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.
The 2nd Annual “legal” weed party
Saturday August 10th
9:00 a.m.
Park Ave & S. 2nd street
Help beautify the neighborhood
Bring gardening gloves, hydration (rakes or shovels if you have them)
Garbage bags will be provided.
Sponsored by: your neighbors
The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul presents the 4th Annual Twin Cities Polish FilmFest Friday, August 9 - Thursday, August 15 at the St. Anthony Main Theatre.
Presented as part of the Twin Cities Polish Festival (August 10-11), the FilmFest will feature screenings of 8 classic and contemporary works of Polish cinema including a free outdoor screening at Aster Cafe, as well as two free "Chopin Celebration" concerts highlighting the works of the famous Polish composer.
;)
Via an August 5 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board:
Planning for a new project is beginning Tuesday September 3: West River/ James I Rice Parkway Trail Improvements. Existing trails along the west bank of the Mississippi from Franklin Avenue to Plymouth Avenue will be reconstructed in 2014. An appointed Community Advisory Committee (CAC) will inform the planning occurring in September and October 2013. Applications for the CAC will be accepted from the public until Friday, August 16 and will be forwarded to the 21 appointers. Applications are available at the following link (West River / James I Rice Parkways Trail Improvements).
Public meetings (the public is invited) will be held Tuesday evenings 6:30-8:30 pm in the Board Room of MPRB Headquarters, 2117 West River Road, 55411. Dates of the meetings are as follows:
For more information contact:
Deborah Bartels, Registered Landscape Architect
Project Manager - Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
2117 West River Road
Minneapolis, Mn. 55411-2227
612-230-6438 direct
512-499-9088 cell
August 3 was Canning Fest at the Market, celebrated at the Meet Your Vegetables booth and the Mill City Cooks demo. Both demonstrated you don't have to go thru the intimidating pressure cooker process to "can". And BTW, Nistler Farms is back!
Special events at the August 3 Market included yoga and Qigong:
Excerpt from an August 1 Metropolitan Council e-newsletter:
Highlights
Energized train testing
- Testing will begin the week of August 5 and will continue thru September during overnight time periods which will typically be midnight to 5 a.m.
- Trains will run on Washington Avenue from West Bank Station to just beyond Stadium Village Station.
- Road closures will be in place during testing hours to protect vehicles and pedestrians.
- Washington Avenue will be closed from Walnut Street to Huron Blvd. Access will be provided to local businesses.
- Harvard Street, Walnut Street, and Ontario Street will be closed crossing Washington Avenue. Access to local businesses will remain open.
- Washington Avenue will be closed to pedestrian thru traffic between Pleasant Street and Harvard Street. Residential and business access will remain open.
- Pedestrians can cross Washington Avenue at the eastern pedestrian bridge, Harvard Street, Oak Street and Huron Blvd.
Closure of Washington Avenue Bridge:
Closure of Eastbound Washington Avenue Bridge
Beginning 5:00am Monday, August 12, thru 11:00pm Friday, August 16.
Traffic Details
- For eastbound vehicles: from West Bank, eastbound Washington Avenue closed at Cedar Avenue; detour via Cedar Avenue to northbound I-35W to University Avenue/4th Street exit, to eastbound University Avenue.
Sidewalk Details
- No changes to sidewalk access; the pedestrian deck on the Washington Avenue Bridge will remain open during vehicle deck closure.
Bus Stop Changes
- For eastbound buses: Metro Transit bus stop at Blegen Hall will be closed; use Cedar/ Washington Avenue bus stop.
Pedestrian Deck Details
- No change; pedestrian deck on Washington Avenue Bridge will remain open.
Construction Hours
- Construction activities will occur during daytime and nighttime hours.
Closure of Westbound Washington Avenue Bridge
Beginning 5:00am Monday, August 19, thru 11:00pm Friday, August 23.
Traffic Details
- For westbound vehicles: from East Bank, ramp to Washington Avenue Bridge closed from Pleasant Street; detour via westbound University Avenue to 4th Street to southbound I-35W to exit Washington Avenue to exit.
Sidewalk Details
- No changes to sidewalk access; the pedestrian deck on the Washington Avenue Bridge will remain open during vehicle deck closure.
Bus Stop Changes
- For westbound buses: Bus stop for Metro Transit and University of Minnesota Campus Connector at Willey Hall will be closed; use bus stop located on 3rd Street Ramp, west of Cedar Avenue for Metro Transit Buses. Use bus stop at the southeast intersection of 19th Avenue and 2nd Street for University of Minnesota Campus Connector.
Pedestrian Deck Details
- No change; pedestrian deck on Washington Avenue Bridge will remain open.
Construction Hours
- Construction activities will occur during daytime and nighttime hours.
Looks like we're not the only ones who love Bite Squad. :)
Our friends at Mississippi River Fund would like you to know about their second annual River City Revue - a two-part summer series of riverboat tours on the Mississippi River. Each cruise takes on a different theme, WORK and PLAY, where participants will explore the Mississippi River through art, science, music, games and adventure.
Accompanied by live music, storytelling, film, art and games, River City Revue engages the community with a unique and personal perspective of the Mississippi River.
August 7: “Work” is the first theme in the two-part summer series event. Participants will cruise down the river aboard the Jonathon Padelford Riverboat navigating through downtown St. Paul for an intimate view of the working docks and barges of the Mississippi. Live music will be played by Dick and Jane’s Big Brass Band while river workers teach participants how to tie nautical knots. Participants will also judge a ‘shout-boasting’ competition organized by literary magazine Revolver.
August 23: “Play” is the second theme in the summer series. Participants will travel upriver from Harriet Island, toward the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers. Live bluegrass music performed by the Eelpout Stringers. Also, passengers will be able to try their luck in a game of “Minnesota Whist,” the local spinoff of a classic card game. Molly Balcom Raleigh designed the beautiful card parlor aboard the riverboat, called Table Talk. Additionally, passengers can win fun prizes by playing R.I.V.E.R. - a bingo game designed especially for River City Revue.
Cost is $15 for non-members and $10 for Mississippi River Fund member for each event. The boat leaves at 7 p.m. from the Padelford dock and will return at the same location at 9 p.m. Tickets are will call. Participants can purchase tickets online. Please check in at the registration table at the Padelford dock no later than 6:50 p.m. the day of the event.
Better get your tickets for The Soap Factory's 7th Annual Haunted Basement today - they sell out fast!
Directed for a second year by Noah Bremer, The Haunted Basement is a fully immersive terror adventure designed to traumatize new visitors and returning Haunted Basement fans alike. With a fiercely demented creative team, consisting of set designers, makeup & costume designers and even olfactory scientists, Bremer has crafted an experience that will disorient and terrify visitors at every shadowy twist and turn.
The 2013 Haunted Basement runs October 3 - November 3.
As we walk home form the Mill City Farmers Market each Saturday, it's always a pleasure to see this gentleman welcoming people to the Guthrie.
For a fella who hasn't had much sleep in the past few weeks, owner Jeff Sommers was holding up impressively well when we stopped in around 5:00pm (and again at 8:00pm) on opening day at Izzy's Ice Cream. I don't know the exact number of customers who poured thru the doors, but it sure seemed like the entire neighborhood turned out to welcome our newest Mill District neighbor at some point during the day. Welcome, Izzy's - we wish you much success! :)
July 27 was Bike to the Market Day, sponsored by our Mill District neighbor, University of Minnesota Physicians Mill City Clinic, located a block down the street from the MCFM. The Mill City Clinic is dedicated to a healthy community, innovative medicine and excellence in health care - an example of which can be found in this recent Minnesota Daily article.
And by way, SWEET CORN HAS ARRIVED! Yay! :)
Supenn Harrison and her team at Sawatdee invite you to celebrate 30 years of serving delicious food with these special 3- and 6-course meals July 30 - August 3.
Supenn and her daughter Cyndy were recent guests on KARE 11:
Last I saw, it was on a walking path in Father Hennepin Bluffs Park.
Hennepin County Public Affairs proudly presents Summer on the Plaza thru August. Enjoy musicians, actors, dancers, educators and more from Noon to 1:00pm on select weekdays on the North Plaza of the Hennepin County Government Center.
Wednesday, July 24 - Celebration Brass Quintet
The Celebration Brass Quintet will perform a concert of jazz, Broadway favorites and light classics. This group was founded by members of the Minnetonka Symphony Orchestra in 2011.
Friday, July 26 - BlueStratum
BlueStratum performs original music composed by the group members mixed in with some covers of pop and rock hits from the 50s-80s. They have been performing in the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota for nearly a decade
Wednesday, July 31 - Kaleiokapilialoha
Kaleiokapilialoha is a hula school with 24 students who love to share the aloha spirit through ancient and modern hula
Thursday, August 1 - CPR Anytime
Attend one of two 1/2 hour sessions: one at noon, the other at 12:30 p.m. In this short program taught by HCMC staff, learn to perform CPR with your hands only. Note: Employees who participate will earn one wellness activity credit towards the 2014 Health Incentive. This training does not replace a CPR certificate program.
Friday, August 2 - Tower Bells
The Tower Bell Foundation holds bell concerts regularly at Minneapolis City Hall-Hennepin County Courthouse. All concerts are free and open to the public. The North Plaza is an optimum listening spot
Wednesday, August 7 - Transitive Nightfall
Transitive Nightfall is an improvisational rock band with a slight tinge of jazz. You'll hear familiar songs in unfamiliar arrangements.
Friday, August 9 - Royal Scottish Dancers
This performance starts at 12:15pm. The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society is a world wide organization with a branch in Minnesota. They have been together in the Twin Cities for over 35 years keeping alive the tradition of Scottish County Dance.
Izzy's Ice Cream application for Sidewalk Cafe License to allow seating along the walls of the building to accommodate up to 72 persons was approved by the Minneapolis Regulatory, Energy & Environment Committee at the July 22, 2013 meeting.
Watch the details here:
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Avocado Tempura and Tuna Poké are two of our favorites from the Zen Box menu. But when they're served outside on a gorgeous summer evening - well now that's just all kinds of happiness. :)
Refreshing patio drink - watermelon puree, lime juice and tequila.
Maybe it's because I've been anxiously awaiting their arrival for weeks, but I swear the blueberries at the July 20 Market were the most gorgeous blue orbs I've ever laid eyes on. Thanks, HeathGlen!
A Budding Farmer participant - love it! Excellent program for involving your kids with weekly trips to the Market. :)
I need one of these snazzy carts! :)
We noticed this signage while walking by the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) on our way to the Market. Good neighbors! :)
Traffic Details
In addition to the Washington Avenue Bridge, the northbound I-35W ramp to the U of MN East Bank and all Cedar Avenue ramps to/from Washington Avenue will be closed. The 4th Street ramp to southbound I-35W/westbound I-94 will remain open. Follow the posted detours:
• For eastbound vehicles on 4th Street S.: Detour via Chicago Avenue to eastbound Washington Avenue to northbound I-35W to University Avenue/4th Street SE. exit, to eastbound University Avenue.
• For westbound vehicles: From East Bank, detour via northbound Pleasant Street to westbound 4th Street SE. to southbound I-35W to exit Washington Ave exit.
• For vehicles coming from northbound I-35W headed to the East Bank: Continue to Washington Avenue to northbound I-35W to University Avenue/4th Street exit, to eastbound University Avenue.
Pedestrian Details
• The pedestrian deck on the Washington Avenue Bridge will remain open during the vehicle deck closure.
Bus Stop Changes
• For westbound buses: Bus stop for Metro Transit at Willey Hall will be closed; use 19th Avenue/Washington Avenue bus stop.
• For eastbound buses: Metro Transit bus stop at Blegen Hall will be closed; use 19th Avenue/Washington Avenue bus stop.
Construction Hours
• Construction activities will occur during daytime and nighttime hours.
Call the 24-hour Central Corridor Construction Hotline for comments, questions or concerns: 651-602-1404
Via a July 17 e-newsletter from the City of Minneapolis:
Twins game, concert, and Aquatennial fireworks make for a busy Saturday night Downtown
July 17, 2013 (Minneapolis) The evening of Saturday, July 20, will be busy Downtown, with a Twins game, a concert at Target Center, and Aquatennial events on the river. Because big crowds will be coming Downtown, it’s a good idea to know your transportation options and plan ahead, whether you plan to drive, take transit, or bike or walk.
Events on Saturday, July 20
The City, Metro Transit, and many partners are again teaming up to make sure getting to and from events goes as smoothly as it can. As usual, Downtown Improvement District Ambassadors will be out on the streets in their bright green shirts, and they’re a great resource for people who have questions while they’re out and about Downtown.
New this year – The Interchange is coming!
Visitors to Target Field and Target Center this summer will notice some changes on the 5th Street side of the ballpark, where Hennepin County is constructing the Interchange. Scheduled to open in 2014, the Interchange will serve as a central, multi-modal transportation hub and community gathering space in downtown Minneapolis. For the 2013 Twins season, construction means there will be some minor changes to the way riders will board light rail trains after games, and Metro Transit staff will be on hand to assist customers. The project partners would like to thank folks for their patience while this major improvement is under way.
Getting where you’re going
Downtown is an urban setting that provides transportation opportunities to meet everyone’s desired experience, whether you want to drive, ride a bus, take a train, or bike or walk.
When visiting Downtown, there are five tips people should remember to minimize delays and maximize their enjoyment of all the activities going on.
Taking transit to events
The Northstar commuter rail line offers direct service to Target Field from stations in Big Lake, Elk River, Ramsey, Anoka, Coon Rapids and Fridley. For added savings, the Northstar Roundtrip Family Pass offers roundtrip rides for two adults and up to three kids ages 6-17 for $20 or less. Customers can buy round-trip tickets and Northstar Roundtrip Family Passes for Twins games online at metrotransit.org/Northstar. Full train schedules for every game and fare information are available for viewing and printing at metrotransit.org/twins. Additionally, Northstar Link bus service from St. Cloud and Becker is scheduled to connect with trains at Big Lake for every game this season.
The METRO Blue Line (Hiawatha) runs from Bloomington, past Target Center, and directly to Target Field’s gates. It serves large Park & Ride facilities at Fort Snelling and 28th Avenue stations which have nearly 2,800 free parking spaces. NEW for the 2013 season – trains serving Twins games will have more cars to give fans a more comfortable ride. The addition of brand-new light-rail cars will provide more capacity and faster boarding after games. All METRO Blue Line trains are scheduled to operate with three cars all weekend.
Direct bus service on Twins Express Route 679 from the County Road 73 Park & Ride in Minnetonka with hundreds of free parking spaces will be offered for every Twins home game again in 2013. Buses start taking fans to the ballpark two hours before each game. Return service begins two hours after first pitch (example: 7:10 p.m. game, buses begin returning to the Park & Ride at 9:10) and continues roughly every half hour until an hour after the game ends.
A number of popular and frequent bus routes stop near Target Field. From the east, Routes 3, 16, 50 and 94 serve Ramp B/5th Street Transit Center adjacent to Target Field and Target Center. Many other frequent routes travel along Hennepin and Nicollet avenues just blocks away.
Online tools and information for instantly planning bus or train trips to Twins games is available at metrotransit.org/twins.
Managing traffic
The City of Minneapolis takes a number of steps to manage traffic during big events Downtown. The volume of pedestrians, bikes, and cars Downtown before and after these events means increased traffic, but there are several ways the City works to improve operations and minimize congestion, including:
Contacts: Matt Laible, City of Minneapolis: 612-673-2786
John Siqveland, Metro Transit: 612-349-7089
Mill City Times | 35W Bridge Memorial | Mill District Block Party | Mill City Media
Friday, August 9, 2013 at 1:29PM