Parkway Closures for September 20

The following parkways will be temporarily closed September 20 for the Minneapolis Bike Tour, 7:30am-2:00pm

Grand Rounds, including - West River Parkway –Nokomis Parkway – Minnehaha Parkway – Lake Harriet Parkway – Lake Calhoun Parkway –Cedar Lake Parkway – Theodore Wirth Parkway – Webber-Victory Memorial Parkway – St Anthony Parkway – William Berry Parkway.

Each road section will open as the last biker rides through.

Course Map

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*Please note that the duration of the closures is subject to change based on the event's start and finish times.

*A complete list of current and upcoming parkway closures is available online.

2nd Sculpture Installed at Gold Medal Park "Molecule" by Mark di Suveros

As reported earlier this year, Gold Medal Park will will be hosting 3 sculptures from the Walker Art Center during its remake of the sculpture garden. Yesterday the second was installed.

Molecule by Mark di Suveros

The monumental scale and sweeping gestures of this red-painted sculpture are characteristic of the enormous outdoor structures Mark di Suvero has been making since the 1970s, using cranes to manipulate the massive industrial materials with which he works. Here, a pair of enormous steel beams meet at their ends, creating a triangular form that tips at an alarmingly improbable angle. At the point of the beams’ juncture are sections of two flat, centerless discs. A longer beam forms the final leg of the tripod, but travels on some 38 feet into the air, piercing a third disc interwoven with the other two at the point of intersection. The cumulative effect recalls all the visual and emotive force we attach to the atomic world: dynamic, red-hot, powerful, and strangely elegant. Molecule, like all of di Suvero’s large-scale sculptures, invites the viewer to inspect its lines and spaces from every angle.

Thursday Morning Artist Series Moves to MacPhail Center for Music for the 2015-2016 Season

Thursday Musical Announces its 2015-2016 Season
Thursday Morning Artist Series and Home Programs

MINNEAPOLIS/ST PAUL - Thursday Musical announces its 124th season for the Thursday Morning Artist Series, including Living Concert Notes with MPR announcer Steve Staruch and composer Libby Larsen, and the Home Programs.
 
HOME PROGRAMS
 
A time-honored tradition, the Home Programs are the heart of the organization’s membership community. Members of Thursday Musical on October 29, 2015 and April 26, 2016 will open their homes for a total of six programs to season subscribers/members for an intimate, “salon-style” concert experience. Programs will feature several returning performing members and one Thursday Musical debut by Jon wood, who recently has graduated from the University of St. Thomas in guitar performance. Complete schedule of Home Programs.
 
THURSDAY MORNING ARTIST SERIES

The Thursday Morning Artist Series has been presented since 1892 at 10:30 am on Thursdays. It is the organization’s longest-running recital and chamber music series with a legacy of featuring some of the most talented classical musicians in Minnesota. Programs are currently being held in the acoustically impressive Antonello Hall at MacPhail Center for Music and inside the beautiful architecture of the Wayzata Community Church, Wayzata.  Free coffee and donuts are provided in the lobby starting at 10:00 am served by members of Thursday Musical. Detailed program information will be announced throughout the season.

Kicking off the season is a free concert on October 8 that includes a preconcert reception at 9:30 am. On the program is French Canadian pianist Gabriel Quenneville-Bélair, who will have his Thursday Musical debut performing works by David McIntyre, Maurice Ravel, and Frédéric Chopin. Judith Ranheim, flute, and Dee Ann Crossley, piano, will perform Paul Hindemith’s Sonata for Flute and Piano. The sonata was composed in 1936 following Hindemith’s personal conflict with the Nazi regime and has been described as “laden with political innuendo and sarcasm.” The Lake String Quartet (Carol Margolis, violin, Nanette Scott Goldman, violin, Ingrid Koller, viola, and Daryl Carlson, cello) will perform one of only three string quartets composed by Brahms, the String Quartet No. 2 in A minor, Op. 51, No. 2.

Born in Montreal, Canada, Gabriel Quenneville-Bélair is a French Canadian pianist with a master’s degree in piano performance from the Conservatoire de Musique de Montréal. He is currently pursuing his Doctor of Musical Arts in piano performance at the University of Minnesota. Gabriel regularly performs in Canada and United-States, giving solo and chamber recitals, along with lectures on pianism. A fierce defender of contemporary music, Gabriel has premiered numerous works by living composers, including some that were dedicated to him. He has performed for festivals both in Canada and United-States and has frequently won top prizes and scholarships in several competitions.

Judith Ranheim, flute, is an active teacher, musician, and adjudicator. She holds undergraduate degrees from Luther College and graduate degrees from the University of Iowa. She served four years as the president of the Young Peoples Symphony Concert Association and has served on the board of directors of the Minnesota Orchestra.

Dee Ann Crossley has degrees in piano, choral music education, and music history from Cornell College and Smith College, with post graduate study in organ at Boston University and in Montreal. She taught piano at St. Paul Academy and Summit School for several years. For thirty-eight years, she was co-director of music and organist at Augustana Lutheran Church. Crossley is currently on the board of directors at the American Composers Forum and the Twin Cities Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.

Based in the Twin Cities, the Lake String Quartet (Carol Margolis, violin, Nanette Scott Goldman, violin, Ingrid Koller, viola, and Daryl Carlson, cello) has been an ensemble for more than 25 years.

Carol Margolis, violin, is a 25 year member of the Lake String Quartet and is currently the concertmistress of the Civic Orchestra of Minneapolis. She has performed with the Minnesota Opera, The State Fair Orchestra, Ruperts Club, Viennese Strings, and for several Broadway shows. She is a graduate of Grinnell College with a minor in violin performance, and has additional study in performance and pedagogy at the University of Minnesota with Shirley Santoro and Mary West.

Nanette Scott Goldman, violin and viola, is a long-time member of the Lake String Quartet. She currently performs with the Minnesota Sinfonia and, periodically, for the Guthrie Theater, Northrup Auditorium’s Ballet Series, and touring shows at the State Theater, Orpheum Theater, and Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. She has been a member of the Kenwood Symphony Orchestra and the Saint Paul Civic Symphony, serving six years as principal viola. Nanette has played with nationally recognized artists, ranging from classical to popular, including: Charlotte Church, Luciano Pavarotti, Sarah Brightman, Lyle Lovett, Led Zeppelin, The Who, Josh Groban, and Prince. Nanette can be heard on several TV and radio commercials, as well as the recordings of local artists the Honeydogs and the Hornheads. Nanette is a professor of classical languages at Macalester College.

Ingrid Koller, violin and viola, has been a member of the Lake String Quartet for 17 years. She has previously performed with the Saint Paul Civic Symphony, First Unitarian Society Orchestra, and the Anoka Opera Ensemble. Ingrid is a founder and co-director of the Early Bird String Academy and a member of the rock group EDGE. She holds a BM in viola performance from the University of Minnesota.

Founder of the Lake String Quartet, Daryl Carlson, cello, has performed with several ensembles and orchestras in the Twin Cities area, including as principal cellist with the Augsburg College Orchestra, the Little Symphony of Minneapolis, and Allegro Sinfonia and as section cellist with the Civic Orchestra of Minneapolis and Bloomington Symphony. He has also performed in the Schubert Club’s Metropolitan Artist Series, and in various films, audio, and stage productions for Prince, the Dixie Chicks, and the former Theatre de la Jeune Lune. As a teacher, he maintains an active private studio of cello students.

FULL SCHEDULE (Unless noted otherwise, venue is MacPhail.)

Thursday, October 8, 2015
Opening Concert - Free admittance
Judith Ranheim, flute and Dee Ann Crossley, piano
Gabriel Quenneville-Bélair, piano* (Thursday Musical debut)
Lake String Quartet
Carol Margolis, violin, Nanette Scott Goldman, violin, Ingrid Koller, viola and Daryl Carlson, cello

Thursday, October 22, 2015
Christina Waldron, piano - Young Artist Scholarship Competition Winner 2015
The WolfGang
Stanley King, classical oboe, Mary Sorlie, classical violin, Jennifer Kalika, classical viola and Laura Handler, classical cello
Jeana Ogren, piano
Colleen Meier, soprano

Thursday, November 5, 2015
Living Concert Notes with Moderator Steve Staruch, MPR
Anastasiya Nyzkodub, clarinet - Young Artist Scholarship Competition Winner 2015
Mark Bussey, guitar
Coca Bochonko, viola
Susan Hellerud, piano

Thursday, November 19, 2015
Jared Waln, guitar - Young Artist Scholarship Competition Winner 2015
Ona Pinsonneault, clarinet
Marion Judish, violin
Herbert Johnson, piano

Thursday, December 3, 2015
Wayzata Community Church
David Holmes, cello
Diana Lee Lucker, organ
Monica Murray, soprano

Thursday, January 21, 2016
Bach Concert
Timothy Perry, cello
Gail Olszewski, harpsichord
Jennifer Sylvester, soprano

Thursday, February 4, 2016
MacPhail Center for Music
Living Concert Notes with Moderator Libby Larsen, composer
Semada Trio
Dana Donnay, oboe, Matthew Bertrand, bassoon and Seth Engelby, piano
Nicolla Melville, piano
Charles Wazanowski, tuba

Thursday, February 18, 2016
Arjun Ganguly, viola - Young Artist Scholarship Competition Winner 2015
Northern Lights String Quartet
Carolyn Liptak, violin, Kathryn Christie, violin, Jennifer Thomas, viola and David Holmes, cello
Debra Gilroy, soprano
Megan Wallace, piano

Thursday, March 3, 2016
Amanda Chan, piano - Young Artist Scholarship Competition Winner 2015
Beth Winterfeldt, piano
The Bishop String Trio
Meredith Vaughan, violin, Katie Ekberg, viola and Carlynn Savot, cello
Karen Rognsvoog - music and film

Thursday, March 17, 2016
Faith Farr, cello
Beth Blackledge, flute
Suzanne Kennedy, mezzo-soprano

Thursday, April 14, 2016
Rie Tanaka, piano - Young Artist Scholarship Competition Winner 2015
Mitch Blatt, clarinet
Melissa Culloton, mezzo-soprano
Mimi Tung, piano

Thursday, April 28, 2016
Elizabeth Kleiber, flute - Young Artist Scholarship Competition Winner 2015
Amy Morris, flute
Robin Helgen, soprano
Elliott Wilcox, piano

Detailed program information will be released throughout the season. Programs and artists are subject to change.

CenterPoint Energy's 4th Street Update

Crews from Michels Corporation, an authorized CenterPoint contractor, continue installing natural gas distribution pipe along 4th Street in the following locations:

From 1st Avenue N. to Hennepin Avenue:
• Beginning today, the northern and southern parking lanes and one southern driving lane will be closed.
• Crews will begin installing pipe along this block tomorrow, Wednesday, September 16.
• Please anticipate crews to return to the intersection of 1st Avenue N. and 4th Street N. this coming weekend.
 
From Marquette Avenue S to Nicollet Mall:
• Crews completed current pipe installation along this block. Please expect construction to resume in the coming weeks.
• Beginning today, crews will begin construction at the intersection of 4th Street S. and Nicollet Mall.

Three lanes of traffic on 4th Street, from 2nd Avenue N. to Marquette Avenue S., will remain open during rush hour and reducing to two lanes between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Please drive slowly and use caution in the areas of construction. Please note that businesses will be open during construction. For more information, please visit our website. Thank you.

This is the Last Week of Summer Activities and Events at the Piazza on the Mall!

Piazza on the Mall

Thanks everyone for another great summer full of fun, free community activities and events at the Piazza!  We hope you will come join us for our last week with a Social Jam Session and Yoga fitness class.  Thank you to all of our performers, instructors and attendees who contributed to the Piazza's summer success.

Social Jam Session - Thursday, September 17, 7:00-9:00pm

Come join Ross Hackenmiller Music for the eighth and last summer Social Jam Session. These sessions are a fun way to do some outdoor improvised music-making at the Piazza!  We'll have a stack of random percussion and noisemakers waiting to be played. Please feel free to bring your own too.

Free Yoga! - Saturday, September 19, 10:00-11:00am

Interested in free outdoor yoga?  Come out for the sixteenth and last of our weekly yoga classes each Saturday morning, brought to you by Yess Yoga.  All skill and experience levels are welcome.  Please bring your own yoga mats.

For more information contact Max Musicant at max@musicantgroup.com or 612-584-9442.

Nosy Neighbor Tour - Eastside Restaurant

Reader Julie Craven toured the soon to open Eastside Restaurant on a "Nosy Neighbor" tour with Mill City Commons, here's the inside scoop from Julie:

Eastside restaurant isn't quite open for business, but Executive Chef Remy Pettus and General Manager Tyler Lineburg gave Mill City Commons members a sneak peak last week. The restaurant, located at 3rd and Washington Avenue, in the Latitude 45 building, is the latest project by Ryan Burnet, known for Minneapolis restaurant favorites that include Barrio, Bar La Grassa and Burch Steak & Pizza.

The centerpiece for the 164 seat restaurant is a wood-burning brick oven, so large it was installed first, and the restaurant was then built around it. There are two private dining areas, one adjacent to the kitchen called the Chefs Table and the other, larger room features street views and seats 30.  Windows lining the bar area will open to the outside for patio dining guests. Pettus highlighted the seating, including two, high top tables in the center of the restaurant that he described as "the kitchen tables and the best seats in the house."  Pettus went on to describe the fare as fresh and simply prepared for what he described as a "fun, young American take on a brasserie."

The website is being finalized and Eastside will begin taking reservations on September 21st. Opening date is set for September 29th.

Week 19 at the 2015 Mill City Farmers Market

September 12 was hands down one of the loveliest days weather-wise of the 2015 season.  Plenty of sun with just a hint of fall in the air.

Wedge Community Co-op was the September 12 Community Booth.  They sampled a Brussels Sprout and Celeriac Slaw with Maple Glazed Pepitas. Leah Korger, Catering Kitchen Supervisor, also prepared the slaw at the Mill City Cooks demo.

Chef Heather Hartman was busy working on food prep for the annual Mill City Farmers Market Harvest Social, taking place September 13 in the train shed.

The multigrain bread from Salty Tart is a work of art.

Got my eye on a new winter wrap from ArtAndes.  Meet the women weavers and watch them work their craft at next week's Market!

Every baby needs a hat!

The goat!

Be sure to attend the 10a Heritage Bread Festival at the September 19 Market! Learn about bread-making and taste samples. Sponsored by Sunrise Flour Mill.

1st Sculpture installed at Gold Medal Park "Prophecy of the Ancients" by Brower Hatcher

As reported earlier this year, Gold Medal Park will will be hosting 3 sculptures from the Walker Art Center during it's remake of the sculpture garden. Late this week the first was installed.

Prophecy of the Ancients by Brower Hatcher

Brower Hatcher was trained in engineering and industrial design before he turned to sculpture in the early 1970s. In his stone and steel-mesh sculpture for the Garden, he melds the logic of an engineer with a visionary’s impulse to transcend time and space. A futuristic dome, composed of thousands of flexible wire polyhedrons, rests atop six mock-Egyptian columns in a blend of ancient and modern architectural styles. Embedded within the structure and seeming to hover in space are an assortment of common objects and abstract forms: a table, a ladder, a chair, a turtle (whose patterned shell recalls the gridded structure of the dome), random letters, numbers, discs, and dashes. Hatcher offers up these private symbols for universal interpretation, as viewers are inspired to construct their own meanings from the galaxy of images suspended above them.

Parkway Closures for September 12

The following parkways will be temporarily closed September 12 for Mill City Suds Run - 8:30am-1:00pm:

Main Street - From Hennepin Ave to 6th Ave SE
West River Parkway - From Portland Ave to Plymouth Ave
Plymouth Bridge and Stone Arch Bridge

Course Map

2015 Ramen Attack: Heroes Edition

Zen Box Izakaya presents 2015 Ramen Attack: Heroes Edition

Date: Sunday, September 27
Location: Mill City Museum Train Shed
Time: 12:00pm to 5:00pm (Rain or Shine)

What is Ramen Attack?
Ramen Attack is a free festival for all ages celebrating a unique combination of both Japanese and Twin Cities food and culture. The event donates net proceeds from food and beverage sales to the Children’s Cancer Research Fund, a Minnesota-based nonprofit organization.

Why should I attend Ramen Attack: Heroes Edition?
Delicious food, great drinks, and amazing entertainment are all unique parts of our event. But the most important reason to attend is to be a hero for children with cancer and support Children’s Cancer Research Fund.

Do I need a ticket to attend?
No - event entry is free! Food and beverage, however, are not free.
(Regular admission required to visit Museum exhibits)

How much do food & beverage cost?
Food and beverage tickets will be sold in Ramen Attack Passports.

Ramen Attack Passports are on sale for $40 (a $55 value) and contain:
•2 Ramen tickets
•1 Street Snack ticket
•2 Beverage tickets (soda for all, beer for 21+ - must show valid ID)
•Up to 2 alcohol wristbands for 21+ attendees (must show valid ID to receive wristband)
•1 Dessert ticket
•1 free Mill City Museum Exhibits entry
•Entry form for Ramen Attack prize giveaways

Do I need to buy a Passport in advance?
Yes! Due to space, time, and travel, our guest chefs will produce a finite amount of delicious food. We can’t guarantee that ramen or street snacks will still be available for purchase on the day of the event, so purchasing a Passport is the only way to ensure you won’t miss out.

How do I pick up my Passport?
Passports will be available for pick up at Mill City Museum beginning at 11:30 am on the day of the event. A photo ID is required to pick up Passports. A photo ID is also required for anyone 21+ who intends to use his or her Beverage tickets for alcohol.

Please note that Passports will not be available for pick up anytime before 11:30 am on Sunday, September 27. While you are welcome to arrive early, we will not begin Passport distribution until 11:30 am and you will be asked to wait in line until distribution begins.

Will tickets be available to purchase at the event?
We can’t guarantee that ramen or street snacks will still be available for purchase on the day of the event. A limited number of tickets may be available, but we wouldn’t risk it - we highly recommend that attendees pre-purchase a Passport. Beer, soda, and water will be available for purchase onsite.

What else should I know about drinking alcohol at the event?
In order to comply with liquor licensing laws, attendees ages 21+ will be required to wear a wristband. We are requesting a $1 cash donation to CCRF to cover the cost of wristbands.
 
What is the weather policy?
Rain or shine! There are no refunds on tickets or Passports and we will celebrate regardless of weather.

Who will be cooking?
We have an amazing group of guest chefs from across the country:
•Keizo Shimamoto, Ramen Shack in New York City
•Justin Carlisle, Red Light Ramen by Ardent in Milwaukee
•Jorge Guzman, Surly Brewer's Table in Minneapolis
•Jack Reibel, Il Foro & Paddy Shack in Minneapolis
•John Ng, Zen Box Izakaya in Minneapolis

Several chefs will also offer cooking demonstrations:
•Kenshiro Uki, Ramen Lab & Sun Noodle in New York City
•Diane Yang, Spoon & Stable in Minneapolis
•Thomas Boemer, Corner Table & Revival in Minneapolis

Attendees who have purchased passports are required to use the Mill City Museum Exhibits entry ticket in their passports to view the chef demonstrations. Attendees without passports will be required to purchase Mill City Museum Exhibits entry to view these demonstrations.

What else can I find at the festival?
•Artisan ice lollies from FrioFrio MN
•Brews from Asahi Beer and Surly Brewing Co.
•Kaishin Dojo Japanese Fencing Group
•Mu Daiko Drum Performance Group
•Seven Dragons Japanese Swords Group
•Music by DJ Steez

Is my registration/ticket transferable?
Yes! Feel free to transfer it to a friend, as long as they have the printed ticket. The recipient of the transferred ticket must also be 21+ and present their valid photo ID.

What other information do I need to know about Ramen Attack: Heroes Edition?
In the event that ramen and/or street snack tickets are available for purchase onsite, these sales will be CASH ONLY. All onsite beverage sales for beer, soda, and water will also be CASH ONLY. There is one ATM at Mill City Museum in the Gift Shop. We recommend that you bring cash if you plan to purchase additional beverages onsite.

Ramen options and availability are subject to change without prior notice and on a first-come-first-served basis, while supplies last.

Limited metered street parking is available near the event. There are also several parking ramps. Detailed parking information is available at http://www.millcitymuseum.org/directions. 

No pets are allowed on Mill City Museum property. (Only Certified Service Animals are allowed in the Museum grounds)
No outside food or beverage is allowed.

Please send an email with your questions to info@zenboxizakaya.com

CANCELED: Tonight's DMNA Meeting

NOTICE OF CANCELLATION - TONIGHT'S MEETING AT OPEN BOOK

From the DMNA (Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association):

- The September 9th & 10th engagement meetings have been canceled.

- The September 21st vote on the proposal to form two independent neighborhood associations has been canceled.

Based on feedback received during the August engagement meetings as well as lack of board consensus on how to proceed, it has been decided that the process to hold a vote on forming two independent neighborhood associations will be suspended indefinitely.

From Chad DiDonato, DMNA Chair: "I listened to feedback from our members during the first two outreach and engagement meetings. After working directly with City of Minneapolis NCR on a potential solution which included a vote on a potential boundary change, I presented it to the Board. In order to move forward I believed an unanimous consensus from the Board was needed. We almost had full consensus but since we did not, I recommended we stop the process immediately. I want to thank every member who became involved in the process as we truly value your opinions."

New Design Details for "The Commons" [Download]

Recently presented to the planning commission, download here (note: 12mb file size)

Thursday Night at Piazza on the Mall

Thursday, September 10th, 5:30pm, FREE Tango Dance Lessons and Argentine Music with Lois Donnay.

Come out on Thursday evening and join us for live Argentine tango music and performances. Enjoy the sultry dance of tango and watch as both traditional and modern tango are presented.  During and following the dance and performance, dancers will be providing group tango lessons for the audience so be sure to bring your dance shoes!

Piazza on the Mall is located at 1221 Nicollet Avenue.  Like the Piazza on Facebook, follow the Piazza on Twitter.

Creative City Market: Celebrating the Art of Making in Minneapolis

The final Creative City Market will be held on Thursday, September 10, 4-9pm, at the Minneapolis Convention Center Plaza (1301 2nd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55403).

Creative City Market is a free monthly experience in the heart of downtown that celebrates the act of making. Each month the public is invited to the Minneapolis Convention Center Plaza to participate in an evening under the setting sun surrounded by Minnesota-made art, wares, and interactive experiences.

•Learn how to preserve food through fermentation and discuss self sufficiency with Jess Hirsch and Ginny Sims
•Listen to neo-soul by singer PaviElle
•Watch Somalia's Balloon, a storytelling play about Somalia's colonial history by Ifrah Mansour
•Enjoy a screening of MN Made MSPIFF film Medicine of the Wolf, where filmmaker Julia Huffman travels into the wolf country of Minnesota to pursue the deep intrinsic value of brother wolf and our forgotten promise to him, presented by the Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul
•Hang out at mini_polis, winner of the 2015 Creative City Challenge
•Browse original goods created by local artists and creators
•Enjoy craft beer selections on the lawn from the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild and the Craft Bar & Lounge
•A grill station and fresh MN-grown roasted corn
•Experience live music and performances
•Relax, play, and linger on the central lawn

Survey seekers
We are looking for survey seekers for these events. A small stipend will be available on a first-come-first-served basis. If you are interested in being a survey seeker, please contact volunteers@northern.lights.mn for more information.

12th Annual Historic Riverfront 5K Walk/Run is October 10

Via the Active.com website:

Historic Riverfront 5K Run/Walk will take you through historic Northeast Minneapolis, along the Mississippi River and over the Stone Arch Bridge. This is perfect time of year to see the fall colors and the beauty of the tree canopy, river, and cityscape.  Race starts/ends at Boom Island Park (700 Sibley Street NE).

Last year we gave out over $2,000 of prizes that were awarded to top finishers and drawings for all that register. 

This year, we have partnered with Mill City Museum to provide you highlights of the incredible history along the route, as well as a 'Buy One, Get One' discount to the Mill City Museum for every person that registers.

Whether you participate as a timed chip runner or take a casual walk with your dog or baby stroller, this is a route that everyone enjoys.

Proceeds benefit neighborhood parks and activities in the St. Anthony West Neighborhood, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Minneapolis, which includes the beautiful Boom Island, BF Nelson, and Dickman parks.

Event details and schedule

• Start/End at Boom Island - 700 Sibley Street NE
• Start time at 9am, Saturday, October 10th (check-in starts at 7:30am)
• Early check-in available on Friday, October 9th, 4-6pm at Mill City Running
• Long sleeve Run-Dri shirt and Buy One/Get One admission to Mill City Museum included in registration
• An estimated $2,000 worth of prizes will be given out, with ALL participants in drawing as well as specific prizes for top winners in male/female, 55+, and 20 and under
• Enjoy Kramarczuk's brats hot off the grill at the end of the race
• Chip timed for accuracy and running enjoyment
• Limited parking in parking lot w/in Boom Island, additional parking available on side streets

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Week 18 at the 2015 Mill City Farmers Market

Elpis Enterprises was the September 5 Community Booth. Elpis is a nonprofit organization that provides job training, work experience and placement for homeless youth.  Check our Farmers Market blog later this week for information on this organization.

There's more to the Market than meets the eye.  For all the time I've spent talking with staff and vendors, I only just learned about their Greens for Good program, which is a partnership with Campus Kitchen and sponsored by Delta Dental. Each week Market vendors donate to a program that helps feed low-income residents of the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood.

A unique melon from Women's Environmental Institute (WEI).

Urban Roots returned to the Market - look for them weekly in September and most of October.  More pictures and information will be included in a separate post on our Farmers Market blog later this week.

Pam from Prairie Hollow Farm brings several varieties of grapes to the Market. They've been nurtured by family members for generations.

Check our Farmers Market blog later this week for information on the September 19 bread festival.

Micro greens make an ordinary sandwich something special.

Snickerdoodle Cookie ice cream from Sonny's.  September 12 is their last weekend at the 2015 Market, so be sure to enjoy a scoop or take come a pint.

Salsa verde baskets from Swede Lake Farms.  I added juice from one lime, sea salt and a pile of cilantro - delish!

A little vegetable humor.

The goat!

“Fashioning a Future” Runway Show to Raise Funds for Earthquake Victims in Nepal on Sept. 11

Minneapolis retailers Key North Boutique and T Lee Custom Designer Jewelry are collaborating on a fashion show fundraiser to help earthquake victims in Nepal rebuild their lives. Proceeds will be donated to AmeriCares’ Nepal Relief Fund which is providing medical supplies and humanitarian aid for families in crisis.

Last year, T Lee Custom Designer Jewelry raised $4000 for the Shree Saraswoti Kunja primary school in central Nepal. This year, Key North Boutique and T Lee Custom Designer Jewelry are collaborating in the hopes of raising more money for the long-term recovery of the Nepali people.

Savvy style expert Grant Whitaker of Whitaker Style will emcee the runway show, with models wearing fashions from Key North Boutique and jewelry from T Lee Custom Designer Jewelry. Key North will feature exclusive women's clothing and accessory collections from American and International (Paris, London, Brussels, Munich) designers. Key North has created a local marketplace for organic, sustainable, fair-trade fashions that supports global designers, artisans and workers who are paid a fair wage. T Lee Custom Designer Jewelry will debut new one of a kind pieces and also a new collection of fine jewelry woven in 24kt and palladium. All materials used in T Lee designs are ethically sourced and mined.

VIP tickets are available for $100, which includes a reserved seat for the runway show, two $50 gift cards (one each from Key North and T Lee), and food and drink. Food will be donated by Gorhka Palace and beverages will be donated by North Loop Wine & Spirits. General admission tickets are available for $10.

For every $1 donated, AmeriCares provides $20 in aid. Because they deliver donated medicines and medical supplies to a trusted network of locally-based providers, the impact is multiplied many times over to save more lives in Nepal. AmeriCares has been aiding survivors of natural disasters, political conflict and extreme poverty around the world for more than 30 years, saving lives and restoring health and hope.

“Fashioning a Future” is sponsored by The Journal and the Southwest Journal.

WHAT: “Fashioning a Future” fundraiser for Earthquake Victims in Nepal

WHEN: Sept 11, 5-9pm

5-6pm: VIP preview

6-6:30pm: runway show

6:30-6:45pm: Q&A with Grant Whitaker

6:45-9pm: socializing and shopping

WHERE: Boardwalk in front of the Key North Boutique and T Lee Designer Jewelry, 515 and 509 1/2 First Ave NE in Old Town Minneapolis (next door to the Red Stag)

COST: $10 general admission; $100 VIP

TICKETS: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fashioning-a-future-tickets-17809464588

CONTACT: 612-455-6666 or 612-789-2656

About Key North Boutique

Key North Boutique a specialty shop owned by Katie Greene and Gwen Engelbert in Minneapolis. Featuring exclusive women’s clothing, jewelry, and accessory collections from local and international designers, the fabrics are luxe, the designers are among the finest, and it’s all fair trade and sustainable. Learn more at keynorthboutique.com.

About T Lee Custom Designer Jewelry

Owned by jewelry designer T Lee and managed by Nathaniel Smith, T Lee Designer Jewelry is committed to ethical and sustainable practices in jewelry making. Focusing on custom design for 32 years, T Lee Custom Designer Jewelry is the Twin Cities premier design team, owning the phrase “There’s nothing we can’t customize.” Learn more at tleegold.com.

CenterPoint Energy's 4th Street Project Begins Tuesday, September 8

Crews from Michels Corporation, an authorized CenterPoint contractor, will begin installing natural gas distribution pipe along 4th Street on Tuesday, September 8.

Two crews will be working on the project, with one crew starting near the intersection of 4th Street N. and 2nd Avenue N. and working east and a second crew starting near the intersection of 4th Street S. and Marquette Avenue S. and working west.

Crews from Q3 Corporation, an authorized CenterPoint Energy contractor, will begin relining the roads and setting up lane closures along 4th Street S., from 2nd Avenue N. to Marquette Avenue S. on Tuesday, September 8.

The northern and southern parking lanes along 4th Street S. between 2nd Avenue N. and 1st Avenue N. will be closed.

Three lanes of traffic on 4th Street will remain open during rush hour and reducing to two lanes between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

CenterPoint Energy’s 4th Street project is anticipated to continue for the next seven weeks.

Please note that businesses will be open during construction. For more information, please visit our website. Thank you.​​​​

Minneapolis Idea Exchange (MiX) Brings Creative and Innovative Leaders to Minneapolis to Inspire Ideas that Power Community

Minneapolis Idea Exchange (MiX) Brings Creative and Innovative Leaders to Minneapolis to Inspire Ideas that Power Community

MINNEAPOLIS (September 3, 2015) — The Minneapolis Idea Exchange (MiX), an initiative of the Minneapolis Downtown Council’s Intersections: Downtown 2025 Plan, will host MiX 2015 on September 28, October 1 and October 2. With three days of speakers and events, MiX will partner with the 35^th annual Westminster Town Hall Forum to inspire attendees to think about creativity and community in innovative ways.

Nationally-recognized creators and advocates for empowered communities will build on the momentum created at MiX 2014. MiX 2015 will feature:

• Pete Docter: Minnesota native
• Tavis Smiley: author, publisher, social justice advocate
• Dan Buettner: Minnesota native, founder of Blue Zones, an organization helping Americans live longer, healthier, and happier lives

“We’re thrilled to have three dynamic speakers discussing topics of significance at this year’s MiX event,” said Tim Hart-Andersen and Mary Shaffer, co-chairs of the 2025 Plan MiX Committee. “Minneapolis has been highly-ranked at the national level on many lifestyle indicators ranging from innovation to overall vitality, and we want to continue to see that expand and support a thriving world-class downtown.”

MiX is the venue that makes it possible for ideas to come together from national inspiration to local talent and a community of doers. During MiX 2015, attendees will be inspired to tap into their creativity, learn from communities of justice and take a cue from the world’s healthiest people. In addition to thought-provoking speakers, MiX will transform the corner of Nicollet Mall and 12^th Street to create an outdoor experience complete with music, good eats, local drinks, interactive activities and social events. The events are free and open to the public.

MiX Speaker Schedule

Pete Docter

Monday, September 28, 7:00 PM

Inside the Creative Community: The Power and Process of Animated Film

Pete Docter is a film director, animator, and screenwriter at Pixar Animation Studios. He contributed to the story and characters of Toy Story, Pixar’s first full-length animated feature film, and served as the supervising animator for the film. He wrote story treatments for Toy Story 2 and Wall-E and directed Monsters, Inc., Up, and his latest release, Inside Out. He has been nominated for six Academy Awards and won Best Animated Feature Film for Up. Born and raised in Bloomington, Minn., he graduated from the California Institute of the Arts where he received a Student Academy Award. In 1990, he was hired as Pixar’s third animator and began work the day after his college graduation. Website: pixartalk.com/pixarians/pete-docter/

Tavis Smiley

Thursday, October 1, 7:00 PM         

No One Left Out: Creating Communities of Justice

Tavis Smiley is an author, publisher, social justice advocate, and host and managing editor of the late-night PBS television talk show, Tavis Smiley, and the public radio program, The Tavis Smiley Show. He has written or edited 18 books, including The Rich and the Rest of Us: A Poverty Manifesto, co-authored with Cornel West; My Journey with Maya, a memoir of his friendship with Maya Angelou; Death of a King, an account of the final year in the life Dr. Martin Luther King; and Covenant with Black America, a collection of essays addressing economic and social disparities. He is the founder of a nonprofit foundation committed to empowering young people and to alleviating poverty across all sectors of society. Website: pbs.org/wnet/tavissmiley/

Dan Buettner

Friday, October 2, Noon

A Blue Zones City: Living Like the World’s Healthiest People

Dan Buettner is the founder of Blue Zones, an organization committed to helping Americans live longer, healthier lives. He teamed with National Geographic and the world’s best longevity researchers to identify lifestyle choices in specific parts of the globe where people live measurably longer lives. Their research has been published in his bestselling book The Blue Zones: Nine Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest and his recent book, Blue Zones Solution: Eating and Living Like the World’s Healthiest People. In 2009, he brought his nine principles for longevity to the town of Albert Lea, Minn., where participants in his program added an estimated 2.9 years to their average lifespan. Website: bluezones.com

All keynote events will be hosted at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1200 S. Marquette Avenue in Minneapolis. Additional activities that are free and open to the public will happen near 12^th Street and Nicollet Mall on Monday, September 28, Thursday, October 1 and Friday, October 2.

About the Minneapolis Downtown Council:

Founded in 1955, and one of the oldest central business associations in the nation, the Minneapolis Downtown Council (MDC) is a membership-based entity that works to create an extraordinary downtown. The MDC’s collaborative developments of Intersections: Downtown 2025 Plan was designed to help downtown businesses, community leaders and citizens build on downtown assets and implement future goals. For more information, please visit http://www.downtownmpls.com/.

About the 2025 Plan: 

The Downtown 2025 Plan is a vehicle to help leaders and citizens build on Downtown’s assets and guide its development in ways that reflect the community’s aspirations for a Downtown Minneapolis that is thriving, livable, green, connected and welcoming in the decades ahead. This includes initiatives to double downtown’s residential population, transform Nicollet Mall into a must-see destination, implement a Gateway area and other green elements throughout downtown, create a compelling and walkable environment around the clock, lead the nation in transportation options, end street homelessness, forge connections with the University of Minnesota and more. The 2025 Plan is a Minneapolis Downtown Council initiative established in 2010.

About the Minneapolis Idea eXchange:

MiX is a community-powered event that encourages discourse on the topics impacting our city and celebrates the nationally recognized ingenuity and talent rooted in Minneapolis. The Minneapolis Idea eXchange is an initiative of the Minneapolis Downtown Council and supported through community leaders, or MiX Luminaries including Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges.  For more information, visit http://www.minneapolisideaexchange.com/ or follow along @MiXMpls on Facebook and Twitter.

Day Block Brewing to Host PorktoberFest Block Party on Sunday, September 6

On Sunday September 6th, Day Block Brewing will host PorktoberFest, an end-of-summer block party, from 11am - 10pm. The all-day event will emphasize local food - namely pork selections - as well as several vegetarian options. Enjoy craft beer and a full schedule of live music beginning at 2:00pm. This event will be held in the shared Day Block Brewing/Grumpy’s Bar lot located on the South side of the Day Block Building. Limited free parking will also be available.

Tickets: $10 (includes a $5 food and beverage voucher)

Live Music featuring:
• Hustle Rose
• The Lone Crows
• Moon Grass Trio
• Fairfax, AK
• Frankie Teardrop
• Basement Brew