Report Those Potholes!

Holy cow - There are some nasty potholes out there! (Okay, this picture isn't an actual Minneapolis pothole, but it sure feels like it when you can't avoid bottoming out in a particularly deep one.)

According to a recent e-newsletter from 3rd Ward City Council Member Frey, an extra $1 million is being allocated for pothole repair to accelerate patching up our streets.

The City encourages residents to report these alignment killers. You can do so here: http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/publicworks/traffic/traffic_pothole

Here's the Full 10-day Itinerary for The Great Northern, Jan 26 - Feb 4

The Great Northern, presented by Target, will officially kick off this week and bring the people of Saint Paul and Minneapolis together to embrace the cold and celebrate winter in the great outdoors. The celebration begins Thursday, Jan. 26, with 10 days of outdoor events spotlighting iconic Minnesota traditions, original food and arts programming, and much more.

In addition to unveiling the full list of events, Metro Transit has announced its partnership with the Saint Paul Winter Carnival on Saturday, Jan. 28 and Saturday, Feb. 4, and the City of Lakes Luminary Loppet Race on Saturday, Feb. 4, and will provide free rides to the events. The free, downloadable pass can be used to travel on any Metro Transit bus or rail route from noon to 10 p.m. on those dates for guests to enjoy all the winter fun. In addition, the new Hewing Hotel is offering a discounted room rate to anyone attending The Great Northern events. Whether it is a winter staycation or a visit to Saint Paul and Minneapolis, these offers are yet another reason to experience how we do winter in the North.

The Great Northern is a new collaborative winter experience founded by event leaders from the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships, the City of Lakes Loppet Ski Festival, and Eric Dayton of Askov Finlayson. The Great Northern was created to champion winter and help reposition the season from a liability to one of our greatest assets. Its foundational winter experiences and new programming celebrate Minnesota's unique offerings and further enhance the state's reputation as a national destination for winter activity at its best.

Below is a sampling of food, arts and entertainment programming to showcase the breadth of events across Saint Paul and Minneapolis. For a complete calendar of events, visit TheGreatNorthernFestival.com. 

Thursday, January 12 – Sunday, February 19

Fire & Ice: A Winter Carnival Art Show
A special exhibition of creations from more than 75 local artists. More information here.
Date: Thursday, January 12 – Sunday, February 19
Location: AZ Gallery, 308 Prince Street, Saint Paul
Time: Thursday and Friday, 5 – 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Thursday, January 26 – Sunday, January 29

Saint Paul Winter Carnival Ice Carving Contest in Rice Park
One of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival’s signature events, these beautiful ice carving masterpieces are created by area artists. Viewing starts at the beginning of the competition and goes through Saturday, February 4.
Date: Thursday, January 26 – Sunday, January 29
Location: Rice Park
Time: Multi-Block Competition: 7 p.m. Thursday, January 26 – 7 p.m. Saturday, January 28
Individual Block Competition: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sunday, January 29
Cost: Free

Friday, January 27 – Sunday, January 29

Hard Rock Café and Labatt Blue Blue Zone at the U.S. Pond Hockey Tournament
Fans and players at the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships can kick back at the Hard Rock Café and stop by the Labatt Blue Blue Zone, voted one of the ‘World’s Best Hockey Bars.’
Time: Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Location: Lake Nokomis
Tickets: Free, food and beverage available for purchase

Minnesota State Snow Sculpting Contest
The competition begins on Friday, January 27 at 8 a.m. and ends Sunday, January 29 at 1 p.m., with viewing available through Saturday, February 4. For more information, please visit MNSnowPark.com.
Date: Friday, January 27 – Sunday, January 29
Location: Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Time: 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily
Cost: Free

Saturday, January 28 – Sunday, January 29

2017 Winter Jazz Festival
The 2017 Winter Jazz Festival is an outdoor music festival across Saint Paul. For more information, please visit TwinCitiesJazzFestival.com.
Date: Saturday, January 28 – Sunday, January 29
Location:St. Paul Hotel, Street Space at TPT, Vieux Carre, Golden’s Lowertown, Black Dog Café, and Rice Park
Time: Performances start at 5 p.m. Saturday, January 28, see website for complete schedule.
Cost: $15

Sunday, January 29

B-Lectric Presented by Northern Lights.mn and Barbette
Northern Lights.mn and French bistro, Barbette, are teaming up to bring custom ice walls, light-based art and much more to Uptown for one night only. For details, please visit http://www.blectricnorth.com/.
Date: Sunday, January 29
Location: Barbette, 1600 W Lake St., Minneapolis, MN 
Time: 4:30 – 9 p.m., projections begin at 5:30 p.m.
Cost: Free

Monday, January 30

A Winter Table from The Bachelor Farmer, Spoon and Stable, and Meritage
The Bachelor Farmer’s Paul Berglund and Spoon and Stable’s Gavin Kaysen will present an elegant seven-course outdoor dining experience, complete with luminaries, bonfires, and more.
Date: Monday, January 30 at 5:30 p.m.
Location: North First Street in the North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis
Tickets:$395 (incl. all tax, gratuity, valet and beverage pairings), to purchase, visit: TheBachelorFarmer.com

Monday, January 30 – Friday, February 5

Living Banners and Words for WinterPresented by Northern Lights.mn with support from The Minneapolis Foundation and the Downtown Improvement District

The Minneapolis Foundation and the Downtown Council team up with Northern Spark to bring two poetry-inspired installations, Living Banners by Piotr Szyhalski and Words for Winter, to the Nicollet Mall. The word-laden works will kick off with a spectacular recorded sound and light show in Peavey Plaza on January 30.
Date: Monday, January 30 – Friday, February 5
Location: Nicollet Mall 
Time: All day. Sound and light shows on January 30 are hourly, starting at 5:20 p.m. Final showing at 8:20 p.m.
Cost: Free

Tuesday, January 31

Saint Paul Winter Carnival Frozen Family Fun Night
Frozen Family Fun Night features live music from Koo Koo Kanga Roo, visits from the Saint Paul Mounted Police, Winter Carnival Junior Royalty, and more.
Time: 5 – 8 p.m.
Location: Rice Park
Tickets: Free, food and beverage available for purchase

Saint Paul Chef’s Experience from Saint Dinette, Revival, and Corner Table
Join Chef Thomas Boemer of Corner Table and Revival, and Chef Adam Eaton of Saint Dinette for a French Canadian-inspired, outdoor winter feast. Craft beverages available for purchase from master minds Tim Niver, Laurel Elm, and Nick Rancone.
Time: 6 – 9 p.m.
Location: Saint Paul Farmers Market
Tickets:$30 (incl. entry, tax and food), to purchase, visit: EventBrite.com/TheGreatNorthern

Wednesday, February 1

Ice to Spice Boca Chica Restaurante y Cantina and El Burrito Mercado Present Cinco Night in Rice Park
Cinco de Mayo takes over Rice Park, where guests can enjoy authentic tamales, elotes, a jalapeno eating contest and live music.
Time: 5 – 8 p.m.
Location: Saint Paul Winter Carnival, Rice Park
Tickets: Free, food and beverage available for purchase.

Surly Kraftskivan from Brewer’s Table and Heirloom, featuring 612 Sauna Society
Surly’s Executive Chef Jorge Guzman and Wyatt Evans of Saint Paul’s Heirloom host a wintery outdoor Kraftskivan crayfish party at Surly Brewing Co. Guests can also experience the nation’s first community-owned mobile sauna, courtesy of 612 Sauna Society.  
Time: 6 – 9 p.m.
Location: Surly Brewing Co. Beer Garden
Tickets: Free, food and beverage available on-site and for pre-purchase here.  

Wednesday, February 1 – Saturday, February 4

The Frozen Film Festival
Presented by the Saint Paul Film Festival, the Second Annual Frozen Film Festival celebrates independent film, while enhancing the global recognition of Saint Paul as an artistic center for the Midwest. More information at STPFF.com.
Date: Wednesday, February 1 – Saturday, February 4
Location: Weyerhaeuser Auditorium and TPT Street Space
Time: Screening times can be found here
Cost:VIP Passes to attend any film or festival event are $99, but individual tickets are also available.

Thursday, February 2

“Not Your Father’s” Happy Hour
Enjoy a Not Your Father’s Root Beer or Ginger Ale, beer, or wine, while Saint Paul’s own Black Market BBQ will be serving up Not Your Father’s Root Beer glazed ribs and live music from White Iron Band.
Time: 5 – 8 p.m.
Location:  Saint Paul Winter Carnival, Rice Park
Tickets: Free, food and beverage available for purchase. 

Friday, February 3 – Sunday, February 5

Surly Beer Garden & Food Trucks
Fans and participants can enjoy a Surly Beer and grab a bite to eat from a selection of local food trucks in the Loppet Village during the three-day City of Lakes Loppet Ski Festival.
Time: Friday, 5 – 9 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Loppet Village Area
Tickets: Free festival, food and beverage available for purchase.

Saturday, February 4

The 8th Annual Beer Dabbler Winter Carnival
Minnesota’s biggest outdoor beer festival is an annual tradition, complete with craft beer from 120+ breweries, live music, gourmet meat and cheese showcase from Lunds and Byerlys, and local food trucks.
Time: 2:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Location: Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Tickets: 21+ event, to purchase tickets, visit: BeerDabbler.com

Luminary Loppet
Lake of the Isles will be transformed into a luminary wonderland for participants to ski, snowshoe, or stroll around to see hundreds of luminaries and ice structures, before heading to the REI Luminary Party.
Date: Saturday, February 4
Location: Lake of the Isles
Time: 6 p.m.
Cost: $26/adult and $12/youth through January 31, $30/adult and $20/youth through February 4. Register here.

Post-Luminary Party
Luminary Loppet participants displaying their glow stick can enjoy a live outdoor concert—with Surly beer and a selection of local food trucks. 
Time: 7 – 10 p.m.
Location: Lagoon between Lake Calhoun and Lake of the Isles
Tickets:Concert/Party is free for Luminary Loppet participants displaying their glow stick, $10 for everyone else. Food and beverage available for purchase. More Information.

For more information about The Great Northern and its partnering organizations, and to sign up for updates, visit TheGreatNorthernFestival.com and connect with The Great Northern on Facebook and Instagram@TheGreatNorthernFestival, and on Twitter@GreatNorthern.

The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Film Festival Returns April 2017

Via a January 24 Press Release from The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul:

The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul today announced the dates for the 36th Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival. This year’s lineup will feature the latest bold, exciting and moving works from new and veteran filmmakers from around the world. The festival returns April 13-29, 2017 to cinemas throughout the Twin Cities.

This year, the festival — one of the longest-running in the nation — will expand to include select screenings at the Capri Theater in Minneapolis, in addition to showing at the St. Anthony Main Theatre, the Uptown Theatre and Metropolitan State University’s Film Space. Other additions include a virtual reality exhibition and experimental film program, a program of films by African and African American filmmakers supported by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, a selection of Finnish films in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Finland, and a showcase of new international television series.

For 36 years, the staff of The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul has scoured international film festivals — from Sundance and Toronto to Berlin, Palm Springs, Busan, Guadalajara and San Sebastian — to bring a unique slate of international films to the Twin Cities that might otherwise never be screened in this market. Last year’s record-breaking 45,158 attendees explored films from 72 countries.

“For 36 years, the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Film Festival has helped to cultivate this region’s appreciation of international cinema, delivering audiences to remote and renowned locations around the globe, building bridges between cultures, geographies, people, and communities,” said Susan Smoluchowski, Executive Director of the Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul, MSPIFF’s non-profit parent organization. “This year, the festival’s lineup will feature an exciting slate of new, groundbreaking works in every genre, from both new and experienced filmmakers from around the world as well as standout talent from our local filmmaking community.”

The complete festival schedule will be announced March 23.  Festival Passes and 6-packs are on sale now through mspfilm.org, with individual ticket sales opening on March 23 to Film Society Members and to the public on March 30.  Discounts up to 10 percent off apply for early bird pass purchases. MSPIFF is presented by the Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul, a dynamic 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to fostering a knowledgeable and vibrant appreciation of the art of film and its power to inform and transform individuals and communities.

The Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival is generously supported by the Star Tribune, Cedarwoods Foundation, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Minnesota State Arts Board Legacy Amendment Funding, National Endowment for the Arts, McKnight Foundation, US Bank, Indeed Brewing Company, Depot Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, numerous international Consulates, and the 2,000+ Members of the Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul.

Smith & Porter Opens for Dinner Tonight, January 24

Opening for dinner tonight, January 24, at 428 South 2^nd Street in the new Abiitan Mill City building, Smith & Porter will offer evening dining with contemporary entrées and small plates, vegetarian options and a full bar with a tailored selection of wines and locally crafted spirits and beers.

They will be open for dinner seven days a week, and reservations can be made through OpenTable.  The restaurant is two blocks from the Guthrie Theater and the Mill City Museum, and across the street from the MacPhail Center for Music.

The Executive Chef is Kirt Akerstrom, who most recently was Executive Chef at Red Cow. Akerstrom previously was the Corporate Executive Chef for the Alex’s/Bonfire brand. He also has 12 years experience in Asian fusion cooking that includes all the cuisines of Southeast Asia, and was classically trained at Scottsdale Culinary Institute.

The restaurant concept and menu was developed in consultation with prominent Chef Pat Weber, whose Mise en Place consulting business has worked with top Minneapolis restaurants, including Birchwood Café and Smack Shack.

John Gleason is the Food & Beverage Director at Smith & Porter. Most recently he managed the opening of Giordano’s Pizza in Uptown Minneapolis after opening three locations in Chicago.

The General Manager is Nick Patraw, who previously managed Ling and Louie’s and Giordano’s in the Twin Cities. He also was general manager at CopperWynd Luxury Resort in Scottsdale, AZ.

Smith & Porter’s sister concept, the Porter Café, located adjacent to the restaurant, will open in early February, 2017.  It will offer the Mill City Neighborhood a breakfast and lunch option, with barista-inspired warm and cold beverages, daily features and specially prepared entrées, along with grab-and-go breakfast and lunch options. The café will be open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

Smith & Porter is on Facebook, Instagram and Yelp. The restaurant’s website will soon be live at www.smith-porter.com.

Renowned Local Artist Aldo Moroni Presents “Forty Years” Exhibition and Events

Solo exhibition “Forty Years” features works created by Aldo Moroni

Renowned local artist, Aldo Moroni, is celebrating his 40th year as professional fine artist by presenting a collection of 40 works of art. Most are ceramic wall sculpture sconces that light up (a sample of which is pictured above). There will also be a collection of free standing ceramic garden sculptures. Moroni’s images are architectural, and reflect his lifelong love affair with the city history and architecture.

The featured work is a very large 10 foot long, 4 foot tall, ceramic mountain scape populated with hundreds of small scale buildings. This work will be under construction throughout the show run, with Moroni on site between 11:00am and 2:00pm Monday through Friday as he creates this massive work. The mountain scape is titled “The Wrath of Vanity”. The piece shows bold, threatening skyscrapers surrounding and looking down on a ghetto of dilapidated burned out buildings. It is about the haves and the have-nots. It is about power and the abuse of power. Some of the skyscrapers have names emblazoned across them, such as Frump Tower, Chump Tower and Grump Tower. Per Moroni, "Yes, this is political!" 

The opening reception is Wednesday, January 25, 4:00pm - 9:00pm at ChinDian, 1500 East Hennepin Avenue, with courtesy appetizers and a cash bar.

Exhibition dates: January 25 -­ February 15
Hours: Monday ­ Thursday 11:00am ­ 2:30pm
            Friday 11:00am ­ 2:30pm
            Saturday 5:00pm ­ 9:00pm
            Sunday CLOSED

Associated events at ChinDian include:

Gallery Artist Talk
February 8, 2:00pm - 3:00pm Tea service
Moroni will present a 1 hour discussion with images of his 40-year experience in the art world. Names will be named and stories will be told.

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Valentine Singles Night (Couples can sneak in!)
February 14, 5:00pm -­ 9:00pm
This one is a party. It’s about meeting and greeting new people. Attendees who would like to have dinner should call ahead and reserve a table, 612-676-1818.
Parking: Free lot, metered on-street

Moroni's first museum exhibition, "Scale and Environment, ten sculptors", was curated by Martin Friedman and was presented at The Walker Art Center in 1979. Moroni has an international following, but has always been based in Minneapolis. He is a fellow of Arts Midwest, The National Endowment for The Arts, The Minnesota State Arts Board, The McKnight Foundation, The Bush Foundation and others. His works are included in more than 50 public collections and thousands of private collections, and has had more than 100 exhibitions across the country. He can be reached at artdadio@icloud.com or 612-806-7719.

Demetrius Young - a People Serving People Success Story

Article by Claudia Kittock, photos by Rick Kittock

I was honored to be in the audience on a night when Demetrius Young, a former guest of People Serving People, gave a speech about his experiences there. If you have ever wondered about the experience of being homeless as a child, or about the impact People Serving People has on the guests who stay there, please read these words from Demetrius:

"My family and I came here to Minnesota to start a new life, my mom had previously lived up here many years ago and knew that she wanted to come back. We came here with no money and on perhaps the coldest day of the entire month of November. As children my two sisters and I were cold, frightened, and completely oblivious to the fact that my mom felt all these emotions as well. We were lost and wandering around downtown Minneapolis looking for century plaza carrying heavy luggage. Now it’s bad enough to carry heavy luggage but to do it on a freezing cold day was even worse. We sat down to rest in front of the fountain on 10th and Nicollet and my mom had admitted to me later that at that moment she wanted to give up because we had been wandering for hours. At that moment a lady who I consider an angel came up to my mom and said “you look lost where are you headed?” my mom told her and she said well you are in luck if you keep walking that way a couple of more blocks you will run right into it.

It was through Century plaza that we found People Serving People and the wonderful people who worked there. It was there that even in the chaos of us being displaced that I felt as a family we were safe. While my mom had a goal for us not to spend Christmas there, I feel had it not been for the case managers and other supportive staff we would have not completed that goal. While we did leave and get our own place, my mom applied for the transitional housing program that was offered where at the end of the program you get to move into a town house.

While in the program my sisters and I got to participate in a mentorship program where college students would come and hang out with us and just spend time. It was here that I first thought about going to college.

It had been a while since I had been back to visit People Serving People, as my family moved back to Chicago to help take care of my grandma when she got sick. I reconnected with People Serving People through my summer internship that I had working with Mayor Hodges and her talking is teaching initiative. I had kept in touch with Margo who was one of the angels that really helped my family with school supplies and just caring about where we went in life.

I don’t like to think of an alternative for myself and my life because I feel that everything happens the way it’s supposed to happen but I know that my mom, my sisters and myself would not be the people we are today without People Serving People.

I am a senior graduating in the spring from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota with a degree in human services because I want to help people the way I was helped.

I want you to know that what you do no matter how little matters, because it mattered to me. 

Thank you."

Demetrius is one of thousands of people who have benefited from the help they received at People Serving People. Located in the Mill District at 614 3^rd Street South, it is designed to help homeless and at-risk children and their families manage crisis situations and build a strong foundation for their long-term success. It is the largest and most comprehensive, family-focused homeless shelter in Minnesota. The 10-story building has 99 emergency housing units and 10 two-bedroom supportive housing apartments. According to the recent “Homelessness in Minnesota” study by Wilder Research, children with parents continue to make up over one-third of the state’s homeless population. The 99 emergency housing units are consistently at or near capacity.

People Serving People statistics for 2015:

• Served 3,086 individuals in 1,125 families experiencing homelessness
• Served, on average, 348 guests each day  
• Served families 41 days as an average length of stay
• 16 years old was the average age of all guests
• 59% of guests were children, 6 years old was the average age of the children
• 415 children enrolled in the early childhood development classrooms
• 790 children learned, enjoyed, and connected with peers in after-school enrichment and activities
• 238 parents found employment
• 305 parents learned and supported each other in parent engagement
• 271 guests participated in mental health skills and support groups
• 10 low-income adults graduated from our Culinary Arts Training program
• 5,000 volunteers donated 30,009 volunteer hours
• 235,669 meals were served
• 35-40 school buses arrived daily to transport children to schools in Hennepin County

People Serving People fills a vital niche in our community. Without them, families would have few resources.  They manage to serve the entire family and provide resources and support for each member of each family during their stay. People Serving People takes a comprehensive approach to helping families experiencing homelessness. They begin with the basics, providing families with a safe place to stay, access to basic toiletries, and three nutritious meals a day in their kitchen/dining hall. When immediate basic needs are met, families can begin to address the barriers they face to achieving stability.

As a part of their efforts to increase the stability of children in the community, People Serving People is embarking on a new external initiative, the Center of Excellence. This initiative not only expands their physical presence to two sites, it also marks a shift in their service population to include children and families at-risk of becoming homeless. Operating upstream of the shelter system will help stabilize families to prevent them from becoming homeless. The Center is located in the Phillips neighborhood of Minneapolis, within the Lutheran Social Services Center for Changing Lives building. It will feature early education, school-age support, and parental engagement services to homeless and at-risk children and their families. In addition to building on their strength providing direct care services, the Center will feature research, development, and training to improve the field of family resilience and trauma-informed education and service. People Serving People plans to scale up the Center, beginning with early childhood classrooms opening this spring.

How can you help? People Serving People’s work is fueled by the generosity of volunteers and donors. Check out the many ways of getting involved at their website, www.PeopleServingPeople.org.

Claudia can be reached at claudia@millcitymedia.org

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Editor's note:

People Serving People has two upcoming Chefs for Change events during which you have the opportunity to tour the facility prior to enjoying a fabulous multi-course meal. Click on the link to learn more!

16th Annual Kite Festival Announced

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board present’s the 16th Annual Kite Festival.  Kites of all shapes, sizes, colors and themes will fly over frozen Lake Harriet! Fun family festival activities include horse-drawn wagon rides, snowshoeing and ice fishing on the lake, and a marshmallow roast. Minnesota Kite Society experts will demonstrate maneuvering spectacular kites throughout the day, offer their expertise to kite flying enthusiasts and to those who are new to the pastime. Bring your own kite, or buy an inexpensive one at the lake.

The Kite Festival is a FREE family oriented, outdoor event which takes place on Saturday, January 28th, 2017 from noon to 4 pm.  The Kite Festival is great for all ages and abilities.  Held at the north end of Lake Harriet near the Bandshell (4135 West Lake Harriet Parkway).  Free lot parking is available on site, please keep in mind lots fill quickly, however free, on-street parking is available throughout the neighborhood.  West Lake Harriet Parkway delays are expected. Allow ample time to find a spot and walk to the venue.

Draft of Downtown Service Area Master Plan Available for Public Review and Comment

Review and comment on long-term plan for Downtown Minneapolis parks!

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is seeking comments on a draft of the Downtown Service Area Master Plan (DSAMP). This document will guide outdoor improvements at all non-riverfront downtown parks (Elliot Park, Franklin Steele Square, Gateway Park, Loring Park, Park Avenue Triangle) for the next 20-30 years, as well as the potential acquisition and development of new parkland within downtown Minneapolis.

The draft DSAMP is the result of more than two years of community-based planning and design. Public comments will be accepted until March 4, 2017.

At the conclusion of the open comment period, MPRB staff will compile all comments, modify the plan and present the revised plan to the Board of Commissioners for possible adoption. A public hearing will take place at that time.

Review and Comment

The plan is available online on the DSAMP project page. Printed copies are available at Elliot Recreation Center, Loring Community Arts Center and MPRB headquarters. Community members may comment by filling out a brief online survey, filling out a printed survey at one of the locations listed above or by emailing or phoning the contact listed below.

Take Online Survey

View Plan on Project Page

The Commons 2017 Debut Event: Midwinter Light

The Commons is pleased to announce its 2017 debut event Midwinter Light: creating art with ice and light, an installation by artist Jennifer Hedberg of Wintercraft. The five-day event is free and open to the public.

Midwinter Light: creating art with ice and light

January 27 - 31
Dusk - 10pm
Stroll through The Commons and view artistic luminary creations. The candlelit and LED ice installations make for a magical midwinter night. Sculptures by Jennifer Hedberg of Wintercraft. Weather permitting.

January 29
4 - 8pm
A family-friendly event!
Warm up by a fire, enjoy some light music, and sip on free hot chocolate provided by Radisson RED Minneapolis.

The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul presents Minnesota 13

The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul presents Minnesota 13

Minnesota craft brewing is not just a 21st century story of taprooms and food trucks. During Prohibition one of the best and most popular moonshines in the country, known as Minnesota 13, came from Stearns County, Minnesota. Local directors Norah Shapiro and Kelly Nathe pull the curtain back on this little-known story in Minnesota history. Widely regarded as the only branded moonshine of its day, Minnesota 13 was created by church-going farmers with the support of everyone in their community. Double-distilled and aged in oak barrels, Minnesota 13 was far from the bathtub booze the era was famous for.

More info

A Deal From The Guthrie to Help Melt Away the Winter Doldrums

See 4 plays for as little as $80!

Enjoy huge savings on tickets and the most flexibility for your busy schedule. Choose the plays you want to see, put the dates on your calendar and exchange your tickets into another performance if something pops up. It's that easy!

PICK FOUR PLAYS:

The Royal Family
A comedic valentine to the theater
January 28 – March 19

King Lear
Shakespeare’s epic tragedy
February 11 – April 2

The Bluest Eye
A moving adaptation of a powerful novel
April 15 – May 21

Refugia
A relevant and evocative world premiere
May 13 – June 11

Sunday in the Park with George
Stephen Sondheim’s artistic masterpiece
June 17 – August 20

Native Gardens
A hilarious hot button comedy
July 15 – August 20

Buy online or call the Season Ticket Office at 612.225.6238, Mon - Sat: 11am - 5pm for info.

NOTE: Must order by January 31!

Free Admission to National Parks on These Dates in 2017

The National Park Foundation invites you to kick off the National Park Service's second century by exploring your national inheritance! For these ten days in 2017, all national parks across the country will waive admission fees, so grab your calendar and start making plans.

The 2017 free entrance days will fall on:

January 16: Martin Luther King Jr. Day

February 20: Presidents Day

April 15-16 and 22-23: Weekends of National Park Week

August 25: National Park Service Birthday

September 30: National Public Lands Day

November 11-12: Veterans Day Weekend

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There are more than 400 natural, cultural, and historical gems across the National Park System. No matter what your passions or interests are, there’s a park that will speak to you! Just get out there , explore as many as possible, and find your park. 

Sign up for Citizens Academy, a behind-the-scenes look at Hennepin County

Via a January 11 e-newsletter from Hennepin County:

Sign up for Citizens Academy, a behind-the-scenes look at Hennepin County

Learn how county government works to serve its residents by enrolling in Hennepin County Citizens Academy, a free, eight-week series that takes you up close to the people, places and processes that make our county a great place to live.

Participants visit various county facilities, meet county leaders and get a peek behind the scenes. Find out how many miles a snowplow operator plows during an average winter, who answers 911 calls and what a typical day looks like for a county commissioner.

Session schedule

The series will run from March 16 to May 17. Sessions will take place from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in Brooklyn Center, Medina, Minneapolis, Minnetonka and Plymouth.

• Week 1, March 16: Hennepin County Board, budget, property assessing 
• Week 2, March 22: Community works, environment and energy 
• Week 3, March 29: Health and medical services 
• No session April 5 or April 12
• Week 4, April 19: Public Defender’s Office, County Attorney's Office, 4th Judicial District Court 
• Week 5, April 26: Human services 
• Week 6, May 3: Corrections and Hennepin County Sheriff's Office 
• Week 7, May 10: Transportation and emergency management 
• Week 8, May 17: Information technology, facility services, elections, workforce development, volunteering 

Learn more and register

Find registration information, session topics, materials, locations and more by visiting http://www.hennepin.us/your-government/get-involved/citizens-academy

2019 NCAA Final Four Minneapolis Local Organizing Committee Officially Launches

Via a January 10 Press Release from Meet Minneapolis:

The 2019 NCAA Final Four Minneapolis Local Organizing Committee (MLOC) officially “tipped off” the 28-month planning period in their specially designed office space at U.S. Bank Plaza today. MLOC President and CEO Kate Mortenson was joined by NCAA Managing Director of Men’s Basketball Championships JoAn Scott, Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges and Minnesota Lynx star Lindsay Whalen to share more information about the committee’s plans and community impact focus for the April 2019 event.

Preparation for one of the largest events in sports will take place in a 2,200 square-foot space in the specially designed space built by donations from more than 30 local vendors and businesses featuring NCAA and Final Four branding, actual court flooring, a full-sized backboard, HD screens, commissioned art elements, offices, conference and breakout areas. Rent has been waived as a donation to support the local organizing committee. Additionally, leading local companies, plus some national corporate champions and partners of the NCAA contributed their products and services to the office buildout, preserving resources for the committee’s impact initiatives.

“Our office buildout project really demonstrates our excitement to have one of the biggest events in sports back in Minneapolis,” said Mortenson. “We want our NCAA partners to know that ‘winning happens here.’ Our community will put on a great event, be highly inclusive and also have a positive impact on our youth, who are uniquely inspired by the student-athletes who make it to the Final Four.”                                                

The MLOC sees an opportunity via the Final Four to have a lasting, positive impact in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul region. The vision for this impact includes a yearlong outreach to students in the region and leveraging the unique excitement of a Final Four to inspire students around the health, wellness and achievement objectives that are the priorities of school partners. In addition to providing programming that supports educational goals, the MLOC will celebrate student achievements with special access to Final Four-related events during the championship weekend, making Final Four events inclusive and accessible for youth. Additionally, the MLOC’s operations will reflect the increasing diversity that is a strength in our region.

“I’m truly pleased that the Final Four in Minneapolis will leave a lasting legacy focused on youth and inclusion,” said Mayor Hodges. “Showcasing our growing diversity and the talented professionals of color in our region are big opportunities this event affords us.”

Many events during Final Four, which will be held April 5 – 8, 2019, are family friendly and free or low cost.  

“On behalf of the NCAA, Dan Gavitt and the Division I men’s basketball committee, we are thrilled to stage our 81st championship in this beautiful city in 2019,” said Scott. “Minneapolis is a three-time Final Four host, but obviously this will be the first time we will crown our national champion in U.S. Bank Stadium. We are excited to bring the NCAA’s premier event to this great facility located in a vibrant downtown that our teams and fans will love. We can’t thank enough our hosts from the Minneapolis Local Organizing Committee, as well as our host institution, the University of Minnesota, for the work they’ve already done, and everything they will do over the course of the next two years.

“The Final Four is so much bigger than three basketball games. There are a number of activities that will take place leading up to and during the Final Four, and the NCAA is committed to leaving a legacy of community engagement in each host city that extends far beyond championship weekend. For that reason, the planning is underway to make this the best event it can be.”

2019 NCAA Final Four Event Overview

In 2014, Minneapolis was named by the NCAA to host the 2019 Men’s Final Four. Millions of fans from around the globe will track this signature celebration of collegiate athletic competition by following “the road to Minneapolis™.” Events that comprise the Final Four include:

· Semifinal and Championship games played in U.S. Bank Stadium

· A three-day Music Festival with national acts that is free and open to the public

· A family-friendly Fan Fest, which celebrates all things college basketball 

· A special lunch celebration welcoming player families

· Myriad other events and activities during the year leading up to the event to engage youth, promote student athletic competition and build excitement throughout the host region

About the Minneapolis Local Organizing Committee

The Minneapolis Local Organizing Committee (MLOC) was formed to plan and deliver the Men’s Final Four in Minneapolis as a local partner to the NCAA. The committee includes the University of Minnesota as the host institution, Sports Minneapolis and Meet Minneapolis as liaisons to the city and hospitality community and the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority, representing the game venue, U.S. Bank Stadium.

Statement from the Minneapolis Downtown Council Re: Macy's

January 4, 2017

The Minneapolis Downtown Council has released the following Statement regarding the sale of the Macy’s building in Downtown Minneapolis and the store closing by Steve Cramer, President & CEO of the Minneapolis Downtown Council:

The news that Macy’s is closing its Minneapolis store is not surprising in the light of changes affecting downtown retailing across the nation. For many years the former Dayton’s building has been an underutilized asset at the center of our business district, with hundreds of thousands of vacant square feet. With the sale of the building to an experienced, well capitalized developer with urban retail experience – 601 W Companies – we have an opportunity to revitalize this iconic structure in the heart of downtown. Combined with the soon to be completed new Nicollet Mall, continued growth of our residential population, and the in-migration of businesses from across the region, a revitalized Dayton’s building will add to the positive momentum downtown is experiencing. I look forward to meeting with 601 W Companies and City officials early next week to begin discussing plans for a new future for an old building that holds a warm spot in the hearts of people throughout Minnesota.

Leah Wong, Vice President of External Relations
Minneapolis Downtown Council
81 S. 9th Street, Suite 260, Minneapolis, MN 55402
leahw@downtownminneapolis.com
Cell: 612.269.7986
Direct: 612.656.3816

Streets Closures Around US Bank Stadium for Sunday’s Vikings Game w/ Da Bears

Several streets will close near US Bank Stadium for the Sunday, January 1, Noon Vikings game.

Beginning at 5:00am Sunday:
· Chicago Avenue, from Fourth Street to Sixth Street will close.

Beginning at 9:00am Sunday:
· Fourth Street from Park Avenue to Interstate 35W.
· Norm McGrew Place from Third Street to Fourth Street.

These street closings are for traffic safety and security needs related to a large stadium event. All streets will reopen about one hour after the completion of the game.

Spoonriver Has Something Special for You During the Month of January

Fresh food for a fresh start in 2017!

Through the month of January, Spoonriver has a special offer just for their neighbors:  mention "Mill City Times" and receive a complimentary Appetizer & Dessert with the purchase of Dinner for Two.

Happy New Year from the staff at Spoonriver!

Spoon Dips appetizer

Mediteranean Croquette Special

Dessert tray

Ride Metro Transit for Free on New Years Eve

Celebrate New Year’s Eve responsibly and get a free ride!

On December 31, customers can ride free from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. on all Metro Transit routes – buses, METRO lines and Northstar. No fare, no coupons – simply hop on and take a seat for free!

Whether you’ll be out celebrating or you’re not interested in driving alongside those who are, riding Metro Transit is an easy, safe alternative.

Free rides will also be available on Minnesota Valley Transit Authority and Anoka Transit routes.

Miller Lite Free Rides is a community service program in partnership with Metro Transit and Miller Lite.

Get more details and a list of late-night routes here!

Wishing You a Vintage Betty Crocker Christmas

Recipe for Christmas fun: 3D cookie ornaments - made with Gold Medal Flour, of course! 

Now Showing & Coming Soon to the Film Society’s St. Anthony Main Theatre

Here's what's showing now and coming soon to The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul’s St. Anthony Main Theatre, 115 SE Main Street.

​December 23 - January 5- THE EAGLE HUNTRESS​ 

​December 30- January 5- EVOLUTION

January 6 - January 12- I AM NOT MADAME BOVARY​

January 6 - January 12- RAILROAD TIGERS

January 9 at 7pm + January 14 at 1pm - NTL: NO MAN'S LAND

January 21 at 1pm + January 23 at 7pm - NTL: ANA KARENINA ​

February 20 at 7pm + February 25 at 1pm - NTL: AMADEUS ​​

March 6 at 7pm + March 11 at 1pm - NTL: SAINT JOAN 

March 27 at 7pm + April 1 at 1pm - NTL: HEDDA GABLER​​