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Minneapolis Riverfront News

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 David Tinjum (560)

Tuesday
Jan252011

Wines of France - Seminar Tonight at Sorella Wines & Spirits

Time: 5:30pm-7:00pm

Location: 1010 Washington Avenue South

Presented by Stephen Gaucher, President of Wine Adventures, De Moines, Iowa.

Stephen specializes in small, traditional French producers from both the prestige appellations and lesser-known regions. He has been a perrenial favorite at tastings and seminars both at Sorella and Liquor Depot. This seminar will feature selections from Champagne, the Loire, the Rhone, Lanquedoc and Bordeaux.

Please call the store, 612-339-4040, to reserve your space; space is limited to the first 22 people to respond for each event.

Saturday
Jan082011

Dr. Jon Hallberg of Mill City Clinic on Strategies for Successful New Year's Resolutions

Dr. Hallberg appeared on Minnesota Public Radio this week with tips for keeping resolutions for the new year.  Listen below:

The Mill City Clinic is in the Mill District of Minneapolis.

Thursday
Jan062011

DMNA Starts New Year with a Revamped Website

The Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association recently launched an updated version of its website http://www.thedmna.org making it far more useful for its members.

They addressed 2 of the biggest usability issues of the old site - an impossible to find directory of past board meeting minutes, and a far from intuitive place to publish upcoming events.

They seem to have taken a pretty cost effective approach, skipping rebranding and many of the bells, whistles and social gadgets that are so prevalent.  Good move considering the recent budget woes facing NRP funded organizations.  Besides, I'm not looking for a new social network, just a place to keep track of my neighborhood association.  In fact, until tipped off by past Board Member Scott Parkin, I hadn't realized they had refreshed the site.  It maintains the general look and feel, but is much more polished.

Perhaps the best move they made was moving to Wordpress, by far the most popular Content Management system for small to medium sized organizations.  With the new platform they no longer need a programmer to add new content and make minor changes to the site.  The old site had become stale and not very useful due to this issue.

Above: Easy to find way to subscribe to DMNA emails.  A big improvement.

Christie Rock, DMNA Coordinator, led the the web effort.  The DMNA requested quotes from five different vendors, and chose Vivid Image based on cost, design and their experience with social media and blogging platforms.  Vivid Image's Web site is www.vimm.com.

Tuesday
Jan042011

Get Your Free Tickets for the Minneapolis Riverfront Design Competition Presentation

Four Visions of the Minneapolis Riverfront
Ken Smith Workshop (New York City), Stoss Landscape Urbanism (Boston), Tom Leader Studio (Berkeley), and Turenscape (Beijing)

Date: January 27, 2011
Time: 7:00 PM
Place: Walker Art Center
Cost: Free
http://calendar.walkerart.org/event.wac?id=6068

Call the Walker at 612.375.7600 today - Based on the turn-out at previous events, we advise that you get your tickets soon.

Be among the first to see the final four teams’ design visions for Minneapolis’ upper riverfront, an area extending from the Stone Arch Bridge to the northernmost city limits, along both sides of the Mississippi River. Building on the Park Board’s award-winning 2000 master plan, this is the first demonstration project of the Minneapolis Parks Foundation’s Next Generation of Parks—a design-driven vision for a 21st-century park system.

The Minneapolis Riverfront Design Competition is copresented by the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board and the Minneapolis Parks Foundation, along with creative partners the University of Minnesota College of Design and the Walker Art Center.

Friday
Dec242010

"Enjoy the Holiday" MacPhail Community Youth Choir Winter Concert

Everyone we've played this for has thought it was an awesome new take on a holiday song, totally fresh. Can't wait for it to be released next year. That girl has serious talent.

Directed by J.D.Steele, the concert included pop, jazz, gospel and East African selections as well as compostions by members of the choir.

The MacPhail Center for Music is located in the Historic Mill District of Minneapolis.

Tuesday
Dec212010

Snow Emergency and Parking Restriction Updates

Just received this from Ruth at the office of City Council Member Lisa Goodman -

Minneapolis has declared a Snow Emergency beginning today, Dec. 20, 2010. To make the transition from Winter Parking Restrictions to Snow Emergency rules, drivers may start moving their cars off of Snow Emergency Routes and on to EITHER side of the non-Snow Emergency Routes beginning at 4 p.m. today, Dec. 20.

Winter Parking Restrictions, which ban parking on the EVEB side of non-Snow-Emergency routes, are not in effect during this Snow Emergency. However, beginning at 8 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 23, Winter Parking Restrictions will resume.

This latest Snow Emergency will be the 5th of the season. Minneapolis received more than 24 inches of snow in December, making it the 5th snowiest December recorded in the metro area.  Since more snow began falling this morning, City crews have been plowing and treating streets to keep them drivable. Now that a Snow Emergency has been declared, Snow Emergency parking restrictions will take effect beginning at 9 p.m., Monday, so crews can plow the 1,000 miles of streets as wide as possible. That’s the equivalent of 3,200 “lane miles” of streets that need to be plowed—enough to plow a lane from Minneapolis to Anchorage, Alaska.

It is imperative that drivers follow Snow Emergency rules and move their cars out of the ways of the plow. It’s in everyone’s best interest to follow the parking rules so plows can do the best job possible and folks can avoid a ticket and tow. Working together, City crews can deliver the high-quality plowing services that residents demand.

Snow Emergency parking rules
 
Last Night, Dec. 20 , 9 p.m. to 8 a.m.  (Day 1)
Do not park on EITHER side of a Snow Emergency route until the street is fully plowed (completely cleared and plowed to the full width of that side of the street).

Tonight, Dec. 21, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Day 2)
Do not park on the EVEN side of a non-Snow Emergency route, or on EITHER side of a parkway until the street is fully plowed.

Wednesday, Dec. 22, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Day 3)
Do not park on the ODD side of a non-Snow Emergency route until the street is fully plowed.

Thursday, Dec. 23 - 8 a.m. (“Day 4”) - Return to Winter Parking Restrictions
Between 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 23, and 8 a.m., Friday Dec. 24, people can begin moving their cars from the EVEN side of non-Snow Emergency Routes to the ODD side to be in compliance when the Winter Parking Restrictions resume at 8 a.m. During Winter Parking Restrictions, parking is banned on the EVEN SIDE of non-Snow Emergency Routes. Drivers still need to follow all posted NO PARKING signs.

Winter Parking Restrictions were put into effect Friday, Dec. 17 in Minneapolis to ensure reliable access for emergency vehicles after a record December snowfall. Parking is banned on the even side of non-Snow-Emergency-routes until April 1, unless conditions allow the City to lift the ban earlier. Parking is allowed on both sides of Snow Emergency routes and parkways, and the ODD side of non-Snow Emergency-routes, unless otherwise posted and provided a Snow Emergency has NOT been declared. Drivers parking in Minneapolis must follow these Winter Parking Restrictions, or they could be ticketed and towed.

For more information on Snow Emergencies and Winter Parking Restrictions, visit www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/snow.

Tuesday
Dec212010

Announcing Our Mill District Community Cornerstones

Yesterday we issued a press release announcing our Mill District Community Cornerstone awards -

http://www.prweb.com/releases/Mill-District/Minneapolis/prweb4911264.htm -

a project we've been working on for some time.  Initial reactions from two of the first four:

"We are very fortunate to be part of such a vibrant neighborhood and cultural corridor and to partner, as we often do, with MacPhail Center for Music, the Guthrie Theater and Open Book on programming for youth and families. Thank you, Mill City Times, for your support and enthusiasm" said Laura Salveson, Director of the Mill City Museum.

“MacPhail Center for Music is proud to be a part of a neighborhood that values the arts, education and community. We are not only committed to excellence in music education for all ages and abilities, but offer a sense of community and belonging for people who love music.” Paul Babcock, president and COO of MacPhail Center for Music offered.

These organizations were among the first to commit to our neighborhood during its revitalization, and have played a huge role in the growth and vibrancy of our community. They highlight our role as the historical and cultural center of Minneapolis, and they draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to our neighborhood each year.

The Community Cornerstone awards will be announced bi-monthly throughout 2011, and will include well known, and lesser known organizations, all of which play a vital role in the Mill District of Minneapolis.

Visit the Mill District Community Cornerstone page...

Friday
Dec172010

A Quiet Weekend in Mill City / December 17-19

Events in and around the Mill District this weekend:

Friday, December 17

Live Music at the 501 Club

Saturday, December 18

Discovery Saturday: Paws to Read at Minneapolis Central Library

The Nutcracker According to Mother Goose at Southern Theater

An 'Eventually' Christmas: Holidays at the Mill

Mill City Farmers Market at Local D'lish

Washburn A Mill Tour

Childish Film: Toys' Stories at Minneapolis Central Library

Sunday, December 19

The Nutcracker According to Mother Goose at Southern Theater

An 'Eventually' Christmas: Holidays at the Mill

Weekend Brunch

Saturday

Brunch at Spoonriver

Reservations recommended

10:00am - 2:00pm

See the menu

Sunday

Brunch at Spill the Wine
1101 Washington Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55415
612-339-3388

brunch buffet 10am- 2pm Sunday
$12/person (kids 3 and under eat free, 4-12 years are 1/2 price!)

includes: eggs, bacon, french toast, hash browns, fresh salad and fruit, pastries, build your own omlette bar and more...

featuring absolut bloody bar for $5.

also offering fair trade coffee and full bar. 

Friday
Dec172010

Winter Parking Restrictions Announced by Minneapolis

Minneapolis institutes Winter Parking Restrictions to improve access for public safety vehicles.

To ensure that Minneapolis public safety crews and equipment can safely and swiftly reach every home and business in the city, public safety and Public Works officials have enacted Winter Parking Restrictions beginning at 8 a.m., Friday, Dec. 17, 2010.

Police Chief Tim Dolan and Public Works Director Steve Kotke – in consultation with Fire Chief Alex Jackson - made the decision to enact Winter Parking Restrictions because the conditions warrant taking this step to maintain public safety.

Last weekend’s blizzard was a historic storm – the fifth largest in Minneapolis history, and the largest December snowfall ever, and Minneapolis has received nearly as much snow in November and December than it did all of last winter. This significant amount of snowfall has left many residential streets severely narrowed, making it challenging for fire trucks and other emergency vehicles to navigate.

Beginning at 8 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 17, drivers parking in Minneapolis must follow these Winter Parking Restrictions, or they could be ticketed and towed:
 
- Do NOT park on the EVEN numbered side of non-Snow-Emergency-routes.

- Parking is allowed on both sides of Snow Emergency routes and parkways, and the ODD side of non-Snow Emergency-routes, unless otherwise posted and provided a Snow Emergency has NOT been declared.

- It is possible that Snow Emergencies can be declared while Winter Parking Restrictions are in place.

When it snows, folks should take advantage of the many tools the City offers to find out if a Snow Emergency is declared:

Call the hotline - By calling the automated (612) 348-SNOW hotline, folks can find out if a Snow Emergency has been declared and where to park during Winter Parking Restrictions. The hotline will include information on parking restrictions that drivers need to follow to avoid tickets and tows. The hotline includes information in Spanish, Somali, and Hmong.

Check out the City’s website - Go to www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/snow to find out whether a Snow Emergency has been declared and for a wealth of information on Snow Emergencies in many languages. For Winter Parking Restrictions information visit www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/snow/winter-parking-restrictions.asp

Phone alerts - Minneapolis uses a phone alert system to notify residents when Snow Emergencies are declared and Winter Parking Restrictions are instituted. It is an automated notification system that can place thousands of calls per hour. The system automatically calls listed numbers—to also receive a call to your cell phone, go to www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/snow/phone-alert.asp to sign up.

E-mail alerts - You can sign up to get Snow Emergency alerts automatically e-mailed to you. Go to www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/snow/esubscribe.asp for more details.

The media - News releases are sent to the media so TV, radio stations and other news outlets can inform their viewers, listeners and readers that a Snow Emergency is in effect or Winter Parking Restrictions have been instituted.

On Cable - Tune in to cable channels 14 and 79. 

Facebook – “Like” Minneapolis Snow Emergency on Facebook. Go to www.facebook.com/MinneapolisSnowEmergency.

Twitter - www.twitter.com/minneapolissnow

Thursday
Dec162010

Saturday is Last Day to Drop Off Toys for Tots

Saturday December 18 is the official last day to frop off toys. Check with your local drop off center to confirm as the deadline could vary.

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). 

Wednesday
Dec152010

Tonight - Christmas Fundraiser for Pet Project Rescue at Minneapolis Veterinary Hospital 

Time: 6:00pm - 9:00pm

Location: 1030 South Washington Avenue

It's a party for the pets!  Minneapolis Veterinary Hospital is hosting this event to benefit Pet Project Rescue, a non-profit rescue which places homeless animals in foster care homes until they are adopted by their forever families.

Enjoy Lisa's black bean soup, lefse and cupcakes, along with hot cider.

Silent Auction featuring a Georgiana Ewing painting ends at 8:00pm.

Tuesday
Dec142010

Tonight - Annual Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association Meeting 

Time: 6:00pm

Location:  Central Library, Pohlad Hall, 300 Nicollet Mall

In addition to a line up of interesting speakers, elections will be held for the Board of Directors of the Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association (DMNA).   There are four seats up for election, and currently three incumbents are running.  The terms are two years.  If you know of anyone who might have an interest in running, please contact Christie Rock at 612-659-1279.

Agenda 

6:00pm  Welcome and DMNA Update by Board Chair Carletta Sweet
* Presentation of the DMNA Phase II NRP Plan for community approval
 
6:15pm  7th Ward Update by Council Member Lisa Goodman and reports from other elected officials

6:30pm  Presentation on efforts to end homelessness in Downtown Minneapolis.  How DMNA NRP funds are helping address the problem in the Downtown community.  Guest presenters include:
              * Cathy tenBroeke from Heading Home Hennepin
              * Monica Nilsson from St. Stephen’s Human Services
 
6:55pm  Presentation by Sarah Harris regarding the Downtown Improvement District

7:10pm  DMNA Board Directors Elections Facilitated by the League of Women Voters 
To be eligible to vote you must live, work or own property in either the Downtown East or Downtown West neighborhoods.

7:20pm  Crime and Safety Update by the Minneapolis Police Department First Precinct 

7:40pm  Announcement of new DMNA Board Directors by the League of Women Voters

7:45pm  Adjournment

Monday
Dec132010

Tonight - Sounds of Blackness, The Night Before Christmas – A Musical Fantasy at the Guthrie 

Time: 7:30pm

Location: Wurtele Thrust Stage, The Guthrie

Minnesota’s three-time Grammy Award-winning Sounds of Blackness returns with their performance "The Night Before Christmas – A Musical Fantasy," a contemporary adaptation of the beloved poem “A Visit From St Nicholas.” This family-friendly musical production brings Santa, Mrs. Claus and Rudolph the Rappin’ Reindeer to life in hilarious song and dance, as they learn the true meaning of Christmas. The music ranges from R&B/Hip-Hop to Jazz, Blues and Gospel and features Sounds of Blackness singers and band in show-stopping, roof-raising songs and scenes. This is a must-see performance during the holiday season.

Tickets

Monday
Dec132010

Live Video of Metrodome Roof Collapse

From Fox Sports

Sunday
Dec122010

Metrodome Roof Collapses - Mill City Times Exclusive Photos

Photos of the Metrodome roof collapse taken early morning Sunday, December 12, 2010 from the rooftop patio of the Bridewater Lofts in the Mill District of Minneapolis.

See the whole set of 73 Metrodome Roof Collapse photos on our Flickr page, including many close-ups.

Below, a shot of the Metrodome with its normal puffy roof.

Will the Metrodome roof collapse influence the debate over a new stadium for the Minneasota Vikings NFL team?

Follow this article for updates as the roof is repaired and inflated.

Friday
Dec102010

This Weekend in Mill City / December 10-12  

Events this weekend in and around the Mill District of Minneapolis:

Friday, December 10

Jodi Hills Book Signing at CorAzoN

Junior Honors Recital at MacPhail

Live Music at the 501 Club

Saturday, December 11

History Day Hullabaloo at Minneapolis Central Library

Open Studio: Paste Paper Class at MCBA

Ring Out! Handbell Choir Holiday Concert at MacPhail

An 'Eventually' Christmas: Holidays at the Mill

Live Music at the 501 Club

Sunday, December 12

Minnesota Vikings vs. New York Giants

Guitar and Songwriting Master Class: Jeff Lambert at MacPhail

An 'Eventually' Christmas: Holidays at the Mill

Weekend Brunch

Saturday

Brunch at Spoonriver

Reservations recommended

10:00am - 2:00pm

See the menu

Sunday

Brunch at Spill the Wine
1101 Washington Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55415
612-339-3388

brunch buffet 10am- 2pm Sunday
$12/person (kids 3 and under eat free, 4-12 years are 1/2 price!)

includes: eggs, bacon, french toast, hash browns, fresh salad and fruit, pastries, build your own omlette bar and more...

featuring absolut bloody bar for $5.

also offering fair trade coffee and full bar. 

Wednesday
Dec082010

On Monday - East Downtown Council Holiday Event

East Downtown Council Holiday Event
 
Monday December 13th
11:00 am to 1:00 pm


 
Celebrate the holiday season in Downtown East and Elliot Park with a very special performance and informative luncheon Hosted by EDC member MacPhail Center for Music.
 
Please arrive at 11:00 am to register and network with colleagues.
 
Join us for for an intimate concert in Antonello Hall featuring acclaimed vocalist Robert Robinson, accompanied by Holly Collison.

During lunch meet our guest speaker Paul Babcock, President and CEO MacPhail Center for Music and learn more about this educational facility.

Also, you can pre register for an after luncheon tour of MacPhail and see the unique features of this artistic school.

MacPhail Center for Music
501 S 2nd St
Minneapolis, MN 55401
http://www.macphail.org/

Monday December 13th
11:00 am to 1:00 pm

(we encourage walking – metered parking available)

- Cost is $15 for EDC Members and guests

- RSVP by Wednesday December 8th for concert/luncheon and separately for the after lunch tour to Diane Ingram - 612-359-0601.

- To allow payment by cash or check when attendees arrive, cancellations after December 8th will be invoiced
 
Sponsored by the East Downtown Council - http://edcmpls.org

Monday
Dec062010

Today at Mill City Museum - Saint Anthony Falls Heritage Board Meeting


Time:  3:30pm-5:00pm

Location: Mill City Museum

You are invited to attend this public meeting of Saint Anthony Falls Heritage Board.
 
A note of interest is that this will be the final meeting for Chair Nina Archabal. She will be honored for her 22 years of exceptional service to, and accomplishments for, the Saint Anthony Falls Heritage Board.
 
There are several exciting updates planned, including a presentation of the East Bank visualization project, consisting of a computer fly-through model and photographic documentation of the Pillsbury A Mill tunnels.
 
Please RSVP to Pat Naidl at patrick.naidl@mnhs.org to confirm your attendance.

Meeting Agenda:

I.   Welcome and Call to Order   
II.  *Approval of the June 28, 2010 minutes (Addendum I)
III. Report on Minneapolis Riverfront Design Competition
IV.  Presentation of East Bank Energy Center Documentation Project
V.   Brief updates on projects
      a. Greening the Riverfront Series
      b. East Bank Coordination
         1. East Bank Falls
         2. Dakota Conference and Consultation
      c. Timeline for Historic District Design Guidelines
VI.  Farewell to Nina Archabal
VII. Adjourn

Friday
Dec032010

This Weekend in Mill City / December 03-05 

It's an action packed weekend in the Mill City, my hometown.  Events this weekend in and around the Historic Mill District of Minneapolis:

Friday, December 3

Mentor Reading: Jonis Agee with Anna Henderson and Katie Leo at The Loft

Jeff Arundel Holiday Show at Aster Cafe

Members Double Discount Holiday Shopping Weekend at Mill City Museum

Live Music at the 501 Club

Saturday, December 4

Our Lady of Lourdes Church Bake and Craft Sale

Game On! Gamers' Army at Minneapolis Central Library

Snow Play at MCBA

Second Story Presents Authors Pete Hautman and Steve Brezenoff at The Loft

Minneapolis Riverfront Corporation Guided Walk

Members Double Discount Holiday Shopping Weekend at Mill City Museum

Washburn A Mill Tour

Architecture Tour at the Guthrie

Live Music at the 501 Club

Sunday, December 5

1850s Holiday Party at the Ard Godfrey House

Our Lady of Lourdes Church Bake and Craft Sale

Marbled Paper, Holiday Cards and Tags Class at MCBA

Members Double Discount Holiday Shopping Weekend at Mill City Museum

Vikings vs. Buffalo Bills

Weekend Brunch

Saturday

Brunch at Spoonriver

Reservations recommended

10:00am - 2:00pm

See the menu

Sunday

Brunch at Spill the Wine
1101 Washington Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55415
612-339-3388

brunch buffet 10am- 2pm Sunday
$12/person (kids 3 and under eat free, 4-12 years are 1/2 price!)

includes: eggs, bacon, french toast, hash browns, fresh salad and fruit, pastries, build your own omlette bar and more...

featuring absolut bloody bar for $5.

also offering fair trade coffee and full bar. 

Wednesday
Dec012010

Tonight - MacPhail Community Youth Choir Winter Concert 

Time: 7:00pm tonight

Location:  MacPhail Center for Music, Antonello Hall, 501 South 2nd Street

Cost: Free

This concert will be directed by J.D.Steele, and music will include pop, jazz, gospel and East African selections as well as compostions by members of the choir.

About the Choir

The MacPhail Community Youth Choir (MCYC) brings together youth in grades 9-12 throughout the Twin Cities area for music and friendship. The choir is led by Twin Cities’ artist J.D. Steele, of the famous Steele Family, who brings his dynamic style and passion for music to the group, which is free and open to students of all skill levels and talents. This group of energetic young people performs many styles of music including jazz, gospel, pop and East African. 

Throughout the year, the MCYC performs at different events and venues in the Twin Cities area. In the Spring of 2010, they sang at the Flint Hills International Children’s Festival with Shangilia, a youth performance group from Nairobi, Kenya.