Extended Absentee Voting Hours for November 4 Election

Via an October 22 Hennepin County News Release:

Hennepin County will offer extended hours for absentee voting in the upcoming general election. Any eligible voter may submit an absentee ballot for any reason, and absentee ballots can be submitted by mail, in person, or by having someone you know pick up and deliver the ballot.

This year Minnesotans will elect a U.S. senator, U.S. representatives, the governor and a wide variety of state, county, city and school district offices. In Hennepin County, residents will elect three commissioners, the sheriff and the county attorney.

Where to absentee vote

Hennepin County Government Center
300 South Sixth Street, Minneapolis (map)
Skyway level

In addition, some cities may offer extended hours for absentee voting. Check with your city for more information.

Extended absentee voting hours

• Saturday, October 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Monday – Friday, October 27 - October 31 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Saturday, November 1 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Monday, November 3 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If you aren’t able to submit an absentee ballot, be sure to vote on Election Day, Tuesday, November 4

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

To find your polling location, use the Minnesota Secretary of State polling place finder available at http://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/.

For more voting information, go to www.hennepin.us/elections or call the Hennepin County Elections Division at 612-348-5151.

Week 24 at the Mill City Farmers Market

October 18 at the  Mill City Farmers Market.

The Minneapolis Park and Recreaction Board provided shoppers with the opportunity to learn about how signage is being standardized for trails and crossings.  Learn more.

Boot cuffs from The Abbey add color and help keep you warm.  :)

Beautiful!

New item from Barkley's Bistro - Cranberry Wild Rice Treats.

Picked up another new ornament for our Christmas tree - this time from Fringe and Fettle Ceramics.

The goat!

Vote For Your Favorite Neighborhood Restaurant - 2014 Charlie Awards

The Charlie Awards is a Twin Cities event that recognizes the exceptional contributions that our metro area restaurant, food and drink industry make to ensure a diverse, vibrant and creative Twin Cities lifestyle and economy.

Here's how it works:

Find your favorite restaurants and food trucks online, try the food item they've chosen, then vote for which item(s) you believe should receive the 2013 Charlie Award for “Outstanding Food Item.”
 
To cast your vote, simply click on the restaurant and/or food truck, which are organized by neighborhood.   Restaurants participating in and around our neighborhood are listed in the Downtown Minneapolissection, including Sea Change, Spoonriver, The Bachelor Farmer, Zen Box, Sawatdee, Red Stag and Gorkha Palace.

The 4rd Annual Charlie Awards will be held on Sunday, November 16, at the Pantages Theatre.

Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC) Improvements = Cleaner Air

Via an October 14 Hennepin County News Release:

Hennepin Energy Recovery Center improvements aim to cut smog-causing nitrogen oxides by 25%

Hennepin County is installing new pollution control equipment at the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC) that will reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) by about 25 percent. NOx contributes to the formation of ground-level ozone, commonly known as smog. Smog can aggravate asthma and other respiratory conditions.

The new equipment injects a urea solution, a non-toxic chemical, into the boilers to reduce NOx levels. This technology has been proven effective and efficient at other waste-to-energy facilities. The estimated cost is $1.5 million and was approved by the county board Tuesday. The cost of the new system to reduce NOx will be paid out of the Solid Waste Enterprise Fund, which comes from tipping fees paid by waste haulers delivering garbage to HERC.

In Hennepin County, 38,000 tons of NOx are released annually. About 80 percent of it comes from the exhaust of transportation sources; only 1.5 percent comes from waste incineration at HERC. The total amount of NOx released into the atmosphere in Minnesota annually has decreased by nearly 20 percent in the past decade. The county has contributed to the reduction of NOx by improving energy efficiency in county buildings and in its fleet, and by promoting public transportation and bicycle use.

Hennepin County residents and businesses generate more than one million tons of waste each year. Processing waste for energy at HERC is just one part of the county’s integrated waste management system that emphasizes waste prevention, reuse, recycling and composting. About 45 percent of the waste generated in the county is recycled or composted. The remaining trash can either be buried in the ground or burned for energy.

HERC has fewer environmental impacts than landfills. It is located where the trash is generated, minimizing the NOx and other air pollution from the transportation of waste to landfills. HERC captures more energy from waste than landfills, which reduces the use of fossil fuels. Waste in landfills continues to decompose, producing methane and organic compounds. 

The county is making progress toward the goal of zero waste and waste generation per capita is decreasing as recycling rates are increasing. It is committed to making recycling convenient and expanding opportunities to compost. It offers grants, educational materials and professional staff assistance to improve recycling at businesses, schools, apartment buildings, events and public spaces.

Cine Latino Film Festival at Saint Anthony Main Theater

The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul is hosting the Cine Latino film festival October 30 - November 5 at St. Anthony Main Theatre. Latino Cinema. Cine Latino is a seven day celebration of Spanish language cinema from around the world. The Festival will feature new documentary and narrative films as well as a series of hand-selected Mexican classics. 

Week 23 at the Mill City Farmers Market

There were apples, apples and more apples at the October 11 Market - it was Apple Festival, after all.

...and pumpkins (both edible and huggable)  :)

Don't forget to stock up on dried beans this month!

Sweet potatoes!

One of our neighbors told us the only salmon they will bring home is from Wild Run Salmon (they eat it raw).

Market Founder, Brenda Langton, admires a squash grown from ancient seeds curated by Paul Red Elk of Northern Lakes Wild Rice.

Yukon Golds - my personal favorite spud.

The goat!

Hennepin County Library Launches Redesigned Website

Via an October 10 Press Release:

New technology and changing patron needs drove the recent overhaul of the Hennepin County Library website, www.hclib.org.

The upgrade is part of a broader effort by Hennepin County to make sure county websites are accessible and easy to use. The library’s previous website was built in 2005.

“It was time to redesign our website, to respond to the ways patrons are using Hennepin County Library online now,” said Lois Langer Thompson, director of the Hennepin County Library system.

The library’s new website uses responsive design to be mobile friendly. The site also incorporates new, easier ways to search library materials and resources, and it offers improved search results.

Its cutting-edge catalog under “Books, Music, Movies” has additional features for patrons such as “You May Also Like” suggestions.

In “My Account,” patrons can choose to log in with a username and password instead of a 14-digit account number and PIN. They also can opt in to share their library accounts with others. Website visitors who do not have a library card can create a guest account to make lists, write reviews and more.

“I have really enjoyed using the new website to do my own library business, and I think our patrons are going to like it, too,” Thompson said. “I am proud of what we have accomplished with the site, and I look forward to continuing to improve it.”

The redesigned website was built on a solid foundation of research and user testing. Like the previous site, the new www.hclib.org offers access to valuable library resources and services, but shares them in different ways.

Patrons will find book lists and new materials for all ages under “Browse,” along with nearly 200 online resources that can be sorted by category, for example “Health and wellness” and “Genealogy and local history.”

Online resources are also highlighted with upcoming events and other primary library services such as “Homework help” and “Early learning” under “Programs and Services.”

For detailed event information, patrons can browse or search the new “Events Calendar.”

The library welcomes feedback on its new website design. People can share their thoughts using the “Give us feedback or report a bug link” in the red banner at the top of every page, starting at www.hclib.org.

Look for more news on the Hennepin County Library website: www.hclib.org/about/news

MacPhail Announces 2014-2015 Spotlight Series

Via an October 9 e-newsletter from MacPhail Center for Music:

The MacPhail Spotlight Series showcases the exceptional talents of MacPhail teaching artists and special guests, providing an intimate listening experience in MacPhail's Antonello Hall. Under the artistic direction of Mischa Santora, this series will be brought to life with collaborations from some of the Twin Cities' finest artists.  

Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for youth (6-18) and seniors (55 and older). Please redeem student discount in person at Student Services (Minneapolis, White Bear Lake, Apple Valley, or Chanhassen locations). No refunds or exchanges.

 

Ticket packages:

Four Concert Series: $75 (a savings of 25% off the single ticket price)

SPECIAL DISCOUNT OFFER FOR STUDENTS:

Registered students can purchase two tickets at the discounted purchase price of $5 each. For parents with children under age 6, we invite you to enjoy this ticket offer for yourself.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 612-767-5250 or by visiting our Minneapolis, White Bear Lake, Chanhassen or Apple Valley locations. Detailed program information can be found in our series brochure that will be available for download on our website.

Saturday, November 15, 2014, 8 p.m.
Reflections
Reflections is an experimental idea, bringing together some of the Twin Cities' most creative musicians from different genres and performing music specifically written for this concert. Each piece will reflect the composer's individual background, life story, and musical journey. Compositions by Nachito Herrera, JD Steele, Mischa Santora and also featuring Jaqueline Ultan.

Saturday, February 7, 2015, 8 p.m.
Love Song Waltzes
Just a week before Valentine's Day, this romantic event features some of the greatest love-inspired music, including Schubert's sublime masterpiece for soprano, clarinet, and piano; Gershwin's timeless love tunes; and the rarely heard Love Song Waltzes, among the most charming and wittiest music written by Brahms. Beyond Ballroom Dance Company will enliven the waltzes with their skill and artistry. Performers: Ilah Raleigh, Vicky Vargas, David Kozisek, Seth Keeton, Antonia Daskalova, Timothy DePrey, Nina Olsen, and Jon Iverson.

Saturday, April 11, 2015, 8 p.m.
A Courtship in Music and Words
The exchange of letters between Robert Schumann and Clara Wieck is one of the best documented love stories in music history. Not only does it give us a fascinating glimpse into the minds of two extraordinary artists, but it also tells the story of a hard-fought courtship.

This concert will pair excerpts from the letters with two of Robert's early piano pieces. As these compositions are very autobiographical, the letters often correspond exactly to Schumann's musical intent. The letters will be read by two actors in-between movements. Performers: Julia Elkina,
Ora Itkin, and Miles Duffey as Robert Schumann and Jessie Scarborough Ghent as Clara Wieck.

Saturday, May 2, 2015, 8 p.m.
American Mavericks
Leonard Bernstein and Alec Wilder represent two iconic musicians who substantially shaped musical life in America. Born into a veritable melting pot, their eclectic styles are a direct result of New York's dynamic multi-cultural fabric. Many of Wilder's popular songs became classics, while Bernstein's masterful one-act opera is an ingenious example of social criticism. Performers: Cast: Dinah: Tiana Malone; Sam: TBD; vocal trio: Joey Clark, Andrea Leap and Jerry Rubino
Ensemble: Bob Adney, Rolf Erdahl, Julie Johnson, Rena Kraut, Norbert Neulibowski, Gail Olszewski,Paul Schimming, Takako Seimiya Senn, Karl Wiederwohl, and Carrie Vecchione.

Hennepin County Releases Draft 2040 Bicycle Transportation Plan

Via an October 6 Hennepin County e-newsletter:

Public comment period runs through December 5

Hennepin County and Three Rivers Park District have worked together on updating a county-wide plan that reflects the growing use of bicycling in the region. The Hennepin County 2040 Bicycle Transportation Plan emphasizes a safe and comfortable system that encourages “interested but concerned” bicyclists to bike for everyday trips. The draft plan would add 536 miles of bike lanes, protected bike lanes, cycle tracks, trails and shoulders to the existing 651-mile system. It reflects input gathered from more than 2,700 people, as well as cities and other stakeholders.

Now the county and park district are seeking public comments on the plan before a revised version is brought before the county board of commissioners for approval early next year. The public comment period begins Monday, October 6 and runs through Friday, December 5.

There are several options for reviewing and providing comments on the bicycle plan. It is posted at hennepin.us/bikeplan, where copies can also be downloaded, and printed copies are available at all 41 locations within the Hennepin County library system.

The plan will also be presented at open houses and other public events during the comment period:

Public open houses
•    October 15, 4-6:30 pm at the Minneapolis Central Library
•    October 21, 5-7:30 pm at Fish Lake Regional Park, Maple Grove
•    November 5, 5-7:30 pm at Hennepin County Library — Wayzata, Wayzata
•    November 13, 5-7:30 pm at Hennepin County Library — Brookdale, Brooklyn Center

Other public events
•    October 11, 8 am-noon at the Autumn Woods Classic at Elm Creek Park Reserve, Maple Grove
•    October 18, 8-11 am, Richfield Farmers Market at Veteran’s Memorial Park, Richfield
•    October 20, 12:30-4 pm Workplace Bicycle Commuter Forum at Quality Bicycle Products, Bloomington
•    October 25, 8-11 am, Hopkins Farmers Market, Hopkins

In addition, county staff are available to present the bike plan to interest groups or at events during the public comment period.

Week 22 at the Mill City Farmers Market

I love the new 9am start time for the October Markets - it takes the edge off the morning chill.

Happy to see Cherry Flowers of Page & Flowers back at the Market.  Looking forward to trying the new Salsa.

Market sponsor Car2Go, a convenient transportation option, returned to the October 4 Market.

We always get a chuckle from these cute veggie jokes the young adults at Urban Roots place in front of their stand.  Their produce is top notch, too!

By bundling the ingredients, Swede Lake Farm makes it easy for shoppers to create Salsa Verde at home:

Many thanks to the Mill City Museumfor accommodating the Market vendors on inclement mornings!

The goat!

Worry, Moodiness Linked to Higher Risk of Alzheimer’s in Women

Via an October 2, 2014, Press Release from American Academy of Neurology:
 
MINNEAPOLIS – Women who are anxious or moody and distressed in middle age may be at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease later in life, according to a nearly 40-year-long study published in the October 1, 2014, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

“Most Alzheimer’s research has been devoted to factors such as education, heart and blood risk factors, head trauma, family history and genetics,” said study author Lena Johannsson, PhD, of the University of Gothenburg in Gothenburg, Sweden. “Personality may influence the individual’s risk for dementia through its effect on behavior, lifestyle or reactions to stress.”
 
For the study, 800 women with an average age of 46 were followed for 38 years and given personality tests that looked at their level of neuroticism and extraversion or introversion, along with memory tests. Of those, 19 percent developed dementia.

Neuroticism involves being easily distressed and personality traits such as worrying, jealousy or moodiness. People who are neurotic are more likely to express anger, guilt, envy, anxiety or depression. Introversion is described as shyness and reserve and extraversion is associated with being outgoing.
 
The women were also asked if they had experienced any period of stress that lasted one month or longer in their work, health, or family situation. Stress referred to feelings of irritability, tension, nervousness, fear, anxiety or sleep disturbances. Responses were categorized as zero to five, with zero representing never experiencing any period of stress, to five, experiencing constant stress during the last five years. Women who chose responses from three and five were considered to have distress.

The study found that women who scored highest on the tests for neuroticism had double the risk of developing dementia compared to those who scored lowest on the tests. However, the link depended on long-standing stress.

Being either withdrawn or outgoing did not appear to raise dementia risk alone, however, women who were both easily distressed and withdrawn had the highest risk of Alzheimer’s disease in the study. A total of 16 of the 63 women, or 25 percent, who were easily distressed and withdrawn developed Alzheimer’s disease, compared to eight out of the 64 people, or 13 percent, of those who were not easily distressed and were outgoing.
 
The study was supported by the Swedish Medical Research Council, the Swedish Council for Working Life and Social Research, the Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare, the Alzheimer's Association, the Bank of Sweden Tercentenary Foundation, Swedish Brain Power, Söderström - Königska Nursing Home Foundation, Gamla Tjänarinnor Foundation, Shopkeeper Hjalmar Svensson's Research Foundation, Professor Bror Gadelius Memorial Foundation the Dementia Foundation, Fredrik and Ingrid Thurings Foundation and the University of Gothenburg.
 
To learn more about dementia, please visit www.aan.com/patients. 

The American Academy of Neurology, an association of 28,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals, is dedicated to promoting the highest quality patient-centered neurologic care. A neurologist is a doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system such as Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, migraine, multiple sclerosis, brain injury, Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy.
 
For more information about the American Academy of Neurology, visit http://www.aan.com/ or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube.

Community Appreciation! Experience a Free Chair Massage at Magna During October

During the month of October the expert massage therapists at Magna Health and Fitness will be providing FREE 15-minute chair massages in appreciation to the community.   No appointments necessary, but please refer to the available time blocks specified in the below calendar.

Magna is located at 616 South 3rd Street (in the American Trio building).  With more than 7,400 square feet, their full-service facility is equipped with six treatment rooms, an industrial fitness center, group training, private fitness, meditation and an expansive yoga studio. For more information on classes or services, call 612-424-6840 or visit the website.

Parkway Closures for October 4 and 5

The following parkways will be temporarily closed October 4 and 5 for these events:

October 4:  Slut Walk -3:00p.m. to 6:00p.m. – West River Parkway – Main Street.

October 5:  Medtronic TC Marathon – 7:00a.m. to 2:30p.m. - Grand Rounds - Main street - West River Parkway –Nokomis Parkway – Minnehaha Parkway – Lake Harriet Parkway – Lake Calhoun Parkway – West Lake of the Isles Parkway – Dean Parkway - Kenwood Parkway - Theodore Wirth Parkway – William Berry Parkway. Each road section will open as the last marathon participant passes through.
 
Please note that the duration of the closures is subject to change based on the event's start and finish times.

A complete list of current and upcoming parkway closures is available online.

MPRB Announces 2014 Picture a Park Photo Contest Award Winners

Via an October 2, 2014, Minneapolis Park and Rec Board e-newsletter:

2014 Picture a Park Photo Contest Award Winners Announced

Front row (left to right): Larry Risser, Lawrence Syverud, Colleen Martel, Ron Trutty, Shari Seifert, Peyton Woller and Jennifer Beading.
Back row (left to right): Commissioner Steffanie Musich, Vice-President Vreeland, Commissioner John Erwin, President Liz Wielinski, Superintendent Jayne Miller, Commissioner Meg Forney and Commissioner Anita Tabb.

Fourteen images that best represent the unique sights and scenes in Minneapolis parks were announced as winners of the 2014 Picture a Park Photo Contest during the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s (MPRB) Board of Commissioners meeting on October 1, 2014. Sponsored by the MPRB, People for Parks and National Camera Exchange, the contest aims to highlight the beauty, sports and fun throughout Minneapolis parks.

This year more than 250 photo entries were submitted from residents all across the state who visited Minneapolis parks in 2013-14. Winning first place in the “Beauty in the Parks” category and taking home the Gold Best of Show Award for the 2014 photo contest was “Field of Dreams,” taken by Shari Seifert of Minneapolis.

You can view all of the 2013 Picture a Park Photo Contest winning photos here.

The People’s Choice category is open October 2 – 17 for your voting. Vote for your favorite photo in the People’s Choice photo album!

The contest, open to park goers of all ages, encourages photographers to take photos for submission to the categories of beauty, fun and sports in Minneapolis parks. Contest prizes include photo enlargements and gift cards to National Camera Exchange, calendars featuring the winning images, MPRB Annual Parking Permits and passes to the Wirth Winter Recreation Area or the Jim Lupient Water Park.

ADULT DIVISION

Beauty in the Parks
1st Place and Gold Best of Show: Field of Dreams – Shari Seifert
2nd Place: Lake Harriet Little Island – Karen Anderson
3rd Place: Butterfly on a Flower – Lawrence Syverud
Honorable Mention: Water Color – Larry Risser
Honorable Mention: Morning Mist – Colleen Martel

Fun in the Parks
1st Place and Bronze Best of Show: Hello, Summer – Rita Farmer
2nd Place: Group Play – Ron Trutty
3rd Place: Kite Festival – Daniel Rogness

Sports in the Parks
1st Place: Ultimate Tournament – Scott Kopp
2nd Place: Powderhorn Ice Rink – Michael Wright

YOUTH DIVISION

Beauty, Fun and Events in the Parks
1st Place and Silver Best of Show: Shadow of Summer – Paige Simmons
2nd Place: Butterfly Friend at the Falls – Sienna Simmons
3rd Place: Patrick Ginter Rose Garden Painting – Peyton Woller
Honorable Mention: Smile Away – Jennifer Beading

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
Go here to vote for your favorite 2014 photo!

We Got What We Came For at the 2014 Ramen Massive Attack!: The Ramen Burger

We found out about this cool food item known as the Ramen Burger via a Zen Box Izakaya Facebook post earlier this year.  Ever since laying eyes on it, I couldn't get it out of my mind.   Out of respect for its creator, Chef Keizo Shimamoto, John and Lina of Zen Box Izakaya will never recreate it at their restaurant here.  So when we heard it would be one of the featured food items at the September 28 "Ramen Massive Attack!", we immediately ordered tickets.

The Ramen Burger!

Creator of the Ramen Burger, Chef Keizo Shimamoto of RAMEN.Co NYC.

Big Thank You to the staff at Mill City Museum for making the train shed available for this event. 

Week 21 at the Mill City Farmers Market

The annual Mill City Oktoberfest took place September 27, which the Market celebrates in conjunction with the Mill City Museum.  MCFM welcomed the Elk River German Band, Indeed Brewing, Mighty Axe Hops and Midwest Brewing Supplies.

Note the two ladies dancing in the background. :)

The goat!

Reminder - starting next week the Market opens at 9am!

Blessing of the Animals Scheduled for October 4 at Our Lady of Lourdes

"Blessing of the Animals" at Our Lady of Lourdes

Father Daniel Griffith, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes, "the little church with the big heart" on the Mississippi River, will bless all creatures from the steps of the church near Nye's Restaurant at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 4th, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.

There will be refreshments for people and their pets afterwards.

No need for either to be Catholic since this is an ecumenical event.

Parkway Closure for September 27 Dave Ryan’s 5K

Please note these temporary road closures for this September 27 event:

7:00a.m. to 2:00:p.m.:  West River Parkway, Main Street and Boom Island

Event Details:

Boom Island Park, 724 Sibley Street NE

The 2014 Dave Ryan's 5K & 10K will be held Sept. 27 at Boom Island Park, 724 Sibley St. NE, Minneapolis, MN. Registration starts at 7 a.m, the 10K begins at 9 a.m., and the 5K starts at 9:05 a.m.  This annual event is a fun, family-friendly 5K & 10K run/walk to support the more than 7,800 athletes of Special Olympics Minnesota.

Registration from 7:00am-8:30am
10K starts at 9:00am
5K starts at 9:05am

Thursday Morning Artist Series Moves to MacPhail Center for Music

Thursday Musical Announces 2014-15 Concert Season

Thursday Musical recently announced its 123rd concert season, including the Thursday Morning Artist Series at MacPhail Center for Music and Mount Olive Luthern Church, and Home Programs hosted by select Thursday Musical members throughout the Twin Cities metro area.

To celebrate the start of Thursday Musical’s concert season, there will be free admittance for the Thursday Morning Artist Series opening concert Oct. 9, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. preceded by a reception at 9:30 a.m. The concert will feature two artists in their Thursday Musical debuts, Will Richardson, cello, and Meghann Schmidt, soprano, in addition to the Kennsonn Trio (Jennifer Kennard, flute, Teresa Richardson, cello, and Mary Jo Gothmann, piano). Also performing is Gabriel Quenneville-Belair, a 2014 Thursday Musical Young Artist Scholarship Competition first place winner in the category of College Piano.

Once again, breaking from the traditional concert experience, the Thursday Morning Artist Series includes two programs that feature Living Concert Notes. MPR announcer Steve Staruch (Jan. 22) and composer Jan Gibert (March 5) will interview performers and offer in-depth commentary on the music being performed.

The Thursday Morning Artist Series also features eight artists in their Thursday Musical debuts.

Oct. 9 – Will Richardson, cello, is an active freelancer in the Twin Cities, and is a member of Il Dolce String Quartet. Mr. Richardson has performed with the Duluth-Superior Symphony, Evansville Philharmonic, Owensboro Symphony, Marion Philharmonic, and the Richmond Symphony, among others. He was assistant principal cellist of the National Orchestral Institute and attended the Indiana University Summer Music Festival. Richardson maintains a studio at St. Joseph's School of Music in Saint Paul, MN, in addition to previous teaching experience at the College of Saint Benedict and Ramsey International Fine Arts Center in Minneapolis.

Oct. 9 - Meghann Schmidt, soprano, has performed with opera and theater companies such as Theater Latte Da, Skylark Opera, Colorado Lyric Opera, CU Opera and Top Hat Theater, and as guest artist with regional orchestras and choirs. She also participated in several concert series performed throughout Graz and Vienna, Austria. She received a BA from the University of St. Thomas and a MA from the University of Colorado.

Nov. 6 – Peter Arnstein, piano, is a pianist and composer. He has appeared as a pianist and harpsichordist with the Minnesota Orchestra, and has accompanied many members of the Twin Cities’ two main orchestras and college music faculties. A winner of international competitions in both composition and piano, he has toured the Midwest as pianist and composer-in-residence for the Sylmar Chamber Ensemble and currently teaches at the St. Paul Conservatory of Music and the Evergreen School for the Arts in Edina. He has also performed several times at the Edinburgh Festival in Scotland.

Jan. 22 – Stephanie Thorpe, soprano, is currently a member of the voice faculty in the Department of Music at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Most recently, she performed full-time with the Carnevale di Venezia in Las Vegas, Nevada. She is a winner of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Concerto Competition, and of the Nevada District National Association of Teachers of Singing Artist Awards (NATSAA), and a Regional Finalist in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. Stephanie received a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Feb. 5 – Rolf Haas, violin, has been described as 'fearless' by the Star Tribune. Most recently, Rolf has appeared performing recitals in Germany, Poland, Spain, London, and Chicago. He has been a featured soloist with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and the Georgian Ballet (GA), and in concerts with Meadowmount (NY), The International Summer String Academy (Czech Republic), and The Sommer-Akademie at the Mozarteum, (Austria). Haas is a prize winner in competitions held by the Music Teachers National Association and American String Teachers Association.

Feb. 19 – Carrie Ann Krause, soprano, is an educator and performer. Most recently, she has performed as a soprano soloist at Salem Convenant Church, New Brightson, and Roseville Lutheran Church. She is in her tenth year of service to Salem Covenant Church as the children's and youth choral director. She is also a board member for Kodaly Chapter of Minnesota and is actively involved in Kodaly workshops regionally and nationally.

March 5 – Susana Pinto & Pinar Basgoze Piano Duo has been receiving significant acclaims since their debut concert in 2009. Pianist and pedagogue Susana Pinto, a native of Portugal, has been on faculty at MacPhail Center for Music for more than 10 years. Pınar Başgőze, born and raised in Turkey, is currently on faculty at MacPhail Center for Music. She has appeared in the Balkan Music Festival at the University of St. Thomas, the Spotlight Series at MacPhail Center for Music, at Steinway Hall in New York City, and as a guest artist with the Bakken Trio and The Baroque Room ensembles.

March 5 – As a Fulbright scholar in Paris, coloratura soprano Laura Hynesspent six years abroad in France and Germany, performing repertoire ranging from baroque opera with Les Arts Florissants to "classical cabaret" on French television and radio. She has performed lead opera roles, solo recitals, and concerts throughout Europe and the US, including New York's Alice Tully Hall, the Barbican in London, and the Châtelet in Paris. Since moving back to the U.S. in 2010, Laura Hynes has performed as a soloist with the Oratorio Society, Vocal Essence, Skylark Opera, and for the Westminster Forum Series. In addition to performing, she is part of a collaborative direction team for a newly emerging baroque opera company in the Twin Cities and she maintains a private voice and coaching studio in St. Paul.

Among several other returning Thursday Musical performing members, select concerts will also feature winners from the 2014 Thursday Musical Young Artist Scholarship Competition.

Thursday Musical members on October 30, 2014 and April 23, 2015 will open their homes for the Home Programs. Thursday Musical is unique in its tradition of presenting concerts in the home for an intimate “salon style” concert experience. Home Programs are only available with a season ticket and membership subscription purchase. For a complete listing, visit thursdaymusical.org.

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Individual Tickets and Membership

Annual Membership for the 2014-15 concert season are now available to renewing and new subscribers. Thursday Musical continues its legacy of providing outstanding concert programming at affordable prices. Subscribers can access 12 Thursday Morning Artist Series concerts and 4 Home Programs for under $5 each ($75 general\$65 seniors). (Note: Home Programs are only accessible to members.) Subscriptions can be purchased online, by phone or in person at any Thursday Morning Artist Series concert.

Individual tickets for the Thursday Morning Artist Series can be purchased at the door for $10. All concerts are open seating. For more information, call (612) 333-0313 or visit thursdaymusical.org/membership.

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More Information

Thursday Morning Artist Series Concert Locations:
All concerts at MacPhail Center for Music with the exception of the Dec. 4, 2014 concert date, which is at Mount Olive Lutheran Church. All concerts at 10:30 AM.

MacPhail Center for Music
501 S. 2^nd St, Minneapolis
macphail.org

Week 20 at the Mill City Farmers Market

September 20 at the Market - could it possibly get any better?

The goat!