Covering life, work, and play in the Historic Mill District and Downtown Minneapolis Riverfront neighborhoods. Have an opinion, local news or events to share? Contact us.
A portion of West River Parkway from 4th Avenue to 11th Avenue will be temporarily closed Tuesday, January 1, from 9:00am to 1:00pm during the Commitment Day 5K.
Oscar contender, A ROYAL AFFAIR opens Fri, Dec. 28 thru Thu, Jan. 3
A ROYAL AFFAIR is the true story of an ordinary man who wins the queen's heart and starts a revolution. Centering on the intriguing love triangle between the ever more insane Danish King Christian VII (Mikkel Boe Følsgaard), the royal physician who is a man of enlightenment and idealism Struensee (Mads Mikkelsen) and the young but strong Queen Caroline Mathilda (Alicia Vikander), A ROYAL AFFAIR is the gripping tale of brave idealists who risk everything in their pursuit of freedom for their people... Above all it is the story of a passionate and forbidden romance that changed an entire nation. Purchase Tickets
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SISTER - Now Showing thru Sun, Dec. 30
Winner of the Silver Bear at the 2012 Berlin Film Festival and Switzerland's Oscar Submission for Best Foreign Language Film. Twelve-year old Simon lives with his older sister in a housing complex below a luxury Swiss ski resort. With his sister drifting in and out of jobs and relationships, Simon takes on the responsibility of providing for the two of them. Every day, he takes the lift up to the opulent ski world above, stealing equipment from rich tourists to resell to the local kids down in the valley. But, when Simon partners with a crooked British seasonal worker, he begins to lose his boundaries, affecting his relationship with his sister and plummeting him into dangerous territory. An Adopt Films release. Purchase Tickets
Kevin Kling is one of my faves, and while I enjoyed reading his story 'A Gift' in this mornings Star Tribune, hearing him tell it is sooo much better! Decide for yourself - read it / hear it. The interview is an added bonus. Merry Christmas! :)
;)
Via a December 24 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board:
Ice Rinks Begin to Open in Minneapolis Parks
Lace up your skates – ice rinks are beginning to open in Minneapolis parks. The recent stretch of cold temperatures has allowed Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) crews to open some rinks beginning Dec. 26 in time for league play, and all rinks by Jan. 1, weather permitting. Currently, the only rink open as of Dec. 24 is the hockey rink at McRae Park. The daily status of each of the MPRB’s 47 rinks at 22 parks can be viewed online throughout the season at www.minneapolisparks.org/rinks.
"I was truly humbled by our members' generosity during this year's Turkey, Dressings and Extra Helpings campaign", reported Linnea Tweed, Executive Director of Mill City Commons. "We more than doubled last year's financial contributions, and we had an amazing crew of 14 members who delivered pallets of groceries to Ascension School in North Minneapolis. Principal Dorwatha Woods had volunteers ready to put together gift baskets for 75 families she had identified."
MCC members and friends donated nearly $6,000 to buy groceries. Once again, Rainbow Foods Store Manager, Jeff Hamm, assisted with the project. The gift baskets consisted of either a turkey or pork roast, a 10# bag of potatoes, a bag of oranges or apples, flour, cooking oil, and much more - enough food for multiple meals. An added bonus was having surplus funds available to contribute to Ascension's food shelf.
The name of the campaign is "Turkey, Dressings and Extra Helpings" because in addition to the food donations, clothing and gifts are also donated to local non-profits. Per Linnea, six carloads of clothing and gifts were delivered to three homeless shelters in downtown Minneapolis.
Linnea would like to pass along "Thank you, everyone, for opening your hearts and giving to those less fortunate!"
Via a December 21 e-newsletter from Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership:
Dear Riverfront Partners:
The Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership would like to share with you news of our 2013 priorities, and changes on the horizon. This week, bright snow provided a lovely stage for the Lowry Bridge’s blue arches, and provided a clear end to autumn. Viewed from the Broadway Bridge, the Lowry Bridge clearly heralds an exciting future for Minneapolis’s Upper River – Above the Falls.
Riverfront Vitality Indicators Project: Tracking What We Value:
The Board of Directors has selected its top priority for 2013: the Riverfront Vitality Indicators Project, tracking and highlighting key measures of riverfront vitality that shape the Mississippi riverfront in our city and region. This partnership project will inform private and public decisions shaping our riverfront, and provide a model for other riverfront cities facing challenging choices.
· As lead partner, the University of Minnesota is supporting our research and cultivating other project partners from the Federal Reserve Bank, Macalester College, and the University of St. Thomas.
· We are gathering original data about our riverfront's assets, while analyzing public data from many sources, including the City of Minneapolis, Hennepin County, and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.
We look forward to sharing results with you in 2013.
Executive Director Cordelia Pierson Moving On:
After three years of serving the Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership, Cordelia Pierson is resigning as executive director. Pierson worked tirelessly on the board's priorities: transforming the riverfront, increasing public access and awareness, and promoting a "Great River for a Great City."
· Inspiring people to explore the riverfront, Pierson supported a wide range of activities: Great River Outings, Minneapolis Riverfront Forums, the Riverfront Vitality Celebration, and annual river tours.
· Behind the scenes, Pierson facilitated riverfront project coordination, assisted with successful funding requests for riverfront projects, and encouraged collaboration.
She will be assisting the board and Program Associate Raya Esmaeili with our transition, preparing the way for mission success in 2013. We are confident that she will continue to contribute to the quality of life in our Mississippi riverfront city.
Your Support:
You can support our work launching the Riverfront Vitality Indicators project and transforming and promoting the Mississippi riverfront in Minneapolis.
Please give today online, or send your donation to us at: Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership, 2522 Marshall Street NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418.
Inspiring Places, Inspiring People:
The next time you travel across or by the Mississippi River, reflect on how our river connections have changed in the past twenty years, or ten years, or last year, with the new Lowry Bridge. Then think ahead a year, or ten years, or twenty years, to the possibilities that lie ahead for transforming our riverfront. We hope you will join us in shaping a positive future for our Mississippi riverfront, creating a Great River for a Great City.
In appreciation for your partnership and support,
David Ahlers
Chair, Board of Directors
Vice President, Graco
Be a champion for our riverfront. Contribute to the Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership.
Via a December 19 e-newsletter from the City of Minneapolis:
For the second consecutive year and fifth time in six years, Minneapolis residents led the nation in participation in National Night Out activities, which help build community and keep our neighborhoods safe. Minneapolis placed first in the nation for the number of National Night Out gatherings held in the city, among cities with populations greater than 300,000, according to the National Association of Town Watch, which sponsors the annual awards. Overall, this is the 11th time that Minneapolis has earned the top ranking.
This year’s National Night Out theme in Minneapolis was “It takes a village, it starts with our block,” and more than 65,000 residents gathered on Aug. 7 at a record 1,219 events in all 83 neighborhoods of the city to celebrate National Night Out. Minneapolis’ effort, which was coordinated by the Minneapolis Police Department and its Crime Prevention Specialists, resulted in activities ranging from small get-togethers in yards to elaborate events in parks and on blocked-off streets.
National Night Out is a crime prevention effort that aims to reduce crime by encouraging neighbors to get to know one another. When people know one another, they are more likely to watch out for one another and call police about suspicious activity. National Night Out activities help build and maintain Minneapolis’ extensive network of neighborhood watch block clubs by giving people an opportunity to get together with neighbors, meet new people and discuss issues.
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In case you missed it in August, here's a slideshow from our 2012 Mill District NNO party:
Milkweed Editions and the Lindquist & Vennum Foundation are thrilled to announce that submissions are open for the Lindquist & Vennum Prize for Poetry 2013. Submissions will be accepted from December 3, 2012, to January 31, 2013. The prize-winning collection will be announced in April 2013 and published the following winter. Visit http://milkweed.org/ for details and complete submission guidelines.
This annual regional prize—open to poets currently residing in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, or Wisconsin—will award $10,000 as well as a contract for publication to the author of the winning manuscript. Finalists for the prize will be selected by the editors of Milkweed Editions, with the winner selected by an independent judge, chosen yearly from among the ranks of eminent regional and national writers. This year’s judge will be G.C. Waldrep.
G.C. Waldrep is the author of four full-length collections of poetry, most recently Archicembalo (Tupelo Press, 2009), winner of the Dorset Prize, and Your Father on the Train of Ghosts (BOA Editions, 2011), a collaboration with the poet John Gallaher. He is also the author of four chapbooks, most recently “St. Laszlo Hotel” (Projective Industries, 2010) and “Susquehanna” (Omnidawn, forthcoming 2013). With Ilya Kaminsky he co-edited Homage to Celan (Marick Press, 2011), and with Joshua Corey he co-edited The Arcadia Project: North American Postmodern Pastoral (Ahsahta, 2012). His work has received awards from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Academy of American Poets, and the Poetry Society of America. Waldrep lives in Lewisburg, PA, where he teaches at Bucknell University, edits the journal West Branch, and serves as Editor-at-Large for The Kenyon Review.
Milkweed Editions is one of the nation’s leading independent publishers, with a mission to identify, nurture and publish transformative literature, and build an engaged community around it. The Lindquist & Vennum Foundation was established by the Minneapolis-headquartered law firm of Lindquist & Vennum, PLLP, and is a donor-advised fund of The Minneapolis Foundation. This partnership between Milkweed Editions and the Lindquist & Vennum Foundation will celebrate poets for their artistic contributions, and bring outstanding regional writers to a national stage. The inaugural Lindquist & Vennum Prize for Poetry 2012 was awarded to Patricia Kirkpatrick of St. Paul, Minnesota for her collection Odessa, and the honorary judge was Peter Campion.
A couple months ago I learned about Bruce Bradley from one of our Vendor friends at the Mill City Farmers Market. This former processed food marketer turned organic food advocate has recently published his first novel, Fat Profits. It's a thriller set in the Twin Cities with scenes in ... you guessed it, Mill City! So how could we resist talking to him?
Bruce has a book signing scheduled for the January 12 Mill City Farmers Market. In the mean time, you can learn more about his book (and read a FREE chapter!) via the FAT PROFITS website.
Here's a little Q&A we did to provide background on Bruce and how his book came to be:
Q: Congratulations on your first novel, Fat Profits. What got you interested in writing?
A: I distinctly remember the moment I wanted to become a writer. I heard a high school classmate of mine read a short story she had written. Her story was amazing, and I thought to myself, "I'd like to do that."
Of course, life has a way of taking you in different directions. Responsibilities start piling up at your doorstep, so that dream was put on hold. But years later I found myself living in the Twin Cities, and I heard about The Loft. I took several courses, and over time I studied and practiced how to write.
In the Fall of 2009 the Loft offered a Thrillers & Mysteries weekend workshop. Vince Flynn was the keynote speaker. I already had a very rough draft of my manuscript. I knew my book wasn't ready, but everything Mr. Flynn said confirmed I was on the right path.
Determined to make this dream finally happen, I rearranged my work schedule to give myself more time to dedicate to writing. Fast forward three years later, Fat Profits is finally published!
Q: Why did you choose to write a thriller?
A: I've always enjoyed the suspense genre. It's what I usually read for pleasure because thrillers are fast-paced and provide a great escape, transporting you to a different place and time. And if a thriller is especially well written, they sometime increase awareness about important issues. Those are my absolute favorite thrillers—all the entertainment, excitement, twists, and turns with a little something extra for good measure.
Q: Can you tell us a little about your novel?
A: Fat Profits is all about corporate greed and corruption. It's a timeless topic that I decided to take to an industry I'm quite familiar with—food.
Leveraging my 15+ years of food marketing experience, Fat Profits is about a corrupt food company that will stop at nothing to become a Wall Street darling. With increasing concerns over food safety and potentially toxic ingredients in our food, Fat Profits is a timely thriller that will not only entertain but also educate people about what drives big food corporations—profits. And what better place to set it than Minneapolis—a city steeped in a long agricultural history and the home of several huge food companies.
Q: Several local book reviewers have commented on your use of the historic Mill District area for the final, climatic scene in Fat Profits. I know we love our neighborhood, but why did you choose it?
This is where it all began—the Twin Cities were born right here on the shores of the Mississippi. Not only are the historic, cultural, and economic roots of the city here, but it's also an amazingly beautiful spot. From Mill Ruins Park, St. Anthony Falls, and the Guthrie, there are also tons of interesting places for intrigue and drama—exactly what an author needs as a backdrop!
But almost more importantly is this area's powerful, redemptive story that's a perfect metaphor for my novel. Corporate greed and corruption nearly destroyed this place. Unchecked, companies were more than happy to literally suck its resources dry, then abandon it—leaving others to clean up their mess. While we must never forget this lesson, the magical part of the story is what happened next. Dedicated people made the difference. Unwilling to write off the ruins, they doggedly perservered—proving that when our human spirit is given the slightest opportunity and nurturing, it can and will prevail.
Q: Wonderful! Do you have any plans for some local appearances?
A: Yes! I haven't done many local events, but when I heard about the Winter Market at Mill City Farmers Market I jumped at the chance. So come out and join me on January 12th from 10 AM - 1 PM. I'll be signing and selling books!
Bruce also blogs about the tricks, traps, and tools big food companies use to get us eating more and more processed food at his website, www.brucebradley.com.
From a December 14 Hennepin County Sheriff's Office e-newsletter:
Send a crime tip with an iPhone app or text
Do you want to help the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office fight crime? Now, there’s an “app” for that!
The Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek announced that the Sheriff’s Office has launched an app for the iPhone and for android phones. The free apps allow citizens to send crime tips anonymously to the Sheriff’s Office.
“When citizens get involved and provide crime tips, it helps keep their communities safer,” said Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek, “Now the new phone apps make reporting tips even more convenient.”
Community members with iPhones are encouraged to install the app by visiting the Apple App Store and searching for “HCSOTip.” For android phones, go to Google Play and search HCSOTip.
(*Please note that for both apps, the search term is HCSOTip – which is one word without a space. Other search terms are “Hennepin” or “Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office.”)
In addition, the Sheriff’s Office announced two other new ways to send anonymous tips.
Tips can be sent through texting on cellular phones by texting 847-411 and then entering “HCSOtip” as the keyword before entering their tip. Standard text rates apply.
Tips can be sent by logging onto the Sheriff’s Office website and completing an online form. There is an icon on the homepage.
All three methods – the phone apps, texting, and the online form – are anonymous and the tips are sent directly to the Sheriff’s Office.
It’s important to remember that the new tip services are NOT a substitute for calling 911. People who need a squad car or other emergency responders should call 911.
Helpful tips include information about drug activity, suspicious activity, and cold cases. The Sheriff’s Office has a long history of receiving tips from residents. For example, tipsters have helped the Sheriff’s Office make arrests of violent suspects featured on the Hennepin County Most Wanted List.
Via a December 14 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board:
2013 Minneapolis Park Board Budget Focuses on Fiscal Responsibility, Service Delivery and Maintaining Park System
The 2013 Budget for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) focuses on maintaining park services and facilities, strategically addressing financial and operational challenges, and improving organizational efficiency and service delivery. The budget reflects a three percent increase in property taxes to continue current hours at recreation centers and provide a variety of needed services such as increased lifeguard hours and swim lessons and additional tree plantings along city streets. In 2013, of every dollar paid in property taxes by Minneapolis residents, approximately seven cents will go towards park programs, facilities and services.
“The operating budget reflects the Park Board’s commitment to sound financial management and strategic long-term planning,” explained Superintendent Jayne Miller. “In 2013, we are investing in neighborhood and regional parks, technology and equipment. We are expanding community engagement to ensure all residents have access to programs and services that are designed based on community input, participation and the diverse needs of residents.”
The Park Board’s 2013 Budget totals $64,131,151 for the general operating fund and $10,245,866 for the enterprise operating fund. Initiatives launched by Superintendent Miller in 2012 to align revenue and expenses to department activity areas are continued in her recommended budget. While the organization’s budget and personnel numbers remain similar to 2012, positions and budget accounts have been realigned in the recommended 2013 Budget to meet the needs of the community and the organization.
According to Miller, the 2013 Budget reflects the Park Board’s commitment to service delivery and incorporates organizational performance improvements.
“We are committed to assessing and improving our work processes,” Miller explained. “The 2013 Budget includes implementation of initiatives developed in 2012 to improve worker safety, internal service coordination and external service delivery.”
The approved resolution to adopt the 2013 Park Board Budget and other 2013 budget-related documents are available for viewing at http://www.minneapolisparks.org/ or by calling 612-230-6400.
The Park Board’s 2013 Budget outlines initiatives aimed at meeting the Board’s strategic goals and budget frameworks, including:
• Focus resources on maintaining the park system and address issues of aging infrastructure, especially in neighborhood parks. Use Comprehensive Plan as guidance for maintenance of natural areas and boulevard trees.
• Become a national leader in issues of sustainability, including collaborative efforts with the City Council, Mayor, County, local business leaders, and the public, making our city greener, cleaner and energy efficient.
• Focus on our partnerships, especially with the City and the Public schools, to focus on the service delivery and responsibilities across jurisdictions to assess what is working and what can be changed or improved in difficult financial times.
• Focus on new strategies of community engagement, including greater transparency and information that is posted online, outreach strategies, and clarity about our processes and procedures. Enhance our communications and relationships with communities, media, agencies, and partners.
• Focus on a financial plan that increases revenue growth with grants, new program offerings, sponsorships and foundation giving, but also plan for potential budget reductions that are the result of projected state deficits or increased costs.
• Assure that basic services and programs remain accessible, community based, and equitable. Reaffirm the importance of outdoor activities for children.
• Shape city character through nationally recognized park development and redevelopment strategies.
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board features 197 park properties totaling 6,744 acres of parkland and water. An estimated 18 million visits are made each year to the nationally acclaimed park system. Its Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway, neighborhood parks, recreation centers, award-winning facilities and diversified programming have made the Minneapolis park system an important component of what makes Minneapolis a great place to live, play and work. To learn more about the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, visit http://www.minneapolisparks.org/.
Above: A recent photo from the Mill City Photo Pool
Events this weekend in and around the Historic Mill District and Minneapolis Riverfront Neighborhoods. Have an event to share? Contact us...
Friday, December 14
An 'Eventually' Christmas: Holidays at the Mill at Mill City Museum
4th Annual Holiday Shindig - Benefitting Open Arms of Minnesota at Aster Cafe
Ugly Christmas Sweater Party at Keegan's Pub
"Triclosan Derivatives in the Mississippi River Environment" at McKnight Foundation
Holiday Open House at Solar Arts
Fall Honors Recital at MacPhail
Saturday, December 15
Childish Films at Central Library
How'd They do That Workshop at The Guthrie: The Servant of Two Masters
2012 Winter Book Celebration, Lessons for Our Time, at MCBA
An 'Eventually' Christmas: Holidays at the Mill at Mill City Museum
The Muppet Christmas Carol at the Guthrie
Washburn A Mill Tour at Mill City Museum
Court Sports Activity Plan Open House at MPRB
Children's Book Sale at Central Library Book Store
Ugly Holiday Sweater Bus Pub Crawl
Holiday Open House at Solar Arts
Sunday, December 16
Hennepin County, in coordination with the City of Minneapolis, is developing a design concept for Washington Avenue South between Hennepin Avenue and I-35W. A public meeting was held on December 4th to share the outcomes of a design charrette that generated several alternatives for a future design of Washington Avenue and also collected feedback from meeting attendees about what they would like to see in a redesigned Washington Avenue. An online survey has been created to collect additional feedback from residents, owners, tenants, users, and stakeholders interested in the future of Washington Avenue. You can take the online survey by December 21st at:
www.surveymonkey.com/s/WashingtonAveDesignConcept
Simply provide your feedback by answering the questions and then click ‘Done’to submit the survey.
Please only submit one survey per person. Any duplicate surveys will be disqualified.
Please help get the word out about this survey by:
• Forwarding the survey link to members of your organization and/or tenants of your building;
• Posting the information on your website and/or social media sites;
• Distributing the information through any e-newsletters or other publications you might have;
• Posting the information in your office or building
You can view more information and sign up for project updates by going to www.hennepin.us and searching for "Road 152" or "Washington Avenue" to link to the project website. If you have any questions about the survey, please contact:
Kristin Petersen
Zan Associates
kpetersen@zanassoc.com
(612) 423-4584
You can also reach the Hennepin County Project Contact at:
Hennepin County Transportation Department
Jennifer Lowry, P.E., Senior Design Engineer
jennifer.lowry@co.hennepin.mn.us
612-596-0353
With the first storm of the winter underway, we put on our big boots and went on a walkabout.
We are absolutely loving the Mill City Farmers Market indoor markets. The December 8 Market was especially fun with emphasis on the Holidays. In addition to stocking up on fresh groceries, I was able to get a little Christmas shopping done too.
Salty Tart was taking orders for their log cakes with meringue mushrooms:
Looking for a fun and unique way to ring in the New Year? Join fellow kite flying enthusiasts for the First Annual New Year's Day Kite Flying in the Park event at Gold Medal Park on January 1, 2013.
A Mill District resident, familiar with Milwaukee's long running Cool Fool Kite Festival, thought it would be fun to start the tradition here. We see a lot people using Gold Medal Park to fly kites during the warm months, so it seemed like a perfect setting for this winter event.
From a December 7 Hennepin County Sheriff's Office e-newsletter:
Hennepin Sheriff Rich Stanek is reminding parents and caregivers to keep children away from thin ice on partially-frozen ponds, lakes, and all bodies of water. Most victims of fatal accidents on the ice in Hennepin County have been children.
“When your child is near the ice or the water, you should be near your child,” said Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek, “I urge you to provide clear rules about ice safety throughout the winter months.”
No ice should ever be considered safe.
Small bodies of water such as ponds are especially a hazard now since they are the most likely to have a thin layer of ice. A dusting of snow or frost may give thin ice the appearance that it is safe when it is not.
Remember, the recommended minimum thickness for ice is four inches for walking and small group activities. Weather conditions have not allowed for adequate freezing to meet this minimum requirement.
Please keep your dog on a leash this time of year. The Sheriff’s Office has responded to incidents involving pet owners who put themselves in jeopardy chasing after a dog that wandered onto thin ice.
For more information about ice safety, the DNR has tips online.
Friday December 7 thru Thursday December 13, Wuthering Heights. Academy Award-winning director Andrea Arnold's Wuthering Heights is an excitingly fresh and distinct take on the classic novel by Emily Brontë. It screened at the 2012 Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival following its US Premiere at Sundance. The Film Society's exclusive theatrical engagement runs Fri Dec 7 thru Thu Dec 13.
December 9, 10, 13 at 7pm Barrymore. Three special engagement screenings only! Christopher Plummer and John Barrymore, two outstanding acting legends of their time, become one in Barrymore, a new film based on William Luce's Tony award-winning play, adapted and directed for the screen by Érik Canuel. This captured-live theatre performance stars Academy Award-winner Christopher Plummer in the tour de force film performance of his career. Set in 1942, Barrymore follows acclaimed American actor John Barrymore, a member of one of Hollywood's best-known multi-generational theatrical dynasties. Screens with the "making of" documentary Backstage With Barrymore. A must-see for stage and screen fans alike! Special engagement ticket prices are $15 General, $12 Senior/Student, $10 Film Society Member.
Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Location: Open Book - Target Performance Hall, 1011 Washington Ave S
Hennepin County and the City of Minneapolis are hosting a public meeting for the Washington Avenue Design Concept Project on December 4th, 2012, from 5:00-7:00 p.m., in the Target Performance Hall at the Open Book (1011 Washington Ave South).
For more details download the flyer using the link below:
https://www.box.com/shared/static/ilseghlrpwuck5qzo6ob.pdf
A hairy crowd of runners gathered on Main Street for the Moustache Run Saturday morning, December 1. A portion of the proceeds will go to prostate cancer research.
There was a post-run party at Aster Cafe.
Mill City Times | 35W Bridge Memorial | Mill District Block Party | Mill City Media
Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 1:00AM