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.

Week 18 at the 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

There's a drought going on, but you'd never know it when strolling through the September 7 Market, which was overflowing with abundance.

Swede Lake Farm's answer to the "Izzy Scoop"?

A rainbow of purchases from the Market :)

"Here Comes the Sun" Book Release Celebration at Open Book, September 23

A Mill District neighbor asked us to share this information on an event taking place September 23 at Open Book:

Dear friends,

I want to share a very special event with you.

The Lucas family is a special family and friends of ours.  Brian Lucas wrote a book called Here Comes the Sun.  This is a true story about a family's journey with leukemia.  The story takes place in Minneapolis.  Come meet the Lucas family and attend the release and book signing at Open Book on Monday September 23. This is an event you won't want to miss.  Pass the word if you know someone who would want to attend.

Monday, September 23
Open Book, 1011 Washington Avenue South
Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm (short program at 7:00pm)

Please use this link to make your reservation, and learn more on this website.

If you can't attend this event, here are future dates:
 
Birchbark Books
Saturday, September 28
2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
2115 W 21st Street
Minneapolis, MN

Common Good Books
Wednesday, October 9
7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
65 Western Ave N
St Paul, MN

Week 17 at the 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

The August 31 Market was bursting at the seams, and it was a challenge to keep from going completely overboard...again.  We were introduced to a new baby food company, Petit Organics, and Triple Crown BBQ Sauce (look for separate posts on the Farmers Market blog later this week).  I started stocking up on ingredients that will go into test quick breads for the September 21 Bread Festival.  Fun! :)

View our full set of pictures from the August 31 Market on Flickr.

New varieties of dried beans from Yee Xiong:

A discerning little Market shopper.  :)

This is what we love to see... Thanks for supporting the Mill City Farmers Market!

Two Thumbs Up for Minneapolis Madams: The Lost History of Prostitution on the Riverfront

We recently attended the sold out "Minneapolis Madams Pub Crawl", a Mill City Museum tour narrated by Penny Petersen, author of Minneapolis Madams: The Lost History of Prostitution on the Riverfront.  Hard to imagine it now, but our riverfront neighborhoods were home to three distinct red-light districts from the 1870's to 1910.

The book was about a decade in the making, and once you start taking in all the facts Penny has amassed, you'll understand why.  Filled with fascinating details of the city, politics and people from that time period - you'll learn much more than the title suggests.  If you can't get enough Minneapolis history, this book is a must for your collection! (There's also a Kindle version available on Amazon.)

Our tour took us to the First Street Red-Light District (on First Street South between Hennepin and Third Avenue South ), the Main Street Red-Light District (on Main Street SE between First Avenue NE and current day Central Avenue), and the Eleventh Avenue Red-Light District (on Second Street South between 10th Avenue South and 12th Avenue South).

Below, nestled within the U shape of the Bridgewater Lofts, this three-story brick building at 212 11th Avenue South is the only standing bordello from the Eleventh Avenue Red-Light District.

You can meet Penny and learn more about her book on September 10 at the Central Library (7:00pm).  Registration is required - either online or by calling 612-543-8000. More info.

MPRB Announces New Online Registration/Reservation System

Via an August 29 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board:

The New MPRB ActiveNet Layout

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is excited to announce that the newly redesigned ActiveNet registration and reservation system launched for public use on Thursday, August 29.

Through the input of MPRB staff and ActiveNet users, and the technical talent of the web developers at ActiveNet, you’ll see a new layout that offers:

• A simplified look
• Easy to use search tools
• Steps that let you know where you are in the registration process
• Details that appear when you "mouse" over an activity name
• Mobile access so you can register on your smartphone or tablet

Click here to search and register for seasonal programs, activities and events, to reserve the perfect Minneapolis park facility for your upcoming picnic, ceremony or gathering, to buy a golf pass, gift cards, and more.

Also, please update your ActiveNet bookmarks to point to this new link: https://minneapolisparks.apm.activecommunities.com/

Questions?

If you have questions or feedback about ActiveNet, please call 612-230-6400 or email active@minneapolisparks.org.

Happy 6th Birthday, Sanctuary!

Congratulations to Naomi, Roger, Michael, Chef Patrick and the staff of Sanctuary on the anniversary of their sixth year in the Mill District!  It's been our go-to spot for romantic dinners since moving to this neighborhood nearly 4 years ago. 

To celebrate, you're invited to enjoy a complimentary refreshing Spritz Capacitor cocktail tonight, August 29, after 7:30pm - no purchase necessary!  :)

Local Photography Exhibit Opens September 8 at the Central Library

Via an August 27 e-newsletter from Hennepin Country Library:

“Hidden in Plain View: A Touring Photo Exhibit” will open Sept. 8 and run through Oct. 26 in Cargill Hall Gallery at Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central, 300 Nicollet Mall.
 
The exhibit features work by award-winning local photographers Amy Anderson, Michael Dvorak, Peter Latner and Tom Wik. It captures the beauty, humor and poignancy of our everyday lives in the Midwest and asks viewers to consider what lies behind façades, hidden in plain view.
 
Cargill Hall Gallery hours are the same as the library’s: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday.
 
“Hidden in Plain View: A Touring Photo Exhibit” is organized by MELSA (Metropolitan Library Service Agency) and supported by Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
 
The exhibit is free and stopping at more metro-area libraries November 2013-June 2014. For the tour schedule, see www.melsa.org.
 
About the artists:
 
Amy Anderson is an award-winning portrait photographer striving to create truly respectful images of people in the Twin Cities and around the world. Her project “At Risk, With Promise” has been featured in solo and group shows nationwide.
 
Michael Dvorak is an award-winning photographer based in Minneapolis. He focuses on social documentary, found portraiture and freelance editorial projects. Assignments have taken him across the country and around the world.
 
Peter Latner is a Minneapolis-based photographer with a longstanding interest in the American landscape. His pictures are in a number of museum and private collections, and he is the recipient of fellowships and grants from the McKnight and Jerome foundations, and the Minnesota State Arts Board.
 
Tom Wik, a Minneapolis photographer, has spent much of his photographic career recording his native city’s neighborhoods. The recipient of a McKnight Fellowship and Artist Initiative Grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board, he also works as a building contractor.

Week 16 at the 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

Grapes, apples, pears and new varieties of melons arrived at the August 24 Market.  We learned about fermented foods and the benefits of probiotics during the Mill City Cooks demo, and shoppers were treated to massages at the Allina Health/Penny George Institute for Health and Healing booth.  View our full set of pictures from the August 24 Market on Flickr.

Whoa - you could stuff a pound of hamburger in that pepper!

Check out MJ from Sorella Wine & Spirits - That's Some Serious Facial Hair!

MJ from Sorella Wine & Spirits recently took 3rd Place out of 900+ entries (!) in a national online beard contest.  Check it out:

Know anyone in the neighborhood doing something unique?  We're happy to share it on Mill City Times - just drop me a line at kim@millcitymedia.org. :)

Road Closures for August 25 for Minneapolis Duathlon

The Minneapolis Duathlon is a 3-mile run, 15-mile bike and 3-mile run from downtown Minneapolis along the Mississippi River and back. The first wave will start at 7:05am.

The following roads will be temporarily closed during this August 25 event:

West River Parkway from Plymouth Avenue North to Godfrey Parkway, Historic Main Street Parkway, 3rd Avenue South, and 2nd Street South.  6:50am to 11:00am.  Please note that the duration of the closures is subject to change based on the event's start and finish times.

The run course begins on 3rd Avenue South, goes across the river and back down Main Street, returns on the Stone Arch Bridge and goes north on West River Parkway on a brief "out and back" to finish up the run. This is the same run course for the 2nd leg of the run.

The bike course goes out on 2nd Street, eventually to West River Parkway where bikers will travel south to the turnaround. Then the course takes bikers back up to 2nd Street to the bike dismount area near the transition.

MPRB 'Picture a Park' Photo Contest Deadline is September 2

Sponsored by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB), People for Parks (PFP) and National Camera Exchange, the Picture a Park Photo Contest is designed to highlight photos taken year-round in Minneapolis parks.

Contest Categories
• Beauty in the Parks – Capture the everyday beauty within the parks, including wildlife, historic sites and breathtaking views.
• Events in the Parks – Photograph a whimsical event or community celebration in Minneapolis Parks.
• Fun in the Parks – Document a fun park activity, such as a concert, movie, bike ride or picnic.
• Photos by Youth – Budding photographers age 17 and younger can submit photos of their favorite Minneapolis Parks in any of the three subject areas – beauty, fun, events.

Entries can depict people, activities, events, nature and places in the Minneapolis Park System from any time of the year.

The contest is open to amateurs of all ages, Minneapolis residents and non-residents, with categories for both youth and adults. Photos must be unpublished, color, and taken within the Minneapolis Park System. Photographs from all seasons are encouraged and accepted. Photographers can submit up to three entries. There is no entry fee.

Prizes will be awarded for contest-winning photos, including gift certificates, Annual Patron Parking Permits, and water park and winter recreation passes. A public vote will take place online in September to choose among a selection of entries as the People’s Choice Award winner. Photo contest winners also have the opportunity to have their photo appear on the 2014 Annual Parking Permit, distributed to nearly 7,000 park patrons.

All photos and entry forms must be submitted online by Sept. 2, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. through the National Camera Exchange website.

Complete contest rules and guidelines as well as previous contest winning photos are available for viewing online.

Check Out this Great Deal on Cooking Classes from Local D'Lish

While we're happy to see a Whole Foods opening soon in the 222 Hennepin building, we're concerned how that will affect the small independent downtown grocers like Mill City Market Grocery & Deli and to a higher extent, Local D'Lish.

I've visited Local D'Lish on a number of occasions, and it's a lovely little shop filled with locally sourced products.  You may remember their mini-market at the Mill City Farmers Market in previous years, which they discontinued when they expanded the business. If you're not familiar with that store, here's a reason to get to know them - they offer cooking classes. Through August 31, they're offering a super promotion that's pretty hard to resist - $35 classes! 
 
There's no limit on how many $35 coupons you can purchase, and better yet, there's no expiration date.  You can order them over the phone (612-886-3047) or at the store (208 N. 1st Street) - just mention the "Preferred Customer Coupon".  You'll receive a promotional code to use for online registration.  They are also donating 10% of every coupon purchased to Youth Farm.  Great idea to use as a gift, too.

Local D'Lish also offers private cooking classes for groups of 10-15. contact Ann at localdlish@gmail.com or 612-886-3047 for a special group rate.

I hope you'll get to know Ann and her staff before the shiny new box opens just a few blocks away. (Again, I'm a huge fan of Whole Foods - I go there for special items that aren't available elsewhere - but I'm also a huge fan of our small neighborhood businesses.)

Runnin' With The Law 5K 2013 at Father Hennepin Bluffs Park

Kids, dogs, horses and McGruff the Crime Dog.  Does it get any better?  Did I mention the SWAT Team? 

The Runnin' With The Law 5K 2013 took place August 15 at Father Hennepin Bluffs Park.

In addition to the Kids Fun Run and 5K race, attendees got to meet members of the K-9 Unit, SWAT Officers, the Mounted Patrol, and McGruff the Crime Dog.  Proceeds from this event benefit the Minneapolis Police Department’s Fitness Team. The Fitness Team is dedicated to establishing an active, healthy culture within the Minneapolis Police Department and local community.

Click here for more photos.

TRIA Orthopaedic Center was on hand with information on the comprehensive care they provide at their Bloomington location - including diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and surgery.

 

Week 15 at the 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

Scenes from the August 17 Market. Click here to view the full set of photos on Flickr.  :)

Yay - sweet corn ice cream! :)

A growing boy shouldn't have to decide between Solomon's Bakery and Salty Tart - it's okay to have a treat from both!

MPRB Announces September-December 2013 Schedule

The Minneapolis Park and Rec Board has released their September - December 2013 schedule.  Check out their online brochure for fun activity ideas that will inspire you to explore the parks and discover all the great programs offered at their Recreation Centers. 

You'll soon see why, in summer 2013, the Park Board received the first-ever “five park bench” rating on The Trust for Public Land’s ParkScore® index, finishing first among the 50 most populous U.S. cities.   Those ratings are based on acreage, access, service and investment provided to Minneapolis residents.

Two Thumbs Up for the Tempura Brussel Sprouts at Zen Box

John at Zen Box is a master with textures and flavors, and is always coming up with something yummy and creative.  The latest new dish we tried was Tempura Brussel Sprouts.   Absolutely loved them!  :)

Temporary Parkway Closure on August 15

West River Parkway and Historic Main Street Parkway will be temporarily closed from 5:00pm – 10:00pm on August 15 for Runnin’ With the Law 5K.
 
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.