Tonight @The Soap Factory / The Soap Factory Common Room Tour

Time: Tour will depart from the Common Room sign at The Soap Factory’s front dock at precisely 6:30pm.

Location: Soap Factory, 514 Second Street SE

For the fifth year, Sergio Vucci and Andy Sturdevant will be leading Common Room, a series of artist-led tours originating at The Soap Factory. This year, we'll be heading out in a 1953 Twin Cities Rapid Transit chartered bus into Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Common Room began as a month-long series of interactive art events, out of a refurbished art deco office at The Soap Factory. Since 2011, Vucci and Sturdevant have taken the Common Room concept outside the four walls of the Soap Factory and into the city, activating public spaces and redefining our relationship with our surroundings.

All tours will depart via bus from the Common Room sign at The Soap Factory’s front dock at precisely 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday in August. The tours will be approximately 90-120 minutes. Our buses will only accomodate about fifty people, so advance registration will be recommended, check back here in July for ticket information.

Check Out this Great Deal on Cooking Classes from Local D'Lish

While we're happy to see a Whole Foods opening soon in the 222 Hennepin building, we're concerned how that will affect the small independent downtown grocers like Mill City Market Grocery & Deli and to a higher extent, Local D'Lish.

I've visited Local D'Lish on a number of occasions, and it's a lovely little shop filled with locally sourced products.  You may remember their mini-market at the Mill City Farmers Market in previous years, which they discontinued when they expanded the business. If you're not familiar with that store, here's a reason to get to know them - they offer cooking classes. Through August 31, they're offering a super promotion that's pretty hard to resist - $35 classes! 
 
There's no limit on how many $35 coupons you can purchase, and better yet, there's no expiration date.  You can order them over the phone (612-886-3047) or at the store (208 N. 1st Street) - just mention the "Preferred Customer Coupon".  You'll receive a promotional code to use for online registration.  They are also donating 10% of every coupon purchased to Youth Farm.  Great idea to use as a gift, too.

Local D'Lish also offers private cooking classes for groups of 10-15. contact Ann at localdlish@gmail.com or 612-886-3047 for a special group rate.

I hope you'll get to know Ann and her staff before the shiny new box opens just a few blocks away. (Again, I'm a huge fan of Whole Foods - I go there for special items that aren't available elsewhere - but I'm also a huge fan of our small neighborhood businesses.)

Runnin' With The Law 5K 2013 at Father Hennepin Bluffs Park

Kids, dogs, horses and McGruff the Crime Dog.  Does it get any better?  Did I mention the SWAT Team? 

The Runnin' With The Law 5K 2013 took place August 15 at Father Hennepin Bluffs Park.

In addition to the Kids Fun Run and 5K race, attendees got to meet members of the K-9 Unit, SWAT Officers, the Mounted Patrol, and McGruff the Crime Dog.  Proceeds from this event benefit the Minneapolis Police Department’s Fitness Team. The Fitness Team is dedicated to establishing an active, healthy culture within the Minneapolis Police Department and local community.

Click here for more photos.

TRIA Orthopaedic Center was on hand with information on the comprehensive care they provide at their Bloomington location - including diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and surgery.

 

Week 15 at the 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

Scenes from the August 17 Market. Click here to view the full set of photos on Flickr.  :)

Yay - sweet corn ice cream! :)

A growing boy shouldn't have to decide between Solomon's Bakery and Salty Tart - it's okay to have a treat from both!

Canceled - Tonight's Mill District Neighborhood Association Meeting

Due to last minute cancellations by presenters, tonight's meeting will not take place.  After 2 years without a single presenter canceling, we did not have a back-up agenda - lesson learned.  The summer hiatus continues until the next meeting of the Mill District Neighborhood Association on Monday, September 16 at the Mill City Museum.  Please share with friends & neighbors.

MPRB Announces September-December 2013 Schedule

The Minneapolis Park and Rec Board has released their September - December 2013 schedule.  Check out their online brochure for fun activity ideas that will inspire you to explore the parks and discover all the great programs offered at their Recreation Centers. 

You'll soon see why, in summer 2013, the Park Board received the first-ever “five park bench” rating on The Trust for Public Land’s ParkScore® index, finishing first among the 50 most populous U.S. cities.   Those ratings are based on acreage, access, service and investment provided to Minneapolis residents.

Crown Hydro Dealt Knockout Blow by MPRB?

John Erwin, Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board President, sent FERC a letter outlining why they feel they should termintate the Crown Hydro license, rather than amend it as requested. It's hard to find fault with the MPRB argument.

My interpretation of the letter: Everything has changed from the original license. Every. Single. Thing. Well, except for the fact that it would still be located somewhere on the Mississippi River. The existing Crown Hydro license should be terminated and they should go through the process to apply for a new one.

Starting over would kill the project.

Read the letter here, decide for yourself...

Download the letter here...

Two Thumbs Up for the Tempura Brussel Sprouts at Zen Box

John at Zen Box is a master with textures and flavors, and is always coming up with something yummy and creative.  The latest new dish we tried was Tempura Brussel Sprouts.   Absolutely loved them!  :)

Temporary Parkway Closure on August 15

West River Parkway and Historic Main Street Parkway will be temporarily closed from 5:00pm – 10:00pm on August 15 for Runnin’ With the Law 5K.
 
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.

Izzy's Painting Completed

Just completed yesterday, the finishing touches make a big impact on the overall aesthetics of the building:

Upcoming 'Summer on the Plaza' Events

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, August 14
Sheridan Zuther is an opera trained singer who sings in a wide range of genres from country to musical theatre and from cabaret to jazz.  This performance will be a tribute to the songs of Bette Midler.
 
Thursday, August 15 
Master Gardeners are University of Minnesota-trained volunteers who educate the public about a variety of horticulture topics.  This session:  What to plant in the Fall, ideas for pumpkins and squash, and Fall cleanup.

Friday, August 16
The Rising Sun is a group of 13 Japanese children who dance traditional Japanese folk dance and sing traditional Japanese songs.

Thursday, August 22
The Satin Dolls & Company are a senior tap dancing performance group.  They entertain throughout the Twin Cities and are also the Senior Dance Team for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx professional basketball teams.

Friday, August 23
Righteous Might is a four-piece original rock band with melodic tunes and introspective thought provoking lyrics.

Wednesday, August 28
Pride of the Prairie is a father daughter bluegrass/old time music duo with plenty of energy!  Their main instruments are guitar, mandolin and harmonica, but they also work in some banjo and Appalachian clogging.

Thursday, August 29
Lehamore-Hudson is a two-man guitar band playing instrumental music in the Americana style - Blues, Rock, Country, Latin and other various styles in their own original music form.

Friday, August 30
Kevin Vincal is a solo dance performer adding life, through movement, to positive music lyrics.

MacPhail Center for Music Expands to Chanhassen

Via an August 8 MacPhail Center for Music e-newsletter:

With sites already in Minneapolis, White Bear Lake and Apple Valley, MacPhail is now expanding to Chanhassen. The new site is located across the street from the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres and will open in January 2014. However, MacPhail will begin offering lessons in the Chanhassen High School this fall until the new site is ready.

"We are proud to welcome MacPhail Center for Music to downtown Chanhassen," says Tom Furlong, city of Chanhassen mayor. "As a premier organization, MacPhail Center for Music will complement other successful organizations in our area that are promoting the theater, music and arts."

Offerings at Chanhassen will include individual lessons for ages 5-adult in flute, clarinet, oboe, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, percussion, voice, piano, guitar, violin, viola and cello; Suzuki talent education beginning as early as 3 to 6 years in violin and cello; group lessons for all ages; music therapy for all ages; Early Childhood Music for ages 6 weeks to 8 years. (Early Childhood Music classes will be held at the Family Learning Center in Chaska until the new site opens in January.)

Lemonade Stand at Gold Medal Park? Brilliant!

Everyone has childhood memories of lemonade stands, whether it was your first stab at entrepreneurship or just getting a cool refreshment on a hot summer day.  Sadly, this is an all too uncommon sight if you live downtown.  We need to make classic childhood activities like this more common downtown.  Even better, proceeds were earmarked for a local dog shelter:

Mill District Block Party - 2013 National Night Out

Dear Friends, Neighbors & Sponsors,

Thanks to all who attended the 2nd largest Mill District Block Party ever.  In spite of severe thunderstorms over 350 neighbors (compared to 375 last year) showed up for food, music & fun!

Thanks to the volunteer planning committee, led by Cynthia Kriha, for their hard work: Allison Austing - Archana Mani - Cynthia Kriha - Dana Kirkemo - Daren Cowan - Dave Tinjum - Doug Cousins - James Eastman - Jim Buchta - John Wirth - Kathy Beenen - Kim Eslinger - Laurie Jones - Linda Willette - Lois Juster - Peggy Lucas - Roland Froyen - Rosalind Fendi - Susan Hanna-Bibus / Thank you!

A special thanks to our raffle donors: Blast Blow Dry Bar - Crooked Pint - Dunn Brothers Coffee - Grumpy's - Guthrie Theater - Kindee Thai - Level One Salon - Litin Party and Paper Company - Maxwell's - Mill City Market - Sea Change - Spaghetti Factory - Zen Box

Thank You to Our Local Business Sponsors

American Academy of Neurology - Coldwell Banker Burnet - Cynthia Froid Group - Izzy's Ice Cream - Kramarczuk's - The Mens Spa - Mill City Farmers Market - Mill City Market - Mill City Museum - Mill City Times - Periscope - Sanctuary Restaurant - StoneBridge Lofts - Sorella Wine & Spirits - Zen Box

View all of the photos from the 2013 Mill District Block Party

Week 14 at the 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

Mother nature could not have been any more gracious for the August 10 Market.  Watermelon and cantaloupe arrived (Yay!), but take note - next Saturday may be the last chance for blueberries.

src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7431/9484803890_83c69c8b06.jpg" alt="August 10, 2013 Mill City Farmers Market" width="500" height="281" />

Tomorrow / The 2nd Annual “Legal” Weed Party

The 2^nd Annual “legal” weed party

Saturday August 10^th

9:00 a.m.

Park Ave & S. 2^nd 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

4th Annual Twin Cities Polish FilmFest Runs August 9 - 15

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.

More info.

West River/ James I Rice Parkways Trail Improvements

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:

• September 3
• September 24
• October 1 – Open House to review planning to date
• October 15

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

Week 13 at the 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

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: 

Central Corridor LRT (Green Line) Update

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.