Northbest: Ads of Minnesota Launches This September

Via an August 12 Press Release from the Minneapolis Downtown Council:

MINNEAPOLIS (August 12, 2016) — The Minneapolis Downtown Council, in partnership with AdFed MN and Intersections: The Downtown 2025 Plan’s Downtown Experience Committee, announced today a new event that highlights and celebrates the achievements of the Minneapolis creative community.

Northbest: Ads of Minnesota will take place Thursday, September 22 at The Commons beginning at 8 pm. The event will focus on Minneapolis’ innovative strength through its nationally- and internationally-recognized work, offering local creative agencies the opportunity to see their work celebrated with the public in an entertaining screening outdoors in downtown Minneapolis.

The event is free and open to the public and will include food trucks, beverages and networking along with the creative screening.

In addition to the announcement of Northbest, the Minneapolis Downtown Council today opened up a Request For Submissions for local creative agencies to submit their best work. The Request for Submissions can be found here.

“We’re excited about this opportunity to showcase Minneapolis’ brightest creative talents and productions,” said Leah Wong, Vice President of Events and Marketing, Minneapolis Downtown Council. “Highlighting our area’s advertising ingenuity at The Commons offers a way for us to come together as a community to celebrate and enjoy our collective talent and take part in a fun, compelling evening in our new downtown park.”

Agencies are encouraged to submit all advertisements created locally within the past 10 years. While there is no strict limit on the running time of each advertisement, they should fall within the generally accepted range of 30 seconds to three minutes. Shorter or longer may work on a case-by-case basis.

Submissions must include:

Submissions must include:
· Name of commissioning company and product
· Name of agency
· Name of agency executive/manager lead on project.
· Name of project creative director
· Name of advertisement director
· Run time (min:sec)
· Year of production
· Any interesting details relating to filming in Minneapolis

“We have incredibly creative organizations and individuals in our city,” said Meredith Speier, Vice President, AdFed MN Board of Directors. “This event will provide an opportunity for them not only to get recognition for their talents, but they’ll be able to showcase them front and center for their peers and the general public under the downtown skyline.”

This year the new Northbest: Ads of Minnesota event will coincide with the AdFed MN Silver Medal Awards and season kickoff. To learn more about the Silver Medal Awards, visit www.adfed.org.

For more information on the Minneapolis Downtown Council, its initiatives or the upcoming event, visit www.downtownmpls.com or follow @MplsDowntown on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #DowntownMpls.

About the Minneapolis Downtown Council:

Founded in 1955, and one of the most historic 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: The 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 DowntownMpls.com.

About AdFed:

Advertising Federation of Minnesota [AdFed] is a non-profit, professional trade organization that serves the Minnesota advertising community including agencies, advertisers, suppliers and students. AdFed is part of The American Advertising Federation [AAF], the nation’s oldest national advertising trade association. AdFed of Minnesota members volunteer their time and talents to plan and execute community events that are overseen by a board of directors. AdFed offers networking opportunities, seminars, speaker presentations and other fun and industry-focused events. AdFed celebrates the Twin Cities’ market strength and the global impact that our community makes through leading brands, creative advertising campaigns and sound business practices. For more information about AdFed, visit http://www.adfed.org.

About Northbest: Ads of Minnesota:

Northbest: Ads of Minnesota is an event produced by the Minneapolis Downtown Council in partnership with AdFest MN and the Intersections: The Downtown 2025 Plan’s Downtown Experience Committee. The name Northbest: Ads of Minnesota was developed by local agency Periscope. Northbest offers a chance for the local community to celebrate the vision of our creative community, which accounts for roughly 65,000 jobs within our local workforce. The event itself aligns with The 2025 Plan’s vision for creating a consistently compelling downtown experience. For more information on The 2025 Plan, visit www.2025plan.com or follow along on social media using the hashtag #2025Plan.

Washington Avenue Reconstruction Project Update

Via an August 11 Hennepin County e-newsletter:

Washington Avenue reconstruction project between Hennepin Avenue and Fifth Avenue South

Detour shifts to Portland Avenue starting early morning August 15

The starting point for the westbound detour of Washington Avenue will shift east to Portland Avenue starting early morning on Monday, August 15. This is being done to allow for crews to begin the county's reconstruction activities in this area.
 
The detour for motorists and bicyclists will follow Portland Avenue, Third Street South, Hennepin Avenue and then return to Washington Avenue. There is no detour for pedestrians or eastbound Washington Avenue, however eastbound will be reduced to two lanes through the work area.

This detour will be in place until the end of this year's construction activity, which is anticipated to be mid-November.

Map of work area and detour beginning Monday, August 15

Hennepin County, in coordination with the City of Minneapolis, is reconstructing Washington Avenue South (County Road 152) between Hennepin Avenue and Fifth Avenue South.

When complete, this section of Washington Avenue will have:
• One-way cycle tracks (protected bike lanes)
• More space and shortened crossing distances for pedestrians
• Enhanced streetscaping, including trees, plantings and benches
• Improved driving surfaces
• Dedicated turn lanes at key intersections

Project website
If you want additional background information or want to check on the project status throughout the course of the project, you can visit the project website: www.hennepin.us/washingtonavenue.

Project email
If you have a question during construction, send an email to the project at washingtonavenue@hennepin.us. The project email will be checked frequently during regular construction work hours.

The Minneapolis Foundation Launches the OneMpls Community Hub

Via an August 9 e-newsletter from Minneapolis Foundation:

The OneMpls Community Hub features new perspectives, exciting trends, and tips and information about local needs, challenges, and innovation within The Minneapolis Foundation’s six focus areas:

• Arts & Culture
• Civic Engagement
• Community Health
• Economic Vitality
• Education
• Environment & Conservation

On the hub, you can watch video interviews with local and national thought leaders, take quizzes to test your knowledge of community issues, and read stories about up-and-coming changemakers in Minneapolis.

You’ll find insights from:

• Nekima Levy-Pounds, President of the Minneapolis NAACP and Vice Chair ofThe Minneapolis Foundation’s Board of Trustees, on her vision for OneMinneapolis
• Generational expert Phil Gwoke of BridgeWorks on helping families plan their charitable giving together
• Sahra Noor, CEO of People’s Center Health Services, on delivering affordable health care to a diverse population

Visit the hub to learn, engage, share knowledge, and join with other community members to help build OneMpls – a place where social, racial, and economic equity thrives! 

Mark Your Calendar for the Aug 27 Guthrie Open House!

Time: 11:00am - 3:00pm

Location:  Guthrie Theater, 818 Second Street South

ALL ARE WELCOME AT THIS FREE, FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENT! 

Come on over for a day jam-packed with exploration, discovery and play. No reservations required. Here's what's on tap:

• Take a peek backstage and into our workshops on a self-guided tour.
• Curl up in our storytelling corner to hear a tale told by a Guthrie artist.
• Let your imagination run wild at our mask-making station.
• Tap into your talent in a mini-class for teens and adults.
• Be wowed by theatrical magic on our signature thrust stage.
• Snap a selfie using real Guthrie costume pieces and props.

With the Mill City Farmers Market open until 1 p.m., consider making a day of it and grabbing a bite to eat while you visit. For more information, call the Box Office at 612-377-2224.

City of Minneapolis and Minneapolis Park and Rec Board Seeking Developer for Upper Harbor Terminal Phase 1 Redevelopment

Via an August 8 Press Release from the City of Minneapolis, CPED: 

Monday, August 08, 2016 (Minneapolis, MN) - The City of Minneapolis (City) and Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB) are seeking a qualified and creative real estate developer to be a part of the rebirth of the Upper Harbor Terminal (UHT) site.  UHT is a 48-acre, former multi-modal shipping terminal property located on the west bank of the river between 33^rd Avenue N. and about 40^th Avenue North in Minneapolis, MN just a few miles from the city’s thriving downtown. 

“The end of barging at the Upper Harbor Terminal in 2013 created new momentum for the redevelopment of this hidden jewel in our city,” said Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges. “The City of Minneapolis is eager to work alongside the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board in selecting a developer that, with imagination and creativity, will work with us to transform this site into the world-class amenity that North Minneapolis needs and deserves.”

"The Upper Harbor has the potential to transform North Minneapolis and its relationship to the river,” said Council President Barbara Johnson. “I have confidence that we will see proposals that will offer entertainment, recreation, housing and economic development opportunities for this unique site."

UHT is the largest City-owned redevelopment site in Minneapolis. The property includes almost a mile of riverfront along the mighty Mississippi River, offers excellent freeway access, and does not appear to present significant environmental challenges.

“For decades the City of Minneapolis and MPRB have sought to redefine the relationship between Minneapolis and the Mississippi River,” said MPRB Superintendent Jayne Miller. “The Upper Harbor Terminal site represents an incredible opportunity to create a new, vibrant space on this key piece of riverfront land, and we’re excited to see the process move forward to create a great destination in North Minneapolis.”

Redevelopment of the site is a high priority for the City and MPRB because of its potential to address some of the long-standing disparities evidenced in the quadrant of the City where it is located. The project will include creating significant park and destination amenities to put the Northside of Minneapolis on par with other areas of the city. Work along the upper river follows upon the highly successful redevelopment of the central riverfront near downtown Minneapolis, which has seen more than $2 billion in private investment in the last few decades.

The City and MPRB goal is to select a development team with whom the City and MPRB can create a coordinated plan for private and park development. The selected team will be offered the opportunity to enter into an exclusive rights agreement to collaboratively design a plan for, at minimum, the northern half of the site, with the eventual goal of the developer implementing the private development portions of that coordinated plan.

Interested developers must submit a summary of their qualifications and an initial development program. The request for qualifications and accompanying information about the site and redevelopment goals may be found at the City’s and MPRB’s newly-launched shared web site at www.upperharbormpls.com. The RFQ may be downloaded here. 

The deadline for submission is Wednesday, October 14, at 4:00 pm (CDT).  A mandatory pre-submission meeting and tour is scheduled for Wednesday, August 31, at 9:30 am.

Scenes from the August 6 Mill City Farmers Market

The Mill City Farmers Market celebrated National Farmers Market Week (August 7-13) at the August 6 Market.  Chipotle Mexican Grill sponsored the distribution of free five dollar shopping vouchers to the first 1,000 visitors. The vouchers were eligible for all take-home grocery items, as part of the Mil City Farmers Market and Chipotle’s mission to provide “farm fresh food for all.” 

August 6 community booths included Wellness Minneapolis and Ingredient Magazine/Butternut Magazine. Look for separate articles on these organizations later this week on our Farmers Market blog.

It is perfectly acceptable to eat raw sweet corn - especially when it's freshly picked and sold by Nistler's. :)

You say you have a hankerin' for melon? Welcome to the Mother Lode!

A visit from Council Member Jacob Frey.

This dangling head of cauliflower reminded me of an old 50's sci-fi movie where you can see the wire connected to the toy UFO: 

Probably even more so than the kids, I love listening to stories read by the animated Guthrie Theater actor, H. Adams. :) 

This adorable little girl with a bouquet of dill stopped by the Info booth with her mother.

Milly the goat!

2016 National Night Out (NNO) - The Mill District is a Great Place to Call Home

Thanks to a group of dedicated volunteers led by Cynthia Kriha, Mill District residents enjoyed another successful National Night Out (NNO) party on August 2nd. Per Cynthia, the estimated attendance for 2016 was 500.

New this year: food trucks! Chef Shack and Peeps Hot Box offered menus with a little something for everyone. I think it was brilliant on the part of the planning committee to discontinue putting on a huge spread of food while attempting to cater to possible allergies and special needs. In addition to the tremendous amount of time it took to order, coordinate, transport, set up, etc., in the end there was quite a bit of waste. 

A cool treat on a steamy night - Izzy Pops, compliments of Betsy Lucas.

$630 was raised for the Dollar$ for Diaper$ drive, which goes to help People Serving People keep stocked with diapers for their littlest guests.  Thank you to bartenders Ramji Kamakoti and Doug Cousins for encouraging people to donate!

The thoroughly enjoyable Rich Lewis Band returned for a second year, this time with a female vocalist.

Also returning for the second time was the SPARKit mobile play area, sponsored by Cynthia Froid Group. That trailer is loaded with all kinds of games and activities to keep kids occupied and interacting with each other.

Thank you to Council Member Jacob Frey and members of law enforcement for being part of the event.

All partied out.  :D

Get Your 2016 Greening Awards Nomination Submitted by August 8

Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District is accepting nominations  for the 2016 Greening & Public Realm Awards for green spaces the public feels are the best in the downtown area.

You have until Monday, August 8, to email them at info@minneapolisdid.com, leave a comment on their Facebook page, Tweet or comment on Instagram with your nominations.  They'll announce finalists and begin their annual public vote in mid-August. Click Here for more info on the 2016 Greening Awards Nominations.

Each 2015 winner received a yard sign showcasing they won the public vote in their respective category, and each will receive a commemorative award from Wood from the Hood. CLICK HERE to learn more about the 2015 winners, which includes seven first-time recipients chosen by a record-number of online voters. The DID thanks you for your participation and helping them celebrate downtown greening.

Haunted Basement X Tickets go on Sale Today!

Haunted Basement X Tickets go on Sale Friday, August 5

Ten years ago, a volunteer explored the depths of The Soap Factory’s basement and emerged with a fiendishly simple idea: hand people a poorly functioning flashlight, send them downstairs into the darkness and commit every terrified visitor to one important rule: DON’T LET GO OF THE ROPE.

A decade later, this simple idea has transformed into an ever-evolving annual tradition. The Haunted Basement has grown into one of the most notorious Halloween attractions in the Midwest. In addition, it has become a breeding ground for demented new talent ranging from visual artists and set designers to actors, dancers and all-around Creeps.

As the project has grown, one core directive has remained exactly the same since day one: to scare the living daylights out of every miserable soul who descends the entrance steps. This year, in the tenth iteration of the Haunted Basement, the themes of the basement will focus on a twisted view of real-life horrors with the designers’ mangled interpretation of a day in the life of a typical tortured soul.

This year they will also be offering other unique ways to experience the Haunted Basement: “Blind Invocation” is a special solo experience with encounters with multiple exclusive environments specially crafted to guarantee in-depth, one-on-one encounters;”Fraidy Cat Tours” is a special lights on, no actors tour of the full Haunted Basement sets; and “Un-Happy Hour” is the ‘No Touch’ Haunted Basement experience (for those who want to participate in the fun, but like their personal space).

More information. 

New Paddle Share Stations Bring Kayak Rental to the Minneapolis Riverfront!

A rendering of the new paddle share station coming soon to North Mississippi Regional Park

Via an August 4 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park and Rec Board:

Pilot program will allow park users to rent kayaks and explore Mississippi

New agreements between the National Park Service’s (NPS) non-profit charitable partner Mississippi Park Connection (MPC), the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) and the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) created a pilot program that will bring “paddle share” stations to Minneapolis’ Upper Riverfront this summer.

The NPS and its partner, Mississippi Park Connection, hope to launch the pilot program in late August, pending all necessary permits and approvals.  Read more

About Paddle Share Stations

Paddle share stations are similar to a bike share stations like Nice Ride Minnesota, but there are some differences. Once the program launches, users go online to www.paddleshare.org (not available yet, targeted for late August) to reserve kayaks for a specific date and time, review safety precautions and a safety video, sign a waiver and pay for the reservation.

Once the reservation is paid, users will receive a code that unlocks a station on the selected date and time at either North Mississippi Regional Park (near Kroening Interpretive Center) or the MWMO Stormwater Park and Learning Center, enabling them to get all necessary equipment (kayak, paddle, life jacket). Check with the NPS for times staff and volunteers will be available onsite to help explain the paddle share program and share information about the river and the national park.

Users can paddle upriver or downriver, but the rental equipment must be returned to the return station at Boom Island Park (on the southern edge of the park next to the existing canoe racks) before the allotted time is up. All stations are aligned with Nice Ride Minnesota bike share stations so users are able to paddle downriver and then bike back to where they started. Check Nice Ride bike availability and transit schedules at www.rivertripplanner.org. 

Announcing the Temporary Closure of Restaurant Alma and the Opening of Café, Hotel and Restaurant Alma

Via an August 2 e-newsletter from Restaurant Alma:

ALMA “2.0”: Restaurant, Café and Hotel

In 2013, fourteen years after the opening Restaurant Alma, the wonderful opportunity came along to purchase our building, and together as a team we began the journey of expanding the Alma experience to include an all-day cafe and boutique hotel. We also planned some much needed renovations to the original restaurant space. The process has taken longer than we expected, presenting many challenges and great learning experiences along the way. Most importantly, our work with the Minneapolis City Council, Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association, and many supportive neighbors, ultimately resulted in changes to the city lodging ordinance: allowing the operation of small hotels in Minneapolis (for the first time in nearly 100 years), and breathing life into our new concept.

The Temporary Closing of Restaurant Alma

Alma “1.0“ will serve the last dishes from our Summer Menu on Friday, August 12th. Unavoidably, we must close for three months to connect the restaurant and cafe kitchens and to make significant mechanical and equipment upgrades. At the same time, the dining room will be undergoing renovations to improve the comfort of the guest experience, while also preserving the feel and layout of the original space. To reserve a table before August 12th please reserve via our website or call the restaurant after 2pm at 612-379-4909.
 
Perhaps the most important goal for us in the next seventeen years is to keep Alma very much the same. Since our first day of business we have believed in the saying, “a kitchen is only as good as the last meal it served,” knowing it applies equally to customer service. We believe our continued success is dependent on maintaining this humble—yet imperative—standard. One thing is for sure: the magic of excellent food and exceptional hospitality is never something we can turn into a simple recipe or set of instructions. We will continue our pursuit of excellence until the last plate is served at Alma 1.0, during our closure and preparations, and into the future with the arrival of Alma “2.0” this fall.

Our projected reopening date is the week of November 7th, 2016, landing almost seventeen years from our opening day in 1999. To share our progress and more about our expansion, we would like to invite you to read a weekly blog on our website, where we will chronicle construction progress, special events, design, menu development, hiring, and profiles of our dedicated team while we prepare for our first day as a restaurant, cafe and hotel.

Booking Hotel Alma

We are launching our online hotel-booking site to the public on Saturday, October 1st. To honor you, our longtime guests, we will be offering room reservations for mid-November stays, by invitation only. Expect another email from us in late September with a promotional code to book. 

Tonight - August 2: 2016 National Night Out in the Mill District!

Location: On the Chicago Avenue Mall (between Humboldt Lofts & the Guthrie)

National Night Out is an annual nationwide event that encourages residents to get out in the community, holding block parties and getting to know their neighbors as a way to encourage crime prevention. It's a great way to promote community-police partnerships and enjoy a Minnesota summer evening surrounded by friends and family. For more information, see the Minneapolis NNO mission statement.

Gather with your Mill District neighbors 6:00pm-9:00pm and enjoy:

• Beverages (Day Block and Fulton beers, wine, water and lemonade) and snacks
• Family Fun Zone with the SPARKit trailer sponsored by the Cynthia Froid Group
• Music - Rich Lewis Band
• Izzy Pops compliments of Betsy Lucas
• Food trucks (food for purchase) Chef Shack and Peeps Hot Box
• Community Giving Challenge: Dollars for Diapers for People Serving People. Please bring a few dollars for the diaper fund.
• The City is dropping off two temporary bike racks for block party attendees to use tonight. Feedback is appreciated as we continue to work with the City on temporary bike racks for various events.

Thank you to the hardworking group of volunteers led by Cynthia Kriha for consistently making the annual Mill District National Night Out (NNO) party a success! If you'd like to volunteer to help with clean up or the snack table, please contact Cynthia at 612-940-3827.

Last year's attendance was estimated at 525. Here are some scenes from that party:

Washington Avenue Reconstruction Project Open House, Aug 4 at Open Book

Via an e-newsletter from Hennepin County:

Project Construction Open House

You are invited to an open house for the Washington Avenue (County Road 152) reconstruction project.

Time and date: 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 4

Location: Open Book's Target Performance Hall at 1011 Washington Avenue S

There is no formal presentation. You can come at any time.

Project leaders will be at this informal event to provide you with an overview of the project, including information about the different stages of the project, details about the various improvements and overviews of the detours and traffic changes during construction.

About this project

Hennepin County, in coordination with the City of Minneapolis, is reconstructing Washington Avenue South (County Road 152) between Hennepin Avenue and Fifth Avenue South.

When complete, the project will:

•Add dedicated turn lanes at key intersections
•Provide more space for pedestrians and shorten crossing distances at intersections
•Provide one-way cycle tracks, or protected bike lanes

To learn more about the project, visit www.hennepin.us/washingtonavenue.

Project contact:
Stan Lim, project engineer
612-596-0292

Scenes from the July 30 Mill City Farmers Market

July 30 was Youth at the Market Day.  Farm2School and the Minneapolis Public Schools' Food Truck were on hand with information on bringing food direct from the farm to schools, samples and games. Look for a separate post on these organizations later this week on our Farmers Market blog. 

Shoppers were treated to a preview of Donald Giovanni in Cornlandia: A Picnic Operetta, which is touring in August and September.

Lobster mushrooms from Prairie Hollow Farm:

Milly the goat!

Dr. Kyle Traynor Joins Bierbrauer Chiropractic

Dr. Chris Bierbrauer, principal practitioner at Bierbrauer Chiropractic, 221 10th Avenue S, is pleased to welcome a new member of the team, Dr. Kyle Traynor.

Dr. Traynor uses a hands-on, whole-body approach to treatment, utilizing both Diversified and Thompson techniques, and customizes his treatments to each individual. He has extensive training in working with athletes, both professional and amateur. He is a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP) as appointed by the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians. This training allows him to better understand the different kinds and physiological causes of sports injuries, thus enhancing the treatment of his patients. He enjoys treating children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly alike.

Dr. Traynor specializes in:

• Low-back and neck injuries
• Running injuries, especially hips and feet
• Overuse and misuse injuries
• Soft tissues – ligaments and tendons
• Occupational and ergonomic strains and stresses
• Arthritic aches and pains

Born and raised in River Falls, Wisconsin, Dr. Traynor graduated with a B.S. in Exercise Science, with a concentration in physiology, from the University of Sioux Falls in 2006. He received his doctorate in chiropractic from Northwestern College of Chiropractic in 2009, and comes to Bierbrauer Chiropractic from Orthology Physical Wellness in Minneapolis.

Dr. Traynor lives in Lake Elmo, Minnesota, with his wife, Morgan, and two daughters, Leighton and Dylan. He enjoys hunting, fishing, watching sports, and taking walks with his family.

About Bierbrauer Chiropractic

Dr. Chris Bierbrauer is a well-established chiropractor with a popular practice in downtown Minneapolis, near the Guthrie Theater, Mill City Clinic, and the new US Bank stadium. The clinic treats a wide range of conditions with a full spectrum of chiropractic care. In addition to traditional chiropractic adjusting methods, Dr. Bierbrauer is certified in two extremely effective soft-tissue techniques, Graston Technique and Active Release Techniques (ART), now the treatment of choice for professional and amateur athletes – and countless other patients – around the globe. Dr. Bierbrauer is also a certified BodyZone professional and a proud IronMan sponsor.

For appointments, call 612-332-4414 or register online.  You can also find the clinic on Facebook.

Hours:

 Dr. Bierbrauer: M-Th, 8-12 & 2-6

 Dr. Traynor: M-W, 8-12 & 1-5; F, 8-12 & 1-4

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Editor's note - Both Dave and I have been treated at Bierbrauer Chiropractic over the past 5 years, both with excellent results. There's no reason to be in pain when relief is so readily available!

Now Showing & Coming Soon to the Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT: mspfilm.org or at the box office before each show. Enjoy! :D

Now Showing thru August 4 - HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE -  Film Society’s St. Anthony Main Theatre

July 29-August 4 - NUTS! -  Film Society’s St. Anthony Main Theatre

July 30 at 1pm - NTL: THE AUDIENCE - Film Society’s St. Anthony Main Theatre

August 4 at 7pm - CAR WASH - Screening at the Capri Theater - 2027 West Broadway, Minneapolis 55411

August 5-11 - THE SEVENTH FIRE -  Film Society’s St. Anthony Main Theatre

August 5 at dusk (8:30pm) -  THE WIZARD OF OZ  - Free screening at the Uptown Art Fair, 1323 West Lake Street, Minneapolis, 55415

August 15 at dusk (8:30pm) - INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE  - Free screening at Gold Medal Park, 2nd Street and 11th Avenue South, Minneapolis, 55415

August 18 at 7pm - YARN - Film Society’s St. Anthony Main Theatre

August 19-21 - CZECH THAT FILM - A touring program of eight new and classic Czech films. Film Society’s St. Anthony Main Theatre

August 24 at dusk (8:30pm) - MEDICINE OF THE WOLF -  Free screening at Silverwood Park Amphitheater, 2500 County Rd E, St. Anthony, 55421

August 26-September 8 - SOUTHSIDE WITH YOU - Film Society’s St. Anthony Main Theatre

September 1 at 7pm - MIDDLE OF NOWHERE - Screening at the Capri Theater - 2027 West Broadway, Minneapolis 55411

September 8 at 9pm - ONE MORE TIME WITH FEELING - One night special screening of Nick Cave documentary. Film Society’s St. Anthony Main Theatre

September 15-22 - THE BEATLES: EIGHT DAYS A WEEK - THE TOURING YEARS - Film Society’s St. Anthony Main Theatre

September 19 at 7pm + September 24 at 1pm - NTL: A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE - Film Society’s St. Anthony Main Theatre

October 6 at 7pm - DEAR WHITE PEOPLE - Screening at the Capri Theater - 2027 West Broadway, Minneapolis 55411

November 3 at 7pm - HALF PAST AUTUMN: THE LIFE AND WORKS OF GORDON PARKS - Screening at the Capri Theater - 2027 West Broadway, Minneapolis 55411

November 11-17 - CINE LATINO - The 4th edition of one of the nation’s largest Spanish & Portugues language film series returns.

December 1 at 7pm - DAUGHTERS OF THE DUST - Screening at the Capri Theater - 2027 West Broadway, Minneapolis 55411

December 2-8 - DAUGHTERS OF THE DUST - Film Society’s St. Anthony Main Theatre

A Few Volunteers Needed for the Mill District NNO Party, August 2

Our annual National Night Out party is Tuesday, August 2. The Mill District party location is the Chicago Mall between the Guthrie and Mill City Museum Train Shed. NNO Organizer Cynthia Kriha is looking for a few volunteers to help at the snack and dessert bar (mostly refilling the bowls/plates).  You can reach her at ckriha@msn.com for more info.  Thanks, and we'll see you at the party!  :D

Last year's attendance was estimated at 525. Here are some scenes from that party:

Scenes from the July 23 Mill City Farmers Market

Mother Nature cut short the July 23 Market, but the early shoppers were rewarded with the best selection of the 2016 season so far.

Check out this impressive piece of edible art from Swede Lake Farms:

...and then this happened:

The Market has so much to offer - be sure to visit the vendors along the Chicago expansion area in front of American Academy of Neurology (AAN).  I ran into a neighbor this morning who wasn't aware there were fresh noodles available from Dumpling & Strand this year, and that they even have her favorite - soba!

In addition to bringing your grocery list to the Market, bring your gift list too. Every week there is a line up of quality items by talented local artists. Today, it was Adam Gruetzmacher, Aprilierre, Willful, House of Talents and Billboard Bags. 

In the case of House of Talents, founder Kate Herzog has a showroom in Suite 615 of the Traffic Zone Center for Visual Art building at 250 3rd Avenue.  The items she offers are from African artists, and the money they receive from House of Talents helps them obtain health care, education and other services. 

By 10am the vendors where taking down the tents in anticipation of a pending storm.  I was startled at how naked it looked.

Milly the goat getting gussied up.

New Izzy's Flavor - Dessa’s Existential Crunch - Debuts at July 27 Event to Benefit The Bridge For Youth

Dark Brown Sugar and Creme Fraiche ice creams, flavored with Jameson Irish Whiskey and Disaronno Originale amaretto, mixed with praline pecan pieces and a crunchy cashew brittle.  

Mmmm-mmmm-mmmm, yes?

Want to be one of the first to sample this tasty new creation? Pick up a ticket for the July 27 Izzy's Rooftop Ice Cream Social with Dessa. Proceeds go to The Bridge for Youth, so you might want to pick up a few tickets and bring some friends, because that's a very worthy cause to spend your money on!

City of Minneapolis Celebrates Grand Opening of The Commons with Community Today

Via a July 21 Press Release from the City of Minneapolis:

Thursday, July 21, 2016 (Minneapolis, MN) – Elected officials, partners, and community members gathered today to celebrate the grand opening of The Commons, a 4.2 acre, dynamic green space located in the heart of downtown that aims to engage all of Minneapolis’ diverse communities.

Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges; Council Member Jacob Frey; Pat Ryan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ryan Companies US, Inc.; Mark Wilf Owner/President of the Vikings, and Mary Margaret Jones, President of Hargreaves Associates kicked off the opening ceremony. Event attendees forwent a traditional ribbon cutting and tossed blue and green Frisbees into the air to officially commemorate the opening. The event featured food trucks, dance performances by Asian Dance Team, free yoga by CorePower Yoga, and a variety of lawn games in a program designed to exemplify the many activities that will take place in The Commons.

“The Commons is a vital new extension of the city’s footprint, a new space downtown to connect diverse communities from across the city,” said Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges. “As the anchor for the ongoing transformation of Downtown East, the Commons is a green space for all residents, visitors and communities. It will connect the city and its people together and provide new opportunities for healthy outdoor activities as Minneapolis continues to grow.”

“Every great city has a world class downtown park, and today we deliver the first block of our very own,” said Council Member Jacob Frey.  “The Commons is the kitchen table for our city – the place where everyone can gather and connect. Bring on the picnic blankets, soccer balls, and Frisbees because this downtown park is primed for action.”

The Commons is a key part of the broader, five-block Downtown East development project that has brought over $400 million of investment in new office towers for Wells Fargo, housing, retail, parking, and a hotel to an area that resisted development for decades. The East Block officially opened today and includes: a great lawn, promenades, areas for play, and plantings.  The West Block will open next month.

“The Commons is the “crown jewel” of the $2 billion Downtown East development,” said Pat Ryan, Ryan Companies US, Inc. CEO and co-chair of The Commons fundraising committee.  “This largely neglected area of Downtown East has been transformed by Wells Fargo, US Bank Stadium, Radisson Red, and the Edition Apartments.  The Commons is a gathering place for all of Minneapolis to celebrate this live-work-play city.  I am proud of the public-private partnership that has brought The Commons to life.  Great cities have great people who work together to create a great environment.  It is a privilege to lead the fundraising efforts with Mayor Betsy Hodges.”

In early 2015, the City hired a team lead by the internationally recognized landscape architecture firm, Hargreaves Associates, to design The Commons beyond a flat, grassy field as was originally negotiated.  After a year of intensive community engagement including four community meetings and feedback from over 2,500 survey responses, the design was finalized and construction began by Ryan Companies in the fall of 2015.

“Today is just the beginning!  We have been honored to guide the design process for this transformative, destination open space for the City of Minneapolis – a welcoming and inclusive public landscape, which we are eager to watch emerge and evolve over the coming years.  The participation of the public and stakeholders has been exceptional, resulting in a vision for The Commons that truly incorporates the needs of all users,” said Mary Margaret Jones, President of Hargreaves Associates.

The Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District (DID) will operate The Commons through 2016. Green Minneapolis, a nonprofit public-private conservancy is working with the City on an operating agreement for 2017 and beyond.  To date, Green Minneapolis has raised over 14 million in supporting the fundraising effort for The Commons. The City has a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) to transfer fee title of the property to MPRB and lease it back and be responsible for its operations.

“The City of Minneapolis, in partnership with many philanthropic businesses and individuals, has invested, designed, and built a first-of-its-kind green space for the City and the State—a tremendous accomplishment,” said David Wilson, Chairman of the Green Minneapolis Board. “Now comes the most important part— bringing the park’s potential to life for everyone in our community.  For this we will need continued support and investment to ensure the park is well maintained, programmed, and cared for.” 

Donors to the green space thus far include Wells Fargo, Ryan Companies, The Minnesota Vikings, Valspar, U.S. Bank, The Pohlad Family Foundation, Julia Dayton, Jay and Page Cowles, The Edward J. Phillips Family Foundation, Piper Jaffray, CenturyLink, The David Wilson and Michael Peterman Family, Target Corporation, Carlson and the Carlson Family Foundation, Land O’Lakes, Thrivent Financial, Veit USA and Xcel Energy.

For more information on upcoming events or to learn how to reserve The Commons for activities visit www.CommonsMpls.com.