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.

Urban Agriculture Activity Plan Released for Public Comment

Via a November 7 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board:

Urban Agriculture Activity Plan Released for Public Comment

Draft Available through December 21, 2013

A draft of the MPRB Urban Agriculture activity plan is available for public review and comment between November 6, 2013 and December 21, 2013. The Park Board encourages residents and park users to provide feedback on the draft document, and has made available a brief online survey and comment form to easily gather public opinion.

After reviewing the draft plan, you may respond to a survey or provide general comments online.  Print copies of the draft plan are available in recreation centers.

Please refer to the MPRB project webpage for updated information.

All comments received are public record and will be considered for incorporation into the final plan for Board consideration and adoption in early 2014.

The draft plan was developed through an extensive community engagement process and contains recommendations related to policy, facility, program, and service improvements to better support urban agriculture activities within the park system.

The development of the Urban Agriculture activity plan is supported by the Board of Commissioners and directly linked to the goals of the MPRB Comprehensive Plan.

Izzy's November 9 Grand Opening Celebration

The retail shop has been open since July 29th, but this Grand Opening is in celebration of moving the ice cream making kitchen to Minneapolis. Stop by for treats and tours.

Kids Hour: Noon-2pm  Activities, cider, caramel apples and fun!

Architectural Tour: Want to know more about the building design and functions? Join owner Jeff Sommers and architect David Salmela for a talk and tour 12:30-1:30 (TICKETS* ON SALE HERE)

Tasting Tour: Join owner Jeff Sommers and enjoy a tasting of some of his favorite flavors with ice cream in Izzy’s new kitchen 3pm- 4pm (TICKETS* ON SALE HERE)

Kitchen viewing and ingredient tasting. 4 to 7 p.m. – Get an inside glimpse of the ice cream kitchen and have the opportunity to taste locally sourced ingredients before and after they are made into ice cream. Local ingredients include cardamom toast from Wuollet Bakery, milk from family-run dairy Sassy Cow Creamery and key lime pie from Birchwood Café. Tastes of Jeff’s signature cold-press iced coffee, made with Peace Coffee Yeti blend and brown-butter sweet cream, also will be served.

Owner’s Tour: 7:30pm-8:30pm – Get a behind-the-scenes tour of the new facility and a talk with owner Jeff Sommers about what they're doing at Izzy’s. (TICKETS* ON SALE HERE)

*Tickets include ice cream cup or cone, too!

Today - VOTE!

VOTE!  VOTE!  VOTE!  VOTE!  VOTE!  VOTE!  VOTE!

VOTE!  VOTE!  VOTE!  VOTE!  VOTE!  VOTE!  VOTE!

VOTE!  VOTE!  VOTE!  VOTE!  VOTE!  VOTE!  VOTE!

                                           

VOTE!  VOTE!  VOTE!  VOTE!  VOTE!  VOTE!  VOTE!

VOTE!  VOTE!  VOTE!  VOTE!  VOTE!  VOTE!  VOTE!

VOTE!  VOTE!  VOTE!  VOTE!  VOTE!  VOTE!  VOTE!

Twin Cities Horror Festival Runs thru November 9 at Southern Theater

Halloween may already be a distant memory, but the gore goes on until November 9 at The Southern Theater.

This is the second year for the Twin Cities Horror Festival, which features seven accomplished local performance groups exploring the theme of horror through theater, music, dance, and storytelling. The 40+ performance run also includes a Recycle-Your-Costume Dance Party Friday Nov. 8th at 10pm.

Mark Your Calendar for the Nov 14 Water Works Community Meeting at Nicollet Island Pavilion

Discover and discuss Water Works emerging concepts.

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board will be hosting a community meeting about the Central Mississippi Riverfront, where SCAPE and Rogers Partners from the Water Works Design Team will be featured guests. 

The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 14, 6:00pm - 8:00pm, at the Nicollet Island Pavilion.
 
The Design Team has been working on the design framework and concept scenarios for Water Works since their last visit in September, and they will share their work at this meeting.

Attend the meeting to engage in the conversation about Water Works and the Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park, discover emerging concepts developed following the last community input meeting, and learn about next steps.

This Weekend: ART ATTACK 2013!

Northrup King Building, 1500 Jackson St. NE, Minneapolis

Friday, Nov. 1st        5:00 - 10:00 PM
Saturday, Nov. 2nd   Noon - 8:00 PM
Sunday, Nov. 3rd      Noon - 5:00 PM
 
Visit the Northrup King Building for an exciting weekend of visual art, live music, ballet performances, art demonstrations and food trucks for your convenience. If you're new to the Northrup King Building or simply haven't been here for awhile, put on your walking shoes and visit over 250 artists working out of 150 separate studios.

For more information and a schedule of music, performances and demonstrations, go to www.northrupkingbuilding.com/artattack.

Temporary 3-Day Closure of Historic Main Street

Via an October 31 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board:

Temporary 3-Day Closure of Historic Main Street

Repairs are underway along historic Main Street, between Hennepin Avenue and SE 3rd Avenue. Beginning Tuesday, November 5 this section of Main Street will be closed to vehicular and bicycle traffic to allow for street repairs to be made. Main St. will reopen the morning of Friday, November 8. Businesses and pedestrian walks will remain open while repairs are made. Follow this link for a map that indicates the area of the closure and detour routes. Signs will be posted.

Thank you for your patience while these necessary repairs are made.

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

Contact Information:
Julia Cline, Project Representative, MPRB Planning, jcline@minneapolisparks.org or 612-230-6463.

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween to our Mill District neighbors! :)

Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park Master Plan Public Input Opportunities

Via an October 30 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board:

Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park Master Plan Public Input Opportunities

The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board will host a two-day charrette to gather public input for the Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park Master Plan. This is the second charrette of five for the Master Plan and will focus on Historic Main Street and its connections.  A charrette is an intensive creative session intended to generate alternative approaches to a design problem. It is a way to immerse a project team with key stakeholders and the community in a real-time, iterative learning and creative process. Please join us!

Charrette Public Meeting Day 1:

Date – 11/6/13
Time – 8:00am to 10:00am
Location – Aster Café – River Room

Meeting Info: Comment and feedback to define key site program issues, possibilities, and limitations for Historic Main Street.

Charrette Public Meeting Day 2:

Date – 11/7/13
Time – 4:00pm to 5:30pm
Location – Aster Café – River Room

Meeting Info: Review preliminary design framework plan and concepts for Historic Main Street completed during the charrette.

The Park Board encourages the public to stop by the Aster Café’s River Room to share ideas, concerns and priorities with the Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park design team.  Later in November, ideas from this two-day charrette will be presented to the project advisory committees and the second public open house for discussion.

For more information, please go to the MPRB project page.

Thank you! 

CONTACT:   Tyler Pederson, Landscape Architect
Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board
612-230-6418
tpederson@minneapolisparks.org

2013 Nice Ride Season Ends Sunday, November 3rd

According to the Nice Ride Minnesota website, the 2013 Nice Ride season comes to a close at 10:00pm on Sunday, November 3rd.    Check out the Nice Ride Annual Report for 2013, which details their mission, outreach efforts spanning 122 events, 90 led tours and more. 

'Images of Africa' Film Series from The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul

Celebrating the state’s growing African communities, The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul will present Images of Africa, a film series highlighting the cinema of Africa. Films in the series will illuminate elements of the human experience that exist across all cultural boundaries. Images of Africa will present 30 narrative and documentary films, including titles from the African regions and nations represented locally.

Films will span a diverse range of topics, from African music and dance to soccer, food, war and exile, and the film industry itself. Images of Africawill draw titles from established film production regions like Senegal, Egypt, Morocco, South Africa, and Nigeria’s Nollywood, as well as from countries such as Mali, Kenya, Somalia, Ghana, Rwanda and Liberia among others.

More Info

Week 25 at the 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

October 26 marked the end of the 2013 outdoor Market season.  Thank You to Market Sponsor, Cynthia Froid, for the complimentary apples! Look for your favorite MCFM vendors at the indoor winter Markets - the first one being November 9.

Two lovely Market artists - Annika Kaplan and Annabella Sardelis.  :)

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