Kim Eslinger
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kim@millcitymedia.org

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Associate Editor

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Doug Verdier
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Covering life, work, and play in the Historic Mill District and Downtown Minneapolis Riverfront neighborhoods. Have an opinion, local news or events to share?  Contact us.

Entries by Kim Eslinger (4183)

Thursday
May122011

Minneapolis Riverfront Development Initiative Update

The Minneapolis Riverfront Development Initiative launched with an intensive four-day, seven-meeting spree, April 27-30, featuring the MR|DI design team TLS/KVA presenting their RiverFIRST proposal. These meetings were the first in a series of three multi-day information exchange sessions, running April - July, during which the public and Steering, Technical and Advisory committee members are invited to participate in the MR|DI's "iterative design process." (And what is that, exactly? See this blog post.)

The next public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 25, 7:00pm-9:00pm at the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, 2117 West River Road.

Wednesday
May112011

Voices of Experience Spring Concert 2011 at MacPhail Center for Music

From Brahms to Berlin to the Beatles - Voices of Experience is a choir for adults ages 55 and older, directed by Dr. Mary Kay Geston, associate professor of music at Northwestern College. The choir is a collaboration of MacPhail Center for Music and The Minnesota Chorale.

Wednesday
May112011

The Benefits of Being a Mill City Commons Member - An Ongoing Series

Earlier this year Dave and I became members of Mill City Commons.  We joined for a number of reasons, including the interesting member-only events, meeting fascinating people, and having more of a hands on role in helping with various fundraising activities. 

Here are some examples of exclusive MCC May events:

The Minnesota Genealogical Society will host a class on how to research family history through the use of their library.  Members will have access to over 50,000 items including books, microfilm, microfiche, journals and paper family history records.

A private wine tasting hosted by Sorella Wine & Spirits.  Wine buyer Darrin Minehan led a guided tour of Spains most important wine region, and special pricing on a variety of Spanish wines was available.

MCC at Sorella

MCC members Scott Parkin and Amy Sperling hosted a fabulous menu sampling at the Riverfront's newest restaurant, Masu Sushi & Robata:

On the 16th, MCC members will join I Wish You Love playwright, Dominic Taylor, for an intimate and informal dialogue about the play.  Mr. Taylor will provide context for the play that runs now through May 22 at Penumbra. Education Director Sarah Bellamy has scheduled "Bookends" on the Mondays before and after the May 19 performance exclusively for MCC.

Finally, a Guthrie play reading of God of Carnage.  Play readings are hosted by a member of the Guthrie staff or an Artist affiliated with the play.  Participants are assigned parts for reading and may rotate parts as necessary.

To learn more about Mill City Commons, please visit the website, or contact Linnea at 612-455-3329 or linneatweed@millcitycommons.org.

Tuesday
May102011

New at St. Anthony Main: Real Ghost Tours!

There's always something new going on around here.  We popped into the Segway Tours office (125 Main Street SE) this past weekend to check on tour times, and found a new activity:  Real Ghost Tours.  

Bill Neuenschwander, who also leads Segway Tours, filled me in on the details.  Real Ghost Tours is not a gory haunted house experience - it's a history-packed 90 minute tour during which you'll learn about (and maybe encounter the spirits of) people who shaped this area.  Visit the website and Facebook for more information.

Real Ghost Tours launched in April.  Public tours are 9:00pm Friday and Saturday nights, with a 10:30pm tour to handle overflow from the 9:30pm show.  Private tours can be arranged for groups of 15 or more.  The $25 per person fee includes parking, plus a voucher for 25% off at your choice of Pracna, Vic's or Tuggs.

During the tour you'll explore areas of the building that are otherwise off limits, using an EMF meter (a scientific instrument for measuring electromagnetic fields, and the prime sensory instrument of any ghost investigation).

Dave and I have devoted countless hours researching the history of the Mill District - and we also enjoy shows on ghosts, hauntings and the paranormal - so we can't wait to take this tour!  For reservations, call 952-888-9200.

Monday
May092011

People Serving People Residents Featured on Kare 11

People Serving People (PSP), 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. 

There are no guarantees in life, and circumstances beyond our control could put any one of us in this situation.

Kare 11 recently interviewed Joey and Tina Sletten and their children, who were residents at PSP at the time of the interview:

As you can see from the video, PSP does an incredible job of providing stability for children experiencing the trauma of homelessness.

If you would like to help, PSP has volunteer opportunities and an ongoing Donation Needs List:
 
• Alarm Clocks
• Blankets, Quilts, Comforters, Bedspreads
• Feminine hygiene products
• Sleeping bags
• Inflatable mattresses
• Children's books (new or gently used)
• Formula (powdered)
• Strollers
• Diapers (sizes 3 through 6)
• Wipes
• Pull Ups

Sunday
May082011

Create a Film for the Attention-Challenged

The Ten Second Film Festival will take place at The Soap Factory directly following the fireworks at St. Anthony Main on July 4.   This free event is an outdoor screening of 100 of the most surprising, inventive, disturbing, hilarious movies you'll ever see.  

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: TUESDAY, JUNE 1, 2011
The festival, which drew nearly 4000 eager movie-goers last year, is the film festival for both the amateur and immature; the talented and the unfortunate; the virtuoso and the accidental artist. Anyone can submit a 10 second film!

SUBMITTING A FILM
Click here for instructions on submitting a film.

Film makers will be notified of acceptance by June 20th.  Accepted films will be screened on July 4 at The Soap Factory.

Need inspiration? Check out films from previous years on YouTube

Sunday
May082011

Best of Fest: May 6 - 12 Encore Showings from 2011 Mpls St. Paul International Film Festival at St. Anthony Main Theatre

20 Films Get One Final Screening - giving you one last chance to see films you missed and a second chance to see your favorites!

Saturday
May072011

Opening Day at Mill City Farmers Market!

At last! I can't imagine a better way to celebrate Spring than attending Opening Day at the Mill City Farmers Market - and look Mom - no coats!

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COMING SOON to Mill City Times:  the Mill City Farmers Market Blog with scads of pictues posted daily.

Friday
May062011

City Gardens Flower Mill is Open on Mother's Day

Mother's Day is this Sunday, May 8!

City Gardens Flower Mill, 231 10th Avenue South (retail level of the Bridgewater Lofts), will be open 9:00am to 5:00pm on Mother's Day to accommodate last minutes floral arrangement requests. 

Here are some examples of super fresh flowers - including peonies, hydrangeas, tulips and sunflowers - that Dan and Kaia incorporate into each unique arrangement:   

 

 

Dan is a master at taking these individual elements and combining them into something special.

 

European Gardens are an alternative to cut flowers: 

  

 

Don't forget - there's free indoor parking!  Enter on the 11th Avenue South side. City Gardens Flower Mill also delivers.  You can reach them at 612-332-7377.

Friday
May062011

2011 Mill City Farmers Market Opens Tomorrow at 8am!

We're finally done counting down the days to the Mill City Farmers Market! See you there tomorrow!Mill City Farmers Market 2010

Mill City Farmers Market 2010

Mill City Farmers Market 2010

Mill City Farmers Market 2010

Enjoy! :)

Thursday
May052011

Call for Donations: MCBA Book Arts Rummage Sale

Minnesota Center for Book Arts (MCBA), 1011 Washington Avenue South, is seeking donations of gently used, saleable book arts-related items for its first annual Book Arts Rummage Sale, to be held Saturday, June 11, 10am-5pm. Accepted items may include:

- Hand tools (bone folders, awls, brushes and needles)
- Bookmaking materials including text-weight, cover-weight and decorative papers, thread, and bookboard
- Art supplies (brushes, inks and paints)
- Artwork
- Trade books -- no encyclopedia sets or non-art related books please

All donations must be dropped off Friday, June 10 between 10am and 5pm. Donations to MCBA may be tax deductible. If you have equipment or materials you'd like to donate, we ask that you please send a brief summary of the items to Sara Parr, Studio and Artist Co-op Manager ( sparr@mnbookarts.org). This will help us in advertising big-ticket "For Sale" items, as well as help us manage space in the studios the day of the sale. Please email the following by Friday, June 3:

- Donor name(s)
- Mailing address
- Phone number
- Email address (Please place “Rummage Sale” in the subject line of your email.)
- Description of items to be donated
- Optional:  Digital images of the equipment/items

Questions? Contact Sara Parr at sparr@mnbookarts.org.

Thursday
May052011

2 Days to Go - Countdown to 2011 Mill City Farmers Market

We're counting down the days to fresh produce, cheese, meat, bakery, honey, preserves, grains, etc.   I can't wait to start sampling the fantastic food, enjoying the live music, and watching our grandson interact with the animals.  And then there's the local artists, unique clothing and special events - so much packed into each weekly 5-hour Mill City Farmers Market!

Mill City Farmers Market 2010

Mill City Farmers Market 2010

Mill City Farmers Market 2010

Mill City Farmers Market 2010

See you there! :)

Wednesday
May042011

Only 2 More Nights to Enjoy the 2011 Minneapolis-St. Paul International Film Festival at St. Anthony Main Theatre

CELEBRATING THE BEST OF INTERNATIONAL AND INDEPENDENT FILM!
 
The Film Society of Minneapolis-St. Paul 2011 Minneapolis-St. Paul International Film Festival ends Thursday night, May 5.  During this years festival over 170 films from some 50 countries were presented at the five-screen St. Anthony Main Theatre.  Only two nights remain to enjoy the best of international and independent filmmaking in the region.

Click here for daily list of films

 

Wednesday
May042011

3 Days to Go - Countdown to 2011 Mill City Farmers Market

We're counting down the days to fresh produce, cheese, meat, bakery, honey, preserves, grains, etc.   I can't wait to start sampling the fantastic food, enjoying the live music, and watching our grandson interact with the animals.  And then there's the local artists, unique clothing and special events - so much packed into each weekly 5-hour Mill City Farmers Market!

Mill City Farmers Market 2010

Mill City Farmers Market 2010

Mill City Farmers Market 2010

Mill City Farmers Market 2010

See you there! :)

Tuesday
May032011

Mill District Business Spotlight: Spill the Wine

Spill the Wine, 1101 Washington Avenue South, has been a Mill District dining and wine bar destination since April, 2007.  We recently met owner Katie Greeman (below, left) who shared with us some of the restaurants history and uniqueness.

Spill the Wine interview

While Katie features about nine wines each month, she carries over 100 at any given time.  But more importantly (and uncommon) is that 40 wines are offered by the glass.  Per Katie, some restaurants will carry a huge selection, but may offer only 15 wines by the glass.  Spill the Wine has been named #1 Wine Bar by both Minnesota Monthly and Mpls St. Paul Magazine.  (In case you were wondering, the restaurants name was indeed inspired by the 1970 song performed by Eric Burdon and War.)

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The open kitchen allows diners a great view of Executive Chef Craig Johnson and his staff (along with a non-stop parade of heavenly aromas).

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Although the wine bar (below) is typically reserved for private events, there are times it's needed for regular dining when the main restaurant is hosting a private party. 

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We were surprised to learn the upstairs accomodates wedding ceremonies - quite a few, actually.  At the time we spoke with Katie, there were already 32 weddings booked for the year.  Spill the Wine also hosts corporate events, and there's even a wine boutique on site: 

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Business has been steady for the first four years, and Katie projects year five to be the best yet.  She mentioned the Minnesota Twins' move across town was a postive for Spill the Wine, as game day traffic caused accessibility issues for her customers. 

Wine Dinners are held twice each month.  A Wine Dinner pairs wines from a featured winery with a special menu created by Chef Johnson.  Click here for the calendar, where you'll find Wine Dinners, as well as other special Events.

Reservations can be booked online, or call 612-339-3388.   Mother's Day brunch reservations are recommended (10:00am, 11:30am and 1:00pm). 

Tuesday
May032011

4 Days to Go - Countdown to 2011 Mill City Farmers Market

We're counting down the days to fresh produce, cheese, meat, bakery, honey, preserves, grains, etc.   I can't wait to start sampling the fantastic food, enjoying the live music, and watching our grandson interact with the animals.  And then there's the local artists, unique clothing and special events - so much packed into each weekly 5-hour Mill City Farmers Market!

Mill City Farmers Market 2010

Mill City Farmers Market 2010

Mill City Farmers Market 2010

Mill City Farmers Market 2010

See you there! :)

Monday
May022011

Valuable Input at the April 25 Workshop for St. Anthony Falls Historic District Design Guidelines

A second public meeting regarding development of the new Historic District Design Guidelines for the St. Anthony Falls Historic District was held April 25 at City Hall.  This workshop was a follow up to the initial April 6 meeting held at the Mill City Museum. Brian Schaffer, Senior City Planner, provided background on the process:

Public Workshop: Historic District Design Guidelines for the St. Anthony Falls Historic District DSC08362

Noel Winter (below) of Winter & Company introduced the three professional teams who will consider the input gathered during these two public meetings as they work developing the Design Guidelines.

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During the April 25 workshop, attendees worked in groups to help shape Design Guidelines in the following areas:
 
- Refine and define character areas within the district.
- Identify key views.
- Define the vision and guiding principals of the design guidelines.
- Identify design issues.

Below, each group used maps and other materials to accomplish the above tasks. 

Public Workshop: Historic District Design Guidelines for the St. Anthony Falls Historic District DSC08368
 
Historic district design guidelines are a local policy and regulatory tool used in decision-making to evaluate alterations and new development within the historic district.  The new design guidelines will include guidance on the following:

- Archaeological sites and sites of specific cultural/historical significance.
- Existing and new infrastructure; sites of specific engineering and transportation significance.
- Natural features and open space.
- Existing buildings and the construction of new buildings; sites of specific architectural significance.

Below, Steve Minn and Marcy Schulte explained the overall vision of their group:Public Workshop: Historic District Design Guidelines for the St. Anthony Falls Historic District DSC08372 

Followed by Judith Martin and Laura Salveson's group:

Public Workshop: Historic District Design Guidelines for the St. Anthony Falls Historic District DSC08378

The workshop wrapped up with a lively debate of very different visions and concerns - all valuable feedback for consideration while developing the new St. Anthony Falls Historic District Design Guidelines.

More information on the project can be found online or by contacting:

Brian Schaffer, AICP, Senior City Planner
Minneapolis Department of Community Planning & Economic Development 
Planning Division, Preservation & Design
250 South 4th Street, Room 300, Minneapolis, MN 55415
Phone: 612-673-2670 Fax: 612-673-2526
brian.schaffer@ci.minneapolis.mn.us

Monday
May022011

5 Days to Go - Countdown to 2011 Mill City Farmers Market

Days to Go - Countdown to 2011 Mill City Farmers Market

We're counting down the days to fresh produce, cheese, meat, bakery, honey, preserves, grains, etc.   I can't wait to start sampling the fantastic food, enjoying the live music, and watching our grandson interact with the animals.  And then there's the local artists, unique clothing and special events - so much packed into each weekly 5-hour Mill City Farmers Market!

Mill City Farmers Market 2010

Mill City Farmers Market 2010

Mill City Farmers Market 2010

Mill City Farmers Market 2010

See you there! :)

Sunday
May012011

6 Days to Go - Countdown to 2011 Mill City Farmers Market

We're counting down the days to fresh produce, cheese, meat, bakery, honey, preserves, grains, etc.   I can't wait to start sampling the fantastic food, enjoying the live music, and watching our grandson interact with the animals.  And then there's the local artists, unique clothing and special events - so much packed into each weekly 5-hour Mill City Farmers Market!

Mill City Farmers Market 2010

Mill City Farmers Market 2010

Mill City Farmers Market 2010

Mill City Farmers Market 2010

See you there! :)

Saturday
Apr302011

Countdown to May 7 Opening Day at the Mill City Farmers Market

It's almost time! Next Saturday we'll be enjoying Opening Day at the 2011 Mill City Farmers Market.

Mill City Farmers Market 2010

Mill City Farmers Market 2010

Mill City Farmers Market 2010

Mill City Farmers Market 2010

Mill City Farmers Market 2010

Mill City Farmers Market 2010

See you there! :)