Insight News ::: 03.10.14

TOKI WRIGHT March 10 - March 16, 2014

Hip-hop star, Toki Wright joins the Insight News/ Aesthetically Speaking family MORE ON PAGE 5

Vol. 41 No. 11 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com

Health insurance deadline fast approaching

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Contributing Writer The deadline for mandated health insurance coverage is fast approaching and the people at MNsure are working feverishly to make sure all in the state are covered.

As mandated by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), or as it became known, Obamacare, all U.S. residents must enroll in a health plan by March 31 to avoid a financial penalty. That penalty does not apply to lowincome residents who qualify for

programs such as MinnesotaCare or Medical Assistance. If a person has completed the MNsure application and was told he or she qualifies for Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare they do not need to do anything else and will receive further information in the mail that will either confirm coverage or describe if there are any additional things needed. For questions regarding MinnesotaCare or Medical Assistance call Minnesota Health Care Programs Member Help Desk at (651) 431-2670 or (800) 657-3739.

MNSURE TURN TO 9

Health experts say raising wages will create better health outcomes in Minnesota Although wages and health are rarely talked about together, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) drew the links.

MDH released a report providing research to back up the claim that increases in income are associated with positive health outcomes.

Kristen Godfrey Walters, president-elect of the Minnesota Public Health Association (MPHA), agrees that health is about more than access to

healthcare.

“Socioeconomic factors such as income, employment and education are determinants of health well documented in the public health literature,” said Walters. “MPHA recommends a raise in minimum wage to an income sufficient to meet subsistence needs such as food, housing, clothing, transportation

Minnesota Commissioner of Health, Dr. Edward Ehlinger, and State Rep. Tina Liebling (DFL 26A) joined the Rev. Paul Slack at the State Capitol for a press conference to bring attention to the health impacts of low wage work and broaden the debate around ending poverty wages in Minnesota.

Slack, ISAIAH president and pastor of New Creation Church in Minneapolis, kicked off the press conference by shedding light on

the clear connection between wages and health. ISAIAH is a faith-based democracy organization.

“No one who works should have to live in poverty,” said Slack. “This is a moral issue about how we as a community as a society support healthy families. I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to be healthy, but when we pay people low wages we are saying they don’t deserve that opportunity.”

Comcast grants enhance digital learning

The Element of discipline that leads to success

Comcast announced it is providing $50,000 in grants to non-profit community organizations in St. Paul to create Internet Essentials Learning Zones within the community.

Honoring the efforts of its community partners, Comcast has established a Gold Medal Recognition Program in which it is making more than $1 million in grants to non-profit partners in 15 communities across the country. The Saint Paul Public Schools Foundation will be receiving one of those grants totaling $50,000 to distribute to its non-profit partners including CommonBond Communities, Neighborhood House, Project for Pride in Living, Twin Cities Housing Development Corporation – Liberty Plaza and West 7th Community Center.

Also, Internet Essentialseligible families in St. Paul who are not currently customers can receive six months of complimentary Internet service if they apply for the program

COMCAST TURN TO 9

Rev. Paul Slack, ISAIAH President and pastor at New Creation Church, Mpls.

WAGES TURN TO 3

By Emily Blodgett, Neighborhood Development Center A microcosm of the transformative work that Dalton Outlaw and Element Boxing and Fitness does, comes in the form of a young man named Deonte.

Deonte, according to Outlaw, walked into Element, 655 Fairview Ave. S., St. Paul, about five years ago as an unmotivated teenager on the doorstep of making some pretty bad choices.

He stuck with an intense training routine, working and sweating nearly everyday at the Element gym.

“He committed to something positive and that correlated to life in the outside world,” said Outlaw.

According to Outlaw, Deonte (whose last name is not provide) now has a good job and is entrusted with teaching boxing skills to the young children in the gym.

Outlaw and his partner and childhood friend Ceresso Fort built the business of Element Boxing and Fitness and the nonprofit Element Boxing Academy not just to provide

Man Talk Healing for the feminine soul

PAGE 3

Emily Blodgett for Neighborhood Development Center

Dalton Outlaw, (right), co-owner of St. Paul’s Element Boxing and Fitness, spars with a client. their hometown of St. Paul with a boxing gym, but also to capture kids like Deonte at an early age

Motivational Moments Things for which I am grateful

PAGE 3

and give them a community where they can learn respect, self-esteem and discipline.

Except for the boxing ring in the middle, there is little or nothing of the Element gym

ELEMENT TURN TO 4

Education

Business

Provide opportunity for all Minneapolis students

Is the thank you note dead?

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Page 2 • March 10 - March 16, 2014 • Insight News

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Insight News • March 10 - March 16, 2014 • Page 3

LIFESTYLE

Healing for the feminine soul Man Talk

By Timothy Houston This is my third and final commentary on healing.

The previous two commentaries were on healing for the Black family, and healing for the masculine soul. This week, I would like to address the topic of healing for the feminine soul.

The soul of a woman is her emotional center. It is where her feelings, esteem, thoughts and most importantly her emotions reside. When the soul of a woman is wounded, her abilities

are hampered, her creativity is stifled and potential is restricted to the extent of her pain. With 72 percent of the Black households being headed by a single parent, and most of them are women, healing for the feminine soul is paramount.

To begin healing the feminine soul, you must stop the bleeding.

This is an environmental function.

The wounded woman must remove herself from any environment that is causing her harm. I do not say this lightly, because the family unit is a precious entity. But a woman that is in a continual state of verbal, physical, spiritual and emotional abuse can never heal. I recommend spiritual counseling.

The source of the wound may be misapplied. In some cases, the wounds may be self-inflicted, in other cases, they may stem from childhood trauma. In all cases, the

The wounded woman cannot issue life to her family and children if she is not whole herself.

wounded soul must be protected.

Next, to heal the feminine soul, you must start the breathing.

This is an internal function.

No one person can breathe for another. Resuscitation and revival

begin in the heart. The wounded woman must inundate her heart with the most positive information available. This is spiritual, so her connection to God must be healthy and intact. No one else

can do this for her. As her spirit is strengthened, her heart is also strengthened, and her soul begins to heal. This is the breath of life that is needed for spiritual and emotional healing.

Finally, to heal the feminine soul, you must treat for shock.

This is an external function. There can be no business as usual. There is help for the hurting. No one is ever completely alone. Those who are in the circle of influence of the wounded must be involved in this process. No one can heal in a vacuum. Family and friends will need to step in and help out. Their hands and heart will be needed.

As the wounded soul progress through the stages of healing, family and friends will keep the wounded from regressing back to old behavior.

There is healing for the feminine soul. This is a spiritual

function. Spiritual healing is our future hope for healing for our families. The wounded woman cannot issue life to her family and children if she is not whole herself. This is one of the most pressing issues that is facing our families.

But there is hope.

God can and will heal the feminine soul. This is his gift to all families. “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers” 3 John 1:2.

Timothy Houston is an author, minister, and motivational speaker who is committed to guiding positive life changes in families and communities. To get copies of his books, for questions, comments or more information, go to www.tlhouston.com.

Things for which I am grateful Motivational Moments

By Penny JonesRichardson Every once in a while I like to stop and think about all of the things in my life for which I am grateful.

I stop and think about my

Wages From 1 and child care.”

The report written by MDH states that people with higher income are more likely to live

family, my friends, the work that I am blessed to do and all of the wonderful opportunities that await me on a daily basis. This helps me to stay focused and also helps me to have a more humbling spirit, which is very important to me.

There can be times in our life that we can become so preoccupied with the things that we are striving to do, that we forget to be thankful for what we already have. We can also get so focused on complaining about the

things that we don’t have that we forget to be grateful for where we are now and what it took to get us here. In my past, I have also been guilty of this.

Take a moment and think about your journey.

Think about where you used to be in life and where you are now. When you compare the two, if your current situation looks better than where you started, then you have a lot for which to be thankful. Think about all of the lessons that you’ve learned along

the way and how much you’ve learned from them. Life is full of lessons. Some good and some bad, but you learn from each of them. When a person uses the metaphor that they have learned to look both ways before crossing, believe them. It’s all about the lessons they have learned about being cautious and careful.

I know it can be hard to appreciate some of the hard lessons that we have to learn, but believe me those lessons teach, humble and guide us. They teach

us to appreciate life and accept the things that we have learned along the way. Where you are now on your journey has a lot to do with your life lessons and how and if you’ve been grateful for each of them. Have you been angry for things that happened in your past, or have you moved on and learned from those lessons?

Be grateful and thankful for all the things that you are blessed with in this life. If you haven’t recently, stop and take a look at your life and just say. “Thank

you.” You might be amazed how those two words can change your life for the better.

And as always, stay focused, stay determined and keep striving for greatness.

longer and healthier lives than those with lower income levels, and recommends policies aimed at increasing income for groups with the lowest income.

Higher incomes, according to the report, are associated with “increased life expectancy, lower rates of disabilities, lower rates

of chronic physical and mental health conditions, lower rates of certain behaviors that can compromise health and greater access to health insurance and health care.”

Poverty, according to MDH, is not equally distributed in Minnesota. Communities of color

experience poverty – and the adverse health impacts of living in poverty – at rates far higher than white Minnesotans. NativeAmericans and populations of color have poverty rates two to four times higher than the rate of whites, and the median household income for African-Americans in

Minnesota is less than half of the median income for whites.

This is not news for Shaquonica Johnson, a home care worker and mother of two who told her story of working a low-wage job.

“I take care of other people for a living,” said Johnson. “But

my low pay makes it hard for me to maintain my own health. I am a 37-year-old stroke survivor and I constantly face challenges of getting proper rest and nutrition because I have to work multiple jobs just to pay my bills. Wages and health cannot be separated.”

Penny Jones-Richardson is a published author and life coach.

She can be reached via her website at www.thequeensproject. com or email at penny@ thequeensproject.com.

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Page 4 • March 10 - March 16, 2014 • Insight News

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EDUCATION Provide opportunity for all Minneapolis students Gateway to excellence

By Scott Gray MUL President/CEO For more than 40 years, the Minneapolis Urban League (MUL) has operated the Urban League Academy (ULA), an alternative high school serving students from Minneapolis.

Each year, we serve about 100 students and help them finish needed credits or get re-acclimated to school when most have been unsuccessful

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Editor-In-Chief Al McFarlane CFO Adrianne Hamilton-Butler Publisher Batala-Ra McFarlane Associate Editor & Associate Publisher B.P. Ford Vice President of Sales & Marketing Selene White Culture and Education Editor Irma McClaurin Director of Content & Production Patricia Weaver Sr. Content & Production Coordinator Ben Williams Editorial Intern Abeni Hill Production Intern Sunny Thongthi Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed Receptionist Lue B. Lampley Contributing Writers Harry Colbert, Jr. Julie Desmond Fred Easter Timothy Houston Alaina L. Lewis Darren Moore Alysha Price Photography Michele Spaise Corey Collins Contact Us: Insight News, Inc. Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis., MN 55411 Ph.: (612) 588-1313 Fax: (612) 588-2031 Member: Minnesota Multicultural Media Consortium (MMMC), Midwest Black Publishers Coalition, Inc. (MBPCI), National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Postmaster: Send address changes to McFarlane Media Interests, Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Avenue North, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55411.

elsewhere. Another 200 due to personal and academic challenges give up and simply quit or succumb to the lure of the streets. Throughout the years, without the resources and many times the support needed, we have been able to press forward and prepare our students with important foundational and life skills that help them to live meaningful lives and become productive citizens in our community.

Our students at the academy come to us with numerous odds against them. They are more likely to go to prison, have gang influences, experience family abuse, and pretty much all live in poverty. They are often the very disconnected, have blurry aspirations, and have lost confidence in their academic abilities. Our typical ULA student is 18 years old, African American, severely low income, behind his/her peers on credits to graduate, behind his/her peers in proficiency levels on math and reading, on his/her 4th secondary school transition, and down on school, yet still hopeful about their life. They have grown up in challenging situations, have had their

Although many systems have counted out these students, we are not.

spirit tested, and been through systems that have not catered to their individual needs. Our students are referred or placed in our program, often as a “last resort.� The story of our school often parallels the story of the Urban League movement nationwide. Our students are often “cast down� but they are not cast out. Through the years, we have continued to have faith and high hopes for these young people, often when few others did.

By the time a student comes to ULA, they have struggled in several high schools and have far too few credits to even

think about graduating on time.

We recognize with the World’s Best Workforce legislation that there is more pressure to graduate students on time. I want to believe that the added pressure and accountability will help our younger students as they move through their educational experience. I am extremely concerned about the students I see each day in front of me who are ages 16, 17, 18 and ill prepared to enter their next phase of life.

The funding allotted for alternative schools is hardly sufficient to provide quality resources for the students

from the most challenged circumstances, with the most complex needs. It is evident by the level of investment that contract alternative schools and the students that attend them have been left to fend for themselves, or simply discounted.

We are in the age of accountability. Three months ago, the MUL worked with other contract alternatives to develop an accountability metric tool.

This week the Minneapolis Board of Education will discuss the issues and opportunities surrounding contract alternatives as a community partner.

With the odds stacked against our students, schools like the ULA focus on providing students with the educational training they need to earn graduation credits but we also spend a lot time on career exploration and career planning.

We provide our students with job opportunities while in high school, introduce them to new career opportunities, the employability soft skills that employers require, competencies that they will

need to succeed in work and life. Our students are often “super seniors� and have already been counted out by traditional systems. We are working to expose them to a new way of viewing themselves, by providing new insights and greater possibilities for their lives in this 21st century knowledge economy.

We are able to provide our students with these skills and training through individualized teaching and tutoring, a small and supportive environment, assistance with getting a job, and wrap-around supports through MUL in housing, transportation, and mental health.

Alternative schools are continuing to grow around this country as many school systems struggle to connect with today’s youth. Although many systems have counted out these students, we are not counting them out. There is a shift that should occur in Minneapolis and one shift is more community partnerships and true collaboration to provide opportunity for all students, even those at the Urban League Academy.

MPS invites public comment on 2015 budget Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) is planning for the future and we invite you to share your input to help guide our work.

FY15 Budget Planning Planning for the fiscal year 2015 (FY15) budget – which runs from July 1, 2014, to June 30, 2015 – has begun. We want to make sure that all MPS stakeholders

Element From 1 that reminds you of a “Rocky� movie. There are huge east facing windows, the gym is clean and airy, children are playing amid a forest of punching bags while their mothers lunge across mats carrying heavy weights and boxers of various ages pummel bags or spar in the ring. It feels safe, professional, inspiring and like a community. At 8,000 square feet, it’s big enough to sublet room to a Taekwondo business, and have plenty of leftover space for weights, punching bags, mats and even two giant tractor tires used for slamming sledgehammers onto.

When they started, Outlaw and Fort sold their cars for the cash to move forward, indicative of the intense commitment and passion for their mission.

2100 Plymouth Avenue N Minneapolis, MN 612-302-3100 Contact:

have an opportunity to be a part of the process of maintaining a sustainable financial foundation to support academic achievement.

Last year’s challenging budget decisions now allow us to start this year’s planning with a structurally balanced budget.

This year’s budget process will undoubtedly bring new opportunities to the table. We

are hosting engagement sessions to inform stakeholders about the budget and allow them to share thoughts, ask questions and make suggestions before the budget is adopted by the school board in June.

Outlaw makes connections wherever he goes, from the St. Paul Police Department and the Ramsey County Juvenile Detention facility to members of the Midway Chamber of Commerce.

He is looking for kids to help, but he is also looking for those who can help him. Even armed with a business degree, Outlaw knew he and Fort could not thrive and grow on their own. “I wanted to do a better job selling ourselves. I wanted to dig deeper to find out what kind of neighborhood organizations were out there that could help us grow,� said Outlaw. “I read about NDC (Neighborhood Development Center), put it off, then came back to it. I found out pretty quickly NDC shares the passion of what I’m doing.�

Quite by coincidence, Outlaw came to the NDC offices and ran into an old family friend

– director of NDC’s Business Lab, Isabel Chanslor. After reminiscing a bit, they sat to talk about Outlaw’s business dreams and the services NDC could provide. “I saw early on that they care. I can tell when people say they’re going to help you but they’re just blowing smoke,� said Outlaw. “NDC never blew smoke. I have nothing but great things to say.�

Small business consultant Mary Kuria set up Element’s accounting system. Lead graphic designer Ryan Kidder worked with Outlaw to come up with a strong logo and branding that “wowed� him and with a highly effective website. “Dalton is a positive, smart and ambitions young homegrown entrepreneur who we have enjoyed working with and learning more about,� said Chanslor. “I knew Dalton when he was in elementary school

2014-2020 Strategic Plan We are working to identify priorities and strategies to

improve student achievement and ensure all MPS students are college and career ready.

The areas we identify will be articulated in a new 2014-2020 strategic plan, which will be presented to the school board for approval in the summer of 2014.

Your feedback is critical in helping us identify what’s working, what’s not working and

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what we can do differently. Please share your thoughts with us via email at MPSStrategicPlan@ mpls.k12.mn.us or by attending an engagement session to react to a draft plan this spring.

To learn more about FY15 budget planning and the 20142020 strategic plan, visit www. mpls.k12.mn.us.

Emily Blodgett for Neighborhood Development Center

Outlaw works with elementary school aged kids to adults, teaching the fundamentals of boxing and fitness as well as the underlying importance of diligence and commitment

Angela or Katherine (612) 302-3100

GET INFORMED ON THE LATEST HEALTH PLANS WITH BENEFITS Navigators are on duty to assist you in choosing the best plan for your household.

and all the energy he had then – and it was a lot – he has now placed into his business. He has succeeded in life due to his focus and belief in himself. Working with entrepreneurs like Dalton makes our day around here.�

There are more than 500 NDC-supported businesses currently in operation within the Twin Cities.

Emily Blodgett is the director of External Communications for NDC.

Only one application is needed to fill out for you and your family for all coverage options in MNsure.

Contact our Certified MNsure Navigators, Angela or Katherine at (612) 302-3100 for assistance.

The mission of the Minneapolis Urban League is to provide human services and advocacy that will enable African Americans residing in the Hennepin County area to sign up for affordable health care. For this reason, the Minneapolis Urban Mondays 10:30 am to 5:00 pm League has partnered with MNsure Tuesdays 10:30 am to 9:00 pm and the Department of Human Wednesdays 10:30 am to 5:00 pm Services to get African American Thursdays 10:30 am to 9:00 pm families signed up for health Fridays 10:30 am to 5:00 pm insurance.

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TOKI WRIGHT Hip-hop star, Toki Wright joins the Insight News/ Aesthetically Speaking family

By Harry Colbert, Jr. Contributing Writer

Toki Wright has rocked stages across the globe, performing to thousands nightly, but that’s just one side the multifaceted newest member of the Insight News/ Aesthetically Speaking family.

The north Minneapolis born and raised emcee who is

the vice president of Soul Tools Entertainment and a member of the Rhymesayers collective, has had highly-charted videos on MTV, achieved more than a million hits on YouTube and played for sold out audiences throughout the United States, Asia, Canada, Africa, Europe and South America. If that weren’t enough, Wright, a graduate of Patrick Henry High School and the University of Minnesota, is the department head at McNally Smith College of Music’s hip-hop studies program – the nation’s first such fully accredited program.

McNally began the program in 2008 and Wright has been the department head since its inception. On top of everything else, Wright was recently chosen by the U.S. State Department as an arts ambassador, performing in Sierra Leone, West Africa.

To say Wright is a rare quality is quite the understatement.

“A lot of my writing comes from understanding the works of James Baldwin, Richard Wright and people like that,” said Wright, explaining his style of hip-hop. “My taste musically is for lyrical creativity, while being able to enjoy the music. A lot of people call what I do conscious rap. I take my cues from Nas, Common, Busta Rhymes, Scarface and Slick Rick.”

A truly unique artist, Wright has been writing songs since he was 11-years-old and performing since he was 15. Part of what makes Wright a unique figure may have to do with his Buddhist upbringing – a rarity in the African-American community and even more rare in the ultra macho and oftentimes combative hip-hop culture.

As a writer with Insight

News’ Aesthetically Speaking, Wright will provide a window into the area’s music scene that before may have been ignored by traditional media.

“Readers can expect me to connect the dots between creative people who are on the cutting edge of idea and art,” said Wright. “I’ll be showcasing artists in and from the Twin Cities that have had a major impact but maybe haven’t been properly showcased. I want to make sure the voiceless are being heard.”

Wright’s forthcoming release, “Pangaea” – a collaboration with producer Big Cats – is expected sometime later this year and is a fully sample-free project that Wright describes as a past meets present meets future sound.

The dynamic writer, emcee and performer will be headlining and showcasing new material on April 18 at the Triple Rock

Social Club, 629 Cedar Ave., Minneapolis. Tickets for the $10 show are available online at www.ticketfly.com. Also on the bill are K. Raydio and Shiro Dame – two artists Wright said he’s proud to showcase.

“These are breakout groups from the area. I’m really trying to get people to look outside the normal box of what people around here hear,” said Wright.

“There are artists out there who can sell out 1,000 people venues and most of my peers don’t know who they are.”

When Wright isn’t in the studio, on stage, at McNally or being a United States arts ambassador, he’s on air every Saturday night from 9 p.m. – 11 p.m. with Soul Tools Radio on KFAI (90.3 FM, www.kfai.org) along with fellow Soul Tools artist, DJ Willie Shu.

Page 6 • March 10 - March 16, 2014 • Aesthetically Speaking

insightnews.com/aesthetics

Lupita Nyong’o wins Best Supporting Actress Oscar

By Senah YeboahSampong, Mshale Lupita Nyong’o’s best supporting actress Oscar win marks a new chapter in the young actress’s rise since the release of ’12 Years a Slave’ which took the best picture Oscar later that night.

Along with Minneapolis’ own Barkhad Abdi of Somalia who received a best supporting actor nod and the UK’s Chiwetel Ejiofor’s nomination, a broader swath of pan-Africana was represented. This is a trend that could continue if narratives of communities of color continue to be explored within major motion pictures.

Born in Mexico to Kenyan parents, Nyong’o won the role of Patsey in the adaptation of Solomon Northup’s slave narrative detailing his

abduction and sale into chattel slavery. She made it a point to salute the spirit of the very real woman whom she portrayed on screen.

Nyong’o quickly became a fashion icon and media darling following the film’s release.

Nyong’o spoke on the issues she had with her dark skin when she was honored at the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon. She described how touched she was by a fan who chose not to bleach her own skin because if the accolades Nyong’o received for the confidence she displays.

Senah Yeboah-Sampong is a graduate of Columbia College in Chicago, Illinois with a Bachelors in Journalism, News Writing and Reporting. He covers general assignments for Mshale.

ABC TV

Lupita Nyong’o accepting her Oscar for Best Supporting Actress at the 86th Annual Academy Awards in Los Angeles a day after her birthday on Sunday, March 2 2014.

White House celebrates

Women of Soul White House – As part of their “In Performance at the White House” series, President Obama and Michelle Obama invited music legends and contemporary major female artists to the White House for a celebration of the great “foremothers” of American music, with songs expressing the struggles and achievements of women.

The program included performances by Tessanne Chin, Melissa Etheridge, Aretha Franklin, Ariana Grande, Patti LaBelle, Janelle Monáe and Jill Scott, with Greg Phillinganes as music director.

“Women of Soul: In Performance at the White House” will broadcast Monday, April 7 at 8:00 p.m. in the Twin Cities on PBS. The program will also be broadcast at a later date via the American Forces Network to American service men and women and civilians at U.S. Department of Defense locations around the world.

As with previous White House music events, the First Lady hosted a special daytime workshop for students.

Michelle Obama welcomed 124 middle school, high school and college students from across the country to take part in an interactive student workshop, “I’m Every Woman: The History of Women in Soul.”

The workshop was conducted with the expertise of Robert Santelli, executive director of The Grammy Museum in Los Angeles. Santelli gave participating students an overview of the origins of soul music, informed them of important artists, discussed the social climate of the United States in the 1950s and 1960s as it pertains to women’s rights and dissected the elements of soul that helped contribute to the genre’s unique sounds.

Featured performers

Flickr / Creative Commons

Singers Aretha Franklin (top) and Janelle Monae were among the guests from the evening event also shared their experiences as well as answered student questions about the music and entertainment world. Students from 11 schools or programs from Minneapolis, Cleveland, Miss., Eddyville, Ore., Memphis, New York, Oakland, Philadelphia, Potomac and Sandy Spring, Md., Wai anae, Hawaii and Washington, D.C. participated in the workshops.

“Women of Soul: In Performance at the White House” was the 12th “In Performance at the White House” program during President Obama’s administration. From February

2009 to the most recent broadcast, “In Performance at the White House” events have honored the musical genius of Stevie Wonder, Sir Paul McCartney, Burt Bacharach, Hal David and Carole King, celebrated Hispanic musical heritage during Hispanic Heritage Month, marked Black History Month with events featuring the music of Motown, Memphis Soul, the Blues, and from the Civil Rights Movement, explored the rich roots of Country music and spotlighted Broadway and the unique spirit of the American musical.

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Aesthetically Speaking • March 10 - March 16, 2014 • Page 7

2014 OSCAR RECAP

“12 Years a Slave” lands best picture

By Kam Williams “12 Years a Slave” walked away with the big prize, Best Picture at the 86th Annual Academy Awards on Sunday.

The historical drama was directed by Steve McQueen and also netted accolades in the Supporting Actress (Lupita Nyong’o) and Adapted Screenplay (John Ridley) categories. “Dallas Buyers Club” also won a trio of Oscars, although “Gravity” landed the most overall, at seven.

The event was hosted by Ellen DeGeneres, who did a phenomenal job of loosening up the crowd with bits ranging from ordering pizzas for the audience to taking a group selfie with some of the celebs in attendance. Her good-natured brand of humor was not only hilarious but seemed tailormade for the occasion.

The acceptance speeches were uniformly gracious, with both Lupita Nyong’o and Jared Leto’s proving to be

particularly moving. Perhaps the only one with a glaring faux pas was Cate Blanchett, who inexplicably went out of her way to thank Woody Allen at a time when he’s being shunned by polite society because of his daughter Dylan’s recent allegations that he’d molested her as a child.

As far as this critic’s Oscar handicapping, faithful readers who relied on my predictions in their office pools were richly rewarded since all 21 of my picks were correct.

See: https://plus.google. com/+TroyJohnson/posts/ LSYJJEgnZnj Complete List of Academy Award Winners

FOX Searchlight

Lupita Nyong’o and Chiwetel Ejiofor in “12 Years a Slave” Lupita Nyong’o, “12 Years a Slave” Best Director: Alfonso Cuaron, “Gravity” Best Original Screenplay: Spike Jonze, “Her” Best Adapted Screenplay: John Ridley, “12 Years a Slave” Best Foreign Language film: “The Great Beauty” (Italy)

Best Documentary Feature: “20 Feet from Stardom” Best Animated Feature: “Frozen” Best Original Song: “Let It Go” from “Frozen,” music and lyrics by Kristen AndersonLopez and Robert Lopez Best Original Score: Steven Price, “Gravity”

Best Picture: “12 Years a Slave” Best Actor: Matthew McConaughey, “Dallas Buyers Club” Best Actress: Cate Blanchett, “Blue Jasmine” Best Supporting Actor: Jared Leto, “Dallas Buyers Club” Best Supporting Actress:

Photo: Business Wire

(BPRW) Oprah Winfrey and Sidney Poitier presented the Trailblazer Award to Cheryl Boone Isaacs at the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon. Boone Isaacs is the first African American and only the third woman elected President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in its 86 year history. This is one of the most exciting years in Black film ever, and 2014 is a record year for African American presenters at the Oscars®. The Oscars® aired last Sunday on ABC.

Come have lunch at the Dakota 11:30 - 2 Monday through Friday From Chef Derik Moran, find daily specials, salads, sandwiches and more, and never forget dessert by Pastry Chef Katie Elsing.

Prices starting at $8 View our complete menu at

dakotacooks.com

Best Visual Effects: “Gravity” Best Film Editing: “Gravity” Best Cinematography: “Gravity” Best Sound Mixing: “Gravity” Best Sound Editing: “Gravity” Best Costume Design: “The Great Gatsby” Best Production Design: “The Great Gatsby”

Best Makeup and Hairstyling: “Dallas Buyers Club” Best Animated Short Film: “Mr. Hublot” Best Live-Action Short Film: “Helium” Best Documentary Short: “The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life”

Page 8 • March 10 - March 16, 2014 • Aesthetically Speaking

insightnews.com/aesthetics

Rebecca Da Costa

“The Bag Man” interview

By Kam Williams From the Runway to the Red Carpet!

Born in Recife, Brazil, supermodel-turned-actress Rebecca Da Costa studied at the Rui Barbosa School where she pursued her love of theater by writing, directing and starring in a number of plays.

At the age of 14, Rebecca was discovered during a model search, and she debuted at Milan Fashion Week a couple of years later en route to gracing runways all over the world for Giorgio Armani, Yves Saint Laurent, Escada and Hugo Boss, to name a few.

The statuesque beauty also became the face of campaigns for Chopard, Swarovski, Nokia and L’Oreal. However, a visit to Los Angeles prompted a permanent move to the States, where Rebecca decided to focus on her true passion, acting.

Her first lead role was in an indie film titled “L.A. I Hate You,” and her credits came to include a stint on HBO’s “Entourage” as well as starring roles in “Free Runner,” “Mine Games” and “7 Below” alongside Val Kilmer and Ving Rhames. More recently, she wrapped shooting the horror flick “Breaking at the Edge” with Milo Ventimiglia and Andie MacDowell in which she stars as a bi-polar, pregnant woman in fear for her unborn child’s life.

Rebecca currently resides in Los Angeles where, in addition to her modeling and acting career, she devotes her time to such philanthropic efforts as Kids with Autism and Common Ground HIV. To relax, she enjoys dancing, cooking healthy, Brazilian dishes and regularly practicing Transcendental Meditation in order to maintain a healthy mind and body.

As a planetary citizen who has lived on several different continents, Rebecca is fluent in many languages, with Portuguese, Spanish, Italian and English among them.

Here, the versatile thespian talks about staring as the femme fatale in the neonoir thriller “The Bag Man” opposite Robert De Niro and

John Cusack.

father. As the oldest daughter, I was very attached to him.

Unfortunately, my mother divorced him, and he wasn’t a part of my life anymore, by his choice, of course. That influenced who I am today, including the roles I choose.

Kam Williams: Hi Rebecca, thanks for the interview.

Rebecca Da Costa: No problem, Kam. KW: What interested you in “The Bag Man?” RDC: When I went to audition for the film, they didn’t give me the whole script, but I liked my character Rivka’s dry sense of humor. She seemed so witty in the scenes I read. It seemed like a big challenge, and that was one of the first things that caught my attention.

KW: What is your guiltiest pleasure?

RDC: I love watching Brazilian soap operas. [LOL] KW: The Jamie Foxx question: If you only had 24 hours to live, how would you spend the time?

RDC: Funny you should ask, because just the other day I dreamed that the world was collapsing, and the first thing that came to my mind was: Where’s my mother? I would take a plane to be close to my family.

KW: Were all the big names already attached to the picture at that point?

RDC: When I first got the phone call that I’d booked the job, I didn’t know that John [Cusack] and [Robert] De Niro were attached. But when they gave me the news, I was like “Oh my God!” It was too much for me. And Sticky Fingers, Crispin Glover and Dominic Purcell later joined the cast.

KW: How was it working opposite Cusack and a legend like De Niro?

RDC: It was a mind-blowing experience because I grew up watching those guys. To act opposite them was surreal.

But at the same time, you naturally forget who they are after a few days since you’re so focused on getting each scene right. You couldn’t concentrate if you let yourself think, “That’s Robert De Niro.” Still, he was amazing to watch. It was the best acting class I ever had.

KW: I know you like writing and directing. What sort of project might interest you in that regard?

RDC: I’d like to direct children’s movies in ten years or so, because I love everything connected to their universe. But that’s a longrange plan because, right now, I’m just focusing on my acting career.

KW: The Harriet PakulaTeweles question: With so many classic films being redone, is there a remake you’d

Rebecca Da Costa like to star in?

RDC: I’d love to do a musical, because I love singing and dancing.

KW: You’ve taken a very circuitous route from Brazil to Hollywood. You were discovered in you mid-teens, and moved to Milan as a model, right?

RDC: Yes, I lived in Europe for seven years, in Italy…

France…

Germany…

Austria… Everywhere! Then I moved to New York to work as a model, but I also started taking acting classes. Right after that I moved to L.A. and my career really started to take off.

KW: Are you tempted to move back to Brazil? It’s hot

right now, between the World Cup and the next Summer Olympics.

RDC: I love my country, and I go back to visit my family four or five times a year, even though it’s a very long trip. I’ll definitely be going back for the World Cup, because I’m a very big soccer fan. And I hope to attend the Olympics, too. In my dream world, I’d like to live in both New York and Brazil.

KW: Is there any question no one ever asks you, that you wish someone would?

RDC: That’s such a good question. Let me think… I can’t think of one right now.

KW: What is your favorite dish to cook?

RDC: I do this fish dish in the oven with vegetables and brown rice that’s very easy and very healthy and very nice. It only takes about a half-hour to make. I also like to cook and to eat black beans, rice and meat, a traditional Brazilian dish. It’s very similar to a Cuban and Mexican food. That’s what Brazilians have for lunch every single day. It may sound boring, but it’s really, really delicious. [Chuckles] KW: The Uduak Oduok question: Who is your favorite clothes designer?

RDC: I will go with Dolce & Gabbana because it just dresses my body-type beautifully.

The Embassy Suites Minneapolis North would love to help you plan your perfect day! We are here to cater to your needs and can customize menus for your event.

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KW: If you could have one wish instantly granted, what would that be for?

RDC: That my career was going so well that I could live on a desert island. That way, I could shoot a movie, and then hide on my private island.

[Giggles] I love my privacy so much that I closed my Facebook account for years. I just reopened it a few months ago at the suggestion of my publicist. But I prefer to be private and even unavailable at times. I’d rather not even turn on my computer sometimes. The world we live in right now, everybody can know where you are in a second.

KW: Why an island?

RDC: I love the beach and the ocean! I’m very spiritual, and that’s where I feel very connected to a higher power.

KW: When you look in the mirror, what do you see?

RDC: Oh, wow! It depends.

Today, when I look in the mirror, I see somebody who’s very tired because, for the past few days I’ve just been so busy. From the minute I wake up until the minute I go to sleep, I have so many things to do. But it varies. Sometimes, I look in the mirror and I feel sad. Other times, I feel proud, because I was a very active child with so many dreams that I’m living now. But when I’m down or having doubts, I look in the mirror and ask myself, “What would 10 yearold Rebecca do, if she were facing this trouble?” That really helps me.

KW: The Ling-Ju Yen question: What is your earliest childhood memory?

RDC: Oh God, that’s so deep.

I can remember playing with classmates at a school playground at around 4 years of age.

KW: The Mike Pittman question: What was your best career decision?

RDC: My best career decision was to move to L.A. I went there to visit a friend, and decided to move there. I remember praying about it to get some guidance. I’m not religious but, as I mentioned before, I am very spiritual.

I like to pray to God for guidance. I think it helps me. I remember very clearly being back in Manhattan three days later when I got the phone call that somebody was interested in renting my apartment. I felt so happy as I strolled through Central Park listening to music because I knew I was now free to move.

And, from there, everything started happening in my life.

KW: The Melissa Harris-Perry question: How did your first big heartbreak impact who you are as a person?

RDC: It impacted me very much. I think it might have been what made me turn to acting. My first big heartbreak was with my

KW: The Viola Davis question: What’s the biggest difference between who you are at home as opposed to the person we see on the runway or on the red carpet?

RDC: On the red carpet, you’re pretty much posing playing a role and answering very generic questions. But in real life, I’m very open and anybody who takes the time to get to know me is going to see that I’m very easygoing, and that I’m a homebody who loves cooking, and relaxing with family and friends.

Perhaps people might not sense that from seeing me on the red carpet.

KW: The Anthony Anderson question: If you could have a superpower, which one would you choose?

RDC: To be invisible.

[Laughs] KW: What advice do you have for anyone who wants to follow in your footsteps?

RDC: I think you really need to ask yourself if it’s really what you want for your life.

And if you decide it’s what you want to do, then focus on it and go for it with 100% of your power. Believe me, I’ve been very lucky, but I still face obstacles every day. I’m acting in English which is not my first language. So, it’s hard. But you have to have that conviction in your heart that this was what you were born to do, and just keep going. Don’t stop!

KW: Attorney Bernadette Beekman asks: What is your favorite charity? I know you’re already doing great work with Kids with Autism and Common Ground HIV. RDC: The HIV cause is very close to my heart, first of all because I had a cousin with AIDS who passed away a few years ago. Also, I think it’s so unfair that people who are HIV+ are still stigmatized.

Come on! We need to support them. And I want to get more involved with children’s charities that touch me.

KW: The Tavis Smiley question: How do you want to be remembered?

RDC: I like that question.

More than anything, I want to be remembered as a good person who had a great deal of dignity, and also as an actress who was really hard working and who believed in her dreams.

KW: Thanks again for the time, Rebecca, and best of luck with the film.

RDC: Thanks Kam, this has been an entertaining interview, because it allowed me to show a side of myself that I don’t think people have seen before.

insightnews.com

Insight News • March 10 - March 16, 2014 • Page 9

COMMUNITY MNsure

and Wellness Center, Stairstep Foundation and Pillsbury United Communities.

In St. Paul navigators are available at Planned Parenthood, Neighborhood House, Hmong American Partnership, the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living and the Family Tree Clinic. Other locations exist throughout the metro and are listed on the MNsure site or by calling the MNsure Contact Center at (855) 366-7873. That number can be used to assist with general, technical and account-related questions.

If someone purchased a Qualified Health Plan through MNsure and has questions about what is covered, doctor networks, or billing, he or she is encouraged to contact that insurance company’s customer service department.

For Blue Cross Blue Shield the numbers are (651) 6625030 or (800) 531-6685. For HealthPartners, call (952) 9677540 or (866) 232-1166. To reach Medica, call (888) 5928211, for PreferredOne the number is (763) 847-4477 or (800) 997-1750 and for UCare the numbers are (612) 676-6600 or (877) 903-0070.

MNsure Contact Center Hours are from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Monday – Friday and 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Saturday. Account creation and application access

From 1 Though the process to sign up for health coverage through MNsure, the state’s insurance exchange, has been frustrating for some, the people at MNsure say they are doing everything imaginable to get everyone successfully enrolled.

As thousands of Minnesotans obtain health insurance coverage through MNsure – many securing coverage for the first time – a number of questions arise ranging from eligibility and payments to coverage options and provider networks. MNsure is reminding Minnesotans about the various resources available to help get those questions answered.

Legacy, community organizations and church The agency has hired several on-site “navigators� to assist people who either don’t have the Internet or are having web-enrollment issues.

Navigators (or assisters, as they are referred to on MNsure’s website) are on hand at several locations throughout the state.

In Minneapolis, navigators are available at locations including the Minneapolis Urban League, NorthPoint Health

Comcast

that begins in the classroom with wired schools, follow the students to wired libraries, wired computer centers, wired after-school programs and end in wired homes when the day is done.

Additionally, Comcast also announced it has extended its Internet Essentials national broadband adoption program for low-income families beyond its initial three-year period. In two and a half years, the initiative has connected more than 1.2 million low-income Americans –

From 1

by March 18 and are approved.

To apply, families need to call (855) 846-8376 or visit www.InternetEssentials.com.

For Spanish, they may call (855) 765-6995, or visit www.

InternetBasico.com.

According to Comcast, grants in St. Paul will enable these communities to create a continuum of connectivity

Classifieds Salon for Lease/Rent

Beautiful Salon for lease or rent. Call Eddie at 612-616-6444.

will be airing on BMA Comcast channel 937 New Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church 3019 17th Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55407 Saturday, March 15, 2014 10:00am - 2:00pm Kwanzaa Community Church 3700 Bryant Avenue North Minneapolis, MN 55412 Sunday, March 16, 2014 1:00pm - 3:30pm

Brian Few

Alfred Babington-Johnson, Stairstep Foundation; Al McFarlane, Editor-in-Chief, ‘Insight News’; and Scott Leitz, CEO of MNsure at a Conversations with Al McFarlane townhall meeting. is available online between 6 a.m. and midnight every day.

Navigators in our community: TaMica’ Tody MNsure Navigator Coordinator Stairstep Foundation 1404 14th Avenue North Minneapolis, MN 55411 Office: 612-521-3110 Cell: 952-452-1322 tamica@stairstep.org

Organization: Hawthorne Neighborhood Council is an outreach organization offering programing that creates connections, and strengthens community to improve the quality of life in the Hawthorne neighborhood through empowering the residents in order that they can address the physical, cultural, social and economic needs of the community.

Location: North Minneapolis Activity Area: Housing, Community Building and Volunteerism Closing Date: open until filled Job Type: Part Time Salary: $16-$20 per hour Hours: Up to 25 per week Skills/Attributes: Knowledge of the phases of housing development and be somewhat familiar with construction. High attention to details, exceptional organizational and multitasking skills, self-motivated.

Possess great attitude and communication skills both verbal and written. Maintain a high level of professionalism with a positive attitude. Well organized self-starter and works professionally with volunteers. Knowledge of Facebook, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and Word is a plus.

Education/Experience: The successful candidate will have a high school diploma, some post-secondary education and previous housing experience.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should send cover letter, resume, and any other pertinent information to HNCjobapp@gmail.com or mail to Hawthorne Neighborhood Council, Attn: Housing position, 2944 Emerson Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55411.

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Adair Mosley Chief of Staff Pillsbury United Communities 125 West Broadway Suite 130 Minneapolis, MN 55411 612-302-3400

Angela Williams MNsure Recruiter Outreach Minneapolis Urban League 2100 Plymouth Avenue North Minneapolis, MN 55411 Office: 612-302-3100 Cell: 763-777-0925 awilliams@mul.org

Heidi R. Benson Q Health Connections East Metro Outreach Manager Southside Community Health Services

300,000 families – to broadband Internet. This includes nearly 6,350 in Comcast’s Minnesota and Western Wisconsin service area. “This generous grant from Comcast will help us reach more families who are not currently participating in the digital world,� said Mike Anderson, executive director, Saint Paul Public Schools Foundation. “Comcast’s viable partnership and long-term commitment in the Twin Cities area will allow the community to become more

digitally literate so they can enhance their education and utilize everything the Internet has to offer.�

Announced in May 2011, Internet Essentials is designed to meet the needs of a specific population – low-income families with school-age children who are not currently connected to broadband Internet at home.

However, no single program will completely close the digital divide. “Comcast’s groundbreaking initiative has connected

Mass meeting schedule: Television coverage of Mass Meetings and MNsure Townhall thousands of local families to broadband Internet at home and moved the needle on the important task of closing the digital divide,� said Jeff Freyer, Comcast Twin Cities regional vice president. “We believe the Internet has the power to transform lives, strengthen communities and inspire a new generation of leaders, and Internet Essentials plays a key role in fulfilling that vision.�

Internet Essentials provides broadband service for $9.95 a month plus tax, the option

Sanctuary Community Covenant Church 1201 37th Avenue North Minneapolis, MN 55412 Sunday, March 23, 2014 1:00pm - 4:00pm Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 2600 East 38th Street Minneapolis, MN 55406 Wednesday, March 26, 2014 5:30pm - 7:00pm

to purchase an Internet-ready computer for under $150 and multiple options to access free digital literacy training in print, online, and in-person. Eligible families must have at least one child eligible to participate in the National School Lunch Program, including public, parochial, private, and home-school students.

Comcast is the nation’s largest video, high-speed Internet and phone provider to residential customers under the XFINITY brand.

Minnesota Multi-Purpose Stadium

Phone: 612.588.1313 Fax: 612.588.2031 Email: info@insightnews.com RENTAL UNITS AVAILABLE

RENTAL UNITS AVAILABLE

The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Housing Authority has rental units available in Cass County, MN. Please call 218-335-8280. Must meet certain qualifications.

The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Housing Authority has rental units available in Cass County, MN. Please call 218-335-8280.

Must meet certain qualifications.

Seasonal Parks & Forestry Maintenance Workers City of Plymouth-Seasonal Parks & Forestry Maintenance Workers. Assists in the construction, maintenance, and repair of parks, playgrounds, and related facilities. Season is April-October. Evening & weekend work required. For more information, or to apply, please visit www.plymouthmn.gov. Position will be open until filled.

Townhomes

Available

ClearWay Minnesota Seeks Board Candidates ClearWay Minnesota is seeking candidates for our Board of Directors. The ClearWay Minnesota Board oversees operations of an independent, nonprofit organization that works to eliminate the harm tobacco causes the people of Minnesota. ClearWay Minnesota's work encompasses cessation services, public policy activities, research, media campaigns and community outreach.

> 50% Construction Documents Issued > RFP Proposal Manual Issued > Pre-Proposal Meeting and MWBE Meet and Greet for Proposers > PP #6 Proposals Due > Proposer Interviews (SC #6.1 Only) > Proposer Interviews (SC #6.2 Only) > Award Contract - SC #6.1, 6.2

February 18, 2014 March 3, 2014 March 14, 2014 March 19, 2014 March 26, 2014 March 27, 2014 Week of March 31, 2014

Plans and specifications are available via www.isqft.com. For access to the plans and specifications on isqft.com, contact My Nhia Vang at mynhia.vang@mortenson.com (Phone: 763-287-5639). Copies of the plans and specifications will also be provided to the following plan rooms for viewing:

701-232-1887 www.metroplainsmanagement.com

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The current projected process and schedule for awarding the subcontracts is as follows:

MetroPlains Management

For an application visit our website www.clearwaymn.org/board-openings or email ahenderson@clearwaymn.org.

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SC 6.1 - Folding & Portable Grandstand Seating System SC 6.2 - Fixed Seating

2 & 3 bdroms open

Qualified candidates must have: ƒ Expertise in areas related to Board governance ƒ No conflict of interest with ClearWay Minnesota vendors, grantees or contractors ƒ No affiliation with the tobacco industry or related trade associations within the last 10 years

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Mortenson Construction (the “Construction Manager�) is soliciting Lump Sum Proposals for Procurement Package #6. Notice is hereby given that responses to this Request for Proposals (RFP) will be received by Mortenson for the provision of Preconstruction and Construction Services on the Minnesota Multi-Purpose Stadium project for the following subcontract categories:

Rent based on 30% of income

Board terms are three years. Board Members serve without compensation. Please submit applications and resume to Amy Henderson at ClearWay Minnesota by March 14.

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Invitation to Propose

Fieldcrest in Moorhead, MN

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Mortenson Project No. 13125002 Procurement Package #6 March 3, 2014

All dates are approximate and are provided as a courtesy to Proposers. Mortenson reserves the right, acting in its sole judgment, to modify this process or schedule.

X X X X X X

One (1) electronic copy and five (5) bound copies of Sealed Proposals shall be submitted to Mortenson at the address provided below no later than 12:00 Noon on March 19, 2014 for SC 6.1 & 6.2 which is the deadline for submittal of Proposals.

M. A. Mortenson Company 1010 South 7th Street, Suite 100 Minneapolis, MN 55415 Attention: Eric Grenz, Construction Executive Phone: 480.272.0516 Proposals shall be valid for 120 days. Proposals will be opened privately by Mortenson in the presence of the representatives of the Minnesota Sports Facility Authority and the Team.

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4243 South 4th Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55409 Office: 612-821-2006 heidi.benson@southsidechs. org

Marcel Lynn MNsure Navigator NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center

Part-time Housing Coordinator Hawthorne Neighborhood Council is seeking to fill a temporary (3 to 6 months) part-time Housing Coordinator position. We are looking for a detailed, organized, flexible, motivated pro-active individual with a passion for community engagement in the nonprofit world. This position will primarily provide support for housing development in the Hawthorne neighborhood.

1313 Penn Avenue North Minneapolis, MN 55411 Office: 612-543-2615 Cell: 612-239-2392 marcel.lynn@hennepin.us

Minneapolis Central Church of Christ 1922 4th Avenue North Minneapolis, MN 55405 Informational Session: Wednesday, March 19, 2014 6:00 -7:00 pm Enrollment Event: Saturday, March 22, 2014 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

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The subcontract will be held by M. A. Mortenson Company. The form of Subcontract Agreement, together with the Construction Services Agreement between the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority and Mortenson, are attached for reference.

The Owner has adopted a comprehensive Equity Plan for the construction phase of the Project. The Targeted Business Program sets an 11% and 9% goal for construction contracts for the Project to be awarded to women- and minority-owned Minnesota-based business enterprises (MWBE), respectively. The Targeted Business Program also establishes a Veterans Inclusion Program to ensure that our veterans have every opportunity to participate in the Project. The Veterans Inclusion Program will include efforts to include small veteran-owned businesses. The specific goals for Subcontract Category 4.1 are 15% WBE and 9% MBE. The specific goals for Subcontract Category 6 are 11% WBE and 9% MBE. The Work Force Program sets a 32% and 6% goal for workforce utilization for the Project of minorities and women, respectively. The Equity Plan applies to all subcontractors and suppliers of all tier levels. The Veterans Inclusion Program will also include efforts to utilize veteran in the construction workforce. Proposers are expected to use all necessary and reasonable means to comply with the Equity Plan, including without limitation soliciting work from a broad number of Targeted Businesses and for work scopes suitable for their participation.

The project is subject to an Owner Controlled Insurance Program (OCIP), specific to General Liability Insurance only. Furthermore, all Subcontractors, regardless of tier, that have been awarded contracts for work on the Project shall accept and be bound by the terms and conditions of the Owner Controlled Insurance Program.

Pre-Proposal Meetings and MWBE Meet and Greets have been scheduled as follows:

All questions regarding this RFP shall be directed in writing to Eric Grenz, Mortenson Construction Executive, at the address above or via e-mail at eric.grenz@ mortenson.com. Interpretations or clarifications considered necessary by Mortenson in response to such questions will be issued by Addenda to all parties recorded as having received the RFP documents. Questions received less than seven (7) days prior to the date for openings of the Proposals may not be answered.

Only responses issued by formal written Addenda will be binding. Oral and other interpretations or clarifications will be without legal effect. Addenda may be issued to modify the Proposal Documents as deemed advisable by Mortenson.

END OF INVITATION TO PROPOSE

Page 10 • March 10 - March 16, 2014 • Insight News

insightnews.com

BUSINESS

Is the thank you note dead?

Plan Your Career

By Julie Desmond julie@insightnews.com Kennedy had a job interview and wants to know, “Do people send paper thank you notes anymore?

Or would that seem archaic?”

I have been casually asking around about this for the past two years. Overwhelmingly, the answer is Yes. And No. Yes, People do write handwritten thank you notes because, No, the age-old statement of gratitude is not dead. Yet. But Kennedy is right;

positive at the company. “Just left @abccompany Incredible warehouse” or something like that. Realize, the person who interviewed you might never see that, but others might, so be smart there.

Finally, grab that simple note paper and envelope and write a real, ink to paper thank you to each person who interviewed with you. Stamp and mail those on the day of the interview.

Things move fast, and you don’t want to have to rewrite it if something changes overnight.

Things do not always move fast, however, and this is why the written thank you note has always been a good idea, and will continue to be. When your letter lands on someone’s desk, if he or she has not followed up with you, this will prompt

things have changed since the days of the ten cent stamp.

Here’s how it’s done well these days: First, make sure you pick up a business card or accurate contact information at the interview. This is critical, because it can be hard to go back and find an email address when you need one. If you’re the plan ahead type, you can gather this important information when confirming the interview. It is entirely appropriate, when scheduling any meeting, to ask for contact information. Then file it away until you need it.

Next, the minute you leave the interview, compose a rock star thank you email, and send it.

For bonus points, you might want to tweet something

them to do so. And if you’ve already had a second and third interview by the time the snail mail arrives, it can seal the deal on your behalf because there are many, many people competing for work out there, and most of them won’t bother with this extra step.

In summary: send the email thank you because you are current and on pace with the rest of the world; then follow up the old fashioned way. Even though people don’t always bother to mail a thank you, people always appreciate receiving one.

Julie Desmond is IT and Software Recruiting Manager with George Konik Associates, Inc. www. Georgekonik.com and on twitter @MNCareerPlanner

Four ways to grow your alumni association FUNdraising Good Times

By Mel and Pearl Shaw Alumni associations offer memberships and raise funds

for the colleges and universities they are associated with. Many are independent nonprofit organizations, others operate as part of the institution’s alumni relations department. Some colleges have both an alumni relations department and an independent alumni association.

Sometimes alumni fundraising efforts are coordinated, sometimes they are haphazard, and other times there is overt

conflict between alumni and their alma mater. In our work with colleges and alumni we witness the good, the bad and the ugly. Here are four suggestions for how to grow your alumni association’s fundraising program.

First, open communication between alumni and college leadership is a must. If you are an alumni leader we recommend regularly scheduled meetings with the president or chancellor Develop a relationship. Learn his or her vision for the institution.

Ask questions. Explore ways in which alumni can partner to advance the vision. Most importantly learn the president’s fundraising priorities and expectations of alumni as donors.

Share the concerns and interests of alumni. Most importantly find

common ground. Differences of opinion will always exist.

Move beyond those to create a shared vision that strengthens the relationship between alumni, their alma mater and current and future students.

Second, don’t confuse membership and fundraising.

Purchasing an alumni association membership is the first step not the only one. In general membership provides networking opportunities with other alumni and benefits such as discounts and access to events. Giving to your alumni association – or to your alma mater through the alumni association – is how you provide financial support for the institution and current/future students. When giving to your alumni association ask what

your gift will support. If you are responsible for soliciting alumni, make sure your solicitations clearly communicate the use of funds. Let your members know when they are supporting the work of the association and when they are supporting their alma mater. Be transparent.

Third, before launching a meaningful alumni giving program conduct a feasibility study to learn how alumni want to be engaged, what they want to give to, what is important to them in their relationship with their alma mater, and why they don’t give. Just because you think something is a good idea doesn’t mean alumni will give.

Finally, when engaging recent college graduates encourage giving that is appropriate for early career salaries. Be aware

of the financial impact of student loan payments. Remember that alumni who are the first in their family to obtain a college degree who may be supporting other family members. Offer opportunities for engagement such as assisting with student recruitment, serving as a mentor for a potential or current student, hosting an event, or volunteering at an on-campus or local college event.

Copyright 2014 – Mel and Pearl Shaw Mel and Pearl Shaw position nonprofits, colleges and universities for fundraising success.

For help with your campaign visit www. saadandshaw.com or call (901) 522-8727.

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Insight News • March 10 - March 16, 2014 • Page 11

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