New Hennepin County Website Scheduled to Debut Today

A newly revamped Hennepin.us site is scheduled to launch today, December 4. The new site will be accessible on any device – desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile - with information written in plain language and organized with the user in mind.

For the short term, some of the links users are accustomed to will change. Moving forward, the goal is to continue to ensure important information is easily accessible to residents and partner organizations. The new search engine should help you find the information you need, but if not, send an email to webteam@hennepin.us.

View the new design at http://www.hennepin.us/.

Ugly Holiday Sweater Bus Pub Crawl

Looking for a fun Holiday party idea?  How about a private Ugly Holiday Sweater Bus Pub Crawl with Taste Twin Cities?

This year Taste Twin Cities is offering this Pub Crawl on private-party basis only, so you can pick a date that works best for you.

Description:

Don your ugliest holiday sweater, hop on the heated coach bus and take a festive tour of some of Northeast Minneapolis' most storied bars. On this two and half hour pub tour you'll enjoy a drink at Psycho Suzo's that was featured on Diner, Drive In's and Dives; Gasthof's where you can enjoy beer in a boot or a snuff board; and Tony Jaros where you will enjoy their signature Greenie or Pinky drink. This tour also includes an Ugliest Holiday Sweater contest, prizes and a Polaroid picture to remember a bunch of people in sweaters just as ugly as yours.

More Info.

Pics From the 2013 Turkey Day 5K

Gets more popular every year!  :)

'The Girls in the Band' Showing now thru December 5

The popular 2012 MSP International Film Festival documentary, The Girls in the Band, is playing now thru December 5. Find showtimes on The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul website.

“Everything a worthwhile documentary should be, and then some: engaging, informative, thorough and brimming with delightful characters.” - The New York Times

 
Synopsis
They wiggled, they jiggled, they wore low cut gowns and short shorts, they kowtowed to the club owners and smiled at the customers…and they did it all, just to play the music they loved.
 
The Girls in the Band tells the poignant, untold stories of female jazz and big band instrumentalists and their fascinating, groundbreaking journeys from the late 30′s to the present day.
 
These incredibly talented women endured sexism, racism and diminished opportunities for decades, yet continued to persevere, inspire and elevate their talents in a field that seldom welcomed them. Today, there is a new breed of gifted young women taking their rightful place in the world of jazz, which can no longer deny their talents.

Look for These Upcoming Color Changes on the 35W Bridge; News on the Flashing Lights

MNDot changes the lighting colors on the 35W bridge for special events and holidays.  For the next month, they have the following planned so far:

December 1: Yellow Ribbon City – Yellow
December 5: Crohn’s & Colitis Awareness - Blue & Orange
December 25: Christmas – Red & Green
January 1: Red, White & Blue

Here are some of our favorite shots of the bridge.  Whether close up or from a distance, regardless of the season, and no matter the color - it's a knockout.

I recently posted a question on MNDot's website inquiring about the unusual flashing lights and odd spots of color that have been showing up for the last few months.  I received a prompt response from a Traffic Engineer stating they are aware of the problems with some of the sections and are working to address them. 

He mentioned there are some problems with how the lighting system was originally installed, and unfortunately the company that manufactured the units has gone out of business.  Although the aesthetic lighting is a lower priority for use, they are in the process of doing an assessment of the possible problems and hope to have the assessment completed this fall/winter, with plans to have them fixed by spring.  His reply went on to say that this fall they fixed some of the splices, bringing a few sections inline.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We usually bring bread and buns to the Thanksgiving feast, but this year was a little more inspired.  Happy Thanksgiving! :)

Parkway Closures on November 28 and 30

The following parkways will be temporarily closed November 28 and 30:
 
November 28:  Turkey Day 5K – 6:00a.m. – 11:00a.m. – West River Parkway from 11th Avenue South to 4th Avenue North.
 
November 30:  Moustache Run & Half Marathon – West River Road/Parkway from Plymouth Avenue North to Godfrey Parkway at Minnehaha Park.
 
Note - there may be additional street closures - the above roads are just MPRB-related.

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.

Look no Further Than Our Riverfront Neighborhoods to Fill Your Holiday Gift List

Our riverfront neighborhoods are overflowing with fun and unique Holiday gift ideas. Here are a few examples to help get you started:

Who wouldn't enjoy a restaurant gift card? We have an award-winning selection to choose from! Some are offering the popular Holiday deal of purchasing x amount in cards to receive a free gift card for yourself. Check out the Directory section of Mill City Times for a quick reference of restaurant options. Did you know you can order a special Holiday ice cream cake or pie from Izzy's?

How about tickets to a show at the Guthrie, St. Anthony Main Theatre, Southern Theater or The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul?

Sorella Wine & Spirits has a massive selection from which to choose a hostess gift. Or, for the hard-to-buy for person, a gift card will allow them to pick out something special - wine, spirits, beer.

The Mill City Museum Store is a treasure - from books, to baking-related items, unique toys, clothing, jewelry and more.  You'll also find unique gifts at The Shop at MCBA, the Guthrie Store at the Guthrie and Bibelot.

The best pedi in town is with Mishon at Level Salon - you'll score some major brownie points by treating someone to this special foot pampering. Want to rack up triple brownie points? Include a massage from The Doorway for Massage Therapy, Bodywork & Better Health or Benessere Body in Balance.

Consider a gift card from City Gardens' Flower Mill, or have Dan prepare a smart Holiday bouquet for a hostess gift, to add cheer to a co-workers office, etc.

Local D'Lish offers a fun variety of Cooking Classes.

Treat an out-of-town guest to a night at Aloft, Depot Renaissance or the Residence Inn by Marriott or the newly rennovated Courtyard by Marriott Minneapolis Downtown.

Give the gift of health - check out the classes, services and products offered at 501F1T, Magna, CorePower Yoga, and Mill City Running. How about a few hours of skating at The Depot?

Anyone who owns a car would be overjoyed to receive a gas card, oil change or car wash package from Bobby and Steve's.

Pet owners on your list? There's Bone Adventure, the Minneapolis Veterinary Hospital and Ollu Dog Salon.

Find a perfect gift for baby at Pacifier.

These ideas are just the tip of the iceberg to get your creative gift-giving juices flowing.  We hope you'll join us in supporting our neighborhood businesses this Holiday Season!

Packed House for the Pre-Thanksgiving Mill City Farmers Market

The November 23 indoor Mill City Farmers Market was fantastic - a testament to the vibrancy it adds to our neighborhood.

The winter Markets are a great opportunity to check out the Mill City Museum Store!

Art Mob Twin Cities MN - Promoting Local Artists

Art Mob Twin Cities MN is a relatively new venue for providing announcements on art-related events. 

They ask that you check out their Facebook events page frequently to learn about local art shows, etc.

Tonight: DMNA Board Meeting at Central Library

The next DMNA Board meeting is scheduled for 6:00pm tonight, November 21, at the Central Library, in Room N-304. 

Agenda

6:00 pm Call to order and introductions
6:05 pm Consideration of agenda
6:10 pm MPRB Update by 4th, District Commissioner Anita Tabb
6:20 pm Land Use Update 
- Ling and Louie’s (Nicollet Mall across from Target). Class E liquor license application presented by Laura Boyd from Alcohol Compliance Services.
-  Former Peter’s Grill (730 2nd Avenue S.). Class E liquor license with Sunday sales and sidewalk café presented by Laura Boyd from Alcohol Compliance Services.
- Downtown Center for Community Enhancement (TAD A Ramp and Hawthorne Transportation Center). Presentation by Ann Calvert from CPED and Downtown Rooftop Golf, LLC 
- DiNoko’s / Bar Zia. Ratify letter of support for Class E liquor license
- North Star Lofts. Ratify letter of support for HPC Certificate of Appropriateness
- Day Block Brewing Company. Ratify letter of support for Class B liquor license
6:50 pm Neighborhood Revitalization Program Update
- Downtown Development
o Humboldt Lofts boulevard tree planting project. Request presented by Peter Levine – Seeking $15,000
- Crime and Safety
o Phase II 4th Street Lighting project (Swervo properties). Request presented by Kathryn Reali and Ben
Shardlow from the Minneapolis DID – Budget is $11,606.71
7:10 pm Consideration of October 8, 2013 Board meeting minutes
 Consideration of October 8, 2013 Annual meeting minutes
7:15 pm Consideration of November 2013 Financial Report
- Consideration of FY2014 Budget
7:30 pm Consideration of November Staff Report
7:35 pm Election of Board Officers
 Chair
 Vice Chair
 Secretary
 Treasurer
Election of Committee Chairs
 Land Use Chair
 Crime and Safety Chair
7:55 pm Old business / new business / other business 
-  Update on outreach and collaboration with other downtown organizations
8:00 pm Adjournment – (Library closes at 8 p.m. promptly)

The next DMNA Board Meeting is Tuesday, December 10, at 6:00 p.m., at the Central Public Library.

Volunteer Opportunities with Neighborhood Involvement Program

Jeanne Tramel Rasmussen, Volunteer Coordinator-Seniors Program at Neighborhood Involvement Program, asked us to spread the word that they are in need of volunteers for their Seniors Program.

She provided the following info:

Brighten the day of a senior citizen and have some fun. Hang out with an elder on a regular basis and do things that you both enjoy, like watching a movie, building stuff, playing games, conversation or whatever! Work with a partner and you can take turns visiting. Families welcome; youth must be age 12 or older and accompanied by an adult. Volunteers age 55+ may qualify to become a Senior Companion and earn a stipend.
 
Per Jeanne, they have seniors in the Mill District/Central Riverfront, but volunteer opportunities may be available in other parts of Minneapolis.  It just depends upon where the senior citizen resides. A variety of one-time or ongoing unpaid volunteer opportunities are available. Please contact Jeanne at srvolunteer@neighborhoodinvolve.org or call 612-746-8549 for more information.
 
Do you know a senior citizen who resides in Minneapolis and might wish to be matched with a Friendly Visitor? Call 612-374-3322 or email seniors@neighborhoodinvolve.org for more information.

Enjoy the Day!

Here's a sample of what's happening in and around the neighborhood today - enjoy!! :)

November 16, 2013, Saturday - Washburn A Mill Tour at Mill City Museum

November 16, 2013, Saturday - 12th Annual Book Arts Festival at MCBA

November 16, 2013, Saturday - Thanksgiving Paper Dinner Workshop at MCBA

November 16, 2013, Saturday - Spotlight Series at MacPhail

November 16, 2013, Saturday - Bluegrass Brunch at Aster Cafe

November 16, 2013, Saturday - Childish Films at Central Library

November 16, 2013, Saturday - NE Holiday Boutique Crawl

November 16, 2013, Saturday - Taste Twin Cities Downtown Minneapolis Skyway Tour

Today: Give to the Max Day

Give to the Max Day was created in 2009 to increase giving to nonprofit organizations across the state and move more giving online. It is a day for Minnesotans to come together to raise as much money as possible for nonprofits and schools in 24 hours – starting at midnight on November 14, 2013 through midnight on November 15, 2013. 

During last year's Give to the Max Day, $16.3 million was raised to benefit Minnesota nonprofit organizations and schools. And, a record 53,339 donors logged on to GiveMN.org to donate to their favorite Minnesota charity.

Kim's Critter Care Pet Sitting & Dog Walking Services

We recently added this company to the Business Directory section, and with so many dog owners in our riverfront neighborhoods I thought it would be helpful to share further.

In addition to pet sitting in clients' homes, Kim Rinde offers dog walking, thus the name Kim's Critter Care Pet Sitting & Dog Walking Services.

Per Kim, "Caring for pets is my passion. I really enjoy making animals happy and safe, both professionally and in my personal life. I have fostered dogs for several different dog rescues in the past and I still volunteer to help them out when I can. It is very satisfying to bring a puppy-mill dog into your home and watch it go from being a scared, frightened dog who trusts no one to a happy, healthy dog who knows that it can trust humans once again."

She is bonded and insured through Pet Sitters Associates LLC, belongs to the Association of Professional United Pet Sitters, is certified in pet first aid and is CPR by the American Red Cross. References available upon request.

You can reach Kim Rinde at 612-991-3758 or info@kimscrittercare.net, and on the Web and Facebook.

Kim provided this additional background: "I became a professional pet sitter after I realized that there wasn't a business in my immediate area that provided professional and reliable care for people who owned parrots. At the time, I owned parrots (still do) and I never went out of town on vacation because I had no one that I trust to care for my birds and my home.

I started a pet sitting business with my friend and, at first, we specialized in taking care of parrots only. However, people began calling us to see if we offered pet sitting services for other types of animals as well, and so we expanded our business to include all types of pets. In 2011, I went into business by myself & started Kim's Critter Care. I now offer pet sitting and dog walking services to residents in the central riverfront and NE neighborhood of Minneapolis."

Architectural Tour of Izzy's

There was a whirlwind of festivities during Izzy's November 9 Grand Opening celebration, including tours and fun activities for kids.  We opted for the Architectural Tour, led by owner Jeff Sommers and award winning architect David Salmela.

Our tour started outside, where David explained the design of the building from all angles.  Unless you've traveled west on 2nd Street South from 12th Avenue, you might not have noticed how the Izzy's building resembles the outline of the Guthrie:

There are so many details to the building - too many to mention, and some that come to life only at specific times of the day.  Take a closer look at the red Izzy's dots and you'll notice they're placed at the end of the slanted frame work in the windows.  If memory serves me, there are three (but memory doesn't serve me often, so there could be four).

The four windowed structures above the main level fill the production area with natural light, while at the same time defuse scorching summer sun.

One reason we jumped at the chance to take the Architectural Tour was the hope of accessing the roof.  It's a photographers dream up there!  :)

This area of the roof, with its gorgeous view of Gold Medal Park, was constructed to accommodate an additional seating area.  Unfortunately, the budget would not allow for completion of this area as part of the initial phase.  You may be familiar with the obligatory scene in every episode of HGTV's 'Love It or List It' in which the contractor gives Hilary bad news, and she in turn has to tell the client that something cool has to come off the list.  Well, Jeff and David had their share of those discussions.

On the roof, looking through a window into the second level seating area:

Back inside, we toured the new production area where Jeff and David explained the creative mechanicals and versatility of the space.

Salted Caramel is their best seller, and one of the staff mentioned they have one machine devouted to that making that flavor.

Below, Jeff and Lara Hammel, Jeff's wife and co-owner, chat with a guest.  In addition to the Achitectural Tour, they conducted a Tasting Tour and an Owner's Tour, hosted kids activities and served up caramel apple sundaes.

We created this progressive slideshow with pictures taken from the start of construction to the first day customers enjoyed the scoop shop:

The 2013 Harvest Lives on at the November 9 Mill City Farmers Market

No need to worry about wind or rain - the climate was just right inside the Mill City Museum for the November 9 Mill City Farmers Market.  I love the feeling of community - connecting with neighbors and sharing ideas on how we'll use products from our favorite vendors. 

The next Market is November 23 - just in time for Thanksgiving!

Mill City Farmers Market 2013-2014 Winter Schedule Kicks off Tomorrow!

Back by popular demand! The Mill City Farmers Market 2013-2014 Winter Market starts tomorrow, November 9, 10am-1pm inside the Mill City Museum.

Future dates include:

November 23
December 14
January 11
February 8
March 8
March 15 (at the Arboretum, Chanhassen)
April 12

Mill City Museum is Offering Numerous Black Friday Specials - Make it Your First Stop on Nov 29!

Mill City Museum will open its doors at 6 a.m. on Black Friday (November 29) with super specials, giveaways, live music and treats.  Take a look at what Black Friday early birds will enjoy:

- FREE MUSEUM ADMISSION from 6 to 9 a.m.
- FREE Street parking until 8 a.m.
- FREE household memberships for the first 30 families
- FREE donuts and coffee while supplies last
- FREE limited edition giveaways while supplies last
- 25% off gift shop. Staff will be handing out 25% off coupons to anyone coming in before 8am. The coupons will be good all of business hours on Friday (so you could grab one, go to the museum while it is free, then come up and shop the store later; or grab one, do other shopping, then come back and shop the museum store later that day).
- Live music by the Sidewalk Cafe Trio
- Appearances from the History Hound mascot 6:00 to 7:00 a.m.
- Additional chances to win household memberships and prizes.

While you're at the November 9th and 23rd indoor Mill City Farmers Markets, be sure to stop in the Museum Store to check out the array of quality items they carry.  You're sure to find something fun for yourself, as well as people on your Holiday gift list, from their large selection of books, baking items, jewelry, clothing, toys, cards and more.

The person responsible for stocking the shelves is Serenity Shanklin, Store Operations Manager.  Explains Serentiy, "As with any Museum Store, our goal is to sell products that have a strong tie with the mission of The Mill City Museum. After visitors see the museum, many will be inspired to find a gift or souvenir to take with them. Our merchandise selection includes everything from simple Minneapolis and Mill City Museum Souvenirs to wonderful books and kitchen and home accessories. I make an effort to work with local artists so that we are able to feature creative gifts that are made in Minneapolis and greater Minnesota. We receive a lot of position feedback from visitors who are impressed by our store. What works for us is paying attention to quality, design, relativity, and sense of humor."

Books are placed throughout the store, plus there's an entire wall packed with an extensive collection of Minneapolis/Minnesota history books, Betty Crocker/Pillsbury cookbooks, and books to bring out your creative creative side.

The Museum Store has a fun selection of toys - from educational to retro to just plain silly:

Kitchen items and local products, such as Nordic Ware and Watkins:

Lots of Poppin' Fresh!

Calendars, matted pictures, greeting cards and metal product signs:

Clothing and jewelry:

Snacks and fun stuff:

And, of course, a friendly and helpful staff! Serenity added, "We have very talented staff who are encouraged to be engaged with displays and merchandising. When you are in our museum store, you can tell that a lot of passion, creativity, and team work goes into creating an inviting shopping experience. We love to be here and want all of our visitors to feel the same way."

Take a moment to look above the shelves and displays, and you'll find a bit of Museum history.

The Starfish Throwers Team holds Sandwich Event for Charity on November 8

THE STARFISH THROWERS TEAM HOLDS SANDWICH EVENT FOR CHARITY

Film team preps food for the homeless via documentary subject Allan Law of MRD, Inc.

Minneapolis, MN, November 6, 2013– Filmmaker Jesse Roesler and members of his The Starfish Throwers documentary film team, along with friends of the film, will prepare 300 sandwiches at the offices of Bolster at 23 Fourth Street NE, Minneapolis, MN on Friday, November 8 at 2:30pm. Any supporters of the film or interested parties are welcome to join.

Sandwiches will go to Minneapolis Recreational Development, Inc., the charitable organization founded by Allan Law. Mr. Law is one of three individuals featured in the documentary film The Starfish Throwers by Minneapolis filmmaker Jesse Roesler. MRD is an all-volunteer non-profit. It serves the homeless, the poor, the vulnerable, and disadvantaged youth and their families in the Twin Cities every day with food assistance, as well as other emergency needs. Mr. Law himself is the sole delivery person who spends each night driving the inner city streets of the Twin Cities, providing sandwiches and other basics to people in need.

A documentary both harrowing and heartwarming, The Starfish Throwers explores how three of the world’s most fiercely compassionate individuals fight hunger and struggle to restore hope to the hopeless in unexpected and sometimes dangerous ways. Half a world apart, a five star chef, a retired school teacher and a sixth grade master gardener fight for a seemingly lost cause, until they discover their impact may reach further than their own actions.

For more information about the documentary film The Starfish Throwers, contact Pete Tedrow or Jesse Roesler at info@thestarfishthrowers.com or visit thestarfishthrowers.com.