Bald Eagle Soaring Above Gold Medal Park

I've been noticing more eagles over the Central Riverfront the last few weeks.

"Here Comes the Sun" Book Release Celebration at Open Book, September 23

A Mill District neighbor asked us to share this information on an event taking place September 23 at Open Book:

Dear friends,

I want to share a very special event with you.

The Lucas family is a special family and friends of ours.  Brian Lucas wrote a book called Here Comes the Sun.  This is a true story about a family's journey with leukemia.  The story takes place in Minneapolis.  Come meet the Lucas family and attend the release and book signing at Open Book on Monday September 23. This is an event you won't want to miss.  Pass the word if you know someone who would want to attend.

Monday, September 23
Open Book, 1011 Washington Avenue South
Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm (short program at 7:00pm)

Please use this link to make your reservation, and learn more on this website.

If you can't attend this event, here are future dates:
 
Birchbark Books
Saturday, September 28
2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
2115 W 21st Street
Minneapolis, MN

Common Good Books
Wednesday, October 9
7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
65 Western Ave N
St Paul, MN

Tonight - Riverfront Trail Improvements Public Meeting at MPRB

Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Location: MPRB Headquarters Board Room, 2117 West River Road

Public input sought for trail improvements along west river bank - September 3 first meeting for West River and James I Rice Parkway trail project.

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) seeks community input on plans to improve 3.5 miles of bicycle and pedestrian trails and related amenities along the west bank of the Mississippi River from Franklin Avenue to Plymouth Avenue in Minneapolis.  A community survey and series of community meetings are planned, with the first meeting on Sept. 3.

Throughout the planning process, members of an appointed Community Advisory Committee (CAC) will work with MPRB staff and consultants to engage the community to develop a preferred plan for trail improvements, including new surfacing, lighting, signs, and amenities such as drinking fountains. Trail improvements will meet federal and MPRB design and safety standards. The final recommendations of the CAC will be forwarded to the MPRB Board of Commissioners for review and approval.

Mark your calendar and plan to participate:
 
CAC Meetings Sept. 3, Sept. 24 and Oct. 15 -- 6:30-8:30 pm, MPRB Headquarters Board Room, 2117 West River Road. The 21-person appointed CAC will meet. All meetings are open to the public and will include an opportunity for public participation and/or comment. 

Community Open House Oct. 1 -- 6:30-8:30 pm, MPRB Headquarters Board Room, 2117 West River Rd. An opportunity to review planning efforts to date.

Take a survey before Sept. 16! The survey is at http://www.minneapolisparks.org/ (see survey link in lower left column of home page) or by calling the MPRB’s customer service center weekdays at 612-230-6400 for a paper copy. Completed paper surveys can be mailed to, or dropped off at, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, Attn: W River Trail Survey, 2117 West River Road N, Minneapolis, MN 55411.

The existing bicycle and pedestrian trails in the project area are part of the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway.  “The trails are among the most heavily used in the state, with over 1.6 million visits to the area annually,” says MPRB President John Erwin. “They provide vital recreational and commuting connections within our community and region. The rehabilitation of these trails will use federal funds that we applied for and received. This is part of the Park Board's recent efforts to increase non-property tax based support through increased grant writing.”

The trails run parallel to the West River Parkway and James I Rice Parkway along the Mississippi River through the Mill District, one of the most historic in Minneapolis.  They link three regional parks: the Mississippi River Gorge, the Central Riverfront, and Above the Falls.  The trails are part of a regional system with direct connections to the Cedar Lake Regional Trail and the new U of M Trail.

Members of the CAC for the West River Parkway/James I Rice Trail Improvement Project have been appointed by Park Board Commissioners, other elected officials, neighborhoods, and trail user groups.

The MPRB has received $1.7 million in federal funds to improve the trails.  Regional Park Operation and Maintenance funds will provide the required local construction match as well as project planning costs.

For more information about the project, to sign up for emails about project updates, or  to take the user survey, visit the project webpage at www.minneapolisparks.org/currentprojects  (project name: West River / James I Rice Parkways Trail Improvements) or contact the Project Manager, Deborah Bartels at dbartels@minneapolisparks.org.

Pillsbury A Mill Before Mill & Main

A walk through the Pillsbury A Mill complex prior to the now completed Mill & Main apartment development. These scenes are now largely relegated to memories.

Next Tuesday - 3rd Ward Candidates Debate at the Ritz Theater

Candidates open forum and debate. Invited guests: Jacob Frey (DFL Endorsed Candidate), Kristina Gronquist (Green Party Endorsed Candidate), Diane Hofstede (DFL Incumbent Councilwoman), Michael Katch (Libertarian Endorsed Candidate).

Week 17 at the 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

The August 31 Market was bursting at the seams, and it was a challenge to keep from going completely overboard...again.  We were introduced to a new baby food company, Petit Organics, and Triple Crown BBQ Sauce (look for separate posts on the Farmers Market blog later this week).  I started stocking up on ingredients that will go into test quick breads for the September 21 Bread Festival.  Fun! :)

View our full set of pictures from the August 31 Market on Flickr.

New varieties of dried beans from Yee Xiong:

A discerning little Market shopper.  :)

This is what we love to see... Thanks for supporting the Mill City Farmers Market!

Two Thumbs Up for Minneapolis Madams: The Lost History of Prostitution on the Riverfront

We recently attended the sold out "Minneapolis Madams Pub Crawl", a Mill City Museum tour narrated by Penny Petersen, author of Minneapolis Madams: The Lost History of Prostitution on the Riverfront.  Hard to imagine it now, but our riverfront neighborhoods were home to three distinct red-light districts from the 1870's to 1910.

The book was about a decade in the making, and once you start taking in all the facts Penny has amassed, you'll understand why.  Filled with fascinating details of the city, politics and people from that time period - you'll learn much more than the title suggests.  If you can't get enough Minneapolis history, this book is a must for your collection! (There's also a Kindle version available on Amazon.)

Our tour took us to the First Street Red-Light District (on First Street South between Hennepin and Third Avenue South ), the Main Street Red-Light District (on Main Street SE between First Avenue NE and current day Central Avenue), and the Eleventh Avenue Red-Light District (on Second Street South between 10th Avenue South and 12th Avenue South).

Below, nestled within the U shape of the Bridgewater Lofts, this three-story brick building at 212 11th Avenue South is the only standing bordello from the Eleventh Avenue Red-Light District.

You can meet Penny and learn more about her book on September 10 at the Central Library (7:00pm).  Registration is required - either online or by calling 612-543-8000. More info.

MPRB Announces New Online Registration/Reservation System

Via an August 29 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board:

The New MPRB ActiveNet Layout

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is excited to announce that the newly redesigned ActiveNet registration and reservation system launched for public use on Thursday, August 29.

Through the input of MPRB staff and ActiveNet users, and the technical talent of the web developers at ActiveNet, you’ll see a new layout that offers:

• A simplified look
• Easy to use search tools
• Steps that let you know where you are in the registration process
• Details that appear when you "mouse" over an activity name
• Mobile access so you can register on your smartphone or tablet

Click here to search and register for seasonal programs, activities and events, to reserve the perfect Minneapolis park facility for your upcoming picnic, ceremony or gathering, to buy a golf pass, gift cards, and more.

Also, please update your ActiveNet bookmarks to point to this new link: https://minneapolisparks.apm.activecommunities.com/

Questions?

If you have questions or feedback about ActiveNet, please call 612-230-6400 or email active@minneapolisparks.org.

Happy 6th Birthday, Sanctuary!

Congratulations to Naomi, Roger, Michael, Chef Patrick and the staff of Sanctuary on the anniversary of their sixth year in the Mill District!  It's been our go-to spot for romantic dinners since moving to this neighborhood nearly 4 years ago. 

To celebrate, you're invited to enjoy a complimentary refreshing Spritz Capacitor cocktail tonight, August 29, after 7:30pm - no purchase necessary!  :)

Local Photography Exhibit Opens September 8 at the Central Library

Via an August 27 e-newsletter from Hennepin Country Library:

“Hidden in Plain View: A Touring Photo Exhibit” will open Sept. 8 and run through Oct. 26 in Cargill Hall Gallery at Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central, 300 Nicollet Mall.
 
The exhibit features work by award-winning local photographers Amy Anderson, Michael Dvorak, Peter Latner and Tom Wik. It captures the beauty, humor and poignancy of our everyday lives in the Midwest and asks viewers to consider what lies behind façades, hidden in plain view.
 
Cargill Hall Gallery hours are the same as the library’s: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday.
 
“Hidden in Plain View: A Touring Photo Exhibit” is organized by MELSA (Metropolitan Library Service Agency) and supported by Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
 
The exhibit is free and stopping at more metro-area libraries November 2013-June 2014. For the tour schedule, see www.melsa.org.
 
About the artists:
 
Amy Anderson is an award-winning portrait photographer striving to create truly respectful images of people in the Twin Cities and around the world. Her project “At Risk, With Promise” has been featured in solo and group shows nationwide.
 
Michael Dvorak is an award-winning photographer based in Minneapolis. He focuses on social documentary, found portraiture and freelance editorial projects. Assignments have taken him across the country and around the world.
 
Peter Latner is a Minneapolis-based photographer with a longstanding interest in the American landscape. His pictures are in a number of museum and private collections, and he is the recipient of fellowships and grants from the McKnight and Jerome foundations, and the Minnesota State Arts Board.
 
Tom Wik, a Minneapolis photographer, has spent much of his photographic career recording his native city’s neighborhoods. The recipient of a McKnight Fellowship and Artist Initiative Grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board, he also works as a building contractor.

Volunteers still needed for the PSP Gala!

FROM PEOPLE SERVING PEOPLE:

People Serving People's Annual Gala | Broadway Nights: Shining A Light On Homelessness

 

September 21, 2013

 

Hilton Hotel, Minneapolis

 

Support People Serving People in helping families find their way home. We need YOU to volunteer to make this event a success.

 

We need 85 volunteers to assist with the annual gala! Come as an individual or as a group!

 

We have many positions throughout the day, 10 am-1am. Please click on the link below to see the shifts and positions that are available.

 

Click here to learn more about volunteering for the Annual Gala and sign up for a shift.

 

Set-up & move-out crews please wear tennis shoes and comfortable clothing.

 

Event crews please wear black dress clothes and comfortable dress shoes or come in costume as your favorite Broadway character.

 

Any questions please contact Mallory Haugen, mhaugen@peopleservingpeople.org

612.277.0256

 

Thank you!

 

Mallory

A School Downtown? The Time is Right.

Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood School Survey

Calling all families living in Downtown Minneapolis with young children: we want your input!  Several downtown neighborhood organizations want to know what you think about a downtown neighborhood elementary school.

Between now and October 15th, we invite you to complete a short 10-question Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood School survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CVC5HSQ.

The number of children living in downtown Minneapolis is growing.  As of the 2010 U.S. Census there were 914 children under the age of 5 and 444 children between 5 and 9 years old calling downtown Minneapolis home.  Families are beginning to speak out about their desire to raise children in downtown Minneapolis and send their kids to school here, as featured in the December 17, 2012 Downtown Journal article “Parents Push for Downtown School” and the July 17, 2011 Star Tribune article “In Downtown, New Kids on the Block.”

However it has become all too common for families to leave downtown once their children are of school age, citing several reasons including the lack of a good neighborhood school.  This is quite understandable as National Association of Realtor’s Preferences studies have shown one of the most important influencing factors in neighborhood choice is proximity to a school and school district quality.  

Downtown neighborhoods took notice and in early 2013, the North Loop Neighborhood Association, Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association and Elliot Park Neighborhood, Inc. all passed motions and resolutions to join together and pursue the issue.  As active participants in downtown, our organizations desire a robust, balanced and sustainable downtown community that includes children and families.  We believe we will not be able to substantially attract or retain families with children to downtown Minneapolis without a community elementary school for all downtown children, but we need to know what you think.  

Please take a moment to complete our short 10-question survey.  We will present our results to the downtown neighborhoods at the end of the year.  If you have any questions, please email downtownmplsschool@gmail.com.

Respectfully,

The Downtown Minneapolis School Initiative

• The North Loop Neighborhood Association
• The Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association
• Elliot Park Neighborhood, Inc. 

A Stroll Through Gold Medal Park

A trip to Izzy's Ice Cream and a stroll through the park last Wednesday:

Week 16 at the 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

Grapes, apples, pears and new varieties of melons arrived at the August 24 Market.  We learned about fermented foods and the benefits of probiotics during the Mill City Cooks demo, and shoppers were treated to massages at the Allina Health/Penny George Institute for Health and Healing booth.  View our full set of pictures from the August 24 Market on Flickr.

Whoa - you could stuff a pound of hamburger in that pepper!

Check out MJ from Sorella Wine & Spirits - That's Some Serious Facial Hair!

MJ from Sorella Wine & Spirits recently took 3rd Place out of 900+ entries (!) in a national online beard contest.  Check it out:

Know anyone in the neighborhood doing something unique?  We're happy to share it on Mill City Times - just drop me a line at kim@millcitymedia.org. :)

Road Closures for August 25 for Minneapolis Duathlon

The Minneapolis Duathlon is a 3-mile run, 15-mile bike and 3-mile run from downtown Minneapolis along the Mississippi River and back. The first wave will start at 7:05am.

The following roads will be temporarily closed during this August 25 event:

West River Parkway from Plymouth Avenue North to Godfrey Parkway, Historic Main Street Parkway, 3rd Avenue South, and 2nd Street South.  6:50am to 11:00am.  Please note that the duration of the closures is subject to change based on the event's start and finish times.

The run course begins on 3rd Avenue South, goes across the river and back down Main Street, returns on the Stone Arch Bridge and goes north on West River Parkway on a brief "out and back" to finish up the run. This is the same run course for the 2nd leg of the run.

The bike course goes out on 2nd Street, eventually to West River Parkway where bikers will travel south to the turnaround. Then the course takes bikers back up to 2nd Street to the bike dismount area near the transition.

MPRB 'Picture a Park' Photo Contest Deadline is September 2

Sponsored by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB), People for Parks (PFP) and National Camera Exchange, the Picture a Park Photo Contest is designed to highlight photos taken year-round in Minneapolis parks.

Contest Categories
• Beauty in the Parks – Capture the everyday beauty within the parks, including wildlife, historic sites and breathtaking views.
• Events in the Parks – Photograph a whimsical event or community celebration in Minneapolis Parks.
• Fun in the Parks – Document a fun park activity, such as a concert, movie, bike ride or picnic.
• Photos by Youth – Budding photographers age 17 and younger can submit photos of their favorite Minneapolis Parks in any of the three subject areas – beauty, fun, events.

Entries can depict people, activities, events, nature and places in the Minneapolis Park System from any time of the year.

The contest is open to amateurs of all ages, Minneapolis residents and non-residents, with categories for both youth and adults. Photos must be unpublished, color, and taken within the Minneapolis Park System. Photographs from all seasons are encouraged and accepted. Photographers can submit up to three entries. There is no entry fee.

Prizes will be awarded for contest-winning photos, including gift certificates, Annual Patron Parking Permits, and water park and winter recreation passes. A public vote will take place online in September to choose among a selection of entries as the People’s Choice Award winner. Photo contest winners also have the opportunity to have their photo appear on the 2014 Annual Parking Permit, distributed to nearly 7,000 park patrons.

All photos and entry forms must be submitted online by Sept. 2, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. through the National Camera Exchange website.

Complete contest rules and guidelines as well as previous contest winning photos are available for viewing online.

Tonight @The Soap Factory / The Soap Factory Common Room Tour

Time: Tour will depart from the Common Room sign at The Soap Factory’s front dock at precisely 6:30pm.

Location: Soap Factory, 514 Second Street SE

For the fifth year, Sergio Vucci and Andy Sturdevant will be leading Common Room, a series of artist-led tours originating at The Soap Factory. This year, we'll be heading out in a 1953 Twin Cities Rapid Transit chartered bus into Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Common Room began as a month-long series of interactive art events, out of a refurbished art deco office at The Soap Factory. Since 2011, Vucci and Sturdevant have taken the Common Room concept outside the four walls of the Soap Factory and into the city, activating public spaces and redefining our relationship with our surroundings.

All tours will depart via bus from the Common Room sign at The Soap Factory’s front dock at precisely 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday in August. The tours will be approximately 90-120 minutes. Our buses will only accomodate about fifty people, so advance registration will be recommended, check back here in July for ticket information.

Check Out this Great Deal on Cooking Classes from Local D'Lish

While we're happy to see a Whole Foods opening soon in the 222 Hennepin building, we're concerned how that will affect the small independent downtown grocers like Mill City Market Grocery & Deli and to a higher extent, Local D'Lish.

I've visited Local D'Lish on a number of occasions, and it's a lovely little shop filled with locally sourced products.  You may remember their mini-market at the Mill City Farmers Market in previous years, which they discontinued when they expanded the business. If you're not familiar with that store, here's a reason to get to know them - they offer cooking classes. Through August 31, they're offering a super promotion that's pretty hard to resist - $35 classes! 
 
There's no limit on how many $35 coupons you can purchase, and better yet, there's no expiration date.  You can order them over the phone (612-886-3047) or at the store (208 N. 1st Street) - just mention the "Preferred Customer Coupon".  You'll receive a promotional code to use for online registration.  They are also donating 10% of every coupon purchased to Youth Farm.  Great idea to use as a gift, too.

Local D'Lish also offers private cooking classes for groups of 10-15. contact Ann at localdlish@gmail.com or 612-886-3047 for a special group rate.

I hope you'll get to know Ann and her staff before the shiny new box opens just a few blocks away. (Again, I'm a huge fan of Whole Foods - I go there for special items that aren't available elsewhere - but I'm also a huge fan of our small neighborhood businesses.)

Runnin' With The Law 5K 2013 at Father Hennepin Bluffs Park

Kids, dogs, horses and McGruff the Crime Dog.  Does it get any better?  Did I mention the SWAT Team? 

The Runnin' With The Law 5K 2013 took place August 15 at Father Hennepin Bluffs Park.

In addition to the Kids Fun Run and 5K race, attendees got to meet members of the K-9 Unit, SWAT Officers, the Mounted Patrol, and McGruff the Crime Dog.  Proceeds from this event benefit the Minneapolis Police Department’s Fitness Team. The Fitness Team is dedicated to establishing an active, healthy culture within the Minneapolis Police Department and local community.

Click here for more photos.

TRIA Orthopaedic Center was on hand with information on the comprehensive care they provide at their Bloomington location - including diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and surgery.