Cuddle a Puppy this Valentine’s Day at the Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center

100% of donations benefit Healing Hearts Rescue 

Get ready to cuddle up with cuteness on Valentine’s Day at the Meet Minneapolis Puppy Cuddle. ​This event takes place Wednesday, Feb​ruary 14,​ from 11:30a ​- 1p​ at the Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center, 505 Nicollet Mall, Suite 100​ (directly across from the METRO Nicollet ​Station​).

Enjoy some snuggle time with a plethora of puppies. A $5 donation is suggested to support Healing Hearts Rescue. ​Healing Hearts Rescue is a volunteer-based nonprofit dog rescue dedicated to changing the lives of animals whom humans have failed by finding them safe and loving homes.​ For more information, visit https://healingheartsrescue.org.

In addition to cuddle time with the puppies, visitors will be encouraged to write a heartfelt letter to a local child battling illness at a local hospital. Meet Minneapolis​ partner Letters of Love will provide markers, pens and paper, and the messages will be distributed to the Children’s Minnesota.

The Year of the Pothole - 9,359 to be Exact!

Excerpt from the February 6 Mayor's Update e-newsletter

Recently, Mayor Frey, Interim Public Works Director Brette Hjelle, and Public Works staff announced a historic number of potholes filled in Minneapolis in 2023. Last year, the City filled 9,359 potholes – three times the amount in 2022 and nearly 4,000 more than ever recorded. 

Minneapolis saw its third snowiest winter on record last year with close to 90 inches of snow. The City’s Public Works department worked around the clock to ensure streets and alleyways were plowed and safe for residents to travel on. Once the snow began to melt, they shifted their efforts to potholes.

In his 2024 budget, Mayor Frey invested $470,000 for new Public Works equipment to increase the lifespan of pothole repairs and continue efficient and effective snow clearance -- as well as $500,000 in investments for a permanent snow removal and storage site.

"Our incredible city crews managed to fill 9,359 potholes," says Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. "How many pothole complaints did we have alerting us of another pothole that we needed to fill? You guessed it, 9,359. Every single time that somebody called into the city of Minneapolis to have a pothole filled, our incredible team was out there making sure that it happened."

Remembering Sculptor Richard Hunt - A Discussion With Joanna Lindell, Director and Curator of the Thrivent Art Collection at Thrivent

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

"Rising" by Richard Hunt, located in front of Thrivent at 600 Portland Avenue S

Richard HuntWe should take a moment to remember and honor sculptor Richard Hunt. He died December 16, 2023 and from his obituary we learn that “he was one of the most important sculptors this nation has produced. His prolific art career spanned seven decades. Hunt's metal sculpture is notable for its widespread presence in museum collections and many public monuments installed across the U.S. Despite challenges for African-American artists during his lifetime, Hunt held over 150 solo exhibitions and is represented in more than 100 public museums across the globe. Hunt made the largest contribution to public art in the United States, with more than 160 public sculpture commissions gracing prominent locations in 24 states and Washington, D.C.”

How is he remembered by the art world?

• "For nearly five decades, Hunt ranked among the foremost American sculptors." Randall Griffey, Head Curator, Smithsonian American Art Museum

• "Hunt earned all of this early acclaim by making great art." Museum of Modern Art Magazine Remembering Richard Hunt (1935–2023) 

• "Hunt’s stature and impact cannot be overstated." Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture 

• “Hunt was one of the most important figures in art history." A tribute to Richard Hunt NPR - WBEZ Chicago 

      • "Hunt’s early career paralleled the rise of the modern civil rights movement." Washington Post

How is Richard Hunt connected to Minneapolis? Most recently, his sculpture Rising was awarded Best Public Art Award by the Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District in 2023. We spoke to Joanna Lindell, director and curator of the Thrivent Art Collection at Thrivent to learn more about the sculpture.

Joanna LindellQ:  Why did Thrivent commission the sculpture Rising from Richard Hunt? 

A:  Thrivent has a longstanding commitment to supporting the arts, culture and the community. We commissioned the sculpture because Hunt and his expressive work fit our company culture of staying curious and welcoming diverse perspectives. Rising is a fitting representation of who we are. Grounded in a metal and stone base, the sculpture is a nod to our history as a financial services company that has served clients for more than a century. Looking up and outward, it takes on new energy with a spirit of ascension, mirroring our ongoing transformation as a diversified financial services organization ready to serve generations to come.

Q:  Was Mr. Hunt able to attend the unveiling?

A:  Yes, Hunt traveled from Chicago to Minneapolis to attend the installation and unveiling of Rising. Hosting Hunt at our headquarters was a truly spectacular experience as we unveiled Minnesota’s first permanent public installation by the iconic artist. As I reflect on his recent passing, he left the world with a remarkable legacy and impact. I could not be more grateful to have partnered with him on this commission and to have known him as a friend and colleague. Through Rising, Hunt’s spirit and talent are present in our wonderful city.

Q:  Were you pleasantly surprised when Rising was awarded the Best Public Art 2023 by the Downtown Improvement District (DID)?

A:  While I was delighted with Rising being recognized with this award, I was not surprised given Hunt’s esteemed reputation. Like much of downtown Minneapolis in 2020 and 2021, the plaza outside Thrivent’s Corporate Center sat largely empty. This changed for us following the installation of Rising. The sculpture’s placement welcomes interaction with our employees and the surrounding neighborhood. With its curving forms more than 20 feet in the air and an elevated base, people are drawn to sitting beneath and engaging with the piece. Sparking this kind of connection is something Hunt was always deeply passionate about, and this award is a reflection of the sculpture’s unique representation of the value in embracing different perspectives that collectively make us stronger as a community.

Do yourself a favor and go to 600 Portland Avenue, Thrivent headquarters, and check out the magnificent sculpture. Think about how Rising invigorates the public space. Take a friend with you and remember the legacy of Richard Hunt.

New Ownership Promises Continued Investment in Barrel House

The Barrel House is located at 111 3rd Avenue S.           Photo: Redline Property Partners

Following a sale to new ownership last year, real estate investment and management firm Redline Property Partners recently announced that it will remain on board as the asset manager and property manager for the Barrel House - a landmark fixture in the famed Minneapolis Mill District. Redline said it will build on the prior owners’ vision to continue transforming the historic property.

Situated at the 3rd Avenue Bridge entrance with stunning views of the waterfront, Barrel House enjoys a prestigious riverfront address, prominent visibility and convenient access to all major highways and to downtown’s housing, hotels, shopping, dining and entertainment.

“Barrel House meets the needs of today’s office tenants, providing an unrivaled location in downtown Minneapolis, unique amenities and an exceptional experience at great value,” said Andrew Webb, Redline’s president and managing partner. “The building’s new owner, along with Redline, will continue to invest in Barrel House to ensure its place as a top-tier creative office property in downtown Minneapolis for years to come.”

New amenities and upgrades planned for Barrel House include upgrading its rooftop deck, converting space for retail and entertainment use and creating spec suites and a podcast room. Improvements are planned for early 2024, with anticipated delivery mid-year.

Redline was part of the previous ownership group that purchased and restored the historic 90,000-square-foot mill building to its original “brick and timber” roots in 2016. The group also added significant modern-day amenities such as an outdoor roof-top deck overlooking the Mississippi River, an indoor atrium lounge and multiple meeting spaces throughout the building.

Built in 1880, the Barrel House was originally home to Hall & Dann Barrel Company, which made flour barrels for the booming Minneapolis milling industry.

To deliver the best service possible, Redline has engaged CBRE and Assembly as the property’s new leasing team. Team members include Ann Rinde and Joe Conzemius from CBRE and Nick Peterson and Merrie Sjogren from Assembly.

“Environments that foster connection and community are top priority for companies in the market right now, as organizational culture is more important than ever,” said the new primary leasing representative for Barrel House, Ann Rinde of CBRE. “Barrel House provides the perfect setting to achieve these goals with its inspiring onsite experience, collaboration-based amenities and prominent location along the riverfront. We look forward to welcoming new tenants to the Mill District and to Barrel House.” 

Check Out Everything the Free February 17 Community Connections Conference Has to Offer!

Community Connections Conference
9a -4p Saturday, February 17
Minneapolis Convention Center, first floor, Hall E
Lunch is included. Metro Transit offers free rides to the conference.

Minneapolis residents can sign up now for the free 2024 Community Connections Conference on February 17. Join in for a fun day of learning and connecting. Get involved in your local community. Meet the people behind important City services, community groups and other institutions. The conference is free and open to everyone.

Program

This year program is built around the theme of “Open city, your Minneapolis.” This theme was chose to showcase how Minneapolis is a transparent, accessible city open to everyone, open to new ideas and open for business. It highlight the ways you can get involved in both government decision-making and your local community, as well as celebrate the many parts of the city reopening and recovering after the pandemic.

This year's conference will have workshops, music and dance, activities for the whole family, an exhibit hall, and a community dialogue on youth and community safety.

Exhibits

Among the 150 exhibits, you can find:

• Jobs and paid internships for young people at the City of Minneapolis.
• Pathways to green careers and other job opportunities.
• The City Clerk’s booth on how to connect with the Minneapolis City Council; how to make your voice heard; and how to view the City Council’s ordinances, resolutions and meetings online.
• A free COVID vaccine clinic. No insurance needed.
• An indoor soccer field with the New Americans Youth Soccer Club.
• Minnesota Zoo animals.

Learn about:

• What all the different City departments do.
• How to save someone’s life with CPR and practice it on a mannequin.
• Immigration and other legal help.
• Opioid addiction resources.
• Crime prevention and services for victims.
• Community air pollution monitoring.
• Voting in elections.
• Resources to get rid of lead in your home. You can even bring in toys or ceramics you’d like to test for lead.

Breakout sessions

Join your choice of breakout sessions including:

• Your rights as a renter.
• Buying your first home.
• The Minneapolis Climate Equity Action Plan and how the City puts resources toward projects in communities that need it most.
• Voter engagement.
• Community dialogue on being a safe, healthy, and child friendly city.

Stories Connect Us All: The Carp Who Would Not Quit and Other Animal Stories at Children's Theatre Company

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

The Carp Who Would Not Quit and Other Animal Stories is on stage at the Children's Theatre Company until February 18. We talked to Writer and Director, Reiko Ho, about the inspiration for the stories, creating content for children, and how the lessons imparted can inspire audiences of all ages – we all need to persevere to swim up life’s waterfalls!

Q:  We’re so excited about The Carp Who Would Not Quit and Other Animal Stories now on stage at the Children's Theatre Company. Does your work focus exclusively in writing and directing plays for children? What do you find most rewarding about working in children's theatre? 

Reiko HoA:  We are so excited to be sharing this play with children and families in Minneapolis! My focus of my Master’s Degree was Theatre for Youth; however, I do work for many different sectors, not just for children. Last season, I created and directed an original show about the Asian-American experience with students from the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa. I also directed the regional premiere of Lloyd Suh’s The Chinese Lady in Florida, and then directed its Hawaiʻi premiere last June.

Creating and directing for young people has always been a focus and passion. I believe we make change by serving our youth. It is a great honor, delight, and responsibility knowing that one of my TYA shows might be the very first show that a child ever sees. I love making theatre that is rooted in joy and inspires empathy. Stories connect us all.

Q:  What inspired you when creating The Carp Who Would Not Quit and Other Animal Stories? 

A:  The Carp Who Would Not Quit is inspired by my own childhood memories and fondness for the Japanese folktales I read as a child. I thought of my own family and great-grandmother, who was a picture bride sent to work the plantations in Hawaiʻi, while I was creating the piece. There are also many Japanese theatrical conventions and original music used for the storytelling and the amazing cast was instrumental while creating the production. I could not have created the show without them.

Q:  Can you share a bit about your creative process when developing a play? 

A:  My creative process always starts with the story itself. For me, finding the heart of the story is always most important. Theatre is the art of the human heart. The way the storytelling unfolds should be organic to the story or text. I love using movement, music, design, lights, and what the actors bring, to help breathe life into a story.

Q:  Does your work typically focus on Asian or Asian-American theater and themes? 

A:  My work does often focus on Asian and Asian-American theater and themes because of my own Asian ancestry. However, I am a passionate advocate for giving voice to stories that reflect the diverse community of my island home including stories by marginalized groups like the LGBTQ community, indigenous Hawaiian stories, or stories by women. I think representation on-stage (and off) is so important.

Many times, I find myself creating content, because there is none that reflects that particular voice, especially for TYA.  

Q:  Is this a touring production? If yes, where has it been staged before Minneapolis?

A:  Yes, this is a touring production commissioned by Honolulu Theatre for Youth (HTY). The cast and I are all full-time resident artists at HTY. This past September, the team started by touring the different Hawaiian Islands, then began a 14-venue tour of the continental US that took the team across the country from the Smith Performing Arts Center in Las Vegas to theaters big and small, finally ending in Atlanta in mid-November.

Q:  What advice do you have for aspiring playwrights and directors interested in creating content for children? 

A:  Finding your own voice and being authentic is so important when creating any content, but especially content for children. They recognize truth. Growing up in Hawaiʻi taught me that even difficult truths can be shared if done with aloha—love. Always create with aloha.

Q:  I searched for you in LinkedIn. Are you the same Reiko Ho who owns Red Lotus Hawaii in Honolulu? If so, please tell us more about your martial arts expertise. 

A: Yes, that’s me! I am a 4th degree black-belt and master in Hapkido, a Korean martial art. I owned my own dojo called Red Lotus Hawaii for 13 years before shutting the doors in the pandemic. Being a martial artist colors many aspects of my artistic life. I am always striving for excellence and treat every space as a dojo, a learning space. Like the koi in The Carp Who Would Not Quit, I find that the perseverance and dedication I learned while training, helps me swim up life’s waterfalls.

Sad Announcement From The Cowles Center

Via a January 31 Press Release

One chapter concludes but hope and support for artists remain

The Cowles Center, a hub for the dance community on Hennepin Avenue since its establishment, announced  it will end operations of its Goodale Theater and discontinue presenting dance as of March 31, 2024, effectively ending its planned season two months early. All staff will depart the organization by April, but are extremely committed to supporting the final performances and making them a positive experience. Despite a persistent commitment over the past 14 years to support local artists and efforts to forge a sustainable operational model, The Cowles Center has more recently faced financial challenges. These challenges were exacerbated by the economic impact of a global pandemic, leading to lower ticket sales, and funding. Furthermore, The Cowles Center's largest donor and administrative partner, Artspace is unable to provide the sustaining support it has given The Cowles Center in the past. Tremendous private fundraising efforts have taken place, which have allowed the preservation of the season through March. Furthermore, while there have been discussions with potential partners to step into the operations of the Goodale and Cowles programming, no solid agreements have yet come to fruition.

The Cowles Center and Artspace remain dedicated to the communities they serve. The McKnight Fellowships for Dancers and Choreographers will continue, though the administrative home of the program is still being discussed. The Cowles Center's renowned education programs that occur in schools and through distance learning, serving nearly 6,000 students annually will continue through the end of the school year. Our community engagement program serving early career artists in space residencies will run through May. Additionally, the Hennepin Center for the Arts, which is owned by Artspace, will continue to be a home to dance studio rentals, the TEK BOX Theater, an important rental theater for artists to present their own work, and commercial and creative leasing as it has been since 1978. 

Impacts to the 2024 Spring Season:

Three dance productions slated for April and May by James Sewell Ballet, BRKFST Dance Company, and Ragamala Dance Company will be affected by the season ending March 31st. While Sewell Ballet and Ragamala face cancellations at the Goodale Theater, BRKFST Dance Company was set to be co-presented with Northrop. The Cowles Center, Northrop, and BRKFST are working together to determine if the production could be postponed or presented in a different format by Northrop alone. Ticket purchasers to the affected productions will be contacted with their options. In all three cases, Artspace and The Cowles Center remain committed to mitigating financial impacts to the artists and plan to still pay out the artist fees and box office splits as if the artists had completed their performances. 

"This is a heartbreaking convergence of all circumstances, but our goal is to support these artists as equitably as possible. Nothing replaces their ability to showcase their live performance, but we hope that lessening the financial burden will help them look towards the future," said Cowles Center Co-Directors Joseph Bingham and Jessi Fett in a mutual statement. 

The Goodale Theater will still operate in February and March and will celebrate the final four performances of the shortened spring season, including three dance productions and a community rental. 

• Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre | February 10th and 11th In an enchanting performance brought to the stage, flamenco and hip hop unite to adapt the 12th century Persian poem of the same name. This dark, moving, and humorous story will bring together hip hop artist Darrius Strong along with original music performed by international flamenco composer and guitarist Juanito Pascual. 
• Final Goodale Rental: Sound of Gospel | February 17th and 18th Directed by Javeeta Steele and presented by 2nd Chance Outreach, the performance is an Anthology depicting the rich history and evolution of Gospel music. 
• Crash Dance Productions | March 2nd and 3rd Growing tension stacks onto high drama as the visceral ensemble blindly selects who among them undertakes the role of The Con. When identities collide, the 13 unique personalities clash as a story of hierarchy, vulnerability, and influence develops in real-time. Anyone could be the villain. No one knows who it will be. And every performance will be different. 
• MERGE In March: Mathew Janczewski's ARENA DANCES & Taja Will | March 23rd and 24th A club-like atmosphere of daring ecstasy, collective revolt, and personal reclamations. This year’s MERGE pairs Mathew Janczewski’s high-intensity, super-charged movements with Taja Will’s nuanced, emotive, and improvisational boldness. Their collaboration will culminate in an evening of performance which includes ARENA repertory favorite, Judged House, and the premiere of a haunting new solo by Will. The commission for the new work created for this program is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Background: The Cowles Center's Role and Partnership

The Cowles Center has played a pivotal role by:

• Providing supportive programs and spaces for dancers, including free or below-market-rate offices, studios, and stages.
• Fostering new work with programs like Generating Room and MERGE.
• Subsidizing marketing and production support for performances.
• Offering practical guidance on health care, tax filing, and work samples.
• Serving as the administrative home for the McKnight Fellowships for Choreographers & Dancers.

In recent years, the Goodale Theater has hosted 11-14 dance productions annually, carefully curated to reflect artistic innovation and diversity. Since 2020, at least 50% of programming has featured BIPOC artists or BIPOC-led companies. 

The Cowles Center’s legacy is built upon a decades-long partnership with Artspace, which originally developed the organization when it moved the historic Shubert Theater and connected it to the Hennepin Center for the Arts. In addition to raising millions of dollars for the move and renovation of the Shubert, and starting an impactful distance learning program, Artspace has invested on average $500,000 annually from its general operating funds to support The Cowles Center, along with staff and other in-kind support. 

"Throughout the years, Artspace's investment in the arts on Hennepin Avenue has been an example of our commitment to the enduring power of creative community. Although The Cowles Center's current chapter on this historic avenue is drawing to a close earlier than we hoped, our belief in the arts as a cornerstone of our society remains unwavering. Artspace is prepared to assist in this transition and continues to be dedicated to nurturing the arts on Hennepin Avenue as operator of Hennepin Center for the Arts," said Kelley Lindquist, President of Artspace.

The pandemic's onset in 2020 was a catalyst for unprecedented challenges for the performing arts, an industry reliant on live, physical interaction. The Cowles Center, alongside many arts organizations, faced a critical loss in earned revenue and philanthropic support. A Dance/USA survey highlighted this sector-wide plight, noting a more than 75% loss in ticket revenues relative to pre-COVID seasons.

The Cowles Center encourages the community to join in celebrating the arts during this time of change by attending February and March performances in the Goodale Theater, supporting artists whose performances have been canceled, and continuing to attend performances in the TEK BOX in the Hennepin Center for the Arts.

Dario Now Open in the North Loop

Find Dario in the T3 building, 323 N Washington Avenue

Two Minneapolis Restaurant Veterans Open Their First Concept In The North Loop

First time restaurateurs Chef Joe Rolle and Bartender Stephen Rowe open the highly anticipated Dario, an Italian restaurant with global influences located in the North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis. 

Joe Rolle spent his career working in top kitchens in Minneapolis starting at the Dakota Jazz Club with his mentor, the late Jack Riebel, before moving onto the esteemed kitchens at Borough, Il Foro and Martina.  Stephen Rowe, who also started his career at Dakota Jazz Club, made his way behind the bar and worked for a decade at the award-winning Marvel Bar, a pioneer in the craft cocktail scene in Minneapolis. Joe and Stephen’s experience working in the top places in Minneapolis positioned them to embark on their first solo project, Dario.

A true reflection of Joe’s family background, diverse cooking experience and travels, the menu at Dario is rooted in Italian yet influences are seen from France, Asia and other parts of the world. 

The menu is separated into five sections with the idea that every section stands on its own. A section of Raw items includes Oysters Dario, a dish inspired by a local Thai spot Rolle used to frequent. In this dish, Rolle serves a half dozen East Coast oysters topped with a Thai-style beef tartare and a spherification of lime juice. Also in this section is the Hiramasa Crudo with Calamansi ponzu, gooseberry, Yuzu Kosho, and avocado. 

Vegetables are celebrated at Dario and showcase the many different cuisines that influence Rolle. Examples include the Flowering Cauliflower, a Silician-inspired dish served with brown butter bagna cauda, capers and fried sourdough; a French-style salad of Red Endive with Roquefort cheese, candied walnuts, dates and poached Asian pear; and a Greek Cucumber Salad served with whipped feta tzatziki and covered with trout roe, sesame seeds and dill. 

Rolle became known for his pasta and Dario’s menu has something for everyone. Short rib Agnolotti is a love letter to Northern Italy with red wine jus, bacon, and gorgonzola.  Piccino Paccheri Verde is Rolle’s homage to bolognese served with spinach pasta and a 24-month parmesan fonduta and Doppio Ravioli is a double-sided stuffed pasta with ricotta on one side and caramelized sunchokes on the other, served with honey, hazelnuts and rosemary.  

The Fish & Meat section includes favorites from the land and sea. Sauteed Trout is complemented with saffron mussel emulsion and a salsa verde while Brick Chicken is deboned and served with brown butter piccata sauce.  The section's nod to Asia is the Skate Wing with honeynut squash curry as well as the Char Siu Belly with fermented black bean clam sauce.  There also is a choice between two peppercorn crusted steaks, Prime Hanger Steak and a Niman Ranch Prime New York Strip, both with a veal peppercorn jus.  

For sweets, opt for the Cake & Ice Cream, a chocolate ricotta cake with gianduja cremeux, vanilla ice cream, and a pizzelle, the Pineapple & Passionfruit, pineapple sorbet layered with macadamia nut brittle, passionfruit granita and whipped coconut cream or the Affogato with vanilla bean ice cream and butterscotch. 

A robust beverage program includes craft cocktails created by Rowe.  While there is a selection of classics or what he is calling house cocktails, Rowe’s goal with Dario’s original cocktails is to have the drinks be memorable with strong flavors that do not necessarily translate to high alcohol.  Examples include Future Dancer made with Destilerias Acha Axtra Dry Vermouth, lime, and Maleza Hierbas bitters and Synclaire After Hours, a mix of Dimmi, Maify Aranciata, hibiscus tea, and sparkling water. Additionally, there is a large selection of non-alcoholic cocktails including Agatha 2.0 made with Shiitake tea, cherry, prune, cranberry and elderberry tea and Is It Juice with coconut, orange juice, pineapple juice, and rooibos chia.  The wine list leans towards Italy but also includes bottles from Spain, France and America.  The drink menu also features local and Italian beers. 

Designed by Wittkamper Studio, the space has a feminine, punk rock feel with notes of pink, fuzzy iridescent teal velvet and an articulate lattice of white-washed millwork. Floor-to-ceiling windows line the space with banquette seating throughout the dining area. A glass-enclosed pasta room transitions from a work space by day to a dining area by night providing guests with an “eat-in-the-kitchen” vibe. 

Dario is open for dinner Sunday to Thursday from 5pm-10pm and Friday and Saturday from 5pm-11pm. It is located at 323 N Washington Avenue and reservations can be made at www.dariorestaurant.com.

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Black History Month Events

To celebrate Black History Month, the City of Minneapolis is offering free, public events under the theme African Americans & the Arts.

Upcoming Black History Month Events:

• Black Music and the Arts – The Minneapolis Sound
  A panel discussion to explore the history of Black contributions to music with a focus on the “Minneapolis Sound.”
  Noon-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7
  City of Minneapolis Public Service Building, Conference Room 100
  505 Fourth Ave. S.

• Black and Belonging
  A community discussion around belonging to a collective and creating welcoming spaces where we all belong.
  Noon-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14
  City of Minneapolis Public Service Building, Conference Room 100
  505 Fourth Ave. S.

• Family Feud: Black History Month Trivia
  Featuring Hennepin County and City of Minneapolis employees: a live event to have fun, laugh, show off what you know about Black history, or learn something new.
  Noon-2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21
  North Point Conference Center, Fifth Floor, Suite 5200
  1256 Penn Ave. N.

• History Makers at Home
  The Minneapolis Civil Rights Department will recognize leaders in the areas of business, criminal justice, education, economic development, health, housing and government.
  11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22
  Capri Theater, 2027 West Broadway Ave.

• Rock Your Crown
  This is the event where hair rules! With the State of Minnesota signing the Crown Act into law, we will celebrate the history of Black hair and the art of styling it.
  Noon-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28
  City of Minneapolis Public Service Building, Conference Room 100
  505 Fourth Ave. S.

The mayor and City Council passed a resolution honoring Black History Month. The resolution states that “the Mayor and City Council do hereby commemorate the achievements of Black Americans as history makers and legacy trailblazers and their role in the development of the region and the nation since its inception, and we join in recognizing the annual celebration of Black History Month and the anniversary of the Minneapolis Black Employee Network.”

The events for Black History Month are presented in partnership with the City of Minneapolis and Hennepin County through the efforts of these employee resource groups: City of Minneapolis Black Employee Network, Hennepin County People of Color Employee Resource Group and Hennepin County African American Employee Resource Group. History Makers at Home is presented by the Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights.

Power Plant Glow by Ric Rosow

Submitted by Ric Rosow

Power Plant Glow

On January 14th I set up to take photographs of the St. Anthony Main side of the Mississippi River, including focusing on the Stone Arch Bridge, the St. Anthony Falls and the University Power Plant. The Power Plant photographs were taken several hours after sundown. The bright lights of St. Anthony Main made the landscape very interesting. It was, however, challenging to edit the photograph so that the very bright points of light did not distract from or overwhelm the remainder of the image. The camera can apply only one exposure to an image. But some areas, such as where there are bright lights, should be exposed differently from the rest of the photograph. I can do that by taking multiple images with different exposures, or in post-processing by selectively lowering the exposure of some areas by using luminosity masks before I adjust the exposure. It was the second method that I chose for this photograph.  

Power Plant Glow, Painted

The second photograph (above) is the same image as the first, but with additional processing to give it a painterly look. Photoshop’s AI technology was used in part to create this look for the image. I wrote out commands to Photoshop as to what I wanted and kept changing the command until I got what I wanted. This was an editing process I learned in the 5th Annual Photoshop Summit in October of last year. The instructor used the same process on a photograph he took. He liked it so much he printed it and displays it in his photography office. I’ll be interested to see how my image looks when printed on canvas.

You can see more of my work @ricrosowphotography.com and @PriceKrishnanGallery. This photograph and others on my website are available for purchase either from my website or by contacting me directly.

Scents to Scene by Cheryl LeClair-Sommer Opens February 10 at Kolman & Reeb Gallery

Aglow by Cheryl LeClair-Sommer

Exhibition opens February 10 and runs through March 23. The gallery will host an artist reception on Saturday, February 17, 7:00-9:00p, and an artist talk on Thursday, March 7 at 7:00p

Kolman & Reeb Gallery is pleased to announce its next Project Space grantee exhibition, Scents to Scenes, with works painted exclusively for this show. Plein air artist Cheryl LeClair-Sommer pairs visual and olfactory stimuli to whisk us off to those romantic little hideaways of Minnesota. By pairing essential oils with her expertly painted landscapes, LeClair-Sommer hopes to deeply immerse the viewer into the scene and encompass the entirety of the artist’s experience.

With the resources provided by a Kolman & Reeb Gallery Project Space Grant, LeClair-Sommer used fragrance as a catalyst to search for locations that embodied the properties of those scents. This allowed for the characteristics of each perfume to inspire the mood and help predict the color palette of the work. Scents to Scenes features paintings paired with the corresponding scent, in hopes that the viewer will deeply connect to the location and atmosphere depicted. Gallery patrons will have the opportunity to sample the scents associated with each painting to fully appreciate the experience.

As an example of her concept for the show, in her painting, A Promise of Renewal, LeClair-Sommer set out to visually capture a scene encompassing fragrance notes of both, intensely warm and deeply cool. To accomplish this, in early spring, she searched for a place where the winter snow was stubborn to melt. In her skilled and masterful technique, LeClair-Sommer captured a warm breeze as it swept down the hillside. The intense sun caressed the remnants of winter, snowmelt trickling from beneath; from this came the rich odors of mossy decay as it blended with the light grassy aroma of new life.

"Following the curve of a river, silhouette of a tree, or billowing cloud formation, Cheryl’s work conjures the mood of the place," says Anita Sue Kolman, Kolman & Reeb Gallery co-founder and co-partner. "By pairing the essential oils chosen for each scene is a real treat. With her Project Space Grant show, Cheryl has brought many beautiful paintings to the gallery space.” 

Salmon Sunset Over the Marsh by Cheryl LeClair-Sommer

Per Jodi Reeb, gallery curator and co-partner, "Cheryl’s work beautifully captures Minnesota's many seasons and notable places. With her plein air paintings, she's able to summon the feeling of a moment. The softness of Cheryl's palette and the concept of blending scents with her scenes fit well with the gallery's contemporary style."

LeClair-Sommer lives and works in a suburb of St. Paul. To create her plein air paintings she travels throughout Minnesota, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and the Tahoe, California area. Cheryl has been recognized for her paintings with artwork regularly juried into national exhibits, awards at outdoor painting competitions, a Master Circle award from the International  Association of Pastel Societies, an award of a two-week residency, and a feature on the television show MN Original in 2011.

Fine Art Opening Event at Washburn Lofts, February 1

Free Art Opening event submitted by the Washburn Lofts

The Stone Arch Bridge in January - Photos by Ric Rosow

Submitted by Ric Rosow

Dusk on the Mississippi River

This photograph was taken about 2 & 1/2 hours before the nighttime photograph below. I took photographs of this scene the day before, but the sky was cloudy with little interest. I was pleased to see a blue sky earlier in the day and hoped it would continue that way as late afternoon and evening approached. In this image I like the sky, the water vapor coming off the river, the texture of the Stone Arch Bridge, the golden glow of lights near and far from the river, the white arch of the Lowry Avenue Bridge and the smoke cloud coming from a flue stack in the upper right. They create areas of interest throughout the photograph. 

Night Lights on the River

On the night of January 14th, the lights under the Stone Arch Bridge and the lights in the City all around the river illuminated a beautiful scene. I used a neutral density filter which allowed me to take a 15 second time exposure of the scene. The filter helped in softening the glow of the lights under the bridge and the water coming down the slope of the concrete apron of the dam. It appears that the City or Park Board replaced a light under one the arches that has been dead for quite a while. I want to thank whoever did that, as it makes photographs of the bridge and river better looking.

You can see more of my work @ricrosowphotography.com and @PriceKrishnanGallery.

Minneapolis Winter Kite Festival Returns to Lake Harriet on January 27

2023 Lake Harriet Winter Kite Festival, photo MPRB

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board hosts the 22nd annual Minneapolis Winter Kite Festival at Lake Harriet on Saturday, January 27 from 12-4 pm

The Kite Festival is a FREE outdoor event for people of all ages and abilities. Activities are centered around the north end of Lake Harriet near the Bandshell, 4135 West Lake Harriet Parkway. Kites of all shapes, sizes, colors and themes will fly over frozen Lake Harriet in a fun family festival featuring a kid’s DJ, s’mores, nature hikes and yard games.

Minnesota Kite Society experts will demonstrate maneuvering spectacular kites throughout the day and offer expertise to anyone interested in flying a kite. Bring your own kite or buy one at the lake – look for the East Harriet Neighborhood Association table near the Kids DJ.

Shuttle and Parking info

Free shuttles will run continuously between the Executive Building parking lot on the west side of Bde Maka Ska, 3033 Excelsior Blvd., and Lake Harriet on January 27, 11 am-5 pm. Aside from biking or walking, this is the best way to get to and from the Minneapolis Kite Festival.

Only accessible parking is available onsite. Limited parking is also available throughout the neighborhood but expect delays navigating through the neighborhood as there will be event congestion, parking restrictions, and road closures.

Ice Safety

The safety of event attendees is the top priority. Staff are monitoring ice thickness and will provide updates on MPRB social media and the Minneapolis Kite Festival website as conditions evolve.

Lake ice is never 100% safe. Stay away from channels, open water and areas where warning signs have been placed or cordoned off with caution tape or cones. Visit the MN DNR Ice Safety page for more information.

New Year, New Leader - A Discussion with Hoang Murphy, Chief Executive Officer of People Serving People

Article by Becky Fillinger, photo provided

Hoang MurphyHoang Murphy has a vision for People Serving People (PSP) honed from personal experience and from his founding of Foster Advocates. With him at the helm, this essential organization will continue to thrive in downtown and provide services to those experiencing homelessness. We talked about how he will lead the organization in 2024 and the ways you can help (size 6 diapers and volunteers are  needed right now!). 

Q: What inspired you to take on the role of CEO at People Serving People, and what are your initial impressions of the organization?

A: I was inspired to take on the CEO role at People Serving People because of my deep commitment to healing families and transforming communities. As someone with lived experience in foster care and homelessness, I know that children and families must have a seat at the table. With that experience, I have worked to ensure that those impacted by current inequities have a voice in making decisions and crafting solutions. Families know what’s best for them. We encourage our guests to work towards their vision of their families’ futures, using the support of staff, volunteers, and partners.

My initial impression is that PSP is a deeply committed and extremely thoughtful organization. Our work is only possible because of our dedicated staff and volunteers. I am impressed by the innovative thinking and strategic planning currently underway. I look forward to collaborating with the talented individuals here and continuing to drive positive and transformative change for our families and anyone who has experienced homelessness.

Q: Can you share any personal experiences or stories that have shaped your commitment to the mission of People Serving People?

A: Growing up I faced homelessness and housing insecurity in greater Minnesota and the Twin Cities. I went to school for the first time when I was eight, and this experience literally saved my life. A teacher triggered the systems in place to protect children like me; two days later, I entered foster care. I survived. And since then, I have been determined to make my life matter. I know that I got lucky. I was given an opportunity when, for so many others, this was the end of their story. The belief that every child, no matter the circumstances, deserves to have the opportunities I went on to have is the reason I wanted to be the leader of People Serving People

Q: What do you believe are the most pressing challenges facing families experiencing homelessness today, and how do you plan to address them in 2024? 

A: Homelessness remains complex, and the specific challenges vary by region and time. Still, there are several common denominators when it comes to challenges faced by families experiencing homelessness:

●  Lack of affordable housing: The scarcity of affordable housing is a major challenge. Rising rent and limited affordable housing options make it difficult for low-income families to secure stable housing.

●  Economic Inequality: Income inequality and job insecurity is a significant contributor to homelessness. Families may struggle to cover basic living expenses or choose between medicine, food or rent, all leading to housing instability.

●  Family Separation: Homelessness can lead to the separation of families as they seek shelter in different places. This disrupts family stability and makes it challenging for parents to care for their children.

●  Mental Health: Many individuals and families experiencing homelessness face mental health issues such as substance abuse disorder, which can complicate efforts to find and maintain housing.

●  Education Disruption: Homelessness often leads to children changing schools frequently or missing school altogether, which has long-term effects on their education and outcomes.

Prioritizing affordable housing, mental health services, and job assistance should be our priorities in preventing homelessness. Providing safe emergency shelters with supportive programming, high-quality childhood education, and advocating for system and policy change at the city, county, and state.

Q: You’re new to the role, but can you share with our readers how you plan to collaborate with staff, board, members, and volunteers to create a more effective and impactful organization?

A: We are faced with an unprecedented demand for our emergency shelter and services. That means that everyone is working harder and capacity is stretched. It means we are serving more meals, our education programs are full, families may need to wait longer to see their advocate, and we are going through more supplies, like diapers and formula.

I’ve started by holding all-staff meetings and listening sessions to encourage inclusive decision-making, regular feedback loops, and alignment of goals. Being a resource for families needing someone in their corner means all hands are on deck. My responsibility is to ensure our staff is supported in healing vicarious trauma and that their basic needs are fully met. I want to work to ensure a collective effort among all the stakeholders at People Serving People to serve our families in the most effective and impactful ways.

Q: Are there any new programs or services you plan to introduce, or existing ones you intend to expand, to better serve homeless families?

A: For the past 40 years, PSP has done life-saving work; my mandate is to continue that excellent practice while exploring ways to do life-affirming work. Our strategic goal and primary driving question as we move into 2024 is, “How can we continue to build stability for our families today and in the future?”. This will be achieved by investing in our staff and facilities to best serve families now and supporting our families as they chart the pathway for systems change.

People Serving People is located at 614 3rd Street S

Q: For those of us making New Year resolutions to volunteer more, how may we get involved with People Serving People? How may we follow your news?

A: I am so glad that you asked. There are so many ways to get involved with People Serving People - You can volunteer or donate (either financially, with your time, or with items in need). We have a current high need for size 6 diapers and volunteers interested in working with children. Following us on social media and signing up for our newsletter are all fantastic ways to engage with us. You can find all this information and more on our website: peopleservingpeople.org.

New Year, New Leader - A Discussion with Ward 7 Council Member Katie Cashman

Article by Becky Fillinger, Photos provided

Katie Cashman has energetic goals to work collaboratively on the Minneapolis City Council. We talked to her about the motivation to run for office, key priorities and how she will gather input from her constituents in Ward 7.

Q:  Congratulations on winning the Ward 7 seat on the Minneapolis City Council. For those who may not know you yet, what motivated you to run for office? 

A:  I have been a public servant for my entire career, but it wasn’t until our 26-year Council Member announced she wasn’t running for re-election that I decided to run for office. I saw the opportunity to represent our Ward 7 community in a new way. I felt compelled to step up and help move our city forward and represent the future of Minneapolis, bringing more people into that conversation. Our community is eager for meaningful changes to our public safety model, eager for a plan to revitalize our local economy and eager for investments in climate resiliency. We’ve had a challenging few year in Minneapolis. Meeting this moment requires energetic and collaborative public leaders to get work done. I’m ready.

Cashman and volunteers gathered for a rally on Election Day before their Get Out the Vote efforts.

Q:  What are your top priorities for the first few months in office? 

A:  In my first few months in office, I’ll be focusing on providing top tier constituent services for the residents of Ward 7. It’s really important to me to build trust with community and to deeply understand the housing, public safety and public works issues that families and individuals face at the neighborhood level. This work will help me advance meaningful policy that addresses real needs. The city council recently passed a powerful 2024 budget and I want to help our city build up its capacity to equitably deliver on the budget as well. That will include additional community safety resources, great streets funds to support small business investments, clean energy investments through the green cost share program, municipal snow and ice clearing pilot projects and so much more. 

Q:  How do you plan to engage with and represent the diverse interests of our Minneapolis communities? 

A:  The diversity of the City Council represents the diversity of our city. I look forward to learning from my colleagues about how we can collectively address the challenges in our various communities. In Ward 7 it’s important for me to proactively seek input from all constituents. Renters, homeowners, elders, children, people with disabilities, immigrants and people of varied different lived experiences will be able to share their perspectives with me.

Q:  What is your collaboration style? How do you plan to collaborate with other council members to address the needs of the community? 

A:  I’m a very good listener and I value authenticity. I’ll always put Ward 7 first and will find ways to advance shared goals with other council members.

Q:  What steps do you intend to take to increase transparency and communication between the City Council and the community? 

As a Council member, it is important to work with the media to share stories with the public. I look forward to communicating the solutions we are bringing forward as a council and how Minneapolis residents can be involved. 

Q:  Wonderful – we look forward to helping you in that goal. How will you involve Ward 7 citizens in decision-making processes or seek their input on important issues?

A:  I plan to host office hours at Ward 7 coffee shops and will also doorknock in Ward 7 in neighborhoods and apartment buildings before big votes. I really loved doorknocking throughout my campaign as I met tens of thousands of people. Doorknocking is the best tool we have for gathering truly representative input. Many folks don’t email and call City Hall, so I have to find ways to solicit their input more proactively.

Q:  How may we follow your news in the new year?

A:  I’ll be launching an email newsletter where folks can follow along about City Hall happenings. I also love social media and will post about our progress at City Hall.

New Year: New Leader - A Discussion with Scott Duimstra, Library Director of the Hennepin County Library System

Article by Becky Fillinger, photo provided 

Scott DuimstraScott Duimstra brings a ton of energy and ideas to his new role as Library Director of the Hennepin County Library system. We talked to him about engaging more students with the library system, library renovations, expanding access to the libraries and more. Did you know that 2.8 million people visited our library system in 2023? Keep reading to learn more about his ideas and ways to engage with one of the best library systems in the country.

Q: Congratulations on your new position as Library Director of the Hennepin County Library! What attracted you to this position, and even before that, what motivated you to become a library director? 

A:  Thank you. I’ve been a librarian for 20 years, earning my Master’s of Science in Information from the University of Michigan. I’ve held several positions in libraries and my goal was never to be a library director, it just happened as I moved up. Once I was the Executive Director for the Capital Area District Libraries, I loved it. I saw how the position could positively impact the entire library system. I also enjoyed being the face of the library in the community.

For what attracted me to the Hennepin County Library system, it was an easy decision for me. The Hennepin County Library system is known nationally as one of the premier library systems. From their staff to their buildings, to their collections, they are one of the best. Regarding the process, a library director search firm contacted me to see if I’d be interested in applying for various director positions. I told them that I was happy with my current position, but if the Hennepin County Library director position ever opened, to let me know. Well, they did, I applied, went through three rounds of interviews and here I am. I’m overjoyed to be here as the Library Director.

Q:  In your previous position as Executive Director of the Capital Area District Libraries in Lansing, MI, you spearheaded a program called Student Success Initiative. Could you tell us about the program and do you believe it could transfer to the Hennepin County Libraries? I know it’s early, but what is your vision for the library's role in the community over the next few years?

A:  The Student Success Initiative was one of my proudest achievements at the Capital Area District Libraries. When we looked at our library card holders, students were the group that had the least amount of library cards. In researching it, there were barriers to students getting library cards because their parents had to bring them to the library. What I did was to reach out to each superintendent for the schools in our service area to see if it was possible to add every student to our library system if they wanted a library card. The goal was to not only get library cards to students, but to also show how their card could be used to help them achieve academic success. For these cards, the students just used their student name or number. We made it as easy as possible. The program was a huge success and each year we hear from students about how their library cards positively impacted their lives.

Regarding your question as to whether the Student Success Initiative would work in Hennepin County, it most certainly would. We are already working on a similar program. Our Let’s Read initiative will start in 2024, and the focus is on K-5th grade reading support through tutoring, building home libraries with free books, and getting students library cards.

My vision for the role of the library in the community is to follow our vision statement and be a shared spaced for enrichment and connection. That enrichment and connection is different for many people and the library develops services, collections, and partnerships so as to fulfill our mission. For some individuals and families, the library is a place to start and continue their literacy journey, for others it’s a place to work and collaborate through access to technology, for others it’s a place where they can be comfortable and get access to community resources.

Q:  Do you have plans to collaborate with local schools, universities, and other community organizations to strengthen educational partnerships? 

A:  Yes. Whether it’s through a similar initiative like getting students library cards, or other initiatives, like increasing reading proficiency in our students, the Hennepin County Library is a natural partner for schools, universities, and community organizations that have a similar mission to ours which is “to inspire, facilitate, and celebrate lifelong learning.”

Q: Similarly, do you have ideas for expanding the library's reach and increasing accessibility to its resources? 

A: Expanding the library’s reach and increasing accessibility is a major part of our strategic plan for the coming years. We continue to look at our services, our collections, and our policies so as to reduce barriers to library use and see how we can ensure that library services are open to all residents of Hennepin County. The accessibility might be the layout of our spaces, it might be sending materials to an individual’s home, it might be ensuring that the materials and formats we have can be accessed by a variety of age groups.

Q:  Can you discuss plans for updating or renovating library facilities to meet the changing needs of patrons? 

A:  We have a number of renovations planned for the future. Currently, our Rockford Road Library and Sumner Library are being renovated and are scheduled to reopen in 2024. Our Westonka Library and Southdale Library have major renovations coming in the next couple of years.

Through any of our renovations, we look at how the spaces are currently being used along with balancing how they’ll be used in the future to develop libraries that our communities will enjoy. In 2023, 2.8 million people have visited our libraries. Through those visits, they use our spaces to browse our collections, access technology, connect with their family, play in the children’s area, study in our spaces, and use our meeting rooms. Our libraries are as dynamic as the many ways in which individuals and families use them.

Q: What role do you believe the library should play in promoting cultural awareness and celebrating the Hennepin County’s history and heritage? 

A: I believe the library should play a large role in promoting cultural awareness and recognizing the history and heritage of Hennepin County. At the Hennepin County Library, we have a wonderful Minneapolis and Hennepin County collection that covers the history of the area. Along with these collections, we have exhibits at our spaces. Currently, through our TransFabulous program, we have the exhibit Gender in Community at our Minneapolis Central Library.

Q:  What are you reading at this time? Do you have a favorite author?

A:  I’m currently reading “Horse” by Geraldine Brooks to get ready for the author to join us at the Pen Pals event on March 14 and 15. For my favorite author, that’s a difficult question. I read across genres for whatever fits my mood at the time. Some of my favorites are Marcel Proust, Ta-Nehisi Coates, and Geraldine Brooks.

Q:  How may we stay current with library news?   

A:  Check out our website hclib.org, follow us on social media – Facebook, X, Instagram and make sure to visit one (or all!) of our 41 libraries and talk to our fantastic staff.

New Year, New Vision for the MPLS Downtown Council

Article by Becky Fillinger, photo provided

Adam DuininckA discussion with Adam Duininck, President and CEO of the MPLS Downtown Council

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What plan does Adam Duininck have for heading up the MPLS Downtown Council? Plenty, and with enthusiasm to match his goals! We talked to Adam about immediate goals, fostering community in downtown and how to stay up to date with events. 

Q:  Congratulations! You’ve been on the job for about two months. What inspired you to take on the role of President and CEO for the MPLS Downtown Council?

A:  Thank you! I am motivated by a challenge and I am passionate about our downtown, our city, and our region. We have faced significant challenges in the last few years but our challenges are also our opportunities as we consider the revitalization of our downtown. 

Downtown Minneapolis is a special place. We have tremendous assets from Fortune 500 companies and their incredible workforce, first-class theater, cultural, arts district, award-winning chefs and restaurant scene, amazing hotels and hospitality, community focused and highly competitive sports teams, as well as a growing downtown residential population. When you look at our strengths and opportunities, it motivates me to work toward leveraging them into the best downtown we can be.

Q:  Do you have a list of immediate goals to tackle for 2024? 

A:  Build relationships with our members and partners. This is always an ongoing goal for me as it is how we collaborate and build meaningful connections to our downtown community.

Reimagine Holidazzle from a planning and fundraising perspective. Holidazzle is such an integral part to downtown and to our brand that I want to make sure 2024 is a successful return.

Lastly, work diligently on the 2035 Plan which charts our organization’s vision for the next 10 years. If planning is done right, the relationship building will happen here too and we’ll begin to put forward a vision that balances life, work, and play in a way that both reflects the changes we’re seeing in downtown today with a plan for how we grow and thrive tomorrow.

Q:  How do you plan to support small and independently owned businesses in the downtown area, in addition to larger corporations? 

A:  That’s an important balance of any membership organization and it’s an area where we can grow. I think the MPLS Downtown Council does this well now, but there is always room for improvement. The best way to engage newer constituencies is to allow them a seat at the table - and I plan to do that myself and I want efforts like the 2035 Plan (coming soon!) to allow for input from all kinds of companies and businesses. 

Q:  Do you have any specific plans for fostering a sense of community and pride in the downtown district among its residents and visitors? 

A:  I think that goal must be top of mind in everything we do. When we are planning events like our annual meeting, Holidazzle, Aquatennial, as well as more regular activations, how are we building community? To me, community begins with safety and being together and the two go hand-in-hand. That’s my expectation for the MPLS Downtown Council and Downtown Improvement District (DID). We are very mission-driven and I want to double down on that.

Q:  In what ways do you envision leveraging technology and digital platforms to benefit downtown businesses? 

A:  We have a plan to roll out some kiosks to improve wayfinding downtown that I am excited about. The event calendar that we have built so successfully can also be linked to other platforms in a way to help with distribution and the kiosks will be one way to get the word out, along with social media and other channels. 

Q:  Count Mill City Times in as a way to spread the word about your events. How may we stay up to date with the news from the MPLS Downtown Council?   

A:  Please follow along at www.mplsdowntown.com for upcoming events and happenings downtown as well as @mplsdowntown on social media, particularly Instagram.

New Year, New Leader - A Discussion with Ellen Reed, Executive Director of the Mississippi Park Connection

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Ellen ReedEllen Reed comes to the Mississippi Park Connection (MPC) as a leader ready to "get her feet wet" – so many ways to say that she is going to "jump right in" to take the organization to new heights. We talked about the accomplishments of the MPC in the last 16 years, her goals for the essential organization and how storytelling can enhance the contributions of a nonprofit leader.

Q:  Congratulations on your appointment as Executive Director of the Mississippi Park Connection. As a starting point, how do you plan to build upon the achievements of the MPC?

A: It is such an honor to take on the role of Executive Director at Mississippi Park Connection (MPC). Over the past 16 years, MPC has grown into a robust nonprofit organization serving the community and beyond through collaborative programming, partnerships, and education. Growing from a one-person staff, led by the incredible Katie Nyberg, MPC is now composed of a gifted team of ten highly qualified professionals dedicated to connecting people to the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, the national park located in the Twin Cities.

Building upon MPC’s achievements brings its own challenges, as the organization has already achieved so many successes in its history. For example, Mississippi Park Connection helped revamp the Mississippi River Visitor Center at the Minnesota Science Museum in 2016. Through the Plant for the Future campaign, MPC and its partners have planted over 18,000 trees in the park. Approximately 200,000 students have learned about the river through youth education field trips and programs. Topping that is going to be quite a feat! But with the support of all those who love the river and park, we can accomplish even more.

One way I see that happening is by expanding programming and engagement throughout the entire 72-mile park corridor and connecting people from all over to the Mississippi River. We are fortunate to have a national park right in the heart of the Twin Cities, and this river is one of the greatest in the world. If every person who experienced the Mississippi River at the park developed a passion for protecting it - whether they live here or elsewhere - imagine what we could accomplish!

Q:  Are there new initiatives, programs, or events you want to introduce to MPC in 2024?

A:  The upcoming year will bring growth not only in programming and education, but also in the MPC staff. We are hiring a new program manager who will help expand our ability to deliver programs throughout the entire corridor of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area from Dayton to Hastings, while also strengthening programs and events in the metro area.

In Summer 2024, we will be launching Paddle Share 2.0, which will improve the user experience and access for the self-serve kayak rental program MPC manages in partnership with the City of St. Paul, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, Three Rivers District, City of Brooklyn Park, Mississippi Watershed Management Organization, and the National Park Service. Paddle Share connects people to the river through a kayak sharing system in the Twin Cities metro area that lets you rent a kayak, paddle, and safety equipment so you can paddle to a destination downriver. By investing in upgrades to Paddle Share, more people will be able to get onto the river.

Q:  What are the most significant challenges you foresee in 2024, and how will MPC plan to address or mitigate their impact?

A:  As the charitable partner to the National Park Service, we bridge the gap between what the park needs to serve the community and what it receives through federal funding. When the park is faced with budget shortfalls or government shutdowns, it is our role to support however we can by remaining agile and responsive to the park’s needs while also being steadfast in delivering excellent programs for the many communities we serve. To address this challenge and plan for potential volatility, we rely on individuals who love the park to support MPC through annual membership gifts and contributions. Steady support from members ensures we have program resources in both times of uncertainty and stability.

Q:  Your online bio mentions your strengths in storytelling and communications. I really like that you've listed storytelling. Please tell us how you’ll apply these strengths in your role.

A:  When I was a young student, I struggled to pass my history tests. Memorizing dates and names proved to be nearly impossible for me and history became something I disliked. One night, my grandmother found me scribbling facts from World War II on index cards, holding them up, and failing to find the right answer. She took the cards from me and said, “I can tell you what I remember from 1942…” and told me stories about her time as a young woman experiencing war. The dates began to have context, and the names took shape as people. The stories brought history to life in my mind and from there I developed a passion for both history and storytelling.

We connect with the world through storytelling. It’s where the connection begins. We begin to actualize the abstract and contextualize the unknown.  I’ve used storytelling to encourage people who have never kayaked the Mississippi River to take the leap and try it. I tell them about my first time kayaking the river and how I was afraid, but also afraid to tell anyone I was afraid. I describe how the water moved and how it felt on my feet. I tell them how the kayak reacted when I got in, and how long it took for me to get a feel for the paddle. I’ve shown them a photo of me on the water, with my eager-yet-still-anxious smile, and then the victory photo of me at the end of my paddle - completely dry and giddy with a sense of accomplishment.

Ellen kayaking - this looks like peaceful and reflective time we all could use!

That is how I use storytelling in my role. I hope I can inspire others to find their connection to the river through the many stories we have to tell about it.

Q:  Is it a priority for MPC to enhance community engagement and outreach efforts in the new year?

A:  Absolutely. Connecting with the community is what we do.

Q:  Please tell us about ongoing or new partnerships or collaborations MPC will consider with local organizations, businesses, or government agencies to support your 2024 goals?

A:  Partnership is at the core of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area and therefore is at the core of MPC. The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area is designated as a partner park, which means it accomplishes its purpose through partnerships with land managers, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and fellow agencies. Within the park’s corridor, there are hundreds of partner organizations we work with and many more beyond its boundaries. As we expand programming and engagement throughout the region, MPC will look to further strengthen existing relationships with our partners and will actively seek out new partnerships so we can work together to connect more people to the river.

Q:  You’re going to be a fantastic leader. How may we stay current with your news?  

A:  So many ways:

●        Visit our website and sign up for our newsletter at parkconnection.org

●        Become a member of Mississippi Park Connection at parkconnection.org/membership

●        Follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin 

Ice Luminary Workshop at Water Works, February 10

Saturday, February 10, 3-6 pm

You don't need to be an expert - or even an adult - to make beautiful winter decorations for your home. Learn how to make a radiant ice luminary to add everyday sparkle to your home, both inside and out. In this introductory class, delve into the fundamentals of crafting captivating ice lanterns, exploring essential techniques such as design elements, textures, and lighting effects. Each participant will go home with a Fluted 5-gallon Ice Lantern Mold (5-gallon bucket not included). The class will be guided by experienced Ice Wrangler, Jennifer Shea Hedberg, of Wintercraft.

Tailored for beginners, this class provides an ideal entry point into the magical world of ice lantern creations. Suitable for ages 14 and above or accompanied by an adult. No prior experience is necessary! Optional Luminary DIY book, "Ice Luminary Magic" will be available for purchase during checkout.

Register online

This class is hosted by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. Visit minneapolisparks.org/register to search thousands of youth and adult programs across the park system.