Nominations Sought for Third aWards

Join Council Member Frey for his 2nd annual State of the Ward Address and Third aWards. Awards of the year will be given for Leader, Local Business, Neighborhood Project/Initiative, and Youth Leader.

“The Third aWards are a chance to acknowledge our amazing residents and small business owners that help make the Third Ward a dynamic place,” said Council Member Jacob Frey.

Individuals interested in making a nomination should write a brief description of the accomplishments that deserve recognition. Please submit Third aWards nominations to heidi.ritchie@minneapolismn.gov, fax (612-673-3940) or by mail to Council Member Jacob Frey, 350 South 5th Street, Room 307, Minneapolis, MN  55415 by Wednesday, January 27, 2016.

The State of the Ward and Third aWards will take place Wednesday, February 3, 2016 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Minneapolis Event Center, 212 2nd Street SE. Please R.S.V.P early by calling 612-673-3126 or emailing zack.farley@minneapolismn.gov.

Ring in This New Year’s Eve with Miller Lite Free Rides®

Miller Lite is partnering with Metro Transit and J.J. Taylor Distributing to provide free and safe transportation for Twin Cities residents and visitors on New Year’s Eve. Free rides are available on all Metro Transit bus, light rail, and commuter rail routes beginning at 6:00pm December 31, until the end of regular service. This is the fifth year Miller Lite is providing the safe ride service for residents of the Twin Cities, in partnership with Metro Transit.

Riders can access specific route information by visiting MillerLiteFreeRides.com.

Scenes from the December 19 Mill City Farmers Market

Beth Dooley and Mette Nielsen signed copies of The Birchwood Cafe Cookbook and In Winter's Kitchen at the December 19 Mill City Farmers Market inside the Mill City Museum.

Spectacular eggs from Women's Environmental Institute (WEI).

The musical stylings of Michael Keyes and Nick Jordan.

The goat!

 

The 12 Days of Yoga - Unlimted Pass Today thru December 31 at YogaFit Northeast

Bring peace of mind to your busy holiday schedule while getting a great workout.  YogaFit Northeast Minneapolis is offering an Unlimited Holiday Pass - get 12 days of unlimited yoga for just $24.  The unlimited pass is valid from 12/19/15 - 12/31/15.

 

Rocky and Troy: PaintNite at The Depot

The Adventures of Rocky and Troy continue - this time it's PaintNite at The Depot, which I've been wanting to try for a long time.  PaintNite is fun and easy, and if you don't want your picture you can always give it to someone who paints - they'll be happy to reuse the canvas.

We started by checking out some of the cool statues positioned between The Depot and the Stone Arch Bar.

A gin and tonic for inspiration.

No one can resist Troy's happy little mug.  :)

West River Parkway Will Remain Closed Until Fall 2016

West River Parkway will not temporarily open this winter

After re-evaluation, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) has decided to keep West River Parkway closed between Fourth Street and the Franklin Avenue Bridge through early fall 2016. This determination is based on several factors related to the MPRB’s slope repair project and Hennepin County’s Franklin Avenue Bridge project, including timelines of projects, safety of the public, site security and seasonal construction limitations.

Previously, the MPRB had announced plans to reopen the segment of parkway from January through March. The roadway had been expected to close again for several months starting in April for bridge deck replacement on the Hennepin County’s Franklin Avenue Bridge. The MPRB’s slope repair will also resume in the spring. The county is using the current closure to proceed with important construction activities near and above the parkway.

The June 2014 mudslide was an unprecedented, catastrophic event which uncovered many issues on the slope that the current stabilization project must address before the project is complete. Located in the Mississippi River gorge, the slope stabilization project has been designed to shore-up one of the last segments of very steep slopes along the river with a series of retaining walls. Complicating matters, the steep slope is made up of unstable soils over a limestone bed rock that continues to leach ground water into the steep sloped soils causing the surface of the embankment to slough off and be very difficult to work on safely.

The MPRB and Hennepin County will continue close coordination of their two projects, repair of the slope and rebuild of Franklin Avenue Bridge. For details or to subscribe to email updates, visit www.minneapolisparks.org/currentprojects and select West River Parkway Slope Repairs or visit www.hennepin.us/franklinbridge.

Winter Park Highlights is Your Guide to Fun in Minneapolis Parks

Via a December 15 e-newsletter from the Minneapolist Park and Rec Board:

Stay active and have fun all winter long

Plan a winter of fun with the help of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board's (MPRB) latest Park Highlights brochure. Explore the outdoors on trails, snowshoes or ice skates. Prefer to stay indoors? Enroll in an art, craft or fitness class. The publication features a sampling of the programs, classes, events and activities in parks and recreation centers from January to April.

Winter Park Highlights will arrive at Minneapolis recreation centers and libraries this week and is available on the MPRB website.

December 17 and 18 - Spring Finn & Co Open Studio at the Foundry Building

Visit Talin Spring of Spring Finn & Co  at her studio in the Foundry Building, 125 N 1st Street.  Open December 17 and 18, 11:00am - 6:00pm both days.  Talin is an art vendor at the Mill City Farmers Market.

Scenes from the December 12 Mill City Farmers Market - Christmas is Coming!

A throng of shoppers kept the vendors on their toes during a wild December 12 Mill City Farmers Market inside the Mill City Museum.  If you missed it, be sure to mark your calendar for Saturday the 19th - the Market will be open 10:00am to 1:00pm. You'll find all kinds of Holiday treats!  :D

Below, the Tamburinos head out with a beautiful fresh tree from Jeff Nistler.

A chocolate Santa from St. Croix Chocolate Company.

Adorable - kids having special gifts wrapped right at the Market.  This is a free service, so be sure to take advantage of it December 19!

Cherry Flowers of Page & Flowers has gift boxes of Infused Vinegars and coffee bag wall art. 

Sunrise Creative Gourmet has Divinity, a Holiday favorite.

An exquisite box of cookies (including melt-in-your-mouth meringue mushrooms) from Susan of Very Prairie tells the recipient just how special they are!

This versatile bench from wood craftsman Joel Nichols can hold a lot of weight, but is surprisingly easy to lift and move around.

Tree ornaments from Create Laser Arts. 

Paper products from Red Cruiser.

Jewelry from Larissa Loden.

And groceries!

The loaves from Heritage Breads are like edible art.

The goat! (Nancy - the goat is naked - what's up with that?)

Franklin Avenue Bridge Construction Update

Franklin Avenue Bridge construction update December 2015
Via a December 10 e-newsletter from Hennepin County:

The Franklin Avenue Bridge reconstruction project has been fortunate to have good weather the past few months. Crews have been able to keep working all around the project site. And the threat of winter weather -- whenever it may come -- is not stopping work either.

Thanks for your continued patience and being safe around the construction area. With construction activity still occurring, please be aware that construction vehicles will continue to travel through the area.

Construction contiues

Down along the river, crews continue their work in the cofferdams (dry work areas in the river). By setting up an enclosure, they can create a warm environment to continue restoration of the pier. The picture below shows crews working on Pier 2.

Crews have set up a similar enclosure to allow them to continue to work on Span 1 over West River Parkway. Crews are working on the arch and other areas under the deck. 

More than 300 completed panels are in the casting yard at Bohemian Flats. Next year, these panels will be floated down the river and hoisted up to the bridge deck. Others will be cast in place. The new bridge deck will be made up of 366 panels.

 

Bike and pedestrian path on the bridge remains open

The bicycle and pedestrian path on the bridge will remain open during the winter, and the City of Minneapolis crews will be clearing the path after snow falls.

For Information

Information Hotline: 888-474-8929

Email: franklinbridge@hennepin.us

Website: www.hennepin.us/franklinbridge

Volunteer for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Winter Conditions Study Pilot

Via a December 10 City of Minneapolis e-newsletter:

The City of Minneapolis is seeking volunteers to participate in the 2015-16 Bicycle and Pedestrian Winter Conditions Study Pilot. As part of a larger bicycle and pedestrian winter maintience research project, the City is conducting a field study to document the winter conditions of our bicycle and pedestrian facilities. The study will include over 90 locations across Minneapolis. We need gracious volunteers such as yourself to help us document the snow and ice on our streets, sidewalks and trails. Volunteers will sign up to conduct 5-minute observations at locations of their choosing (pick one on your commute!) throughout the winter.

To learn more and sign up to volunteer, simply complete this form.

The form will take less than 10 minutes and provides an overview of volunteer tasks and responsibilities before giving you the opportunity to sign up. There are a limited number of volunteer spots at each location, so don't hesitate to sign up if you are interested.

As always, thanks to all our wonderful volunteers. We could not do this without you!

This Saturday (Dec 12): A-Mill Makers Market at A-Mill Artist Lofts

Local artists now call the A-Mill Artist Lofts home.  Check out the cool stuff they're creating and do a little Holiday shopping this Saturday from 10am – 2pm at the A-Mill Makers Market event.

Meet the makers and residents of the Pillsbury A-Mill, enjoy a snack and music and help celebrate the artists’ new home. Paintings, jewelry, CDs, ceramics, book-art, fiber and more!

Downtown Community Choir to Debut at the December 19 Holidazzle

This fall, the Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association, MacPhail Center for Music and RS Eden partnered to pilot a free community choir.  All abilities were welcome, there was no cost to participate, and J.D. Steele graciously agreed to lead the choir.   Come enjoy their first public performance - December 19, 5:00pm, on the Holidazzle Stage.

Alchemy Northeast Opens December 7

Alchemy, a new concept boutique fitness in the North Loop, is opening its second location in Northeast on December 7.  Alchemy Northeast is located at 120 3rd Avenue S in the historic Pillsbury Machine Shop building, named so because it once functioned as a machine shop for the Pillsbury A Mill next door.

Per Andrea Jones, Chief Marketing Officer, the new 6,100 square foot space has 3 studios, and for clients not in walking distance, the location will have 25 parking spaces. Exposed limestone dating back to 1881 is showcased in the vestibule and behind the front desk.

Alchmey's founders are the people who brought the largest CrossFit business to the Twin Cities, along with Studio Managers from some of the Twin Cities' top yoga studios. CEO Mike Jones is an ex-Marine and Georgetown business school graduate.

Andrea highlighted what sets Alchemy apart as a fitness studio:

• Combined proven techniques of yoga and strength for maximum results.
• Supporting full time career development in fitness for the employees.
• Community-building with a personal approach to its members, offering retail curated with the best of the local scene.

With membership near capacity at the flagship location, these features have brought Alchemy success and enabled them to open this second location within the same calendar year.

Please join us in welcoming Alchemy as a new neighbor to the riverfront.

Water Works Update: Architectural Firm Hired to Help Guide Selective Demolition of Fuji-Ya building

Via a December 3 Minneapolis Park and Rec Board e-newsletter:

Architects hired to help guide demolition of Fuji-Ya building

Plan to dismantle long-vacant Fuji-Ya building and preserve underlying mill ruins moves forward

On Dec. 2, 2015 the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) of Commissioners approved an agreement with local architectural firm MacDonald and Mack Architects to begin planning selective demolition of the long-vacant Fuji-Ya building at 401 1st Street S.
 
Selective demolition means the Fuji-Ya structure will be systematically removed, but portions of the structure may be left intact to protect and stabilize underlying ruins from the historic Bassett Saw Mill and Columbia Flour Mill.
 
A lot of work must be completed before demolition begins. Resolution 2015-348 directs MacDonald and Mack to refine plans for selective demolition it recommended in a 2012 report, coordinate reviews required by various city, state and potentially federal agencies, coordinate documentation of the Fuji-Ya building’s history and create construction documents to guide demolition.
 
Removing the Fuji-Ya building and preserving underlying mill foundations is included in the West Bank Interpretive Vision approved by the St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board in December 2014, Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park Master Plan approved by the MPRB in April 2015 and concept design of the future Water Works park approved by MPRB in September 2015.
 
To learn more about this project and others, visit www.minneapolisparks.org/planning.

Rocky and Troy: Breakfast Nachos at Grumpy's

The Adventures of Rocky and Troy takes us to Grumpy's for some Breakfast Nachos.  (Because that's what one does when one craves a few thousand calories of comfort food at 11am on a cold Saturday morning.)

People Serving People - An Opportunity to Make a Difference this Holiday Season

Looking for a way to do something nice for a stranger this Holiday Season?  Consider these opportunities at People Serving People:

Holiday Gifts

Join us to brighten the holiday season with gifts for the children staying at People Serving People. Buy and mail direct from our Target holiday registry, or just use it as a guide. Holiday gifts must be received by Wednesday, December 16th for holiday distribution. Gifts must be new and unwrapped.

Volunteer

The holiday season offers many one-time volunteer opportunities, such as field trips, toy shop, gift wrapping, and envelope addressing, in addition to our year-round volunteer needs.

Cards & Envelopes
Write thank you cards, address and stuff envelopes. Good handwriting required. Must be at least 16 years old. If your group of 5 or more would like to volunteer at a time other than those listed below, please contact Gwen Campbell

Gift Wrapping
Select and wrap gifts for children staying at People Serving People. Must be at least 12 years old. Children 12–15 must be accompanied by an adult.

Field Trips & Activities
Chaperone field trips and assist staff with children’s activities. Must be at least 18 years old.

Building Beautification
Assist our housekeeping department with general cleaning duties, including sweeping and mopping floors, washing windows, vacuuming, folding laundry, and cleaning vacant guest rooms. Must be at least 12 years old. Children 12–15 must be accompanied by an adult.

Meal Server
Serve breakfast, lunch, or dinner to guests staying at People Serving People and assist with clean-up as necessary. Must be at least 12 years old. Children 12–15 must be accompanied by an adult.

Holiday Music at the Hennepin County Government Center

The Hennepin County Government Center will continue its annual tradition of seasonal and holiday performances, free and open to the public.

Time: Noon - 1:00pm (unless otherwise noted below)

Location: Hennepin County Government Center, Skyway Level, 300 S. 6th Street

SCHEDULE:

December 3 Ameriprise Holiday Choir, Noon – 12:40pm
Sponsored by Ameriprise Financial, Inc. since 1986, 25 members performing secular, Christmas, Hanukah and Kwanzaa holiday songs

December 8 City-County Chorus
Hennepin County, City of Minneapolis and 4th Judicial District Court employees perform a variety of songs of the season

December 11 Roseville Parkview Center School, Noon to 12:25pm
75 kindergarten students will sing holiday and winter songs

December 15 Chippewa Middle School, Noon – 12:45pm
8th grade string orchestra students perform Hanukah and Christmas music

December 17 City-County Chorus
Hennepin County, City of Minneapolis and 4th Judicial District Court employees perform a variety of songs of the season

December 21 City-County Chorus
Hennepin County, City of Minneapolis and 4th Judicial District Court employees perform a variety of songs of the season

Rocky and Troy: Gold Medal Park Stake Out for Their 1st Turkey Day 5K

Part 4 in our silly photo series - The Adventures of Rocky and Troy. It was a sunny afternoon in Gold Medal Park when we staked out spots to cheer on Turkey Day 5K runners.

It wasn't so sunny the morning of the race - in fact it was snowing - but that never deters people from participating in one of the most popular runs of the year.

When someone told him to "suit up" for the run, this fellow took it a little too literal:

The MN Vikings Skol Line kept runners invigorated as they rounded Gold Medal Park.  (Warning - they're loud!)

Road Closures for November 28 Moustache Run 5K, 10K, Half Marathon

The following streets will be closed from approximately 7:30a - Noon on Saturday, November 28, for the Moustache Run 5K, 10K, Half Marathon:

Main Street
West River Parkway - From Plymouth Avenue to S 4th Street
Stone Arch Bridge

Course Map