Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Hosts Screening of The Interrupters on April 23

Via an April 20 email from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board:

Award-Winning Film Tackles Subject of Violence in Urban Areas

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) will host a screening of The Interrupters on Monday, April 23. Minneapolis joins Chicago, Milwaukee, New York and other urban cities who have screened the film.

The Interrupters tells the moving and surprising story of three dedicated individuals who try to protect their Chicago communities from the violence they themselves once employed. These “violence interrupters” (their job title) – who have credibility on the street because of their own personal histories – intervene in conflicts before the incidents explode into violence.

Minneapolis community leaders, youth workers and any adult who wants to help reduce violence in their community is invited to this special showing. Immediately following, Chicago Interrupter and cast member Ricardo "Cobe" Williams will lead a discussion about interrupting violence in our community.

The movie is free and open to the public (note: the movie contains strong language). Please RSVP to attend by emailing ygriffeagray@minneapolisparks.org.

The screening is sponsored by the MPRB’s Community Outreach Department as part of the Park Board’s goal to provide safe places to play, recreate, contemplate and celebrate.

What:   The Interrupters screening and conversation
Where:  Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, 2117 West River Road, Minneapolis 55411
When:   Monday, April 23, 6:00-9:00pm.

West River Parkway Closed From 12:01am until 3:30pm Friday, April 20

To accommodate the crane mobilization for the Washburn Crosby Elevator No. 1 project, West River Parkway (from 11th Avenue South to Portland Avenue) will be closed from just after midnight Friday morning until 3:30pm Friday afternoon, April 20th.   It will also be closed Monday-Friday, April 23rd-27th from 7:00am-3:30pm each day. 

Get Together With Your Neighbors at the April 25 Stone Arch Patio Party!

Mark your calendar for a little unwind time at the Stone Arch Patio Party on Wednesday, April 25.

Bountiful Trip to the April 14 Mill City Farmer Market

Mill City Farmers Market vendors set up shop in the Mill City Museum on April 14.   We filled our basket with a weeks worth of heaven...

Don't forget - the first outdoor Market is May 12!

Taste Twin Cities Food Tours Announces New Winery Tours

Rebecca Pfeiffer recently announced Drink Tours, the newest Taste Twin Cities Food Tours offerings.

Join Taste Twin Cities on a tour of three of the premier wineries located along the St. Croix River Valley in our River Road Winery Tour or views of the country side on our Country Side Winery Tour.
 
Start the afternoon on a luxury coach bus learning about the mysteries of wine and the wondrous tales of the area you're traveling through.  You will also enjoy three wineries that include a personal vineyard tour, learning how wine is made, food pairing or box lunch, sample wine at every winery and a souvenir wine glass. You will have time to purchase your favorite bottles of wine for your enjoyment on our coach or save it for a special occasion.
 
Coach bus pick ups are located at Mall of America or Hilton Downtown Minneapolis.  Scheduled tours available Saturdays May - October, or you can book a private tour.  (Up to 25 people per tour.)

The Country Side Wine Tour
Visits three wineries to the west of the Twin Cities: Woodland Hill Winery, Sovereign Estate Vineyard & Winery and Parley Lake Winery.

The River Road Wine Tour
Features Cannon River Winery, Northern Vineyards Winery and Valley Vineyard on the east side of the metro area.

The $75 five to six hour winery tours include fascinating histories of the wineries and geographies, a private tour of the vineyard, a chance to see first-hand how wine is made, tastings at each winery stop as well as one food pairing, and a souvenir wine glass.

All Taste Twin Cities tours are offered at pre-scheduled days and times, and are also available for private bookings. Each one of the tours is perfect for any number of activities, including corporate outings, wedding events (grooms’ dinners, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, etc.), girls’ days out, an adventurous date and almost any other occasion you can think of.

 To learn more, visit their website and Facebook, and follow them on Twitter.

Neighborhood Volunteer Opportunities at People Serving People

People Serving People, located at 614 South 3rd Street, provides emergency housing and community services that assist families experiencing homelessness in becoming self-sufficient and reconnected with the community. 

This week is Volunteer Appreciation Week, and PSP extends their appreciation to everyone who contributed to the 30,000 hours of volunteer time last year.

As they celebrate their volunteers this week, they would also like to share a couple of fun volunteer opportunities at the shelter.  They have a need for babysitters to watch children of parents who are using the Technology Center.  There is also have a need for meal servers for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week in their cafeteria, helping to serve nearly 1,000 meals each day.  Email Mallory at mhaugen@peopleservingpeople.org to find out more.

Click here to fill out an online volunteer application. 

Spring Maintenance Scheduled for Stone Arch Bridge Next Week

Via an April 12 email from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board:

Spring maintenance of the Stone Arch Bridge will begin the week of April 16 and is expected to continue at least through the week of April 30. Crews from the City of Minneapolis Bridge Department will wash the bridge, seal cracks, and tuck-point the stone masonry. The bridge will remain open to the public during this work.

West River Parkway Closure Begins Monday, April 9

Via an April 6 email from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board:

Due to a Minnesota Historical Society (MHS) construction project at Mill City Museum, the West River Parkway road and trail will be closed between 11th Ave S and Portland Ave weekdays only, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., beginning April 9. Detour signage will be posted by the contractor. Please check the MPRB Temporary Road Closures page for ongoing information and for other scheduled closures due to events. Access will be maintained at Portland Ave for area residents.

The MHS project will rehabilitate the historic Washburn Mill elevators, the white silos adjacent to the Mill City Museum. For further information click here, or call the Mill City Museum at 612-341-7555.

Blast Blow Dry Bar a Step Closer to Opening

We noticed some signage go up outside the soon-to-open Blast Blow Dry Bar at 930 Washington Avenue South.  That's the corner space next to Mens Dept. on the retail level of Aloft.

A recent Star Trib article explained the "blow-dry bar" concept.

Follow their progress on Facebook, Website and Twitter.

Celebrate the 2012 Minneapolis Monthly Wine Week at Sanctuary

April 13 - 22 is Minnesota Monthly Wine Week, with participating restaurants offering select Wine Week wines by the glass — the first glass is full price, the second is just a dime.

In our neighborhood - head to Sanctuary, where they'll be featuring the following wines:

Ferrari Carano Fume Blanc - "Aromas of lime, kiwi, citrus, melon and a touch of grass are complemented by flavors of grapefruit, lemon, mango, and guava...."  
 
Ferrari Carano Cabernet Sauvignon - "Ripe black cherry aromas delight along with
fresh boysenberry, spicy essences of clove, cedar and tea. Up-front flavors of juicy blackberry, vanilla and cola are complemented by lingering notes of dark chocolate."

Reservations.

Festival Catalogue Now Available for the 2012 Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival

The Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival runs April 12 - May 3 at the St. Anthony Main Theatre. 

Click here to download the Official 2012 Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival Catalogue.  It contains all the information you need to make the most of your Festival experience.   Film synopsis, screening schedule, events and panel schedule, and much more!

Prefer a hard copy?  The Official MSP International Film Festival catalog will be available soon at the St. Anthony Main Theatre, the Film Society offices in St. Anthony Main, and a number of locations throughout the Twin Cities.

30 Days of Biking Kickoff at Gold Medal Park

30 Days of Biking Year 3 Kickoff took place at Gold Medal Park on Sunday, April 1.   Nice turn out!

30 Days of Biking has one rule: Bike somewhere every day for 30 days — around the block, 20 miles to work, whatever suits you — then share your adventures online.

Related: Star Trib Video

World-renowned Artist Scheduled to Perform at MacPhail April 14

World-renowned French double-bass player, soloist, and composer François Rabbath will perform in an 8:00pm concert at MacPhail Center for Music on Saturday, April 14.

The importance of François Rabbath to the development of double bass playing can be compared with that of Paganini to the violin.

Born in Aleppo, Syria, François discovered the double bass at the age of 13 when one of his brothers brought an instrument home and allowed him to experiment with it.  After nine years of work in Beirut, François saved enough money to move to Paris.  While in Paris he began to earn his living as an accompanist for Jacque Brel, Charles Aznavour, Gilbert Becaud, Michel Legrand and others.  In 1963 he made his first of many solo record albums.  Although never advertised or promoted, the Phillips album Bass Ball became one of the most sought after recordings of its time.From 1964 he became active composing much music for movies and the theater.  At the same time he started to play solo recitals, first in France, then throughout Europe. His American debut was in Carnegie Hall in 1975.

François Rabbath's uniqueness stems from his refusal to accept any traditional limitations.  Whether performing his own fascinating compositions, the music of others or the classical repertoire, one is always moved by his profound musicianship and dazzling virtuosity.  You quickly discover that he brings you such a sense of security that the most difficult passages sound effortless.

Tickets - $20 for Adults; $15 for students and seniors ages 55 + To order tickets call: 612.767.5250

Co-presented by MacPhail Center for Music, McNally Smith College of Music (MSCM) and The University of Minnesota School of Music.

May 1 Deadline for Submitting Entries to 2012 Ten Second Film Festival

May 1 is the entry submission deadline for the 2012 Ten Second Film Festival. 

This year the Festival takes place on a new night—June 9th—as part of Northern Spark, the dusk-to-dawn arts festival in Minneapolis and Saint Paul.  The Ten Second Film Festival runs at The Soap Factory, 514 Second Street SE.

Submissions guidelines.

Festival emcees this year will be the Twin Cities’ newest sketch comedy troupe, The 3rd Kind.

People Serving People Shares 30 Stories, Plus Special Pricing for April's Chefs for Change Dinner

From the March 29, 2012, People Serving People e-newsletter:

We love our supporters and like nothing more than to share how you have helped the children and families that have stayed at People Serving People, find their way home.
 
One parent at our shelter shared, "Because of People Serving People, I was able to get into a housing program where my girls will get help with their school work. This has been my dream. Because of my learning disability, I have never been able to help with their homework- I can sleep a little easier knowing that they will get help with things I cannot help them with."
 
Another parent shared, “We felt so blessed being able to stay in a clean and safe place, while we got the chance to get back on our feet. The day care staff was great and I loved watching them with my kids. Thank you People Serving People for giving us hope."
 
Thank you to all of our donors, staff, volunteers and everybody who make these stories possible. Your commitment has helped thousands of children and families over the last 30 years.
 
To read all 30 stories of hope or learn how you can help a family find their way home, click here.

April 17 Chefs for Change Dinner Multiple Ticket Special
 
Also, we're having a deal on tickets to our April 17 Chefs for Change dinner- 4 tickets for $200 - a $100 savings! April's Chefs for Change dinner is being prepared by Chef Brahim Hadj-Moussa, known adoringly in the community as Chef Hadj, and will be Mediterranean Cuisine. For more information or to purchase tickets please contact Takara Henegar at (612) 277-0258 or purchase tickets here.

Volunteer at the Mill City Farmers Market

From Mill City Farmers Market:

 VOLUNTEER with MCFM and help us celebrate "Healthy Foods, Local Farmers" for our 7th season! 

Make Dirt, Not Waste!

 

Interested in minimizing waste and promoting composting in your community? Volunteer as a Zero Waste Educator (ZWE) and help sustain the 1st Zero Waste market in Minnesota! ZWEs staff Zero Waste stations to direct and educate customers on waste diversion and zero waste opportunities.  We are recruiting volunteers for the upcoming market season, beginning Saturday, May 12th! 

 

Mill City Cooks  

Mill City Cooks is our weekly cooking demo featuring goods from market vendors. This role includes assisting market chefs Nick Schneider and Heather Hartman with set-up, demo food prep, plating & serving samples and is ideal for novice or experienced foodies!

For more information about the volunteer opportunities at the market, visit our website or contact Kate. 

Chef Patrick Atanalian of Sanctuary on Kare 11

Chef Patrick Atanalian of Sanctuary and Chef Vincent Francoual of Vincent A Restaurant had a scallop throwdown on Kare 11 today:

Mark Your Calendar for the 2012 Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival: April 12-May 3

The Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival runs April 12 - May 3 at the St. Anthony Main Theatre. 

Over it's three-week run, the Festival will exhibit some 300 narrative, documentary, and short films to an anticipated audience of over 45,000.  Now over three decades in age, the MSP International Film Festival is the largest, most anticipated film event in the Upper Midwest. 

Andrea's Kickass Urban Outdoor Bootcamp Comes to the Mill District

Andrea Austin is now offering an outdoor group fitness option in our neighborhood.  Kick off your weekend with Andrea's Kickass Urban Outdoor Bootcamp!

This is an open group that welcomes anyone who wants to meet fun, fitness-minded people.  These pictures from the March 23rd session will show you why this bootcamp is such an insane deal at only $10 per class!

As Andrea explains, "The Mill District area of downtown Minneapolis has grown so much in even the last year!  I decided to organize a Spring/Summer/Fall Outdoor Urban Bootcamp where we "explore" the urban terrain of downtown Minneapolis without any equipment.  This total body movement workout is designed to tone, strengthen, and burn mega calories without using any special gym equipment!  We will use the terrain including nature, buildings, roads, parks, hills, and much more to create a unique workout experience.  Another important note is Minnesotans love to get outside after the long winter months, and I created "Andrea's Kickass Urban Outdoor Bootcamp" to bring getting fit to the great outdoors.  I am looking forward to creating more outdoor inspired workouts soon."

Assisting Andrea teach the Friday Bootcamp is Jill Haom, a certified veteran group-ex instructor with experience in yoga, bootcamp, RealRyder Indoor Cycling, and sculpt classes.

The group meets every Friday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m, starting at the 501F1T parking lot.

Call Andrea at 651-285-3424 to join the class.  Visit her website and Facebook, or email her at austin_training@yahoo.com.  You can also request a free fitness consult.

Breakfast at Spoonriver

We stopped at Spoonriver for breakfast this past Saturday.  The Scrambled Eggs with Chicken Sausage and Thai Tofu & Vegetable Scramble were as tasty as they were beautiful on the plate.