Holidazzle Returns November 27 - December 20, This Year in Loring Park

The Minneapolis Downtown Council in partnership with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board recently announced the schedule of events and new look for the 2015 Holidazzle, which will include a downtown Minneapolis skating rink located in Loring Park.

This year’s Holidazzle is free and open to the public, and will take place in Loring Park. Holidazzle will begin the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 27 and run Thursdays through Sundays, concluding on Sunday, December 20. Operating hours will be 5-9pm on Thursdays and Fridays, and 11am-9pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

More Info

MacPhail's 2015-2016 Spotlight Series Premiers Saturday with "Caffeinated Bach"

The 2015-2016 MacPhail Spotlight Series premiers this Saturday, November 14, with the performance of “Caffeinated Bach”.  If you've never attended a Spotlight Series event, you might want to add it to your list of must-sees.  Here's a glimpse at what to expect:

Coming December 10th & 11th - “Oliver Holiday & the Yuletide Caper”

Tickets $10, kids 12 and under get in free!

Performed by the new East Downtown arts group "The Good Arts Collective"

From the makers of Bear & the Barrel, comes the riveting story of Oliver Holiday & the Yuletide Caper. Oliver is not just any Christmas detective, he has a special kind of something that you can't deny makes him the perfect man for this case. Come join the cast and witness this great tale, along with a wonderful variety of acts making this an event not to miss.

2 Shows!
Thursday December 10th
Friday December 11th
Shows 7:30pm, Doors 7pm. 

Get your Tickets!
http://oliverholiday.brownpapertickets.com/

Washington Avenue Lane Closures This Week

Via a November 9 Hennepin County e-newsletter:

Washington Avenue (County Road 152) preliminary work related to reconstruction between Hennepin Avenue and Fifth Avenue South

Preliminary field investigations

Prior to next year's work on Washington Avenue, crews will be doing preliminary exploratory work. One of the activities, related to utility location identification, will occur this week.

Lane closures this week and weekend

Because of this utility related work, there will be lane closures on Washington Avenue between Hennepin Avenue and Fifth Avenue South during the week of Monday, November 9.

Crews will be on site starting Tuesday, November 10, and may need to use brief closures to access key areas.
 
In addition, there will be extended lane closures for more extensive work. These are anticipated to occur:
• Between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Friday, November 13
• Between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday, November 14
• Between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Sunday, November 15

This timeline is subject to change due to weather conditions.

Project overview

Hennepin County, in coordination with the City of Minneapolis, is reconstructing Washington Avenue South (County Road 152) between Hennepin Avenue and Fifth Avenue South.

The project received approval of the preliminary layout from the Minneapolis City Council in 2014. Detail design is in progress and is anticipated to be completed in late 2015. Utility work is anticipated to begin in early 2016 in preparation for full roadway reconstruction later in 2016 and 2017.

For more information:
Nathan Ellingson, project engineer
nathan.ellingson@hennepin.us
612-596-0375
www.hennepin.us/residents/transportation/washington-ave-mpls

New Photo Series - The Adventures of Rocky and Troy

I was introduced to this line of crazy ceramic critters - Primordials - via Facebook posts by one of our favorite local artists, Alison Price. They're the creation of ceramic artist, Jennifer A Murphy. (You can find Alison's and Jennifer's work at the Tres Leches Art Gallery in the Northrup King Building.)

Initially they didn't appeal to me - I found them to be a bit off-putting.  But they slowly grew on me, and I kept thinking of how fun it would be to photograph them around our neighborhood.  We picked these two guys up during Art Attack! this weekend.  Jenny's Primordials are all one-of-a-kind, with their name etched into a leg.  The orange and yellow fellow is Rockea (which doesn't quite roll off the tongue, so we call him Rocky), and the little guy is Troy.

This is the beginning of what I hope will be a long-running silly series - The Adventures of Rocky and Troy. Below, they join us for brunch at Day Block Brewing.  Let the fun begin!

Northeast Farmers Market Announces 2015-2016 Winter Markets

The Northeast Farmers Market recently announced their Winter Market will be located in the Solar Arts Building, 711 15th Ave NE. Support local food vendors and artisans during the winter months and celebrate the community spirit of the Market.  Expect music, children’s activities, and more. Facebook Event Page  Vendor List

November – March (November 28, December 19, January 16, February 20, March 19) 10:00am-2:00pm

   

 

Minneapolis RiverCurrent | Riverfront News Articles 11-5-2015

7West Apartments Sold

http://www.startribune.com/sold-7west-apartments-designed-with-the-help-of-a-feng-shui-master-fetches-54-5-million/337964981/

http://finance-commerce.com/2015/10/weidner-pays-54-5-million-for-7west-apartments/

Rojo Will Replace Shag Sushi

http://www.journalmpls.com/news-feed/shag-sushi-is-out-rojo-is-in

Historic Signs and Re-Lighting of Pillsbury Sign

http://www.minnpost.com/cityscape/2015/10/signs-time-why-we-spend-big-bucks-save-old-ads

http://www.startribune.com/a-red-letter-night-for-the-minneapolis-skyline/339834052/

http://bringmethenews.com/2015/11/02/iconic-pillsburys-best-flour-sign-is-relit-tonight/

http://blogs.mprnews.org/newscut/2015/11/welcome-back-pillsbury-sign/

http://www.journalmpls.com/news-feed/pillsbury-sign-lights-up-the-riverfront-once-again

Betty Danger’s Fall Cotillion

http://www.startribune.com/scene-heard-betty-danger-s-fall-cotillion/338811222/#1

Mill City Farmers’ Market Winter Markets Announced

http://www.americantowns.com/mn/minneapolis/news/mill-city-farmers-market-announcing-monthly-mill-city-winter-markets-24452437

Good Bye to Nye’s

http://www.startribune.com/i-ve-been-a-nye-s-regular-for-30-years-goodbye-to-my-favorite-bar/335192961/

Stone Arch Hotel Proposal

http://www.journalmpls.com/news-feed/10-story-stone-arch-hotel-planned-for-downtown-east

http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/news/2015/11/02/10-level-hotel-planned-near-u-s-bank-stadium.html

http://www.startribune.com/near-the-new-vikings-stadium-another-hotel-is-being-planned/340001171/

Pillsbury A Mill Renovation (including video tour)

http://www.blog.generalmills.com/2015/11/new-life-for-the-mighty-pillsbury-a-mill/

##########

LAST WEEK FROM MINNEAPOLIS RIVERCURRENT | 10/31/2015

University’s Library Storage in Mined Space

http://www.minnpost.com/stroll/2015/10/subterranean-caverns-protect-us-andersen-library-collections

New Production Director at Guthrie

http://www.startribune.com/the-guthrie-theater-names-a-new-production-director/334269971/

Return of Pillsbury’s Best Flour Sign

http://bringmethenews.com/2015/10/19/the-iconic-pillsburys-best-flour-sign-will-be-back-in-minneapolis-skyline-this-week/

http://millcitytimes.com/news/breaking-pillsbury-sign-installation-to-begin-next-monday.html

http://blog.generalmills.com/2015/10/watch-for-flying-red-letters/

http://www.startribune.com/pillsbury-s-best-flour-sign-atop-pillsbury-a-mill-in-minneapolis-reinstalled-and-relit-after-significant-overhaul/334842371/#1

http://kstp.com/article/stories/S3941383.shtml

North Loop Restaurant Transitions

http://www.citypages.com/restaurants/shag-sushi-is-closed-and-will-reopen-as-rojo-7765280

Return of Flour Milling

http://www.startribune.com/in-a-return-to-its-roots-minneapolis-considers-allowing-flour-milling-in-neighborhoods/333653341/

Multi-Generational Condo Living

http://www.startribune.com/today-s-multi-generational-living-condo-units-in-the-same-building/333293181/#1

New Renderings of Alatus’ 200 Central Proposal

http://www.startribune.com/alatus-reveals-latest-designs-for-40-story-residential-tower-in-minneapolis/334705201/

http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/blog/real_estate/2015/10/alatus-luxury-tower-200-central-ave-minneapolis.html?iana=ind_cre

http://www.journalmpls.com/news-feed/alatus-offers-glimpse-of-40-story-tower

Trader Joe’s Planned for Chicago and Washington Development

http://www.startribune.com/trader-joe-s-is-a-go-for-downtown-minneapolis-location/334682271/

http://bringmethenews.com/2015/10/20/the-rumors-are-true-trader-joes-will-open-in-downtown-minneapolis-in-2017/

http://finance-commerce.com/2015/10/trader-joes-hears-ka-ching-in-downtown-east/

http://kstp.com/article/stories/S3941295.shtml

http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/news/2015/10/20/trader-joes-confirms-downtown-minneapolis-store.html

http://www.journalmpls.com/news-feed/trader-joes-is-coming-to-thresher-square

http://www.kare11.com/story/news/local/2015/10/20/trader-joes-to-open-location-in-downtown-minneapolis/74278900/

http://www.mprnews.org/story/2015/10/20/trader-joes-a-go-for-downtown-minneapolis

http://www.citypages.com/restaurants/downtown-minneapolis-is-getting-a-trader-joes-7771857

Photos of 1930s Minneapolis

http://www.startribune.com/minneapolis-in-the-shabby-30s/334686821/

Development Concept for 121-125 Washington Avenue North

http://www.startribune.com/plans-rolled-out-for-revamped-sex-world-building/335329621/

http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/morning_roundup/2015/10/sex-world-building-will-get-revamp-under-new-owner.html

http://www.journalmpls.com/news-feed/new-plans-surface-for-sex-world-building

Twin Cities Horror Festival at Southern Theater

http://www.twincities.com/entertainment/ci_29002610/twin-cities-horror-festival-is-its-ghastly-ghostly

http://www.citypages.com/arts/dont-be-afraid-of-the-tc-horror-festival-and-its-infectious-plays-7788342

Big Sit Event at Coldwater Spring

http://www.startribune.com/official-tally-at-the-big-sit-birds-and-good-times/335886411/

North Loop Office Sub-Market

http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/blog/real_estate/2015/10/hot-north-loop-office-submarket-is-metros-tightest.html

Henry IV, Part I at Open Book

http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_29015311/twin-cities-theaters-increasingly-do-shakespeare-all-female

Lowry Avenue NE Plan

http://finance-commerce.com/2015/10/redevelopment-framework-set-for-lowry-avenue-ne/

Riverfront Business Periscope

http://www.startribune.com/periscope-names-ad-agency-heavyweight-elizabeth-ross-as-ceo/336503231/

Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership -- Riverfront Vitality Report and Winners of Mississippi Minute Film Festival

http://kfai.org/news/2015/10/51538

Food Building Tours

Open tours Mondays, 10:00am – Noon

The Food Building, located at 1401 Marshall Street NE in Northeast, started as a conversation about pigs.

Kieran Folliard and Mike Phillips were discussing the absurdity of shipping Minnesota pigs to California for processing and then shipping the salumi back to Minnesota to sell. What if salumi made from Minnesota pigs was made in Minnesota? So they found a building on a desirable corner in the working heart of Northeast Minneapolis, along the Mississippi. The building had more space than Mike needed to make delicious salumi, so Kieran decided to create a space where several expert makers could craft their food.

Enter cheesemaker Rueben Nilsson. Rueben is fired up about making cheese using milk from Minnesota grass-fed cows. So with Kieran’s help, Mike created Red Table Meat Co. and Rueben created The Lone Grazer Creamery. These brands are connected by a “Taste of Place.” Simply put, Minnesota’s distinct seasons and savory characters combine to make one-of-a-kind foods. Their motto is “Farmer Near, Made Here.” Everyone is invited to come see the process – “it’s like a brewery tour, only with food.”

A hopeful addition to Mike and Rueben is baker Steven Horton (former Rustica owner), who is working with the City of Minneapolis to get approval to start a small scale flour mill (using stone for grinding, not steel rollers).

Read more about Steve Horton and his plans on MPR News...

Career Opportunities at Mill City Clinic

University of Minnesota Physicians is a premier physician organization dedicated to providing comprehensive, patient-focused specialty care in more than 100 specialty and subspecialty areas. Established in 1997, we have the widest range of specialists in the greater Twin Cities area with more than 850 physicians and 1,600 health professionals. From the classroom to the clinic, we are driven to be the leaders in patient cures and care.

Mill City Clinic is an award-winning primary care clinic nestled in the heart of the downtown east Mill District neighborhood of Minneapolis.  The clinic treats acute and chronic diseases and conditions, and the care team is comprised of physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, and other dedicated professionals.  Mill City Clinic is committed to delivering world-class care in a small clinic setting. 

We have an opening for a LPN and Certified Medical Assistant.  For more information and to apply for these positions, please visit the following links:

LPN: http://chc.tbe.taleo.net/chc01/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=UMNPHYSICIANS&cws=1&rid=7042

CMA: http://chc.tbe.taleo.net/chc01/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=UMNPHYSICIANS&cws=1&rid=7015

2015-2016 Snow Emergency Info - Many Ways to Stay up to Date

If you didn't receive the 2015-2016 Minneapolis Snow Emergency Brochure in the mail, you can find the information online and subscribe to various update options:

Hotline - By calling the automated 612-348-SNOW hotline, folks can find out if a Snow Emergency has been declared. If a Snow Emergency is in effect, the hotline will have information on that day’s parking restrictions that drivers need to follow to avoid tickets and tows. The hotline includes information in English, Spanish, Somali and Hmong.

The City’s website - Go to www.minneapolismn.gov/snow to find out whether a Snow Emergency has been declared and for a wealth of information on Snow Emergencies in many languages. Also, check out the street lookup, which lets you put in an address or a neighborhood to see where you can park during a Snow Emergency.

Phone alerts - Minneapolis uses a phone alert system to notify residents when Snow Emergencies are declared. It is an automated notification system that can place thousands of calls per hour. You can add your cellphone or unlisted landline number to the alert system by signing up at www.minneapolismn.gov/snow.

Email alerts - You can sign up to get Snow Emergency alerts automatically emailed to you. Go to www.minneapolismn.gov/snow/snow_esubscribe for more details.

App for Android devices and iPhones – Drivers who have Android devices or iPhones can download the Snow Emergency app. During a Snow Emergency, the app will tell them the parking rules for that day. It also has a street lookup, which lets them see where they can park on that day by street address or by having the device’s GPS pinpoint their location.

The media - News releases are sent to the media so TV, radio stations and other news outlets can inform their viewers and listeners that a Snow Emergency is in effect.

Cable TV - Tune in to cable channels 14 and 79. These channels will have information in several languages when a Snow Emergency is declared.

Facebook and Twitter – Like Minneapolis Snow Emergency on Facebook. If you have a Twitter account, just follow us. Both the Twitter and Facebook pages will tell fans and followers when a Snow Emergency is declared.

Wilde Roast Cafe Now Accepting Donations for The Food Group

In November and December, bring in non-perishable items to the Wilde Roast Cafe and receive a 20% OFF coupon. They will have a big blue barrel to accept food goods for The Food Group (formerly the Emergency Foodshelf Network) and a separate barrel to accept donations for the pet food shelf.

Mill City Farmers Market 2015 Outdoor Season Comes to an End

The only thing scary about the final outdoor Market being on October 31 was the weather. The vendors, however, were having fun just the same - like Mother Earth at WEI:

Fred from French Nugget wanted everyone to know (in a Spanish accent) that his character was "Carlos". I have to say, that's the first time I've ever encountered anyone using a voice as their costume.

Kale-osaurus:

Susan Dietrich - the mastermind of Very Prairie treats.

I'll trade you a galette for your brain, how's that sound?

Even a few pets were decked out.

MCFM Executive Director, Martha Archer, and volunteers were fueling the vendors with treats.

October 31 marked the final Mill City Cooks demo for Chef Heather Hartman - aptly dressed as the Swedish Chef from the Muppets. Heather will be devoting her full attention to her personal chef service, Farm to Fork.

Sweet potatoes!

Don't let the name fool you - Thelma Sanders Sweet Potato is really a squash.

A Downton Abbey-style hat designed by Ruth Kinkade of The Abbey.  She will have more available at the November 14 indoor Market.

It's never too early to start planning for a 2016 CSA membership!

The goat!

Starting in November, the Mill City Farmers Market moves indoors for their monthly Winter Markets - 10:00am to 1:00pm every second Saturday, November 14 thru April 9 inside the Mill City Museum.  Plus there are 3 bonus dates as noted on the below schedule:

New FMR Film About Our Local National Park — Watch the Trailer and Sign Up for the Premiere!

Via an October 31 Friends of the Mississippi (FMR) e-newsletter:

Ask most Twin Citians where our nearest national park is and they'll scratch their head and suggest Voyageurs or perhaps the Apostle Islands. But there is only one national park on the entire length of the Mississippi River whose focus is the great river, and that park is right here in the Twin Cities.

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016, FMR is making a documentary about our very own national park, the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. 

The film tells the story of the effort to get Congress to designate the park, explores the meaning of this legacy, and stresses the need for continued stewardship and advocacy on the park's behalf.

- - -

"Hidden Grace: Our Mississippi River National Park" (working title) will air on Twin Cities Public Television in spring 2016 and public screenings are planned as well. If you enjoy the trailer above and would like to be invited to the premiere, just let us know!

Advance Tickets Now on Sale for 'Sounds Like Home' Benefit for People Serving People

Advance tickets are now on sale for the annual Sounds Like Home benefit for People Serving People, taking place November 12 at Triple Rock Social Club, 629 Cedar Avenue.

Come and listen to some great music and support homeless children and their families! 100% of your ticket price goes will go directly towards People Serving People’s programming for homeless children and their families, including early childhood education, one-on-one tutoring, employment services, advocacy, teen engagement programs and more.   Tickets

 

Photos from the Mississippi Minute Film Festival

Held Monday night at the Mill City Museum.

Hosted by the Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership

Posted by Mill City Times on Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Franklin Avenue Bridge Construction Update from Hennepin County

Franklin Avenue Bridge construction update

October 2015

If you travel across the bridge, you may not be seeing all the             activity that is occurring below the deck. Let's take a closer look                     of some of  this activity that's happening out of the sight of the                typical commuter, cyclist and pedestrian.

Construction actvitiy below deck

One of the main construction activities during the past year has                   been to restore deteriorated areas of the Franklin Avenue Bridge.      Fortunately, the weather has been good lately and allowed crews to            keep moving forward. Last week, crews were busy with restoration work on all five spans         and two of the piers. One of the areas of focus has been the southern half of Span 2.         Crews, tied-off for safety, work high above to remove segments of         concrete in  need of repair. Cofferdams, or dry work areas created in the river, are allowing                 crews to remove and replace concrete on the segments of piers                  below water level.  Crews have to lower the concrete within the         cofferdam. As long as the weather holds up, crews will continue to take               advantage of it. The focus of next year's activity will be on deck             removal and replacement. We will share more information about                  this work in future updates.

Workzone safety

Thank you for slowing down and paying attention in work zones.             Staying alert and dedicating your full attention to driving keeps you              and our crews safe.     Website: www.hennepin.us/franklinbridge

Week 25 at the Mill City Farmers Market

This little girl looks like a seasoned shopper - with her money in hand, she chooses a perfect bunch of radishes.  Don't forget - next Saturday isn't just Halloween, it's the last Market of the 2015 outdoor season.

Below, MCFM Executive Director Martha Archer shares the news that after seven years at the helm, Chef Heather Hartman is retiring from the Mill City Cooks demo kitchen.  Heather will be devoting her full attention to her personal chef service, Farm to Fork.

Gorgeous and delicate geode necklace created by April Barnhart of Aprilierre.

The Minneapolis Bicycle Coalition, a volunteer driven and member supported organization, was the October 24 Community Booth. They're the people who brought us Bike Week and the Open Streets Minneapolis events.

My hat from Barn Swallow Garden continues to be a favorite. So soft and warm!

These pastries from Solomon's Bakery are individual works of art.

Hard to resist an artisan confection from St. Croix Chocolate Company.

Now, THAT's an apple!

The Eddies!

Pam from Prairie Hollow Farm holds out a gigantic Brussels sprout.

Guest chef Beth Dooley served the crowd Maple Squash Soup with Parsnip Walnut Spread on an artisan bread.

Cute and yummy BOO!mallos from Susan at Very Prairie.

Below, a shopper signs up for The Beet, the weekly MCFM e-newsletter.  If you don't already subscribe, you can sign up online. Go to the MCFM website, and you'll see a pop-up in the lower right corner where you can enter your email address.

The goat!

Starting in November, the Mill City Farmers Market moves indoors for their monthly Winter Markets - 10:00am to 1:00pm every second Saturday, November 14 thru April 9 inside the Mill City Museum.  Plus there are 3 bonus dates as noted on the below schedule:

Learn About the Music Programs Offered at MacPhail Thru "Faces of MacPhail"

MacPhail Center for Music recently launched a Faces of MacPhail campaign to highlight students in every program area.

This year’s Early Childhood Music featured student is Rexford, who with his parents are part of the growing number of downtown families. In the below video, Rexford's mom talks about how MacPhail's Early Childhood Music program is a fun part of their Saturday routine, and important to her sons development.

To learn more, see the Rocking with Rexford Student Story on MacPhail's website, and visit the Early Childhood Music page for class information.  The Musical Families II session is currently open for enrollment.

   

Public Comment Opportunities for Proposed 2016 MPRB Budget

Via an October 21 Minneapolis Park and Rec Board e-newsletter:

Superintendent Presents Proposed 2016 MPRB Budget

Public comment opportunities scheduled Nov. 4 and 18, Dec. 2 and 9

The Superintendent’s Recommended 2016 Budget for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) focuses on sound fiscal management, addresses increased park use and demands for programs and services, is responsive to changing demographics and needs of the community, and maintains the park system within available resources.
 
In 2016, of every dollar Minneapolis residents pay for property taxes, eight cents will go to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.
 
The Superintendent’s Recommended 2016 Budget totals $70,973,005 for the general operating fund, $1,743,242 for the special revenue fund dedicated to trees, $8,274,976 for the enterprise operating fund and $21,767,600 for capital project funding.
 
Prior to her recommended 2016 budget presentation to the Board, Miller presented a report on “Closing the Gap: Investing in Neighborhood Parks” that stressed the need to address the growing funding shortfall for neighborhood park capital and maintenance.
 
For full details about Proposed 2016 Budget public comment opportunities, 2016 budget initiatives, and the Closing the Gap report, read the full news release on our website.
 

________________________________________
Budget Presentation
The proposed budget and related documents are available for viewing at www.minneapolisparks.org/budget or by calling 612-230-6400 between 8 am–4:30 pm.
 
Closing the Gap Presentation
The Closing the Gap: Investing in Neighborhood Parks report and related documents to Commissioners are available at www.minneapolisparks.org/closingthegap.

See New Electronic Check-in Before 2016 Elections

Via an October 21 Hennepin County e-newsletter:

Get a sneak preview of new electronic balloting check-in before 2016 elections

Election officials from Hennepin County and the City of Minnetonka will test electronic poll (e-poll) books on Thursday, October 22, from 9 to 10:30 a.m., in the Minnehaha Room in the lower level of Minnetonka City Hall, 14600 Minnetonka Boulevard.

In 2014, the state legislature authorized the use of e-poll books. Starting in 2016, secured tablets or laptop computers will replace the current paper voter check-in process. The technology will help speed up lines at the polls, help election judges through registration, provide cities data on polling place activity and more.

Next year, Hennepin County will train cities and provide training materials for election judges. Cities will store the devices, prepare them for Election Day and train election judges to use them properly.

Look for more news on the Hennepin County website at www.hennepin.us/news.