It's the Holidays in the Mill District!

From now thru December 31, we'll be posting random shots from around the neighborhood that capture the Holiday Season.  Enjoy!

From the Mill District of Minneapolis.

It's the Holidays in the Mill District!

From now thru December 31, we'll be posting random shots from around the neighborhood that capture the Holiday Season.  Enjoy!

From the Mill District of Minneapolis.

It's the Holidays in the Mill District!

From now thru December 31, we'll be posting random shots from around the neighborhood that capture the Holiday Season.  Enjoy!

From the Mill District of Minneapolis.

It's the Holidays in the Mill District!

From now thru December 31, we'll be posting random shots from around the neighborhood that capture the Holiday Season.  Enjoy!

From the Mill District of Minneapolis.

It's the Holidays in the Mill District!

From now thru December 31, we'll be posting random shots from around the neighborhood that capture the Holiday Season.  Enjoy!

From the Mill District of Minneapolis.

It's the Holidays in the Mill District!

From now thru December 31, we'll be posting random shots from around the neighborhood that capture the Holiday Season.  Enjoy!

From the Mill District of Minneapolis.

It's the Holidays in the Mill District!

From now thru December 31, we'll be posting random shots from around the neighborhood that capture the Holiday Season.  Enjoy!

From the Mill District of Minneapolis.

More Cool Reasons to Check out CorAzoN!

CorAzoN is a champion for local artists and products. This past Friday a number of them were showcased at the 1026 Washington Avenue South location.

Jodi Hillswas on hand for a book signing of her latest work, "friend".  Joining Jodi was Sheila Waldman of Tristan Publishing.

David Sill, a Bridgewater resident, presented a selection of his artwork:

Episencial, an organic skin care line for babies, was presented by local representative Melissa Omafry Townley pictured below.

Also featured were jewelry designer Megan Funk;  Melissa Doffing and Susan Koefod, authors of "Let them Eat Crepes" ; and artwork by Paula Barkmeierand Ginnie Peterson. 

Below, The Bellowing Penguins provided music.

Click hereto join the CorAzoN 'rare' email list - be notified of art openings, events, and sales.

It's the Holidays in the Mill District!

From now thru December 31, we'll be posting random shots from around the neighborhood that capture the Holiday Season.  Enjoy!

From the Mill District of Minneapolis.

Like to Sing and Over the Age of 50?

Voices of Experience, a new partnership between MacPhail and the Minnesota Chorale, is a choir for adults over the age of 50 who want to be a part of a community of musicians. The singers recently joined four generations of singers from Minnesota Chorale and the Minneapolis Youth Chorus in a moving concert for hundreds of guests.

You can be a part of this talented group! Spring semester for Voices of Experience will begin March 1, right after "Snowbird" season, but you can register today by calling 612-321-0100 or stop by student services.

The group meets on Tuesdays at 10am at the MacPhail's 501 South 2nd Street location.

It's the Holidays in the Mill District!

From now thru December 31, we'll be posting random shots from around the neighborhood that capture the Holiday Season.  Enjoy!

From the Mill District of Minneapolis.

CorAzoN's Holiday Thank You and Celebration of Friends on December 10

Don't miss the fun at CorAzoN this Friday night!

It's the Holidays in the Mill District!

From now thru December 31, we'll be posting random shots from around the neighborhood that capture the Holiday Season.  Enjoy!

From the Mill District of Minneapolis.

Mill City Commons' TURKEY, DRESSINGS, and EXTRA HELPINGS Drive

Join Mill City Commons members and friends for the third annual Turkey, Dressings, and Extra Helpings drive.  The needs of our metro community are greater than ever, and here is a wonderful opportunity to do good this winter and holiday season!

Three Ways to Help:

TURKEY:  Tax-deductible financial donations ($10-15, or more if you wish) to provide holiday dinner for 50 families in the Minneapolis Jordan Neighborhood.  Any additional funds will be used to stock the Jordan New Life Community Church food shelf.  Financial donations accepted December 1-15.
Mail checks payable to Mill City Commons to: 117 Portland Avenue #213, Minneapolis, MN 55401.

6 - 8 Volunteers are needed Wednesday, December 22 to help pick up and deliver groceries to Jordan New Life Community Church. Volunteers will meet in the North Star Lofts parking lot at 10 am. Call Mill City Commons to volunteer!

DRESSINGS: Donate cold weather clothing (hats, scarves, mittens) - especially for kids, but for teens and adults too - to benefit People Serving People.  Clothing donations accepted December 10-19.
Drop gift and clothing items off at:  North Star Lofts, 117 Portland Avenue.

Volunteers needed Monday, December 20 to sort and deliver the clothing items to People Serving People. Volunteers will meet at 10:00am at North Star Lofts.  Call Mill City Commons to volunteer!

EXTRA HELPINGS: Donate small unwrapped gift items like books, jewelry, and cologne/aftershave, for individuals and families at Exodus Residence and Mary’s Place. These are the only gifts some residents receive.   Gift donations accepted December 10-19.
Drop gift and clothing items off at:  North Star Lofts, 117 Portland Avenue.

Questions? Call Mill City Commons at 612-455-3329 or email info@millcitycommons.org.

It's the Holidays in the Mill District!

From now thru December 31, we'll be posting random shots from around the neighborhood that capture the Holiday Season.  Enjoy!

From the Mill District of Minneapolis.

Finally - The Utility Lines are Gone!

The last of the utility poles on South 2nd Street between Portland and Chicago came down December 6.

Residents on the river-facing side of the Mill District City Apartments can now enjoy a view free of power lines.

This stretch of 2nd Street South will come alive in the Spring with trees and neighborhood appropriate lamp posts.

Leaving the Past Behind to Get Healthy Now

This is the third in an ongoing series of personal health and fitness success stories, brought to us by Mill City Times Fitness Expert, Andrea Austin.

A lot of us can relate to Brad's story.  If you're pushed to do something that doesn't interest you as a child, chances are you will not continue that activity as an adult.  In Brads case it was sports - but as he discovered, the metabolism of youth is fleeting and weight is going to pack on if unchecked.

Below,  Brad demonstrates how the RealRyder cycle used in the 5pm Friday Happy Hour spin class at 501SP1N allows you to move from side to side.  It's a feature that makes this class a more challenging workout. 

Email Andrea andrea@tweakmyworkout.com if you'd like to try a complimentary RealRyder spin class, or if you have a fitness or nutrition question. 

Winter Pet Care Tips - An Ongoing Series from Curtis L. Sanford, DVM

This is the fifth installment of Pet Tips from Curtis L. Sanford, DVM.

Toxic Plants and Holiday/Winter Products:
Plants and other items associated with the winter and the Holiday season can be toxic to your pets. What follows is a general guide. Please consult your veterinarian, animal poison control, and the manufacturer for specifics. Remember, the earlier you seek treatment, the better for your pet!

Low toxicity-- Poinsettia leaves/stems; balsam/pine/cedar/fir; angel hair (spun glass); Christmas tree preservatives; snow sprays/snow flock; tree ornaments; super glue; Styrofoam; icicles (tinsel); and crayons/paints.

Moderate toxicity-- Fireplace colors/salts; plastic model cement Moderate to high toxicity holly berries and leaves; bubbling lights (methylene chloride); snow scenes (may contain salmonella); aftershaves/perfumes/alcoholic beverages; and chocolate (dark is more toxic than milk).

Highly toxic-- mistletoe (especially berries); epoxy adhesives; and antifreeze. Please note that some items have special problems. For example, whereas angel hair is usually considered to be of low toxicity, it can irritate eyes, skin, and the gastrointestinal tract; the content of Christmas tree preservatives varies and often effects depend upon the amount ingested; Styrofoam, small parts from Christmas tree ornaments and toys, as well as tinsel, can cause mechanical obstructions in the gastrointestinal tract; snow flock can cause problems if sprayed into the mouth and inhaled; and chocolate, of any type, should never be given to a pet. Antifreeze deserves special mention because even a very small amount can be rapidly fatal to pets.

Other Holiday Concerns:
If you plan to take your pet with you during holiday visits, make sure that your pet is welcome first (with all the activity, it may be better to board your pet or hire a pet sitter).  Holiday treats, such as rich, fatty food scraps, bones from fish, pork and poultry, alcoholic beverages, and chocolate, can be harmful or toxic to pets. Do not allow friends and relatives to give your pet special treats - it could ruin everyone's holiday (including your veterinarian's). Do not allow pets to play with ribbons, yarn, or six-pack beverage holders and don't put ribbons or yarn around your pets neck. If you want to decorate your pet, invest in a holiday collar. These last for many years, are more attractive, and are a lot safer! Cover or tack down electrical cords.

Dr. Sanford is a Veterinarian and Owner/Founder of Minneapolis Veterinary Hospital in the Mill District.   He can be contacted at 612-746-0300 or mplsvet@live.com.

Join Minneapolis Riverfront Corporation for a Guided Walk

No plans for 10:00am to 11:00am on Saturday, December 4?  How about some fresh air and exercise!

Experts are studying whether a waterfall may be restored to St. Anthony Falls’ East Channel, just below Main Street.  Join the Minneapolis Riverfront Corporation for a walk and information on this topic.

Restoring the East Channel Falls: Shaping our Riverfront Future

Guides:
David Wiggins, Park Ranger National Park Service
Cordelia Pierson, Minneapolis Riverfront Corporation

On this walk, we will look closely at the limestone faces proposed for restoring a waterfall to the East Channel of the Mississippi River.  We will review historical photographs and maps to understand the channel’s natural and industrial past and its possible future.

Meeting Place:
300 Main Street Southeast, by the “Lower Trail” sign on Main Street, across from the Pillsbury A Mill, a National Landmark.  Off-trail shoes are required.

Registration:
Please register today: Email Cordelia.pierson@gmail.com with your name and number of people with you to receive confirmation by email.  Program is free; donations are welcome to the Minneapolis Riverfront Corporation, a charitable organization.

This walk will help orient you for a public meeting:
December 9, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., at Mill City Museum, you can learn about the proposal from Barr Engineering, and learn about other current riverfront projects.  All are welcome.

The Minneapolis Riverfront Corporation: A Great River for a Great City.

Convenient Toys for Tots Drop off Sites in the Mill District

According to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Minneapolis website, the 2009 local Toys for Tots campaign distributed over 350,000 toys to children in the community.

The need is still great in 2010, and it's easy to contribute a toy or two at one of the convenient drop off sites here in our neighborhood, such as:

Ticket King, 212 Chicago Avenue South, 651-298-8100
Aloft,  900 Washington Avenue South, 612-455-8414
Bridgewater Lofts, 215 10th Avenue South, 952-292-7235 or 612-341-4000

Click here for a full list of drop off sites in Minnesota (listed in alphabetical order by city name).