Tuesday Night – MPRB Meeting on Proposed Operations Center at 1720 Marshall St. Ne.

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is planning to renovate the existing building at 1720 Marshall Street NE to relocate park operations serving North and Northeast Minneapolis. The renovated building will consolidate operations from two outdated facilities in North and Northeast Minneapolis and will provide improved security and maintenance for park vehicles and equipment. Public pedestrian access to the river is included in the plan for the site. The property was originally purchased in 2012 as part of the Above the Falls Regional Park Master Plan. Read more about the Above the Falls Master Plan. View the current preliminary plans.

A community meeting is scheduled for October 14, 2014, 6:30 - 8:00, at the East Side Neighborhood Services Building at 1700 2nd Street NE. At the meeting, MPRB staff will share additional information about consolidating park operations serving North and Northeast Minneapolis and discuss neighborhood values relating to the development at 1720 Marshall Street NE.

Calling All Minneapolis History Buffs

Check out Historyapolis, for photos and stories of days gone by.  From their website – “The Historyapolis Project seeks to illuminate the history of Minneapolis. Inspired by the idea that history is a powerful tool for community-building, we are working to unearth stories that can explain how the city took shape. We hope to entertain and engage the broadest possible audience. But our central mission is to challenge popular assumptions about our city’s bygone days.”

http://historyapolis.com/

Week 23 at the Mill City Farmers Market

There were apples, apples and more apples at the October 11 Market - it was Apple Festival, after all.

...and pumpkins (both edible and huggable)  :)

Don't forget to stock up on dried beans this month!

Sweet potatoes!

One of our neighbors told us the only salmon they will bring home is from Wild Run Salmon (they eat it raw).

Market Founder, Brenda Langton, admires a squash grown from ancient seeds curated by Paul Red Elk of Northern Lakes Wild Rice.

Yukon Golds - my personal favorite spud.

The goat!

Hennepin County Library Launches Redesigned Website

Via an October 10 Press Release:

New technology and changing patron needs drove the recent overhaul of the Hennepin County Library website, www.hclib.org.

The upgrade is part of a broader effort by Hennepin County to make sure county websites are accessible and easy to use. The library’s previous website was built in 2005.

“It was time to redesign our website, to respond to the ways patrons are using Hennepin County Library online now,” said Lois Langer Thompson, director of the Hennepin County Library system.

The library’s new website uses responsive design to be mobile friendly. The site also incorporates new, easier ways to search library materials and resources, and it offers improved search results.

Its cutting-edge catalog under “Books, Music, Movies” has additional features for patrons such as “You May Also Like” suggestions.

In “My Account,” patrons can choose to log in with a username and password instead of a 14-digit account number and PIN. They also can opt in to share their library accounts with others. Website visitors who do not have a library card can create a guest account to make lists, write reviews and more.

“I have really enjoyed using the new website to do my own library business, and I think our patrons are going to like it, too,” Thompson said. “I am proud of what we have accomplished with the site, and I look forward to continuing to improve it.”

The redesigned website was built on a solid foundation of research and user testing. Like the previous site, the new www.hclib.org offers access to valuable library resources and services, but shares them in different ways.

Patrons will find book lists and new materials for all ages under “Browse,” along with nearly 200 online resources that can be sorted by category, for example “Health and wellness” and “Genealogy and local history.”

Online resources are also highlighted with upcoming events and other primary library services such as “Homework help” and “Early learning” under “Programs and Services.”

For detailed event information, patrons can browse or search the new “Events Calendar.”

The library welcomes feedback on its new website design. People can share their thoughts using the “Give us feedback or report a bug link” in the red banner at the top of every page, starting at www.hclib.org.

Look for more news on the Hennepin County Library website: www.hclib.org/about/news

MacPhail Announces 2014-2015 Spotlight Series

Via an October 9 e-newsletter from MacPhail Center for Music:

The MacPhail Spotlight Series showcases the exceptional talents of MacPhail teaching artists and special guests, providing an intimate listening experience in MacPhail's Antonello Hall. Under the artistic direction of Mischa Santora, this series will be brought to life with collaborations from some of the Twin Cities' finest artists.  

Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for youth (6-18) and seniors (55 and older). Please redeem student discount in person at Student Services (Minneapolis, White Bear Lake, Apple Valley, or Chanhassen locations). No refunds or exchanges.

 

Ticket packages:

Four Concert Series: $75 (a savings of 25% off the single ticket price)

SPECIAL DISCOUNT OFFER FOR STUDENTS:

Registered students can purchase two tickets at the discounted purchase price of $5 each. For parents with children under age 6, we invite you to enjoy this ticket offer for yourself.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 612-767-5250 or by visiting our Minneapolis, White Bear Lake, Chanhassen or Apple Valley locations. Detailed program information can be found in our series brochure that will be available for download on our website.

Saturday, November 15, 2014, 8 p.m.
Reflections
Reflections is an experimental idea, bringing together some of the Twin Cities' most creative musicians from different genres and performing music specifically written for this concert. Each piece will reflect the composer's individual background, life story, and musical journey. Compositions by Nachito Herrera, JD Steele, Mischa Santora and also featuring Jaqueline Ultan.

Saturday, February 7, 2015, 8 p.m.
Love Song Waltzes
Just a week before Valentine's Day, this romantic event features some of the greatest love-inspired music, including Schubert's sublime masterpiece for soprano, clarinet, and piano; Gershwin's timeless love tunes; and the rarely heard Love Song Waltzes, among the most charming and wittiest music written by Brahms. Beyond Ballroom Dance Company will enliven the waltzes with their skill and artistry. Performers: Ilah Raleigh, Vicky Vargas, David Kozisek, Seth Keeton, Antonia Daskalova, Timothy DePrey, Nina Olsen, and Jon Iverson.

Saturday, April 11, 2015, 8 p.m.
A Courtship in Music and Words
The exchange of letters between Robert Schumann and Clara Wieck is one of the best documented love stories in music history. Not only does it give us a fascinating glimpse into the minds of two extraordinary artists, but it also tells the story of a hard-fought courtship.

This concert will pair excerpts from the letters with two of Robert's early piano pieces. As these compositions are very autobiographical, the letters often correspond exactly to Schumann's musical intent. The letters will be read by two actors in-between movements. Performers: Julia Elkina,
Ora Itkin, and Miles Duffey as Robert Schumann and Jessie Scarborough Ghent as Clara Wieck.

Saturday, May 2, 2015, 8 p.m.
American Mavericks
Leonard Bernstein and Alec Wilder represent two iconic musicians who substantially shaped musical life in America. Born into a veritable melting pot, their eclectic styles are a direct result of New York's dynamic multi-cultural fabric. Many of Wilder's popular songs became classics, while Bernstein's masterful one-act opera is an ingenious example of social criticism. Performers: Cast: Dinah: Tiana Malone; Sam: TBD; vocal trio: Joey Clark, Andrea Leap and Jerry Rubino
Ensemble: Bob Adney, Rolf Erdahl, Julie Johnson, Rena Kraut, Norbert Neulibowski, Gail Olszewski,Paul Schimming, Takako Seimiya Senn, Karl Wiederwohl, and Carrie Vecchione.

Hennepin County Releases Draft 2040 Bicycle Transportation Plan

Via an October 6 Hennepin County e-newsletter:

Public comment period runs through December 5

Hennepin County and Three Rivers Park District have worked together on updating a county-wide plan that reflects the growing use of bicycling in the region. The Hennepin County 2040 Bicycle Transportation Plan emphasizes a safe and comfortable system that encourages “interested but concerned” bicyclists to bike for everyday trips. The draft plan would add 536 miles of bike lanes, protected bike lanes, cycle tracks, trails and shoulders to the existing 651-mile system. It reflects input gathered from more than 2,700 people, as well as cities and other stakeholders.

Now the county and park district are seeking public comments on the plan before a revised version is brought before the county board of commissioners for approval early next year. The public comment period begins Monday, October 6 and runs through Friday, December 5.

There are several options for reviewing and providing comments on the bicycle plan. It is posted at hennepin.us/bikeplan, where copies can also be downloaded, and printed copies are available at all 41 locations within the Hennepin County library system.

The plan will also be presented at open houses and other public events during the comment period:

Public open houses
•    October 15, 4-6:30 pm at the Minneapolis Central Library
•    October 21, 5-7:30 pm at Fish Lake Regional Park, Maple Grove
•    November 5, 5-7:30 pm at Hennepin County Library — Wayzata, Wayzata
•    November 13, 5-7:30 pm at Hennepin County Library — Brookdale, Brooklyn Center

Other public events
•    October 11, 8 am-noon at the Autumn Woods Classic at Elm Creek Park Reserve, Maple Grove
•    October 18, 8-11 am, Richfield Farmers Market at Veteran’s Memorial Park, Richfield
•    October 20, 12:30-4 pm Workplace Bicycle Commuter Forum at Quality Bicycle Products, Bloomington
•    October 25, 8-11 am, Hopkins Farmers Market, Hopkins

In addition, county staff are available to present the bike plan to interest groups or at events during the public comment period.

ReSee Gallery Pop-Up Event in the North Loop

October 9-11 accross from Bachelor Farmer.

From Jay Nuhring:

"I'm excited to announce a pop-up gallery event titled "THE AMERICAN BILLBOARD - This Is What I See".  I'm including all new images, some printed on watercolor paper with solid maple framing in very limited editions.  The collection will include brightly colored graphic typography and pop culture references as well as some thought provoking figurative compositions.  Please join me and jazz due Mary Louise Knutson and Chris Bates for a fabulous evening in one of the hottest districts in Minneapolis - North Loop.  October 9. 10, & 11 - 2014.

October 20, Mill City Museum - The Mississippi Minute Film Festival

Winners of the Mississippi Minute Film Festival Premiered at

3^rd Annual Riverfront Summit, October 20^th at Mill City Museum,

5:30 P.M.; Admission Free

Vote for favorite films at online link

Minneapolis, MN; October 5, 2014: The mighty Mississippi will be the star Monday, October 20 as the winners of the Mississippi Minute Film Festival premiere at the Minneapolis Riverfront Summit. Organized by the Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership, the annual Riverfront Summit gathers the community to celebrate the importance of the Mississippi River. The program begins at 5:30 p.m.; there is no charge for admission however registration is requested, www.minneapolisriverfrontpartnership.org.

All submitted films are available now for viewing and voting for the Viewer’s Choice Award at this link: http://minneapolisriverfrontpartnership.org/mississippi-minute-films-entrants/.

To vote, simply “like” your favorite film or films on the site. Winners will be juried by Brenda Langton, Spoonriver Restaurant; Ben Heywood, The Soap Factory; architect Tom Meyer of MS&R; Sara Mackenzie, editor of the Downtown Journal, and Jesse Bishop, Minneapolis St. Paul Film Society.

With the tagline “One River, One Minute, Your Vision”, the Mississippi Minute Film Festival asked for one-minute video essays that would amuse, inform and inspire viewers about the city’s great river. Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges will present the awards for the winning films at the Summit.

MRPs second annual Riverfront Vitality Project will also be released at the summit. The ongoing report tracks the progress of riverfront development, researching metrics of urban vitality, economic and environmental health, cultural resources and riverfront access. The Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership (MRP) is a nonprofit formed to champion the revitalization of the Mississippi Riverfront.

The Riverfront Summit will be at Mill City Museum, 704 South 2^nd Street, Minneapolis, MN 55401. Doors open at 5:30 PM; the program begins at 6PM. A short reception follows. The event is free but registration is requested; register at www.minneapolisriverfrontpartnership.org.

For further information, contact Kathleen Boe, Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership, kathleen.boe@minneapolisriverfrontpartnership.org; Merle Minda, mminda@earthlink.net.

###

Week 22 at the Mill City Farmers Market

I love the new 9am start time for the October Markets - it takes the edge off the morning chill.

Happy to see Cherry Flowers of Page & Flowers back at the Market.  Looking forward to trying the new Salsa.

Market sponsor Car2Go, a convenient transportation option, returned to the October 4 Market.

We always get a chuckle from these cute veggie jokes the young adults at Urban Roots place in front of their stand.  Their produce is top notch, too!

By bundling the ingredients, Swede Lake Farm makes it easy for shoppers to create Salsa Verde at home:

Many thanks to the Mill City Museumfor accommodating the Market vendors on inclement mornings!

The goat!

Worry, Moodiness Linked to Higher Risk of Alzheimer’s in Women

Via an October 2, 2014, Press Release from American Academy of Neurology:
 
MINNEAPOLIS – Women who are anxious or moody and distressed in middle age may be at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease later in life, according to a nearly 40-year-long study published in the October 1, 2014, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

“Most Alzheimer’s research has been devoted to factors such as education, heart and blood risk factors, head trauma, family history and genetics,” said study author Lena Johannsson, PhD, of the University of Gothenburg in Gothenburg, Sweden. “Personality may influence the individual’s risk for dementia through its effect on behavior, lifestyle or reactions to stress.”
 
For the study, 800 women with an average age of 46 were followed for 38 years and given personality tests that looked at their level of neuroticism and extraversion or introversion, along with memory tests. Of those, 19 percent developed dementia.

Neuroticism involves being easily distressed and personality traits such as worrying, jealousy or moodiness. People who are neurotic are more likely to express anger, guilt, envy, anxiety or depression. Introversion is described as shyness and reserve and extraversion is associated with being outgoing.
 
The women were also asked if they had experienced any period of stress that lasted one month or longer in their work, health, or family situation. Stress referred to feelings of irritability, tension, nervousness, fear, anxiety or sleep disturbances. Responses were categorized as zero to five, with zero representing never experiencing any period of stress, to five, experiencing constant stress during the last five years. Women who chose responses from three and five were considered to have distress.

The study found that women who scored highest on the tests for neuroticism had double the risk of developing dementia compared to those who scored lowest on the tests. However, the link depended on long-standing stress.

Being either withdrawn or outgoing did not appear to raise dementia risk alone, however, women who were both easily distressed and withdrawn had the highest risk of Alzheimer’s disease in the study. A total of 16 of the 63 women, or 25 percent, who were easily distressed and withdrawn developed Alzheimer’s disease, compared to eight out of the 64 people, or 13 percent, of those who were not easily distressed and were outgoing.
 
The study was supported by the Swedish Medical Research Council, the Swedish Council for Working Life and Social Research, the Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare, the Alzheimer's Association, the Bank of Sweden Tercentenary Foundation, Swedish Brain Power, Söderström - Königska Nursing Home Foundation, Gamla Tjänarinnor Foundation, Shopkeeper Hjalmar Svensson's Research Foundation, Professor Bror Gadelius Memorial Foundation the Dementia Foundation, Fredrik and Ingrid Thurings Foundation and the University of Gothenburg.
 
To learn more about dementia, please visit www.aan.com/patients. 

The American Academy of Neurology, an association of 28,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals, is dedicated to promoting the highest quality patient-centered neurologic care. A neurologist is a doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system such as Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, migraine, multiple sclerosis, brain injury, Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy.
 
For more information about the American Academy of Neurology, visit http://www.aan.com/ or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube.

Community Appreciation! Experience a Free Chair Massage at Magna During October

During the month of October the expert massage therapists at Magna Health and Fitness will be providing FREE 15-minute chair massages in appreciation to the community.   No appointments necessary, but please refer to the available time blocks specified in the below calendar.

Magna is located at 616 South 3rd Street (in the American Trio building).  With more than 7,400 square feet, their full-service facility is equipped with six treatment rooms, an industrial fitness center, group training, private fitness, meditation and an expansive yoga studio. For more information on classes or services, call 612-424-6840 or visit the website.

Parkway Closures for October 4 and 5

The following parkways will be temporarily closed October 4 and 5 for these events:

October 4:  Slut Walk -3:00p.m. to 6:00p.m. – West River Parkway – Main Street.

October 5:  Medtronic TC Marathon – 7:00a.m. to 2:30p.m. - Grand Rounds - Main street - West River Parkway –Nokomis Parkway – Minnehaha Parkway – Lake Harriet Parkway – Lake Calhoun Parkway – West Lake of the Isles Parkway – Dean Parkway - Kenwood Parkway - Theodore Wirth Parkway – William Berry Parkway. Each road section will open as the last marathon participant passes through.
 
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.

MPRB Announces 2014 Picture a Park Photo Contest Award Winners

Via an October 2, 2014, Minneapolis Park and Rec Board e-newsletter:

2014 Picture a Park Photo Contest Award Winners Announced

Front row (left to right): Larry Risser, Lawrence Syverud, Colleen Martel, Ron Trutty, Shari Seifert, Peyton Woller and Jennifer Beading.
Back row (left to right): Commissioner Steffanie Musich, Vice-President Vreeland, Commissioner John Erwin, President Liz Wielinski, Superintendent Jayne Miller, Commissioner Meg Forney and Commissioner Anita Tabb.

Fourteen images that best represent the unique sights and scenes in Minneapolis parks were announced as winners of the 2014 Picture a Park Photo Contest during the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s (MPRB) Board of Commissioners meeting on October 1, 2014. Sponsored by the MPRB, People for Parks and National Camera Exchange, the contest aims to highlight the beauty, sports and fun throughout Minneapolis parks.

This year more than 250 photo entries were submitted from residents all across the state who visited Minneapolis parks in 2013-14. Winning first place in the “Beauty in the Parks” category and taking home the Gold Best of Show Award for the 2014 photo contest was “Field of Dreams,” taken by Shari Seifert of Minneapolis.

You can view all of the 2013 Picture a Park Photo Contest winning photos here.

The People’s Choice category is open October 2 – 17 for your voting. Vote for your favorite photo in the People’s Choice photo album!

The contest, open to park goers of all ages, encourages photographers to take photos for submission to the categories of beauty, fun and sports in Minneapolis parks. Contest prizes include photo enlargements and gift cards to National Camera Exchange, calendars featuring the winning images, MPRB Annual Parking Permits and passes to the Wirth Winter Recreation Area or the Jim Lupient Water Park.

ADULT DIVISION

Beauty in the Parks
1st Place and Gold Best of Show: Field of Dreams – Shari Seifert
2nd Place: Lake Harriet Little Island – Karen Anderson
3rd Place: Butterfly on a Flower – Lawrence Syverud
Honorable Mention: Water Color – Larry Risser
Honorable Mention: Morning Mist – Colleen Martel

Fun in the Parks
1st Place and Bronze Best of Show: Hello, Summer – Rita Farmer
2nd Place: Group Play – Ron Trutty
3rd Place: Kite Festival – Daniel Rogness

Sports in the Parks
1st Place: Ultimate Tournament – Scott Kopp
2nd Place: Powderhorn Ice Rink – Michael Wright

YOUTH DIVISION

Beauty, Fun and Events in the Parks
1st Place and Silver Best of Show: Shadow of Summer – Paige Simmons
2nd Place: Butterfly Friend at the Falls – Sienna Simmons
3rd Place: Patrick Ginter Rose Garden Painting – Peyton Woller
Honorable Mention: Smile Away – Jennifer Beading

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
Go here to vote for your favorite 2014 photo!

We Got What We Came For at the 2014 Ramen Massive Attack!: The Ramen Burger

We found out about this cool food item known as the Ramen Burger via a Zen Box Izakaya Facebook post earlier this year.  Ever since laying eyes on it, I couldn't get it out of my mind.   Out of respect for its creator, Chef Keizo Shimamoto, John and Lina of Zen Box Izakaya will never recreate it at their restaurant here.  So when we heard it would be one of the featured food items at the September 28 "Ramen Massive Attack!", we immediately ordered tickets.

The Ramen Burger!

Creator of the Ramen Burger, Chef Keizo Shimamoto of RAMEN.Co NYC.

Big Thank You to the staff at Mill City Museum for making the train shed available for this event. 

North Loop Heritage Streets Monday, October 6

You are invited to attend an informational meeting regarding the proposed reconstruction of 6th Avenue North from 5th St North to just north of Washington Avenue beginning in 2016. This project falls within a historically designated area and is subject to recommendations included in the City’s Warehouse District Heritage Streets Plan. The purpose of the meeting is to introduce the project to the neighborhood, and to solicit input from residents and property owners regarding the project to supplement the design guidance contained in the Heritage Streets Plan. This is the first project meeting for the 6th Avenue Reconstruction Project. The City plans to conduct follow-up meetings with property owners, neighborhood groups as well as additional general informational meetings over the fall and winter, to assist with the design process and incorporate input from the community prior to seeking City Council action in early 2015. For further information or if you have questions, contact Lee Mann at lee.mann@stantec.com or (651) 604-4850.

The meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 6th at 5:00 – 6:00 PM. A brief presentation will be given at 5:00 PM. The meeting will be held at the Fulton Brewery taproom.

Fulton Brewery
414 6th Avenue North
Minneapolis MN 55401

MPRB Breaks Ground for Elliot Park’s New Athletic Field

Pictured (left to right): NCU Vice-President of University Relations Michael White, MPRB Superintendent Jayne Miller, Hennepin County Commissioner Peter McLaughlin, MPRB Vice-President Scott Vreeland, NCU Vice-President of Student Development Mike Nosser, MPRB Commissioner Anita Tabb, North Central University President Dr. Gordon Anderson, MPRB President Liz Wielinski and NCU Head Soccer Coach Jake Smith.

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB), Park Board Commissioner Anita Tabb and community partners broke ground on the Elliot Park Athletic Field on Wednesday, September 17.

Improvements will feature construction of a NCAA-regulation, multi-purpose synthetic turf soccer field at this 6.44-acre park located between the Hennepin County Medical Center and North Central University (NCU).

“I want to thank our generous partners for helping us to realize the dream of a new athletic field at Elliot Park,” said MPRB Commissioner Anita Tabb. “Since day one this process has really epitomized the kind of partnerships we can make happen to improve our parks and our city.”

The groundbreaking event also included remarks by MPRB Superintendent Jayne Miller, Hennepin County Commissioner Peter McLaughlin, NCU President Dr. Gordon Anderson.

“We are here joining with the Park Board and our friends at North Central University to create a new facility for the 21st century that meets the desires and needs of people in our community,” said Hennepin County Commissioner Peter McLaughlin. “We don’t create a great community without investing. This project is just one stream of investment – and we need to continue this process and history of thinking about future generations and investing in their prosperity here in Minneapolis and Hennepin County.”

Once completed, the full-sized NCAA multi-purpose synthetic turf soccer field which will be home to the NCU Rams Soccer Team as well as many youth and adult sports leagues run by the MPRB. The project will be finished by spring of 2015.

“One of the things that is really exciting today is this project is an example of what we try to do at the Park Board which is really work in partnership with our neighbors who live next to the parks and as well as other organizations who we work with to make projects happen,” said MRPB Superintendent Jayne Miller. “These new forthcoming athletic facilities and the hard work that has been poured into this so far is a perfect example of one those collaborative projects.”

The new field will replace a portion of the current grass field, which is in disrepair. The field is host to youth football, soccer, and baseball. A new synthetic turf field will bring safer play for visitors for a much longer playing season.

“I want to say thank you to everyone who has had a part in all the work that has gone into this project so far. The city, county, Park Board, all of the partners and donors are a great team with a lot of different people,” said NCU President Dr. Anderson. “We can confidently say today we are getting a win for the neighborhood, city and the park. And the new field will be the right size if we ever host the World Cup – we could do it here!”

The MPRB has been working together with NCU, a park neighbor, to raise funds to increase the size of the field to a full size adult synthetic turf soccer field. The field will host multiple sports for all age groups.

“I can remember coming to Elliot Park for community meetings when I was first elected as a Park Board Commissioner. You would see hundreds of people on this soccer field despite it essentially being a dust bowl, people were enjoying outdoor spaces,” said MPRB Commissioner Tabb. “We asked ourselves, ‘How do we make this a better place – a more attractive place for people to be?’ I am pleased that through all of our hard work we are here today to celebrate the groundbreaking of what will truly become a gem in this community.”

The play areas in the park were updated in 1998, including a new basketball court, new pathways and landscaping. The current skateboard park was added to the park in 2004 and will be relocated within the park as part of this project.

Stay up-to-date with the Elliot Park Athletic Field Improvements by visiting its project page and subscribing to receive timely email updates.

Changes in Service Hours for Lower St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam and Lock and Dam 1, Public Invited to Comment

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, proposes to reduce the hours of service at Lower St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam in downtown Minneapolis and Lock and Dam 1, adjacent to Minnehaha Park, starting the 2015 navigation season.

The Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014, or WRRDA, directed the Secretary of the Army to close the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam within one year after the bill was signed into law. With closing the Upper St. Anthony Falls lock, it is anticipated the remaining two Minneapolis locks will have less than 500 commercial lockages per year.

To comply with the Corps Inland Marine Transportation System guidance, this decrease in lockages would require reduced hours of service at the remaining two locks to one 10 hour shift per day. The locks would still operate seven days a week. Currently, the locks are open 19 hours per day.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers headquarters is evaluating the new law requiring the closing of the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam and will provide guidance on how to proceed.

Comments will be received through Oct. 22, 2014, and may be submitted to Mr. Kevin Baumgard, Deputy Chief, Operations Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 180 Fifth St. E., Ste. 700, St. Paul, MN 55101–1678, or by email at kevin.l.baumgard@usace.army.mil. 

October 21 - Downtown Neighborhood Elections & Annual Meeting

Mark your calendars, you won't want to miss the after-party!  See you at The Depot!  Download the Flyer...

Week 21 at the Mill City Farmers Market

The annual Mill City Oktoberfest took place September 27, which the Market celebrates in conjunction with the Mill City Museum.  MCFM welcomed the Elk River German Band, Indeed Brewing, Mighty Axe Hops and Midwest Brewing Supplies.

Note the two ladies dancing in the background. :)

The goat!

Reminder - starting next week the Market opens at 9am!

Blessing of the Animals Scheduled for October 4 at Our Lady of Lourdes

"Blessing of the Animals" at Our Lady of Lourdes

Father Daniel Griffith, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes, "the little church with the big heart" on the Mississippi River, will bless all creatures from the steps of the church near Nye's Restaurant at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 4th, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.

There will be refreshments for people and their pets afterwards.

No need for either to be Catholic since this is an ecumenical event.