Week 2 at the 2015 Mill City Farmers Market

One of the fun things about the Market is that each week brings new items.  They don't always jump out at you, so take time to visit each vendor - you'll be surprised at the things you find that you didn't even know you needed! ;)

Above, Jamie from Barkley's Bistro is having a little fun with a new product - pigs ears, which they get from fellow MCFM Vendor, Red Table Meat Co.

Here's an example of something I just learned from Nicholas Heimer of Buffalo By Bike - grilled buffalo hearts make great taco meat.  Nicholas sells Wild Idea Buffalo products, and their philosophy is to waste nothing.

Enrich your garden soil or pots with empowered earth from Swede Lake Farm.

May Lee is never without a smile on her face.

You can get fresh coffee beans from Cafe Palmira.

The goat!

CenterPoint Energy - Downtown Minneapolis Construction Update

MN Limited, LLC. and Michels Corporation, two authorized CenterPoint Energy contractors, will continue installing natural gas pipeline in the following locations:

3rd Avenue N., from Washington Avenue N. to 1st Street N.:

• Final construction is underway.
• Restoration will begin the week of May 25th.

2nd Street N., from 3rd Avenue N. to 2nd Avenue N.:

• Final construction is underway.
• Restoration will begin the week of May 18th.

2nd Street N., from 2nd Avenue N. to 1st Avenue N.:

• Service line replacements will begin Monday, May 18th and continue until Friday, May 22nd.
• Restoration will begin the week of May 25th.

Near the intersection of 1st Street N. and 1st Avenue N.:

• Crews are working eastwards along 1st Street N. toward just west of Hennepin Avenue.
• Parking is not be allowed along 1st Street N., from 2nd Avenue N. to Hennepin Avenue.
• Two-way traffic will be maintained, but there is no through traffic on 1st Avenue N.

Near the intersection of 2nd Avenue S. and 2nd Street S.:

• Crews are currently working at this intersection.
• Until approximately Monday, May 25th, northbound 2nd Avenue S. traffic will be closed at the intersection of 2nd Street S. and 2nd Avenue S. One southbound 2nd Avenue S. lane will remain open.
• There will be no through traffic at this intersection on 2nd Street S. Please follow the posted detour.

2nd Street S., between 5th Avenue S. to Portland Avenue S.:

• Final construction is underway.
• Restoration will begin the week of May 18th and reopen fully by the end of the week.

2nd Street S., between Portland Avenue S. and Chicago Avenue S.:

• Crews are working eastward along 2nd Street S.
• Crews will be working at the intersection of Portland Avenue S. and 2nd Street S.
• Southbound Portland Avenue S. will be detoured, but northbound Portland Avenue S. will remain open.

Near the intersection of 2nd Street S. and 11th Avenue S.:

• Crews will begin working at this intersection on Monday, May 18th.

Please visit our website often to receive project updates, traffic alerts and any anticipated road or lane closures.

For further information, please contact Ashley Osteraas at 612-321-5546 or Ashley.Osteraas@centerpointenergy.com. Thank you.

Northern Spark 2015 Partner Projects Spotlight: Mill City Museum

Via a May 14 e-newsletter from Northern Spark/NorthernLights.mn:

One of our most active areas for NORTHERN SPARK 2015 will be along the Mississippi River (West River Parkway: between Portland Ave. and Chicago Ave.)

This year, the Mill City Museum area (sponsored by Nordstrom) will be a hub of activity outside in the courtyard, the train shed, and throughout the building from dusk on June 13th until dawn on the 14th! Expect music, films, projections, and opportunities to engage with artists, the city, and fellow explorers. Our partners in this area include Mizna, Arts Institutes International Minnesota, Minn_Lab in collaboration with the U of M's School of Architecture, the Northern Clay Center, the Hennepin County Library, Greater MSP, St. Cloud State, and Northern Voices. 

One way (of many!) to begin your evening is by following and creating the music! Just as the sun sets, hear world-class opera singers give their contemporary take on popular arias in Mill City Ruins Courtyard (3 timed performances, starting at 9:05 pm, more here). Inside the lobby of the Mill City Museum John Keston and the talented Art Institutes International Minnesota students will preform audience created compositions on the spot. And throughout the night you'll encounter the Northern Voice Festival singers, Kathy McTavish's mill city requiem, as well as the live score for Miko Simmons's mesmerizing In Ruins: A History of the Future's Past.

This year we're partnering with the Hennepin County Library on real life choose-your-own-adventure interactive project called Night Library. Guardians of intellectual freedom, find your way through a labyrinthian maze as you embark on a quest to battle the censors. You'll be given a flashlight and a book (of course!) to guide you. Chose your path wisely or books will burn! Readers of all ages, join us. (project hashtag: #nspk33)

We're also pleased to partner with Mizna (an organization devoted to promoting Arab-American arts and culture) and the acclaimed Twin-Cities based Syrian artist Osama Esid to premiere a portrait series titled Still/ Life/ Syria. As you walk among the Mill City Ruins, you'll see large projected portraits of Syrian refugees interacting with people in an unusual studio environment---hand-painted backdrops, a handmade camera, artifacts that they chose to include. Our partners hope to create a moment of stillness an reflection as audiences consider the richly colored, nuanced lives of refugees and their futures. (project hashtag: #nspk34)

Let us know what projects you're looking forward to on Facebook & Twitter! @Northern_Spark & at @MillCityMuseum #nspk

Additional details about all Northern Spark Partner Projects online here.

Congratulations to Ted Tucker, Recipient of the MPRB 2014 Remarkable Volunteer Service Award

At the May 6 Board of Commissioners meeting, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) recognized outstanding volunteers for their work in 2014. These volunteers are representative of the more than 8,300 individuals who donated over 178,000 hours of time and talent to the park system last year. The Volunteer of the Year Awards recognize these outstanding efforts, and signify the importance of every volunteer to the success of the MPRB.
 
Marcy-Holmes resident Ted Tucker was one of the five adults to receive the Remarkable Volunteer Service Award. He was honored for his work on the Central Riverfront Community Advisory Committee.   As an honoree he received a framed certificate of his award, and a donation of $500 will be made to the Central Riverfront program.

According to a May 12 MPRB announcement, Ted has volunteered for the MPRB and related park affiliates for several decades, most recently as chair of the Central Riverfront Community Advisory Committee. Ted’s leadership skills have allowed him to spearhead many committees, and while doing so, has encouraged and empowered the other volunteers connected to the project at hand. Ted has dedicated countless hours to various committees and efforts that effect and benefit the broader community. Ted personally engages, enjoys and respects people, as well as the community processes that ultimately get things done. His ability to communicate the importance of balance while evaluating urban and open space has brought successful and valuable results for the community and the parks. Minneapolis Park patrons near and far have benefited from the achievements gained within these processes, and Ted has been an incredibly active participant on many levels. 

Congratulations, Ted!

Pillsbury Sign Restoration Complete, to be Re-installed this Summer

Today, Lawrence Sign announced that it has completed restoration of the historic Pillsbury’s Best Flour sign located in the Saint Anthony Falls Historic District of Minneapolis.

The sign represents one of three national historic landmarks in Minneapolis; in 2014 Lawrence Sign was selected to rehabilitate the iconic Pillsbury’s Best Flour rooftop sign.

In efforts to preserve and revitalize the significant landmark, restoration of the Pillsbury’s Best Flour rooftop sign was a collaborative effort between Lawrence Sign and the City of Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission.

Dominium, the Plymouth, Minn.-based developer that has transformed the A-mill site into artist lofts, will re-light the refurbished sign during this summer. “We are proud to be a leader in preserving such historical local landmarks. Bringing this iconic sign back to life will make the renovation truly complete,” said Patrick Ostrom, development associate with Dominium.

The Pillsbury Company’s 30-foot sign has stood atop the Pillsbury “A” Mill Complex since about 1940, according to city records. It replaced a similar sign that stood since 1920, which featured a large flour bag. The sign remained lit until 2010.

Over the course of 75 years the sign deteriorated. Upon inspection and consultation from the Preservation Commission, Lawrence Sign determined that the letter faces and returns could be rehabilitated instead of replaced. The sign exhibited some degradation and compromise to the structure as a result of rust and weathering, but damage was mitigated with newly fabricated aluminum.

Lawrence also replaced the nonfunctioning neon lighting system with LED lights intended to replicate the original look. Lawrence Sign is an expert at LED lighting applications, utilizing the technology because of energy savings and minimal maintenance requirements.

“The Pillsbury’s Best Flour sign is an important historical landmark in Minneapolis and it was a privilege to be trusted to restore and update it with the workmanship, quality and beauty of the original sign,” said Robb Walker, president and CEO of Lawrence Sign and Nordquist Sign.

About Lawrence Sign & Nordquist Sign

For more than 80 years, Lawrence Sign has been assisting prominent companies to grow with new locations coast to coast with their multi-site sign program. Lawrence Sign proactively manages every aspect of their customers’ sign programs including design, regulatory compliance, fabrication and installation and ongoing maintenance.

Lawrence Sign utilizes advanced technologies and expansive facilities to provide direct in-house control of the entire sign fabrication process. The Company excels at serving companies with a multi-site national and international presence.

Nordquist Sign has been fabricating and installing interior and exterior signage, architectural elements and way-finding signage for more than 100 years. Nordquist’s customer base and scope of work includes custom signage and environmental graphics for hospitals, sports facilities, themed entertainment, corporate/financial and mass transit industries. Nordquist Sign also maintains a gaming division with offices in Las Vegas and St. Paul, Minn. to serve casino gaming markets throughout the United States.

In early 2012, Lawrence Sign combined with Nordquist Sign to unite the unique resources and capabilities of the two companies. Together, Lawrence Sign and Nordquist Sign offer their clients more than 175 years of experience in sign manufacturing and installation for all facets of the signage industry.

About Dominium

Founded in 1972, Dominium is a Minneapolis-based owner, developer, and manager of apartment communities nationwide. With more than 21,000 owned and/or managed units at 208 sites in 18 states, Dominium is known for creative solutions to unique and challenging development projects, and management expertise. For more information visit http://www.dominiumapartments.com.

Notice of Decision for the Environmental Assessment Worksheet for the Superior Plating Site Redevelopment

Via a May 11 City of Minneapolis News Release:

Notice of Decision for the Environmental Assessment Worksheet for the Superior Plating Site Redevelopment
 
Monday, May 11, 2015 (Minneapolis) – The City of Minneapolis has completed the Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) process for the Superior Plating Site Redevelopment located on the properties at 315 1st Avenue NE, 101 4th Street NE, 115 4th Street NE, 119 4th Street NE, 125 4th Street NE, 108 5th Street NE, 116 5th Street NE, and 120 5th Street NE in Minneapolis.  On May 1, 2015, the City Council decided to not order the development of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), therefore making a Negative Declaration, and adopting the Findings of Fact and Record of Decision document. This City Council action was approved by the Mayor on May 8, 2015, and was published in the Finance and Commerce newspaper on May 9, 2015.
 
Copies of the EAW and the Findings of Fact and Record of Decision document are available for review in the office of the City of Minneapolis department of Community Planning and Economic Development, Land Use, Design and Preservation Section at 250 S. 4th Street, Room 300 Public Service Center.   Copies of these documents can also be provided to individuals upon request.
 
For further information contact Becca Farrar-Hughes, Senior Planner, at 612.673.3594 or via email rebecca.farrar@minneapolismn.gov. This EAW, supporting information and the Findings of Fact and Record of Decision for this EAW are also available for review on the City of Minneapolis website.

Opening Day at the 2015 Mill City Farmers Market

It was a non-stop hugfest at the May 9 Market as vendors, customers, neighbors and friends all converged to celebrate opening day. 

The Black Cat crew back in action!

The new method Barkley's Bistro is using to roast bones retains more marrow.

Juut Salonspa hosted a seedling planting table for little ones to create a Mother's Day gift.

At the Wedge Community Co-op booth, shoppers were treated to packets of organic seeds.

During the May Markets, vendors are ready to help you start your own garden with an array of flowers, veggies and herbs. 

Bikeways for Everyone informed interested shoppers about the collaborative campaign of community partners, businesses and individuals advocating for 30 new miles of protected bikeways by 2020.

In addition to delicious, crisp toasted hazelnuts and oil, Hazelnut Valley Farm offers bags of shells for mulch. They're attractive, and the sharp edges will keep the slugs under control.

Here's a handy new complimentary service this year - the Veggie Valet.  The staff at the Info Booth will hold your items so you can enjoy a meal, do more shopping, or take in an event at the Market.

We're proud to be on the Sponsor board along side organizations committed to the continued success of the Mill City Farmers Market.

The Market just wouldn't be complete without the Singing Hills Goat Dairy mascot.  :)

Next Weekend - Sixth Avenue Greenway Planting fest!

Saturday May 16 & Sunday May 17

A fun opportunity to help our riverfront neighbors connect and help our Mississippi River neighborhoods thrive!

Next weekend, on Saturday and Sunday, volunteers will plant hundreds of native plants on the Sixth Avenue Greenway, near the Stone Arch Bridge and University Avenue SE - near Restaurant Alma.  The plants are all native, and many are attractive to bees and other pollinators.

We are asking people to volunteer for a few hours / 10a-1p, or 2p-5p on Saturday or Sunday.   We have chosen late afternoon Sundays in the summer for care of the greenway, in case you are interested in that, too.

Please contact chris@marcy-holmes.org to sign up.

Just Published - Floorplans of Patio Units at The Portland Tower

The Portland Tower of Minneapolis just published floor plans that will offer stunning views of downtown. These units will also offer top-level standard features, upscale amenities and tailored finishes to meet each buyer's individual needs.

 

The Portland Tower is located at 740 Portland Avenue South, at the corner of Portland and 8th Avenue. For more information, contact Luke Kleckner of 612Group at lukekleckner@gmail.com or 612-310-8616. 

Tomorrow! Mill City Farmers Market 2015 Season Opener!

Please join us tomorrow in celebrating the opening of the Mill City Farmers Market 10th season!  There's a lot going on, so get there early with shopping list in hand.   Enjoy the Mill City Cooks demo, grab a delicious meal, tap your toes to some live music, and learn something new at a Community Booth.  Plus, bring along a print out of the below graphic, and you'll go home with a complimentary herb plant from Market Sponsor Cynthia Froid Group. Don't forget to stop by the Info Booth and become a Member - you'll reap savings all season long.  See you there!  :D

Closure/Detour of West River Parkway Trail at Franklin Avenue Bridge

Via a May 6 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park and Rec Board:

The off-street bicycle/pedestrian trail under the Franklin Avenue Bridge is closed for the next 4-6 weeks, effective immediately.  Hennepin County and Kraemer North America are removing concrete and rebar from the west pier of the Franklin Avenue bridge as one of the first steps in the reconstruction of the bridge, which will be ongoing until the end of 2016. 

The trail detour begins on the south side of Franklin Avenue to westbound Franklin Avenue to Riverside Avenue and then to 4th Street South back to West River Parkway.  For your own safety, please follow the trail detour (map).  Photos of the detour will be posted on the project webpage within the next few days. 

The area under the bridge remains open to northbound and southbound automobile traffic on the parkway. Access to the Franklin Terrace Dog Park will not be affected.

The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul presents I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story May 15-21

The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul is screening I Am Big: The Caroll Spinney Story May 15-21 at the St. Anthony Main Theatre 

For 45 years, Caroll Spinney has been beloved by generations of children as the man behind Sesame Street's Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch - and at 80 years old, he has no intention of stopping. A loving portrait of the man in the yellow suit, I Am Big Bird features extraordinary footage of Spinney's earliest collaborations with Jim Henson as it traces his journey from bullied child to childhood icon. And as the yellow feathers give way to grey hair, it is the man, not the puppet, who will steal your heart.

Mill City Live 2015 Line Up!

Mill City Live returns for its twelfth season with four outdoor concerts on Wednesday evenings in August.

Set in the museum's dramatic open air Ruin Courtyard, "Mill City Live" features four great evenings of outdoor music by top local artists. 

• Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
• Fee: $5 includes concert and museum admission from 4 to 9 p.m., an opportunity to visit Mill City Museum at a significant discount.  Free for Minnesota Historical Society members.  
• In case of rain, Mill City Live goes on indoors! 

Wednesday, August 5th, 6-8pm

PaviElle Neo-soul/R&B

 

 

PaviElle French is a Neo Soul Vocalist, activist, dancer, and actress. In the past, PaviElle has taken the stage professionally as a vocalist, singer songwriter and spoken word artist. Her new endeavor is a musical collaboration with bassist, producer and composer Casey O’Brien and presents ten years of her songwriting, all of it deeply personal and autobiographical. Fear Not, a new independently produced record, presents the captivating work of innovative, potent and dynamic neo-soul singer PaviElle French, and represents her much anticipated return to performing after a five year hiatus.

 

“Brace yourselves, Twin Cities, because another conquering diva is about to storm our beaches. PaviElle French is poised to own 2015 like Lizzo did a few years back, and it’s time to welcome our brassy new boss. French has been honing her show with a monthly residency series at Icehouse for the last year, blowing away folks who just walked in for a cocktail with a whiplash-inducing voice.”  -Zach McCormick, City Pages

(photo: Bruce Wilcox)

 

Wednesday, August 12th, 6-8pm

Black Diet Garage, Indie, Soul

 

 

Recent winners of Vita.mn’s Are You Local? Showcase and named one of First Avenue’s Best New Bands of 2013, Black Diet is a garage/indie/soul band with a sartorial flair. Indebted to Stax records, they put on shows that look like Baptist church services held at punk houses. Part of a stream of vintage sounding acts coming out of Minneapolis’ Piñata Records, they’re spitting out sharp, testimonial jams for the masses.

 

Wednesday, August 19th, 6-8pm

 

Malamanya Cuban Soul, Salsa, Latin

Malamanya is a six-member Minneapolis-based Cuban Son ensemble, composed of a diverse group of musicians who share a mutual respect and enthusiasm for traditional rhythms and melodies of Latin American and Caribbean music. Their onstage energy and compositions reflect the communal, complex, and celebratory spirit prevalent in these musical genres.

Wednesday, August 26th, 6-8pm      

Davina and the Vagabonds New Orleans Blues, Jazz & Soul  

Davina and The Vagabonds are known for their high energy stage performances and their genre-busting mix of jazz, blues, and roots music. Led by Florida transplant Davina Sower’s powerful and evocative voice this guitar-less, horn-heavy band has the ability to make any crowd happy.

"Davina is the hardest -working Blues woman in Minnesota, but......two things remain consistent at all her shows, though: her throaty but cushiony voice, which has a sort of hardmattress comfort to it that's part Bonnie Raitt, Etta James and a little Amy Winehouse, and her band's rollicking New Orleans flavor, driven home by dueling horn players and a bayou-thick standup bass” – Chris Riemenschneider, Star Tribune

The Dinkytown Uprising - May 8-14 at the Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul’s St. Anthony Main Theatre

THE DINKYTOWN UPRISING

May 8-14 at Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul’s St. Anthony Main Theatre

 

 

The year is 1970 and the disastrous Vietnam War keeps escalating. Protests are erupting all over U.S. campuses. But in Minneapolis, word that the national Red Barn Restaurant chain wants to erect a new fast-food franchise in old, venerable Dinkytown, the “war at home”  takes a different turn. This stunning documentary chronicles the unprecedented 40-day, 40-night continuous Dinkytown “Occupation” to prevent construction of an unwanted hamburger joint.

From film programmer-turned-filmmaker Al Milgrom, the story is recounted by seven participants whose varied reminiscences about defending the neighborhood becomes a microcosm of the memorable ‘70’s Generation. Music featured in the film by Bob Dylan and Willie Murphy.

Milgrom founded the University Film Society in 1962, which later became the Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul.

Mill City Farmers Market Begins 10th Season on May 9

Via an April 30 Press Release from the Mill City Farmers Market:

OPENING DAY OF 
MILL CITY FARMERS MARKET’S
10TH OUTDOOR SEASON!
SATURDAY, MAY 9th 8am-1pm

MINNEAPOLIS  (April 30, 2015)—It’s finally here. Spring. Sunshine. Warm weather. And Mill City Farmers Market! Join us on Saturday, May 9^th  for Opening Day of Mill City Farmers Market’s 10^th season of “Healthy Foods, Local Farmers!”

We've dusted off our tents and tables and are ready for the Outdoor Market Season to begin. Join us Saturdays, rain or shine, from 8 am to 1 pm to find the best in seasonal, local, sustainable, and organic produce and products from around our great northern state.

On May 9th, we will celebrate the much awaited growing season, farm-fresh food, local fine arts, and treat moms for Mother’s Day with spring bouquets and fun family activities, including flower planting with Juut Salonspa, mini-farm nuzzles with our friends from Oliver H Kelley Farm, and lively music from local sensation Roe Family Singers. Relish the spring harvest by filling your baskets with fresh asparagus, spring greens, carrots, baby beets, kale, farmstead cheese, pastured meats, freshly baked goods and much, much more!
At 10:00 am, don’t miss Mill City Cooks for a special cooking demo featuring Market Chefs Heather Hartman and Jenny Breen with their daughters in honor of Mother’s Day. Outreach and Education Coordinator Emily Larson of the Wedge Community Co-op will also be in the kitchen offering helpful tips about buying in bulk.

This season, we welcome the return of many wonderful Mill City Farmers Market vendors, as well as several new:

Artisan MN will bring sprouted crackers, fermented foods & home fermentation kits, Body Bliss adds unique skin care & wool products, Hazelnut Valley Farm brings us fresh-roasted hazelnuts & nourishing hazelnut oil, Horner's Corner offers local maple syrup, apples & pears, Northern Fires introduces locally sourced wood-fired pizzas & toasts, and Northern Waters Smokehaus provides cured sausages, smoked salmon, and Lake Superior trout & whitefish!

Have questions? Need more information on what's available? Stop by our market information booth in the center of the Market or visit millcityfarmersmarket.org. EBT services are also available at the information booth.

Hello, Market Season! We've been waiting for you!

Minnesota Historical Society Volunteer Program Earns National Honor

Via an April 29 Minnesota Historical Society e-newsletter:

Minnesota Historical Society Volunteer Program Earns National Honor

The Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) has been certified by Points of Light, a national service organization, as a Service Enterprise. This designation honors the work MNHS does to leverage volunteers and their skills to address community needs.

The Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration and Hands On Twin Cities sponsored a group of eight nonprofits, including MNHS, to participate in the certification process. MNHS is the first historical society in the country to receive this certification.

Last year 2,300 volunteers contributed 43,000 hours of service to MNHS. “Our volunteers bring unique skills, a strong desire to contribute, and of course people power. We could not do the work that we do without them.” said Jean Nierenhausen, director of volunteers and interns at MNHS.

MNHS always has openings, but positions fill up quickly. Currently MNHS is looking for volunteers to help with the museum-going public at the History Center, Mill City Museum and Historic Fort Snelling. For more information go to mnhs.org/volunteers.

About the Minnesota Historical Society

The Minnesota Historical Society is a non-profit educational and cultural institution established in 1849. MNHS collects, preserves and tells the story of Minnesota’s past through museum exhibits, libraries and collections, historic sites, educational programs and book publishing. Using the power of history to transform lives, MNHS preserves our past, shares our state’s stories and connects people with history.

MNHS is supported by our Premier Sponsors, Xcel Energy and Explore Minnesota Tourism.

Get Ready to Ride During Minneapolis Bike Week, May 11-17

Via an April 28 City of Minneapolis e-newsletter:

In partnership with the Minneapolis Bicycle Coalition and the City of Minneapolis, Minneapolis Bike Week is back for another year! Join us May 11th through May 17th for a fun week of group rides, classes, commuter pit stops, free breakfasts, educational events and much more as we celebrate biking in Minneapolis. Minneapolis Bike Week is a coordinated effort among local businesses, nonprofits, community groups and government organizations to host a diverse range of events and activities throughout the week. Every day of Minneapolis Bike Week will have a theme, with events and activities that will engage and inspire seasoned cyclists and brand new bike riders alike:

Monday, May 11th - Fix it Day
Tuesday, May 12th - Go by Bike Day
Wednesday, May 13th - Nice Ride Day
Thursday, May 14th - Women's Day
Friday, May 15th - Bike to Work Day
Saturday, May 16th - Bike to Small Businesses Day
Sunday, May 17th - Family Parks Day

Want to help us spread the joy of biking? Minneapolis Bike Week is powered by over 100 volunteers like you! Volunteering is a fun, easy-going way to promote biking in your community, meet new people, and have a good time doing it. There are a many ways to get involved and each will get you a free Minneapolis Bicycle Coalition T-shirt! Secure yours today! Visit http://www.mplsbikeweek.org/ to learn more and join the fun!

Contact Ginny Herman at ginny@mplsbike.org to get your organization or business involved, and Beth Wagner at beth@mplsbike.org for volunteer inquiries.

Thanks so much to all our volunteers. See you at Minneapolis Bike Week!

Career Opportunities at Periscope

Local creative agency has several job openings.  From the Periscope website:

- Account Executive (Temporary)

- Future Periscopian

- Paid Search Planner

- Periscope Internships

- Senior Broadcast Producer

- Senior Media Account Supervisor

More details at:

http://careers.periscope.com/

Water Works: A Gateway Park to the Mississippi River

SCAPE / LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE presents a 3-D flythrough animation of Water Works, a schematic vision for a new public gateway to the Mississippi River’s only true waterfall.

View on large screen...

New Tour this Summer from the Mill City Museum: Hennepin Island Hydropower Tour

This summer the Mill City Museum and Xcel Energy are partnering on a series of weekday walking tours highlighting the story of waterpower at St. Anthony Falls, including rare access to an operating power plant.

During the early 20th century over two dozen mills and hydroelectric plants used the water power from St. Anthony Falls. Today there is just one left: Xcel Energy’s Hennepin Island Hydroelectric Plant. On this tour of Hennepin Island and Father Hennepin Bluffs Park led by a Mill City Museum guide, participants will get special access to this power plant. Along the way participants will learn about the historic uses of waterpower at the falls for flour milling, sawmilling, and hydroelectricity, the role of hydroelectricity in Xcel Energy’s green energy and energy efficiency initiatives, and the future of waterpower on the Minneapolis riverfront.

Tours are scheduled for June 18, July 2, July 30, August 13 and August 27 from 1:00pm-2:30pm, with approximately 1.5 miles of walking.  Tickets on sale online or at 612-341-7555.