Neighborhood Walking Group

This is simply an informal gathering of neighbors - the group decides the route.  :)

Week 7 at the 2015 Mill City Farmers Market

For the second Saturday in a row we woke up to rain.  But the weather quickly turned around for the June 20 Market, and it got downright steamy by the time the Mill City Cooks demo started. Good thing Surly Brewing Co was on hand sampling some of their craft brews!

Northern Waters Smokehaus is a new Vendor this year.  Look for a separate post later this week under our Farmers Market blog.

Get ideas on how to use in-season produce from the Meet Your Vegetables team. Look for a separate post later this week under our Farmers Market blog.

Viola blossoms from Seven Songs Organic Farm.  :)

Is it just me, or does it look like there's a giant bread hand coming out of that basket?

Wilber's back! Visit ArtAndes to learn his story, as told by Melanie Ebertz (who happens to be one of my favorite people!).

The goat!

Northern Spark by the Numbers

Via a June 19 Northern Lights.mn e-newsletter:

Thank you to all of our artists, partners, attendees, donors, sponsors, and volunteers. You rock.

Attendees: 53,000
Artists and performers: 110
Projects: 75
 Organizational partners: 31
 Hours trending on Twitter: 25 hours, 50 minutes
 Hours at #1 in Minneapolis on Twitter: 11
Facebook views during the week of the festival: 62,000
Instagram likes: 1,270
Website page views: 238,792
Unique website visitors: 84,162
Nice Ride trips: Over 1,500, setting a new one-day record for Sunday
Metro Transit free rides: 2314
Food trucks: 18
Website crashes: 50 billion times. (Sorry about that.)
Pancakes served: 500
Prairie Vespers served: 372

We look forward to seeing you next year, June 11, 2016, at dusk.

Northern Spark is free for everyone to attend, but we rely on you for support to make it happen. We still need your help to meet our goal for individual giving before the end of the fiscal year, June 30. If you enjoyed Northern Spark, please contribute generously.

UPDATE - Bridge 9 Closure Postponed to Monday, June 22

Via a June 18 City of Minneapolis e-newsletter:

The Bridge 9 portion of the Dinkytown Greenway will be closed Monday, June 22 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Bridge 9, which carries the Dinkytown Greenway over the Mississippi River, will be closed to all bicycle and pedestrian traffic during this time for work on the bridge. The nearby 10th Ave and Washington Ave bridges over the Mississippi River will remain open to bicycle and pedestrian traffic.

This is a rescheduling of the closure originally scheduled for Friday, June 19. Bridge 9 will remain open to bicycle and pedestrian traffic tomorrow.

See the bicycle and pedestrian detour page for bicycle and pedestrian detour information throughout city.

The Northeast Farmers Market is Exanding to Thursdays at The Grain Belt Apartments

Northeast Minneapolis Farmers Market at The Grain Belt
July 9th – September 24th
Thursdays, 4:00pm – 7:00pm

(MINNEAPOLIS – June 18, 2015) Celebrate our new expansion and the community spirit of the Northeast Farmers Market on a Thursday evening!

The Northeast Minneapolis Farmers Market is pleased to announce the opening of a new weekday market at The Grain Belt Apartments.

In addition to the Saturday market, we will bring a variety of vendors to this new location every Thursday from 4pm-7pm, July 9th through September 24th. Enjoy the same great live music while visiting with new friends and familiar faces. We’ll bring you fresh, locally grown produce, flowers, baked goods, jam, specialty foods, cold treats, a food truck and more.

**********************

Northeast Farmers Market at The Grain Belt

Thursdays, 4:00pm-7:00pm
 July 9th – September 24th, 2015
 1215 Marshall Street NE    
Minneapolis, MN 55413
http://www.northeastmarket.org/
http://www.thegrainbeltmpls.com/

Road Closures for June 20-21 Stone Arch Bridge Festival

Via a June 18 Minneapolis Park and Rec Board e-newsletter:

The following parkways will be temporarily closed June 20-21:
 
June 20 - Stone Arch Bridge Festival - 9:00am to 10:00pm
SE Main Street from Merriam Street to 6th Avenue.
3rd Ave from 2nd Street to SE Main St. (Access for Residents)
6th Ave from 2nd Street to Stone Arch Bridge (Access for Residents)
 
June 21 - Stone Arch Bridge Festival - 9:00am to  9:00pm
SE Main Street from Hennepin Ave to 6th Avenue
Merriam Ave (Bridge)
3rd Ave from 2nd Street to SE Main St. (Access for Residents)
6th Ave from 2nd Street to Stone Arch Bridge (Access for Residents)

CenterPoint Energy Project Status Update for Downtown Minneapolis

MN Limited, LLC. and Michels Corporation, two authorized CenterPoint Energy contractors, will continue installing natural gas pipeline in the following locations:

Hennepin Avenue, from Washington Avenue N. to 2nd Street N.:
•Crews continue to install pipe along the east sidewalk of Hennepin Avenue.
•Crews will be working 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday for the next two weeks.
•No parking is allowed along northbound Hennepin Avenue. The bike lane and sidewalk are also closed.  
•Please anticipate intermittent lane closures for eastbound and westbound Washington Avenue N. traffic.

2nd Street S., from 3rd Avenue S. to MacPhail Center for Music:
•Crews continue to work eastwards in this area.
•Parking lots and ramps remain accessible.

2nd Street S., from 5th Avenue S. to Portland Avenue S.:
•From Monday, June 22nd to Friday, June 26th, this road will be closed.
•Local businesses and parking ramps will remain open.

At the intersection of 2nd Street S. and 9th Avenue S.:
•This intersection will be closed until approximately Friday, June 19th.
•Access to businesses will remain open.

At the intersection of 2nd Street S. and 11th Avenue S.:
•Crews are working west of this intersection  
•The intersection is open and restored.

MPRB's Annual 4th of July Celebration

Celebrate the 4th of July during Minneapolis Red, White and Boom, a two-day celebration hosted by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. The event, held along the downtown Minneapolis Riverfront, features live music, great food, fun activities for the whole family, and the grand finale – fireworks!

On July 4, Father Hennepin Bluff Park will offer FREE family activities in the Family Fun Zone from 6 pm to 9:30 pm. Activities include balloon twisters, caricature artists, hair painters and face painters. Live music will be playing at Mill Ruins Park and Father Hennepin Park from 6 pm to 10 pm. The Red, White and Boom Celebration closes with a spectacular fireworks display along the Riverfront at 10 pm.

Hot Dam 5K

Friday, July 3, 6:30 pm Register

There’s still time to register for the Hot Dam 5K! Take in the beautiful view of the Minneapolis skyline as you enjoy a walk or run on the most scenic course in Minneapolis, which includes Historic Main Street and the Stone Arch Bridge.

Funds raised will benefit the firework fund for future Red, White and Boom Celebrations in Minneapolis. After Party includes outdoor concert by Chris Koza followed by the outdoor film “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”. Pre-registration is open through Tuesday, June 30, 2015.

NEW DATE: Cynthia Froid Group Ice Cream Social Moved to July 15

NOTE:  The Ice Cream Social originally scheduled for June 17 has been move to July 15.

Thank you to Cynthia Froid and staff for the hosting this fun event!

Participate in the July 4 Great Mississippi River Photo Shoot

Great Mississippi River Photo Shoot

Take a picture anytime between sunrise and sunset on July 4th, 2015 to enter the Great Mississippi River Photo Shoot.

A general description of the photo, the location, and who took the photo should be sent to irishvoyageur@aol.com and will be used to create a composite of river photos from Lake Itasca to the Gulf.

Here's a collection of photos taken by multiple photographers along the length of the Mississippi River on February 1, 2015:

Bridge 9 Portion of Dinkytown Greenway Closed on Friday, June 19

Via a June 15 City of Minneapolis e-newsletter:

The Bridge 9 portion of the Dinkytown Greenway will be closed Friday, June 19 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Bridge 9, which carries the Dinkytown Greenway over the Mississippi River, will be closed to all bicycle and pedestrian traffic during this time for work on the bridge.

The 10th Ave and Washington Ave bridges over the Mississippi River will remain open to bicycle and pedestrian traffic.

See the bicycle and pedestrian detour page for bicycle and pedestrian detour information throughout city.

Week 6 at the 2015 Mill City Farmers Market

Road construction and early morning drizzle will never keep seasoned MCFM shoppers away.  The June 13 Market was no exception. 

SunShare Community Solar was the Community Booth. Look for a separate post about this organization later this week on our Farmers Market blog.

Stone's Throw Urban Farm always has some words of wisdom to share.  :)

That's one serious Market basket!  Thank You to these lovely ladies for sharing their beautiful smiles.

This little gal was proud to show off a $2 Market Token.  Her parents stopped by the info booth to learn about the Power of Produce (POP) program, which is the planning stage and future dates are TBA (sign up for the Mill City Beet e-newsletter to stay in the know!).  Per MCFM Executive Director, Martha Archer, the goal is to offer it weekly, but that is dependent on sponsor funding. We hope it comes to fruition, as it's a great way to get kids involved with the Market, and is of no cost to their parents.

My ears perked up when I overheard a discussion on how Prohibition Kombucha from Verdant Tea can be used in cocktails, so I picked up a bottle of "The Sicilian" to try in Gin & Tonics. It's flavored with rosemary, lemon and orange blossom.

These fuzzy little babies always look like they're smiling.  Don't you just want to snuggle them?

Dave caught this bird in mid-squawk.

Any way they're displayed, radishes are a thing of beauty.

Breakfast is served!

New from Barkley's Bistro - Hopvale & Cheddar Buttons.  Happy hour for Fido.

Potter Adam Gruetzmacher debuted at the June 13 Market. Look for a separate post about his work later this week on our Farmers Market blog.

The goat!

Map Your Route! Northern Spark is This Saturday Dusk 'til Dawn!

Via a June 11 e-newsletter from Northern Spark and Northern Lights.mn:

Visit our new mobile-friendly website northernspark.org, click on the Art and Events tab to view all the 2015 projects and events. See something you like? Just click "Add to My Night" to save your to-do list. (Reminder: we are not updating the 2014 Northern Spark app this year. The mobile site allows us to make updates quickly as needed.)

The 6 zones on our maps page show you where all the action is for artist projects, food trucks, Northern Spark Information and Merch Tents, and restrooms. Read below for a possible route, but we encourage you to chose your own adventure!

Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership's Second Annual Mississippi Minute Film Festival

Sitting within blocks of thousands of Minneapolis workers, residents and visitors is one of the greatest natural wonders in the world: the Mississippi River. And too many people don’t realize it’s there.

The Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership invites you to make the invisible visible using the engaging medium of film. Create a vision that tugs at heartstrings or makes people laugh, that showcases an appreciation for – or the future potential of – the riverfront in Minneapolis.  Most important, inform, energize, and inspire our citizenry to action -­ all in 60 seconds!

The contest formally launches on Monday, June 15, and the film submission deadline is 5:00pm September 15.  The screening and awards ceremony will be held Monday, October 26, 2015.

Click here for details.

Cynthia Froid Group to host June 17 Izzy's Ice Cream Social in Gold Medal Park

Thank you to Cynthia Froid and staff for the hosting this fun event!

Metro Transit Rider Alert for June 12 - 15

Buses will replace Green Line trains this weekend

Due to scheduled maintenance, buses will replace Green Line trains beginning Friday, June 12 at 7:00 p.m. through Monday morning at these stations:

Stadium Village
East Bank
West Bank
Downtown East
Government Plaza
Nicollet Mall
Warehouse District/Hennepin Avenue
Target Field

During the disruption, customers can board replacement buses near each affected station.

See maps for boarding locations.

Buses will operate on a similar schedule as trains but may take more time. Customers are encouraged to plan accordingly.

Share Your Ideas for Downtown Using New Mapita Online Tool

Via a June 9 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park and Rec Board:

Tell us how you use downtown parks and public spaces! Project staff want to know more about what you do and how you get around. This interactive map allows you to share ideas about a specific park or place, the path you take to get there and how you'd improve the experience. Please visit Mapita to share your thoughts, or visit the project webpage (or go to www.minneapolisparks.org/currentprojects and select “Downtown Service Area Master Plan”), then check the “What’s New” tab for a link to Mapita.

 

2015 National Senior Games to be Held in the Twin Cities July 3-16

Via a June 8 Press Release from Mill City Commons:

2015 National Senior Games to be held in the Twin Cities July 3-16
Mill City Commons will field two entries

More than 12,000 athletes ages 50 and up from all over the country will compete in the National Senior Games (www.nsga.com/special-events.aspx), a 19-sport, biennial national championship for men and women 50 and over. The largest multi-sport event in the world for senior athletes, this year’s competition will take place over 13 days in July in Minneapolis, St. Paul and Bloomington. All events are free and open to the public.

The Senior Games will kick off in the Mill City neighborhood at 8 p.m. on July 4 prior to the annual “Red, White & Boom” fireworks at Father Hennepin Park. Competing athletes will accompany a symbolic torch and flame across the Stone Arch bridge celebrating their arrival in Minneapolis after traveling throughout the state. There will be 851 Minnesota athletes competing in the 12-day competition.

Among the senior athlete competitors will be two downtown riverfront residents and Mill City Commons (MCC) members: Penny Hunt and Penny Winton.  Both competed in late May in the Minnesota Senior Games held in St. Cloud and both won gold medals. Penny Winton won her Gold in the 50 yard freestyle swim event for seniors ages 80-84; Penny Hunt earned hers by winning her age group in the 5K Road Race.

Below - Penny Winton, left, and Penny Hunt, right, with game poster.

On Monday, July 6, Penny Hunt will run in the 5K Road Race with 18 entrants in the 70-74 category.  Her race starts at 8 am at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. On Thursday, July 9, Penny Winton will swim with 15 entrants ages 80-84 from across the country in the Womens 50 yd freestyle at the University of Minnesota Aquatic Center. Both are the only Minnesotans in their races.

On Friday, July 10 at 7:00 pm. there will be a Parade of Athletes at CHS Field in Saint Paul. Minnesota athletes, including those from Mill City Commons, will celebrate their accomplishments with participating athletes from all over the country. All athletes will walk with their state in the Parade of Athletes. The program will also feature entertainment by the Wright Bros. Band.

Co-chairing Mill City Commons participation are MCC members Peggy Lucas (Downtown East) and Ellie Hands (Marcy Holmes).  “In addition to encouraging our two Penny’s, we’ve recruited 40 Mill City Commons members and friends who will join other Twin Cities volunteers to help with Athlete Registration at the Minneapolis Convention Center”, said Ellie Hands.  “Volunteering and giving back to the community where we live is a key value of Mill City Commons,” she added. 

Opened and staffed in 2008, Mill City Commons is a welcoming and inclusive neighborhood “village” for 175 residents ages 55+.  Members build community by bringing together neighbors on both sides of the downtown Mississippi Riverfront District who connect with each other through a rich calendar of events. Information on Mill City Commons is available at http://www.millcitycommons.org/ or 612.455.3329.

Traffic Alert - Hennepin Avenue Closure Update for June 10

Via a June 8 City of Minneapolis e-newsletter:

Portion of Hennepin Avenue northbound in Downtown to close overnight Wednesday, June 10

Northbound Hennepin Avenue, from Third Street North to First Street North will close at 7 p.m., Wednesday, June 10 until 5 a.m., Thursday, June 11.

A signed detour diverting traffic from Third Street North to First Avenue North to First Street North and back to Hennepin Avenue will be place during the closure. Southbound Hennepin Avenue and Washington Avenue will remain open.

A utility company will excavate two sections of the street to deactivate and cap an old gas line during the closure.

Please click on the link below which includes all proposed downtown construction for the 2015 season.  By clicking on the colored lines or boxes, this map gives information regarding project name, Contractor, type of closure, estimated start/end times.

Link to Proposed Construction

Also, to access current construction projects please click on the website link below. By clicking on the lines or boxes, information will include the type and duration of closure.

Link to Current Construction and Events 

Northern Spark June 13th & 14th Ticketed Events

Via a June 6 Northern Spark e-newsletter:

Northern Spark is free for all to attend. Our 3 ticketed events help make this possible by funding 10% of our overall budget as an arts nonprofit. Spark our night and yours with great food, company, and surprise performances in the beautiful spaces of the Mill City Ruin Courtyard and Aria. We're only 1 WEEK AWAY, get your tickets now!

Join us at the Northern Spark Launch Party on June 13th, 7-9:30 pm at the beautiful Mill City Ruin Courtyard. Get your tickets here while they last! $60-$100, plus the option to add beautiful artist prints by Kate Cassanova, Robin Schwartzman, Piotr Szyhalski, and Jenni Undis. All proceeds benefit Northern Spark's artistic programming. 

SOLD OUT: Northern Spark Bike Tour on June 13th-14th with Recovery Bike Shop. Thank you to all who bought tickets!

NORTHERN SPARK PANCAKE FEED tickets now just $5 dollars in advance! It was a long night last year in the rain; we want to thank you for your continued enthusiasm and support for Northern Spark. Celebrate with us over hotcakes. Sunrise / 5:30-7 am on Sunday, June 14th at Aria. The James Bearders The Bachelor Farmer x Al's Breakfast join forces once again to serve a special meal for those who stayed up all night night (or returned after a nap). Special appearance by Pierwoss & SISKA, Cole Pulice and DJ Brian Engel.  There's no better place to swap stories and re-fuel after a night of adventure. Tickets are limited. Advance purchase strongly recommended. $5 in advance, $25 at the door. All proceeds benefit Northern Spark's artistic programming.