Week 18 at the Mill City Farmers Market

The first thing that jumped out at me at the September 8 Market was a huge wicker basket of edamame at Swede Lake Farms.  Another new item at the Market this week was a mini Gherkin from Page & Flowers.  Here's a YouTube video about them (or something extremely similar - Cherry didn't specifically refer to them as Mexican Gherkins).

Also, take a moment to read Laura Frerichs' sweet "My Love Letter to the Mill City Farmers Market", which received Honorable Mention in the Farmers Market Coalition 2012 Farmers Market Inspiration Awards. Laura and her husband Adam Cullip own Loon Organics.

Central Library's Special Collection​s Documentar​y to Premiere on TPT

From a September 6 Hennepin County Library News Release:

HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY’S JAMES K. HOSMER SPECIAL COLLECTIONSTO BE EXPLORED IN TPT DOCUMENTARY PREMIERING SEPTEMBER 16

Hennepin County Library’s James K. Hosmer Special Collections may be a hidden gem to many library patrons, but its wealth of information has been discovered by many authors and other serious researchers at Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis. You can learn all about the Library’s Special Collections when tpt premieres a new documentary, “Treasures Collected, Treasures Shared” at 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 16 on tpt MN. The 27-minute documentary will be rebroadcast on Sunday, Sept. 23 at 2 a.m. and 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. on tpt MN, and at noon on tpt LIFE.  

The documentary is a collaboration between Hennepin County Library and tpt and was funded by Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Interviews with staff and five local researchers offer a glimpse of the tens of thousands of resources available in the Library’s Special Collections, which is located on the fourth floor of Minneapolis Central Library. They include books, photographs, videos, DVDs, sound recordings, oral histories, news clippings, annual reports, yearbooks, pamphlets, government documents, programs, catalogs, postcards, flyers, advertisements, maps, posters, and drawings. 

Because of the huge scope of the collection, librarian Ted Hathaway, Special Collections manager, said it’s difficult to describe it in just a few words. “We have so many different kinds of resources here that people use for many different reasons,” he said. Librarians are available to help patrons find what they need.

Penny Petersen, historian and researcher at Hess Roise Historical Consultants; Dan Chouinard, musician and storyteller, Minnesota Public Radio; Joyce Wisdom, executive director of the Lake Street Council; Linda James, librarian, researcher, and producer of tpt’s “Lost Twin Cities” series; and Chris and Rushika Hage, authors of “Nicollet Island: History and Architecture,” discuss how using the Library’s Special Collections has enhanced their knowledge and understanding of history to share with others — in books, on the radio and on television, and when creating historic walking tours.

“My first trip to Special Collections was two years ago as I was writing a show for the Minnesota Historical Society about the construction of I-94 between the downtowns and the impact it had on neighborhoods and land along the route,” Chouinard said. “I was guided to boxes of newspaper articles from the 1950s and 1960s and cartoon brochures selling the freeway idea to Twin Cities residents — ‘The Automobile Is Here to Stay. What’s the Answer? FREEWAYS!’ It was a fascinating look at what regular folk were reading in the daily papers and getting in their mailboxes, and much of what I found wound up in my script and on the screen.”

“I’ve made use of Special Collections for three writing projects now, with at least another two on deck,” he continued. “I know I’ve barely scratched the surface and I’m looking forward to making use of the tremendous staff expertise and the vast content, especially the World War II collections which I’ll be using in a show for MPR in January.”

Hathaway invites the public to visit the Library’s Special Collections to pursue their interests, whether researching World War II, writing Wikipedia articles, or undertaking any of the many other types of research that patrons do.

DVD copies of the documentary will be added to Hennepin County Library’s collection and will be available for checkout at Minneapolis Central Library and other libraries after the documentary airs on tpt.

Additional short videos produced by tpt about the Library’s Special Collections, including the Kittleson World War II Collection and house history resources, will be posted on Hennepin County Library’s YouTube and Vimeo channels. 

For more information about the Library’s Special Collections, contact librarian Ted Hathaway at 612-543-8200 or go to http://www.hclib.org/pub/search/specialcollections/.

Check the website for updates.

"Possible" Road Closures for September 8 Mill City Suds Run 5K

Time: 6:00am - Noon (check website, these times can change)

According to the MPRB's site, the following parkways will be temporarily closed on Saturday, September 8, for the 10:00am Mill City Suds Run 5K:  West River Parkway and Stone Arch Bridge.

HOWEVER, I checked the course info, and it shows the route as being on the East bank - Starting at Father Hennepin Park, utilizing Main Street, looping around and returning thru Boom Island and Nicollet Island, then back to Father Hennepin Park via Main Street.

Either way - just be aware there's a race Saturday morning that may affect what route you take to get where you need to go! (Like the Mill City Farmers Market, for example.)

A complete list of parkway closures through December 2012 is available online. 

Tonight - First Thursday in the Arts District at Northrup King Building

Time:  5:00pm - 9:00pm

Location: Northrup King Building, 1500 Jackson Street NE

First Thursday in the Arts District - September 6th from 5:00-9:00 PM

It's shaping up to be the perfect day to head over to the Northrup King Building and the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District for First Thursday in the Arts District.

 As the change of seasons approaches, it is a great time to look for a beautiful piece of artwork to create a change in your home or office.  With a wide range of art mediums, textures and colors to choose from, you will find original art that reflects your personality.

 We also want to welcome our new neighbors, Indeed Brewing, located in the Solar Arts Building, 1 block west of the Northrup King Building.  Indeed Brewing's Taproom will be open on Thursday from 3:00-10:00 pm.

Teen Tech Center Approved For Central Library

Per a September 4 Hennepin County e-newsletter:

The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners approved development of a Teen Tech Center at the Hennepin County Library - Minneapolis Central.  Best Buy awarded a $100,000 grant to Hennepin County Library and Friends of the Hennepin County Library after accepting a proposal submitted for a Teen Tech Center.  The Teen Tech Center will be one of only four initial sites in the nation.

Best Buy and Intel Computer Clubhouse Network are partnering to develop programming and curriculum that will help teens explore their passions in technology and inspire future education and career choices.

Teens (approximately 13 - 18 years) will develop projects based on their own interests such as: creating art, music and animations; designing their own science simulations and mobile applications; designing their own 3D worlds and games, and more.

The center will offer a powerful array of cutting-edge technology, such as computers, digital cameras, movie cameras, professional software, and program activities in a wide range of areas:

•Computing
•Digital Photography
•Film making & Videography
•Graphic Design
•Audio production (including music mixing)
•Robotics
•Game Development
•Programming(including app development) 

NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING September 24 for St. Anthony Falls Historic District Design Guidelines

NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING

St. Anthony Falls Historic District Design Guidelines Wards 3 & 7 

The Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) will hold a public hearing on the adoption of new Design Guidelines for the St. Anthony Falls Historic District. The public hearing will be held on Monday, September 24, 2012 at 4:30 pm in room 317 of City Hall, 350 S. 5th St., Minneapolis, MN.

Interested parties are invited to attend and be heard. All neighborhood representatives are encouraged to attend.

Design guidelines are a set of design standards that are created to protect the integrity and character of the district. The design guidelines are adopted by the Heritage Preservation Commission for historic districts to be used in reviewing applications for new construction and alterations to existing properties.

More information on the public process to develop design guidelines for the St. Anthony Falls Historic District and previous drafts of the design guidelines can be found on the project’s webpage. A copy of the final draft of the design guidelines is also available on the project’s webpage.

St. Anthony Falls Historic District Design Guidelines project webpage: http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/hpc/hpc_st_anthony_falls_historic_district_design_guidelines

The final draft of the St. Anthony Falls Historic District Design Guidelines can be found here: http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/www/groups/public/@cped/documents/webcontent/wcms1p-097595.pdf

Public participation in the hearing is welcomed.  All interested parties should be present. If you have questions about the project, please contact the City staff person listed below.

If you would like to submit comments, you can make them verbally at the meeting or submit them in writing to:

Brian Schaffer, AICP, Principal City Planner
250 South 4th Street, Room 110, Minneapolis, MN 55415
Phone: 612-673-2670
Fax: 612-673-2526
E-mail: brian.schaffer@minneapolismn.gov

Week 17 at the Mill City Farmers Market

At the September 1 Market, Pam from Prairie Hollow Farm once again introduced us to a new edible - this week it was the Lion's Mane Mushroom.  Butternut squash, my fave, made it's first appearance.  I asked around, and it sounds like there won't be much edamame at the Market this autumn, so if you see any you better snap them up fast (if I don't get to them first!).

Don't forget - the 2nd Annual MCFM Baking Contest is September 22.

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

The pace in our neighborhood slows down on Holiday weekends, and we like to take advantage of that by kicking back at a few of our favorite casual spots.  

While it's fun to try new things, like the beer flights at Town Hall Brewery (above), we never tire of the dishes at Zen Box.

 

 

And what's a summer stroll without a scoop of gelato from Wilde Roast?  On our last visit I tried a 1/2 scoop of cherry mixed with a 1/2 scoop of licorice.  That was goooooooooooood.  (No picture - it disappeared too fast!)

NCED's Sip of Science Series Returns September 12

Here's something cool to check out. The National Center for Earth-surface Dynamics (NCED) will resume their monthly Sip of Science series on Wednesday, September 12, at the Aster Cafe.  :)

September 12th SIP Of SCIENCE:

A "Monkeyface" mussel, native to Minnesota

Freshwater mussels are one of the most endangered animal groups in North America, but the role of these mollusks in freshwater ecosystems, including our own Mississippi River, is vital to the survival of other animals and to the stability of the food chain. Freshwater mussels improve water quality in rivers and streams, allowing greater light penetration for algae and other organisms to grow, and they act as excellent indicators of environmental changes. Mussels have mutually beneficial relationships with many species of fish, providing them with nutrients that benefit other animals and humans who eat the fish.

Join mussel researcher Mark Hove in a discussion of these aquatic creatures, including the curious strategies native mussels employ to successfully reproduce, how mussels help not only rivers but people, the anthropogenic impacts on mussels, and mussel conservation.

About our speaker:

Mark Hove learned about mussels while getting his MS in Fisheries Science at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and his recent research has focused on freshwater mussel conservation and habitat, as well as approaches to identifying juvenile freshwater mussels recovered from infested fishes. He currently works as a malacologist at the University of Minnesota and Macalester College.

A SIP OF SCIENCE bridges the gap between science and culture in a setting that bridges the gap between brain and belly. Food, beer, and learning are on the menu in a happy hour forum in which researchers pair with musicians, artists and storytellers to put science in context through storytelling.

This talk takes place during happy hour at the Aster Cafe ||  Food and Drink Available for Purchase

A SIP OF SCIENCE - The Surprising Life of Native Mussels

Dr. Jessica Kozarek, Research Associate, St. Anthony Falls Laboratory, University of Minnesota

Wednesday, September 12th, 5:30p.m.   Aster Cafe, 125 SE Main Street, St. Anthony Main, Minneapolis, No cover 

The Blast Blow Dry Bar Experience

Blast Blow Dry Bar recently opened at 940 Washington Avenue South, next to Mens Dept. on the retail level of Aloft.

Below are Co-Owner Kristin Neafus, Receptionist Maureen and Stylist Stephani.

Blast is not a cut/color/mani-pedi salon.  What it is is a cool place to go for some pampering, either by yourself or with friends.  Services fall under three main categories:  Hair, Wax Bar (facial only) and Makeup & Lash Bar. 

Dave's daughter Brianna served as the model for our visit, enjoying 'The Blowout' service.  The Blowout begins with a consult with your stylist, during which you'll review style options and discuss any special needs.  Next, your stylist creates custom-mixed shampoo and conditioner incorporating your selected ingredients.  A scalp massage enhances the relaxation of the comphy lounge chair.  Stylists use hydrating styling cream during the blow out and style.

Here's a slide show of Brianna's experience with stylist Tiffany:

Unique to Blast is miXx, a custom in-house line of shampoos and conditioners.  Owners Kristin and Steven are both pharmacists, applying the same compounding skills used in formulating dermatological prescriptions to the beauty industry.  Everyone has different scalp, hair, style, and scent preferences.  With miXx, you have a personalized product made in front of you to match your personal needs and taste.  Blast's miXxologists and stylists are trained to help you chose the right ingredients.

As part of the group experience, there's a VIP Lounge.  Clients can bring in refreshments, or food can be catered in.  An ice bucket and glasses are provided for guests who bring in bubbly as part of their celebration.  Use of the lounge is free to parties of 6 or more.  Blast also has umbrellas on hand so they can provide a covered walk to your car to assure your new style isn't ruined by rain/snow.

Blast has a full makeup station, featuring Mirabella products and a fun selection of lashes. For a flawless look, try a custom-blended professional air brush application (will cover scars, burns, etc). 

A full line of MoroccanOil, KEVIN.MURPHY and other products are available for purchase.

 

In addition to a personal appointment, consider Blast for a girls night out, bridal party, or a little girl Princess party.   Their menu of services, packages and membership options is available online.  Contact Dre Barthel, Events Coordinator for Blast, at 952-807-4982 to discuss your party needs.  Her email is dre@blastdrybar.com.

Kristin and her staff are excited to meet their new Mill District neighbors, and are hosting an Open House on Thursday, September 13, from 5:00pm-7:00pm.

Follow Blast on Facebook, Website and Twitter.  Questions?  Call 612-424-5762.

Blackhawk Helicopters on Military Training Exercise over the Downtown Minneapolis Riverfront

We caught some nice shots of the military helicopters buzzing around our neighborhood - from the Stone Arch Bridge, Mill Ruins Park and our balcony.  There were a few freaked out people on the bridge!  They hadn't read the Star Trib article explaining how these are just routine training exercises.

Week 16 at the 2012 Mill City Farmers Market

Every visit to the Market is a new learning experience.  Take these beautiful specimens, for example.  We thought they were tomatoes, but found out they are Turkish Eggplants:

Cast your vote for the Mill City Farmers Market in the America’s Favorite Farmers Markets contest by clicking here.  The Eagan and St. Paul Markets are currently in the lead, with MCFM a (very) distant third.

Don't forget - the 2nd Annual MCFM Baking Contest is September 22.

Road Closures for August 26 Minneapolis Duathlon

Time: 5:00am - Noon

The following parkways will be temporarily closed on Sunday, August 26, for the Minneapolis Duathlon:

West River Parkway, Father Hennepin Bluffs Park, Stone Arch Bridge, and Main Street

A complete list of parkway closures through December 2012 is available online.

Mark Your Calendars for Sanctuary's 5th Anniversary Party this Sunday, August 26

Naomi, Roger, Michael and the staff at Sanctuary the restaurant, 903 Washington Avenue South, invite you to celebrate their 5th Anniversary!

Drop by any time between 4:00pm-9:00pm to mix, mingle, dance, eat and drink with the staff, neighbors and friends of Sanctuary.  Food and beverages are complimentary, but cold beer, wine and some special cocktails will be available to enjoy at Happy Hour prices.  DJ Shannon Blowtorch will be back spinning the music.

Check out these pics from last year's party:

Best viewed in full screen mode.

Week 15 at the 2012 Mill City Farmers Market

Oh glorious day - Sonny's abfab sweet corn ice cream appeared at the August 18 Market.  :)

Cast your vote for the Mill City Farmers Market in the America’s Favorite Farmers Markets contest by clicking here.  The Eagan and St. Paul Markets are currently in the lead, with MCFM a (very) distant 3rd.

Don't forget - the 2nd Annual MCFM Baking Contest is September 22.  I'm going to start testing possible entries this week, with a goal of incorporating as many Market ingredients as possible.

Personal Safety Workshops Offered to the Entire Downtown Community

The 1st Precinct and DID have teamed up to offer these free classes. 

Mark Your Calendar / Unmasking Homelessness Gala - September 22, 2012

Join host Jason DeRusha of WCCO for an unforgettable evening, topped off by enchanting jazz from The French 75 Band led by Maud Hixson and Tony Balluff.

Tonight - TC River Rats Minnesota's Military Appreciation Show

All proceeds from this special Twin Cities River Rats show go to Minnesotans’ Military Appreciation Fund (MMAF).

Location: 1628 West River Road (between the Plymouth and Broadway).

Time: 6:30pm

 

More Info

Week 14 at the 2012 Mill City Farmers Market

The first apples of the 2012 season appeared at the August 11 Market - and they disappeared in a flash.  Very Prairie debuted Market Mustard and Lucille's offered the first Apple Butter.  Really, just too many good things to list...

Cast your vote for the Mill City Farmers Market in the America’s Favorite Farmers Markets contest by clicking here.  The Eagan and St. Paul Markets are currently in the lead.

Don't forget - the 2nd Annual MCFM Baking Contest is September 22!

Date Night in the Mill District

Our idea of a perfect date night in the Mill District is a leisurely stroll, checking out the ever-changing scenery and a few drinks at some favorite spots.

We love the drinks at Sanctuary.  Kicking off the night with Cherry Twizzlers and Bloody Sidecars gives the rest of the evening a nice glow.

Unfortunately, no one was playing the piano in front of MacPhail Center for Music when we walked by.  It will be there into September.

Zen Box will soon be celebrating their 1 year anniversary in the Mill District!

Haven't crossed the Stone Arch Bridge to see what those white rings in the water are?  It's the public art installation, “Project 35W”, which will be on view through August 31.   Find more details about this project and the unveiling on Facebook.

Aaaaaah - another relaxing Friday night in the Mill District draws to a close.