Thursday Musical Announces 2016-2017 Season of Thursday Morning Artist Series and Home Programs

Via a September 12 Press Release from Thursday Musical:

MINNEAPOLIS/ST PAUL - Thursday Musical announces its 125^th season for the Thursday Morning Artist Series, including Living Concert Notes with MPR announcer Steve Staruch and composer David Evan Thomas, and the Home Programs.
 
HOME PROGRAMS
 
A time-honored tradition, the Home Programs are the heart of the organization’s membership community. Members of Thursday Musical on October 20, 2016 and April 20, 2017 will open their homes for a total of six programs to season subscribers/members for an intimate, “salon-style” concert experience. Programs will feature several returning performing members and two Thursday Musical debuts by pianist Otto Loehrke (Oct. 20) and mezzo-soprano April Hansen (Apr. 20). Please see thursdaymusical.org/home-programs for a complete schedule.

THURSDAY MORNING ARTIST SERIES

The Thursday Morning Artist Series has been presented since 1892 on Thursdays. It is the organization’s longest-running recital and chamber music series with a legacy of featuring some of the most talented classical musicians in Minnesota. Programs are currently being held at 10:30 a.m. in the acoustically impressive Antonello Hall at MacPhail Center for Music, Minneapolis. Complimentary coffee and donuts are provided in the lobby starting at 10:00 am served by members of Thursday Musical. Detailed program information will be announced throughout the season.
 
Kicking off the season is a free concert on October 6 including a preconcert reception at 9:30 am with Living Concerts Notes hosted by Guest Moderator MPR announcer Steve Staurch.

On the program will be Amy Morris, flute and Mary Goetz, piano performing Malagigi the Sorcerer by Venezuelan-born composer Efrain Amaya and Tango Etude by Astor Piazzolla; the Başgöze – Pinto Piano Duo (Susana Pinto, piano and Pinar Başgöze, piano) will perform works by Brazilian composers Ernesto Nazareth, Zequinha de Abre and Francisco Mignone; and clarinet trio (Janet Greene, Pat O'Keefe, and Nina Olsen) will be performing Eight Bagatelles by local composer Sarah Miller who has been teaching composition and piano at MacPhail Center for Music, Minneapolis,for seventeen years. 

Tickets and Memberships
 
Concert Memberships for the 2016-17 concert season are now available to renewing and new subscribers. Thursday Musical continues its legacy of providing outstanding concert programming at affordable prices. Subscribers can access 12 Thursday Morning Artist Series concerts and 4 Home Programs for under $8 each ($95 general\$85 seniors). (Note: Home Programs are only available to season subscribers.) Subscriptions can be purchased online, by phone or in person at any Thursday Morning Artist Series concert. 
 
Individual tickets for the Thursday Morning Artist Series can be purchased at the door for $15. All concerts are open seating and take place at MacPhail Center for Music, 501 S 2nd Street. For more information, call (612) 333-0313 or visit thursdaymusical.org/membership.

All concerts are at 10:30 AM.

See full Press Release

Scenes from the September 10 Mill City Farmers Market

September 10 was Hunger Solutions Day at the Mill City Farmers Market. Food access for all is key to Mill City Farmers Market's mission of nourishing the community. Staff from Hunger Solution Minnesota were on hand with information on their programs. Hunger Solutions is a comprehensive hunger relief organization that works to end hunger in Minnesota. The organization was created in 2001, as a result of the merger between Minnesota Food Bank Network and Minnesota Food Shelf Association.

The theme of Market Chef Jenny Breen's Mill City Cooks demo was Cooking on a SNAP Budget, during which she provided suggestions on how to incorporate healthy ingredients into nutritious, economical and tasty meals. The Curried Chick Peas with Autumn Vegetables recipe she prepared costs less that $3 per serving. 

YogaFit Studios Northeast conducted a donation-based outdoor class from 9a-10a.

Rosemary in cookies? That's right, and it's a wonderful thing! I'm just thankful there were only 6 in the package or I would have snacked myself into a shortbread stupor...

The info booth is always hoppin'.

Sunflowers! Immediately put a smile on your face, don't they?

A child's body language as to when they no longer want to carry something...

Rug shopping at Art Andes.

Milly the goat!

Minneapolis Bicycle Coalition Expanding to Serve Pedestrians

Via a September 8 Press Release from the Minneapolis Bicycle Coalition:

Minneapolis, MN--The Minneapolis Bicycle Coalition will be expanding its mission to include walking and pedestrian work. Walking and biking in our city makes it stronger and an even better place to live, work, and play. Biking and walking are both fun, healthy, clean, equitable, and efficient ways to get around and are growing rapidly in popularity in Minneapolis.

“I am so excited to be a part of the Minneapolis Bicycle Coalition during this amazing time,” said LaTrisha Vetaw, Minneapolis Bicycle Coalition Board President. “This expansion aligns with the Coalition’s goal to reach out to and serve communities of color. I see this change as a big win for the communities I serve daily and all the citizens of Minneapolis who currently bike and walk, or that will soon be biking and walking.”

The Coalition has worked side-by-side with pedestrian voices on many policy and on-the-ground projects around the city. This change will formalize work the Coalition has been doing already to support walkability through Complete Streets, Open Streets, Safe Routes to School, and more. Walking and biking are increasingly popular in Minneapolis, but there are still far too many unsafe and uncomfortable streets and too many people hit and killed or injured. The Coalition will work to bring forward the voices and perspectives of people walking and in wheelchairs to make streets safer and better for everyone.

“I admire the work the Minneapolis Bicycle Coalition does towards making streets safer, in both incremental, concrete ways, and by shaping policy as they help elected and appointed officials understand the needs and vulnerabilities of people outside cars.” said Julia Curran, a walking advocate and member of the Minneapolis Pedestrian Alliance. “I'm thrilled that they're expanding their circle to include all of us who walk in Minneapolis.”

The Coalition will be taking time to engage with stakeholders over the coming months before defining the specifics of a new mission, vision, name, and initial priorities for pedestrian work in 2017.

The Minneapolis Bicycle Coalition, which formed in 2009, has grown into one of the most influential advocacy organizations in Minneapolis, uniting a network of more than 12,000 people and 1,300 volunteers. The Coalition organizes Open Streets Minneapolis events, which will attract more than 70,000 people this year to walk, bike, and play in car-free streets for a weekend day.

Parkway Closures for Saturday, September 10

The following roads will be temporarily closed Saturday, September 10, from 9:00am - 1:00pm for the Mill City Suds Run:

- SE Main St from Hennepin Ave to SE 6th Ave
- West River Parkway from Plymouth Ave to Portland Ave N 
- Stone Arch and Plymouth Bridges

More info on the race: http://www.millcitysudsrun.com/

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

The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul presents The Beatles: Eight Days A Week - The Touring Years

Next week the Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul presents THE BEATLES: EIGHT DAYS A WEEK - THE TOURING YEARS with a special International Premiere event screening on Thursday, September 15 at 7:00pm and for a week-long run starting Friday, September 16 at the Film Society’s St. Anthony Main Theatre.

Academy Award-winning director Ron Howard's new documentary is a behind-the-scenes look at The Beatles’ early years. Exclusively in theaters, each showing includes The Beatles’ newly restored and remastered 35mm concert footage from their iconic Shea Stadium performance in 1965 — the 30 minute HD concert follows the film.

Apply to Serve on Scherer Bros Site Parcel 'D' Development Community Advisory Committee (CAC)

An application to participate on the Community Advisory Committee for the Parcel 'D' development at the Scherer site is now available. Applications are due Oct. 20, 2016 and appointments will be made by Nov. 1, 2016. 

The Scherer site contains 11 acres of riverfront land that will be developed with both parkland and commercial elements to help offset operating costs. The former lumberyard, located just north of the Plymouth Avenue Bridge along the Northeast Minneapolis riverfront, was purchased by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board in 2010. Parcel D occupies the northeast corner of the site.

A private development team will be engaged to undertake the design, construction, operation and management of the Parcel ‘D’ portion of the former Scherer Bros. site. The goal of the development is for it to serve as an activator for the future Hall’s Island Park and a way of connecting local businesses and organizations to the park and riverfront. For more information, please see a site concept plan and visit the project page. 

Scherer Bros Parcel 'D' CAC Application

What is a CAC? 

Community Advisory Committees provide volunteer opportunities for stakeholders to share insight and resources and serve to build and sustain relationships between the community, partner agencies, and the MPRB. Members of the CAC are expected to represent the views of regional park users and to work collaboratively with each other and the public to provide comprehensive recommendations to the Board about the project. 

Responsibilities of CAC members

Through this process, CAC members are expected to become knowledgeable about the project and its scope, understand and represent the park and recreation needs of the community and park visitors and act as community liaisons for the project. Members will participate in public CAC meetings, advise MPRB staff and consultants throughout the planning process, and recommend to the Board of Commissioners a preferred concept plan for development of Parcel ‘D’. 

MPRB Promise

The MPRB will work with the CAC and stakeholders for advice and innovation in formulating solutions and incorporate recommendations to the maximum extent possible. 

Time Commitment

The total time commitment for CAC members is estimated at 20-40 hours. Meetings will occur in the evenings from November 2016 through May 2017. The CAC will have five official CAC meetings about two hours each. 

Appointment Process 

All completed CAC applications will be forwarded to all the appointers. Applicants may be contacted directly by an appointer to discuss the project and interest. All those who apply will be contacted if they are appointed.

Read More

Scenes from the September 3 Mill City Farmers Market

September 3 was Back To School Day at the Mill City Farmers Market.  It's always fun to see so many kids at the Market - I applaud all parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles and others who bring their little ones.

Lorenzo LopezRocha of American Sustainable Organics grows rare and exotic peppers, tomatoes, corn and other items on farmland in Marine on St. Croix. His impressive display at the September 3 Market included the aptly named Tom Thumb popping corn.  This sample in his hand is a fully developed cob.

Mi Ae Lipe signed copies of her latest book, Bounty from the Box: The CSA Farm Cookbook, a guide to over 90 fruits, vegetables, and herbs grown by community-supported agriculture (CSA) farms across North America. It includes over 360 diverse, delicious recipes and comprehensive cooking information on each crop.

You know fall is around the corner when you see a basket of decorative gourds, and ornamental cabbage starts showing up in the bouquets...

Yum! Our neighbor Doug enjoyed BBQ Pork Hash from the griddle masters of Black Cat Natural Foods.

Manu Gallur of Green Stick Army is on a mission to encourage trash pick-up activities and education to clean up downtown Minneapolis.  He introduced shoppers to his handy gadget at the September 3 Market.  Look for a separate post later this week on our Farmers Market blog.

The kids from Urban Roots are back! Check out their website to learn about the great things this organization is doing. Their fundraising event, Get to Know Your Urban Roots, is September 15 at Harriet Island Pavilion in St. Paul.

Anna Metcalfe is a talented ceramist and frequent MCFM art vendor.  She will be speaking at the September 14 American Craft Library Salon Series: Pottery, Pollinators and Public Engagement event.

Below, Chefs Nettie Colón (left) and Beth Jones (right) pictured with MCFM Executive Director Martha Archer as they start amassing ingredients for the feast being served at the September 11 Harvest Social.

Beth's son agreed to be my "hand model" for the Sonny's ice cream shot.

Below is Jill Colella, Editor of Ingredient Magazine and Butternut Magazine. These publications for kids are made in Minnesota and distributed around the world, bringing food literacy to children and tweens.

Ames Farm added Honeycrisp and Early Gold apples AND pears to this week's offerings. :)

Oh no - an abandoned baby cuke! :(

Oops - no Milly the Goat this week - the Train shed was so packed I couldn't even get close enough for a shot (but that's a good thing!).

Tickets Available for the 2016 Mill City Farmers Market Harvest Social, Sept 11

The 2016 Mill City Farmers Market Harvest Social is Sunday, September 11. This annual event is a celebration of healthy foods and local farmers.

Kevin Kling, noted playwright, storyteller and popular commentator on NPR All Things Considered and Simone Perrin, vocalist, accordionista, actress and composer who has been featured on A Prairie Home Companion will be honoring the National Park Service 100th Anniversary with an exclusive and memorable performance featuring the Mississippi River.

Talented and entertaining auctioneer, Karen Sorbo, returns to conduct the live auction.

Enjoy abundant farm-to-table appetizers and signature cocktails in the historic Mill City Museum train shed.

Proceeds from the annual fundraiser support the Market's mission “to inspire and nurture a healthy community by building a local, sustainable, and organic food economy in a vibrant educational marketplace.” Funds raised also benefit their educational programming. Learn about these initiatives here: 2016 MCFM Programming Report.

Funds raised during the Annual Benefit are also used to for a mini grant program, Fund a Need, which supports the farmers of the MCFM.  In 2015, 12 grants totaling over $20,600 were awarded, and 7 grants  for over $13,800 have already beem awarded in 2016.  Read about the 2015 Farmer Grants here.

Click here to buy tickets online, or stop by the info booth at Mill City Farmers Market - open tomorrow, September 3, between 8:00am and 1:00pm.

Tucker Hollingsworth: Context Opening Reception at A-Mill Artist Lofts, Sept 15

TUCKER HOLLINGSWORTH: CONTEXT

Exhibition Dates: September 16- October 4, 2016

Exhibition location & hours: A Mill Artist Lofts, 315 SE Main Street

Open by appointment, 617.276.6341

Reception:  Thursday, September 15, 2016, 5-9 p.m.

The community is invited to a reception at A Mill Artist Lofts on Thursday, September 15, celebrating Context, an exhibition of new work by Twin Cities photographer Tucker Hollingsworth. The artist will be present.

After recently completing residencies at SFAI (Santa Fe, NM), OPUS HOUSE (Truchas, NM), VCCA (Amherst, VA), and in between exhibits in Madrid, Prague and Tuscany, Tucker Hollingsworth returns to Minneapolis with Context, an exhibition of new works in A Mill Artist Loft’s gallery.

The show will exhibit photographs Tucker describes as “photographing technology and contemporary photographic choice” using the basic subjects of spheres, lines, atmosphere, and play. With the camera as manufacturer, time as a collaborator, and, as has come to be expected with Tucker, an array of untraditional strategies to make an image, Hollingsworth’s photographs attempt to reconsider and redefine what an image is, can be, and does, if not just how to reconsider image-making. Infusing the body of the photographer into the exposure of the photograph, revealing the digital biases of camera technology, and injecting simultaneity into static images, are a few of the tricks at play.

On view at the gallery will be more than a dozen photographs, some measuring six feet in height, culled from Hollingsworth’s work from the past 24 months. Non-representational and suggesting densely woven textiles, the vividly hued images investigate the terrain of what is called camera noise, or the interiority of the camera. Also on view will be a selection of landscaped-based photographs. Semi-representational and often characterized by a jewel-toned palette, the landscape photographs are taken at night in both urban and rural environments. Hollingsworth uses only ambient light whether it is the full moon, the head and tail lights of passing vehicles or street lamps for his extended exposures, some lasting up to 30 minutes.

* * * * *

Born in 1984 in Boston, MA, Hollingsworth grew up in Florida and has lived in Minnesota since 2000. He currently resides in Minneapolis, MN. In 2012 he was a fellow at the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts in Amherst, VA, the Ragdale Foundation in Lake Forest, IL, and he completed an artist residency at the Lanesboro Art Center, Lanesboro, MN. In 2010 and 2011 he completed residencies at Tofte Lake Center, Tofte, MN under the auspices of the Jerome Foundation Emerging Artist program. In 2011 he was awarded a Minnesota State Arts Board Artist Grant. His work has been shown at Nina Bliese Gallery, Minneapolis, Circa Gallery, Minneapolis and at Locanda Toscanini, in Tuscany, Italy.

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Editor's Note - Tucker was featured on TPT's MN Original earlier this year:

Hurray! Franklin Avenue Bridge Scheduled to Open Thursday Evening, September 1!

Via an August 31 Hennepin County News Release:

Franklin Avenue Bridge reopens to traffic Thursday, September 1

The Franklin Avenue Bridge (County Road 5) will reopen to traffic on the evening of Thursday, September 1. The bridge has been closed since May so that crews could remove and replace the deck.

The restored bridge features a new driving surface for motorists, as well as dedicated and separated bicycle and pedestrian lanes on both sides of the bridge. The bridge also has vertically-oriented concrete rails, like the ones originally used on the bridge. Reproductions of historic lights have been added.

The bridge deck was constructed using the Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) method to reduce the duration of the traffic closure. More than 360 deck panels were constructed upstream at Bohemian Flats. This summer, the panels were floated down the Mississippi River and hoisted into place.

Other improvements to the bridge are needed to restore deteriorated areas of the bridge, prevent future degradation due to road salt and other exposure and to preserve the structural integrity and historical nature of the concrete arches. This work began last year and will continue after the deck reopens.

For the next few months, there will be intermittent lane closures for motorists. And bicyclists and pedestrians will only be able to use one side of the bridge at a time. These closures are needed as crews finish work, as well as remove temporary structures needed for the deck replacement and utility work.

For more information about the project, visit www.hennepin.us/franklinbridge.

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Here are some pictures from an August 31 project update email:

The northern (westbound) pedestrian and bike lanes separated from the motor vehicle traffic. These lanes are protected from the vehicles with a concrete wall topped with a steel rail. This layout is repeated on the other side of the bridge. The outer bridge railing is now vertically-oriented concrete rails, like the ones used on the original bridge. Reproductions of historic lights have also been added.

A view of the motor vehicle traffic lanes.

A look from the bridge approaching the intersection of East River Parkway.

The final photo shows the western approach with painted bike lane.

Hurray! West River Parkway Reopens September 1

Section of parkway and trail closed since June 2014 reopens tomorrow after mudslide repair

Via an August 31 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board:

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is happy to announce a section of West River Parkway that has been closed for more two years, from 4th Street S to E 24th Street, will reopen at 4:30 pm on Thursday, Sept. 1. 
 
The segment was closed following record-breaking rainfall in Minneapolis throughout June 2014. Just before 7 pm on June 19, 2014, a torrential downfall compounded by heavily saturated soils caused a steep, 100-foot wide section of the west bank of the Mississippi River near downtown Minneapolis to fail. The slope failure created a mudslide that sent a huge quantity of mud and debris rocketing down the riverbank, across West River Parkway and into the river.
 
Fortunately no one was hurt, but the project proved to be challenging from an administrative, engineering and construction perspective. For the public’s safety, a section of the parkway and trails remained closed during the investigation and repair of the mudslide. The MPRB sincerely appreciates the public’s patience while work was performed.

Project Overview

• Five retaining walls – three near the top of the slope and two at the bottom – work together to stabilize the slope and reduce its incline.
• A network of new underground drain tile will redirect groundwater to an improved storm sewer system that will prevent surface storm water runoff from saturating the slope’s soil.
• The previous poor, unconsolidated soil was replaced with more structurally stable soil.
• New vegetation, once established, will help anchor the slope.
• The parkway and trails were repaved and guardrails replaced.

Read More

For more information, please read the linked documents below:
West River Parkway Slope Repair FAQ
West River Parkway Slope Repair Construction Timeline

Volunteers Needed for Monarch Festival, September 10 at Lake Nokomis

Via an August 30 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park and Rec Board:

Lend a hand on September 10 at Lake Nokomis

You can help us make the Monarch Festival a successful, fun event for everyone! Volunteers must be at least 14 yrs and speak English (bilingual with Spanish is needed too). All volunteers receive an official Festival T-shirt as our way of saying thank you.

Sign up to volunteer at:
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090d4fa4a82caafb6-volunteer

For more information about volunteering, call 612-313-7779 or email volunteer4monarchs@gmail.com.

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About the Monarch Festival

The annual Monarch Festival celebrates the monarch butterfly's amazing migration from Minnesota to Mexico. Using art, music, dance, games, native plants, prairie tours and food, the festival raises awareness of the need to provide and protect monarch habitat.

The free event is on Sept. 10 form 10 am to 4 pm. The Monarch Festival takes place near the Nokomis Naturescape, a certified Monarch Waystation, featuring native plants that monarchs need to lay eggs, host caterpillars and get nectar.

Scenes from the August 27 Mill City Farmers Market

August 27 was Gluten Free Day at the Market, spotlighting options from Sift Gluten Free Bakery, Bliss Gourmet Foods, Sunrise Creative Gourmet, Sunrise Flour Mill and Dumpling & Strand, along with a gluten-free recipe for the Mill City Cooks demo.

Dumpling & Strand uses blue labels for their gluten-free pasta packages.

Below, Nick Nelson from the Wedge Community Co-op's catering department prepares a Toasted Millet Salad.

Jeez, again with the rain?  :p

Tickets are still available for the September 11 Harvest Social.  The special guest this year is local storyteller extraordinaire - the one and only Kevin Kling!

Joe Tamburino manned the Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association (DMNA) booth. The DMNA sponsors the music at the Market.

If you haven't tried the cheese from Cosmic Wheel Creamery - you're missing out on a little slice of heaven on earth.

Pumpkin sighting!

Slow Money Minnesota was the August 27 Community Booth. Started last year, Slow Money Minnesota is an emerging network that increases the flow of knowledge and capital in support of local food makers and farming.

Mystery item:

Melissa Driscoll of Seven Songs Organic Farm weighs some ginger for me - the first of the season.

Is it an alien? Why no, it's a potato from Seed to Seed Farm!

Matt and crew from Wild Run Salmon are back!

Milly the Goat!

Bicyclist and Pedestrian Counts 2016 - Volunteers Needed

Volunteer for Bicyclist & Pedestrian Counts – September 13-15, 2016 

Minneapolis Public Works is gearing up to conduct its 10^th annual Bicyclist and Pedestrian Count, and you can help! Volunteers are needed to count the number of bicyclists and pedestrians at many locations around the city. The main days for counting will be September 13-15. All count shifts are from 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Minneapolis Public Works is also teaming up with Hennepin County this year, offering new counting locations outside of Minneapolis in first-ring suburbs. More information on this is available when you sign up.

Minneapolis and Hennepin County conduct bicyclist and pedestrian counts in order to understand the impact of non-motorized traffic on streets, sidewalks, and trails. Accurate counts allow us to plan and build for bicyclists and pedestrians, while tracking what’s successful and what should be done differently.

If you’re interested in volunteering for any of these counts, register online or contact Kurt Wayne at kurt.wayne@minneapolismn.gov or 612-673-5011.

Vote Today (thru Sept 7) For Your Favorite Downtown Green Spaces In The 2016 MDID Greening & Public Realm Awards

MINNEAPOLIS (August 25, 2016) — The Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District (MDID) will again recognize the top green spaces in Downtown Minneapolis during the 7^th annual Greening & Public Realm Awards, and its asking the general public to help out.

The Greening Awards, an MDID initiative since 2010, celebrate outstanding examples of greening and placemaking that improve public space in Downtown Minneapolis. Winners will be selected by public vote at MinneapolisDID.com/GreeningAwards. The vote will be open Aug. 25 through Sept. 7.

This year, 37 unique finalists were selected through an interactive public nomination process were divided into 12 categories based on the project’s characteristics and size. Among the finalists selected were 15 unique new nominees—a continued sign of the growing diversity of greening in the downtown area—as well as 15 past winners. Five of last year’s 12 winners are nominated again this year, including six-time winner Loring Greenway and five-time winner Target Plaza South Entry.

“Enhanced greening continues to be an important goal in downtown Minneapolis, as it accentuates the vibrancy of our city,” said Steve Cramer, President & CEO of the Minneapolis Downtown Council and Downtown Improvement District. “Each year, the Greening Awards helps raise awareness about the importance of greening and allows us to celebrate those who add greening to our community.”

The MDID Greening Awards aims to eclipse last year’s record participation of 1,312 votes, more than 400 more than the previous record.

This year’s vote also includes a new category that focuses on added art to our downtown public realm. Nominees for the Public Art category include the Eduardo Kobra and Greg Gossel murals, art added to Gold Medal Park from the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden (currently being renovated) and the new Medtronic Plaza Viking horn sculpture outside U.S. Bank Stadium.

Winners will receive a commemorative Greening Award created by Wood from the Hood, a Minneapolis-based company that reclaims discarded trees from urban neighborhoods and creates high-quality wood products. Each award will display the year the award was issued.

The MDID Greening Awards are intended to inspire all to work toward making downtown greener and more vibrant. The MDID’s mission through the Greening Awards is to encourage all downtown businesses and organizations to participate in the greening effort.

The public is encouraged to vote by visiting www.MinneapolisDID.com/GreeningAwards and clicking on the interactive vote link. Each category will showcase the finalists along with a photo of each location for easy viewing and identification. This year’s 12 categories include the following finalists:

Small Green Space Activation

• Parklet at 13th & Hennepin (Espresso Royale & Salon Rouge) *
• Living Room Station*
• The Living Bus Shelter*
• The Loon Street Café*

Small Green Space

• American Academy of Neurology
• Federal Courthouse Plaza
• Target Plaza South Entry

Large Green Space Activation

• Minneapolis Convention Center Plaza
• Hennepin County Government Center South Plaza
• Target Field Station

Large Green Space

• Loring Greenway
• The Commons*
• Triangle Park

Façade Greening

• 4Marq Apartments*
• JB Hudson
• Kenosha Building
• MSFA Parking Ramp*

Public Art

• The Times They Are A-Changin’ – Mural by Eduardo Kobra*
• Greg Gossel Mural*
• Gold Medal Park
• The Horn (Medtronic Plaza Sculpture)*

Outdoor Café

• 8^th Street Grill
• Bachelor Farmer*
• Mason’s Restaurant Barre
• The Local

Streetscape Greening

• Central Lutheran Church
• Target Plaza Commons
• The Carlyle

Streetscape Green Infrastructure

• 1st Street North Streetscape Improvements
• Boulevard Gardens at 4th & Hennepin*
• Wells Fargo Towers*

Entryway Greening

• City Hall
• Lindsay Lofts*
• Textile Building*

Public Realm Improvement

• 4Marq Apartments Façade Greening*
• Bachelor Farmer Outdoor Café*
• Boulevard Gardens at 4th & Hennepin*
• Greg Gossel Mural*
• MSFA Parking Ramp*
• The Commons*
• The Horn (Medtronic Plaza Sculpture)*
• The Times They Are A-Changin’ – Mural by Eduardo Kobra*
• Wells Fargo Towers Streetscapes*

Best Neighborhood

• Elliot Park
• Loring Park
• Mill District
• North Loop

* New Nominee in this category

The public is encouraged to not only vote on a winner for each category but to also celebrate greening on social media year-round. Send your greening photos to @MinneapolisDID on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #GreenAwardsMpls.

For more information, visit www.minneapolisdid.com/greeningawards or log onto Facebook, Twitter or Instagram searching @MinneapolisDID.

About the Downtown Improvement District:

Founded in early 2009, after more than five years of formative planning and advocacy by the downtown business community, the Minneapolis DID delivers higher levels of service to make downtown cleaner, greener, safer and more vibrant throughout a 120-block area, as is the case with most Business Improvement Districts. For more information, visit http://www.minneapolisdid.com/.

Guthrie Theater Open House, Saturday, August 27

DON'T FORGET - GUTHRIE OPEN HOUSE IS THIS WEEKEND!

SATURDAY, AUGUST 27, 11 AM - 3 PM

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.

ASL interpreters and audio describers will available through Access Services.

New Residential Properties Highlighted In Upcoming Explore Downtown Living Event on Saturday, Sept 17

MINNEAPOLIS (August 23, 2016) — New properties will again be added to the next Explore Downtown Living event, which will take place on Saturday, September 17 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. in Downtown Minneapolis.
Explore Downtown Living, a product of the Minneapolis Downtown Council’s Intersections: The Downtown 2025 Plan Development Committee, is a free event that offers the public a chance to see 30 residential properties without solicitation throughout the Central Business District, East Town Mill District/Downtown East, Loring Park, North Loop and Northeast.

Next month’s Explore Downtown Living will feature several exciting new residential properties here in downtown, including 700 Central, Encore and Nolo Flats—as well as Edition, which just opened up its final of three buildings lining The Commons in East Town Mill District/Downtown East.

Over the span of five days since its inaugural event in May 2015, Explore Downtown Living has attracted 3,000 guests and offered more than 11,600 residential unit tours in the downtown area. Those interested in participating can sign up free of charge at http://www.exploredtliving.com/.

“Downtown’s residential growth is as thriving as ever, and as we strive to reach 70,000 residents as part of The 2025 Plan we know showcasing the benefits of living in the downtown area is crucial,” said Steve Cramer, President & CEO of the Minneapolis Downtown Council and Downtown Improvement District. “Thanks to the Explore Downtown Living committee and leadership, more people are getting a chance to see first-hand what life could be like for them in the heart of our city.”

Those participating in Explore Downtown Living can enjoy free parking options at designated locations, and they can find their destinations through an interactive map on ExploreDTLiving.com. To begin, participants sign up on the website and receive their Field Guide at the first property they visit or at any Whole Foods during the week leading up to Saturday, September 17.

With their Field Guide in hand, participants can tour 30 properties at their leisure while also enjoying approximately more than two dozen promotions and giveaways from local downtown businesses.

“Part of the downtown living experience is the walkability to unique and exclusive dining options, shops and entertainment venues,” said Jennifer Gordon and Brent Webb, co-chairs of the 2025 Plan Development Committee’s Explore Downtown Living taskforce. “Explore Downtown Living invites you to not only see your potential future home, but also explore and get comfortable with the surrounding neighborhood in an inviting way.”

Along with the 2025 Plan’s goal to double the residential population, it also includes initiatives that complement achieving that objective including improved greening and public realm, creating a consistently compelling downtown experience and becoming a national leader in transportation options, among others.

All of those initiatives play into creating a downtown with inviting neighborhoods for all ages. As a result, downtown’s population has grown by 25.2 percent since 2006.

Residential communities being showcased at September’s Explore Downtown Living include:

4Marq | 222 Hennepin | 700 Central (Sales Center)* | Bolero Flats* | Brunsfield North Loop | Churchill | District 600* | Dock Street Flats | Edition* | Eitel Building* | Encore* | Junction Flats | LaSalle | Latitude 45 | Laurel Village | Loring Park Apartments | LPM Apartments | Marquette Place* | The Metro Apartments* | Mill & Main | Mill City Quarter (Sales Center)* | The Nic on Fifth | Nolo Flats* | One Ten Grant* | The Paxon | Red 20 | Soltva | Third North | VELO | Vue
*= New 2016 Residential Community

Also, enjoy specials from the following local businesses through Explore Downtown Living:

Alchemy | AlwaysMod | Bizzie Twin Cities | Corner Coffee | Crave | Dunn Bros. Coffee Loring Park | Eggy’s Diner | Hell’s Kitchen | Isles Bakery | JB Hudson | Jungle Red Salon Spa | Kieran’s Irish Pub | Ling & Louie’s | The Local | The Loop | Lowry Hill Meats | Martin Patrick 3 | Minnesota Orchestra | Pizza Luce | Red Cow | Rock Bottom Brewery | Stadium Bar & Grill | Taj Salon and Spa | Union | Yoga Fit

The Explore Downtown Living event is produced by the Minneapolis Downtown Council and the Downtown 2025 Plan Development Committee in partnership with Target, VON91, Mpls.St.Paul Magazine, Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District and JB Hudson.

For news and updates on the event, follow the @MplsDowntown on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtags #ExploreDTLiving, #1MillionReasons and #2025Plan.

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 the 2025 Plan:

The Downtown 2025 Plan is a vehicle to help leaders and citizens build on Downtown’s assets and guide Downtown Minneapolis’ development. This includes initiatives to double downtown’s residential population, transform Nicollet Mall into a must-see destination, create a compelling and walkable environment around the clock, lead the nation in transportation options, end street homelessness, forge connections with the University of Minnesota and more. For more information on the 2025 Plan and its initiatives, visit 2025plan.com, BeInBusinessDowntownMpls.com and MinneapolisIdeaExchange.com. The 2025 Plan is a Minneapolis Downtown Council initiative established in 2010. 

MPRB Fall Park Highlights Guide Now Available

Via an August 23 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park and Rec Board:

Fall into fun in Minneapolis parks!

Stay busy and active this fall with the help of Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board's (MPRB) latest Park Highlights brochure.
 
The publication features a sampling of MPRB activities, programs and events, fall foliage viewing locations, upcoming park improvements and long-term projects underway, registration dates for upcoming sports leagues, volunteer opportunities, and everything else the parks have to offer between September and December.
 
You can find the brochures at MPRB buildings (including recreation centers), Minneapolis libraries, coffee shops near parks and other Minneapolis locations. The brochure is also available on our website at www.minneapolisparks.org/recbrochures for online viewing and downloading.

Entrepreneur Expo: Essentials for Small Business Growth - Sept. 22 at the Central Library

Entrepreneur Expo: Essentials for Small Business Growth

Small business owners at all stages of development are invited to learn from experts in the field about what it really takes to start and grow a thriving business.

• WHEN: Thursday, September 22, 12:30pm-5:00pm
• WHERE: Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55401

Through workshops, exhibitors, and a panel of experts, event participants will gather skills and insights about starting and expanding their businesses.

The event kicks off with “Startup Success Stories: Twin Cities Entrepreneurs Tell All,” a panel of local, successful small business owners representing a wide range of industries, including health care, construction, art, and restaurants. Star Tribune business reporter and columnist Neal St. Anthony will moderate.

Workshops on marketing, finance, business operations, and entrepreneurship for artists will be presented by Twin Cities Media Alliance, WomenVenture, University of St. Thomas Small Business Development Center, and Springboard for the Arts. 

Nonprofit and government business development exhibitors will be on hand to share resources and answer questions about planning, licensing, and funding. 

The expo is sponsored by the Friends of the Minneapolis Central Library in collaboration with African Economic Development Solutions, Minneapolis Community Planning and Economic Development, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, Northside Economic Opportunity Network, U.S. Small Business Administration, University of St. Thomas Small Business Development Center, and WomenVenture.

Register for this free event at www.hclib.org or call 612-543-8000.

Hennepin County libraries offer business and employment programs throughout the year to help residents build skills and explore possibilities. Additional resources are available at www.hclib.org/business-employment.

Construction Underway on Washington Avenue

Via an August 22 e-newsletter from Hennepin County:

The next phase of reconstruction began last week on Washington Avenue (County Road 152) between Hennepin Avenue and Fifth Avenue South in Minneapolis. Prior to this, utility crews had been doing relocation work in the area.

Crews started by removing existing concrete. As the top layer of road is removed, workers will begin replacing storm sewer pipes underneath the roadway. Additional utility crews will also be relocating telecommunications, gas and electric utilities in the project area.

If you are driving or biking around the area, keep in mind that:

 - Access to local residences and businesses is being maintained.

 - Westbound lanes on Washington Avenue are closed for the rest of the construction season as work progresses (see detour information below).

 - Eastbound lanes will remain open, but traffic is now reduced to two lanes.

 - Except for some short-term partial closures, cross streets remain open to through traffic crossing Washington.

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If you are walking around the area, keep in mind that:

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 - The sidewalk along the north side of Washington Avenue is now closed between Hennepin Avenue and Third Avenue South. Pedestrians should use the sidewalk on the south side. 

 - There are no north to south sidewalk connections at Nicollet Mall.

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As a reminder, the detour for motorists and bicyclists follows Portland Avenue, Third Street South, Hennepin Avenue and then returns to Washington Avenue. This detour will be in place until the end of this year's construction activity, which is expected to be mid-November. There is no detour for eastbound Washington Avenue.

Pedestrians should use the sidewalk on the south side of Washington Avenue. 

* * Meet with project staff * *

You are invited to an informal meeting with project staff:

Tuesday, August 30, 4:30pm to 6:00pm at Dunn Bros Freight House, 201 Third Avenue South

Project staff will be upstairs and ready to take your questions about the project.

If you can't make it to the meeting, we plan to host another meeting early in September. And, you can always contact the project at washingtonavenue@hennepin.us.

Short-term partial closure at Marquette Avenue South begins this weekp

Starting early Wednesday, August 24, crews will be working in the northeast corner of the intersection of Washington and Marquette avenues. They will be installing light conduit and constructing the road base. 

As a result, motorists traveling northbound on Marquette Avenue South will be detoured onto Washington Avenue, Third Avenue South and First Street. The closure is expected to last one week. 

Pedestrians should use the crosswalk on the west side of the intersection. And, buses using the southbound lanes should be unaffected.

Project website: www.hennepin.us/washingtonavenue

Project email: washingtonavenue@hennepin.us