Tomorrow Night - "Trapped by History: the Past and Future of the Upper Mississippi River"

"Trapped by History: the Past and Future of the Upper Mississippi River"

Tuesday, September 9, 7 pm

Northrop, 84 Church Street SE,  Best Buy Theater

River Life and the Institute for Advanced Study at the University of Minnesota are very pleased to announce the program "Trapped by History: the Past and Future of the Upper Mississippi River" by National Park Service Superintendent John Anfinson.

The Mississippi River today has become an artifact of human construction because of human changes to biological and physical systems over the past 150 years. Navigation improvements, floodplain levees, a refuge and even early biological manipulations have transformed the upper Mississippi River’s physical and ecological character. A key question we face today is: Are we trapped by that history, or can we make changes that will ensure that the river’s ecosystems are healthy and abundant?

In his presentation, Dr. John O. Anfinson will try answer these questions and hint at where the upper Mississippi River may be headed. Anfinson’s talk is part of a series of public events associated with the John E. Sawyer Seminar “Making the Mississippi: Formulating new water narratives for the 21st century and beyond.” The Sawyer Seminar is funded by the Andrew Mellon Foundation. This program is free and open to the public. For more info, visit:

http://www.northrop.umn.edu/events/trapped-history-past-and-future-upper-mississippi-river

Mississippi Minute Video Competition Deadline EXTENDED

DEADLINE EXTENDED TO SEPTEMBER 15, 2014

MINNEAPOLIS MINUTE FILM FESTIVAL; ONE RIVER: ONE MINUTE, YOUR VISION

Presented by the Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership

Call for Entries

The deadline for entering has been extended! Enter your One Minute-Long Film/DVD visual essay on the Mississippi River in Minneapolis. Updated deadline: Noon Central Time, Monday, Sept. 15, 2014.

Create your vision that showcases an appreciation for ─ or the future potential of ─ the urban riverfront in Minneapolis. Inform, energize and inspire – all in 60 seconds!

Submit your entries: www.mississippiminute.org

Public Meetings for New East Bank Bike & Pedestrian Trails

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) will be constructing a new trail for bicyclists and pedestrians along the east bank of the Mississippi from Plymouth Avenue north to Marshall St. NE near the BNSF railroad bridge.  MPRB invites you to three meetings to help plan the trail.

Place: MPRB Headquarters - 2117 West River Parkway

Time: 6:30 - 8:30 pm

Dates: see below

• Tuesday, Sept. 16 Meeting #1 - Project background and neighborhood preferences.
• Tuesday, Oct. 7 Meeting #2 - Trail alignment options and discussion.
• Tuesday, Oct. 28 Meeting #3 - Final plan and next steps.

If you require language translation or other accommodations, please contact 612-230-6472 at least 2 business days in advance of the meeting.

612-230-6574 (Soomaali) 612-230-6573 (Español) 

Barr Engineerin​g Approved to Head West River Parkway Slope Repair

From a September 8 Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board e-newsletter:

At its September 3 meeting, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) Board of Commissioners approved a professional services agreement with Barr Engineering to provide design, engineering, and construction oversight for the permanent repair of the landslide along West River Parkway area near 4th Street South.

The parkway and trails at the base of the river bluff were closed in late June after heavy rain caused soil, vegetation and debris from a 100-foot section of the hillside to slip, covering West River Parkway and sliding into the Mississippi River. The slide jeopardized Fairview-University Medical Center equipment and pavement at the top of the bluff, which have been relocated or temporarily stabilized.

As a temporary solution, MPRB and Fairview-University Medical Center contractors have covered the slide area with a fabric casing to minimize rainfall erosion. However, a permanent strategy to restore the bluff has yet to be determined. The section of West River Parkway between 4th St. S. and Franklin Ave. remains closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic because of the instability of the slide zone

Barr Engineering estimates their work will require three months of investigation and engineering. They also recommend avoiding construction in the cold weather months due to frozen ground water and winter temperature fluctuations. Accordingly, permanent slope repair construction is expected to begin in spring of 2015 and last three to four months.

For more information and to sign up for timely email updates visit the West River Parkway slope reconstruction project page.

Week 18 at the Mill City Farmers Market

September 6 brought the much anticipated ginger and a variety of squash to the Market, along with a new mascot - a bold squirrel!  :)

What's in the water at Seed to Seed Farm? That's a serious karalabe!

Jeremy of Cherry Tree House Mushrooms had this Turkey Tail Mushroom on display.  Apparently the Turkey Tail mushroom can help rebuild the immune system in people with a wide range of cancers.

The goat!

And a few more of the squirrel...

MPRB to Host Concert at Father Hennepin Bluffs Park Sat, Sept. 6

Via a September 5 email from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board:

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is hosting a FREE concert to wrap up the end of another successful summer!  Nationally known artist Goapele will be headlining a talented group of performers that will take the stage starting at 4 pm on Saturday, September 6 at Father Hennepin Bluffs Park, 420 Main St. SE, Minneapolis. 

With this concert, the Recreation staff of the Park Board will be outreaching to community members and concert attendees, identifying the many wonderful volunteer opportunities within the park system.  We have a goal of growing our volunteer program and expanding programs to enhance the experiences of youth in Minneapolis. 

Do you have talents in mentoring kids on life skills?  Kids need adult mentors to achieve their potential and discover their strengths. 

Can you help provide academic tutoring?  Underachieving students need positive tutors to help get over their academic challenges.

Do you coach?  With more coaches each season, more kids can get individualized sports skill development and have a better overall chance to succeed in their sports endeavors. 

Do you enjoy helping at special events?  Almost all Park Board events could use more volunteers!

Do you have other skills that would benefit the community?  We are always looking to enhance the lives of others through new programs and opportunities.

Consider attending this concert to have a wonderful evening, but also sign up to give back to the city we all love.

September Lineup from The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul

September offerings from The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul.  :)

September 5 - 11: The One I Love

The highly anticipated debut feature from acclaimed author Charlie McDowell, The One I Love is an original tale that continues to showcase McDowell's keen observations of human relationships with a distinct and comedic voice. The One I Love, written by Justin Lader, was produced by Mel Eslyn and executive produced by Mark Duplass who stars opposite Elisabeth Moss.

September 5 - 11:  Alive Inside: A Story of Music & Memory

Alive Inside: Alive Inside: A Story of Music & Memory reveals a remarkable, music-based breakthrough in the therapy and treatment of dementia. Social worker Dan Cohen works with filmmaker Michael Rossato-Bennett to document the magical benefits of music for those who are left to languish in silence. Including conversations with renowned neurologist Oliver Sacks and musician Bobby McFerrin as well as powerful firsthand experiments, this inspiring film demonstrate how connecting the elderly to the music they love not only combats memory loss but also supplements a broken health-care system often indifferent to interpersonal connections.

September 11: MinnAnimate

 
MinnAnimate is a festival of animation made in Minnesota (and in other places just over the border). It will feature work made by animators ranging in age from second grade to seniors, from professional and student animators, and representing a broad range of animation styles. What all the pieces have in common is imagination.
This year's festival will also include scenes from animation created in public places around the twin cities during the spring and summer.

September 12 - 18: The Starfish Throwers

Worlds apart, a five-star chef, a twelve year-old girl, and a retired school teacher discover how their individual efforts to feed the poor ignite a movement in the fight against hunger. Award-winning chef Narayanan Krishnan, fighting against the caste system in India, quits his job to begin a life of cooking and hand-delivering fresh meals to hundreds of people in his hometown. Katie Stagliano’s planting of a single cabbage seedling when she was nine years old blossoms into Katie’s Krops, a non-profit with 73 gardens dedicated to ending hunger. Retired middle school teacher Mr. Law battles personal health issues as he hand delivers more than a thousand sandwiches nightly to the hungry in Minneapolis. This documentary tells tale of these remarkable individuals and the unexpected challenges they face. Despite being constantly reminded that hunger is far too big for one person to solve, they persevere and see their impact ripple further than their individual actions.

September 16 and 21: Opera on Screen

A unique series featuring recorded performances from some of the world's most spectacular opera companies.

September 19 - 25: THE ZERO THEOREM

 
Set in a future London, THE ZERO THEOREM stars double Academy Award® winner Christoph Waltz as Qohen Leth, an eccentric and reclusive computer genius plagued with existential angst.
He lives in isolation in a burnt-out chapel, waiting for a phone call which he is convinced will provide him with answers he has long sought. Qohen works on a mysterious project, delegated to him by Management (Matt Damon), aimed at discovering the purpose of existence - or the lack thereof - once and for all.
But his solitary existence is disturbed by visits from the flirtatious Bainsley (Mélanie Thierry), and Bob (Lucas Hedges), Management’s wunderkind son.
Yet it is only once he experiences the power of love and desire that he is able to understand his very reason for being.

Downtown Families MPLS to Host September 27 Event

Downtown is becoming more family-oriented.  Find out more at this September 27 event hosted by Downtown Families MPLS.

 

Help Select The Winners of the Downtown Greening Awards!

This summer property owners, businesses, employees, residents, and visitors nominated dozens of different properties for the 2014 Summer categories. Each nominated location was evaluated by a panel of greening experts to select the finalists in each category.

Through this survey you will have the opportunity to help select the winners of the 2014 Summer categories by voting for your favorite location in 10 different categories. This survey takes about 5 minutes to complete and your answers are confidential.

Click here to vote.

Zen Box's 2014 Ramen "Massive" Attack! Coming to the Mill City Museum Train Shed September 28

Do you remember the Ramen Attack! block party Zen Box Izakaya held last year? It was an overwhelming success.  This year's event - Ramen "Massive" Attack! - will be held Sunday, September 28, Noon - 6pm.  However, to better accommodate the ramen-crazed crowd, it will be held at the Mill City Museum train shed.

Zen Box Chef John Ng will be joined by these world-class Ramen Chefs:

- Chef Jack Nakamura, Executive Chef at Sun Noodle 'Ramen Lab'
- Chef Mihoko Obunai, Chef at Southbound, Atlanta, GA, also former contestant on network show 'Top Chef'
- Chef Keizo Shimamoto, Chef/Owner at RAMEN.Co NYC & Berg'n, creator of world famous original 'Ramen Burger'

In addition to fantastic food, brews and sake, there will be performances by Crankshaft and The Gear Grinders, SOLID GOLD, Mu Performing Arts Daiko, and Seven Dragons Kempo Karate.

More exciting details coming soon.  We can't wait! :D

Webster/Downtown School Welcomes New Principal

Ms. Ginger Kranz has been appointed principal of the new school at Webster, which will open for the 2015-16 school year. Ms. Kranz brings over 20 years of experience as an innovative, results-oriented teacher and leader. She recently served as an instructional leader for Minneapolis Public Schools, supporting principals and teachers and serving as a steering committee member for the new Ramsey Middle School.

Ms. Kranz is currently pursuing her doctorate in organizational leadership, policy and development at the University of Minnesota. She also has certification in the AMS Montessori Middle School Program and the Chicago Urban Education Program, which focuses on bringing cultural and global awareness into the classroom setting.

Week 17 at the Mill City Farmers Market

August 30 at the Market.  :)

Susan's first apple pie of the season. YUM

People leaving the Market with their arms full - a beautiful sight.

Bacon for the masses.

Now THAT'S a carrot!

This gorgeous wall hanging from ArtAndes will be auctioned at the (sold out) September 7 MCFM Sustainable Soiree.

Apparently there's more to life than fine artisan dark chocolate.  Fred also has a knack for animating driftwood.

Hops!

The goat!  (Nice horn extensions, Nancy.)

Minnesota Opera Residency at Hennepin County Library Kicks Off With September 11 Performance at Central Library

Via an August 26 Press Release from Hennepin County Library:

Minnesota Opera artists are presenting free Opera Viva! performances and educational events at five Hennepin County libraries this fall during a season-long Minnesota Opera Residency at the Library.

The residency begins in September with Opera Viva! Kick-Off Performances by Minnesota Opera Resident Artists at Minneapolis Central Library, Pohlad Hall, Thursday, Sept. 11, 7 p.m., and at Ridgedale Library, Tuesday, Sept. 30, 7 p.m.
 
The residency continues in October with Opera Viva! Opera 101 events at Northeast Library, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 6:30 p.m., and at Nokomis Library, Thursday, Oct. 16, 6:30 p.m. Edina Library will host opera stars of tomorrow at Opera Viva! In Recital, Wednesday, Oct. 22, 6:30 p.m.
 
“Minnesota Opera is thrilled to bring our artists into Hennepin County libraries this season to share the joy, humor and drama of the operatic art form,” said Minnesota Opera Teaching Artist Angie Keeton. “It will be a great opportunity for community members to engage directly with our talented artists and artistic staff.”
 
Opera Viva! events throughout Minnesota Opera’s 2014-2015 season in residence at the Library will teach about opera through song, performance and conversation.
 
Register online at http://www.hclib.org/ or call the library.
 
Watch for more Opera Viva! events in 2015, including interactive children’s programs Through the Eyes and Ears of Mozart and a two-part series about the creation of The Manchurian Candidate, a New Works Initiative opera premiering this spring.
 
Events are funded with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

They are presented in collaboration with Minnesota Opera, one of the nation’s largest and most distinguished opera companies, known for its world-class artistry and innovative productions.
 
Thursday, Sept. 11, 7 p.m.
Opera Viva! Kick-Off Performance
Minneapolis Central Library, Pohlad Hall, 300 Nicollet Mall
Attend a concert of operatic proportions! Opera favorites will be performed by Minnesota Opera Artists and will be a feast for the eyes and ears!
 
Tuesday, Sept. 30, 7 p.m.
Opera Viva! Kick-Off Performance
Ridgedale Library, 12601 Ridgedale Dr., Minnetonka
 
Wednesday, Oct. 8, 6:30 p.m.
Opera Viva! Opera 101
Northeast Library, 2200 Central Ave. NE, Minneapolis
No experience necessary! Minnesota Opera teaching artists will present a brief history of opera and a special 2015-16 season preview, with live musical examples.
 
Thursday, Oct. 16, 6:30 p.m.
Opera Viva! Opera 101
Nokomis Library, 5100 34th Ave. S., Minneapolis
No experience necessary! Minnesota Opera teaching artists will present a brief history of opera and a special 2015-16 season preview, with live musical examples.
 
Wednesday, Oct. 22, 6:30 p.m.
Opera Viva! In Recital: Minnesota Opera Resident Artists
Edina Library, 5280 Grandview Square
Enjoy an evening of world-class singing from the opera stars of tomorrow! Members of the Minnesota Opera's Resident Artist Program will present an array of beautiful music from opera to art song.

Volunteer for Bicyclist & Pedestrian Counts – September 9-11

Volunteer for Bicyclist & Pedestrian Counts – September 9-11 

Minneapolis Public Works is gearing up to conduct its 8^th Annual Bicyclist and Pedestrian Count, and you can help! Volunteers are needed to count the number of bicyclists and pedestrians at several locations around the city. The main days for counting will be September 9-11. All count shifts are from 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Minneapolis Public Works conducts bicyclist and pedestrian counts in order to understand the impact of non-motorized traffic on streets, sidewalks, and trails. Accurate counts enable the City to plan and build for bicyclists and pedestrians, while tracking what’s successful and what should be done differently.

If you’re interested in volunteering, register online or contact Simon Blenski at simon.blenski@minneapolismn.gov or 612-616-7345.

To learn more, visit the City's count page to view traffic flow maps and past count reports.

[Video] Black Helicopters Buzz the Guthrie Theater

From early last week, part of the US Army Night Stalkers exercise:

Tuesday Night - North Loop Neighborhood Association Meeting

The North Loop Neighborhood Association August meeting is Wednesday night at 7:00PM.  Download the agenda:

https://app.box.com/shared/static/21k84b1i89z0u0ginl2s.pdf

[Download] Marcy Holmes Neighborhood Master Plan

The Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association recently completed a process to update the Marcy Holmes Neighborhood Master Plan. During the same time period, a parallel planning process was conducted for the Dinkytown business district, coordinated with business district stakeholders. The intent was to provide a unified planning framework for the neighborhood, with some in-depth recommendations specifically for the business district. The Dinkytown Business District Plan will be an appendix to the new Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Master Plan. The recommendations from the Dinkytown plan are also incorporated directly into the Marcy-Holmes plan document. 

Download the plan...

[Download] Nicollet Island – East Bank Small Area Plan

The Nicollet Island – East Bank Small Area Plan (SAP) project objective is to define the community’s vision for future development in the Nicollet Island – East Bank (NI-EB) area over a 20 year time horizon.

This project was initiated in spring, 2013 by the Nicollet Island – East Bank Neighborhood Association (NIEBNA) Board of Directors with the support of the Northeast Business Association (NEBA) and in coordination with the Community Development and Economic Development (CPED) Department of the City of Minneapolis. The planning process is now complete, and the plan is ready for review.

Download the plan...

Week 16 at the Mill City Farmers Market

August 23 marked the long-awaited arrival of new Market vendor, Red Table Meat Co.  Watch for a separate posting on the Farmers Market blog later this week.

Black Cat loads up the grill for the breakfast rush.

Proud new owner of an ArtAndes woven work of art.

Herbs!

Volunteers help assure the maximum amount of waste makes it to the compost bin.

Yay! The return of Sonny's Sweet Corn ice cream! :D

The goat!

Parkway Closures for Sunday, August 24 (Minneapolis Duathlon)

The following parkways will be temporarily closed from 7:00am to 12:00 Noon on Sunday, August 24, for the Minneapolis Duathlon:

-  West River Parkway from Minnehaha to Plymouth Avenue
-  East River Parkway from Franklin Avenue to University Avenue
-  Main Street from 3rd Avenue to 6th Avenue

Please note that the duration of the closures is subject to change based on the event's start and finish times. A complete list of current and upcoming parkway closures is available online.