Ar tis tr y Presents Artistry Presents GODSPELL

Artistry’s 2023 Season features GODSPELL, a modern-day 2023 Season features GODSPELL, a telling of the Gospel of St Matthew that brings Jesus’ message of the of St. Matthew that Jesus’ message of kindness, tolerance, and love to life through song, dance, and of and love to life through song, and improvisation improvisation.

The production, with a Sunday August 13, closing The with a performance, features stellar local artists including John Jamison features stellar local artists John Jamison II as Jesus, Jordan Legget as John and Judas, Ben Dutcher as II as Jesus, Jordan as John and Judas, Ben Dutcher as Nick, Elena Glass as Lindsay, Grace Hillmyer as Morgan, Javari Nick, Elena Glass as Grace as Javari Horne as Anna Maria and Dance Captain, Annika Isbell as Swing, Horne as Anna Maria and Dance Annika Isbell as Caleb Michael as George, Wariboko Semenitari as Uzo, Ben Caleb Michael as Wariboko Semenitari as Uzo, Ben Siglin as Swing, and Nora Sonneborn as Celisse as and Nora Sonneborn as Celisse.

Artistry is a multi-faceted producing arts organization and is a multi-faceted producing arts and the anchor tenant at Bloomington Center for the Art, 1800 W Old the anchor tenant at Center for the Art, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Road, Bloomington The South Metro’s largest non- Road, Bloomington. The South Metro’s nonprofit professional theater, Artistry produces large-scale classics t classics and smaller, more contemporary chamber musicals Artistry and more contemporary chamber musicals. serves more than 82,000 people per year serves more than per year.

Vanessa Brooke Agnes directs this touching and haunting Vanessa Brooke directs this and story of kindness, love, and community Choreographer Kyle story of kindness, love, and community.

Weiler, musical director Bradley Beahen, and associate director

Weiler, musical director Beahen, and associate director

Brittany Marie Wilson deliver “Soul-filling music, joyful Marie Wilson deliver “Soulmovement and universal lessons (that) make this piece a feast for movement and universal lessons make this a feast for the senses and the spirit,” says Agnes the senses and the says Agnes.

The production team features the creative talents of Katie

The team features the creative talents of Katie

Edwards (Scenic Designer), Kyia Britts

Edwards Britts (Lighting Designer), Jacourtney Mountain-Bluhm Mountain-Bluhm (Costume Designer), Britt Hilton (Hair & Makeup Britt Hilton & Designer), Born Into Royalty (Sound Designer), Will Born Into Will Rafferty (Technical Director), and Katie Phillips erty and Katie (Production & Properties Manager) & Properties Manager).

Single tickets range from $18–$48 and tickets range $18–$48 and can be purchased online at www artistrymn org can be online at www.artistrymn.org and by visiting or calling the and or calling the Box Office 952-563-8575 ce 952-563-8575.

Box Office hours are Wednesday Box ce hours are through Friday from 1-5pm

Brooklyn Park celebrates Liberian Independence Day and Igbo Fest

By Annabel Kamalu

Brooklyn Park is home to different cultures and values. These rich heritages and interactions are deeply appreciated, said Mayor Winston at the reading of declarations and proclamations at the July 25th Brooklyn Park City Council meeting.

The mayor proclaimed:

 July 26, 2023 as Liberian Independence Day in the city of Brooklyn Park as Liberia marks the 176th anniversary since its independence. Liberia was the first African country to attain independence, Mayor Winston said.

 August 12th, 2023 to be observed as Igbo Day. This year’s Igbo Fest focuses on diversity and inclusion, as a way of understanding each other’s culture. Brooklyn Park was presented The League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) City of Excellence Award. Describing it as a great way of giving the city staff recognition for all the work they do, Luke Fischer, LMC executive director, said the award was “To recognize Brooklyn Park for its creative housing solutions.”

The Doran Group Proposal Housing developer

The Doran Group proposed a new building to be built adjacent to the 610 West Apartments. Council Member XP Lee, East District, made 3 motions seeking approval of The Doran Group Proposal. All motions passed. The city also required:

1. Conducting a noise study in the plan before awarding a construction permit

2. Providing additional screening along Highway 610

3. Complying with the city’s mixed-income housing policy; providing 15% of the units at 60% of the area’s median income.

4. Providing an affordable housing plan; a detailed document with the compliance policy

Contract Extensions

The Council awarded 10 CommunityBased Organizations contract extensions and recommended allocations to:

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Community Partnership Program projects.

Felicia Jappah, Project Coordinator, asked the Council to approve extending the contracts from Round 1 funding. The total community fund approved for Round 2 is $700,000, with $550,000 is allocated for the ARPA and Economic Development Authority (EDA) and the

Murua Moms: Better futures for unborn children

Pregnant African American women seeking better futures for themselves and their unborn children often face challenges of maintaining emotional well-being, avoiding chemical abuse, and establishing healthy relationships. Murua (meaning “Respect” in Swahili) Moms Program helps women address these concerns. Murua Moms program lays the foundation for a healthier future for American African pregnant women. Expectant mothers will be equipped with holistic skills that prioritize the wellness of both themselves and their unborn children. The comprehensive approach involves lectures, engaging activities, enlightening videos, and insights from guest speakers. The program offers intensive individual and group emotional support for mothers and fathers.

remaining $150,000 for workers’ development initiatives.

Mayor Winston made it clear that there was not enough information on some of the organizations that have already received funding. Thus, he suggested that the council be kept better informed.

Council Member Maria Tran, West District, citing the need for transparency, requested more reporting on how the funds are used and have been used in the past. Community Development Director, Kim Berggren said documentation exists and is available to the Council.

Council Member Boyd Morson, Central District, expressed his concerns that small businesses not being considered in the topten organizations awarded the funding as per the requirements. Lee asked, “Has there been any issues in terms of