays 10:15-11:15am
  Get those inquisitive minds and bodies exploring nature and socializing with peers! Bring your little one to play and have fun outside with other children and parents/guardians. For kids up to age 5 with an adult
  Nov 27- Dec 18  Activity #100212

• Nature Tots  2nd & last Sundays 3:00-4:00pm

December 1 Oh Deer! Activity #100267

December 15 Ready for Winter Activity #100268

December 29 Snowflakes Activity #100269

Home School Days

• Animal Neighbors    Thursday Dec. 12 1-3pm   Activity #100224

Learn why some animals prefer to live in our backyards and neighborhoods, search for the clues they leave behind outside and meet a live education animal.

• Northern Life   Thursday Jan. 9 1-3pm    Activity # 101564
  Learn how the animals that stay here all year have figured out ways to survive by taking a closer look at animal bodies and behaviors.

Nature Art & Exploration

• Cornucopias  Saturday Nov. 23       1:30-3pm   Activity #97360

Craft your own “horn of plenty” for your dining table this year using natural materials found in the park.

• Family Funday: Turkey Time  Sunday Dec 1  1:00-3:00pm    Activity #97362
  Play games and have fun investigating feathers, tail fans, snoods and feet to learn more about these big birds.
• Ginger-bird Houses   Saturday Dec. 14 1:00-2:30pm    Activity #97364

Invite birds into your backyard this winter by crafting an edible snack house for them. All ages $5, all supplies included.

• Family Funday: Sleep, Flee, Freeze  Sunday Dec.29 1-3pm  Activity #97365

Learn about hibernation, migration and ways animals survive Minnesota winters. Meet live animals and find out how their bodies protect them through the winter.

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Winter Break Options for Kids

Explore outdoors, get messy and learn by doing! 8am-4pm for ages 6-12

WINTER WHIMSY Thursday & Friday December 26 -27      Activity #97368 Build an icy fortress, follow mysterious footprints as you adventure across the frozen land, determine which animal is your familiar friend, and more. Registration Fee $60.

Creatures of the Cold Thursday & Friday January 2-3        Activity #101599 From thick protective fur to big snowshoe feet we'll test out some of the methods animals use to combat the cold as we explore the winter landscape in the park Registration Fee $60.

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Snowshoeing

DROP-IN PROGRAM. Get some wonderful exercise while recreating in nature by checking out a pair of snowshoes for free! A naturalist will be available to show you the basics and then you are free to explore the park on your own. Ages 5 & up.

	Saturdays 11am-3pm	Sundays 1-3pm
December	21   Activity #97367
	28   Activity #97369
January	4   Activity #101577	5  Activity #101585
	11  Activity #104578	12  Activity #101586

Full Moon Snowshoe Hike   Friday Jan. 10 6:30-7:30pm    Activity #101608
Learn how the animals that stay here all year have figured out ways to survive by taking a closer look at animal bodies and behaviors.

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More Ways to Enjoy the Park

Stop by the front desk to check out binoculars, outdoor explore packs & nature guides. Talk with a naturalist to meet and learn about our education animals. Celebrate your birthday with us!  

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

The City of Minneapolis and the 2020 Census

The U.S. census is a count of all residents in the United States taken every 10 years and is required by the U.S. Constitution. It is used to determine political representation and federal funding distribution for governments, including at the state and local levels. In 2020, it will determine how many congressional representatives Minnesota will have for the next decade. Getting an accurate and complete count of all residents is vital. The Neighborhood & Community Relations Department leads the City of Minneapolis' efforts to ensure a complete count.

More Info

Sign up here for the latest We Count news for the 2020 census.

The City is taking steps to ensure that the 2020 census accurately counts Minneapolis's residents through the establishment of a community-led Complete Count Committee to guide the creation of the We Count engagement campaign. Read more and apply for open seats on the committee.

Downtown section of West River Parkway Reopens in mid-December

Via a November 20 update from Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board:

West River Parkway will reopen between Fourth Avenue North and Portland Avenue in mid-December. Once it reopens, the parkway will remain open throughout the winter.

The parkway closure was necessary to accommodate work on Water Works, a new riverfront park project currently under construction. An exact date for the parkway reopening has not yet been determined. That date depends on variances in weather and a number of other factors that can affect a complicated construction project like Water Works. 

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board appreciates everyone's patience while this exciting new waterfront amenity is constructed.

Illustration depicting Water Works from above

Enjoy the 2019 College of Science and Engineering (CSE) Winter Light Show on December 5, 6, 7 or 14

The 2019 CSE Winter Light Show dates are Dec. 5, 6, 7 and 14.

Join the University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering (CSE) for four high-tech light shows designed by science and engineering students and featuring more than 250,000 LED lights set to music written and recorded by University of Minnesota students. 2019 marks the ninth year for this show.

Surrounding the semi-circular Civil Engineering Courtyard, the lights will be synchronized to music for a 360-degree sensory outdoor experience. Features include a giant 22-foot lighted tree, two 8-foot 3D snowman signs, 8-foot lighted arches, a 5-foot-by-12-foot lighted pixelated changeable sign, a 6-foot circular light structure, 10 two-foot lighted snowflakes, several lighted trees and new music.

Shows are at 5:30, 6 and 6:30 p.m. on the Civil Engineering Building Courtyard, 500 Pillsbury Dr. S.E., Minneapolis. Each show will last about 20 minutes. All events are free and open to the public.

A Premiere Party is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 6, 5-6:30 p.m., WSB and Rosene Student Lounges, Civil Engineering Building, Second Floor. Free hot chocolate and cookies while supplies last.

The light show is presented by the University of Minnesota Tesla Works student group.

Satisfi Labs Continues to Enhance the Visitor Experience at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, Building Knowledge of Featured Artwork and Artists

Via a November 14 News Release:

Satisfi Labs Continues to Enhance the Visitor Experience at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, Building Knowledge of Featured Artwork and Artists  

The AI Knowledge Management Platform features a deepened knowledge base of museums to provide an enhanced visitor experience 

Satisfi Labs​ is proud to announce the continued success of their partnership with the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia), deepening the AI-Powered Knowledge Management Platform’s understanding of visitor interests and priorities, as well as artwork and artists featured in the museum. Through the ongoing partnership, Satisfi Labs has helped one of the most recognized art museums in the country provide a better visitor experience and gather valuable data and insights on their audience that can impact future experiences and offerings.  

 

Since the launch of the partnership in Winter 2018, the Satisfi Labs virtual assistant has provided responses to museum visitors’ frequently asked questions through web chat in English and Spanish. The platform has seen an increase in inquiries about types of art and specific artists. These unique insights have prompted Mia to build a deeper knowledge base on the museum's artwork and artists to drive more discovery. The virtual assistant has answered over 60,000 questions focusing on ticketing, art pieces, traffic, and rotating exhibit information. As a free institution, Minneapolis Institute of Art is dedicated to providing an easy way for visitors to discover information about the museum experience and how to purchase tickets for their special exhibits. 

 

“With the second most frequently asked visitor question being around the type of artwork and artists in the museum, it is extremely important for us to increase our understanding of what art the visitors are most interested in,” said Eric Bruce, Head of Visitor Experience and Insights for Minneapolis Institute of Art. “By working with Satisfi Labs, we’re able to gather the data from customer questions and learn about exhibit and art interests, which informs future communication and visitor experience decisions.”  

 

“Our partnership with the Minneapolis Institute of Art has been extremely rewarding, we’re glad to be able to provide data and research for one of the top museums in the country and be a part of the conversation around cultural education and art appreciation,” said Don White, CEO and Co-Founder of Satisfi Labs. “What makes this partnership so unique is the ability to relay information in both English and Spanish, expanding the reach of information to more visitors.”  

 

The virtual assistant is available on the Mia website. Satisfi Labs has plans to continue building the knowledge base around specific artists and types of art that are housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.  

 

About Satisfi Labs  Satisfi Labs’ Answer Engine which enables search for physical locations through conversational AI, allows physical locations to answer any customer questions on-demand. They take in your physical and digital data through their Knowledge Management Platform and make it AI-ready allowing the Answer Engine to provide the most accurate and relevant answers to any owned channel on the web, mobile, SMS, and voice devices. ​www.satisfilabs.com​. 

About the Minneapolis Institute of Art Home to more than 90,000 works of art representing 5,000 years of world history, the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) inspires wonder, spurs creativity, and nourishes the imagination. With extraordinary exhibitions and one of the finest art collections in the country—from all corners of the globe, and from ancient to contemporary—Mia links the past to the present, enables global conversations, and offers an exceptional setting for inspiration. General admission to Mia is always free. Some special exhibitions have a nominal admission fee. For more information, call 612.870.3000 or visit artsmia.org. 

Hennepin County Invites You to Apply for a Citizen Advisory Board Volunteer Position

Share your voice and help shape policy

Give back to your community by applying for a citizen advisory board. The Hennepin County Board is recruiting for 25 openings this fall.

Volunteers advise the county board on a variety of issues, such as mental health, our region's workforce, libraries, water quality and more. 

Current openings

• Adult Mental Health Advisory Council – 10 vacancies
• Capital Budgeting Task Force – two vacancies
• City Planning Commission (Minneapolis) – one vacancy
• County Extension Committee (University of Minnesota Extension) – one vacancy
• Library Board – five vacancies
• Mental Commitment Attorney Panel Advisory Board – one vacancy
• Minnehaha Creek Watershed District Board – two vacancies
• Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Board – three vacancies

Application timeline

• Now through December 31 – apply at hennepin.us/advisoryboards.
• Starting January or February 2020 – the county board will conduct interviews.
• First quarter of 2020 – the county board will appoint volunteers to the positions.

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

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

Oratorio Society Opens 40th Season with The French Connection at the Basilica of St. Mary, Nov 15

Enjoy an evening of sublime and powerful sacred French music performed by soloists, the Oratorio Society of Minnesota chorus, chamber orchestra and organ in the magnificent space of the Basilica of Saint Mary, 1600 Hennepin Avenue on Friday, November 15, 8pm.

In the middle of the nineteenth century, the state of church music in Paris was a source of bitter controversy. The passion for opera and ballet that dominated the musical life of the city had become firmly entrenched even in the churches, where organists deficient in both taste and technique gratified their undiscriminating clergy and congregations with music that was either sentimental or vulgar, or both. But by the middle of the nineteenth century, a "bloodless revolution" was in the making.

The mastermind was the great organ-builder Aristide Cavaillé-Coll, who built or rebuilt most of the organs in Paris during his long career.  Enabled by these magnificent instruments, and beginning with Cesar Franck, the evolution of French sacred music took root and progressed throughout the balance of the nineteenth century into the first half of the 20th century. The French Connection traces this progress from Gabriel Fauré's Cantique de Jean Racine (1865) to Maurice Duruflé's Requiem (1947).

Oratorio Society of Minnesota’s 40th Anniversary season opens with a themed program entitled The French Connection. The program of French music will be conducted by OSM Artistic Director Matthew Mehaffey and will feature the 100-voice Oratorio Society Chorus, a professional chamber orchestra, soloists Philip Zawisza and Kara Morgan, and organist Helen Jensen. The first half of the program will feature sacred music by significant French masters such as, Fauré, Franck, Widor, Dupré, and Honegger; the second half of the program will be a performance of Maurice Duruflé’s beloved Requiem, Op. 9. 

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Program:

Gabriel Fauré - Cantique de Jean Racine (1865)

Charles Marie Widor - Gloria (Mass op. 36, 1878)

César Franck - Psaume 150 (1883)

Jean Roger Ducasse - Crux Fidelis (1911)

Marcel Dupré - Sustinuit Anima Mea (De Profundis, 1917)

Arthur Honegger - Laudate Dominum (Une Cantate de Noël, 1940/1952

Maurice Duruflé - Requiem op. 9 (1947)

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Tickets

It Takes A Village to Raise A City

Article by Michael Rainville, Jr.

Throughout the first half of the United States’ history, moving west was a dream for many. Mormons sought their own theocratic state, outlaws were on the hunt for their next heist, and pioneers journeyed with wagon trains to untamed lands. In the early 1800s, Fort Snelling was one of the few outposts in this neck of the woods for the vast, unlawful territories west of the Mississippi. The safety of Fort Snelling attracted pioneers and settlers to the area, and small communities began popping up, like Mendota and Pig’s Eye. As the years rolled on, people started venturing further from the Fort with many congregating on the east side of St. Anthony Falls.

Village of St. Anthony - 1857

The few people who decided to set up shop in this area in the 1840s made their living by operating or working in mills. With the help of an investment in milling by a civilian shopkeeper at Fort Snelling, Franklin Steele, the Village of St. Anthony was officially incorporated in 1849, the same year Minnesota became a territory. Back then, the east bank of the Mississippi was a part of Ramsey County. Remnants of this bygone era can still be seen today in Chute’s Square where the oldest house in Minneapolis lies, the Ard Godfrey House.

One of the first orders of business the Minnesota Territory legislature did was decide where important territorial institutions would be established. St. Paul received the capital, Stillwater was given the territorial prison, and St. Anthony was awarded the university. In fact, the university’s original location was present-day Chute’s Square. Equipped with a young university and a rising milling industry, St. Anthony also became a resort town. The Winslow House provided a luxurious place to stay for those visiting during the summer months, mainly from the south, and during the day, visitors would spend their time at places like Pettingill’s Resort along the river.

The painting "St. Anthony" by Ferdinand Richardt

St. Anthony also played an important role in the trading business. The Red River ox cart trails provided safe traveling between St. Paul and Winnipeg, Canada. Once riverboats unloaded their supplies and goods onto ox carts in St. Paul, their nearly 600-mile journey north began. Depending which way you were traveling, St. Anthony was either the last major city for hundreds of miles or the first sign of civilization after a tiring trek. The ox carts would roll along the riverfront through St. Anthony, which spurred the development of many businesses along this part of the route. Years later, the village would give that route the name Main Street.

Even though St. Anthony Falls and the rapidly developing milling industry were key in securing prosperity for the Village of St. Anthony, and a few years later Minneapolis, the success of the two villages quickly plateaued. In order to build off this early success, Franklin Steele and John Stevens built the first bridge to span the Mississippi River and connect St. Anthony to Minneapolis in 1855. Not only did it make travel between the two villages a lot quicker and safer, it meant that both of their economies could continue to grow and prosper.

The Steamboat Enterprise being portaged around St. Anthony Falls along Main Street, circa 1863 (the current-day Segway shop resides in the building on the right).

Both villages grew at an exceptional rate during the next two decades that saw their population triple in size. Since the two villages’ economies were so connected, officials in Minneapolis wrote up a proposition to officials in St. Anthony. Minneapolis wanted to annex St. Anthony and also expand Hennepin County’s borders to encompass the new city boundaries. A few St. Anthony politicians and business owners were not the biggest fans of this deal. There was no way little ol’ West St. Anthony was going to absorb the first, the original settlement along St. Anthony Falls. After reality set in for those with hometown pride, the two villages came to an agreement. Minneapolis would annex St. Anthony, which would also become a part of Hennepin County, and the county and Minneapolis would have to build two more bridges across the Mississippi, the Upper Bridge, now the Plymouth Avenue Bridge, and the Lower Bridge, also known as the old Tenth Avenue Bridge.

While the Village of St. Anthony is no more, its spirit lives on along St. Anthony Main and the East Hennepin business district, the neighborhoods of St. Anthony West and East, and the suburb of St. Anthony Village.

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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 an intern at the Hennepin History Museum 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.

St. Anthony Falls Lab is Offering 2 Tours on Give to the Max Day, Nov 14

The St. Anthony Falls Laboratory (SAFL), 2 SE 3rd Avenue, is pleased to participate in Give to the Max Day (GTMD), Thursday, November 14th. They are hosting two public tours that day: the first is Noon-1:30pm and the second is 4-5:30pm. You can register here.

Located on the Mississippi River at the heart of Minneapolis, SAFL is an interdisciplinary fluid mechanics research and educational facility of the College of Science and Engineering at the UMN. They offer a free monthly public tour through the historic facility to showcase the experimental facilities and research projects (donations accepted online). 

Email bkb0811@umn.edu with questions.

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Editor's Note: We have toured this facility several times, and it will never get old. It's fascinating! I encourage anyone who hasn't seen the inside to take advantage of these opportunities.