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Community Partners
Thanks to our community partners, whose support makes Mill City Times possible:
MILL CITY FARMERS MARKET
With over 100 local farmers, food makers and artists, MCFM strives to build a local, sustainable and organic food economy in a vibrant, educational marketplace.
Maximizing the visitor experience of Minneapolis for the economic benefit of our community, making Minneapolis the destination of choice among travelers.
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.
We recently received a postcard from Above the Falls Sports reminding us that boating season is here.
They are currently offering special pricing on Boathouse memberships, which ensures availability of boats in the premier urban boathouse. For more information, call 612-825-8983 or email info@abovethefallssports.com.
Above the Falls Sports offers:
- Group tours (short, half-day, full day, picinic and supper cruise) - Boat handling instruction - Boat rentals - Boats sales (new and used)
Rain fell for the second week in a row at the Mill City Farmers Market, but there are just too many wonderful things available to miss out on for even one weekend.
Last year was our first full year visiting the MCFM, and we actually purchased way more from the artists than food vendors. For food, I always stuck to the basics - greens, tomatoes, herbs, a loaf of bread or block of cheese. But this year, my goal is to have tried EVERYTHING by the time October 15 rolls around.
I've got my fingers crossed that the sun will shine down on next week's market. But rain or shine - hope to see you there! YUM!
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.
On Monday, May 23, many of PSP's staff will be at the Convention Center to assist with the semi-annual Project Homeless Connect event. Their staff will also manage the children's center during the event.
Project Homeless Connect, based on a nationally implemented best practice, is a one-stop service center of comprehensive support services for people experiencing homelessness.
The last event on December 13, 2010, was also held at the Convention Center and utilized more than 160,000 square feet of the facility. At that event, an astounding 125 separate service agencies provided a continuum of services that included mental and chemical health care, employment training and placement, comprehensive medical and dental care, haircuts, ID assistance, and voicemail services. Over 500 service providers and 1,000 volunteers helped more than 1,900 individuals obtain services.
According to their website, Project Homeless Connect is a service delivery model that has consistently been proven to be crucial in eliminating barriers to housing, employment, education, and the myriad other factors that contribute to long-term homelessness.
On May 19, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and American Academy of Neurology celebrated groundbreaking of the Academy's new headquarters across from the Guthrie Theater. The American Academy of Neurology is the world’s largest professional association of neurologists with more than 24,000 members and is the largest trade association in the Twin Cities.
Below, Mayor Rybak, Catherine M. Rydell, CAE, Executive Director and CEO of the American Academy of Neurology, Bruce Sigsbee, MD, FAAN, President of the American Academy of Neurology, Minneapolis City Council Member Lisa Goodman, and Minneapolis City Council President Barbara Johnson perform the ceremonial groundbreaking:
As part of the celebration, a press conference was held to announce the Academy’s donation of 1,000 children’s bike helmets to the upcoming Bike Fests that start Saturday in North Minneapolis.
These helmets were also available to everyone attending the ceremony.
The five-story, 62,000 square foot building is the first substantial office building to be constructed in downtown Minneapolis in the past 10 years. Features will include a sensory garden, rooftop terrace and a system of power outlets on the building's exterior to provide electricity to the Mill City Farmers Market.
The American Academy of Neurology is currently based in St. Paul. A neurologist is a doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system such as Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, migraine, multiple sclerosis, brain injury, Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy.
Last night we enjoyed the 'In the Mood for Munsingwear' book signing event with Susan Marks at the Mill City Museum.
The program started with a performance by a costumed History Player portraying Eva Valesh, a journalist for the St. Paul Globe in the 1880s who exposed working conditions for women Minneapolis factories, including Munsingwear’s predecessor, Northwestern Knitting Company:
In her new book, "In the Mood for Munsingwear: Minnesota’s Claim to Underwear Fame," Susan Marks shows how the history of the company and its ad campaigns reveal a great deal about America’s changing mores. Through photos and anecdotes, Susan covered working conditions and labor relations and how they affected the people who worked at Munsingwear, the underwear manufacturer founded in Minneapolis in 1887. It was once the nation’s largest manufacturer of underwear.
In response to poor public image, increased union activity and safety concerns after the fatal Triangle Shirtwaist Company Fire of 1911, Munsingwear built a mammoth "fire proof" manufacturing facility (the present-day International Market Square) and implemented numerous employee programs.
A few examples are sponsored employee sports, on-site health and dental staff, music, on-site library, and an employee-run newspaper. Despite all the improvements there were disgruntled employees, such as a fellow in shipping who took to selling stolen underwear. He was caught, thanks to "Operative 71".
It was interesting to see their advertising morph from innocent to outright racy:
Several former employees of Munsingwear shared their own stories. The gentleman pictured below brought in a manual slide ruler used for calculating the amount of cloth required for each size garment. He also shared some sample leisure suits.
Another former employee explained how her "piecemeal" position at Munsingwear in the early 70's led to a career in international undergarment design, including the likes of Victoria's Secret.
Afterwards, Susan signed copies of her current book, as well as her 2005 book, "Finding Betty Crocker". Both are available for sale in the Mill City Museum gift shop.
The exhibit, "Underwear - A Brief History" is currently on display at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul.
The Library is now offering “JobNow,” a real-time online resumé and job interview coaching service.
The service is free, and all that’s needed is a Library card and Internet access to log on and connect with a carefully screened Job Coach. The Job Coach will offer resumé feedback, interview coaching, resources for your job search, along with other career tips.
In addition to the Central Library location, people can seek in-person help at four other Hennepin Library Jobs and Small Business Centers. They are located at Brookdale, East Lake, North Regional, and Southdale.
Sanctuary In this graciously restored fieldstone building, Sanctuary's menu spans the globe with new-age verve. Call it classic fusion-Latino and Asian flavors via French technique. Chef Patrick Atanalian's plates are surprisingly precise and balanced. Michael Kutscheid, polished maitre d' and co-owner, presides with enthusiasm and charm. Critics' Rating: 84
Sea Change The lure is sustainably sourced seafood prepared and served with the visual, textural, and flavor-packed flair that are the hallmarks of Tim McKee's restaurant concepts. Whether it's raw bar treats bursting with freshness, small plates boasting unorthodox combinations, or a full complement of non-fish entrees, the menu covers the waterfront. Toss in a remodeled interior that feels more open and casual than the former Cue, and some of the best service you'll find locally and you have a spot that's up to either pre-theater chumming or destination dining. Critics' Rating: 93
Spoonriver Brenda Langton's modern eatery is a chic place to sip exotic cocktails and dine on creative, seasonal, locally raised, chef-driven fare within a stone's throw of the Guthrie Theater. Innovative flavors and a focus on nonmeat offerings are hallmarks here. Critics' Rating: 83.3
The mission of The Fit Tourist is to introduce tourists to our fabulous trail systems while offering a safe, healthy and memorable ride. However, you don't literally have to be a tourist to take advantage of this service. For example, people new to our neighborhood might want to take the "Downtown Extravaganza" ride to get a lay of the land before venturing out on a Nice Ride or even their own bike.
Check out their website for route details, ride times, registration info, what to expect, etc.
The Preservation Alliance of Minnesota(PMA) announced its 2011 10 Most Endangered Historic Places List at the May 12 (Anti) Wrecking Ball event at the Soap Factory. The Pillbury A Mill was included in this years list.
Since 1995, the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota has compiled an annual list of the state’s threatened historic buildings, sites, and structures. While the endangering circumstances vary, PAM’s response remains the same—to shine a spotlight on these important places, to equip local advocates to rally for preservation, and to focus public attention on favorable outcomes that can be achieved through a preservation approach.
About two-thirds of the 150 sites listed by the alliance have been saved.
In case you have plans to visit the East Bank / Stadium Village areas this weekend (or use an MTC route that passes through this area) please read the following Light Rail construction update:
A general overview of construction for the East Bank and Stadium Village is now available via this link. This four page document is an outline only created to give those visiting the area a general idea of how to get to Stadium Village and East Bank and travel within the area. Weekly construction updates will continue to be sent out every Friday with details on closures and detours.
Please pass this information along to ensure people are prepared for the closure of Washington Avenue from Pleasant Street to Oak Street. This major road closure will occur this weekend and affect bus routes starting on Saturday.
Saturday, May 14th Metro Transit bus detours begin for East Bank and West Bank. Bus stops on Washington Avenue are relocated to 4th Street or University Avenue for construction. Buses will return to Washington Avenue once the majority of construction is complete in 2-3 years. Watch for bus stop improvements at these locations; University & Pleasant, University & 17th, University & 19th, 4th & 17th, and Washington & 19th. For full information on bus stop changes and bus detours, go to www.metrotransit.org/construction or call the Transit Information Center at (612) 373-3333 for the most current information.
12:00 AM Monday, May 16th I-35W Ramp: Westbound 3rd Street to south I-35W, east HWY 55, west I-94 closes. Between Downtown Minneapolis and East Bank of Campus: Washington Avenue/3rd & 4th Street closes. West Bank: North Cedar Avenue ramps closing, all traffic detoured to south ramps. East Bank: Washington Avenue from Pleasant Street to Oak Street closes. University of Minnesota Campus Connector and Campus Circulato Bus detours begin; no stops on Washington.
Sanctuary the restaurant, 903 Washington Avenue South, is currently offering a great opportunity to win a dinner, lodging and a show package for Friday, May 20. Click here for details on how to win.
MacPhail Center for Music has 46 summer camp offerings for students 3 years to adult. These camps are held at their three locations, as well as at parks, museums and even the Minnesota Zoo.
Early Childhood Music classes like "Pop, Sizzle, Bang" are a great way to discover the fun of music. MacPhail's camps for school aged kids - from Allegro Orchestra Camp to Rock Week, provide high-quality experiences to deepen musical skills over the summer. Unique ensemble opportunities are available in through piano camps, jazz camp and Suzuki Institute for piano, flute and guitar.
MacPhail's chamber music camps for adults are a fun, low-key, way to make music and socialize with others with similar musical interests.
Dawn Doll, founder of 501SP1N, and her client were recently featured on RealRyder.com. 501SP1N is located at 501 Washington Avenue South, and shares space with 501F1T.
From now until May 31, 501SP1N is offering a Summer Special (June 1 to August 31) of Unlimited Cycling for only $125. This special is for RealRyder and Krankcycle classes only. Class Schedule.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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:
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, May 22, 2011 at 3:00AM
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