The Environmental Assessment Worksheet and Associated Studies for the Proposed Ritz Block are Now Available

 

Via a February 27 News Release from The City of Minneapolis, Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED):

The Environmental Assessment Worksheet and Associated Studies for the Proposed Ritz Block are Now Available

Friday, February 27, 2015 (Minneapolis, MN) - The Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) and associated studies for the proposed Ritz Block project located on the property at 315 Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis, are now available.  The total project area encompasses an approximately two and one-half acre site along Nicollet Mall in Downtown Minneapolis, between South 3rd and 4th Streets.  This phased development is anticipated to be developed in two separate phases and would provide at completion up to 728 dwelling units, 12,000 square feet of commercial space, and up to 909 off-street parking spaces.  Alternatively, Phase 2 could be constructed with up to 365,606 square feet of office space instead of residential units.   Phase 1, would include 364 residential units, up to 12,000 SF of ground level retail space, approximately 430 parking spaces, occupy approximately 60,524 square feet of land and is planned for construction in 2015-2017.  Each phase would be taken through the City’s design and approval process independently. 

Copies of the EAW will be available for review at the downtown Minneapolis Central Library located at 300 Nicollet Mall, and in the office of the City’s CPED, Land Use, Design and Preservation Section at 250 S. 4th Street, Room 300 Public Service Center.   Notice will be published in the EQB Monitor on Monday, March 2nd, 2015. Public comments on the EAW must be made within the 30-day comment period, which ends at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2015. It is anticipated that the Zoning and Planning Committee at its regular meeting on April 23, 2015, or at a subsequent meeting, will receive a report and recommendation from City staff, hear comment from all parties and consider the adequacy of this EAW and the need for an Environmental Impact Statement for this proposal. The City Council will act on the recommendation of this Committee at a subsequent meeting on May 1, 2015.

This EAW and supporting information will also be available for review on the City of Minneapolis website. Copies of this EAW can also be provided to individuals by email. For further information or to submit comments on the EAW, contact Becca Farrar-Hughes, Senior Planner, at 612.673.3594.

New City of Minneapolis Program Provides Increased Wheelchair Accessible Taxicab Service to the Public

 

Via a February 25 Press Release from The City of Minneapolis:

New City of Minneapolis Program Provides Increased Wheelchair Accessible Taxicab Service to the Public

Wednesday, February 25, 2015 (Minneapolis, MN) – The City of Minneapolis has developed a new program to provide wheelchair accessible taxicab service to the public.  Effective February 1st, 2015 five local taxicab companies have agreed to provide wheelchair accessible taxicab service 24 hours a day. 

The participating companies receive incentives in the form of reduced license fees for providing the services. The incentive fund is created by charging an annual license surcharge to all other taxicab companies and Transportation Network Companies such as UberX and Lyft who do not provide the services. 

“This new program is a great step in the right direction to increasing accessibility for our residents,” said Mayor Betsy Hodges. “It’s important that all residents know they can rely on services when they need them, and I thank these participating taxicab companies for recognizing the importance of serving the entire community. This program aligns with other investments the City is making to increase accessibility in a range of transportation options, including pedestrian improvements, winter-time snow-clearing, and advocacy for level boarding at LRT and future streetcar stops.”

All of the participating taxicab vehicles are Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant and charge the same fare as all other licensed taxicabs. Currently, 23 wheelchair accessible taxicabs are participating in the program, and all accept credit cards. The drivers have received training from their respective companies on the proper use of these specialty vehicles. 

The taxicab companies participating in the program are Airport Taxi (7 wheelchair accessible vehicles), Yellow Taxi (7 wheelchair accessible vehicles), Green and White Taxi (6 wheelchair accessible vehicles), Minneapple Taxi (2 wheelchair accessible vehicles), and La Mexicana Taxicab (1 wheelchair accessible vehicle). 

The Wheelchair Accessible Taxicab program was developed by the City of Minneapolis Division of Licenses and Consumer Services, the taxicab advisory committees of taxicab service companies, owners, and drivers, plus advice from the Minneapolis Advisory Committee on People with Disabilities.  For more information visit the City of Minneapolis Business Licensing website.

Pop-up Mill City Farmers Market Comes to Capella Tower

Thursday, March 5 - 11:00a-2:00p in the Capella Tower Atrium

On Thursday, March 5, the Mill City Farmers Market moves to downtown Minneapolis’ Capella Tower(225 S. 6th Street) for a one-of-a-kind pop-up market with over 20 of its fabulous vendors in a vibrant lunchtime marketplace full of quality, locally produced, homegrown products. From 11:00am-2:00pm, visitors can choose from an assortment of artisanal products and take-home groceries, including farmstead cheese, dry-cured meats, pickled veggies, a selection of vegan “meats” and cheeses, kitchen utensils, and more!

Click here for more info.
 

Participating Vendors:

Ames Farm – Single-source honey, beeswax candles
Aprilierre – Jewelry
Barkley’s Bistro – All natural, gluten-free puppy treats
Birchberry Native Arts and Food -  Wild rice, maple syrup, soup and pancake mixes, handmade crafts
Buffalo by Bike - 100% grass fed bison meat
Crookedwood – Handcrafted wooden cooking utensils
Down In The Valley Bakehouse – Gluten-free baked goods
Heath Glen Farm – Artisanal fruit preserves
Kiss My Cabbage – Lacto-fermented sauerkraut and kimchi
Jeanne Beatrice – Handwoven market bags and baskets
Martha’s Joy – Pickled vegetables
Red Table Meat Co. – Dry-cured pork products
Salty Tart – Fresh breads + pastries
Sassy Knitwear – Up-cycled clothing and accessories
Singing Hills Goat Dairy - Farmstead goat milk cheese
Star Prairie Trout Farm – Fresh + smoked farm-raised trout, salmon and walleye
St. Croix Chocolate Co. – Artisan chocolates
The Abbey Alpacas – Alpaca knits and fibers
The Herbivorous Butcher – All vegan “meats” and cheeses
Zula Juice – 100% organic cold-pressed juices and cleanses

Lose That "Case of the Mondays" at Magna During the Month of March

During the month of March, Magna is offering a free Cardio Barre class every Monday at Noon.

In addition to a fun and energized 50-minute Cardio Barre with expert instructor Christine Reiser, each class will feature awesome giveaways, including a t-shirt and shaker bottle, foam roller, and even a 60-minute massage!

You'll also receive a flyer to enter a raffle for a $25 shop card at Athleta in Edina at 50th and France.

Click here to register.

Mayor Hodges Invites You to Join the 'Cradles to K Cabinet'

 

Via a February 24, 2015, e-newsletter from Mayor Betsy Hodges:

Dear Friend,

My Cradle to K Cabinet has been hard at work since last year on a plan to eliminate disparities for our youngest residents. Last month, I released the Cradle to K Cabinet’s draft report, which outlines policy, legislative and collaboration recommendations.

Read the draft recommendations here.

These draft recommendations are grounded in research and the prevailing best practices in the field and in our community. Recommendations range from increasing housing options for the lowest-income families, expanding home visiting, increasing early childhood screening at age three, and more.

Now I’m asking for participation from all of you.

Join the Cradle to K Cabinet at a community meeting to learn more about the draft plan, to talk with others in the community and to share your feedback on the recommendations and strategies.

Food will be served and Child Care is available at both meetings. We want to make sure we have enough food and chairs, so please let us know you are attending.

Tuesday, March 3
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Children’s Hospital – Education Center, 2nd Floor
2525 Chicago Avenue, Minneapolis, MN
Co-hosted by Children’s Hospital, Way to Grow and YWCA of Minneapolis
Register at: http://march3forum.eventbrite.com/

Thursday, March 5
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Phyllis Wheatley Community Center – Gertrude Brown Room
915 Emerson Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN
Co-hosted by Children’s Defense Fund, Think Small, Start Early Funders
Register at: http://march5forum.eventbrite.com/

If you can’t make it to one of the meetings, we still want to hear from you. Share your feedback with us online at the link below.

http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/mayor/cradle/WCMS1P-136627

Many of these recommendations won’t be possible without support from the community, so we are inviting all of you to be part of this process as we work to create equity with our kids.

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.

New Luxury Condo Development, The Portland Tower, now Taking Reservations

The Portland Tower is now taking reservations.  Located at the corner of Portland and 8th, it will feature:

• Floor-plans maximizing glass and efficiency of space.
• Top-level standard features and upscale amenities.
• Tailored finishes to meet individual needs.
• Proximity to vibrant nightlife, extraordinary dining and Downtown East with all the new developments in the area, including the Vikings Stadium.
• Price range from $300k - $900k.

Contact Luke Kleckner at 612-310-8616 or lukekleckner@gmail.com for info. 

Minnesota Center for Book Arts Announces New Shop and Gallery Hours

Via a Feb 19 Minnesota Center for Book Arts (MCBA) e-newsletter:

New Shop and Gallery Hours We've got big news: MCBA will be opening earlier and staying open later! We're expanding our hours to offer greater access to our gallery and shop, and more convenience to those participating in our evening and weekend classes. As of March 1, our business hours will be: - Monday through Saturday: 9:30am to 6:30pm - Tuesdays open late: 9:30am to 9pm - Sundays: noon to 5pm With expanded hours come some new faces -- stop in and meet new Shop staffers Lacey and Camille, and welcome back Jill! Lastly, you will definitely want to Save The Date for a HUGE Shop "sidewalk sale" on March 6-8, with enormous discounts on all types of inventory. More details in the next e-News!

Hennepin County to Host Open Data Event Feb 21 and 22

Via a February 18 Hennepin County e-newsletter:

Hennepin County to host open data event

Hennepin County is hosting Geo:Code, its first code-a-thon. This event will bring together teams of geographers, technology developers and coders, and Hennepin County community members to create technology solutions that improve county services, give residents greater access to government data and make a difference in our communities.

The event will highlight Hennepin County government-produced data available to the public free of charge and without need for a license. The county has made more than 40 public datasets of geographic information systems (GIS) data available that can be used to create civic apps and software programs, with more to be released soon.

WHEN

• Saturday February 21 and Sunday February 22
• From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days

WHERE

• Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central, 2nd floor
• 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55401

YogaFit Studios Northeast to hold Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Friday, Feb 20

Via a recent Press Release from YogaFit Studios:

YOGAFIT OPENS SECOND MINNEAPOLIS 24x7 YOGA STUDIO LOCATION
Local franchisee opens second of eight studios in Northeast River District neighborhood

MINNEAPOLIS – YogaFit Studios, a first-of-its-kind 24x7 yoga concept, is set to open at 520 First Ave. NE on Thursday, February 12, 2015, providing residents of the Northeast Minneapolis neighborhood and neighboring communities with a convenient, affordable alternative to bring strength and flexibility to their bodies.  The studio is located in the new Red 20 apartment complex cross the street from Denny Kemp Salon and Red Stag Supper Club.  This follows the opening of the first Minneapolis studio location in Linden Hills in December.
 
What sets YogaFit Studios apart from other yoga studios is unlimited access to the industry’s best classes and variety of both instructor-led live classes and virtual on-demand classes. 

YogaFit Studios is a franchise developed by Lift Brands, which owns SNAP Fitness, Steele Fitness and other wellness companies.  This is the second of eight locations for owner Ashok Dhariwal, who previously spent 10 years working in a variety of leadership roles at the headquarters of a Minneapolis-based Fortune 50 retailer. After years of executive-level account management and business development, he decided to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities that allowed him to focus on doing what’s best for the customer, always.
 
“What drew me to YogaFit Studios was the concept,” said Dhariwal. “YogaFit is a well-known brand in the yoga industry, historically known as the largest yoga training organization in the world having trained over 250,000 instructors world-wide in the past 20 years.  The YogaFit style of yoga was designed to blend balance, strength, flexibility and power in a fitness format. YogaFit Studios brings the YogaFit method to a convenient neighborhood location and at an affordable price.”

“Our goal is to enable busy people to enjoy the amazing health benefits of yoga in the midst of their hectic schedules. Our Minneapolis studios offer approximately 40 instructor-led classes per week and another 30 virtual classes using on-demand technology projected on a 65” screen TV.”

“In addition the benefits of our convenience and schedule, affordability is another distinguisher.  We offer membership options as low as $69 per month.  We also offer a no-strings attached free week of unlimited yoga to try us out.”

Dhariwal, a former resident of the Northeast neighborhood while earning his MBA at the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management, also cites the community aspect of YogaFit Studios as a key differentiator.

“Yoga is a personal activity, but the environment we will be creating at this studio will foster relationships between members,” Dhariwal says. “We’re excited to bring YogaFit to the Northeast neighborhood and give people a positive outlet for healthy lifestyles.  YogaFit is about strength, flexibility, and stress management for people who love movement. It's about fitness over fashion and finding your inner balance, beauty, and confidence.”
 
Regardless of previous yoga experience, YogaFit Studios has a class for everyone. Classes range from Restorative Yoga to YogaFit Sweat. Some of the advanced classes feature hand weights and a ballet barre for an added challenge.

In addition, YogaFit Studios has a philanthropic focus; each location donates a portion of class dues to charity.

“Not only are you helping yourself by doing yoga; you’re helping others around the world and in your community who are in need. That’s the beauty of YogaFit Studios,” added Dhariwal.

To celebrate its opening, the studio is offering a special promotion.  For new members who join at the $69/month or $79/month monthly membership options, members receive the months of February and March for free. For more information about YogaFit Studios, contact the studio directly at 612-444-2151 or northeastmpls@yogafitstudios.com.

About YogaFit Studios

YogaFit Studios, part of the Lift Brands family of elevated wellness companies, is the industry’s fastest-growing yoga concept. YogaFit originated as a training certification program over 15 years ago. Its partnership with Lift Brands in 2014 led to the creation of the first-of-its-kind 24/7 yoga franchise.  Members get unlimited access to live and virtual classes – the most offered over any national competitor. For more information, visit http://www.yogafitstudios.com/.

CONTACT:
Ashok Dhariwal ashok@mspyoga.com
www.yogafitstudios.com/clubs/northeast
https://www.facebook.com/YogaFitNortheast

Midwest Pantry to Host Spring Local Food & Gift Show at Grain Belt Bottling House

Do you enjoy shopping at stores that carry locally produced items?  If so, forward this info to your favorite shop owners.

Former Mill City Farmers Market vendors Chad Gillard (Aunt Else's Aebleskiver) and Zoie Glass (Lucille's Kitchen Garden) are the co-founders of Midwest Pantry, a collective of local food companies.  They're hosting Spring Local Food & Gift Show, taking place March 16 at the Grain Belt Bottling House.

Locally-sourced products continue to be a fast growing sector in both gift and grocery, yet finding store-ready products available in wholesale quantities can be time consuming for shop owners. The Midwest Pantry Local Food & Gift Show is a private event, designed to connect wholesale buyers with qualified, professional, local producers. The Midwest Pantry Local Food & Gift Show features hard to find, locally-sourced wholesale products.

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.