Check out What's Happening at The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul

From the July 18 eNewsletter:

Hennepin County Sheriff's Office Seeks Volunteers - Deadline July 28

From a July 13 Hennepin County Sheriff's Office e-newsletter:

The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office is seeking qualified candidates to volunteer as Special Deputies.  Becoming a Special Deputy is a fulfilling way of serving your community by working in law enforcement.

Daily responsibilities may include searching for a missing child, helping a stranded motorist, or directing traffic around a crime scene.  The Sheriff’s Office currently has 125 Special Deputies.

“Special Deputies are extremely dedicated people who provide a critical component to emergency preparedness,” said Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek, “When disaster strikes, we call on our highly-trained volunteers who are ready and able to assist.”

After Special Deputies receive training, they are sworn-in and they are scheduled to perform important public safety duties. Special Deputies have responded to many major incidents and events including the tornado in north Minneapolis, the response to the 35W Bridge collapse, and the Republican National Convention.

Special Deputies are needed in all four volunteer units:

Emergency Squad: Patrol roadways, assists at vehicle crash scenes and other emergencies
Water Patrol: Educate residents about water safety and patrol waterways
Mounted Patrol: On horseback, assist in search and rescue efforts and attend community events as Sheriff’s Office representatives
Mobile Amateur Radio Corps (MARC): Assist with communications support by providing interoperable radio communications at large community events and emergency scenes
 
Special Deputies come from all walks of life -- young adults looking to explore a possible career in law enforcement, adults with full-time jobs, business owners, and retirees looking to serve in their spare time.  Prior law enforcement experience is NOT needed to volunteer. Special Deputies need to have a strong desire to help others, compassion, and time.

The initial training program requires completion of the Sheriff’s Office Reserve School which takes place one night per week, for ten weeks. With further training, Special Deputies may serve on special units such as the Sheriff’s Underwater Recovery Team. To qualify as a Special Deputy, you must be at least 21-years-old, have a high school diploma or GED, hold a valid driver's license, be a United States citizen and pass a background investigation.
 
The deadline to apply is July 28, 2012. To learn more, visit the volunteer section at our website, http://www.hennepinsheriff.org/ or contact Sgt. Jennifer Johnson 612-596-9818 Jennifer.E.Johnson@co.hennepin.mn.us. 

Preserve Minneapolis Walking Tours

Whenever possible, we take advantage of the Walking Tours offered by Preserve Minneapolis.  This past Saturday, it was the The Authentic East Hennepin Experience, led by Tammy Lindberg, Co-Vice President.

We started with Our Lady of Lourdes Church and ended with the Red Stag Supperclub.  Tammy shared insight into the neighborhood's diverse history, architecture, building rehabs, and buildings that were lost prior to preservation becoming a priority.

These tours are a fairly new offering, and as you can see by the gathering crowd of attendees below, they are quickly gaining popularity.  Tours are 90 minutes to 2 hours - an incredible bargain at $5 per person.

Did you know "Polonaise" is a Polish word meaning a slow dance consisting of a march or promenade in couples? 

Surdyk's was originally in the building now occupied by Ginger Hop.  If you peak around the back you'll see the remains of a Surdyk's mural. 

While our tour was in front of Kramarczuk Deli, Mr. Kramarczuk was kind enough to join us and entertain the group with some history and stories from his youth.

Some nearby businesses were against the mid-1990's rehabilitation of the 200 block of East Hennepin (they preferred the vacant buildings be demolished to make room for parking).

The current home of Masu Sushi & Robata was built in 1893 as the St. Anthony Falls Bank.

The well-preserved former Masonic Cataract Lodge Building is now the Aveda Institute.  A comparison of historic pictures against the building today show numerous original details.

We haven't had occasion to visit Whitey's Saloon, but after learning about it on the tour, it's on our to-do list.  According to the tour materials, in addition to displaying many historic photos of Northeast Minneapolis, there is a gigantic carving of a burlesque-style lady sprawling over the bar.

More buildings on our tour...

We look forward to the 7:00pm Minneapolis Warehouse District Tour this Thursday.

It's never too early to start learning the history of your city!

Week 10 at the 2012 Mill City Farmers Market

July 14 was a fantastic Market day.  Svihel Vegetable Farm offered the first sweet corn of the season - yum!  Sweet corn ice cream from Sonny's can't be far behind.

July 18 and 21 Aquatennial Road Closures

Via a July 12 email from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board:

The following parkways will be temporarily closed next week/weekend, July 18 and 21, during these designated times: 
 
Wednesday, July 18 - Life Time Torchlight 5K
7:30pm - 10:00pm
Main Street, Stone Arch Bridge, West River Parkway
 
Saturday, July 21 - Aquatennial Fireworks
6:00pm - 10:30pm
Main Street, Stone Arch Bridge, West River Parkway

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

Unwind After a Hectic Day With Music and Movies in The Park

We first saw Felonious Bosch last year at the Mill City Farmers Market.  It was a treat seeing them again, this time for Music in the Park this past Tuesday at Father Hennepin Bluffs Park.

Music & Movies in The Parks is produced by the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, bringing us more than 250 FREE concerts and movies in Minneapolis parks during the summer.  Visit their facebook or twitter page for entertainment listings and weather cancellations.  (Tuesdays at Father Hennepin Bluffs Park is Music and Movie Combo night).

After a hectic workday, an hour or two relaxing in the park with live music is a nice way to unwind.  It's good to see young families, retirees and others hanging out on blankets, picnicing and enjoying this neat offering for the MPRB.

Week 9 at the 2012 Mill City Farmers Market

Just in time for the July 7 Market - a welcome break from the sweltering heat.  Gorgeous display of garlic from Swede Lake Farms - can't wait to roast it with cauliflower and olive oil.

Picturing Peace Photo Contest

Picturing Peace is a community engagement and photography project sponsored by Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District (DID) and The City of Minneapolis Department of Health and Family Services. It explores young people's reflections and hopes for peace and safety in their communities.

Winning photos will be featured on the project website and incorporated in Picturing Peace exhibits touring local libraries in Fall 2012.  Select winners will also be installed on utility box art in downtown Minneapolis.

The deadline to submit your photo entry is 5:00pm, August 10, 2012.

Baseball Fans - The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul Has Something for You!

Ballplayer: Pelotero

Featuring Minnesota Twins' Top Prospect Miguel Angel Sanó!

Playing Friday, July 13 thru Thursday, July 19

This compelling documentary narrated by John Leguizamo is a gritty and never before seen look inside the world of Major League Baseball (MLB) training camps in the Dominican Republic. Miguel Angel and Jean Carlos are two of the top prospects at an MLB training camp, and they are both about to turn 16, which means they can be signed to an MLB farm team and ultimately move up to the majors. Filmmakers Ross Finkel, Trevor Martin and Jonathan Paley take you inside this never before seen world for an up close and personal look at the cost of the American dream.

Director's Statement
The central question behind Pelotero was a simple one: Why are Dominicans so good at baseball? The tiny island nation is consistently overrepresented in the Major Leagues, and as America’s pastime continues to globalize, every year brings a fresh crop of young Dominican Peloteros to the top levels of the game. We had a romantic image of these players’ humble beginnings etched in our minds; poor kids chasing rolled up socks through dusty streets as motorbikes whizzed by. However, that vision of street ball felt disconnected to another romantic idea of Dominican baseball; Big Papi, Sammy Sosa, or Robinson Cano slowly trotting around the bases under the bright lights and cheering fans of a big league ballpark. How does one lead to the other? And what is the story in between the two?

Check Out a "First Thursdays In The Art District" Event

First Thursdays In The Arts District, July 5th from 5:00-9:00 PM

Northrup King Building, 1500 Jackson Street NE

Stop in the garden (off 15th Avenue NE) and pick up a COLD piece of watermelon before or after you check out all the open artist studios.

This month features Paul Nosa from Tuscon, Arizona.  Paul draws people's imagnination with a sewing machine powered by a solar panel and a bicycle electric generator.  Just bring an idea made up of 5 words or less and Paul will spontaneously draw/sew it for you.

Paul Nosa is currently on a sewing tour across America facilitating people's creativity and showing them how to make their own alternative energy sources.

Check out his video on the the Northrup King Building Facebook Page at http://newsletter.blueoverblue.com/t/r-l-hitjhtt-cjdjuukll-d/ 

Weed Party in the Mill District Nets 22 Bags

A group of Mill District residents had a (legal) "Weed Party" over the weekend.   They filled 22 huge bags of weeds pulled from the neglected areas surrounding the parking lot across from the Mill City Museum.  This included the dog run on 2nd Street South and along the Park Avenue side.  No small task considering the sweltering heat.

In addition to their hard work, they pitched in the bags and equipment needed to get the job done and cleaned up.

Thank you to Dana Kirkemo and Erica Wiltshire for sending us these pictures.  Could this be the start of a trend?  Erica mentioned starting a small gardening group to keep the clean ups happening.   Drop her a line at erica@ericawiltshire.com if you're interested.  I am!  :)

Back to looking the way it was meant to!

Week 8 at the 2012 Mill City Farmers Market

Perfect day at the June 30 Market.  Almond Joy ice cream from Sonny's really hit the spot with the steamy weather.  (Who am I kidding - it would hit the spot in the dead of winter...)  :D

Kumquat-infused Shochu at Zen Box

We were honored to be treated to a very special Kumquat-infused Shochu drink at Zen Box recently.

What made this drink so special?  Per Lina,  the batch we sampled was John's personal collection from 2009.   A kumquat that's been marinating in alcohol for 3 years packs a punch - it's like an edible shot.

The process is a labor of love.  One by one, the kumquats are carefully prepared by cleaning with purified water, and then air-dried.  Next, they're poked with small holes for slow infusion with pure rock sugar in Rice Shochu (Japanese distilled alcohol made from rice). 

Their next batch was infused in May, and should be ready for your enjoyment sometime in July or August.

Sixth Annual Minneapolis Bike Tour Scheduled for September 16

From a June 28 MPRB e-newsletter:

Mark your calendars for the sixth annual Minneapolis Bike Tour

Pre-registration now open at www.minneapolisbiketour.com

The Minneapolis Bike Tour returns for its sixth annual ride, Sunday, Sept. 16, showcasing the Minneapolis Park System. The Bike Tour offers riders a choice between two routes: a long, 36-mile route which travels along Minneapolis lakes, Minnehaha Creek and the Mississippi River, or a shorter, 14-mile route that travels around Lake of the Isles, Lake Calhoun and Lake Harriet.

Parkways and roadways along the routes will be closed to motorized traffic to give individuals and families the opportunity to enjoy Minneapolis’ spectacular park and Grand Rounds Scenic Byway system at their own pace, unhindered by motorized traffic.

Both routes begin and end at Parade Field, located at 400 Kenwood Parkway in Minneapolis. Routes include rest stops with refreshments and bike mechanics. Participants must begin the tour between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m.

The Minneapolis Bike Tour is also creating a new, detailed and informative route map that will be available in July at http://www.minneapolisbiketour.com/ and at MPRB Headquarters at 2117 West River Road in Minneapolis.

The official Minneapolis Bike Tour t-shirt features the work of Dan Black, a Minneapolis-based graphic designer for LandLand. Bike Tour participants can buy the t-shirt for an additional $5 upon registration. A limited amount of t-shirts will be available during the Bike Tour’s weekend registration and the day of the event. T-shirt availability is only guaranteed for pre-registered participants who have ordered them.
Participants can also become fans of the Bike Tour on Facebook and follow tour news on Twitter at @mpls_bike_tour.

Registration and Fees
Pre-registration is available online at http://www.minneapolisbiketour.com/. Weekend registration at Parade Field is available 9 a.m.–noon Saturday, Sept. 15, and 6:30–8:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 16, the day of the Bike Tour.

The pre-registration fee remains at $30 for adults ages 18 and older, $10 for youth ages 6–17 and free for riders ages five and younger. Route support and refreshments are included in the registration fee.
18 years and older – $30 ($40 weekend registration)
6–17 years – $10 ($15 weekend registration)
Five years and younger – Free

Back by Popular Demand
The Bike Tour goes “green” with compost, recycling and water tap structures available along each route, and provides most informational documents online.
New Belgium Brewery will once again sponsor the post-ride festivities, including a beer garden and live music.

Volunteers Needed
Hundreds of volunteers are needed to help with all aspects of the tour, from preparing registration packets and helping along the route, to post-event cleanup.

For additional information on the Bike Tour and volunteer opportunities, visit http://www.minneapolisbiketour.com/, email info@minneapolisbiketour.com or call 612-230-6400.

Bike Tour proceeds go toward supporting and enhancing the Minneapolis Park System, and to support Park Board projects.

Merrymakers in Gold Medal Park

While on my way to the Solstice River XVI this past Saturday night, I came across a merry bunch in Gold Medal Park.  As suspected, they were enjoying the beautiful evening in the park before heading next door to the Guthrie Theater Midsummer Mischief Costume Ball.

Below center, Rae Lundquist of Dream Stitcher Custom Costume strikes a pose in one of her designs.  Rae specializes in custom-made garments for genres such as Science-Fiction, Fantasy and Living History Reenactors.  If you have a special event that requires a one-of-a-kind creation, give Rae a call at 612-722-8868, or email thedreamstitcher@yahoo.com.

Scenes From the June 23 Solstice River XVI: And Peace Will Flow...

Global Site Performance and the Center for Global Environmental Education presented the Solstice River XVI: And Peace Will Flow...  on June 23 from the Stone Arch Bridge.  This annual performance honors the Mississippi River around the longest day of the year. 

Several changes from last year's event included the Kinship of Rivers flag project, with handmade river inspired flags created by people from river communities strung along the bridge rails.  Kinship of Rivers is a five-year interdisciplinary project to build kinship among communities along the Mississippi and Yangtze, and bring awareness to the river’s ecosystem through art, literature, music, food, and installations of river-flags made by river communities.

Also, after watching the surrounding landscape come alive with dancers, attendees participated in the finale.  Simulating a flowing river, participants rustled a blue fabric stretching over 1,400 feet along the Stone Arch Bridge.

The Center for Global Environmental Education provides public information about the care and health of the river.

Packed House for Coffee Gallery's Bowing Out Gathering

John "Coffeejon" Sherrell opened Coffee Gallery in the Open Book building in 2000.  Back then our Mill District neighborhood looked nothing like the clean, visitor-packed destination it is today.  John is one of many entrepreneurs and visionaries who were committed to transforming the Mill District from a run down area to be avoided, to the vibrant neighborhood it is today. 

John and his staff held what he referred to as a Bowing Out Gathering this past Friday - a combination customer appreciation/farewell party.  It was pretty much standing room only with friends forged over the past 21 years (12 at Open Book).

We are thankful for John's friendship and contributions to the Mill District.  I know Dave will miss his daily latte at the Coffee Gallery.

Week 7 at the 2012 Mill City Farmers Market

Two dead camera batteries (hmmm, wonder how that happened?) cut short our picture taking at the June 23 Market.  

Celebrate Independence Day with a BOOM!

Via a June 21 email from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board:

Celebrate the Fourth of July during Minneapolis Red, White and Boom, a two-day celebration, and other neighborhood events, hosted by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB). Red, White and Boom, held at sites along the downtown Minneapolis riverfront, features live music, great food, fun activities for the whole family and the grand finale – fireworks!

Festivities begin July 3 with the Hot Dam 5K Fun Run at 6:30 p.m., followed by live music by Romantica at 7 p.m., and the movie “Captain America” airing at 9 p.m. Taking its name from the historic St. Anthony Falls, Hot Damn 5K participants will enjoy a mid-summer’s scenic run or walk across the Stone Arch Bridge and along the Mississippi riverfront. Registration is $25 for adults and $15 for youth ages 17 years and younger. All participants will receive a free technical running t-shirt with registration and adults 21 years of age and older will also receive one free beer. More information and registration details for the Hot Dam 5K can be found online.

Following the 5K, live music and a movie will be presented at Nicollet Island Pavilion. This event is free to the public, with music by Romantica beginning at 7 p.m., and the movie “Captain America” airing at 9 p.m. Food and beverages will be available for sale. Arrive early to claim a spot as seating will be limited to the first 1,000 people in attendance.

The Red, White and Boom celebration continues July 4 with the Red, White & Boom! TC Half Marathon, presented by Twin Cities in Motion, family activities, multiple stages with live music, and fireworks. The Red, White & Boom! TC Half Marathon invites participants to join runners from across America in running along the Mississippi riverfront. Learn more at www.tcmevents.org.

Live music will begin at 5 p.m. on Main Street and at 6 p.m. at Mill Ruins Park. Father Hennepin Bluffs Park will have live music and free, family activities from 5:30–9 p.m. The celebration will conclude with fireworks at 10 p.m. with viewing sites set up along Historic Main Street and West River Parkway. 

Tomorrow! Washington Avenue Walk About

Saturday, June 23, 4:00pm - 8:00pm

Location: Washington Avenue South businesses between 9th Avenue South and 12th Avenue South.

Visit these local businesses during the Washington Avenue Walk About - meet the staff, enjoy refreshments, and register for prizes.  Mention you're on the Walk About and take advantage of special offers like the examples listed below (may not be a complete list).

Level Salon - Complimentary Consultations

Sanctuary the Restaurant - $10 Gift Certificates

Wasabi Sushi - Happy Hour specials 4p-8p

City Gardens Flower Mill - Gorgeous arrangements, unique home decor and gifts.

Sorella Wine and Spirits - Wine Tasting 2p-6p

Mill City Grocery and Deli - Enjoy an apple and register for a $25 gift certificate.

Behind the Scenes - 10% off entire purchase.

Extensions Plus - Check out wigs, extensions, twists, braids and more.

Big Brain Comics - Free Comics

Sarpino's - 2 for 1 Takeout Pizza

Minneapolis Veterinary Hospital - $10 gift cards

Spill the Wine - Half off bottles of wine

Grumpy's- $3 Grain Belt Beers