Mill City Times is a not-for-profit community service. We do not sell advertising on this site.
Community Partners
Thanks to our community partners, whose support makes Mill City Times possible:
MILL CITY FARMERS MARKET
With over 100 local farmers, food makers and artists, MCFM strives to build a local, sustainable and organic food economy in a vibrant, educational marketplace.
Maximizing the visitor experience of Minneapolis for the economic benefit of our community, making Minneapolis the destination of choice among travelers.
Covering life, work, and play in the Historic Mill District and Downtown Minneapolis Riverfront neighborhoods. Have an opinion, local news or events to share? Contact us.
In this classic whodunit, the queen of mystery blurs the line between friend and foe on a foggy night. After his car breaks down in the fog, Michael Starkwedder looks for shelter in a nearby house and stumbles upon a man shot dead with his wife standing over him, holding the gun. Unconvinced by the woman’s dazed confession, Starkwedder decides to help, stepping blindly into a tangled web of lies and family secrets.
This is the 18th year that TRP has presented an Agatha Christie mystery in their season, providing an entertaining evening for patrons looking for a reprieve from holiday programming in November and December.
Mary Cutler directs the ten-member cast with set design by John Woskoff, costumes by Mickey Foley, lighting by Karen Hokenson, props by Roxanne Miller, and sound design by Loren Leipold.
* * * * * *
Tickets: $20-29.
Content Warning: Gunshots, simulated smoking, theatrical fog
Theatre in the Round’s facilities are accessible for audience members using wheelchairs. An Audio-Described performance will be held on Friday, December 20 at 7:30pm. For questions about access services, please email tix@theatreintheround.org or call the box office at 612-333-3010.
Christina Nguyen won a James Beard Foundation Award this summer for Best Chef Midwest. We wanted to learn what the award meant to her, and some dishes not to overlook at Hai Hai. If you haven’t visited her restaurant at 2121 University Avenue NE, make a reservation today to experience her bold, complex Southeast Asian dishes cooked from the heart. She is also the chef behind Hola Arepa, with many press accolades.
Photo Credit Matt Lien
Q: I’ve read that you’re a self-taught chef – congratulations on excelling at it! What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while teaching yourself to cook? How did you overcome these challenges?
A: I guess that I would say that it's a lot of trial and error and years of practice. Obviously, it is sort of defeating when you try to make something and it doesn’t turn out as you envisioned, but I never considered cooking as too laborious or too stressful. I have a lot of perseverance; I learn from my mistakes.
Q: Congratulations on winning the award for Best Chef Midwest from the James Beard Foundation this year. What does winning this award mean to you?
A: Oh gosh, it means, it means a lot in so many different ways. It is a testament to my whole team’s consistent and excellent work – we make food that is delicious and you do it over and over again every day. With every single dish, that is always an opportunity to fail or mess something up. I know that everyone tries really hard. I try hard. We all do to make sure we’re making great quality food in a fast-paced setting.
And also on a personal level, it's really an honor because I know that there are so many people who are better chefs than me who are more deserving. My path started from not knowing how to cook to 13 years later having this honor - I have worked a lot of hours and it definitely didn't happen overnight so I feel personally that it is recognition for the effort and results from learning and creating delicious foods. I was helped by many people – my husband, Birk, and so many others.
Thirdly, in a cultural way, I think it means a lot for immigrant food - for Southeast Asian food to be recognized on the same level as more European or Western food, because I think that a lot of the times when you think of these sorts of awards, you think of a more high-end or, I don't know, French or Italian - that kind of food, and not so much Asian or Southeast Asian food.
People have always loved Southeast Asian food, but I think it always seemed that Southeast Asian food was considered cheap - it's "cheap eats" or it's "a hole in the wall" type of experience. It means a lot to have that recognition for immigrant food in general because it is a labor of love and it is difficult and labor-intensive food to make. So, to have that recognition and to know you don’t just have to be making handmade pastas and souffles and steaks and things like that in order to get this recognition - it means a lot.
Hanoi Sticky Rice
Water Fern Cake
Balinese Chicken Thigh
Q: How would you describe your culinary philosophy?
A: I would say that my culinary philosophy is creating delicious food from the heart, with bold flavors. I like to make auntie food, street food and food that female entrepreneurs make all around the world. My food has big bold flavors, with fresh ingredients and herbs – it excites the palate with complex flavors and contrasts. Vietnamese food and my food have contrasts between hot and cold, savory and sweet, bright and umami.
Q: Do you foresee expanding your restaurants beyond the Twin Cities?
A: Ooh, beyond the Twin Cities. I wouldn’t rule it out. I'm not actively searching for that now. I have my hands full, but I wouldn't rule it out.
Q: Or perhaps selling your products in grocery stores? I sampled your Balinese Chicken and Hanoi Sticky Rice appetizers – both delicious - at this summer’s recent hospitality events surrounding the U.S. Olympics Gymnastics Trials. I could definitely envision those as frozen food items available in grocery stores.
A: That definitely that would be exciting. Honestly, I know that kind of thing takes a lot to get into grocery stores and getting placement. If I partnered with the right person to make that happen, I feel like that would be awesome and totally a dream come true. I certainly wouldn't mind being able to get more of these flavors out to more people.
Q: What is one menu item we should not overlook when we visit Hai Hai?
A: There's definitely more than one menu item we shouldn't overlook! No, I'm kidding, but I would say it's really hard to narrow down. Of course you mentioned the Balinese Chicken and Hanoi Sticky Rice, which are a couple of our best sellers that are both unique and fantastic. I would also throw in our Water Fern Cakes, which are really close to my heart and taste very quintessentially Vietnamese. I love them, and they’re something you can't get in many places.
Q: Are there any new projects or concepts you're working on that you can share with us at this time?
A: Nothing that I can 100% share yet! There are definitely some exciting things in the works, fun partnerships and events. I can't wait until I can actually talk about them. So, you'll just have to keep following me and looking at my Instagram to find those things out.
Q: All right, we will! And that leads into how can we best stay current with your news?
A: The best is our Instagram accounts: @haihaimpls, and for Hola Arepa @holaarepa. My personal Instagram is @christinanguyenmpls. Please follow us. Please come visit us, too.
Give to the Max is November 21 - Early Giving now open
A Giving Guide with four steps is available to help you use GiveMN.org to find your passions and go the extra mile for the nonprofit causes you love - making Minnesota a better place.
Looking to help your friends or family get involved in Minnesota's giving holiday? GiveMN Giving Cards let your loved ones support the causes they care about this Give to the Max Day! With 10,000+ nonprofits and schools to choose from, it's the perfect way to share the joy of giving.
A new report from the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits highlights the struggles nonprofits face post-pandemic, with rising costs and declining donations. GiveMN is working to support nonprofits and schools in navigating this new reality.
The City Council has started reviewing the 2025 budget – the first year of the biennial budget cycle – and will vote on adopting the budget Tuesday, Dec. 10.
Visit the City’s website to learn more about the mayor’s recommended budget, key dates in the approval process, FAQs and more. You can also watch a series of videos on the City’s budget process.
City budget public hearings
These public hearings will take place at the Public Service Center, 250 4th Street S, Room 350.
10am Tuesday, Nov. 12
Truth in Taxation hearing, 6:05pm. Tuesday, December 10. (The City Council will vote on adopting the budget following the hearing.)
Did you know that Minneapolis has a program to recognize outstanding greening and placemaking in our beautiful city? The Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District has sponsored the Greening and Public Realm Awards program since 2010 and the winners are all nominated by the public. We talked to Ella Graham, Sustainability Manager, about the program’s origins, this year’s winners and how you can attend a celebration to recognize the winners.
Ella GrahamA: The Greening Awards were established in summer 2010 with the understanding that a green and vibrant downtown is only possible through collaboration. The goal is to celebrate how we all contribute to the downtown community in different ways, including greenery but also art, and vibes! The award categories shift slightly each year based on nominations from the public, but the idea is to highlight projects or efforts by private citizens and organizations that benefit the entire community.
After public nominations close, DID staff select finalists and then the public votes for the winners.
Q: What criteria does DID staff use to evaluate nominees for the Greening Awards?
A: Our team selects finalists from the nominee pool by first looking at the number of nominations each potential finalist received. We then make an effort to showcase new or expanded developments and projects that have evolved in sustainable ways. We also look at the quality of maintenance and care at the location. Finally, we try to make sure the finalists are from different areas of downtown, especially those that are off the beaten path.
Q: What kind of projects or innovative approaches tend to stand out during the awards process?
A: A project that tries something new while not totally reinventing the wheel really stands out to us.
Q: Have you noticed that the Greening and Public Realm Awards have had an impact on planning or environmental initiatives at the local level?
A: We’ve seen consistent public participation in the Awards plus new nominations every year, so the awards have definitely raised public awareness of greening downtown.
We did have to pause the Greening Awards for two years in the wake of the pandemic, as a lot of businesses needed to scale back public realm and greening projects. We brought the awards back in 2022 because we heard from the community that they missed it.
Q: How do the awards encourage collaboration across different sectors like government, business, and local neighborhood groups?
A: The awards are a chance to raise the visibility of the work of each of the groups you mentioned not only to the downtown community at-large but also to one another. It’s a way for people who care to see that there are lots of others who care, too, which opens the door for collaborative projects.
Q: Talk to us about two of the winners: Best Small Green Space and Best Tree. What are the attributes of the winners in these categories?
A: The Best Small Green Space is a long-standing award category that recognizes green spaces less than an acre in size. This year, the Minneapolis College Courtyard won the award. The space is open not only for students and faculty but also for community members to enjoy. The Courtyard connects Hennepin Avenue to Loring Park to create a sense of continuity, and features native plants.
Minneapolis College courtyard
Giant cottonwood at Water Works Park. Photo credit - Kurt Moses Photography
The Best Tree of 2024 is the Cottonwood tree that grows near the Mississippi River, at Water Works Park. I would highly recommend visiting the tree to see for yourself why this one won the award!
Q: How are the winners recognized?
A: The DID Sustainability Team placed Greening Awards Winner yard signs at the winning locations. Winners will also receive a commemorative plaque created by Wood from the Hood, a Minneapolis-based company that reclaims discarded trees from urban neighborhoods to created high-quality wood products, at the upcoming Downtown Greening & Public Realm: Awards & What's Next event on November 7th from 3:00-4:30pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church. We invite everyone to come – it is free of charge and will recognize the great work that goes into these projects.
Q: How may we follow news of these awards and other sustainable practices happening locally?
A: Check out mplsdid.com/green for a wealth of information on sustainable practices in downtown.
The Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot is excited to announce the debut of its inaugural Northern Starlight Express holiday pop-up bar. This immersive experience transports patrons on a 60-minute journey through a festive reimagining of a historic train car. Guests will enjoy specialty cocktails and curated small bites as they are swept up in the holiday spirit.
Running Wednesday through Saturday from November 29, 2024 to January 4, 2025, the Northern Starlight Express offers a one-of-a-kind, interactive experience designed to evoke the charm of yesteryear while celebrating the holiday season. For those looking to revel in the magic between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, select additional dates are available to keep the celebrations rolling, although the pop-up will be closed on both Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The concept takes inspiration from the hotel’s rich history as a former train depot on the Milwaukee Road line, providing visitors with a nod to the past while engaging their senses with modern culinary delights and whimsical, unexpected elements.
The Northern Starlight Express features an exclusive menu of handcrafted cocktails and delectable bites, all created specifically for this event. Guests can expect seasonal flavors that complement the cozy, nostalgic ambiance of the pop-up. The experience will be available by reservation only, ensuring an intimate and personalized adventure for each attendee.
“We are excited to bring this unique holiday experience to our guests,” said Robert Payne, Area Director of Sales and Marketing at Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot. “The Northern Starlight Express blends our history as a train station with the energy of the season, creating an immersive and memorable experience like no other in the Minneapolis.”
Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot participates in Marriott Bonvoy - the award-winning travel program from Marriott International - allowing members to earn and redeem points for their stay at the hotel and at other hotels and resorts across Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio of brands. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and a contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind.
For more information or to make a reservation for the Northern Starlight Express, visit the Renaissance website or follow the hotel on social media: Facebook and Instagram.
Ahead of the holiday season, the luxurios Anda Spa inside Hotel Ivy has announced a new membership program, designed to entice locals to pamper themselves year-round. This offering comes on the heels of Hotel Ivy’s recent multi-million dollar renovation.
Available in three tiers, all members will be treated to year-round spa offerings, as well as regular access to the spa amenities — including its steam room, dry sauna, hydrotherapy tub, Aura Lounge and Relaxation Lounge. Memberships also grant access to perks at Breva Bar & Grill, Masa & Agave and on retail spa purchases.
Tier details:
Citrine Membership – $1,050 per year
6 treatments per year, one every other month. Choose between:
15% discount when dining in Breva, Breva Bar, and Masa & Agave
15% discount on spa retail purchases
Complimentary enhancements available are subject to change. Present offerings include: Rose Gold Knesko Eye Mask, Peppermint Foot Therapy, CBD oil, and Alpine Arnica Muscle Repair.
Anda Fitness Memberships can be added to each membership for $1,000 per year.
Terms:
• Must show active membership card at bars and restaurant to receive discounts.
• Rates listed above are subject to tax.
• All memberships require annual payment and are cancellable with 30 days-notice.
• At conclusion of 12 month memberships, rates and benefits are subject to change.
.
Here's a peek into the Anda Spa:
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Plus, here are two other specials:
.
Pumpkin Pie Peel — $25
For November, Anda has added a Pumpkin Pie Peel as an enhancement to our Biologique Recherche Customized facials. This treatment uses gentle, autumnal blend of pumpkin pulp, avocado oil, and fruit enzymes exfoliates and brightens, while soothing calendula and licorice extracts leave skin hydrated, radiant, and resilient. (It does not actually "peel" your skin like a chemical peel would, but it gets rid of any dead skin using the enzymes, which is great for sensitive skin).
.
Mistletoe Lip Treatment — $36
For December, Anda will be doing a Mistletoe Lip Treatment, which is a seasonal knesko lip mask. This can be added to facials or massages. They contain Hyaluronic Acid to boost hydration, Niacinamide (Vit B3) to smooth skin, and helps to minimize the appearance of skin discoloration around the lips.
A Discussion with Matthew Welch, Mary Ingebrand Pohlad Deputy Director and Chief Curator at Mia
Matthew WelchMia unveiled a new fully installed historical Tibetan Shrine Room in September. The Shrine Room is a multi-sensory experience featuring more than 200 new pieces of Tibetan Buddhist art, generously donated by Alice Kandell, a New York collector. We talked to Chief Curator, Matthew Welch, about the significance of the donation, Mia’s extensive Asian collections, and partnership with Twin Cities Tibetan organizations. I recommend visiting the Shrine Room on every visit to Mia; it will center you and prepare you to leave your cares behind and enjoy the many wonders of Mia.
Q: Can you provide us with timeline on Mia’s Asian collections?
A: Mia has long been celebrated for its exceptional collections of Asian art. We were the recipient of Asian objects even before our opening in 1915. John Bradstreet (1914), Alfred Pillsbury (150 bronzes; 194 jades) in 1950, Richard P. Gale (over 300 prints in 1974), Louis W. Hill, Jr. some 1500 works of Japanese art in the 1970s, Mary Griggs Burke, over 670 works of art in 2012, Willard Clark some 1700 works of art in 2013, and over 2000 objects from Bruce B. Dayton over the course of his 70-year involvement with the museum.
Q: Please give us a historical perspective on the Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room - why is the donation by Alice Kandell significant?
A: Of course, with this gift, Mia becomes one of the country's great repositories of Tibetan art. Besides the importance, beauty, and workmanship of each object, the extraordinary thing that Alice has done is to bring it all together to evoke a traditional Tibetan sacred space in all of its richness and complexity as it would have existed in a historic Tibetan home.
Kandell says that the objects were not considered ‘art’ by the original owners, who would have included them in the family’s shrine room. The objects were necessary for daily rituals and offerings.
The Twin Cities is home to approximately 5,000 people of Tibetan descent, the second largest population in the United States - following Queens, NY - so it is especially meaningful to have them here at Mia.
Q: What time period do the art objects represent?
A: The objects range from the 14th century to the 20th century.
Q: What type of items are included in her donation to Mia?
A: Her gift of some 240 objects, which constitute the Shrine, includes all types of devotional objects, including sculptures, paintings (thangkas), ritual objects, carpets, and textiles.
Q: What do you hope Mia visitors will take away from experiencing the Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room?
A: This permanent collection of Tibetan art will help strengthen knowledge of Tibetan culture and history, not just for those of Tibetan descent but also for the general population. This shrine offers a space for reflection, where visitors can experience the richness of Tibetan art and spirituality. It showcases intricate details that reflect centuries of cultural expression.
Q: Will the museum partner with local Tibetan organizations on events?
A: Mia’s approach to community partnership is constantly evolving. We are thrilled to work with our community partners to ensure our programming and exhibitions more closely reflect those in our community.
We are very grateful for our partnership with the Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota (TAFM). Founded in 1992, TAFM has become a key cultural and social hub, offering a space to preserve Tibetan identity, culture, and traditions through its Tibetan Community Cultural Center in St. Paul. For more than a year, we’ve been partnering with the Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota on how to honor the rich Tibetan heritage in the Twin Cities.
From left to right - Virajita Singh, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer; Katie Luber, Nivin and Duncan MacMillan Director & President; Alice S. Kandell, Collector and donor of the Tibetan Buddhist objects in the shrine; Matthew Welch, Mary Ingebrand-Pohlad Deputy Director and Chief Curator; Gelek Namgyal, Vice President of the Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota Photo credit Beckly Fillinger
TAFM also helped connect us to the Jangchub Choeling Nunnery from South India. Nuns from the nunnery are visiting the United States to share the Tibetan culture and traditions and to raise funds for healthcare for nuns back at the nunnery. Over five days in September, the visiting nuns meticulously created the breathtaking Green Tara sand mandala in our Star Tribune Atrium in the Target Wing.
The Goddess Tara, is a revered bodhisattva, in Tibetan Buddhism. She represents compassion, love and swift removal of obstacles to our well-being and the Green Tara Mandala itself fosters compassion, healing and the cultivation of enlightened qualities for the benefit of all beings.
On September 21, a ritual dismantling of the Green Tārā Sand Mandala took place.
The events of late September were just the start of a year-long series of events ahead. Because the Tibetan Shrine room is a permanent shrine room, we are planning events related to the Tibetan art and culture themes throughout the coming year, including family programming, Meet @ Mia, with more programming and activities next spring and summer. We want to ensure these events and activities invite the Tibetan community and all Minnesota communities to visit and experience them at Mia.
Q: How may we follow news of events associated with the Buddhist Shrine Room?
A: Anyone can follow along on the website/exhibition page, including upcoming events and activities related to the Tibetan Shrine.
Don't let unpredictable weather catch you off guard! Avoid the hassle and expense of getting towed during a snow emergency this winter. Sign up for Minneapolis alerts to stay ahead of the snow and know the parking rules.
Reunion tells the story of a group of teenagers building a new society after The Event wiped out civilization as we know it. Walled inside the safe and familiar halls of Clearidge School, the students are determined to forget the past. When a group of outside kids comes looking for a mysterious book buried somewhere in the school, the past and present reunite in a play about memory, loss, humor, and what it means to be a kid in extraordinary circumstances.
This is the second partnership between Theatre in the Round and FAIR School for Arts. As a community theater, Theatre in the Round’s expertise lies in creating opportunities for amateur and emerging artists to have high-quality theater experiences. Through this experience, FAIR students have gotten the opportunity to learn how to build sets, make costumes, run sound and light boards, assistant stage manage, as well as act on stage. All of these areas are essential to creating theatre; Theatre in the Round believes that investment in teaching areas of technical theatre is an important piece in preserving theatre for future generations.
Gretchen Weinrich directs the fourteen-member cast of students with set design by Madeline Achen, costumes by Emma Kravig, lighting by Alita Robertson, props by Elliott Van Winkle, and sound design by Sydney Manno.
Reunion (After the End of the World) runs two weekends only, November 1-10, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2pm.Tickets: $15-22. Appropriate for ages 7+. Theatre in the Round’s facilities are accessible for audience members using wheelchairs. Box Office Phone: 612-333-3010
Dr. Robbins is a resident of the Mill District, but more importantly, he is Professor of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics and Associate Director of the Institute on the Biology of Aging and Metabolism (iBAM) and the Medical Discovery Team on the Biology of Aging at the University of Minnesota. We talked to him about Geroscience and senescent cells and expanding our healthspan because – well - we’re all aging!
Dr. Paul RobbinsQ: Please tell us the definition of Geroscience.
A: Geroscience is the concept that the biggest risk factor for diseases that come with old age is the aging process itself. What we have done with healthcare forever is target one disease at a time. What leads to an increased risk of diabetes, cancer, heart disease, dementia – almost every disease you can name – is aging itself. We need to not target each disease, which leads a handful of different pills, but rather target aging itself. It goes across all disease fronts. We should be focusing on aging to treat or prevent or reduce the severity of all these different diseases.
Q: Please tell us about senescent cells and why the U is interested in slowing or reversing their damage to the body?
A: Some years ago, all the aging researchers got together and came up with the hallmarks of aging – things that go wrong with aging. Also, the hallmarks are interconnected so if you could target one of the hallmarks, other hallmarks should improve too, providing a therapeutic benefit to the patient. There are many of these – mitochondria go bad, your stem cells don’t work as efficiently, chronic inflammation, etc. But one of the hallmarks that happens and has been documented extensively is that as cells acquire damage (which can happen through many different ways) they trigger a cell fate called senescence where the damaged cells shut down. Senescent cells stop growing and release inflammatory factors that instruct your immune system to get rid of them. If your immune system is healthy, it will recognize the cells as damaged – the cells are killed and removed from our bodies. But as we age and our immune system starts to fail, these damaged cells are not removed from the body as efficiently. They’re not cleared and it leads to chronic inflammation, which leads to a variety of adverse health conditions. We’ve shown in animal models that if you clear or remove the senescent cells, (using genetic tricks in mice and we’ve developed senolytic drugs that in mice work effectively) mice live healthier and with a 10-20% increased lifespan. The goal is compressing the period of co-morbidity. We’ve observed that people are healthy for a number of years and then everything starts to fall apart. In that slope where things continue to go wrong – the gradual decay – it leads to nursing homes, increased medical care, etc. We are trying to compress that period of decline to keep someone healthier longer. Increasing the healthspan is our goal. We would like to mimic in humans what we’re seeing in mice.
Q: How important is interdisciplinary collaboration in your research on senescent cells?
A: It is absolutely essential. One of the things we were tasked with when we came here was to encourage all researchers to include aging as a variable in their research. We collaborate across campus and all over the country – some you would not expect. If you think about cancer or heart disease, it takes many people and specialties to treat the diseases, with aging as a primary cause of the diseases. An advantage of being at the U is that it is a large university with a large medical school, and they have departments and institutes and centers working in almost every health area. So, for example we work with neuroscientists because Alzheimer’s and dementia are associated with aging. Cancer is absolutely a disease of aging (pediatric cancer aside); the biggest risk for breast and prostate cancer is aging. So, we work with the Cancer Center. Transplants is another hot area. If you take a liver from a 70-year-old – the senolytics could improve the quality of the liver for the recipient. Also, the Covid pandemic showed the increased mortality of the elderly to viral infection so we are working with the Center for Immunology to increase resilience to pathogens in our aging population. Everyone is interested in aging now.
The collaboration extends off campus as well. We are collaborating with people with funding from NASA. Mars astronauts are going to be exposed to a lot of radiation. Damage from radiation leads to cellular senescence. We are sending cells to a laboratory in New York which can radiate them with space radiation. We’re screening drugs to see which ones work against space-induced senescence.
Q: Are you conducting trials for your senolytics?
A: Yes. Doing trials for aging is difficult – they’re expensive with many moving parts, for example, getting FDA approval to use the drugs on humans that have been used on mice is time consuming but must be done. There is one trial underway at the U for sepsis - they’re testing some of our senolytics for sepsis. Our trial is investigating whether you can reduce time in the hospital and mortality if you treat these people early on with these compounds we’ve developed to clear senescent cells. There’s one with the VA for obesity to see if our compounds can limit weight gain similar to a drug like Ozempic for which we are applying for funding.
We are also part of a national Translational Geroscience Network - 14 universities across the country with more than 40 trials underway for aging and age-related diseases. I’m on the steering committee of the network; the hope is that we will soon have many more clinical trials here at the U using the resources of the network.
Q: Are there any foods that can reduce senescent cells?
A: Yes, but you would have to eat a large amount of the foods to make a difference. One of the natural products is flavonoid found in strawberries called fisetin. There is evidence that people in other parts of the world who eat a lot of foods with fisetin are healthier. Is it the fisetin or is it something else? We don’t know. It’s a natural product that is safe. Getting natural products into a clinical trial is easier. I take a fisetin supplement every couple of weeks. There is a clinical trial in Germany supported by the strawberry growers in Germany - they make a rich strawberry paste. We haven’t tested it here. There is much that we can learn about the foods we eat if we can test them on the hallmarks of aging.
Open Eye Theatre continues its 2024–2025 Mainstage Season with FULL MOON PUPPET SHOW, the Twin Cities’ rowdy adult puppet cabaret! FULL MOON PUPPET SHOW, hosted by creator Liz Howls, runs November 14 – 16 at Open Eye Theatre. More info and tickets.
Since 2008, FULL MOON PUPPET SHOW has been performing adult puppet slams throughout Minneapolis. This November, selected artists will perform 10-minute original puppet shows to an audience encouraged to howl at the moon and cheer on each show! Featuring works by Lys Akerman-Frank, Brant Bollman, David Valentine, Felicia Cooper, Eva Adderley, Mackenzie Lageson & Kaden Kelsheimer, Monica Rojas, and Steve Ackerman. With music between acts by Adam Zahller's Sick Eagle.
After college, Liz Howls and a group of friends committed to creating a monthly puppetry performance during every full moon. The shows quickly gained momentum, attracting larger audiences and featuring 6 – 8 captivating puppet acts with live musical interludes. For three years, they brought their unique brand of puppetry to diverse venues across Minneapolis – from Bedlam Theatre to warehouses, gardens, and even storefronts.
A year after taking a hiatus, FULL MOON PUPPET SHOW was reborn at Open Eye Theatre. This new chapter brought exciting developments, including workshops and tech rehearsals for performers, along with staff to support the productions.
Since 2021, FULL MOON PUPPET SHOW has become an annual tradition at Open Eye, along with an online workshop series featuring instruction from puppetry experts from a wide variety of disciplines. Though the FULL MOON PUPPET SHOW has transformed over time, its core remains the same: a celebration of unruly, inventive, spirited puppetry!
THE ARTISTS & THEIR SHOWS
Steve Ackerman "Le Cat Hand Puppet Heist" - A group of old, retired cat burglars reunite for one last job. Graying felines, an art museum, unsuspecting security guards, laser alarms, and lots of gratuitous hand puppet deaths. Also, the cats are French for some reason.
Eva Adderley "The Cat Has a Key" - A woman struggling with depression embarks on a dreamy, cathartic adventure when she follows a mysterious cat who appears at her window.
Lys Akerman-Frank "Impossible Affair" - Impossible Affair tells the story of Sophie, a bodacious fur fantastic puppet, who meets M, a Shadow goddess. Sophie tries to figure out a way to literally fit in M's world so they can be together.
Brant Bollman "Uplifting Puppet Co Presents: A Tribute to Gallagher" - Prepare for mayhem when we eulogize that watermelon-smashing, dad joke telling, follically challenged prop comedian from the 1980s, Gallagher!
Felicia Cooper "It Has Its Ups and Downs" - Do you ever feel like you have no idea what anyone else is doing? On her first day as an elevator operator, Elenor learns that it's about more than just getting buttons pressed. Using visible mechanisms and hand puppets, this lively show is an attempt at Richard Scarry for adults.
Mackenzie Lageson & Kaden Kelsheimer "The Roadside Blessing" - Lamenting the absence of a baby in their lives, a taxidermist couple stumbles upon a gift from beyond the veil—a human infant, born of a road killed opossum.
Monica Rojas "Cloudmakers" - Follow a young apprentice as they learn the different ways to hand craft clouds.
David Valentine "Good Company" - A young worm sets off in search of silence and solitude. But can he get by without a little help from his friends?
Tickets: $18 — General Admission. A limited number of Pay What You Can tickets will be available at the box office starting at 6:15pm each night.
Performance Schedule
Thursday 11/14, 7:30pm - OPENING
Friday 11/15, 7:30pm
Saturday 11/16, 7:30pm - CLOSING
Run Time: 2 hours with a 15 minute intermission
Age Recommendation: 14 and up
Open Eye Theatre is located at 506 East 24th Street, 2 blocks south of Franklin Ave between Portland Ave and 35W. Park for free in the Lutheran Social Services lot at 24th and Portland. 612-874-6338
Being a veteran can be a solitary experience and existence, especially as a Veteran who served under the discriminatory Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy. Too often we experience trauma, sustain injuries — both visible and invisible — and have to navigate how to fit back into society while also trying to navigate through patchworks of services and overwhelmed and underfunded agencies. It is representatives like Ilhan Omar that help us get the resources we need that gives me hope.
Since her first day in Congress, Ilhan Omar has had the backs of our veterans. In 2019, we launched our End the Forever War campaign, urging Congress to end the disastrous and immoral U.S. occupation of Afghanistan. Ilhan was one of the first members to join us in signing our End the Forever War Pledge and was a key voice in making our campaign a success. She understands that these endless wars destabilize countries and are unjust occupations that impact climate change, take funding away from our own communities and put the lives of those serving at risk. Ilhan is committed to a more peaceful and just foreign policy that supports communities across the US and the world. It has been an honor to work with her on ending the war in Afghanistan and in demanding a ceasefire in Gaza.
When we return from our duties, we are often forgotten. The care and support for those serving has a stark line once we come home and complete our service — and for too many of our LGBTQ+ veterans who were unjustly discharged under 18 years of DADT, they are locked out of these critical resources altogether. Trillions are spent on war and funding genocide, but we can’t find the funding to ensure our veterans get the mental healthcare they need to work through their traumas of war, to find a job that provides a livable wage and find affordable safe housing after service.
Ilhan does not forget about us - she has brought in $750,000 for the Renovation of Snelling Motel to Affordable Housing for Veterans and has pushed to expand the HUD-VASH program and Supportive Services for Veterans Families to eliminate homelessness among Veterans. She has fought for Medicare for All to increase access to mental health programs and opposed the privatization of the Veterans Affairs healthcare system, something that Trump and Project 2025 is giddy to do. She also supports expanding funding for physical and mental healthcare for veterans. She wants to make sure that when we hang up our uniform, we are taken care of.
So when we look ahead to this November, we need to think about who has our backs as Veterans and human beings. We need to vote for the representatives and candidates that understand our needs and what our communities deserve. Ilhan Omar understands true patriotism. She fights for a better future for all of our communities — she is tirelessly working to ensure our children don’t go hungry, that our future generations have a cleaner, safer environment, and that everyone has access to basic human rights like housing and healthcare.
I am excited to vote for Ilhan Omar and to send her back to Congress this November. Ilhan’s endless advocacy for funding our communities, including our veterans, and commitment to peaceful and just foreign policies instead of funding wars, is the community care and responsibility we need from our politicians. I urge you to join me in voting for Ilhan Omar and our DFL candidates up and down the ballot.
Starting this year, Minnesota Beer Day will officially be celebrated across the state on November 1, following resolutions signed by the Minnesota Legislature and a proclamation from the Governor. The celebration has been Resolved as an annual event moving forward.
“What we want to drive home is the importance of beer to the state of Minnesota. We were making beer 10 years before Minnesota was even a state!” says Bob Galligan, the Director of Government and Industry Relations at the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild. “MN Beer Day offers an opportunity for camaraderie across the industry and the state—a day for beer lovers everywhere to go out, celebrate, and support their local taproom, brewpubs, bars, restaurants, and liquor stores.”
As part of the celebration, the Guild has coordinated the release of a special pint glass for purchase, which will be sold across the state. Many Guild members are participating by offering special discounts, events, or even unique brews. A map detailing all participants and their deals is available on the Guild’s website at https://www.mncraftbrew.org/events/mn-beer-day/.MN Beer Day was established as an opportunity to celebrate the history of Minnesota beer and how the culture has transformed over the years. November 1st was chosen to honor the state’s most historic brand, Grain Belt, whose story began on November 1, 1850, when John Orth founded the second brewery in the territory. Grain Belt is currently brewed by the oldest brewery in the state and a Guild member, Schell’s Brewery. The Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild, which represents more than 170 of the state’s craft breweries, worked with Senator Howe (13, R) and Representative Isa Perez-Vega (65B, DFL) in their respective chambers to pass resolutions officially declaring the celebration. The date for 2024 was also proclaimed by the Governor's office.
Galligan added, “It’s amazing to see what beer has become in Minnesota. But I think it’s also important to remember the lineage from which we craft brewers come. And the immense ecosystem we are a part of. We celebrate this day with others we have disagreed with in the past because, for one day, we hope we can all remember the purpose of beer: to sustain and to connect. After 176 years, we think it’s time to celebrate the beverage that built the North Star State. In recognition of everyone from farmers to bartenders, we’re asking all beer-drinking Minnesotans to get out and responsibly enjoy a brew on November 1. We’ll be the ones filling your glass and showing you the true meaning of being a Minnesotan - hospitality.”
A Discussion with Otter’s Saloon Owner Lynn Vashro
Otter's Saloon has karaoke 7 nights a week, 365 days a year, 8PM to 2AM. There’s even an earlier start on Saturdays - 4PM! If you feel like singing, or just being with a happy crowd, head on over to 617 Central Avenue SE. I asked Scott Parkin of Old Town Minneapolis if he has a favorite memory of Otter’s Saloon. Turns out he does – keep reading...
Lynn Vashro
We talked to Lynn Vashro, Owner/ Manager about the history of the bar, the karaoke program and the perfection that is Otter's Saloon.
Q: Can you give us the history of Otter's Saloon. How long has it been around?
A: This building has a long history. Designed by renowned architects, Joseph & Ernest Haley, it was built in 1898 for Henry Thompson and operated as Thompson & Olson Saloon. It was a “tied house” connected to the Gluek Brewing Company selling Gluek products exclusively. It converted to a soft drink parlor during prohibition despite being cited multiple times for bootlegging. Despite Prohibition and ownership changes, the building has operated as a saloon its entire existence. It went through many changes of ownership. In 1997, Denise Freeman and Dell Hederman purchased the building and renamed it U Otter Stop Inn. In 2010, Bobby Vashro, my husband, and I purchased and renamed the business Otter’s Saloon. Bobby was a bartender here before we purchased the business. Bobby passed in 2022 – he truly loved the business and all our customers. See more extensive history here, thanks to Old Town Minneapolis.
Q: Otter's must have the longest happy hours in the state. Please talk about your happy hour times and offerings.
A: We do have a lengthy Happy Hour - 8AM-7PM Monday-Friday, 8AM-6PM Saturday and Sunday. The happy hour specials are $3 Rail Drinks and $3 Domestic Beer.
Q: I read that you have the best karaoke in Minnesota. Please tell us about your karaoke program. What's the most requested song?
A: We love our karaoke program. We use the songbooksonline.com app and paper slips and pencils. We have a nice crowd of regulars on the weekdays singing karaoke, the weekends bring in the big crowds to sing karaoke. The most popular song is Journey’s Don't Stop Believing. Scott Parkin of Old Town Minneapolis, has a favorite memory of Otter’s Saloon: “I watched a stunning woman with an entourage walk in, do an amazing rendition of Salt-N-Pepa’s Shoop, and walk right back out the door without batting an eyelash. The room was speechless.”
Belt out your favorite tunes at Otter's!
Q: I also saw a post about cribbage tournaments. Please tell us more about that and other sponsored activities.
A: Our Cribbage tournaments are the second Saturday and last Saturday of each month at 1:00PM. Cribbage is $21 to play and all monies are paid out to the winners. We have 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners, depending on how many players we have on any certain day. The largest jackpot you can win is $120.
We have pull-tabs and e-tabs daily. For pull-tabs, we have two $2 boxes and one $1 box. You can win up to $500 in the $2 boxes and up to $300 in the $1 box. The boxes are changed out frequently.
Our customers can win up to $899 on e-tabs, with 77 games available.
Q: Do you have plans for expanding or renovating Otter's Saloon? Or is it best to 'don't change anything'?
A: We don't have plans for expanding Otter's. It's kinda perfect the way it is. We are a staple in Northeast.
Q: How do we follow your news?
A: Come by and visit us at 617 Central Avenue SE. We’ll be here. We’re also on Facebook.
One weekend only - Ghost tours and supernatural-themed storytelling on stage at Theatre in the Round!
The guided tours of the building feature the history of the building as well as anecdotes about supernatural phenomena collected over the years. The 114-year-old building, which survived the Cedar Avenue Fire of 1959 and the Bimbo's fire of 1968, has been home to Theatre in The Round Players since 1969. Tours are offered at various times over Friday and Saturday and include actors telling a variety of stories and sharing theatre lore.
The night of themed storytelling, “Ghosts in the Theatre,” will be offered at 7:30pm on Friday and Saturday as an accessible version of the tour for folks who may not wish to traverse through the entire building. Audiences will be able to enjoy the same stories on the stage as well as clips from the movie Ghost Light by John Gaspard and Mary Kaeding that was filmed at Theatre in the Round in 2013.
Storytellers include Michael Bak, Jim Chase, David Harrison, Bailey Hess, Daniel Hildebrand, Shelley Nelson, Larisa Netterlund, Bobbie Smith, and Amir Sherif.
Tickets for tours must be purchased in advance.
* * * Ticket Details * * *
Tour Times: Friday, October 18, 9pm & 10:30pm; Saturday, October 19, 3:30pm, 5pm & 9pm
Imai Sadamasa, Napoleon Fish, 2023, glazed stoneware
The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) invites visitors to dive into "Catch of the Day," an immersive exhibit celebrating the profound relationship between Japanese culture and the sea. Open from October 12, 2024 through May 25, 2025, this exhibit blends art, tradition, and modern interactive elements, offering a unique experience for all ages.
At the heart of the exhibition is a breathtaking fish sculpture by Imai Sadamasa, a rising star in the world of contemporary ceramics. Mia curators first discovered Sadamasa’s extraordinary work during Asia Week in New York, where his piece captivated them. Hailing from a multigenerational family of ceramicists, Sadamasa’s craftsmanship is unparalleled. His featured sculpture, the exhibit’s centerpiece, underwent an intricate process of nine kiln firings, with multiple layers of paint and glaze, producing a mesmerizing, delicate finish.
"Just like Minnesotans, the Japanese also love fish,” added Mai Yamaguchi, PhD, Andrew W. Mellon Assistant Curator of Japanese and Korean Art at Mia. “This exhibition is about how people relate to nature— in this case, the ocean—and the ways artists have represented that relationship."
What’s in a name?
In an interactive twist, Mia invites visitors to help name Sadamasa’s stunning fish sculpture. From October 10-31, a naming contest will be hosted via Instagram, Facebook, and in-person at Mia through a QR code. The artist will personally choose the winning name, which will be announced on social media. The lucky winner will receive a custom plush replica of the sculpture. Unique enamel pins featuring Sadamasa’s fish will be available to in-person participants.
"Mia has a proud tradition of introducing up-and-coming artists to the Midwest, and this exhibit is no exception," said Katie Luber, Nivin & Duncan MacMillan Director & President at Mia. "We are excited to see the creativity of our visitors through their name submissions and look forward to making the winning name a part of our permanent collection."
“Catch of the Day” merges art, culture, and community participation. It is also featured in our Family Day programming in November, where kids can create fish-themed artwork (and use textured plates to give it scales) alongside Mia's teaching artists.
For one night only, October 26, at the Oya Arts Studio in the Northrup King Building, 1500 Jackson Street NE, you can participate in a Halloween edition of a who-done-it paint and sip mystery. We spoke to Karen Caldwell, Producer of Voices in the Dark about the experience – you’ll be assigned a character to reenact, have fun painting and sipping, nosh on delicious Caribbean treats provided by Channa Trinidadian Kitchen and will solve the mystery of a haunted attic. Get tickets here.
Q: As producer of Voices in the Dark, what do you hope the participants will experience?
A: I want participants to experience something they've never experienced before - this is not your typical paint and sip. At Oya Arts, we do things a little differently. We combine the fun of painting with a fully immersive experience, and for Voices in the Dark, we're turning the studio into a Victorian attic for the evening. So, participants can expect mysteries, riddles, and even a few scares along the way!
My hope is that people will feel like they're stepping into a story, where they’re not just painting but becoming part of a thrilling, haunted tale. Each person will take on a character, uncover clues, and work together to solve the mystery. It’s not just about the art - it’s about getting caught up in the atmosphere, the suspense and having a blast in a way that’s totally unique. I want them to walk away feeling like they’ve created something special and had an unforgettable experience that they couldn't get anywhere else.
Karen CaldwellQ: Is there a maximum number of participants allowed to register for the event?
A: We keep it to 20 people to ensure it’s an intimate experience where everyone can fully engage and interact with each other. Since each participant will have a character and are encouraged to get into their role, it’s important that the group stays small enough for everyone to be part of the mystery. This way, everyone has the chance to connect, contribute to the storyline, and fully immerse themselves in the experience.
Q: Tell us more about the characters we’ll reenact. What might the characters be?
A: Each participant will be assigned a character to reenact, adding to the immersive experience. The event centers around unraveling the mystery of a long-buried tragedy at Blackwood Manor, where secrets, rumors, and hidden motives have haunted the family for years.
Each participant will step into a character, holding key pieces of the puzzle as the night unfolds. Every character brings their own story and secrets, making them vital to uncovering the truth that haunts the manor.
Q: This sounds really eerie and fun. Why just one night?
A: We’re really excited about the event. Right now, we’re only running it for one night to keep it special and exclusive. However, if the demand is high enough and we get a lot of interest, we may consider adding another night to give more people a chance to experience it. So, stay tuned - there could be more opportunities to join in the mystery!
Q: What type of art will participants be creating?
A: The painting itself will be a surprise, revealed on the night of the event! But don’t worry, everyone will get their own personal canvas and acrylic paints, and an artist will guide you step-by-step through the process. No previous art experience is necessary - it’s all about having fun and getting into the spirit of the evening while creating something unique to take home with you.
Q: Is there a prize for solving the mystery?
A: Yes, there is a prize for solving the mystery! Everyone who guesses correctly will have their name entered into a hat, and one lucky winner will get to choose from a cool range of prizes. These include a private art class for two with an English afternoon tea experience, a ticket to a future paint and sip event, or a free art print of their choice. Plus, there’s also a prize for the best costume! One thing we love to do at our paint and sip events is always give participants a chance to win something fun, so there’s plenty to look forward to!
Q: How can we be notified of other upcoming events?
A: There’s always something exciting happening at Oya Arts! We run our immersive paint and sip events every couple of months. So far, we’ve had themes like a secret agent paint and sip, an art heist, a 1920s murder mystery, and now our Halloween special. We also offer art meditation sessions, private lessons with an English afternoon tea experience, and private events for birthdays, bachelorette parties, and team-building sessions for organizations.
We’re not giving away too much just yet, but keep an eye out for our immersive art escape room coming to Minneapolis early next year - watch this space!
To stay in the loop on upcoming events, you can follow us on Instagram, check out our website and sign up for our newsletter!
Chef Gavin Kaysen with Chef Eric Pham, photo: Spoon and Stable
Chef Eric Pham recently lost his restaurant, Khue’s Kitchen, due to a tragic fire in August. Before breaking out on his own, Chef Pham spent two years at Spoon and Stable contributing an incredible work ethic while honoring his family and the legacy that they built at Quang. In support of Chef Pham, Spoon and Stable is planning to host a two night pop-up menu in the bar and lounge with a percentage of revenue from the special menu items going to Khue’s Kitchen.
The pop-up events are Thursday, October 24 & Friday, October 25, 4pm - 10pm each night.
A special menu by Chef Eric Pham will be offered along with 3 special themed cocktail offerings. The regular Spoon and Stable à la carte menu will also be available, although they hope guests will want to try the menu offerings from Chef Pham if they are dining in the bar and lounge on these nights:.
Crispy Pork Lettuce Wraps
Butter lettuce, padded noodles, shiso, scallion oil, cucumber, nuoc mam (fish sauce), herb salad
.
Lion’s Head Pork Meatball
Tomato sauce, banh mi bread, chili oil, scallions, cilantro
.
Fried Chicken Sandwich
Chili crunch, herb aioli, b&b pickles, lettuce, tomato, brioche bun
Opening Reception Thursday, October 17, 4PM - 6PM On View October 17 - December 30
Join your neighbors at Washburn Lofts for the art opening of Choreographing Balance | Diane Willow & Sarah Abdel-Jelil. Refreshments will be served. Washburn Lofts is located at 700 S 2nd Street. Parking is on the street, and the entrance to the building is through a marked gate that will be open on 2nd Street with the building entrance in the passageway.
Diane Willow is a multi-modal artist and creative catalyst who creates art by any medium necessary. She calls upon technological modes of extending our senses and the intangible ways that our bodies intuit space and presence to invite people to become choreographers of their experience of art. Since receiving her graduate degree in art from the Center for Advanced Visual Studies at MIT, she has been artist in residence at the MIT Media Lab, Osher Fellow at the Exploratorium, San Francisco, guest professor at the Beijing Film Academy, China. She exhibited at: Apex Art, NYC, MIT Museum, Dayton Art Museum, Boston Harbor, New Media Art Triennial, Beijing, Kaihua Temple, Shanxi, China, and School of Creative Media, Hong Kong. She is Professor of Interdisciplinary Art and Participatory Culture, UMN Department of Art.
Sarah Abdel-Jelil is a Mauritanian-American filmmaker, dancer, and multi-media artist based in Minneapolis, MN. Having grown up in eight different countries in a multicultural home, her artwork explores notions of home, movement, and liminal spaces. She holds a BA in cinema and media studies from Carleton College and is currently pursuing her MFA at the University of Minnesota ('25) where she is exploring movement, soft focus, and kaleidoscopes. She is a recipient of the 2019/20 MCAD-Jerome Foundation Fellowship for Early Career Artists and the 2017 Minnesota State Arts Board Artist Initiative Grant. She has completed residencies at Rosy Simas Danse three thirty one space (Minneapolis, MN), Caldera Arts Center (Sisters, OR), and Château de La Napoule (Mandelieu-La Napoule, France).
Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at 4:30PM
Hai Hai feast Photo Credit Tyson Crockett
MN Beer Day was established as an opportunity to celebrate the history of Minnesota beer and how the culture has transformed over the years. November 1st was chosen to honor the state’s most historic brand, 
