December 10, 2014, Wednesday - Breakfast with a Preservationist at the Mill City Museum

Time: 8:00am to 9:00am

Location: Mill City Museum, ADM Conference Room: 6th Floor, 710 South Second Street

Preserve Minneapolis

Breakfast With a Preservationist: What Are Your Favorite Vintage Minneapolis Restaurants and Bars?

So many of us are very serious about saving historic buildings and landscapes, and visit them with our own reverence. But where are the vintage places in Minneapolis where you like to like to steer yourself away from the solemn side of life to enjoy a relaxing and delicious dinner or meet friends for happy hour? It’s a place where you feel its time-honored ambiance has a special purpose for you--to enjoy the evening.

Send your nomination, a brief explanation of WHY you like this particular place, and photo (if you have one) to Doug Mack at dmack@preserveminneapolis.org by Friday, December 5th. If you don't have a photo, please let us know and we'll try to take or track down a photo for you.

We will provide a PowerPoint presentation for the event, and will ask you to say a few words  about why this place is special for you.

This event is free and open to the public. Please bring a contribution for the coffee and bakery goodies.

Parking is available in a ramp across the street or along 2nd Street South’s metered spaces. Coffee and bakery will be available, as will the usual great questions and commentary. We stop exactly at 9AM.

To support our programs and efforts with a financial contribution, please visit our website. Any amount helps!

December 10, 2014, Wednesday - A Sip of Science at Aster Cafe

Time: 5:30pm

Location: Aster Cafe (River Room) 125 SE Main Street

December Sip of Science - A Slippery Slope: Using Geology to Better Understand and Mitigate At-Risk Hillsides

This past June was not only Minnesota’s wettest June, but Minnesota’s wettest month on record. The amount and intensity of the rainfall led not only to wide-spread flooding, but created ideal conditions for landslides and/or slope failures. A slope failure, characterized as a failure of rock, sediment and vegetation, occurs whenever gravitational forces overcome the resisting forces holding up a hillside or bank. While soil saturation from rainfall events can be a triggering factor of many slope failures, the geology of the slope is also of prime importance, as well as understanding how human alterations to the landscape affect slope stability. Join us as Carrie Jennings, a geologist with the Minnesota DNR, discusses a preliminary inventory of slope failures in the Twin Cities metropolitan area and along the Minnesota River corridor from Jordan to St. Peter, with an emphasis on looking at the underlying geology of those slopes and what may have triggered failure.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Carrie Jennings became a glacial geologist after deciding to go to Alaska for her mandatory six weeks of field camp. Today, her research interests are glacial geology - the deposits of landforms created by glaciers and glaciology - the study of the physics of ice movement. Considered an expert in the field, Carrie applies her knowledge of the distribution of glacial sediment in Minnesota (as well as the history of landscape and river evolution) to better define sources of sediment to modern river systems of the state, most notably, the Minnesota River and its tributaries. Before going to work for the DNR in spring 2012, Carrie Jennings worked twenty-one years for the Minnesota Geological Survey doing the same thing - glacial mapping. She received her PhD in 1996 from the University of Minnesota.

RSVP for Sip of Science  No cover; food and drink available for purchase.

A SIP OF SCIENCE bridges the gap between science and culture in a setting that bridges the gap between brain and belly.  Food, beer, and learning are on the menu in a happy hour forum that puts science in context through storytelling.

December 10, 2014, Wednesday - Public Hearing on the 2015 City Budget at City Hall

Time: 6:05pm

Location: Room 317 of City Hall, 350 South 5th Street

The City Council will adopt a 2015 budget for the City in early December, so now’s the time to share your feedback on the proposed budget.

Join the public hearing on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 6:05 p.m., or submit your comments to the City online.

December 8, 2014, Monday - Community Forum: 26th Ave N & 22nd Ave NE Greenways at MPRB

From the Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership:

The forces are aligning.  Between planned work on 26th Ave and plans for 22nd Ave NE this is an ideal time for North and Northeast residents to come together to develop a vision for the education corridor between Nellie Stone and Edison.

With the support of CM Reich and representatives from the Holland and Hawthorne Neighborhoods, the Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership is scheduling a community forum on Monday, December 8, 2014 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (2117 West River Rd., Minneapolis)

The Forum will be used to begin to develop a common vision of what this greenway can be for our community, with the immediate goal of developing community recommendations and input for the City Transportation and Public Works Committee.

Please invite your neighborhood to join us for this important event.

Questions:

Kathleen Boe, Executive Director

MinneapolisRiverfront Partnership

Kathleen.boe@minneapolisriverfrontpartnership.org

612-746-4987

December 7, 2014, Sunday - 1850s Holiday Party at Ard Godfrey House

Time: 12:30pm – 3:30pm

Location: Ard Godfrey House, in Chute Square Park at corner of University and Central

Enjoy light refreshments, musical entertainment and guided tours of the oldest remaining wood frame residence in Minneapolis, built in 1849. The home will be decorated for the holidays in the modest style of the era, and the Woman’s Club guides will be dressed in period costume. See how the Godfrey family might have celebrated the holidays in the new community at St. Anthony Falls.

Children are welcome and will receive free Godfrey House buttons. Admission is free (but donations are suggested and welcome). No reservations required.

Sponsored by the Woman’s Club of Minneapolis. For more information or to arrange group tours call 612-781-8791.

December 7, 2014, Sunday - Second Story Reading Series: Erin Soderberg Downing and Shelly Tougas at The Loft

Time: 7:00pm

Location: The Loft at Open Book (Performance Hall), 1011 Washington Ave S

Second Story Reading Series: Erin Soderberg Downing and Shelly Tougas

Second Story is the Loft’s reading series for young adult and middle-grade authors. Perfect for families and readers of all ages, Second Story pairs a first-time author with a more established voice in children’s literature.

Erin Soderberg Downing has written more than 25 books for kids, tweens, and young adults. Some of her recent works include: The Quirks series for middle-grade readers, Best Friends (Until Someone Better Comes Along) for tweens, For Soccer-Crazy Girls Only, and the forthcoming Puppy Pirates early chapter book series. Before becoming an author, Erin was a children’s book editor, a cookie inventor, and also worked for Nickelodeon. She lives, writes, and eats out in Minneapolis with her husband, three hilarious kids, and a very fluffy dog. More information about her books can be found at: www.erindowning.com and www.erinsoderberg.com.

Shelley Tougas is the author of several nonfiction books for children, including Little Rock Girl 1957: How a Photograph Changed the Fight for Integration, which made the top ten lists from Booklist and School Library Journal. Her first novel, The Graham Cracker Plot, is a Junior Library Guild selection. Shelley lives in Hudson, Wisconsin, but her online home is at www.shelleytougas.com.

December 7, 2014, Sunday - Movember on Main: Show Off Your Work at Mattie's on Main

Time: 5:00pm - 8:00pm

Location: Mattie's on Main, 43 Main Street SE

The Movember Foundation aims to change this way of thinking by putting a fun twist on this serious issue. Using the moustache as a catalyst, the idea is to bring about change and give men the opportunity and confidence to learn and talk about their health and take action when needed.

Celebrate the end of Movember 2014 and show off your Mo! Mattie’s is the place to show off your moustache for a good cause. For every $20 donated you get a FREE draft beer and a coupon for a FREE appetizer. PRIZES, including an Apple TV, MUSTACHES, BEER and MEN’S HEALTH.

December 6, 2014, Saturday - How'd They Do That Workshop at The Guthrie: The Cocktail Hour

Time: 9:00am - 11:00am

Location: Guthrie Theater, 818 Second Street South

What was the inspiration for the set? Was the play rewritten in rehearsals? Aren't those wigs itchy? Through these eye-opening workshops, you can learn how the Guthrie's artists and staff create a production - from early development and designs to rehearsal, costume fittings and staging of the play. $15 per person per workshop.

2014-2015 Workshops

The Cocktail Hour, McGuire Proscenium Stage
Saturday, December 6, 2014

A Midsummer Night's Dream, Wurtele Thrust Stage
Saturday, February 21, 2015

The Crucible, Wurtele Thrust Stage
Saturday, April 25, 2015

Juno and the Paycock, McGuire Proscenium Stage
Saturday, May 30, 2015

The Music Man, Wurtele Thrust Stage
Saturday, July 11, 2015

Stage Kiss, McGuire Proscenium Stage
Saturday, August 1, 2015

December 6, 2014, Saturday - Giving Voice Chorus Debut Performance at MacPhail

Times: 4:00pm and 6:00pm (doors open at 3:30pm for the first performance and 5:30pm for the second performance)

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

Peace, Joy and Love - a debut performance of Giving Voice Chorus

With guest artists:
 Peter Ostroushko, violin, mandolin
 Robert Everest, guitar and vocals

General seating - Donations accepted at the door

Giving Voice is a new community partner with MacPhail Center for Music and MacPhail Music for Life™. It is a community chorus created for those who live with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. Giving Voice shares, celebrates, and nurtures the joy of singing.

We welcome new members for spring semester (January–June 2015). Come, join the fun! Registration for spring semester begins December 1. Please call MacPhail Student Services, 612.321.0100 to register.

December 6, 2014, Saturday - Live Music at Crooked Pint

Time: 10:00pm

Location: Crooked Pint Ale House, 501 Washington Avenue South

Tonight: Salsa del Soul is a Twin Cities-based, nine-piece orchestra performing various styles of dance music from the Spanish-speaking regions of the Caribbean.

December 6, 2014, Saturday - Taste Twin Cities Downtown Minneapolis Skyway Tour

Time: 2:00pm

Location: 800 LaSalle Plaza (On Hennepin Avenue between 8th & 9th)

Taste Twin Cities Food Tours - Downtown Minneapolis Skyway

Future dates: Dec 13, 20, 27; Jan (2015) 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; Feb 7, 14

Tour Facts
•Indoor 3 hour walking tour in the heart of downtown Minneapolis using the skyway system
•Saturdays at 2:00pm
•Flat route with slight inclines and declines, approximately .8 of a mile, bathrooms available at some stops
•5 stops
•Tour limited to 12 people, advance tickets required. Private tours available year round for larger groups.
•Begins at LaSalle Plaza (800 LaSalle Plaza), located on Hennepin Ave between 8th & 9th Street; ends at Metro Building (80 9th Street S)
•$45/pp

While it's chilly outside, join us as we weave our way through the cozy corners of downtown Minneapolis skyways on a food adventure. We will stroll through the "Broadway" Theatre District and enjoy VIP service as we visit some of the newest and hottest award winning restaurants downtown has to offer. The tour includes seeing the Minneapolis skyscraper that was modeled after the Washington Monument and visiting the famous Statue of Mary Richards tossing her hat. Along the way we will also visit quaint eateries that have pride in local ownership; including a favorite since 1932. You will participate in tea sampling and learn the secrets behind the great food you are enjoying. You'll leave the tour with a tasty experience of some of the best food finds Minneapolis has to offer all while learning history of downtown and soaking in the local culture.

•Mouth watering flat bread pizza at a local hot spot
•Fine chocolates to be savored
•Locally brewed Minnesota draft beer paired with appetizer (non-alcoholic tastings available)
•Ham and Pear Crisp Sandwich with fresh home-made chips from the restaurant that has "damn good food"!
•Sinfully delicious variety of cupcakes
•Deliciously sweet and salty popular Chicago Mix® popcorn
•Sip on warm and comforting loose leaf tea (private tours only)
•Variety of a delicious French pastry; the Macaroon
•Featured on the Cooking Channel Unique Sweets - Bourbon Whiskey Caramel Donut Bread Pudding Loaf (private tours only)

*Tastings subject to change without notice. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated.

Register.

December 6, 2014, Saturday - Opening Reception for HERE WE ARE NICE at The Soap Factory

Time: 7:00pm-11:00pm

Location: The Soap Factory, 514 Second Street SE

Join us for an opening reception on December 6th, 2014, from 7-11pm.  Here We Are Nice is curated by, and features the work of, Soap Factory volunteers.

Twenty-three volunteers are participating in this collaborative biennial show. Created and planned by artists who know The Soap Factory best, HERE WE ARE NICE showcases both the talents of The Soap Factory’s volunteer force and the creative potential of its historic industrial space.

Read more.

December 6, 2014, Saturday - Storytime + Crafts with Santa at Pacifier

Time: 3:00pm - 5:00pm

Location: Pacifier, 310 E Hennepin Ave

In Germany and other Eastern European countries, December 6 is St. Nicholas Day. We're happy that this Dec. 6, St. Nick (aka Santa Claus) will be flying into Pacifier in N.E. Minneapolis!
 
Stop by with the kids and enjoy:
 
 -storytime with Santa at 3:15pm
 -complimentary cookies and hot chocolate bar
 -make-and-take kiddie holiday craft projects
 -a chance to sit on Santa's lap
 -a Christmas bell from Santa
 -20% off all Tea Collection | Destination Germany

Bring your own camera, or professional photographs will be available for a $10 fee, payable the day of the event. You'll receive digital files for unlimited personal use.
 
Entry fee: One unwrapped toy donation to Toys for Tots. Bring your donation, or purchase one the day of the event; a 20% discount will apply to all donated items. 

December 5, 2014, Friday - Live Music at Crooked Pint

Time: 9:00pm

Location: Crooked Pint Ale House, 501 Washington Avenue South

Tonight: Rolling Stoners - Celebrating the music of the Rolling Stones.

December 5, 2014, Friday - Foreword Closing Ceremony 2013–14 at The Loft

Time: 7:00pm

Location: The Loft at Open Book (Performance Hall), 1011 Washington Ave S

Foreword Closing Ceremony 2013–14

The Loft Literary Center cordially invites you and your guests to attend the Foreword 2013–2014 Closing Ceremony on Friday, December 5, 2014.

Ceremony to begin at 7 p.m. in the Open Book Performance Hall; reception to follow in the Open Book Commons.

Come celebrate the accomplishments of the 2013–2014 Foreword apprentices and hear selections of their work.

Please RSVP with number of guests: http://bit.ly/1xfw9Tc

December 5, 2014, Friday - Minnesota Dance Collaborative: "HoliDaydream" at The Southern Theater (2 days)

Show Times:
   Friday, December 5 @ 7pm
   Saturday, December 6 @ 2pm *COME SEE SANTA AT THIS PERFORMANCE!
   Saturday, December 6 @ 7pm

Location: The Southern Theater, 1420 Washington Avenue South

Minnesota Dance Collaborative: "HoliDaydream"
 
Written by accomplished storyteller Shelli Manzoline and Darrin Shaughnessy, HolidayDream is a festive dance tale told through the eyes of a young girl as her eagerness to celebrate the Holiday Season is mixed with disappointment as many of her beloved traditions drop away. Follow her as she traverses the ups and downs and highs and lows through a dreamlike dance experience-one which incorporates the magic of a multitude of dance styles such as hip hop, classical Jazz, lyrical, tap and the featured high-kick precision ensemble, Illuminaires, directed by Regan K. Saunders.
 
Watch as our young hostess discovers the path to navigating her Holiday Journey is not the one she envisioned for the future or remembered from the past - but as she nears her destination, she begins to realize that the best traditions may be the ones you create yourself!
 
Join us for a night of holiday dance and dreams.
 
*Featuring special guests from the St Paul Ballet Company, The Phipps, and Platinum Dance Center!*
 

December 4, 2014, Thursday - MHS Members' Double Discount Days at Mill City Museum

Time: 10:00am to 5:00pm Thursday-Saturday; Noon to 5:00pm Sunday

Location: Mill City Museum, 704 2nd Street South

Minnesota Historical Society members will receive a double discount (20 percent) on Minnesota-inspired, quality gifts in time for the holidays at a pre-holiday sale at Members Double Discount Weekend at the Mill City Museum. Shop for one-of-a-kind items, from MHS Press books, to jewelry and more in the Minnesota arts and crafts section at the History Center, to gifts with regional flavor at our historic sites around the state Purchases help support the Society’s programs.

Double Discount Dates include December 4, 5, 6, and 7.

For more information visit http://www.mnhs.org.

December 4, 2014, Thursday - Third Public Ecological System Plan CAC Meeting at MPRB

Time: 5:30-7:30pm

Location: Minneapolis Park and Rec Board, 2117 West River Road

The third meeting of the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) for the Ecological System Plan will be held Thursday, December 4, 5:30-7:30, at the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, 2117 West River Road, Minneapolis. The public is welcome to attend and will have the opportunity to comment.

The purpose of this meeting will be:
• To review initial models for improving environmental performance of parks.
• To review city- and watershed-wide maps of parks’ ability to help solve regional environmental concerns.
 
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) and the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) are preparing the first-ever Ecological System Plan. The Ecological System Plan will seek to first understand the ecology of the city and watershed, then plan for parks and public lands management and improvements that benefit both humans and nature. It will address specific threats such as climate change, decreasing water quality, explosion of invasive species, increasing runoff, and fragmentation of habitat. It will envision a more environmentally sound way of managing the impacts of the city, so that the city can be cleaner, greener, cooler, and more efficient.

In addition to attending this and other meetings, the public may provide input and stay informed about the project in the following ways:

• Visit the project website to stay up to date on the project and see some of the amazing maps and drawings we plan to create. Go to www.minneapolisparks.org/currentprojects and select “Ecological System Plan.”
• Attend any of the planned community events that will take place in the parks over the next year and a half. More details will be made available on the project website as these events are scheduled and planned.
• Sign up to receive e-mail updates by subscribing on the project website or at www.minneapolisparks.org/subscribe or, if you are already a subscriber, by adding “Ecological System Plan” to your subscription preferences.

December 4, 2014, Thursday - Pillsbury A Mill Hydroelectric Project Public Scoping Meetings

Times:  Noon and 5:00pm

Location: University of St. Thomas - Terrence Murphy Hall, Room 202, 1000 LaSalle Avenue, Minneapolis

Minneapolis Leased Housing Associates IV (developer of the A Mill Artists Lofts project) will hold two scoping meetings for the A-Mill Artist Lofts Hydroelectric Project to receive input on the scope of the Applicant Prepared Environmental Assessment that the developer will be preparing.

A copy of the scoping document may be found here:

https://app.box.com/shared/static/z3ows4jgamqlwofo8i0d.pdf 

More info on the meeting...

There also will be an Environmental Site Review Meeting on Thursday, December 4, 2:00pm, at Xcel Energy Water Power Park, 206 Main Street SE.

This gathering will include tours of the intake and outlet areas.

December 4, 2014, Thursday - Lavender's First Thursdays at Mattie's on Main

Time: 5:30pm

Location: Mattie's on Main, 43 Main Street SE

Presented by Ketel One, also sponsored by Messerli & Kramer, Attorneys at Law and Odyssey Resorts and Little Black Dress Wines
 
Complimentary Hors d’oeuvres • Cash Bar • Register to WIN Great Prizes • Cocktail Sampling from Ketel One • Wine Sampling from Little Black Dress Wines
 
Host Organizations: HRC Twin Cities, OutFront Minnesota, North Country Bears, Twin Cities Quorum, Minneapolis Movie Bears, Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus, Prime Timers MSP, Twin Cities Pride, Minnesota Freedom Band