$5,000 Can Be Yours - If You Win 'The MOST Amazing Race' on July 21

Time to start preparing if you want to quality for The MOST Amazing Race Twin Cities on July 21!

Award Winning Spanish Language Film ZOMBIE DAWN Comes to Minneapolis May 11-17 With FREE Comic Book Giveaway

Eagle One Media and iFN are proud to announce the nationwide theatrical release of the Spanish language horror action film ZOMBIE DAWN with the film debuting exclusively in the Minneapolis metro area at the AMC Block E Theater from May 11-17.

In a special arrangement with AMC, cinema ticket buyers shall receive a FREE limited edition copy of the ZOMBIE DAWN: Safehouse comic book that contains a prequel tie-in story to the feature film. The complimentary 28 page comic book was specifically commissioned for the film and created by comic industry veterans David A. Rodriguez and Dheeraj Verma and will be bilingual in English and Spanish.

Along with ZOMBIE DAWN, the award winning computer animated horror short HAMBUSTER will be shown before the main horror feature as an added bonus.

ZOMBIE DAWN is an action horror Spanish language film that has won praise for its presentation and kudos for the film makers in assembling such a feature while working with only a micro budget. ZOMBIE DAWN recently won awards at the Zixion Sars film festival in Chile for directors Cristian Toledo and Lucio A. Rojas, and art direction.

Glowing reviews are in regarding ZOMBIE DAWN:

"ZOMBIE DAWN is low budget zombie horror done right. It has that gritty feel as if it were made right about the same time as DAWN OF THE DEAD while embracing films like Peckinpah and the old spaghetti westerns by focusing on a morally grey merc and his men." AINITCOOL.COM

"'Zombie Dawn' Arrives in America with Originality, Micro-Budgeting" YAHOO!

"The passion for the genre is here, down to the trigger happy 'good guys'...there's a cultish charm to everything" INDIEWIRE.COM

Film premise: In 2006 a mysterious incident at a remote mining facility unleashes a zombie horde with an appetite for human flesh. It decimates large portions of the cities and countryside. The only course of action is to rapidly enclose the infected areas and seal them off from the rest of the remaining, living population. Now, 15 years later the tattered remains of the government and the mining corporation responsible where the initial event took place commit themselves to finding out what may have happened at the mining complex. The solution is to covertly send in a group of mercenaries led by a cynical but no-nonsense Colonel and investigative scientists into the quarantined zone to find answers.

Fans of ZOMBIE DAWN can be kept up to date at the official website or Facebookpage.  For additional information, contact Eric Reichert, President of Eagle One Media, Inc., at eagleonemedia@yahoo.com.

Brenda Langton Prepares a Recipe From Her New Spoonriver Cookbook on Kare11

Brenda visited Belinda Jensen on Kare11 this morning.

Brenda Langton and "The Spoonriver Cookbook" Featured in Star Trib Taste Section

Be sure to check out the Star Trib Taste section this week for Beth Dooley's articleon Brenda Langton and "The Spoonriver Cookbook".

Click here for a full list of Book Launch Events. 

In our neighborhood, mark your calendar for 7:00pm Thursday, June 7, when Brenda and Atina Diffley will be at the Mill City Museum for a discussion and book signing.

Tickets Go On Sale May 14 for Debut Season of Mill City Summer Opera

We look forward to enjoying one of the five 8:00pm performances of Pagliacci scheduled for July 12, 14, 15, 18 and 20 at the Mill City Museum.

Anton Treuer Presentation and Book Signing at the Mill City Museum May 15

Ojibwe scholar and cultural preservationist Anton Treuer will give a presentation based on his new book from the Minnesota Historical Society Press. 

White/Indian relations are often characterized by guilt and anger. "Everything You Wanted to Know about Indians But Were Afraid to Ask" cuts through the emotion and builds a foundation for true understanding and positive action.

Mill City Museum hosts the May 15, 7:00pm event.  After the presentation Dr. Treuer will sign copies of the book which can be purchased in the Mill City Museum store.

Click here for more on the book and author from the Star Trib.

Revitalization of Chute Square Park Made Possible by Neighborhood Group

During the next two months you'll see Chute Square Park (across from Lund's) revitalized with new tables, benches, light poles, colored and stamped concrete walkways, dog dropping receptacles and more.  The Friends of Chute Square Park, a group of Northeast neighbors who live across from the park, have been working on a renewal plan since 2007.

Opening Day and Mother's Day Celebration at Mill City Farmers Market May 12

Get ready for the Mill City Farmers Market Opening Day - Saturday, May 12, 2012

Phillip Montgomery Invites You to the April 29 Screening of #ReGENERATION at the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival

Phillip Montgomery shared with us some information on his new film #ReGENERATION, which he wrote and directed.  #ReGENERATION opens in theaters May 3rd, and is screening Sunday, April 29, at 7pm at the St. Anthony Main Theatre.

Per Phillip, "The film is produced and narrated by Ryan Gosling, and takes a hard look at the current state of activism in today's generation and the issues we face, while exploring the genesis of Occupy Wall Street and other movements across the world. In addition to a number of young voices, the film features Noam Chomky, Howard Zinn, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Kalle Lasn (founder of #OWS) and others.

It is a particularly important and heartfelt moment for me to screen the film this Sunday as part of the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival, as Eagan, MN, is my home town and we feature Eagan High School, it's teachers and students prominently in the film. I will be there in attendance for a discussion after the film, so it is a real homecoming for myself and for everyone who has helped make the film a possibility."

Screening/Ticket Info

Two West River Parkway Closures for Paving and Curb Repair - Begins April 30

Via an April 26 email from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board:

Two sections of West River Parkway will be closed for parkway paving and curb repair.

The parkway from the Franklin Avenue ramps south to E 26th Street will be closed beginning April 30.
The second section to be closed lies between 4th Street South and 22nd Avenue S / 2nd Street S (the street sign says 22nd Ave S). Construction on this section will begin May 1.

The section of parkway between the two projects will remain open. Bike and pedestrian trails will also remain open during construction.

Each project is expected to take up to two weeks to complete.

The 2011-2012 MacPhail Spotlight Series Finale is Friday, April 27

The MacPhail Spotlight Series showcases the finest musicians in six concerts staged in MacPhail’s stunning Antonello Hall. This ticketed performance series features MacPhail faculty with special guests and provides an intimate listening experience for lovers of classical, jazz, folk and more. A unique feature of the Series is the post-concert reception where guests meet the artists while enjoying light refreshments.

This Friday, April 27, marks the conclusion of the 2011-2012 Spotlight Series.

Above the Falls Sports is Ready to Get You on the Mississippi!

Bob Schmitz of Above the Falls Sports dropped us a line with information on the opening of their third season.

Above the Falls Sports sells, rents, and stores boats. They also provide boat handling instruction and group tours for those interested in kayaking, canoeing, and slide seat rowing here on the Mississippi River. Their mission is to promote safe, enjoyable recreational use of the river, primarily (but not exclusively) above St. Anthony Falls.

As their third season kicks off, they are excited to announce some additional offerings, starting with a Paddle Fitness program for those interested in working out on the river. The popular Twilight Supper Cruise is being joined by Lunch and Brunch Cruises.  A variety of on-the-water workshops, including photography, natural history, and a history of the the city, will begin soon.

Check out their website for tours and other offers.  Hours are 6am to 9pm, 7 days a week, from now until October 31st.  Reservations are required.

Bob and his staff are looking forward to their biggest season yet, with plenty of opportunities to get people out on the Mississippi!

New Exhibit at Mill City Museum "Growing Strong: How Farmers Markets Nourish People, Communities and the Planet"

The Mill City Museum held an Opening Reception for its latest exhibit, Growing Strong: How Farmers Markets Nourish People, Communities and the Planet, on April 19.  The exhibit, which runs through July 22, 2012, is located in the museum’s central Mill Commons, and is free and open to the public during regular museum hours.

Attendees were treated to music by Light of the Moon.  We look forward to seeing them again at the 2012 Mill City Farmers Market.

This exhibit celebrates the many ways that farmers markets serve Minnesota communities. While supporting renewed interest in sustainable farming and local food, this exhibit shows that farmers markets help fill a growing desire to make our communities more connected, livable and vibrant. Through a combination of photomurals and first-person storytelling, visitors can explore the importance of farmers markets both now and throughout history.

"Growing Strong" was created by North Node Consulting in partnership with Avant Garden Photography, Kidzibits, Renewing the Countryside, and Hello Industries.

Dave was honored to have one of his Mill City Farmers Market pictures used for this project.  It's a beautiful and informative exhibit, and we hope you check it out!

Park Board Invites Applications for Three Positions on the Minneapolis Bicycle Advisory Committee

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is seeking community members to serve two-year appointments on the Minneapolis Bicycle Advisory Committee (MBAC). Those interested in serving on this committee should submit an application before 4:30 p.m. Friday, April 27, 2012. Applications are available at http://www.minneapolisparks.org/ in the volunteer section or by calling customer service at 612-230-6400.

The MBAC functions as an advisory committee to the Mayor and City Council as well as the Park Board, and serves as a liaison to bicyclists, businesses, neighborhoods, and other communities and agencies. It promotes commuter as well as recreational bicycling, advocates for bicycling infrastructure improvements, encourages safe riding, and works to involve city residents interested in bicycling issues.

The Park Board will appoint three at-large members from the Minneapolis Bicycling community. The term will be from June 1, 2012 to May 31, 2014. The MBAC currently meets the last Wednesday of every month from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. There is no compensation for serving on the committee.

Originally formed in 1990, the MBAC’s initial membership represented the Mayor’s Office, Public Works, City Planning, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, City Graphics, Meter Monitors, City Council, the State Legislative Liaison, the City Public Information Office, the Minneapolis Police Department, the Minneapolis Park Police and a local liaison. Over time, the membership has evolved to include additional staff and community members.
 
Related File: 2012 BAC Application
 
Questions:
Jennifer Ringold, Manager Public Engagement and Citywide Planning
Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board
612-230-6464
jringold@minneapolisparks.org 

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.