On May 28th, Alissa Luepke Pier and Tracy Loso organized an extremely successful North Minneapolis-wide potluck to thank law enforcement officers for their hard work and dedication during the tornado recovery effort.

This evening, Alissa sent the following update -

 

Here is an update on how the potluck went yesterday:

Thanks to generous neighbors in Hawthorne, Jordan, Old Highland and Willard Hay, we were able to provide meals for all 3 shifts of officers in the 4th Precinct yesterday, as well as leave a snack table of treats for them to graze on today.  Officers were very happy and quite appreciative of the gesture.  The food that we provided included: a selection of deli meats, buns, fresh deli bread, croissants, condiments and garnish, fresh fried chicken, fruit salads, veggie trays, yogurt, fresh fruit, chips, pretzels, cupcakes, brownies, cookies, fresh crepes with a topping bar, candy bars, water, pop, fresh coffee and cups, napkins, plates, and silverware.

In addition, our collective efforts allowed for us to supply the Fire Department up on Lowry (in the midst of the destruction) with lean hamburger meat, loads of hamburger buns, tomatoes, lettuce, condiments, and chips as well.  The firefighter who accepted the donation was surprised and expressed his appreciation to everyone who donated.

On a final note, we received enough in donations to also allow for a meal in the coming weeks for the 4th Precinct.  We will be providing the funds for pizza to be delivered for one of their meals.

We emphasized that this was NOT sponsored by a non-profit or other organization – it was a grass-roots effort from everyday residents of north Minneapolis who came together to say “Thank You!” to our officers and fire fighters.

Thanks again!
-Alissa Luepke Pier & Tracy Loso

Great work Alissa and Tracy, and thank you 4th Precinct!

Old Highland residents get preview of Bean Scene makeover plans while enjoying a Saturday morning with coffee and breakfast treats.

The Bean Scene Too Coffee shop at the corner of West Broadway and Emerson is slated
to get a makeover this winter.  Kindred Kitchen’s Food Service Division has taken
over management of the Bean Scene. Kindred Kitchen is a creation of Catalyst Community Partners. Catalyst is probably the main player in the revitalization of West Broadway.  They have rehabbed the Five Points building at Broadway and Penn and the 1200 Building at Fremont and Broadway in the last year.  Kindred Kitchen, located in the 1200 Building, is Catalyst’s venture to bring good food to Broadway. 

Good food will be in the hands of Chef Chris, the executive chef at Kindred Kitchens.

Kindred Kitchen has a full-service commercial kitchen for use by startup food services and other food entrepreneurs, and sometime this spring will add a sitdown restaurant.  Bringing good food and management services to the Bean Scene is Catalyst’s newest undertaking.

Sue Wollan Fan from Catalyst was there on Saturday to give Old Highland residents the details.   They’re aiming for better food, better ambiance and better service. The better ambiance will be handled with a remodel of the interior that will close the Bean Scene for a week or two in late January/February time frame.

Old Highland wasn't the only Northsider stopping by. Here is Council Member Don Samuels coming in for breakfast and some time to talk to constituents.

Good food will be in the hands of Chef Chris, the executive chef at Kindred Kitchens. Chef Chris is now planning the new menus and even now is putting some of his creations in the Bean Scene.  He was there Saturday to cook and give out some samples.

Catalyst will be handling staff training, and this coffee shop will probably get a new name too.  Check back here for details as they become available.

Old Highlanders are proud to live in this community.

Check out one testament by Old Highland neighbor, Tracy Loso, here: Why I Live Here, Small Town In a Big City