Scenes from the February 14 Mill City Farmers Market

Celebrating Valentine's Day at the Mill City Farmers Market.  :)

These hyacinths filled the air with a heavenly scent!

Cherry Flowers of Page & Flowers had a fun array of infused vinegars.  I love the combination of flavors she used.

New from Sunrise Creative Gourmet - fresh pizza!

I brought home a few packages of dried herbs from Urban Roots.

Thank you to MCFM Sponsor, The Wedge Community Co-op.  I wonder which lucky shopper won the $200 gift card...  :)

Amanda Paa signed copies of her book, Smitten with Squash.

Congratulations to Steven and Jodi of Shepherd's Way Farms on their successful Kickstarter campaign to finance a new barn!

Looking forward to a long soak in the tub with these magnesium bath flakes from Olsen Naturals.

Myfoodstand.com is a website dedicated to improving food transparency.  They're also on Facebook.

Friends of the Mississippi River Announces Annual Science Museum Event

Friends of the Mississippi River recently announced their annual Science Museum event will take place Thursday, March 26, 7-8:30pm at the Science Museum of Minnesota in St. Paul.

The High Price of Cheap Groundwater: Are We Flushing Our Future Downstream?

Capacity is limited and advance registration required. This event is free, and advance museum access and parking are included.
 
As reported in the FMR newsletter and multiple media outlets, groundwater levels are declining in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. FMR is proud to offer a special, localized presentation on this vital topic featuring Ali Elhassan of the Metropolitan Council and Dr. James Almendinger, Senior Scientist at the St. Croix Watershed Research Station of the Science Museum of Minnesota.

Learn more and secure your ticket.

Why We Support MacPhail Center for Music

Not that we needed a reminder, but this excerpt from a recent MacPhail Center for Music e-newsletter really speaks to our decision to be an ongoing contributor. Music is so important to a child's development!  :)

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Thanks to you, it has been another exceptional year for MacPhail students: 

• Enrollment expanded by 4,000 students over the past two years, an increase of over 44%.
• Music instruction was provided either free or at a greatly reduced cost to 7,000 students annually.
• Online school partnerships served 17 school districts in Greater Minnesota, teaching over 1,500 students regularly.

Tomorrow! Pick up Valentine's Treats at the Mill City Farmers Market inside the Mill City Museum

The Mill City Farmers Market returns to the Mill City Museum tomorrow, Feb 14, 10:00am - 1:00pm.

Find your favorite vendors on our vendor map!

Produce Planner: Beets, beans (dried), carrots, garlic, onions, pac choi, potatoes, radishes (black Spanish and watermelon varieties), salad greens, shallots, squash, and more!

Other farm-fresh goods: grass-fed beef, lamb, and bison, pastured pork, aquaculture trout, free-range eggs, sheep, goat and cow’s milk cheese, single-source honey, wild-harvested wild rice, MN maple syrup.

NEW! Fresh roasted hazelnuts.

Live Music, 11 am – 1 pm: Daddy Squeeze sets a festive tone at the Market today with his eclectic blend of Celtic, Tex-Mex, Creole, Blues, Jazz, Scandinavian, Polka and pop music.

Book Signing, all day:  Amanda Paa, author of Smitten with Squash, will be at the market today! She’ll be signing her cookbook, talking about the recipes & answering your questions about all things squash.

Art Market: Featuring Aprilierre, Crankosaurus Press, Crookedwood, Fresh Mud Pottery, Larissa Loden, Old World Cabinet, Sally Fritz Clothing, and Sassy Knitwear.

Sponsor Booth: The Wedge Community Co-op.

Community Booth, all day:
My Food Stand is a small start-up company working to make the Minneapolis food system more transparent. Stop by their booth and learn more about what they're all about.

Carnaval Brasileiro Returns to Minneapolis February 21

Via a February 5 News Release:

The most attended and longest-running annual Brazilian event in the Twin Cities takes a giant leap to the next level with the 13^th annual Carnaval Brasileiro on Saturday, February 21 at International Market Square. For the first time, Carnaval will have three performance stages, FREE on-site parking, a beautiful new venue with capacity for thousands, and VIP tickets with full Brazilian buffet (served 7-8:30). The VIP package also includes complimentary caipirinha (Brazil's national cocktail), a private exclusive Brazilian concert during dinner, a framed commemorative photo, and more.  The newly branded BrazilFest MN brings you, "Carnaval Brasileiro 2015" (Brazilian Carnival).

Over 80 singers, drummers, samba dancers, and artisans will transform International Market Square into an authentically festive Brazilian cultural experience!

Guitarist/vocalist Robert Everest and his ten-piece group Beira Mar Brasil will host the two events comprising Carnaval Brasileiro 2015: the BrazilFest Family Matinee in the afternoon and Carnaval Brasileiro Masquerade Ball in the evening.  Everest is a world music expert and leads a band steeped in the sounds of Brazil -- Samba, Axé, Frevo, Baião, and other dance-inducing styles from throughout the country. Singer and samba dancer extraordinaire, Dandara, will join Everest on stage.  Direct from Salvador da Bahia, Brazil’s famous party-loving city, Dandara performs at over 50 carnival celebrations around the world each year in Europe, North America, and of course, Brazil.  2015 will mark her ninth straight appearance in Carnaval Brasileiro of the Twin Cities!  For your indulgence, by-the-minute chair massage will be offered all day/night.

In addition to Dandara, Everest, and Beira Mar Brasil, other performers will include the 50 drummers from Brazilian percussion ensembles Batucada Do Norte and Drumheart, professional samba dancers Edilson Lima and Vanessa Luiz from São Paulo, Brazil, and the Brazilian martial arts group Omulu Capoeira of Minnesota. 

Carnaval guests will be able to purchase true Brazilian drinks (and a full Brazilian buffet by D'Amico Catering with a VIP admission), try out carnival masks created by master Brazilian artisan Goretti Aamot, or have their face and body painted (just like they do it in Rio!).

The all-ages afternoon family matinee will include mask and instrument making, dance lessons, rescued Brazilian parrots, and free face painting for kids.  Both afternoon and evening shows will take place at one of the premier event venues in the Twin Cities, International Market Square.

The annual Carnaval, celebrated throughout Brazil, lasts nearly a week and has roots dating back to the 1700s.  Like Mardi Gras, Carnaval is an all-out party with music, masks, dancing, food and drink - a final blowout before Lenten traditions kick in for the Easter season.  This Minneapolis edition of Carnaval falls a week after it is celebrated in Brazil, allowing for so many of the special guests to come to Minneapolis.

Carnaval Brasileiro 2015 Programming:

International Market Square, 275 Market Street, Minneapolis

3:00pm - 6:00pm (doors at 2:30) Family BrazilFest - Special All-ages Matinee
7:00pm - 8:30pm VIP Brazilian Buffet served.   
9:00pm - 2:000am (doors at 8:30) Evening Masquerade Ball (18+)  

TICKETS:    
9:00pm Evening Masquerade Ball: $20 in advance (through Feb. 20), $30 at the door.  The $75 VIP tickets include a full Brazilian buffet (served 7 - 8:30 pm), complimentary "caipirinha" (Brazil's favorite cocktail), special gifts, and exclusive access to the "camarote" --  a private platform next to the dance floor offering the best Carnaval experience!

Late night Brazilian buffet tickets (served 10:00 to Midnight) for the evening Masquerade Ball are $20 (must be purchased by February 13 to plan for meals).

3:00pm Afternoon Family BrazilFest: $10 in advance; $15 at the door.
Brazilian Buffet tickets (served 3:30 to 5:30 pm) at afternoon family matinee are $15 (must be purchased by February 13 to plan for the meals).
                
Event and Brazilian Buffet tickets available now at http://www.brazilfest.org/.

Energy Vision Advisory Committee (EVAC)

 

Via a February 11, 2015, e-newsletter from Mayor Betsy Hodges:

Dear Friend,

Last week I attended the first meeting of the newly formed Clean Energy Partnership board. It was an exciting day, one that showed the tangible results of this community’s efforts to achieve our clean energy goals, including reducing greenhouse gases, increasing energy efficiency and renewable energy, and making energy more affordable and reliable for everyone.
 
Read more about the Clean Energy Partnership here.
 
The Clean Energy Partnership is a first-of-its-kind City-utility collaboration that includes the City of Minneapolis, Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy. I'm proud to chair this board, as the City and the utilities work to make progress on our shared goals.
 
But we want the community involved in that work, too. After all, it was the community who helped us reach this point through its passion and advocacy.
 
Please consider applying to serve on the Energy Vision Advisory Committee (EVAC). This committee will play a critical role in shaping the partnership board’s work, providing feedback on the board’s work plan and performance reports, offering expertise, and representing Minneapolis communities.
 
We’re hoping to assemble a diverse board to represent a multitude of viewpoints, including labor and industry; public buildings; community organizations; business interests; students and academia; environmental justice, and more.
 
I'm hoping you’ll join us as we continue in this important work, preparing for our energy future.
 
Apply now for the Energy Vision Advisory Committee – applications are due February 20.
 
Sincerely,
 
Mayor Betsy Hodges
City of Minneapolis
 
P.S. To learn more about how I’m working to address the issues affecting our city, sign up for my e-mail update or check out my website or my blog.

Heads Up on the March 14 Get Lucky 7K Race

 

On Saturday, March 14th, 2015, Team Ortho Foundation will be hosting the Get Lucky 7K Race in Minneapolis. The Get Lucky 7K will have approximately 11,000 participants.  If you're not running yourself, come on out to cheer them on!  Team Ortho Foundation is happy to be the organizer of this and six other races they hold each year. Their mission is to keep people active and healthy, by organizing well-run races for new and veteran runners alike. They also serve the orthopaedic community by donating money to orthopaedic causes.

The residents and businesses along this course will be impacted as the course travels down South 2nd Street, 11th Avenue South and along West River Parkway. Please note Washington Avenue will remain open for vehicle traffic throughout the event.

Team Ortho has arranged temporary road closures and detours with the City of Minneapolis, the police and Parks departments regarding all event details. Warning Lites of Minnesota will also be working with Team Ortho on road closure signage and barricades.

During this time, cars and parking are not allowed on the streets. Please take this into account while making plans in the morning on March 14th. Your patience is appreciated as the runners work to complete this race.

Temporary Road Closures:
o From 7:30am until the last runner passes (approx. 12 Noon) South 2nd Street will be closed from 3rd Ave S to Portland Ave.
o From 8:45am until the last runner passes (approx. 10:00am) South 2nd Street will be closed from Portland Ave to 11th Ave S.
o From 8:00am until the last runner passes (approx. 10:00am) West River Parkway will be closed from Portland Ave to 11th Ave S.
o From 8:00am until the last runner passes (approx. 12 Noon) West River Parkway will be closed from Plymouth Ave N to Portland Ave.
o On the East bank, Main Street will also be closed between Father Hennepin Bluffs Park and Plymouth Avenue until the last runner passes.

The Minneapolis Police will reopen the roads after the last runner has passed.

Please mark your calendar and share this information with others who may also be impacted in your neighborhood.  You can see additional information and neighborhood detours on the website at http://www.getluckytc.org/. Team Ortho Foundation appreciates their relationship with the City of Minneapolis. They understand the impact this event has on our neighbors and thanks everyone in advance for your understanding and support.

NOTE - The Mill City Farmers Market will take place inside the Mill City Museum from 10am-1pm this same Saturday.  The MCFM staff has worked with the City and Team Ortho to assure the least amount of inconvenience is experienced by Farmers Market shoppers.

Minneapolis Police Department Looking for Speakers for Community Engagement Series with Officers

Via a February 8 City of Minneapolis e-newsletter:

Minneapolis Police Department Looking for Speakers for Community Engagement Series with Officers

February 6, 2015 (MINNEAPOLIS) As part of the Minneapolis Police Department’s increased focus on continuous community engagement, we are seeking qualified speakers to share neighborhood perspectives and local history with our Officers on a Precinct level. The MPD Community Speaker Series will enable Officers and Supervisors to learn from the select speakers’ insight, giving them a broader view of the communities they serve.
 
So far we have identified several great speakers, but the MPD is also looking for more. Send your name, address and an explanation on how you would present community perspectives, local history and ways to build partnerships with the Officers in your local police precinct to:

Scott.seroka@minneapolismn.gov

Please use “Community Speaker Series” in the subject line of your email. We will go through each entry and respond to your individual inquiry.

Mpls Lantern Fest Free Workshops Kick Off Today

What:   Mpls Lantern Fest Free Workshops
When:   Beginning Saturday, February 7, 2015
Where:  Various Convenient Minneapolis Locations

The first ever Mpls Lantern Fest will Light the Winter Night on February 21 from 5 pm-8 pm in Downtown Minneapolis at Marquette Plaza. Come take part in the festivities complete with illuminated lanterns, music, food and more. Or participate and be a part of the experience: bring friends and family of all ages and abilities to a free lantern making workshop.

Upcoming workshops include:
· Saturday, February 7: Intermedia Arts Gallery (2822 Lyndale Ave. S) | 1 pm-3 pm
· Thursday, February 12: Juxtaposition Arts (1108 W Broadway Ave.) | 5 pm-8 pm
· Saturday, February 14: Intermedia Arts Gallery (2822 Lyndale Ave. S.) | 10 am-12 pm
· Saturday, February 14: Grace Center (1500 6th St. NE) | 2 pm-5 pm
· Sunday, February 15: Grace Center (1500 6th St. NE) | 12 pm-3 pm

Build your own paper lantern with the help and guidance of In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre teaching artists at one of several Lantern Fest workshops. Workshops are free and open to all ages and abilities. All supplies are provided. Additional workshops will be located at convenient locations throughout Minneapolis between Feb. 7 and Feb. 20.

In the Heart of the Beast teaching artists will be demonstrating how to construct the lanterns throughout each workshop, so stop by any time. Teaching artists Nicole Amaris, Eric Avery, Amy Ballestad, Bart Buch, Seth Eberle and Sandy Spieler will conduct the lantern workshops throughout Minneapolis.

Mpls Lantern Fest is produced by the Minneapolis Downtown Council in partnership with In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre.

For more information on the event and on future workshops, visit www.downtownmpls.com/mplslanternfest.

Ollu Dog Wash & Grooming Salon is Moving

Via a February 5 e-newsletter from Ollu Dog Wash:

It's almost packing time! As most of you already know, we're in the process of moving to a new location. Construction is underway, however like all construction projects, it's taking a wee bit longer than we had expected.  We are now planning on a March move-in date. The transition should be smooth, and we expect very little 'down time' in between. This month you can start to look for our sign at our Marshall St. NE location - it'll be put up sometime in the next few weeks! Stay tuned via our newsletters and Facebook page!

Even though we're moving we'll still be the same Ollu you know and love. The look and feel of our new location will be very similar, so don't worry about not recognizing us.  We'll even have the same trusty tubs for your dog to get sudsed up in! And of course, as always, we'll have knowledgeable staff with smiling faces to welcome you.

For directions to our new location, click here.

1010 Washington Wine & Spirits

Via a February 4 1010 Washington Wine & Spirits e-newsletter:

Sorella Wine & Spirits is Now 1010 Washington Wine & Spirits

We welcome you to explore the exciting changes in store!
 
As the former home of The Liquor Depot and Sorella Wine & Spirits, 1010 Washington Avenue has been home to one of the Twin Cities' busiest wine and spirits retailers for over forty years. Under new ownership, 1010 Washington Wine & Spirits is reinventing the tradition of excellent retail to this landmark Downtown Minneapolis address.
 
Over the course of the past month, new ownership has quickly expanded our selection of boutique and nationally advertised wines. In the months to come, you will also see a compelling expansion to our hand-selected beer and spirits sections.
 
1010 Washington would like to earn your loyal business by offering you the market's most competitive pricing along side personalized service to help you find what you like.

We look forward to making your acquaintance at the store!

Sincerely,
Jack Goldenberg | Proprietor
Don Hanson | General Manager
Rob Bonelli | Fine Wine Buyer

Free indoor parking | Delivery | Beverage Event Planning | Special Requests

Free Valentine’s Eve Wedding Ceremonies by Hennepin Judges

Via a February 3 Hennepin County e-newsletter:

Fourteen Fourth Judicial District judges invite couples to register for free wedding ceremonies on Valentine’s Eve, over the noon hour.

“As a bench, we wanted to help celebrate the holiday in a unique way – and to help people easily remember their anniversaries in the future," said Honorable William Koch. "This was a fun event for us, and allowed us to give a little back to our military members and first responders, as well as general members of the public.”

For registration information, please visit the Fourth Judicial District website.

WHEN:

Friday, February 13, 2015
11:30 a.m. Pre-ceremony check-in
12:00 p.m. Program starts

Welcome – Honorable William Koch, Fourth Judicial District
Music performed by Fourth Judicial District judges
Weddings will occur approximately every 15 minutes.

WHERE:

Hennepin County Government Center
300 South Sixth Street
Skyway-level reflection pool

WHO:

Military, first responders and civilian couples will be married in Hennepin County by 14 judges. The event spotlights positive outreach to the citizens of Hennepin County about District Court, the Resident and Real Estate Services department's services, and the Government Center.

For more information visit district court's website at www.mncourts.gov/district/4/. 

Updates from the Minneapolis Parks Foundation

 

From a January 30 Minneapolis Parks Foundation e-newsletter:

R.T. Rybak, Liz Hawn join Board of Directors

On January 13, 2015, the Minneapolis Parks Foundation named Liz Hawn and R.T. Rybak to its 20-member Board of Directors. Hawn, a community leader and philanthropist, and Rybak, former Minneapolis Mayor and Executive Director of Generation Next, assumed their three-year Directorships at the Parks Foundation’s annual meeting. Read More >>
 

A new look at the West Bank

The St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board approved a fresh vision for the West Bank of St. Anthony Falls earlier this month. Called Changing Relationships to the Power of the Falls, the Interpretive Vision builds on a landmark 2009 vision for the St. Anthony Falls Heritage Zone, and follows a 2013 East Bank interpretive plan. Read More >>

Congratulations to Neighborhood Businesses Recognized by Hennepin County for Their Recycling Efforts

Via a January 29 Hennepin County News Release:

Hennepin County recognizes 40 businesses for their extraordinary leadership in recycling

Hennepin County is pleased to recognize its 2014 Environmental Partners for their leading efforts to recycle and divert organic waste from the trash through composting, sending food scraps to local farmers to feed animals, or by donating edible food. By creating and sustaining strong recycling programs, these 40 businesses help conserve natural resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support the local economy.

The business sector generates more than half of the total waste in Hennepin County, and studies show that about one-third of that waste is food and food-soiled paper. Initiatives by businesses to increase recycling are critical to meeting the county’s recycling goals and will be required for most companies in the county starting in 2016.

“As a healthcare organization, our mission is to improve the health of our community,” said Wesli Waters, sustainability program manager for Fairview Health Services, a 2014 Environmental Partner. “By implementing sustainability initiatives such as recycling and composting, we are able to conserve resources, which improves the health of the environment, and ultimately the health of our communities. While these programs are important to not only our employees, patients and community, they also help Fairview conserve valuable financial resources.”

Businesses become eligible to be recognized as Environmental Partners by completing an application that details their recycling programs, which are then verified by Hennepin County’s Environment and Energy Department staff during site visits. Businesses that demonstrate that they’ve met the Environmental Partner standards receive recognition decals to post at a visible location at their business and are listed in the Environmental Partners Directory on Hennepin County’s website. In addition to the Environmental Partners program, the county offers grants up to $50,000, free labels and signage, and professional staff assistance to help businesses start or improve recycling programs.

Thank you and congratulations to all of Hennepin County’s 2014 Environmental Partners:
•APA Medical
•The Bakken Museum
•Barbette
•Barrio – Edina
•Bread & Pickle
•Brave New Workshop
•Bryant Lake Bowl
•Butter Bakery Café
•Caffetto Coffee House
•The Cookie Cart
•Common Roots Café  and Catering
•Cozé Flats
•Donaldson Company
•Dunn Brothers – Freight House
•Edina Cinema
•Edina Grill
•Fairview Southdale Hospital
•Gastrotruck
•Gigi’s Café
•Gumball Collective
•IDS Center
•International Dairy Queen
•Joseph Catering
•Kid Zone Child Care Center
•Lions Tap
•Mason’s
•MSP Airport
•Mill City Clinic
•Minnesota Twins
•Open Arms
•Pat’s Tap
•Red Stag Supper Club
•Salut Bar Americain – Edina
•Solhavn
•Solhem
•Soltva
•Tennant Co.
•University of Minnesota Medical Center - West Bank and East Bank
•Wedge Community Co-op

Learn more about the Environmental Partners Program at www.hennepin.us/environmentalpartners or by calling 612-348-9195.

Izzy's 2015 13 Days of Giving, February 1 - 13

For a second year, Izzy's Ice Cream is paying it forward with their "13 Days of Giving", February 1 - 13.  Each day a different organization is featured (3 days have 2 organizations) and $2 from every single scoop cone or cup sold that day is donated to the organization.  This year's organizations are:

Open Arms of Minnesota
Autism Society of Minnesota
People Serving People
Roots for the Home Team
Youth Link
Fresh Air KFAI
Cycles for Change
Cookie Cart
Dangerous Productions
Milkweed Editions
Restart, Inc.
Twin Cities Pet Rescue
Friends of the Mississippi River
St. Stephen's Human Services
NPH USA
Guthrie Theater Foundation

They are also hosting a Silent Auction/Movie Night on Thursday, February 12, from 7:00pm - 9:00pm at the Riverview Theater (3800 42nd Avenue South).  All proceeds from the silent auction and movie night will be distributed equally among the organizations.

Here's What's on the Menu at the Film Society of Minneapolis St.Paul

Boyhood Now playing thru February 5 | 2014 MSPIFF Official Selection | Oscar Nominee We're delighted to bring back the 2014 MSPIFF Official Selection and Oscar Nominee, Boyhood. Filmed over 12 years with the same cast, Richard Linklater's groundbreaking film tells the story of growing up as seen through the eyes of a child named Mason (a breakthrough performance by Ellar Coltrane), who literally grows up on screen before our eyes. Starring Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette, and newcomer Lorelei Linklater, Boyhood charts the rocky terrain of childhood like no other film  has before....read more Awake: The Life of Yogananda Now playing thru February 5 Extended Run | Minneapolis Theatrical Exclusive An unconventional documentary about the Hindu Swami who brought yoga and meditation to the West in the 1920s, and authored the spiritual classic "Autobiography of a Yogi," which has become a spiritual classic used by yoga lovers and philosophers everywhere, and bears the distinction of being the only book Steve Jobs kept on his iPad!...read more Roméo and Juliette February 1 at 1:00pm series: Opera on Screen Tony Award winning stage director Bartlett Sher makes his European opera debut with this production of Roméo et Juliette, one of the most famous and moving love stories in all of opera. Tenor superstar Rolando Villazón sings opposite young Georgian soprano Nino Machaizde, one of the newest darlings of the opera world.  ...read more The Jingle Dress February 6 - 12 2014 MSPIFF Official Selection | MN Made MN Theatrical Exclusive At its heart, The Jingle Dress is a contemporary story of a Native American family that moves from their rural home on the reservation in northern Minnesota to the faster paced urban environment of Minneapolis....read more WonderWomen: Rocks in My Pockets February 2 at 7:00pm | February 4 at 7:00pm series: WonderWomen On Screen Lativa's Oscar submission for Best Foreign Language Film!  Latvian-born artist and filmmaker Signe Baumane tells five fantastical tales based on the courageous women in her family and their battles with madness. With boundless imagination and a twisted sense of humor, she has created daring stories of art, romance, marriage, nature, business, and Eastern European upheaval-all in the fight for her own sanity....read more The Babadook Now playing thru February 5 Extended Run | MN Theatrical Exclusive | #StudentGiveaway When William Friedkin, director of The Exorcist, calls it the most terrifying film he's ever seen, one should take note. Directed by a former apprentice of Lars Von Trier, the film follows a single mother who struggles to control her son's fear of a monster he believes is coming to kill them both: the Babadook....read more Two Days, One Night February 3 at 7:00pm Oscar Nominee | Members-Only Free Screening This screening is full, but stay tuned for more Members-Only Free Screenings in the future! For the first time, the Dardenne Brothers have teamed with a major international star, Academy Award winner Marion Cotillard, and the result is another masterwork of humanism.  ...read more WonderWomen: The Works of Suzan Pitt February 9 at 7:00pm series: WonderWomen On Screen For three decades, Suzan Pitt has been an internationally renowned creator of beautiful, strange and fiercely original animation. Collected here in this program are four of Pitt's pioneering and unforgettable masterworks. ...read more

Inaugural Mpls Lantern Fest To Bring Community Together and Illuminate Downtown On February 21

Via a January 27 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Downtown Council:

MINNEAPOLIS (January 27, 2015) — The Minneapolis Downtown Council and In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre announced today the inaugural Mpls Lantern Fest will take place Saturday, February 21 from 5-8 p.m. at Cancer Survivors Park in downtown Minneapolis.

The event will be a culmination of free workshops at various Minneapolis locations throughout February, at which participants of all ages and abilities will be able to create their own paper lanterns with the help and direction of In the Heart of the Beast teaching artists. Participants may build their own lantern at a workshop, then pick up their lantern on February 21 and take part in an illuminated movement beginning at 6 p.m.  Participants may take their lanterns home afterwards.

“We’re excited to introduce the Mpls Lantern Fest and start a new tradition here in Downtown Minneapolis,” said Leah Wong, vice president of events and marketing, Minneapolis Downtown Council. “Activities and events are a big part of creating a consistently compelling downtown experience, an initiative of our Downtown 2025 Plan. The Mpls Lantern Fest will be a great way to bring our downtown neighborhood and Minneapolis community together.”

Food, beverages and live entertainment will be on hand at Mpls Lantern Fest, which celebrates lighting the winter night. Lantern festivals date back to Chinese dynasties as early as 200 BC. They have since become gathering events in Europe and across the world, where children and adults alike build their own illuminated lanterns, and come together as a community.

The event is free and open to the public. Spectators and those who participated in workshops are encouraged to join us for free entertainment and festivities at Mpls Lantern Fest.

“At In the Heart of the Beast, our mission is to bring people together for the common good through the power of puppet and mask performances,” said Catherine Jordan, interim executive director, In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre. “Mpls Lantern Fest not only brings people together, but it allows us to embrace the heart of winter while ushering in the warmth and illumination of spring. We’re thrilled to have this opportunity to shine light on our great downtown.”

Participate in a Workshop and be part of the experience:

• Lyn-Lake: Saturday, Feb. 7 (1-3 PM), Saturday, Feb. 14 (10 AM-12 PM) | Hosted by Intermedia Arts Gallery (2822 Lyndale Avenue S, Minneapolis, MN 55408)
• North: Tuesday, Feb. 12 (5-8 PM) | Hosted by Juxtaposition Arts (1108 Broadway Avenue W, Minneapolis, MN 55411)
• Northeast: Saturday, Feb. 14 (2-5 PM) and Sunday, Feb. 15 (12-3 PM) | Hosted by ArtShare (Grace Center, 1500 6th Street NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413)
• Powderhorn: Tuesday, Feb. 17, Thursday, Feb. 19 and Friday, Feb.20 (6-9 PM) | Hosted by In the Heart of the Beast (1500 Lake Street E, Minneapolis, MN 55407)
• Uptown: Wednesday, Feb. 18 (6-8 PM) | Hosted by First Universalist Church, Chalice Room (3400 Dupont Avenue S, Minneapolis, MN 55408)
• More to be announced

In the Heart of the Beast teaching artists Nicole Amaris, Eric Avery, Amy Ballestad, Bart Buch, Seth Eberle and Sandy Spieler will lead the workshops teaching participants how to build lanterns. All supplies will be provided. Participants are welcome to come and go during the allotted timeframe or stay as long as desired during the workshops in order to complete their projects. Artists on hand will do demonstrations and walk participants through the process of creating a lantern.

At Mpls Lantern Fest on Feb. 21, teaching artists will mobilize giant lantern puppets inspired by constellations —including a bear (rendering at right), rabbit, loon, fox and crow—that will provide artistic light and lead the movement. Participants will take their own lanterns and follow their teaching artist during the movement at Cancer Survivors Park.

For more information on the Mpls Lantern Fest and workshops, visit DowntownMpls.com/mplslanternfest.

About the Minneapolis Downtown Council:
 
Founded in 1955, and one of the oldest 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 strives to achieve 10 initiatives that will help leaders and citizens build on Downtown’s assets and guide Downtown Minneapolis’ development. These include doubling downtown’s residential population, transforming Nicollet Mall into a must-see destination, creating a compelling and walkable environment around the clock, leading the nation in transportation options, ending street homelessness, forging 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.

This Weekend: TwinsFest 2015

This weekend's TwinsFest 2015 at Target Field promises to be bigger and better than ever. 

Hours are:

Friday, January 23 4:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 24 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 25 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Check out today's StarTrib article.

Tonight: Minneapolis After the Locks - Unlocking Opportunities at Mill City Museum

Minneapolis After the Locks - Unlocking Opportunities

Join your neighbors tonight at the Mill City Museum from 6:00pm-7:30pm!

The lock is scheduled to be closed in June 2015.  Its closure will change river management practices and have an environmental and an economic impact far beyond the Falls and the local area.  The Forum is designed to help us better understand both the immediate and longer-term consequences of the closure and to hear ideas about how the site and the river can be used in new and different ways.

Hosted by the Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership

“Hands of Time” Stop on Iconic Minneapolis City Hall Clock

Via a January 16 Hennepin County e-newsletter:

“Hands of time” stop on iconic Minneapolis City Hall clock — time for a check-up

WHAT
Minneapolis City Hall’s iconic clock will stop ticking so engineers can assess its condition for any needed repairs or parts replacements. Rising to 345 feet, the clocktower is a landmark feature of the building, a late-nineteenth century treasure listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Each of the tower’s four clockfaces measures approximately 23.5 feet in diameter, rivaling London’s Big Ben in size. The job is expected to take several days and the clock should start telling time again by Friday.      

WHEN
Monday, January 19
6:30 a.m  clock stops
9:00 a.m. (approximately) engineering crew rappels down the clock tower     

WHERE
Minneapolis City Hall
350 South 5th Street, Minneapolis

BUILDING  FACTS
City Hall, also known as the Municipal Building, is overseen by a commission of Minneapolis and Hennepin County elected officials. Find more information about the building and its history.