Why? What did they do?

Celebrate the Future of HCMC on Thursday, November 12

Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) invites you to join them in celebrating the opening of a new helistop for helicopter ambulance service, and groundbreaking for their new Ambulatory Outpatient Specialty Center (AOSC).  The event takes place November 12 - look for the big tent across the street from the 730 S. 8th Street entrance.

Activities start with a program at 1:00pm and continue with a reception and tours until 4:00pm The new helistop will make the region’s best trauma center even better by reducing transport time to HCMC for critically injured patients. The new clinic and surgery specialty center will make HCMC's primary and specialty care clinics and same day surgery center the most convenient and contemporary in the Twin Cities. 

According to Jane Lieberman, HCMC Community Events Manager, one of the special events (weather permitting) will be the inaugural landing on the new helistop. A LifeLinkIII helicopter is scheduled to arrive with this little patient: http://www.startribune.com/alexandria-girl-recovers-after-traumatic-facial-injury/322898741/.

Whole Foods Market to Donate 5% of October 20 Sales to University of Minnesota Press

Via an October 7 Press Release from University of Minnesota Press:

On Tuesday, October 20, 2015, Whole Foods Market will donate 5% of its daily sales from six Twin Cities locations to the University of Minnesota Press.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (October 7, 2015) — The University of Minnesota Press has been selected as a beneficiary of Whole Foods Market’s 5% Community Support Day this quarter. On Tuesday, October 20, 2015, all six Twin Cities-area Whole Foods stores will donate 5% of their sales to the University of Minnesota Press in support of its forthcoming publication, Fresh from the Garden: An Organic Guide to Growing Vegetables, Berries, and Herbs in Cold Climates by John Whitman. Publication is planned in fall of 2016.

"The University of Minnesota Press’ Fresh From the Garden aligns with our commitment to sustainable, organic farming and environmental stewardship," says Rachelle Petersen, Whole Foods Market Marketing. "This organic guide to growing vegetables, berries and herbs in cold climates will surely pique the interests of those seeking knowledge on successfully growing organics right here in Minnesota."

"In his new book, John shares knowledge rooted in years of experience growing organic food in Minnesota," says University of Minnesota Press outreach and development manager Caitlin Newman. "The Press is honored to work with an organization that values his experience and is invested in passing it on to our community. Support from Whole Foods Market and its shoppers will help the Press enhance the design and production of Fresh from the Garden while also keeping its price affordable for readers."

University of Minnesota Press staff will be at Twin Cities-area stores from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. to share information about the book and about the Press’s publishing activities.

The University of Minnesota Press is a self-supporting unit of the University of Minnesota. Ninety-five percent of its operating funds come from sales and from the generosity of those who share our passion for connecting readers to the Upper Midwest and to groundbreaking writing and scholarship. More information about our donation program can be found at http://z.umn.edu/givetoump.

About the University of Minnesota Press: Founded in 1925, the University of Minnesota Press is widely considered one of the most innovative U.S. university presses. Minnesota publishes a diverse list of books on the cultural and natural heritage of the state and the upper Midwest region, and is also known as the publisher of groundbreaking social and cultural thought, critical theory, race and ethnic studies, urbanism, feminist criticism, and digital media studies. The Test Division of the Press publishes highly regarded personality assessment instruments, including the MMPI-2-RF.

For more information, visit www.upress.umn.edu.

Twin Cities-area Whole Foods Market stores are located at:

Maple Grove: 12201 Elm Creek Boulevard North, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Hennepin: 222 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Edina: 7401 France Avenue South, Edina, MN 55435
St. Paul: 30 South Fairview Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105
Minnetonka: 1001 Plymouth Road, Minnetonka, MN 55305
Lake Calhoun: 3060 Excelsior Boulevard, Minneapolis, MN 55416

New Green Disposal Guide from Hennepin County Available Online

New Green Disposal Guide tells you the best way to get rid of your stuff

Fall clean up can be frustrating unless you know how to get rid of your unwanted stuff. Hennepin County has done the heavy lifting with the new online resource, Green Disposal Guide.

Yard waste, mattresses, paint or fluorescent light bulbs—some stuff just needs to go. The Green Disposal Guide offers a range of disposal options—from recycling to donation to disposal—while also giving tips on shopping smarter, living greener and creating less waste.

With a click on a computer or smart phone, Hennepin County residents can easily learn more from the Green Disposal Guide.

"Closing the Gap: Insider Insights for Park Funding" Looks at Neighborhood Park Funding

Via an October 6 Minneapolis Park and Rec Board e-newsletter:

   (L to R) Panel moderator Linda Mack, New York City Parks and Recreation Deputy Director Liam Kavanagh, Portland Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Warren Jimenez, Former Indianapolis Parks and Recreation Director Joe Wynns and Seattle Parks Foundation Executive Director Thatcher Bailey

How did other cities address neighborhood park funding shortfalls?

Park advocates from across the country share their experiences

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) staff hosted more than 30 public meetings throughout Minneapolis this summer to discuss how insufficient funding has impacted its highly-used, aging network of neighborhood parks.

While MPRB processes feedback received from the community, four distinguished park and recreation advocates from large urban park agencies across the country were invited to Minneapolis on September 29 to share how their cities tackled similar funding challenges.
 
“Closing the Gap: Insider Insights for Park Funding” featured representatives from Indianapolis, New York City, Portland and Seattle participating in a 90-minute panel discussion on creative park funding strategies, followed by a question and answer session with the audience. Each city’s park agency deals with its own unique challenges, complicated by vastly different methods of governance, but common themes still emerged.

For a full recap of the fascinating discussion please see the full news release.

Electronic Upcycle Fest, a FREE Electronic Recycling Event, at Target Field Station October 9

The Twins Community Fund is teaming up with America Upcycles to host a free electronic recycling event on Friday, October 9, at Target Field Station. Help keep electronics out of landfills, and reduce carbon emissions all while helping to support youth baseball and softball.

Date: Friday, October 9
Time: 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Location: Target Field Station

Stop by Target Field Station and drop off your electronics into designated containers to begin the upcycling process. This sustainable solution to the buildup of old electronics helps to decrease the negative global impact that throwing out devices has on our environment. Upcycling gets rid of electronic clutter without adding to landfills. It also re-purposes your gently used electronics for the secondary market.
•100% Tax Deductible
•Free (for qualified devices)
•Data Destruction is guaranteed
•Proceeds support the Twins Community Fund

Details, including list of items accepted: http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/min/community/events/electronic-upcycle-fest/

Our West Bank Human Landmark Has Left Us

Submitted by Susan Schaefer, Riverview Tower Resident

Photo credit: ©2015 Susan Schaefer

The Last Cigarette

Saturday 10/3/15 10PM

I felt privileged to have had a slice of time with the man in the top hat and tails who has been a West Bank fixture for years, and my neighbor. Today, returning from a photo shot at Mill City Farmer’s Market I felt an uncanny pull as I walked by his infamous encampment directly next to my building, Riverview Tower, tucked under the 10th Avenue Bridge. Had I done as my entire being was directing me, I might have become the last person to see the man so many Twin Citians know as Chester alive. But I didn’t follow my instincts. And tonight, after an evening out with friends at Seven Corners, I returned home to find law enforcement quietly conducting their business exactly at Chester’s outlier campsite home. I knew without even asking that this man whom I photographed was no longer among us.

I am sure the formal details will emerge, but it seems he died of natural causes.

According to our building’s evening attendant, his female companion of years, Marcia, asked to call the police, explaining that she had found Chester “cold and motionless”.

Most old timers in our building had a great fondness for this enigmatic outsider who rode a bicycle throughout the West Bank and Dinkytown, most often soliciting change from passersby. But the afternoon I snapped my portrait on a Dinkytown corner, Chester had just given his last cigarette to another homeless young man. That’s the only Chester I knew. I hope there’s a peg in heaven for his top hat.

Drs Susan Schaefer, APR, is a communications consultant, executive coach, corporate trainer, university professor, writer, published poet, and former newspaper editor and publisher.

- - -

Editors Note - 

Here is a Star Trib article about Chester (a.k.a Bruce, a.k.a. Charlie) from May, 2014 - Chester's West Bank Hideaway is Changing.

In case you're not familiar with Chester's home camp, it's located under the 10th Avenue Bridge on the Midtown Greenway bike route by the Bluff Street Park.  Dave took these pictures this morning, October 4:

 

A couple of videos from one of our Facebook followers:

Week 22 at the 2015 Mill City Farmers Market

In spectacular fashion, October 3 kicked off the final month of the 2015 outdoor season.

A budding cheese connoisseur.

Dueling photographers...

Melanie having fun with finger puppets.

Come to the Market hungry - go home with a happy tummy! 

The goat! (Nancy - what's going on with that pepper !?!)

Free Events Honoring the Voices of Soldiers and Veterans

Free events honoring the voices of soldiers and veterans

What

More than 8,000 soldiers and veterans lives are lost to suicide each year – a fact that is brought into sharp focus through The 8030 Project currently on exhibit at the Hennepin Gallery.

In conjunction with exhibit and Veterans’ Voices Month, two events open to the public will take place in October.

When and where

Thursday, October 8, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., a special screening of “Surviving the Peace,” a film by The 8030 Project artist and curator Mara Pelecis will be held in the Hennepin County Government Employee Development Classroom, A110, on the southwest street level.

Thursday, October 22, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 22 among us, a panel discussion about returning veterans and mental health services will be held in the Hennepin County Government Center Auditorium, A-level.

Submit your photos

People are invited to submit their own images via 8030project.com. Images will be continually added to the gallery online and images submitted in September will also be added to the Hennepin Gallery in October.

About The 8030 Project

The 8030 Project art installation will continue to be on view in the Hennepin Gallery until October 27. Images featured in the installation are curated from The 8030 Project's open call to create individual memorials for these lost lives. The memorials use everyday objects in everyday spaces; 22 items represent the 22 solders and veteran lives lost each day to suicide. The exhibit is a selection of the submissions with the stories that accompany them as curated by Ms. Pelecis.

The project is sponsored by the Hennepin County Multicultural Arts Committee, in partnership with Forecast Public Art.

Look for more news on the Hennepin County website at www.hennepin.us/news.

Parkway Closures for October 3 and 4

The following parkways will be temporarily closed October 3-4 for the events listed:

.

October 3 - Slutwalk Minneapolis - 8:30am-1:00pm

Main Street - From Hennepin Ave to 6th Ave SE West River Parkway - From Plymouth Ave to S 4th Street Plymouth Bridge and Stone Arch Bridge Special Event Details

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October 4 - Medtronic Marathon & 10 Mile - 6:30am-2:00pm

Marathon Course – Lake of the Isles Parkway (Left side of Lake), Dean Parkway, W Lake Calhoun Parkway, William Berry Parkway, E Lake Harriet Parkway (From Bandshell to Minnehaha Parkway), Minnehaha Parkway (From Harriet to Godfrey Parkway), Lake Nokomis Parkway, Godfrey Parkway, West River Parkway (From Godfrey to Franklin Ave).

10-Mile Course - West River Parkway (From Portland to 22nd Ave), East River Parkway (from 14th Ave to Lake Street) 

Franklin Avenue Bridge Closure and Construction Updates

Via an October 1, 2015, Hennepin County e-newsletter:

Franklin Avenue Bridge Construction Update

Planning ahead for weekend traffic impacts

Before we get to a construction update, we have important information about weekend traffic impacts to share.

Saturday, October 3

Motor vehicle traffic will be reduced to one lane on the Franklin Avenue Bridge from 5 a.m. to approximately 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 3, for concrete delivery. Flaggers will guide traffic. Please use caution when traveling through the area.

Similar to a few weeks ago, concrete trucks will be on the bridge deck throughout the day, transporting concrete through a hose to equipment located on a barge below the bridge.

The concrete will be used to create a floor of the Pier 3 cofferdam. Previously, crews dove sheet pile to create walls for the cofferdam. Next, crews will drain the water within the cofferdam to create a dry work area. This will allow them to conduct concrete repair to bridge piers normally below water level.

The bike and pedestrian lanes on the south side will remain open.

Sunday, October 4

This Sunday is the annual Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon. A portion of the route travels across the Franklin Avenue Bridge. As a result, the roadway will be closed to traffic from approximately 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. The bike and pedestrian lanes on the both sides will remain open during the marathon.

An update on construction

Crews have been active around the project site for the past few weeks.

Above water level

Crews continue their work to restore concrete below the bridge deck. This includes work on the piers. Below is a picture of a section of a pier that has been restored using shotcrete. Shotcrete is a special concrete that is applied using a controlled spray.

At and below water level

Crews have also been using the cofferdams in the river to get access to the parts of the pier that are at and below river level. Below is a picture showing concrete removal at one of the piers.

Concrete is being restored in a way that protects the integrity of the structures. 

Roadway deck panels

Crews continue to work at the casting yard at Bohemian Flats area up the river. At present, more than 160 of the 366 panels needed for the roadway deck have been completed. All panels will be floated down the river next year and hoisted into place.

Detours and closures 

West River Parkway and trail remain closed at Franklin Avenue Bridge. View detour map.

The Lower East River Parkway trail is closed between the East River Flats (University of Minnesota Boathouse) and Cecil Street while crews restore concrete below the bridge deck.

Project Website

Primrose Park to Close Northeast Shop with an October 9 Goodbye Party

Via a September 29 e-newsletter:

Primrose Park Goodbye Party!

Please join us as we say "goodbye" to our home in Northeast Minneapolis.  We will send the store off in style on Friday, October 9, 2015, with wine, sweet treats and 20% off all regularly-priced purchases. We hope you can join the festivities!

Date:  Friday, October 9

Time:  6:00pm-9:00pm
 
Location:  Primrose Park, 20 University Avenue NE

LOCAL FARMERS, CHEFS, AND ARTISTS TEAM UP FOR HARVEST GALA

Thursday, October 8, 7:00pm - 9:30pm, Solar Arts Building

[NE MINNEAPOLIS. September 28, 2015] In a celebration of the strength and bounty of the local food movement, the Northeast Minneapolis Farmers Market is excited to announce the fourth annual Harvest Gala.  Proceeds from the event will be used to fund the activities and mission of the Northeast Minneapolis Farmers Market.

The Solar Arts Building, located at 711 – 15^th Avenue NE, is generously donating their beautiful third-floor event space for this year’s Gala, to be held on Thursday, October 8, from 7 pm until 9:30 pm.

The NEFM Harvest Gala features an innovative format that pair’s farmers market vendors and local chefs. Chefs and farmers team up to create tasty appetizers using ingredients sourced from the Northeast Farmers Market.  This year, expect eats by Sen Yai Sen Lek, Chowgirls, Red Table Meats, and Lone Grazer Creamery, just to name a few. At the bar, try fine wines, beer from Nordeast Brewers Alliance, and specialty-crafted cocktails by Norseman Distillery.

Flamenco guitarist David Grams will provide live entertainment. A silent auction will feature arts, crafts, certificates and services donated by local artisans, restaurants, businesses and individuals. We’re off to a great start with donations from Park Square Theater, Minnesota Orchestra, Mill City Running, Denny Kemp Salon, Minneapolis St. Paul Film Society and Minnesota Historical Society.

Back again this year... the Garden Stroll, NEFM's version of a Cake Walk, will feature really cool market bags filled with goodies from market vendors and friends.

Admission to the Gala is $15 in advance, and $20 at the door. Advance tickets are available on Saturday, October 3^rd at the Northeast Farmers Market, and on-line.

Chowgirls Killer Catering and Norseman Distillery sponsor this event.

The Northeast Farmers Market is located on the corner of 7^th and University Avenues NE, in the St. Boniface Church parking lot. The Solar Arts Building is located at 711 NE 15^th Avenue.

Art Attack 2015 - November 6 thru 8

Friday, November 6 from 5:00pm - 10:00pm
Saturday, November 7 from Noon – 8:00pm
Sunday, November 8 from  Noon - 5:00pm

Art Attack is an annual open studio and gallery crawl at the Northrup King Building, in the heart of the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District. The weekend-long event features over 200 artists working in painting and drawing, sculpture, photography, custom furniture, fiber arts, metal, ceramics, glass, hand-crafted and custom jewelry, mixed media, mosaics, textiles, and more.

On Saturday from Noon-6:00pm, TPT’s award-winning weekly art series, MN Original, will be taking over our 3rd floor gallery space with a special guest artist, offering interactive art activities, a MN Original viewing area, and an Instagram takeover.

Music, performace and demonstrations take place throughout the weekend.

Food Trucks:
Friday – Butcher Salt
Saturday – Simply Steve’s and Kabomlette
Sunday – Gastrotruck 

The Bakken Trio’s 2015 - 2016 Concert Series at MacPhail Center for Music

A full gamut of moods and music — The Bakken Trio opens their fall performance with the haunting thrumming of Ferdinand Meza’s marimba in Golijov’s remembrance of his friend Mariel, and finish in April with actress Sally Wingert narrating Aaron Kernis’ hysterical piece about futuristic cuisine.

2015 - 2016 Concert Series:

November 22, 2015  MEMORY:  Marimba specialist Fernando Meza joins the Bakken for music of  composers Rachmaninoff, Golijov and Shostakovich, inspired, in the Russian tradition, by great friendships.

January 24, 2016  JAPONAISE:  Cellist Pitnarry Shin plays music from Japanese puppet theater in  this program tracing the circles of inspiration to and from Claude Debussy.

April 3, 2016   WHIMSY!    Actress Sally Wingert narrates a hysterical spoof on food and  foodies in a program for having and hearing fun!

All concerts are at 4:00pm in Antonello Hall of MacPhail Center for Music, 501 S 2nd Street.

MPRB is Looking for Volunteer Coaches for Winter Youth Sports

Via a September 24 Minneapolis Park and Rec Board e-newsletter:

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board's (MPRB) Youth Volleyball program begins in October and we are seeking volunteer coaches at recreation centers in Minneapolis.

We are also seeking coaches for winter sports programs (basketball, hockey, and wrestling) that begin in November/December.
• Athletes range from 6-18 years old
• Teams practice 1-2 times per week
• Games are scheduled 1-2 nights a week and/or Saturdays
• MPRB will provide orientation for all new coaches

Contact Nicole at 612-499-9258 or email recvolunteers@minneapolisparks.org for more information about coaching and other volunteer opportunities.

Can't coach this Winter? We'll need coaches for Gymnastics, Baseball, Softball, T-ball, and Track and Field this spring, too.

Week 21 at the 2015 Mill City Farmers Market

September 26 was Oktoberfest at the Market. Music by the Elk River German Band filled the air as shoppers sampled beer with Indeed Brewing. :)

Romanesco!

Art Vendors Kendra of Ink Orchard and Matthew of Matthew Krousey Ceramics.

The goat!

Don't forget - new hours for October!

The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul - October Line Up

 

Now showing thru October 1 - RACING EXTINCTION (program: New Releases)

Now showing thru October 1 - COOTIES (program: Dark Out)

September 25 thru October 1 - A BRAVE HEART: THE LIZZIE VELASQUEZ STORY (program: New Releases)

September 28 at 7PM + October 4 at 1PM - NT LIVE: THE BEAUX STRATAGEM (program: Stage on Screen)

September 30 + October 1 at 7PM - ATTACK ON TITAN: PART ONE (program: Cinema Sugoi!)

October 2-6 + October 12-15 - FINDERS KEEPERS (program: New Releases)

October 2 + 3 at 9:45PM - DEATHGASM (program: Dark Out)

October 7-11 - Minneapolis Underground Film Festival

October 12 at 7PM + October 18 at 1PM - RSC: OTHELLO (program: Stage on Screen, Royal Shakespeare Company)

October 16-22 - DUKHTAR (program: New Releases)

October 20 at 4:30PM - THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING (program: New Releases)

October 20 + 21 at 7PM - MY FAIR LADY 50TH ANNIVERSARY (program: Anniversary Film Classics)

October 22 at 10PM + October 24 at 7PM - ATTACK ON TITAN: PART TWO (program: Cinema Sugoi!)

October 23 thru November 5 - EXTRAORDINARY TALES (program: Dark Out)

ADMISSION: New Releases*: $8.50 General, $6 Students/Seniors, $5 Film Society Members, $6 Matinee before 5PM

ADMISSION: National Theatre Live & Royal Shakespeare Company: $20 General, $15 Members, $10 Students

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

 

Twitter: @mspfilmsociety

Facebook: facebook.com/mspfilmsociety

Instagram: @mspfilmsociety

Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCNxBq4COftrxK3e4fYremyg

#MSPFILM

West River Parkway Slope Repair Update

Via a September 25 Minneapolis Park and Rec Board e-newsletter: 

West River Parkway Slope Repair

Efforts to repair damage done by the West River Parkway mudslide recently encountered numerous challenges. Multiple minor mudslides occurring since the beginning of August 2015 have delayed construction of the two walls most critical to stabilizing the slope. Erosion stemming from those mudslides also created steep embankments below the earthen “bench” used by the contractor to stage drill rigs and other construction equipment.
 
As a result, that critical construction equipment was removed from the bench and will not return until the contractor can determine the best method to control erosion on the slope.
 
Due to these unforeseen difficulties, the project is expected to continue through at least December 2015. The parkway and trail remain closed until that time.
 
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board appreciates the public’s patience during this complicated and challenging project.
 
Visit the project page.
 
Contact
Robin Smothers
Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board
Phone: 612-230-6410
Email: rsmothers@minneapolisparks.org

MacPhail Center for Music Announces 2015-2016 Spotlight Series Dates and Themes

The MacPhail Spotlight Series showcases the exceptional talents of teaching artists and special guests, providing an intimate listening experience in MacPhail’s state-of-the-art Antonello Hall. Under the artistic direction of Mischa Santora, this premier performance event is brought to life with collaborations from some of the Twin Cities’ finest artists.

This year's series themes:
  November 14, 2015 – Caffeinated Bach
  February 13, 2016 – BRAZIL!
  April 16, 2016 – Taiko Drums to J-Pop
  May 21, 2016 – American Poets: From Folk to Hip Hop

Tickets and more info.

One hour before each concert, you can join us in the U.S. Bank Lobby for a special question and answer session with featured performers.