Tonight - A Park Where Fuji-Ya Once Stood? Meeting at Mill City Museum

Date:  Thursday, December 15

Time:  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Place:  Mill City Museum, ADM Room, 710 Second Street South, Minneapolis MN 55401

The Carp Are Coming! The Carp Are Coming! (And they may already be here)

From River Talk:

Big news, perhaps historic news (although it’s being downplayed to some extent) today is that genetic testing of waters in the Mississippi River north of downtown Minneapolis has found DNA evidence of the presence of silver carp.

Read the full article...

A 360 Degree View Near the Hennepin Avenue Suspension Bridge

Six Books that May Shape Water Future Debate

From the River Talk:

American environmental thinking has a strong tie to ideas that have been published in book form.  Where, for example, would we be without Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring or Aldo Leopold’s A Sand County Almanac?

Read the full article...

A 360 Degree View from the Stone Arch Bridge

Mark Your Calendars - December 14, 2011, Wednesday - A SIP OF SCIENCE at Aster Cafe

Time: 5:30pm

Location: Aster Cafe, 125 SE Main Street
 
Future Earth: Thriving on a Human-dominated Planet

Collectively all seven billion of us now rival natural processes in modifying the Earth.  We live in a world being thoroughly reconfigured by human activity.  As humans we have set in motion global changes that will reverberate for thousands of years.  A diverse portfolio of technologic, economic, social and political innovations is needed for people to thrive on a human-dominated planet.  Earth fortunately now is home to the wealthiest, healthiest, best educated, and most innovative, creative and interconnected cohort of humans in history.

What is the future we wish to create and live in?  Join Patrick Hamilton in an interactive exploration of the challenges and opportunities of living on a human-dominated planet.

About Pat:

Currently, Patrick serves as the Director of Global Change Initiatives at the Science Museum of Minnesota and principle investigator for the museum's Future Earth exhibit.  He started at the Science Museum of Minnesota soon after graduating with his masters in geography in the early 1980s.  He is the lead on several initiatives, including the Science on a Sphere Solutions exhibit, the Big Back Yard, and Earthscapes, working and partnering with groups such as University of Minnesota Institute on the Environment, Columbia University, NCED, and NASA.  
 
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 in which researchers pair with musicians, artists and storytellers to put science in context through storytelling.

Mississippi Morning [Video]

View the beauty of nature on a morning ride to St. Cloud State University along the historic Mississippi River.

Protecting the Mississippi River Above Minneapolis is Important Too!

With all of the focus on the Minneapolis Riverfront, it's worth noting that work is being done north of the Twin Cities to preserve and revitalize the Mississippi.  With St. Cloud being a large population and industrial center, improvements there will have an impact downstream in Minneapolis.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and its partners have launched the Mississippi River-St. Cloud Watershed Project. Watch the video above to hear what living, working, and playing in this area means to some of the partners involved in this project, and enjoy nature's beauty throughout the watershed.

Minneapolis RiverCurrent 11-30-11

*****Events and Activities*****

Ceramics from the Weisman Art Museum Collection | A Personal View

Through October 31, 2012

Weisman Art Museum, 333 East River Road

While the Weisman has exhibited ceramics frequently, this is the first time an entire gallery has been devoted to the ceramics collection. Internationally respected potter Warren MacKenzie and WAM director Lyndel King curated this opening exhibit. They did not approach the selection with a particular framework in mind and then find ceramics to illustrate their ideas. Instead, after a long consideration of the collection, ways to organize the exhibit suggested themselves and pieces in the collection inspired the themes of the exhibit. For more information: http://weisman.umn.edu/event/ceramics-from-the-weisman-art-museum-collection-a-personal-view.

Great Big Holiday Art Sale

December 2 -- 22

Opening party: Friday, December 2, 6 – 9 pm

Interact Gallery, 212 Third Avenue North, Suite 140

Interact Studio's eclectic, no-holds-barred chance to see and purchase affordable work by over 75 artists from the Interact Studio. Featuring one-of-a-kind gifts at affordable prices for holiday giving -- jewelry, paintings, ceramics and more. With prices ranging from $5 to almost everything under $100! Click here for more information.

Hardwood Forest Ecology at Minnehaha Park

Sunday, December 4, 2 -- 3:30 pm

Meet at Minnehaha Falls Pavilion

Walk through Minnehaha Park and learn about the hardwood forest and how all living things within it are preparing for the Minnesota cold. Discover how all the living things in this park live together to form a community. Register at www.minneapolisparks.org or call 313-7725. $5.

River Forum: Park Planning for Vibrant Riverfront Parks

Thursday, December 8, 6:30 – 8 pm

Mill City Museum, 704 Second Street South

Powerful Nature – World-class History – Vibrant Communities: Our Central and Upper River parks contribute to our urban vitality. In 2012, with new park staff, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board will lead park master planning in both our Central and our Upper riverfronts. The last Central Riverfront plan was prepared over thirty years ago – before the National Historic District and the transformation of the Central Riverfront from industrial to residential uses. Come hear about hot issues on our riverfront and meet the new staff: Bruce Chamberlain and Andrew Caddock. Sponsored by Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership: http://www.minneapolisriverfrontpartnership.org.

Note: The following article speaks about a forum being held from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Park Board headquarters. I don’t know if this is a different event or if there has been a change of time and location from what is listed on the Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership web site:

http://northeast.kstp.com/news/news/115982-weigh-mississippi-river-development

Fun Stuff at Keegan’s Pub

Keegan’s Pub, 16 University Avenue NE

Mustache Night

Friday, December 9

Ugly Christmas Sweater Night

Saturday, December 17

It Might Be Hope: Songs in the Spirit of the Season

Monday, December 12, 7:30 pm

Lab Theater, 700 First Street North

Jason Forbach will perform at a special concert benefitting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Forbach, along with his cast mates in the 25^th anniversary national touring company of Les Miserables, will present It Might Be Hope: Songs in the Spirit of the Season. With songs from Forbach’s holiday album, Remembering to Dream, alongside traditional and non-traditional holiday music, the program promises to be a fun, emotionally evocative and inspirational evening that everyone can enjoy. Each $20 ticket purchase also comes with a free copy of the Remembering to Dream EP. For information and tickets: http://www.thelabtheater.org./#!it-might-be-hope.

Kroening Interpretive Center Programs (Three Rivers Park District)

North Mississippi Regional Park

For information: 763-694-7693; for map and driving instructions: http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=4&parkid=430. For programs that require reservations, call 763-559-6700 or register on-line: www.ThreeRiversParkDistrict.org.

Young Children Activities: My Baby, Me and the Mississippi -- Track Facts

Wednesday, December 14, 10 – 11 am

It is never too early to begin exploring the natural world! Increase your knowledge while introducing topics to your child at the same time. Have a fun outing, create a timeless craft and enjoy the company of other parents.  See website for full program description. Only the adult pays. Reservations required by phone only at least two days prior to program; call 763-559-6700 and reference activity #116903-03. $5. Ages: 0-2.

Winter Solstice Celebration

Saturday, December 17, 3 – 5 pm

Celebrate the longest night of the year with warmth, light and cheer! Hike or snowshoe to the prairie and "tie down" the sun. Explore the origins of holiday traditions such as mistletoe and yule logs. Make a candle centerpiece and listen to live music. Throw your wishes into a bonfire. Enjoy cups of wassail and cookies. Reservations required; reference activity #116901-35. $5. Ages: All.

Free Family Funday: Mammals in a Mitten

Sunday, December 18, 1 – 3 pm, ongoing

Discover what mammals do in winter. Read the book The Mitten, then be a mammal and crawl into your own mitten. Free; for all ages. Drop in; no reservations needed.

Samples of Classes and Activities at the Minnesota Center for Book Arts

1011 Washington Avenue South, 612-215-2520, http://www.mnbookarts.org

Hours: Monday 10 am -- 5 pm, Tuesday 10 am -- 9 pm, Wednesday-Saturday 10 am -- 5 pm, Sunday 12 noon – 4 pm

Class details, instructor biographies, registration details and online registration are all available at http://www.mnbookarts.org/classes/classes.html. You may also register for a class by calling 612-215-2520.

Tab and Fold

with Sue Bjerke

Wednesday, December 14, 6 -- 9pm

Add to your binding repertoire! Learn a non-adhesive binding using a tab-and-fold method to interlock the structure. Covers will be cut from a single sheet of flax paper -- a durable and beautiful material to use -- and the book block is sewn in a traditional manner. This structure is adaptable for many uses. All skill levels welcome. $45 ($40 members) + $25 supply fee.

International Cartoonist Conspiracy Meet-up

Saturday, December 17, 12 noon – 4 pm

Hosted by the Minneapolis cell of the International Cartoonist Conspiracy. Draw and chat with your fellow cartoonists at this monthly open studio meet-up. Location within MCBA's studios may vary (you can always check in at The Shop). For more info, visit the Cartoonist Conspiracy blog. Free and open to the public. No need to pre-register, just drop in! All skill levels welcome.

Japan America Arts Forum

with Sheila Asato

Sunday, December 18, 2 -- 4pm

The Japan America Arts Forum is collaboration between MCBA and the Japan America Society of Minnesota (JASM), hosted and facilitated by Sheila McNellis Asato. Each month, people interested in Japanese visual art forms, related materials and processes gather at MCBA for learning, fellowship and hands-on fun. At each meeting, an artist who either practices a Japanese art form or whose work is deeply influenced by the Japanese arts shares their work and then leads the group through a simple exercise which allows everyone to get a hands-on experience of the work for themselves. Topics range from katazome (resist dying on fabric) to suminagashi (paper marbling) to origami (paper folding) and much more. Meetings are typically held on the third Sunday of each month. For more details and monthly forum topics, visit Sheila's website, Monkey Bridge Arts. If you would like to share your work or know of an artist who would, email Sheila. All skill levels welcome. $10 ($5 MCBA or JASM members). No need to pre-register, just drop in!

Winter Market

Saturday, December 17, 10 am – 2 pm

Local D’Lish, 208 First Street North

On the third Saturday of the month from November through April, Local D’lish will be transformed from a grocery store to a bustling farmers’ market. Meet your farmers and food makers, sample some tasty treats and buy gifts for any occasion. Choices will include jams, chocolates, baked good, apples, honey, all-natural skin care products, granola, meat, cheese and so much more. Street parking is FREE on weekends! For information: 612-886-3047 or http://www.localdlish.com.

Mill City Museum Programs and Events

704 Second Street South

For more information about Mill City Museum events call 612-341-7555, or visit http://www.millcitymuseum.org

Washburn A Mill Tour

Saturday, December 17, 1 pm

Take an in-depth look at the historic Washburn A Mill complex and the award-winning Mill City Museum building on this guided tour. A museum interpreter will take visitors into the building’s many nooks and crannies, highlighting the lives of the men and women who worked there, how the building functioned during its peak flour milling years and the many changes to the building over time. Also covered will be how the mill ruin was converted to a museum and office building. Although many parts of the A mill can be explored on a self-guided basis during a regular museum visit, this is the only opportunity for a guided tour through the entire museum building, and the only chance to see some of its non-public spaces. The tour includes admission to the museum gallery as well as the Flour Tower show. Fee: $14 adults, $12 seniors and college students, $10 children ages 6-17 and MHS members. Tour includes museum admission. Reservations recommended; call 612-341-7555 or register online.

Public Tour | Elements of Art

Saturday, December 17, and Sunday, December 18, 1 – 2 pm

Weisman Art Museum, 333 East River Road

Free guided public tours are offered each Saturday and Sunday at 1:00 p.m. Tours are thematic and have topics that relate to current exhibitions or artwork/artists. This week: look at art through the elements of texture, form, space, line, color, value and shape. For information: http://www.weisman.umn.edu.

Dreams and Effigies Artists Reception

Saturday, December 17, 7 -- 9 pm

Exhibit continues to December 23 (Gallery hours: Thursday – Saturday 12 noon – 6 pm and by appointment)

Form+Content Gallery, 210 North Second Street, Suite 104

This exhibition of new work by interdisciplinary artists Camille J. Gage and Ellen Skoro includes an area appropriate for meditation or quiet reflection. Interested groups and individuals should contact the gallery to schedule private time within the space. All events are free and open to the public. For information: 612-436-1151 or http://www.formandcontent.org

*****Planning Ahead*****

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

by Tennessee Williams

January 14 – February 26

Opening Night: Friday, January 20

Guthrie Theater, 818 Second Street South, Wurtele Thrust Stage

Set on a single summer evening in the Mississippi Delta plantation home of wealthy cotton tycoon Big Daddy Pollitt, Williams’ popular work tells the story of a Southern family in crisis, and a reunion that jogs memories and revelations for a father and son. For tickets: 612-377-2224 or http://www.guthrietheater.org/whats_happening/buy_tickets

The Acting Company in association with The Guthrie Theater presents

Julius Caesar

by William Shakespeare

directed by Rob Melrose

January 14 – February 5

Opening Night: Wednesday, January 18

Guthrie Theater, 818 Second Street South, Dowling Studio

One of several Roman plays that Shakespeare wrote, including Coriolanus and Antony and Cleopatra, this tragedy, based on true events from Roman history, portrays the 44 B.C. conspiracy against the Roman dictator, his assassination and the defeat of the conspirators at the Battle of Philippi. For tickets: 612-377-2224 or http://www.guthrietheater.org/whats_happening/buy_tickets

*****Reminder of Ongoing Activities*****

Classes Available at the Lundstrum Center

Lundstrum Center for the Performing Arts, 1617 North Second Street

Dream of performing on Broadway? Preparing for your college audition? Looking to get back into class? Let the Broadway veteran faculty at the Lundstrum Center help develop your gifts. Fall session registration is now open. Children and adults, all levels welcome. Programs include:

• Children: After school programs; age 3 and up.
• Preteen/Young Adults: Broadway Musical Theatre -- Serious training in dance, voice and theater
• Adults: Ballet, tap, jazz, Pilates, voice
• Special Needs Children: “Dance Mania”-ages 6 to 12.

The center offers state of the art, spacious, sun lit studios, with free parking and #14 Metro Transit bus-accessible. Class cards available! For a class schedule please check out the center’s website www.lundstrumcenter.org or call 612-521-2600 to be put on their mailing list.

Keegan’s Pub Entertainment

Keegan’s Irish Pub, 16 University Avenue NE

Keegan’s Pub offers a full schedule of live music, Irish lessons, pub quizzes and other activities each month. Keegan's Pub also is offering shuttle bus service to and from Gopher Football games at the new TCF Stadium. Round trip tickets are $10 and include a drink at the pub after the game. For more information and a full event calendar, visit www.keeganspub.com.

Classes at Surdyk’s

Mondays and Tuesdays

Surdyk’s Liquor and Cheese Shop, 303 East Hennepin Avenue

Surdyk’s offers an extensive and fun choice of classes to help you learn about wine, beer and cheese (both in general and specific types). Check out their calendar at http://www.surdyks.com/Events.aspx.

National Park Service “Ranger on Call” Virtual Tour of the Mississippi River

Visitors and residents of the Twin Cities can now have a national park experience 24 hours a day with Ranger on Call, a new virtual tour of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. Ranger on Call is an audio guide to exploring some of the park’s most special places. The guide features a series of 20 stops designed to expand users’ knowledge of the Mississippi River and provoke exploration. Users can listen to stories from all along the 72-mile corridor of the national park, and download podcasts and maps online at www.rangeroncall.com. Or, for an all-encompassing park experience, users can visit the featured sites along the river in person and dial 1-877-727-1172 (toll free) for the cell phone tour. Ranger on Call features narration by Don Shelby, who brings to life the stories from diverse communities along the river. Tour stops feature the Minneapolis Riverfront, Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary and Lock and Dam #2 in Hastings. Ranger on Call was created by the National Park Service and the Mississippi River Fund. The national park’s 72-mile boundary stretches along the Mississippi River from Dayton/Ramsey, through Minneapolis and Saint Paul, to just south of Hastings. It includes a range of cultural, economic and natural resources — from historic sites like Fort Snelling to unique features including the river’s only waterfall and gorge, to public parks and wildlife refuges. In addition to protecting the river’s ecosystems and water quality and providing access points for recreation, the park offers a range of volunteer and educational activities, including ranger-led canoe, fishing, biking and hiking programs and school programs. www.nps.gov/miss. The Mississippi River Fund is the official charitable partner of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. The fund supports stewardship and community engagement programs that support the park and its mission. These programs include water quality protection, habitat restoration, formal education, and interpretive programs that share with the public the significant role our National Park plays in American history and culture. www.missriverfund.org.

Horse and Carriage Tours

Enjoy a tour of the riverfront via a horse-drawn carriage ride. Regular tours are available from both the Nicollet Island Inn and VIC’s Restaurant on Main Street. For information: http://www.thehitchingcompany.com/

Acme Comedy Club

Tuesdays through Thursday, 8 pm; Fridays and Saturdays, 8 and 10:30 pm

708 North First Street

Enjoy stand-up comedy at one of the top five comedy clubs in the country. For more information: http://www.acmecomedycompany.com

*****Informational Resources*****

CPED Quarterly Reports

CPED has released its 2011 Third Quarter Minneapolis Trends and Major Development Project Maps, available at the following links:

2011 – 3rd Quarter Minneapolis Trends

July 1, 2011 Major Development Map – Downtown

July 1, 2011 Major Development Map – Citywide     

Park Board Event Calendar

Having fun in Minneapolis parks just got easier! The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB)’s website now features a multi-month event calendar. The current event calendar is now available at http://www.minneapolisparks.org/documents/events.pdf and is a quick guide to MPRB-sponsored and co-sponsored events as well as outside organizers’ permitted events in the parks. Check it out, mark your calendars and enjoy the many events occurring in Minneapolis parks!

Mill City Times

http://www.millcitytimes.com

This web site covers “life, work and play in the Historic Mill District.” It also includes an event listing that is more expansive than the Mill District and that would be a useful resource for you in between issues of the RiverCurrent (or if, as sometimes happens, you accidentally deleted it).

Mississippi River Trail

The Mississippi River Trail follows the course of the mighty Mississippi from its headwaters to the Gulf. A new MRT resource website has been launched for the Minnesota segment of the trail (http://www.dot.state.mn.us/bike/mrt.html) complete with interactive Google Earth based maps, and a complete series of maps printable at 8 1/2” by 11.”

1 Mississippi Campaign

http://www.1mississippi.net/

This site includes information on the entire Mississippi River and how you can help protect and enhance it.

*****Riverfront News Articles*****

Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant

http://www.minnpost.com/cityscape/2011/11/22/33327/our_wastewater_treatment_system_is_one_of_regions_great_environmental_success_stories

Mississippi River Trail and Bike Trail Marketing

http://www.startribune.com/local/south/134185848.html

Minnesota Historic Investment Tax Credit Report

http://www.minnpost.com/bradallen/2011/11/23/33373/new_historic_rehabilitation_tax_credit_helping_to_heats_up_construction_jobs/?utm_source=MinnPost+e-mail+newsletters&utm_campaign=36cde2f325-Newsletter_11_23_1111_23_2011&utm_medium=email

Lowry Avenue Bridge

http://www.startribune.com/local/minneapolis/134473583.html

A Christmas Carol at the Guthrie

http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/stageandarts/134474058.html

Charley’s Aunt at the Guthrie

http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/stageandarts/134431048.html

Superior Plating

http://finance-commerce.com/2011/11/minneapolis-based-superior-plating-to-file-for-bankruptcy/

Opera Coming Next Summer to Mill City Ruins Courtyard

http://www.twincities.com/entertainment/ci_19432182

River Life Takes a Sip of Science - from @RiverLifeUMN

A post by Patrick Nunnally, U of M faculty member, and Coordinator for the U of M's Institute on the Environment’s River Life program.

From The River Talk Blog:

Last Wednesday, I was the featured speaker at the National Center for Earth Surface Dynamic‘s “Sip of Science” program, held at the Aster Cafe in Minneapolis.  Sip of Science brings scientific insights and understandings out of the laboratory and the field test plot, into more engaging places where discussions with nonscientists can be enhanced.

Read the full article...

Follow the follow The River Talk Blog and the U of M River Life program on Twitter.