Attention Teens: Deadline is January 9 to Register for January 23 Open Mic Night at MacPhail

Teen Open Mic Night Hosted by the MacPhail Teen Advisory Council

Open mic night is a casual, fun and social night presented by teens for teens in a variety of styles and instruments—everything from Bach to Rock! You are welcome to perform individually or in a group. Or just come and enjoy the music of other performers. All teens are welcome!

It will take place Friday, January 23, from 7:00pm - 9:00pm, in Room 126 at MacPhail Center for Music, Room 126, 501 S 2nd Street.

Email macphail.tac@gmail.com to sign up or if questions. Deadline: Friday, January 9.

Please include your name, song title and song length (under 6 minutes, please) and if you have any set up needs. An accompanist will be provided if you sign up in advance. The accompanist needs 2 weeks of lead time. Please include piano part to accompanist with form (will be emailed to you at time of sign up).

Happy New Year!

Wishing our neighbors all the best in 2015!   :D

Ride Metro Transit Free on New Year's Eve!

Celebrate New Year’s Eve responsibly and get a free ride!

On Dec. 31, customers can ride free from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. on all Metro Transit routes – buses, METRO lines and Northstar. No fare, no coupons – simply hop on and take a seat for free.

Whether you’ll be out celebrating or you’re not interested in driving alongside those who are, riding Metro Transit is an easy, safe alternative.

Miller Free Rides is a community service program in partnership with Metro Transit, J.J. Taylor Distributing Company and Miller Lite.

Learn more at 1-800-FREE-RIDES or visit MillerLiteFreeRides.com.

3 Days Remain to Make a 2014 Tax-Deductible Donation for Northern Spark 2015

Only 3 days left to support Northern Spark 2015. Here's a sampling of our contributor perks below. To see them all visit our Indiegogo page. Supporting Northern Spark, helps artists realize big ideas and bring a night of wonder to the city!

Give today and claim one of the following perks for yourself or someone you love (or, if you chose not to claim a perk, your gift is 100% tax-deductible):

$10 / Sparking Toy to #Spark5 - All gift levels $10 and up. (Pickup only.)

$25 / 2015 T-shirt - Design is forthcoming. (Please add $5 for shipping.)

$30 / Tincture Workshop - Learn how to make your own medicine with foraged herbs and your own vodka or brandy with Powderhorn Kitchen artists Jess Hirsch and Ginny Sims. (Only 11 spots left!)

$55 / "Wonder" Limited Edition Print by Robin Schwartzman (NS 2012 artist). Archival print of artwork inspired by NS 2012. Print approximately 26x12 inches. Edition of 50.

$75 / Floating World In White (2014) by Kate Casanova (NS 2014 artist) Archival Pigment Print of Original Paper Collage. Dimensions approximately 25x21 inches. Edition of 50.

$100 / Project Yourself onto the Gold Medal Silos with Luke Savisky and 4 friends. Meet Luke. Enjoy a test run of his project. Includes digital file of group photo. Limit 5. Test run photo of 2014 staff pictured above. (Only 1 left!)

$100 / EXTENDED PLAY Spark Pack - Launch Party, Breakfast, + T-shirt.

$500 / SPARK VIP Pack for 2 - All of the following for one dynamic duo: 2015 T-shirt x2 2015 Art Print x1 Launch Party x2 Curated Bus Tour x2 Pancake Breakfast x2 Jump the Line for 2.

$500 Robin Schwartzman (NS Artist, 2012) Original sign art - CNC routed foam with lights and hand-painted text. New art created exclusively for this campaign and inspired by NS 2012. (Only 1 available!)

AND MORE!

We hope you will HELP FUND 5 NEW ARTIST COMMISSIONS by Dec. 31st by contributing at any amount to our Indiegogo campaign. Your support directly contributes to making new artists projects a reality and gives artists an opportunity to dream big and present on a large scale. Help us continue to energize our creative community and vibrant city! Please give today!
 
Northern Lights.mn is a 501(c)3 non-profit arts organization whose mission is to transform our sense of what’s possible in public space. Northern Spark is one night, but Northern Lights.mn shines throughout the year with projects such as Creative City Challenge for the Minneapolis Convention Center, Art(ists) on the Verge, the Giant Sing-A-Long at the Minnesota State Fair, and permanent, interactive public art for Saint Paul’s Union Depot.

Save the date: Northern Spark 2015 returns on Saturday, June 13th!

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

MPRB Winter Park Highlights Brochure Available Online Now - Coming Soon via Mail

From a December 28 Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board e-newsletter:

Looking for some fun-filled activities for you and your family this winter? Check out the newest edition of our park highlights inside the Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) Community Education catalog, which will arrive in almost 200,000 Minneapolis households between December 29 and January 9!

Our four-page insert is loaded with fun facts and activity ideas that we hope will inspire you to explore the parks and discover all the great events and activities offered at our parks and recreation centers through April 30.

For those residing outside of Minneapolis – or for a sneak peak – you can check out an electronic version of the park highlights brochure online! Copies will also be available at 47 Minneapolis recreation centers and 15 Minneapolis libraries.

On this Christmas Day: Imagine

Playing for Change unites people across continents through music.  Let this video continue running after "Imagine" to enjoy more inspirational songs. 

I don't want to imagine a world without music!

Nominations Sought for Third aWards!

Via a Dec 22 e-newsletter from the office of Council Member Frey:

Join Council Member Frey for his 1st annual State of the Ward Address and Third aWards. Awards will be given for Leader of the Year, Local Business of the Year, Neighborhood Project/Initiative of the Year and Youth Leader of the Year.
 
“The Third aWards is a time to recognize our amazing residents and small business owners that help make the Third Ward a spectacular place,” said Council Member Jacob Frey. 
 
Individuals interested in making a nomination should write a brief description of the accomplishments that deserve recognition. Please submit Third aWards nominations via email, fax (612-673-3940) or by mail to Council Member Jacob Frey, 350 South 5th Street, Room 307, Minneapolis, MN 55415 by Thursday, January 22, 2015. 
 
The State of the Ward and Third aWards will take place Thursday, January 29, 2015 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Nye's Polonaise Room, 112 East Hennepin. Please R.S.V.P early by calling 612-673-2203 or emailing zack.farley@minneapolismn.gov.

Minneapolis #1 in Nation for High Credit Scores According to NerdWallet Number Crunchers

Sara Collins of consumer finance site NerdWallet recently notified me of a new study they completed.  After analyzing data for the nation's largest metro areas to find the highest average credit score, they found that out of 143 places Minneapolis ranked #1 as the most financially responsible place in the country.

Their analysis also produced these findings:

• Of the top ten places with the highest average credit scores, eight are in the Midwest, including four metros in Wisconsin.

• Of the ten places with the lowest average credit scores, eight are in the South.

Click here for the article outlining these findings.  For anyone whose credit is less than stellar, the article also includes tips for improving your credit.

Holiday Lights in the Mill District: Snow or Not, the Show Goes On

This past Saturday night we took a stroll down 2nd Street South and back on West River Parkway.  Hands down, our neighbors at Stonebridge Lofts are the most festive this year, although it's more evident in person than one would gather from pictures.  Runner up: The Stone Arch Lofts.  :)

Click here for the first set of pictures.  There may be a second set if we get out again in the next few days.

Childish Films at the Central Library is a Special Monthly Event for Families

Childish Films is a fun family event happening the 3rd Saturday of the month through April, 2015, at the Central Library.   It's a free program of children’s cinema and arts for all ages.  Each screening features a pre-show activity, an educational introduction, and complimentary healthy snacks. Admission is free with open seating to the public.

Most films are best enjoyed by ages 3 and older, but children and people of all ages are welcome to attend.

The December 20 feature is The Wind in the Willows – Winter Tales.

Warm up with Young Fiddlers Association and enjoy a wintry mix of magical stop motion animated adaptations based on Kenneth Grahame’s classic, The Wind in the Willows.

• Winter Sports, Cosgrove Hall, A&E Entertainment 1985, 20 min At the first real snow of winter, Toad digs out his skis and enthusiastically dreams up a winter sports competition for his fellow river-bankers.
• The Yuletide Entertainment, Cosgrove Hall, A&E Entertainment, 1984, 25 min Badger produces a Christmas variety show in Toad Hall that goes awry when Toad gags on a moustache.

Doors open at 10:00am for seating, snacks, and hands-on activities. Live pre-show performances begin at 10:30am.

Future dates:
January 17 - Adventures in Music
February 21 - Feathers and Fins
March 21 - Comedy Carnival
April 18 - Film Festival Finale with the Bunny Clogs

If you have specific questions about the content of a particular film, please e-mail our curators. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Call 612.543.8107 for more information.

Thursday, December 18 - Holiday Extravaganza at Primrose Park

Looking for a special something for a special someone (or youself)?  Be sure to check out Primrose Park (20 University Avenue NE, across from Surdyk's) this Thursday night.  :)

Scenes from the December 13 Mill City Farmers Market

Didn't attend the December 13 indoor Mill City Farmers Market?  Well, take a look at what you missed...

Festive vendors and music:

Fresh trees, wreaths, centerpieces and ice globe kits:

Food!

Gifts!

Free gift wrapping:

Last but not least - the goat.  :)

The next indoor Market is Saturday, January 10, 2015, inside the Mill City Museum.

Time for a "Holidays in the Mill District" Photo Shoot

Make sure your holiday lights are all ablaze tonight.  Dave and I are taking advantage of the weekend heat wave to get out for a "Holidays in the Mill District" photo shoot! :)

2015 Minneapolis Park Board Budget Approved

Via a December 12 Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board e-newsletter:

Because of your interest in the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB), we want you to know that the MPRB approved its 2015 budget on Wednesday, December 10.
 
The budget focuses on maintaining park services and facilities, strategically addressing financial and operational challenges, improving organizational efficiency and service delivery, and addressing Emerald Ash Borer and other threats to the urban tree canopy.
 
Read the full news release about the approved 2015 budget for full details and information.
 
You can view the Superintendent’s Recommended 2015 Budget online.

Sorella Wine & Spirits Closing December 31; New Owner's Format TBD

Via a December 12 e-newsletter from Sorella Wine & Spirits:
 
So, it is time to break the news. December 31st will be our last day as Sorella Wine & Spirits. The store has been sold to a local wine and spirits industry veteran; it will have a new name, and presumably, many changes. Many of us here will be moving on to other ventures. And while the new owner will be purchasing whatever inventory we have left on January 1, we intend to offer many killer deals between now and then (we don't feel like counting all those bottles on Jan. 1st). On behalf of the whole Sorella (and Liquor Depot) family, we'd like to thank you for your patronage over the years, and we certainly hope you'll stop by to see us before the year is out.
 
Cordially,
Darrin Minehan
Wine Buyer 
Sorella Wine & Spirits
 
p.s. If you have, or know of anyone who has a Sorella GIFT CARD or a Belly Card, it is time to redeem them - there will be a completely new entity in this space in 2015 and they will have no connection to our gift card program or our Belly Points. We will also be adding some additional options for redeeming Belly Points next week.

Toys for Tots Drop Off at Bibelot Shop

City of Minneapolis Launches Open Data Portal

The City of Minneapolis just launched it's Open Data Portal, allowing access to many types of City data online. Previously, if residents or reporters wanted much of this information, they had to formally request it from the City.

The initial sets of data in the portal cover a range of City services and functions, including:

•311 incidents
•Fire incidents
•Police incidents
•Crime statistics
•Open rental licenses
•Open liquor licenses
•Air quality study results
•Digital inclusion survey results
•NRP budgets
•Exact city boundaries

Minneapolis joins 38 states and 46 cities and counties with open data portals that have made data sets available to the public. The City of Minneapolis’ open data portal does not represent all the public information managed by the City, but it is meant to make the most frequently requested and most useful data easily accessible, and more content will be added over time.

Users can download data in various formats, visualize the data in charts and maps where available, and read metadata about the information. Users can also subscribe via RSS feed to get notified when the data is updated. Programmers can access APIs that let them use the data without needing to download anything.

Main Street SE Closure on Wednesday, December 10th

Per the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board:

Main Street SE  will be closed along the section in front of the St. Anthony Main Theatre from 7:00 am - 2:00 pm on Wednesday, December 10^th.  There will be no through traffic due to this closure.

A detour route will be posted to direct traffic between E Hennepin Ave. and SE 3rd Ave., although local traffic will be allowed to enter onto Main St. up to the closure area.

Fresh Christmas Trees from Nistler Farms at the December 13 Mill City Farmers Market

You know them for their fantastic sweet corn at the Mill City Farmers Market, but did you know Nistler Farms also offers fresh Christmas trees?

If this is the year you're going to fill your home with the lovely scent of a real tree, come down the to December 13 Mill City Farmers Market at the Mill City Museum.  Jeff Nistler and his staff will have trees ranging from table top size to 8 feet tall.  They will primarily be Fraser firs from Wisconsin growers Jeff has worked with for many years. 

When you buy a tree from Nistler, you're assured no herbicides were used during the growing process (which I'm told is a rarity in the Christmas tree business).

Other added bonuses:

 - Customers who live in the nearby condos can ask about free delivery.
 - Nistler will also have tree stands available and biodegradable bags (often times apartments and condos require trees be brought in and out with a protective bag).

You will also find an abundance of the usual great food, art, clothing, etc., at the December 13 Market.  Don't forget to bring your gift-giving list - family, friends and co-workers will appreciate a treat from the Market! :)

45-day Comment Period Open for Central Mississipp​i Riverfront Regional Park Master Plan

Via a December 4 Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board e-newsletter:

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board invites public comment on the Draft Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park (proposed renaming to St. Anthony Falls Regional Park) Master Plan through January 18, 2015.  Once approved, the master plan will guide park investment along both sides of the Mississippi River near St. Anthony Falls for years to come. The draft plan is the result of a 16 month process that included 12 meetings of a Community Advisory Committee, 10 meetings of a Technical Advisory Committee, three community open houses, an online survey, and one-on-one conversations with residents.  Based on comments received from the public, the draft plan will be revised and presented to the Board of Commissioners for a public hearing and approval in early 2015.  Learn more by visiting the project page or by going to www.minneapolisparks.org/currentprojects and selecting “Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park Master Plan.”

The Draft Master Plan is available for review:
 
Digitally online: https://file.ac/_5mFp8FY2nY/ 
 
Hard copy at the following Minneapolis locations:
  ◦ Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Headquarters - 2117 West River Road N
  ◦ Mill City Museum - 704 South 2nd St
  ◦ Logan Park Recreation Center - 690 13th Ave NE
 
Submit a comment online: Survey
 
Submit a comment by mail:
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
Attn: Tyler Pederson
2117 West River Road N
Minneapolis, MN 55411
 
Submit a comment by phone or e-mail to Tyler Pederson, at 612-499-9084 or tpederson@minneapolisparks.org
 
Tyler Pederson, PLA
Landscape Architect
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
2117 West River Road
Minneapolis, MN 55411