Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park Master Plan Public Input Meetings

Via an October 1 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board:

Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park Master Plan Public Input meetings

The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board will host a two-day event to gather public input for the Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park master plan. The process to shape the plan is just beginning, so this is a great time to participate.

When: Monday, October 7 from 11:30-1:00 pm, Tuesday, October 8 from 11:30-1:00 pm and 6:00-7:30 pm
Where: Nicollet Island Pavilion
Address: 40 Power Street, 55401

The Park Board encourages you and your neighbors to stop by the Nicollet Island Pavilion to share ideas, concerns and priorities with the Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park design team. An informal discussion of the results of this work will occur on Tuesday, Oct. 8 from 6:00-7:30 pm at the Nicollet Island Pavilion, 40 Power Street, 55401. Later this month, ideas from this two-day work session will be presented to project advisory committees for discussion.

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

CONTACT: 
Andrew Caddock, Project Manager
Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board
612-230-6470
acaddock@minneapolisparks.org

Nordeast Big River Beard & Moustache Battle - October 19

Do you find facial hair fascinating?  If so, check out the Nordeast Big River Beard & Moustache Battle, taking place Saturday, October 19, 1:00pm - 4:00pm, as part of the 3rd Annual The Nordeast Big River Brew Fest (at the Grain Belt Brewery Bottling Building, 79 13th Avenue NE).

Judging categories include Full Beard, Moustache, Whiskerinas (Ladies!), and Costume & Facial Hair Combo (it's the weekend after the Zombie Pub Crawl and the week before Halloween, they've created a special Men, Women & All Facial Hair Types Costume Category).

All funds from the Beer Fest & Competition will be donated to The East Side Neighborhood Services, which fosters the development and well being of individuals and families while strengthening the diverse community in Nordeast & Southeast Minneapolis.

Outdoor StreamLab at the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory (SAFL)

Here's what's happening at the University of Minnesota’s St. Anthony Falls Laboratory (SAFL) Outdoor StreamLab. :)

Jessica Kozarek, manager of the Outdoor StreamLab at the University of Minnesota's St. Anthony Falls Laboratory, shows off some surprising natural beauty that thrives in an artificial stream.

Big Crowd at Zen Box Izakaya RAMEN ATTACK! Block Party

Zen Box Izakaya celebrated their second anniversary in style by hosting a block party today with plenty of food, drinks and entertainment.  Chef John Ng and his two guest chefs must have been exhausted after serving up enough ramen to feed the throngs of hungry customers who patiently waited in a line that snaked out and around the perimeter for the party.

The Taiko performance was fantastic!

Congratulations to John and Lina - for your second year anniversary in the Mill District, and the success of this fun, unique block party. :)

Week 21 at the 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

It was a soggy, windy Oktoberfest at the September 28 Market. But, oh, the good stuff - so many options to choose from this time of year!  An added bonus for coming out in the rain - we got to meet our newest neighbors in the Mill District, Day Block Brewing.  Please note - hours for the October Markets will be 9am - 1pm.  :)

Winner of the Freaky Tomato Award:

Sunday, September 29 - RAMEN ATTACK! Block Party

Come celebrate Zen Box Izakaya's second anniversary as they host a block party featuring three chefs; Surly taps, Asahi tap and sake; Mu Performance Arts Taiko Performance and a special guest appearance. Admission $2; 16 and under free.  Portland Avenue between Washington Avenue South and Second Street South.

Nationally Known Artists to Coach Rock 4 Real - an Adult Rock Music Workshop at MacPhail Center for Music

MacPhail Center for Music recently announced their next session of Rock 4 Real- an Authentic Rock n’ Roll Experience for Adults, offering 18 and older musicians real world professional insight about songwriting, rehearsing, the music business and presenting a polished live show.

Live your Rock & Roll dreams by experiencing the entire music-making process with these accomplished artists:
• Mike Arturi, drummer of the classic 60's band, The Lovin' Spoonful.
• Tim Mahoney, singer/songwritter and finalist on NBC's "The Voice".
• Bun E. Carlos, founding member of Cheap Trick, will present a clinic and performance master class, one-on-one group counseling of each band and Q and A sessions.

Rock 4 Real is a live rock band rehearsal and performance experience produced and directed by professional national touring artists.  Rock 4 Real staff will place you in a band, then rehearse with you for five Wednesday nights leading up to a Saturday dress rehearsal/master class and a Sunday live performance!  Guest artist, Bun E. Carlos of Cheap Trick fame will be on hand throughout the day on Saturday, November 23, to mentor your band and lend his world class experience.  On Sunday, November 24, Bun E. will present a workshop and clinic sharing his expertise as a drummer and his story as a founding member of Cheap Trick immediately followed by Rock 4 Real live band performances. 

Register onlineor call MacPhail at 612-321-0100.

Week 20 at the 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

What a day at the September 21 Market.  In addition to the continually expanding variety of produce, Mark Wheat of The Current 89.3 emcee'd the 3rd Annual Bread Contest, and a crop art activity table gave kids an opportunity to explore their artistic side. Look for separate postings on these events this week on our Farmers Market blog.  Some new items available this week included raw peanuts in the shell, butternut squash, Magnesium Oil from Olsen Naturals and Pumpkin Spice granola from Bliss Gourmet Foods.

City of Minneapolis Seeks Election Judges for Nov 5 Elections

Are efficient, fair elections important to you? You can help protect voters' rights, serve your community, and be paid to do it.  The City of Minneapolis is seeking election judges to assist with the
November 5 elections.

Click here for more info or to apply online.

Fall Cooking Classes with Brenda Langton of Spoonriver

Brenda Langton of Spoonriver and licensed nutritionist, Carolyn Denton, will be joined by additional Center for Spirituality & Healing faculty to teach "Healthy Eating, Healthy Living".  Register online.

Tonight: First Annual NE Ladies Night Out

Celebrate with your favorite gals at neighborhood bars and restaurants this year at the first annual NE Ladies Night Out! Great specials,  group photos available, and fabulous “sneak-peek” ideas for the upcoming holiday season.

Special offers available starting 5pm at the following participating neighborhood businesses:

Bone Adventure - Bring your dog and drop while you shop! Complimentary playcare at Bone Adventure from 5:00 to 8:00pm with any $40 purchase at a participating merchant, otherwise just $5 an hour.

Parc Boutique - Featuring a Fall Trunk Show featuring a local clothing designer. Everything in store will be 20% off and we’ll also have drinks & appz.

Look & See Total Eyecare & Stylish Eyewear - Offering $100 off Rx glasses or sunglasses during the event.

Mona Williams – Choose a handmade Ross Sveback soap as our gift with any $100 purchase.

Surdyk’s Liquor and Cheese Shop – 4 for $40 from 5:00pm- 9:00pm so jumpstart your weekend with four (4) bottles of wine from a special selection for just $40. Also, 20% Off ALL Sparkling Wines so come and enjoy Free Chair Massages and complimentary cheese and wine tasting.

The Bibelot – 20% off entire store as a special preview for our “NE customers.” The Anniversary sale at all Bibelot locations will be September 20, 21.(This includes all regular priced merchandise). Don’t forget to stop by for a hibiscus flower tasting and their special drawing for merchandise

Keegan’s – $2.00 any drink.

Pacifier  – 20% off Regular Priced Fall Clothing.

The Mill City Running - Offering 15% off of Women’s apparel.

Red Stag – 2 for 1′s on select wine & taps, and rail cocktails, available 5pm-close.

Whitey’s World Famous Saloon – Stop in for a Cosmos for only $2.00

MPRB Appoints New Director of Safety and Security

Via a Sept. 17 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board:

MPRB Superintendent Jayne Miller and newly sworn in Park Police Chief Jason Ohotto

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) recently appointed Jason Ohotto as the new Park Police Chief and was sworn in by Superintendent Jayne Miller in front of full crowd in the Board Room at the MPRB Headquarters on September 11.

In this new position, Chief Ohotto will be responsible for the overall management and direction of all services, functions and operations of the Park Police Department. Additionally he will plan, coordinate and direct year-round, citywide Park Police activities and services to ensure that the mission, goals, policies and priorities of the MPRB are incorporated into the department activities and services.

“As a decorated member of the Minneapolis Park Police Department, Jason has over 17 years of committed experience to protecting our communities and keeping our parks safe,” said MPRB Superintendent Jayne Miller. “Jason is a proven leader with a clear vision and a high-level of understanding of what it takes to ensure safe parks, facilities and recreation programs throughout Minneapolis. It is through his hard work and tireless efforts that Jason has been able to establish authentic relationships with park staff, elected officials and community members to solve – and prevent – crime and safety issues in our parks.”

Ohotto first joined the Minneapolis Police Department as a Park Patrol Agent in 1995, serving in that role through 1998. From 1998 through 2004 he served as a Minneapolis Park Police Officer and as a Park Police Sergeant from 2004-2012. In 2012, Ohotto was promoted to Park Police Lieutenant and has served as Captain of the Minneapolis Park Police department since February of this year. Ohotto holds a Master of Public and Non-Profit Administration Degree with a concentration in Law Enforcement Organizations from Metropolitan State University in St. Paul. During Ohotto’s career with the Minneapolis Park Police Department he has received the Award of Merit, the Lifesaving Award and twice has received the Medal of Commendation from the Minneapolis Police Department.

“It is my great honor to accept this position and continue my work for the greatest park system in the country. In my view, people are what make Minneapolis parks so special,” said Chief Ohotto. “I truly appreciate all the support I have felt from staff, Commissioners and residents over my career and especially the last six months. Please know that I believe my job is to support the work being done in the field and I am thankful each day that I am able to serve alongside this dedicated staff!”

Mpls Beard and Moustache Club Members Win Gold at National Championships

A lot of people in the neighborhood recognize Michael "MJ" Johnson from Sorella Wine & Spirits.  But what you might not know is that he's the Founder of The Minneapolis Beard and Moustache Club.

MJ and a fellow member recently won Gold Medals at The National Beard and Moustache Championships in New Orleans.  He won in the Imperial Partial Beard category and Marc McShane won Gold in the Amish Beard category.


MJ also made the top 4 for Best in Show.  Check out this video!

Week 19 at the 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 14 was Sweet Corn Day at the Market.  It was celebrated with piles of sweet corn at vendor stands, and corn recipes at the Mill City Cooks demo and Meet Your Veggies booth.  Time to start filling the freezer with those sweet little yellow kernels for savoring this winter.  

Simply amazing - still no rain, yet the farmers continue to out do themselves each week.

Yoda the squash! :)

Braucher's Sunshine Harvest Farm was one of the Mill City Farmers Market vendors featured in the Minnesota Cooks calendar.

Darrold from Sunrise Flour Mill demonstrates the pizza dough toss:

Got a Story to Tell (that includes an eclipse)?

The Loft and Minnesota Premiere Publications (Southwest Journal, The Journal, and Minnesota Good Age) have teamed up to offer the Loft's Fall Writing Contest.   

Last year's winner, Sally Franson, will judge the entries and one winner will receive a $150 Loft gift certificate, $100 in gift certificates to Parasole restaurants, and publication in the Southwest Journal, The Journal, and Minnesota Good Age. Deadline is Thursday, October 3 at 11:59 p.m.
 
Contest Details: Eclipse
A good portion of the world will experience a total solar eclipse on November 3, 2013. Write a story, 800 words or less, that incorporates an eclipse.

Details and Entry Info

Parkway Closure for September 14-15, 2013

The following parkways will be temporarily closed September 14-15, for these events and designated times:

September 14 – Mill City Suds Run:  Historic Main Street Parkway, West River Parkway Plymouth Avenue North to Portland Avenue 10:00am to 2:00pm

September 15 – Minneapolis Bike Tour:  Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway.  All Lake Harriet Parkway All Lake Calhoun Parkway, All Lake Nokomis, All Theodore Wirth Parkway, Webber-Victory Memorial, All West River Parkway/Road, All Lake of the Isles Parkway 7:00am to 2:00pm

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. 

Visit These Mill City Farmers Market Vendors and Sponsor at the 2013 Minnesota Cheese Festival September 14 and 15

The 2013 Minnesota Cheese Festival takes place September 14 and 15 at the MN State Fair Grounds. It is one of the country's largest celebrations of regionally produced cheese and cheese-related products. Look for the following three MCFM Vendors, along with Market Sponsor Organic Valley at this years Festival.

Rochdale Farms was named in honor of the Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers, home to the original consumer cooperative launched in 1844 in England. Rochdale Farms thinks that the pioneers had the right idea, which is why all Rochdale Farms products support local farmers and help local food cooperatives - all part of the effort to grow local communities.

The folks at Shepherd's Way Farms believe in hard work, creativity, respect for the land and animals, and a focus on family and friends. The small, family farm is located 7 miles outside of Northfield, across from the Big Woods State Park. They have a small flock of approximately 200 dairy ewes and is an active part of the local food community.

Singing Hills Goat Dairy is a small artisan goat cheese dairy farm near Nerstrand that produces fresh chevre, feta, curds and yogurt from its on-farm certified cheese plant. Their goat herd can be found on 25 acres of rolling grassland that border Big Woods State Park.

Organic Valley Co-op was created 25 years ago by a handful of farmers from southwestern Wisconsin who shared the belief that a new, sustainable approach to agriculture could help family farms and rural communities survive. Once pioneers of organic agriculture, Organic Valley Co-op is now an established leader, producing only organic products and building a future for sustainable family farming across the country.

NOTE: Tickets are limited - advanced sales only.  You can save $2 on an Adult Session ticket by entering code ILOVECHEESE when buying tickets online.

Now Open in the Mill District: Magna Health and Fitness

Magna Health and Fitness announced yesterday that construction is complete and their location at 616 South 3rd Street (in the American Trio building) is now open.

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, call 612-424-6840 or visit the website.

Welcome to the neighborhood, Magna!  :)

Girl Rising - September 18 (One Night Only) at St. Anthony Main Theatre

The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul presents Girl Rising on September 18.

Girl Rising spotlights the stories of nine unforgettable girls born into unforgiving circumstances. Girls like Sokha, an orphan who rises from a life in the garbage dump in Phnom Penh, Cambodia to become a star student and an accomplished dancer; Suma, who writes songs that help her endure forced servitude in Nepal and today crusades to free others; and Ruksana, an Indian “pavement-dweller” whose father sacrifices his own basic needs for his daughter’s dreams.

Mill City Museum Celebrates 10 Years with Free Admission and Programming, Sept. 14 and 15

Event: Mill City Museum's 10th Birthday Party
Date: Saturday, Sept. 14 and Sunday, Sept. 15
Time: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

Cost: Free
Place: Mill City Museum, 704 South Second Street, Minneapolis MN 55401
Phone: 612-341-7555
Email: mcm@mnhs.org
Website: http://www.millcitymuseum.org/

Mill City Museum Celebrates 10 Years with Free Admission and Programming, Sept. 14 and 15

In 1971, the Washburn A Mill was added to the National Register of Historic Places, in 1983 it was designated a National Historic Landmark, and in September 2003 it opened as the newest addition to the Minnesota Historical Society's network of historic sites and museums.

On Sept. 14 and 15, come celebrate Mill City Museum's 10th anniversary and find out why visitors say it's a "must-see" cultural attraction. Admission will be free the entire weekend.

Mill City Museum's 10th Birthday Party runs Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

• Saturday programs: families can make an “exploding” Washburn A Mill book, enjoy birthday cake courtesy of D’Amico Catering, hear a lunchtime concert by a re-created 1920 Washburn Crosby Concert Band, watch a performance by History Player William de la Barre, see a cooking demo by chef Austin Bartold, dance to the music of Salsa del Soul in the Ruin Courtyard and see Twin Cities inspired sketch comedy by Joseph Scrimshaw and Tim Uren, with an appearance by Kevin Kling who co-produced the museum's short film "Minneapolis in 19 Minutes Flat" a lighthearted take on the city’s history.
• Sunday programs: families can enjoy birthday cake courtesy of D’Amico catering, build a paper model boxcar, enjoy performances by a re-created 1920 Washburn Crosby Concert Band in the Ruin Courtyard, watch a canning demonstration by Tony and Nikoline Tushar, see a performance of The Amazing Gnip Gnop Circus by Z Puppets Rosenschnoz and a performance by History Player Eva McDonald Valesh.

Throughout the weekend families can explore the museum. Mill City Museum describes in compelling, multi-sensory and hands-on ways how industry, nature and people came together to make Minneapolis the "Flour Milling Capital of the World" from 1880 to 1930. The story comes to life through the Water Lab, Baking Lab and Flour Tower, an eight-story elevator ride that enables visitors to experience the powerful, noisy, industrial process that turned wheat into flour. A rooftop observation deck offers sweeping views of the Mississippi River, St. Anthony Falls, the Stone Arch Bridge and Mill Ruins Park. Mill City Museum also includes a gift shop and café.

Brief history of Mill City Museum

Originally designed by Austrian engineer William de la Barre and declared the world's largest flour mill after its completion in 1880, the structure housing Mill City Museum was nearly destroyed by fire in 1991.

After the City of Minneapolis, working through the Minneapolis Community Development Agency, cleaned up the rubble and fortified the mill's charred walls, the Minnesota Historical Society announced its intention to construct a milling museum and education center within the ruins.

Faced with how to preserve the ruins of this historically significant site while building a modern museum, the Society turned to Thomas Meyer, principal of Minneapolis architectural firm Meyer, Scherer & Rockcastle, Ltd. Construction on the museum began in March 2001.

Meyer's design left intact many features of the original mill, including flour bins, milling machinery, the engine house, rail corridor and a wheat house. Ruins of the historic mill are showcased in the 100-by-100 foot open-air courtyard. And limestone, brick, concrete and steel were used within the museum to emphasize its industrial origins.

About the Minnesota Historical Society

This summer explore more than 500 museums statewide with the free Minnesota Museums app, brought to you by the Minnesota Association of Museums and the Minnesota Historical Society. Browse Minnesota museums by name, category or location; create an itinerary, check off museums you've visited and upload favorite museum photos; plus the app will also suggest museums based on geographic location. The Minnesota Museums app is made possible by the Legacy Amendment’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the vote of Minnesotans on Nov. 4, 2008.

The Society’s calendar of events is posted online at events.mnhs.org/calendar. The website also has information about all of the Society’s programs, museums and historic sites.

The Minnesota Historical Society is a non-profit educational and cultural institution established in 1849. The Society collects, preserves and tells the story of Minnesota’s past through museum exhibits, libraries and collections, historic sites, educational programs and book publishing. Using the power of history to transform lives, the Society preserves our past, shares our state’s stories and connects people with history.