Do You Have a Nomination for the 2013 Community Development Awards?

The Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers(MCCD) and Twin Cities LISC are now accepting nominations for the 2013 Community Development Awards.

The Community Development Awards recognize the people, projects, organizations, initiatives and programs that have substantially contributed to the field of community development in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area by demonstrating innovation, collaboration, inspiration and vision.

A committee will review and score the nominees to determine the winners for each of the six categories. The award recipients will be recognized during the "Art of Collaboration" Community Development Reception and Awards Program event on Wednesday, October 9. The categories include People, Project, Organization and Program/Initiative.  Nominations will be accepted through Sunday, July 7.

For more information (including a list of the categories) or to submit a nomination, please visit http://www.mccdmn.org/news-and-events/cdawards.  Contact Greg Gramza (ggramza@mccdmn.org) or Tina Homstad (khomstad@lisc.org) with questions.

News from the Minneapolis Parks Foundation

Temporarily Road Closures June 22 and 23

The following parkways will be temporarily closed June 22 and 23 for these events:

June 22 – Heartbeat 5000 - Historic Main Street Parkway and local streets 6:00a.m. – 12:00p.m.

June 23 – The Guthrie 50 5K - A Segment of West River Parkway from Portland Avenue South to East Franklin Avenue. Historic Main Street Parkway and The Stone Arch Bridge 8:00a.m. - 11:00a.m. 

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.

June 26 Pizza Cruise on Mississippi to Raise Money for Minneapolis July 4 Fireworks

Via a June 20 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board:

Pizza Cruise on Mississippi to Raise Money for Minneapolis July 4 Fireworks
 
On Wed., June 26, Minneapolis Fireworks sponsor Paradise Charter Cruises and the Mississippi Queen will host a Happy Hour and Pizza Cruise aboard the Paradise Lady to support the Minneapolis July 4 Fireworks.
 
The cost is $26 for adults and $16 for children under 10. The ticket price includes a Pizza and Dinner Salad Buffet, along with a full cash bar. A portion of the ticket sales will be donated to the Minneapolis July 4 Fireworks fund.
 
The cruise will depart from Bohemian Flats Park at 6 p.m. and return at 8 p.m. Make reservations online at http://www.twincitiescruises.com/ or call their office directly at 952-474-8058.
  
Public Contact:
Janelle Klander
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
Event Coordinator
612-867-3184

Protect Your Brain: 1,000 Free Bike Helmets Available This Saturday at the Mill City Farmers Market

WHAT: FREE Bike Helmet Giveaway by the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), American Brain Foundation

WHERE: Mill City Farmers Market on Chicago Mall, Minneapolis, between Guthrie Theater and Mill City Museum

WHEN: Saturday, June 22, 2013, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

In an effort to raise awareness and prevent head injuries in Minnesota, the American Academy of Neurology and its foundation, the American Brain Foundation, will give away 1,000 free bike helmets to adults and children at the Mill City Farmers Market on Saturday, June 22, 2013.

“The Academy is the world’s trusted authority on preventing, diagnosing, managing and treating concussion. This bike helmet giveaway is an important way we support our own community in hopes of preventing head injuries locally,” said Catherine M. Rydell, CAE, Executive Director and CEO of the American Academy of Neurology. “We encourage Minnesotans to visit the Mill City Farmers Market this Saturday, receive a free bike helmet, and learn why it’s important to protect and maintain a healthy brain.”

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak also proclaimed Saturday Brain Health Awareness Day in the city to raise awareness of brain disease and the importance of supporting research to find cures. “As an avid biker, I believe that wearing a helmet is key in protecting your brain. Our hope is that Minnesotans will take this simple step in maintaining their brain health.”

As part of Saturday’s celebration, the Mill City Farmers Market will present a cooking demonstration on healthy brain food as a part of “Mill City Cooks in the Kitchen” with Chef Heather Hartman at 10:00 a.m.

The helmets will be given away as part of a larger commitment by the AAN and the American Brain Foundation to donate 2,500 helmets in Minnesota this year. Attendees should arrive early as quantities are limited.

The largest trade association in Minnesota, the American Academy of Neurology recently built its new headquarters at Chicago Avenue and 2nd Street, across from the Mill City Farmers Market.

To learn more about concussion, please visit http://www.aan.com/concussion

Benefit Event for Candidate Betsy Hodges June 23

*This post is for informational purposes and does not imply support or endorsement for a political candidate.

Flag Football in the Park

Girls night out fun at Gold Medal Park.  Visit Gold Medal Park on Facebook here...

West River Parkway Temporary Closure on June 18

West River Parkway, between Portland and 11th Avenue South, will be closed June 18 from 8:00am-3:00pm on Tuesday, June 18, due to a crane setup on the road by the City of Minneapolis. 

A complete list of current and upcoming parkway closures is available online.

Week 6 at the 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

June 15 was one of those perfect Market days.  Lovely weather, an army of shoppers, an abundance of wonderful food to choose from, music, art and more.  We recently came across this article written by Sue Dietrich of Very Prairie.  I hope you enjoy this vendor perspective of the Market as much as Dave and I did.

Kiss My Cabbage debuted these new sampling spoons - great idea!

New!  Gluten-free muffins from Solomon's Bakery.

Origami at the Market - the Great White Buffalo appeared at Buffalo by Bike.

Remember to stop by the info booth to learn something new every week!

Dried black locust flowers from Stone's Throw Urban Farm.

Ridin' to the Market in style...

Tomorrow, June 15: Solstice River XVII/Global Water Dances at Stone Arch Bridge

If you're on the Stone Arch Bridge tomorrow evening around 7:00pm and you notice some interesting goings on - it's the 17th annual Global Water Dances.  From the bridge you'll see the surrounding landscape come alive with dancers on rooftops, kayaks, and riverbanks for Solstice River XVII. Minneapolis is one of over 60 cities on six continents creating this year's event.

Global Water Dances is a series of dances performed on the same day throughout the world, bringing local and global attention to water quality issues.

The event is free and open to the public, the event will be held rain or shine. Click here for more information on the Minneapolis Global Water Dances event. Live streaming is available on that site if you are unable to be out and about.

I've attended the previous two years - click on these links for pictures: 2011 and 2012.

The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul Brings Opera to Aster Cafe

Becoming Traviata
Pre-screening Party and LIVE OPERA Performance
with opera conductor/director Craig Fields
and an outstanding cast of opera singers

Monday, July 1, 2013
6-7:30 pm
Aster Cafe River Room
125 SE Main St, Minneapolis

$25 General / $20 Film Society Members
Ticket Includes:
performance & discussion | hors d’oeuvres & cash bar
Screening of Becoming Traviata
Purchase

Guthrie Theater 50th Anniversary Free Community Celebration Day June 23

The Guthrie Theater is planning a once-in-a-lifetime theater-wide gala honoring 50 years of the Guthrie.

The celebration will take place on Sunday, June 23, 10:00am - 4:00pm, in and around Guthrie Theater, 818 Second Street South.

This is a neighborhood-wide family event, featuring free activities for all ages. Kick off the day outside with an invigorating 5K run throughout the surrounding historic district, then come inside to get behind the scenes and enjoy a wide variety of free activities. Activities in the theater will include:

· Welcome by Artistic Director Joe Dowling
· Self-guided behind-the-scenes backstage tour
· Story-making class for kids ages 4 to 10
· Sampler classes for ages 10+ including acting games, stage combat, tap dance, physical comedy and musical theater
· Sampler classes for adults including voiceover, playwriting and presentation skills
· Family-friendly performance of Milly and Tillie by Minneapolis' Open Eye Figure Theatre in the Dowling Studio
· Costume promenade featuring artistry from the Guthrie Costume Shop
· Talks on Guthrie history and the building's architecture and an all-day retrospective slideshow in the McGuire Proscenium
· Face painting, tattoos and cookie decorating
· Special effects demonstration on the Wurtele Thrust Stage
· Food samples by Sea Change

Activities in the neighborhood will include:
· 5K Run and 50-yard dash
· Mill City Farmers Market
· Toy Truck Players

No tickets required. Click here for more information or call the Anniversary Line at 612-225-6350.

Work downtown? Check out Summer on the Plaza

Hennepin County Public Affairs is proud presents Summer on the Plaza from now 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.

Hennepin County Public Affairs arranges all performances, which are uncompensated. In the event of bad weather, performances move inside to the Public Service Level (Skyway Level) of the Hennepin County Government Center.

Here's a list of the upcoming events:

Wednesday, June 12, Minnesota Magic Baton Team
Minnesota Magic Baton Teams are state, regional and national champions who train at Dance Twirl Minnesota in Eagan
 
Thursday, June 13, Montrose High School
Montrose high school band is a 29 student band, playing songs like "Sweet Caroline, Louie, Louie" and more.  They will be playing a variety of instruments including brass, percussion, and strings
 
Thursday, June 20, Master Gardeners
Master Gardeners are University of Minnesota-trained volunteers who educate the public about a variety of horticulture topics
 
Friday, June 21, Wayzata Summer Band
The Summer Wayzata Summer Band is made up of students currently in grades 6, 7 and 8 who have played instruments in the middle school band program
 
Wednesday, June 26, Transitive Nightfall
Transitive Nightfall plays vintage rock music with an improvisational edge – no two performances ever the same!
 
Friday, June 28, Pam Ritter
Pam is an award-winning performer who plays various types of music on the accordion – popular, classical plus her own compositions

Week 5 at the 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

June 8 was Rhubarb Day at the Market - which of course called for a scoop of Rhubarb Strawberry Sorbet from Sonny's.

Twin Cities Bike Walk Week June 9 - 15

The 2013 Bike Walk Week is the week of June 9 – 15.   Twin Cities residents are encouraged to join others across the country and leave the car at home and bike or walk to work. Live too far from work to bike or walk?  Then mix it up by biking or walking to the bus stop or train station!

Whether you are new to bicycling and looking for a way to get started or are a long-time cyclist who wants to meet others like you, come celebrate at one of the many events throughout the week.

Commuter Pit Stops

Reward yourself with the many perks available at Bike Walk Week pit stops during your commute in the morning or afternoon. Commuter Pit Stops are located throughout the metro on heavily used routes by bikers and walkers. Perks include free bicycle tuneups, free bicycle repair, free refreshments, and prize giveaways. Perks vary by location, click the Commuter Pit Stop links below for the details.

Minneapolis Pit Stops:

Midtown Greenway at Kenilworth Trail  7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.
Commuter Pit Stop: Bryant Square Park  7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.
Midtown Greenway at Hiawatha Trail  7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.
Hiawatha Trail at Cedar Avenue  7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.
Commuter Pit Stop: Loring Park  7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.
Washington Avenue Bridge -West Bank  7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.
Gateway Park at 1st and Hennepin  7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.
Stone Arch Bridge at East Bluff  7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.
Dinkytown at 4th and 15th  7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.

Enter the National Park Service "Explore Your River Art Contest" by July 7

We have a national park in our backyard - the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.

It encompasses a 72 mile stretch of the Mississippi River from Dayton/Ramsey to Hastings, Minnesota. The 54,000 acres of park holds rich historical, cultural, natural and scientific resources.

Share your experience with the Mississippi River through the visual arts - be it photography, paint, pencils, crayons or clay - enter the Explore Your River Art Contest.

The winner will be announced mid-July and will receive official recognition at the 25th Anniversary Reunion August 13. 2013. The prize is an America the Beautiful pass, which will allow free entry to the federal lands for one year. The winner's art will be used in online and print pieces produced by the National Park Service and Mississippi River Fund to represent the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.

How to enter:

1. Visit the river or a park within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. Check out the website for ideas on where you can visit.
 
2. Have an amazing experience and create your art. If you've made a physical piece of art, take a high resolution photograph of it.

3. Pick out two photographs or digital submissions of your art. Name your submissions with this format: First name_Last name_Image name. (Example: Pat_Smith_MississippiRiver.jpg.)

4. Email your submissions to miss_info@ nps.gov. Be sure to include proper name formatting for each, as well as a short 2-3 sentence description of the experience you would like to convey. Also include a phone number where you can best be reached. In the Subject line please put "Experience Your River National Park Art Contest."

News from The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul

Via a June 5 e-newsletter from The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul:

Greetings all you film enthusiasts!   After closing our doors for a week, The Film Society is back and wants you to be the first to experience our grand, brand new projection and sound system at our presentation of NT Live's This House, Thursday, June 6 (that's tomorrow)!    And come right back when we open the acclaimed Yoga documentary One Track Heart: The Story of Krishna Das this Friday, June 7! Finally, make sure you to put the the rest of June's amazing lineup on your calendar. See it all in the Coming Soon section below. Thursday, June 6 and Saturday, June 8: This House. Screening in stunning top-quality digital picture and sound! National Theatre Live presents James Graham's superb new play, a funny and moving political epic! This biting, energetic and critically-acclaimed new play strips politics down to the practical realities of those behind the scenes who roll up their sleeves, and on occasion bend the rules... read more Opening Friday, June 7: One Track Heart: The Story of Krishna Das. Winner - Best Documentary, 2012 Maui Film Festival. An inspirational and spiritually edifying story of young musician Jeffrey Kagel, who gave up a chance at rock 'n' roll stardom to search for meaning and happiness through the teachings of a little known guru named Neem Karoli Baba (or Maharajii) amongst the vastness of the Himalayan foothills... read more

The Film Society Ticket Prices: $8.50 - Regular  |  $6.00 - Students w/ ID / Seniors 62+ / Children under 12  $5.00 - Film Society Members   The Film Society programming screens at St. Anthony Main Theatre, 115 SE Main Street, Minneapolis, MN 55414 The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul 125 SE Main St, Suite 125A, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55414 info [at] mspfilmsociety.org | 612.331.7563 | mspfilmsociety.org

Northeast Park Master Plan Community Survey and Meeting Announced

Via a June 4 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board:

Participate in the Future of Northeast Park

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) seeks community participation to develop a master plan for Northeast Park.

A series of community meetings are planned, with the first meeting on June 27. A community survey is now available at Northeast Park Questionnaire or by calling 612-230-6400. Throughout the planning process, members of an appointed Community Advisory Committee (CAC) will work with MPRB staff and consultants to engage the community to develop a preferred plan for the park. The master plan will recommend placement of recreation facilities within the park, and the preferred location for a new recreation facility. The final recommendations of the CAC will be forward to the MPRB Board of Commissioners for review and approval.

Mark your calendar and plan to participate at the following meetings (All meetings are open to the public and will include an opportunity for public participation and/or comment):

Thursday, June 27, 2013 (6:30 – 8:30 pm) CAC & Community Workshop
Where: Logan Recreation Center - 690 13th Ave. NE -Minneapolis, MN 55413
Meeting Focus: Participants will learn about the project and help determine needs for the future.

Wednesday, July 31, 2013 (6:30 – 8:30 pm) Community Workshop – Charrette
Where: Logan Recreation Center - 690 13th Ave. NE -Minneapolis, MN 55413
Meeting Focus: Participants will help shape design concepts for the park.

Saturday, August 3, 2013 (10:00am-12:30pm) CAC & Community Open House
Where: Logan Recreation Center - 690 13th Ave. NE -Minneapolis, MN 55413
Meeting Focus: Review and comment on initial park concepts. From 10-11:30 am the concepts from the charrette will be available for comment and review, then at 11:30 the CAC will meet to review the comments and identify common themes. The community is welcome to attend the full meeting.

Take a survey before July 15! The survey is at Northeast Park Questionnaire or by calling the MPRB’s customer service center at 612-230-6400 for a paper copy. Completed paper surveys can be mailed to, or dropped off at, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, Attn: Jennifer Ringold, 2117 West River Road N, Minneapolis, MN 55411.

“This is an exciting opportunity for the Northeast Community. We look forward to your participation in the master planning process for the park,” said Commissioner Liz Wielinski. “There will be many opportunities throughout the project to join the conversation and to share your ideas. Please take the online survey, or attend an upcoming meeting to have your ideas heard.”

The CAC, which is to represent the range of park users, was appointed by Park Board commissioners, other elected city officials, neighborhood associations, and advisory groups. Members are charged with becoming knowledgeable about the project and its scope, understanding and representing the park and recreation needs of the community and park visitors, acting as community liaisons for the project, participating in public CAC meetings, advising MPRB staff and consultants throughout the planning process and recommending to the Board of Commissioners a preferred plan, budget and, if warranted, phasing strategy. The design of the recreation facility will be determined in a future phase of community engagement and will be coordinated with the system-wide recreation facility plan.

As part of the master planning process, current and potential facilities will be evaluated in relation to the community’s park and recreation needs as well as facilities provided in surrounding parks within the northeast Minneapolis area. The outcomes of the master plan and future recreation facility planning will direct future capital investments in the park. The MPRB’s 5-year Capital Improvement Program currently includes $4,000,000 for building and site improvements and $1,150,000 in field and site improvements.

MPRB welcomes everyone to get involved and to share their ideas—look for announcements and upcoming meetings by visiting the project webpage. In addition to the June and July meetings, additional meetings in September and October are anticipated.

The anticipated planning process is as follows: the master park plan to be developed in 2013, a recreation facility plan to follow in 2014, with a construction and groundbreaking date slated for 2015. To receive project updates via email, visit the MPRB Website and click on the red envelope.

The Northeast Recreation Center has been closed since January 1, 2013, to allow for expansion plans at Yinghau Academy. All outdoor activities, leagues, and events are continuing as planned. The Jim Lupient Pool will remain open. For pool information, visit the website MPRB Website or call the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Customer Service line at 612-230-6400.

CONTACT: Questions from the public:
Jennifer Ringold, Manager Community Engagement & Citywide Planning
Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board
612-230-6464
jringold@minneapolisparks.org

Tonight - Fundraiser for Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association at Mill & Main

Raise the Roof with MHNA

A Fundraiser for Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association Jun 05, 2013 6:00 to 9:00 PM

MHNA is planning a rooftop party at Mill & Main to ring in the summer, raise some funds and pay tribute to longtime neighbor and past president who has shaped so much of Marcy-Holmes, Arvonne Fraser. Food and beverages of a summer persuasion will be on hand as you mingle with board members and neighbors. Tickets to the event also include exclusive tours of Mill & Main, the new residence nestled along the riverfront. Be the first to enjoy the downtown views from this new vantage point. Tickets are $35. All proceeds benefit MHNA's year-round efforts.  Reservations.

Slow Supper with Chef Jamie Malone at The Soap Factory

Looking for a special date night - or maybe just a unique dining experience?  Consider Slow Supper with Chef Jamie Malone, being held at The Soap Factory on Sunday, June 23, at 8:00pm.

It's part of The Brooklyn Brewery Mash as a benefit for Slow Food USA, which kicked off at SxSW Interactive in Austin. (If you're a regular at the Mill City Farmers Market, you may recall seeing a Slow Food Minnesota booth.)

Slow Supper is a dinner party collaboration between the culinary cultures of Brooklyn and other cities, held in unique locations.  Previous suppers have been held on a farm in Austin, in an abandoned building in downtown New Orleans, a re-purposed meat packing plant in Nashville, and an arboretum in Baltimore.

It's also a benefit dinner party, with proceeds going to Minnesota's Land Stewardship Project. 

Click here for tickets and more information.

Check out the Menu

Things We Find On The Beach (passed Hors d’oeuvre)
Brooklyn Summer Ale Cocktail & Brooklyn Silver Anniversary Lager

Langoustines/ hot olive oil/ chile/crustacean essence
Brooklyn Crochet De La Rouge Riesling (Ghost Bottle)

Shaved abalone/ asparagus/ bone marrow/ yuzu/ chili
Brooklyn Sorachi Ace

Grilled octopus/ salsa verde/ Spanish peppers/ pimento/ smoked farro
Brooklyn Local 1

Chicken breast/ bandaged cheddar/ cauliflower/ hops/sweetbreads
Brooklyn Wild 1 (Ghost Bottle)

Chocolate cremeux/ brownie/ black currant/ malt
Brooklyn Black Ops

There will also be an event at Haute Dish on June 19.