Comment on the NIEBNA Draft Small Area Plan

The NIEBNA Small Area Plan, after a year of work by many in the neighborhood, was formally submitted to the CPED in mid-June. As part of the review and adoption process, there is a 45 day public comment period during which anyone can make comments regarding the Plan. Please do so using the process described below.

Plan documents are available from the City of Minneapolis website at the link given below and at the NIEBNA web site (www.niebna.com). 

How to Comment on the NIEBNA Draft Small Area Plan

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Nicollet Island-East Bank community stakeholders:

The Nicollet Island-East Bank Neighborhood Small Area Plan is now available for a 45 day public comment period prior to the commencement of the City’s formal plan approval process through the Planning Commission and City Council. The comment period will extend from Monday, June 30 until Wednesday, August 13, 2014. All comments received during the public comment period will be incorporated in the public record and taken into consideration in editing the final draft of the plan.

The draft plan for public review is available on the City’s website for the plan at: http://www.minneapolismn.gov/cped/projects/NIEBplan.

Paper copies will also be available for review at City planning offices and the Pierre Bottineau Library.

In order to ensure they are included in the public record, written comments should be submitted to Haila Maze, via email or regular mail, at the contact information provided below. Comments should be sent no later than August 13.

Haila Maze, AICP, Principal City Planner

Minneapolis Department of Community Planning & Economic Development Planning Division

105 5th Avenue South, Room 200, Minneapolis, MN 55401

Phone: (612) 673-2098; Fax: (612) 673-2728

haila.maze@minneapolismn.gov

Thanks for helping to plan for the future of the Nicollet Island-East Bank neighborhood. Please contact Haila if there are any questions.

Week 10 at the Mill City Farmers Market

July 12 - the first tomatoes of the 2014 Market season!

Display of Day - WEI.  I don't recall seeing Wheat Grass at the Market before.

This week Sonny's Ice Cream featured a French Lavender gelato, using lavender from French Nugget.

Loon Organics makes it easy for you - they include a pesto recipe with each bag of fresh basil.

Whoa - that is one gigantic radish! Is it starting to grow a twin?

It's too early!

The goat!

Reminder - Temporary Street Closures Monday, July 14

The Mill City Museum will be hosting a 5,000 person invitation-only Major League Baseball All-Star Gala the evening of July 14.

I've seen a number of road closure postings, all with conflicting info.  Here are some of the postings:

- Traffic will be reduced to one lane on West River Parkway on July 13, and the parkway will be completely closed on July 14.
- West River Parkway, from 4th Avenue North to 13th Avenue South – Closed 7 p.m. Monday to 1:30 a.m. Tuesday. The section of the parkway from Portland Avenue to 11th Avenue South will close all day Monday until 10 a.m. Tuesday.
- 2nd Street South, from Portland Avenue to 11th Avenue South – Closed from 9 p.m. Monday to 1:30 a.m. Tuesday. Side streets along this stretch will also be closed to Washington Avenue during this time.
- July 14- All-Star Gala - 12:00a.m. to 9:00:p.m. - West River Parkway - Between 11th Ave and Portland Ave.

We can't vouch for any of these.  Just be aware that Monday night might get tricky for some buildings in and around the Mill District - so plan accordingly!

Mpls.St.Pa​ul Magazine'​s Restaurant Week is July 20-25

Mpls.St.Paul Magazine’s Restaurant Week started in 2007 in an effort to connect Twin Cities food enthusiasts with the best in Twin Cities dining. Participating restaurants will serve two course lunches for $10-$20 and three-course dinners for $15-$30 (beverage, tax and gratuity not included).

Click here for more info and to view the list of restaurants in our riverfront neighborhoods.

West River Parkway Remains Closed as Soil Testing Begins

Via a July 9 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board:

A section of West River Parkway remains closed as the Minneapolis Park Board, Fairview Hospital and engineers work to determine the stability of the slope above the parkway that collapsed on June 19. Due to the slope’s sharp angle and shifting, wet surface, moving the soil boring testing equipment into place has proved more challenging than anticipated. However, engineers are now expected to begin core sample testing today, July 9.

Patron safety is the Park Board’s primary concern. Until soil samples are taken and analyzed and the area is determined to be safe, West River Parkway will remain closed between 4th Street and the Franklin Avenue Bridge. This includes the parkway and the adjacent pedestrian and bike trails. Trail users are unable to travel beyond the barricades and fencing installed on both sides of the impacted area.

The parkway detour for motorized vehicles, cyclists and pedestrian traffic follows Franklin Ave E to Riverside Ave to 4th Street S. Trail and parkway users approaching the area from the south will access the detour at Franklin Ave. Trail and parkway users approaching the area from the north will access the detour at 4th Street S. Detour signs are posted along the detour route.

Cynthia Froid Group Invites You to View the Amazing River Rats Water Ski Show from a Kayak

As a special “Thank You” for the support of their clients and neighbors, the Cynthia Froid Group invites you to join them during Aquatennial week to view the Amazing River Rats Water Ski Show from KAYAKS (their treat!).

Details:

Wednesday, July 23, 6:30pm - meet at Above the Falls Sports, 120 3rd Avenue N.

RSVP by Friday, July 18, to admin@cynthiafroid.com,
or call Kyle at 612-568-8571.

The group will return at 9:30pm.

  

MPRB Announces Pollinator Party: A Celebration of Bees

Editors Note:  While this event takes place outside of our usual riverfront coverage area, we recognize the interest and concern many of our neighbors have for honey bees, and felt it was important to share this information.

Via a July 7 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board:

Pollinator Party: A Celebration of Bees
It’ll be a honey of a party!

Have you heard the buzz? Honey bees and wild bees play a major role in the productivity of American agriculture through the pollination of fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds.

Join us for the 2014 Pollinator Party on Thursday, July 24, from 5 – 8 p.m. at Lyndale Park Gardens on the east side of Lake Harriet. The party will be on the open lawn just north of the Peace Garden. This event is free. Enjoy a picnic in the park - food and beverage will be available for purchase from La Loma Tomales.

The Pollinator Party brings together bees, scientists, beekeepers, food, and live music. This annual event also provides an opportunity for people of all ages to celebrate the life and work of honey bees and native bees.

At dusk, enjoy the Disney movie “Wings of Life” which offers an intimate and unprecedented look at butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, bats and flowers.

Event details:

- Learn about honey bees and urban bee keeping
- Discover the life cycles of honey bees and wild bees – and sample Minnesota honey
- Mother Earth Gardens will be on hand with native plants and information about making your own backyard bee-hospitable.
- Earn a cone of ice-cream made with honey
- Discover the wild bees of the park – help catch, identify, and release bees
- Engage in Art in the Park with the Minneapolis Institute of Arts
- Meet Elena Hoffman, the 2014 American Honey Princess
- Make seed bombs with Eggplant Urban Farm Supply
- Learn about native bee nests with the Xerces Society
- Get arty with Bee Swell
- Learn about skin care from bee products with Worker B
- Book signing for “Pollinators of Native Plants” with author Heather Holm
- Learn about monarchs with Monarch Joint Venture
- Get honey recipes from MN Honey Company
- Play the pollination game with the MN DNR's Biological Survey
- Learn how to protect bees and other beneficial insects with Pollinator Revival
- Listen to live music from: Pop Wagner, Dreamland Faces and the Brass Messengers

Event partners include the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, University of Minnesota Bee Lab and Bee Squad, the Bell Museum and the Beez Kneez.

The 2014 Pollinator Party is sponsored by sponsored by KFAI 90.3 Fresh Air Radio.

Please visit the MPRB’s website for more information about beekeeping programs and events in our parks!

Week 9 at the 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

The previous late night revelry of the Independence Day Holiday had no affect on the July 5 Market bustle. The first raspberries of the season arrived at the Market today - and they didn't last long. We couldn't pass up a surprise late season batch of tender asparagus from Prairie Hollow Farm.  The Star Trib was at the Market interviewing Melanie Ebertz of Art Andes and master weaver Wilber Quispe for an upcoming Duets feature in the Lifestyle section - can't wait to read it!

One of the many breakfast options at the Market...

Garlic scapes trying to escape?

I can sum up these new Bourbon Marshmallows from Very Prairie real quick: MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM-MMMMMMMMMMM!

The goat!

Oops - it was such a busy morning we totally spaced out the "Display of the Day" shot.  Look for it next week. In the mean time, this ice cream cone from Sonny's pretty much sums up a great day at the Market - delicious summer joy.  :)

Happy Independence Day! Here's What's Happening!

The day starts at 6:30am in Father Hennepin Bluffs Park with the Red, White & Boom! TC Half Marathon, which runs through scenic Northeast Minneapolis, ending on the beautiful Stone Arch Bridge.

Live Music and Family Activities 6pm-10pm

Join friends and family in Father Hennepin Park for FREE family activities in the Family Fun Zone. Live music will be playing at Mill Ruins Park and Father Hennepin Bluffs Park.

Fireworks 10pm

The Red, White and Boom Celebration closes with a spectacular fireworks display along the Riverfront at 10pm.
View More Information

July 24 Riverfront Vitality Forum: What's Next for the Upper Harbor Terminal?

Via a July 2 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership:

Minneapolis Upper Harbor Terminal –  What's Next for the 48 Acres of Riverfront Property?
 
With the closing of the Upper Harbor Terminal along the Mississippi Riverfront in North Minneapolis at the end of 2014, 48 acres will be available for development.
 
Join a panel of local experts as we discuss the question:     
 
How do we redevelop in a way that both creates jobs and provides a meaningful place to live, work and interact with our environment?  What does that mean in an urban setting?
 
The panel will be kicked off by City Council President Barb Johnson.  The panel includes experts from the City, Park Board, Metropolitan Council, development community and the National Park Service, including:

•Joe Mullery, Northside neighborhood resident, Minnesota House of Representatives
•Gary Cunningham, Council Member, Metropolitan Council
•John Anfinson, Interim Superintendent, National Park Service
•Kjersti Monson, Director of Long Range Planning, City of Minneapolis Community Planning and Economic Development
•Kristin Guild, Business Development Manager, City of Minneapolis Community Planning and Economic Development
•Bruce Chamberlain, Assistant Superintendent for Planning, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
•Kit Richardson, Principal, Schafer Richardson

Time: 6pm to 7:30pm
Location: Mississippi Watershed Management Organization, 2522 Marshall Street NE

Space is limited. Click here to reserve your ticket now!

Your Input is Needed on New Rules to Protect the Mississippi River

Via a July 1 e-newsletter from Friends of the Mississippi River:

Attend a public meeting on the draft MRCCA rules in July. Let's make sure the public's support for strong river protections is heard loud and clear by the DNR.

The DNR has released draft Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA) rules and opened their public comment period which will close August 15, 2014.  Your voice, values, and concerns need to be heard to protect, enhance, and restore the Mississippi River corridor and the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (MNRRA) in the Twin Cities area for generations to come.

1) Attend an upcoming DNR meeting
Three public information meetings are scheduled:
 
Wednesday, July 16th - 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Greenhaven Golf Course (courtesy of City of Anoka)
2800 Greenhaven Road, Anoka, MN 55303 
 
Tuesday, July 22nd - 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Nova Classical Academy
1455 Victoria Way W., St. Paul, MN 55102 
 
Thursday, July 24th - 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Schaar's Bluff Gathering Center (Spring Lake Park Reserve)
8395 127th Street E, Hastings, MN 55033
Get more information about these meetings

Download a printable meeting flyer

2) Submit written comments
For submission information and tips on written comments, please visit the DNR's site.

Interested in more information?

1) Visit FMR's Critical Area webpage

2) Contact us! 

Irene Jones, River Corridor Director
ijones@fmr.org
651-222-2193 x11

Alicia Uzarek, Policy Advocate
auzarek@fmr.org
651-222-2193 x29

Sound Point Provides Audio Tour of METRO Green Line Public Art

Via a Metro Transit e-newsletter:

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL – (July 1) – METRO Green Line customers can experience another dimension of public art at new light-rail stations with Sound Point® – an interactive audio tour offered by Metro Transit and Minnesota Public Radio.

Each of the 18 new Green Line stations – from Union Depot Station in Lowertown St. Paul to West Bank Station on the Minneapolis campus of University of Minnesota – features public art representative of its surrounding community. The stories behind the artworks can now be discovered through first-person recorded interviews with the artists themselves. Sound Point interviews can be accessed by mobile device via texting a short code or scanning a QR code printed on posters at each station. Interviews are also available online through Green Line station pages at metrotransit.org.

“There are millions of stories related to the neighborhoods served by the Green Line,” said Metro Transit General Manger Brian Lamb. “Public art at stations helps express the unique stories of those communities and Sound Point allows artists to express the stories behind these inspiring works.” 

“MPR knows how to tell stories with sound, and now mobile devices let us share stories about a place with listeners who are standing right there," said Jeff Jones, MPR's Sound Point producer. "It's great that there are 18 brand new works of public art spread across our cities. This partnership allows Green Line riders to learn directly from the artists who created them."

Metro Transit and MPR have previously collaborated on a Sound Point tour of the Northstar Commuter Rail line that runs from Target Field in Minneapolis to Big Lake, Minn. The Northstar audio tour is available at metrotransit.org/northstar. Other Sound Point locations around the state include the Enger Tower in Duluth and public art and murals in Minneapolis.

Direct links to METRO Green Line station pages:

> Union Depot
> Central
> 10th Street
> Robert Street
> Capitol/Rice
> Western Avenue
> Dale Street
> Victoria Street
> Lexington Parkway
> Hamline Avenue
> Snelling Avenue
> Fairview Avenue
> Raymond Avenue
> Westgate
> Prospect Park
> Stadium Village
> East Bank
> West Bank

In addition to Sound Point, the posters at each Green Line station feature photos and descriptions of the surrounding neighborhood. Content was developed in collaboration with neighborhood groups from each station area to provide residents and visitors additional history and information about communities along the Central Corridor.  

Metro Transit is a service of the Metropolitan Council. Customers boarded buses and trains operated by Metro Transit more than 81 million times in 2013.

Minnesota Public Radio® (MPR) operates a 45-station radio network serving nearly all of Minnesota and parts of surrounding states. Reaching 900,000 listeners each week, MPR and its three regional services — MPR News, Classical MPR and The Current — produce programming for radio, online and face-to-face audiences. Programs produced by MPR’s parent company, American Public Media™, reach more than 18 million listeners on more than 900 radio stations nationwide each week. A complete list of stations, programs and additional services can be found at minnesotapublicradio.org.  MPR meets all 27 of the Charities Review Council (CRC) Accountability Standards. Source: Data are copyright Nielsen Audio. Data are estimates only.

A-Mill Hydro Project

Video from June 27 Public Meeting

Public Meeting - Friday, June 27

Minneapolis Leased Housing Associates IV, Limited Partnership is pursuing a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) license to construct and operate the A-Mill Artist Lofts Hydroelectric Project, located in Minneapolis, Minnesota on the east bank of the Mississippi River at Upper St. Anthony Falls.

To engage with the public and resource agencies, a consultation was held to solicit comments on its proposed license application. This meeting took place at the time and location described below:

Date: Friday, June 27, 2014

Time: 10:00 am

Location: Minneapolis Central Library, Doty Board Room

Download meeting notice & materials...

Detailed Description (from developers website):

The purpose of this project is to restore hydropower to the Pillsbury A‐Mill building. The power will solely be used for the A‐Mill Artist Lofts, which is currently under construction and will provide 251 low‐income apartments. No power will be sold to the grid nor will power in excess of demand be produced. The hydroelectric facility is planned to be installed before the end of 2015 with construction starting as soon as applicable permits are obtained.

The Pillsbury A‐Mill, including the below referenced water infrastructure, was built in 1881. The A‐Mill is one of only 25 National Historic Landmarks in Minnesota. It operated as a flour mill until 2003. Power for the mill was produced by turbines in the building. To power the turbines water was brought in from the Mississippi river via a headrace tunnel. The water flowed down two drop shafts powering two turbines. The water was returned to the river via two tailrace tunnels. The water rights for the power used by A‐Mill have been kept with the property since its establishment. The proposed hydropower project uses approximately two thirds of its water rights or 200 cfs to generate 600 kW of power.

The proposed hydroelectric facility involves two separate sites (Figure 1). The first restores the existing intake structure (Figure 2) sleeves a pipe through the existing tunnel, replaces a turbine and generator in the existing downstream drop shaft, and conveys the turbine discharge through a box culvert placed in the existing outlet channel (Figure 3). Details regarding work outside the building are provided below. The intake structure and outlet structure are on property owned by Xcel Energy and the Minneapolis Park Board, respectively.There is an established legal right for the project owner to maintain these structures.

The intake will involve the reactivation of the former intake into the main headrace tunnel that is located below Main Street.  The intake structure is located on the left bank of the Mississippi River, a short distance upstream of Xcel Energy’s now decommissioned Main Street Hydroelectric facility.  The intake structure is presently partially closed by a concrete bulkhead.  There is two-foot square gated opening that conveys water into the tunnel.  Reactivation of the intake will involve removing the bulkhead, installing a trash rack and sluice gate, and dredging localized silty sediment immediately adjacent to the intake structure.  The new trash rack is designed to limit approach velocities to 0.5-feet-per-second.

The area immediately out from the intake was probed through the ice in mid-February, 2014.  Water depths ranged from 3-feet to over 8-feet below normal water level. The probing clearly identified the presence of relatively deep soft sediments in front of the intake structure.  For the intake to be reactivated and function effectively the area immediately in front of the intake will be dredged to the invert of the existing intake structure (~15-feet below the normal water level) tapering up to the existing bed elevation as shown on the attached plans.  The estimated volume of dredge material is estimated to be 500 cubic yards.

The new outlet structure will consist of a 4-foot high by 6-foot wide concrete box culvert that will be located on the invert of the historic outlet structure channel. The top of the culvert will be nearly submerged under typical river levels.  It will discharge unto the existing submerged apron.  Reactivation of the outlet structure will require the removal of silt that has accumulated since the A-Mill ceased operation.   There is approximately 100 cubic yards of silt to be removed off the submerged apron and another 160 cubic yards to be removed from the upstream existing tailrace.

Week 8 at the 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

This beautiful array at the Seed to Seed Farm stand gave Dave the idea of highlighting a "Display of the Day" for the remainder of the 2014 season.   Honorable mention to Women's Environmental Institute for their creative use of a shopping cart. :)

You will never be disappointed by the cool treats from Sonny's stand.  However, they had an exceptional flavor at the June 28 Market - Goat Cheese Honey with Herbs Gelato.  They incorporate ingredients from Market vendors in some of their creations, and this one featured Singing Hills Goat Dairy and Ames Farm.

Good Lord!  Check out the size of these dandelion greens!

Not a Market Member yet?  You should be! Every week you can take advantage of deals throughout the Market wherever you see these green and orange flags:

Every Wednesday the MCFM sends out an e-newsletter (the Mill City Beet) outlining what's happening at the next Market (including which vendors will have specials that week).  Sign up and get the most out of the Market!

The goat!

Reminder - Streets Closures for Pride Parade on Sunday, June 29

Minneapolis will close several streets downtown on Sunday, June 29, for the Ashley Rukes GLBT Pride Parade. The following streets will be closed:

Beginning at 8:00am:

◦ Hennepin Avenue will close from 8th Street S. to 9th Street S. for the Pride Block Party.
◦ 3rd St. S. will close for staging of the parade from Hennepin Ave. to Portland Ave. S. Cross traffic will be allowed at all times.
◦ Hennepin Avenue will close from 3rd Street South to Spruce Place. Cross traffic will be allowed as normal until 10:30 a.m.
◦ Some cross traffic will be restricted from crossing Hennepin Avenue. Traffic will be allowed to cross Hennepin at 4th, 5th, 7th, 10th, and 11th streets.
◦ Spruce Place will close from Hennepin Avenue to Yale Place.
◦ Yale Place will close from Spruce Place to Loring Park.

These streets will reopen following the parade at about 3:00pm.

Tomorrow: Grand Opening of the Sheridan Veterans Memorial at Sheridan Memorial Park

Via a June 24 email from the Minneapolis Park and Rec Board:

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) and Park Board Commissioner Liz Wielinski will celebrate the grand opening of the Sheridan Veterans Memorial at Sheridan Memorial Park, 1300 Water Street NE, on Saturday, June 28, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. (See official invitation.)

Citizens of northeast Minneapolis, including many veterans, have worked tirelessly to make this memorial along the Mississippi River a reality. “The Veterans Memorial is in honor of all veterans. It is a thank you to those who stepped forward to serve, a tribute to those whose lives were lost or forever altered, and a living reminder of our hope for a world with lasting peace.” said State Representative, Diane Loeffler. Representative Loeffler was responsible for shepherding the project through the legislature for the state funding that was needed to plan and construct the project.

Commissioner Wielinski added, “We especially want to thank the following individuals and groups for their support of this project: the citizens of Minnesota, the Puzak Family (who donated some of the land for the park), Jenny Fortman and the Sheridan Neighborhood Organization, and all of the many veterans who helped create the vision for this space, most especially veterans Ed Karbo who led the initial charge, and Howard Weller who followed it through to the final stages.”

Back in 1995, a group of veterans led by Karbo began looking for a site to commemorate war veterans. They joined forces with the Sheridan Neighborhood Organization (SNO) in 2005 to site the memorial in what was formerly Water Street Park—now renamed Sheridan Memorial Park. SNO and the veterans have raised thousands of dollars in contributions.

The veterans memorial is located at the south end of the Sheridan Memorial Park. Visitors walk past three flags as they enter the site. At the center of the memorial is a 30 foot diameter steel sculpture which is lit from within. The sculpture is surrounded by a circular plaza defined by low walls and slanted panels of lawn. A perimeter walk opens to ten sitting alcoves with benches and vertical markers, each bearing a description of one of the ten conflicts in which Minnesotans have served. The memorial opens out to an overlook cantilevered over the river bank. In this plaza stands an eleventh “empty” marker representing the ever potential threat of war, reminding us to strive for peace. The edge of the memorial is defined by peace gardens and a ring of oak trees.

The sculpture and eleven markers were created by local artist Robert Smart.

The community strongly advocated for a peace emphasis in the design. The circle, a form used repeatedly throughout the memorial, is a protective symbol representing unity, wholeness, and regeneration. The text of the markers catalogs the cost of war. Nine quotes about peace inscribed in granite pavers are a counterpoint to the descriptions of the conflicts.

Construction of the memorial occurred in 2013. The memorial was dedicated on Veteran’s Day November 11, 2013. The central sculpture was installed in late spring of 2014. All are welcome to join in the Grand Opening celebration.

New Saturday Morning Option: Yoga Rocks the Park

I learned about Yoga Rocks the Park from Renee Peters of Zula Juice, a vendor at the Mill City Farmers Market, as well as a Yoga Rocks the Park sponsor (she was chosen to be a local ambassador for YRP).  The group meets Saturday mornings at Father Hennepin Bluffs Park at 10:30a, and class begins at 11:00am. (Occasionally the group will meet at Marquette Plaza, and there is one Sunday in the 2014 schedule - see the full schedule below in the green box.)

These weekly all-levels 75-minute yoga classes (beginners welcome!) feature the most inspiring Twin Cites yoga teachers and are accompanied by live music, including talent such as ECID, K.Raydio and Alma Andina; and a DJ playing some of the top and emerging musicians in the country.

Bring your little yogis along, as there will also be Camp YRP - Kid's Yoga, led each week by 1000-Petals Yoga, Adventures of Super Stretch or Lil' Breathers, the premiere yoga programs for kids in the Twin Cities.

Yoga Rocks the Park is sponsored largely in part by Athleta and KFAI. Ten percent of what YRP accomplishes this summer will be donated to their National non-profit, The Give Back Yoga Foundation, and local non-profit, Open Arms of Minnesota.

Purchase tickets online.

You can follow Yoga Rocks the Park on Facebook (Yoga Rocks The Park - Minneapolis), as well as Twitter and Instagram @yogarocksmpls.

THE 2014 LINE UP

Take in the Twin Cities Jazz Festival with a Free Ride on the Green Line

In case you haven't yet traveled the new Green Line all the way to the end, here's a reason to.

The 2014 Twin Cities Jazz Festival is this weekend in Lowertown St. Paul, with a lineup of top-notch musicians.  The performances are free attend, and you can also get to Mears Park and nearby restaurants for free on both June 27 and 28.

Simply download and print a pass by clicking on the blue "Free rides to the Twin Cities Jazz Festival!" box on the front page of the website.  Show the pass to your bus driver or Transit Police officer for a free ride.  Remember to keep your pass for your ride home! Hop on for free during these days and times:

• Friday, June 27, 3pm to 11pm
• Saturday, June 28, 11am to 10pm

The free ride offer is not available on Northstar.

If you need help planning your trip, call a transit expert at 612-373-3333 or use the interactive Trip Planner.

Minneapolis Parks and Rec Board Offers Free Photography Classes

Via a June 23 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board:

Minneapolis Parks Offers Free Photography Classes
First class is this Saturday, June 28 at Kenwood Recreation Center

Grab your cameras and clean of those lenses! We are offering free indoor and outdoor photography classes through the summer in conjunction with our 2014 Picture a Park Photo Contest – more details about how to submit your work to the photo contest will be available soon!

If you want to learn more about controlling the key elements of your camera to achieve consistently good photos, you should attend this class. Whether you use a SLR, point and shoot or cell phone camera, you’ll learn how to take better digital images by understanding exposure, color, picture options, flash and composition. Be sure to bring your camera – DSLR, point and shoot or cell phone! 

• Sat., June 28, 5 Key Elements to Improve Your Photography, 10 a.m. – noon, Kenwood
• Sat, July 12, Outdoors Photography: Photo Safari, 8 – 10 a.m., Minnehaha Falls
• Sat. July 26, 5 Key Elements to Improve Your Photography, 10 a.m. – noon, Lynnhurst
• Sat. Aug. 2, Close Up Photography, 8 – 10 .m., Lyndale Park Rose Garden

Learn how to take better photographs using your SLR, point and shoot or cell phone camera. Admission is free but pre-registration required. Register online today!

Coming Soon to St. Anthony Main Theatre: New Comfy Seats!

Via a brief June 21 e-newsletter from The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul:

"The St. Anthony Main Theatre will be closed Monday, June 23 - Tuesday, June 24, for renovations. The theatre will reopen on Wednesday, June 25, with all new, super comfy seats installed!"

Me: "Yay!" :)