RiverFirst Schematic Design Presentati​ons and Open House

 As part of RiverFirst, the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board is completing schematic design and feasibility for six Mississippi riverfront parks and parks access projects. On Wednesday, May 1, the RiverFirst design team will present its work as part of the Park Board’s regular meeting, which begins at 5:00 PM. On Thursday, May 2, community members have an opportunity to learn more about these RiverFirst Priority Projects at an Open House from 11 AM – 12:00 PM or a Community Meeting from 6-8:00 PM. All three meetings will be in the Board Room at Minneapolis Park Board headquarters, 2117 West River Road, Minneapolis

For more information see:
http://riverfirst.com/2013/04/15/news-release-may-2-minneapolis-parks-shares-next-steps-on-six-r1-priority-projects/
http://www.minneapolisparks.org/riverfirst

Date: Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Time: meeting begins at 5:00 PM
Type: Park Board meeting
Location: MPRB Board Room, 2117 West River Road North, Minneapolis

Date: Thursday, May 2, 2013
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Type: informal open house
Location: MPRB Board Room, 2117 West River Road North, Minneapolis

Date: Thursday, May 2, 2013
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Type: open house with presentation and Q&A
Location: MPRB Board Room, 2117 West River Road North, Minneapolis
 
CONTACT: Andrew Caddock, Project Manager
Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board
612-230-6470
acaddock@minneapolisparks.org

MPRB Summer Program Registration Now Open

Via an April 16 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board:

Registration for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s summer recreation programs is now open.

A variety of programs and activities are available for all ages at recreation centers, gardens, lakes and other locations. Programs and activities available include environmental, water recreation, fitness, creative arts, day camps, sports leagues, golf leagues and lessons and more.

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board welcomes people of all ages and abilities to participate in sports and activity programs. Inclusion and adaptive services are available to those who choose to participate in general recreation programs.

To view and register for activities and programs, view category searches below or visit ActiveNet. For more information call 612-230-6400 or contact your local park's recreation center.

• Day Camps
• Water Recreation
• Environmental
• Health and Fitness
• Special Events
• Golf Leagues and Lessons
• Adult Sports
• Youth Sports

501FIT Celebrates Five Years, Hosts Benessere and Avatar Partnership Event

Via an April 1, 2013, Press Release:

Locally owned 501FIT joins forces with Benessere Body in Balance and Avatar Training Studio. Celebrating five years, 501FIT hosts partnership launch party on Friday, May 3, 2013 from 5pm-8pm.

501FIT adds complimentary services by joining forces with local owned Benessere and Avatar. Focused on building its innovative G-Werx Program, 501FIT adds services through partnerships.

501FIT expects the Benessere and Avatar partnerships to strengthen wellness outcomes for clients. Benessere began services at 501FIT, its second location, in January 2013. Avatar will close its current location to begin Barre, TRx Bootcamps and Gyrotonics training at 501FIT in April 2013.

About 501FIT
501FIT is the pilot club for the G-Werx Workout Program. 501FIT opened in January 2008 featuring the G-Werx Program growing from 20 clients to 225 clients as of March 2013. The G-Werx Machine and Workout Program were invented by 501FIT Founder, Phil Martens. 501FIT is committed to providing small group personal training with the service of one-on-one training at sustainable at group fitness rates.

http://www.501fit.com/

Mission: To provide more clients the opportunity to work with Certified Trainers as a lifestyle!
Services: Group personal training, full-service gym memberships, personal training, fitness consultations

About Benessere
Benessere Body in Balance, a full-service wellness center in Minneapolis, was opened by Kay Bashford in 2005. Benessere believes that maintaining balance of your whole being—body, mind and spirit—leads to healing, serenity, prosperity and joy. The health of clients is at the center of everything they do.

http://www.benesserebodyinbalance.com/

Services: Massage, Acupuncture, Neuromuscular Therapy, Chiropractic and Matrix Re-pattern Therapy.

About Avatar
Avatar Personal Training Studio was founded by Eric Hall in 2005. Starting primarily as a ‘by appointment’ personal training studio, Avatar has evolved into a group fitness programming studio offering BARRE and TRX Bootcamp training. Eric Hall continues to provide Gyrotonics specialty training while pursuing group fitness offerings as a compliment. Eric and Avatar will bring their services to 501FIT in April 2013.

http://www.avatartrainingstudio.com/

Services: Gyrotonics, BARRE and TRx.

Tonight: DFL Ward 3 Precinct 9 Caucus at Open Book

Time: 7:00pm

Location: Open Book, 1011 Washington Avenue South

The Minneapolis DFL will be holding precinct caucuses at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday April 16th, 2013, for the purpose of electing delegates to consider endorsement of candidates seeking election to Minneapolis Municipal Office or Park Board in 2013.

Delegates chosen at the April 16th caucuses will vote to endorse their City Council candidate at the Ward convention. The convension takes place on May 4 at DeLaSalle High School from 9:00am - 1:00pm.

April 13 Mill City Farmers Market - Final "Winter" Market of the Season

After a week of snow and ice storms, how appropriate that April 13 marked the final 2012-2013 Winter Market.  And how fortunate that we've had the Mill City Museum to provide a warm venue.

Below, Fred from French Nugget shows off a piece of driftwood resembling an elephant that he discovered while fishing.

Temporary Road Closures on Sunday, April 14 - Race for Justice 5K

Please note temporarily road closures on Sunday, April 14, from 7:00am to 11:00am for the Race for Justice 5K: Main Street, Stone Arch Bridge, and Nicollet Island.

The Race for Justice proceeds benefit the Loan Repayment Assistance Program of Minnesota (LRAP-MN). By subsidizing education debts for dedicated, low-paid public interest attorneys, LRAP helps meet the legal needs of low-income Minnesotans across the state. Also, the RFJ route is highly praised by runners of all levels.

A complete list of parkway closures is available online.

Enjoy a Trip to the Mill City Museum

The word museum may bring up images of articles roped off or behind glass - but the Mill City Museum is just the opposite.  It's an interactive experience that both kids and adults will enjoy.  This video highlights a field trip: 

If you haven't had a chance to visit them yet, I urge you to check out their website to learn about all the guided tours, baking demos, music and book signing events, etc.  The gift shop is fantastic!

There will be an indoor Mill City Farmers Market at the Museum on Saturday, April 13, from 10am-1pm.  It's the perfect opportunity to check out the Museum, as well as get to know some of the vendors who will return for the 2013 MCFM Season beginning May 11.

From People Serving People: Homelessness Through the Eyes of an 8 Year Old

From an April 4, 2013, People Serving People e-newsletter:

HOMELESSNESS THROUGH THE EYES OF AN 8 YEAR OLD

Paris is an 8 year old who loves Hello Kitty and bright colors. Her bedroom at her family’s last apartment was painted pink. She’s tall for her age, pauses for several seconds before she answers a question and her smile lights up her face. She loves to read but it’s not her favorite subject.

“In school I like to do math,“ Paris says. “Because there are a lot of things that you have to solve and you can solve them yourself without anyone helping you.” 

Paris and her family are staying at People Serving People (PSP). She was recently featured in a Minnesota Public Radio audio and photo slideshow project. Her simple but poignant responses to questions about her life and the photos of her daily activities at PSP help listeners grasp what living in a shelter is like through the eyes of an 8 year old.

Last year more than 1,800 children like Paris called PSP their temporary home. The number of guests that rely on PSP for shelter and services has increased by 39% since 2008. Two-thirds of the 368 people that call PSP home on average each day are below the age of 18. The average age of a child at PSP is 6 years old. 

Providing stability for their family is more difficult for low income parents as average monthly rents increase and vacancy rates remain low in the Twin Cities area. When paired with the scarcity of livable wage employment opportunities in the Twin Cities and the fact that child care typically costs $13,579 for a single child it becomes difficult for parents to keep their head above water. Thankfully these types of statistics don’t weigh on Paris. She’s confident her family will find another home soon.  

"Homeless is when you’re on the sidewalk asking people for money and you don't have a home," said Paris. "When you move into a shelter that is just giving you time to look at a home that you want so you are not homeless." 

PSP’s mission is to ensure that Paris, and the other children like her have the opportunity to grow up and become successful adults. By offering a safe and stable environment where parents can get back on their feet, and additional support services and connections to community resources, PSP goes beyond simply providing emergency shelter. Our building becomes a place of hope and possibilities. 

It is through the support and generosity of our community that we can offer programs and services that help families move beyond homelessness to stability. 

Takara Henegar, Individual Donor & In-Kind Coordinator
(612) 277-0258 / takarah@peopleservingpeople.org.  

1st Precinct Reports Impressive Results

From an April 4 e-newsletter:

WOW!  Impressive effort!
 
Congratulations on another record-breaking week in crime fighting in P1!  Our efforts in the community yielded some impressive results including 663 proactive stops (beating out P2 and P3), 36% reduction in Part I Crime (including Theft), a 23% reduction in Violent Crime, and we led the city in curfew/truancy enforcement. 

That does not tell the whole story.  We had ZERO Robberies this week and ZERO TFMV (Theft from Motor Vehicle) the week previous.  While I am the new kid on the block, those that have been here awhile don’t recall this ever happening.  That said, I believe you, along with the weather are just getting warmed up and the best is yet to come. 

The Spring season will bring its challenges, but I know our MPD staff and our community partners are up to the task.  Things will always rev up, so don’t let off the gas.  Remember to always put your Junk in Your Trunk, stay aware of your surroundings, don't walk distracted and as always, call 911 if something doesn't seem right.  Keep up the good work. 

Thanks again for all you do and have a safe and enjoyable weekend. 
 
Regards,
Inspector Bryan D. Schafer | First Precinct |
Minneapolis Police Department | 19  4th Street North |
Minneapolis, MN 55401  | 612.673.2337 office |
 
To Protect With Courage
To Serve With Compassion
Connect with the MPD

Treasures from the Stacks

The Friends of the Minneapolis Central Library are hosting an opportunity to see rare and historic items at a special behind the scenes tour and fund-raising event on May 17.  The proceeds from the event will support the Children’s Library initiative on Early Literacy and School Readiness.   Donations will help purchase developmental toys and furniture that foster exploration and fun by creating an interactive environment where children can learn, create and play.

The tour will highlight such items as the Kittleson WWII Collection, the Hoag Mark Twain Collection as well as other one-of-a kind treasures.   A stop in the Children’s Library will also be included for a look at the programs and activities that promote Early Literacy and School Readiness.     

Friday, May 17, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Minneapolis Central Library,  300 Nicollet Mall

Wine & Hors d’oeuvres

Maria Jette and Dan Chouinard

Admission:   $35  -  Respond By May 1

For registration information, contact minneapoliscentral@supporthclib.org

Nominations for Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Awards Due April 5

Via a March 29 Preserve Minneapolis e-newsletter:

Preserve Minneapolis, the American Institute of Architects Minneapolis, and the Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission invite nominations of outstanding projects for the 22nd Annual Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Awards.

The Awards deadline is coming soon: Nominations must be received by Friday, April 5th, 2013 at 4:00pm. Submissions must be delivered to:

AIA Minnesota
Attn: Amber Allardyce / Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Awards
275 Market Street, Suite 54
Minneapolis, MN 55405

Electronic nomination forms and more details are available at the AIA Minnesota website: http://www.aia-mn.org/ext_about/local-chapters/minneapolis/ Self-nominations are encouraged.

AWARDS BACKGROUND
The Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Awards recognize projects, individuals, and organizations that celebrate, preserve, and enhance the city's heritage and historic character. Submissions are judged on attention to the quality of design, architecture, workmanship, and materials, as well as the positive impact on the surrounding neighborhood and community.

The nominations will be evaluated by a jury comprised of two Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commissioners, two members of American Institute of Architects Minneapolis, and two board members from Preserve Minneapolis review nominations.

The 22nd Annual Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Awards luncheon will be held on Thursday, May 16th, 2012, 11:30 a.m., at International Market Square, 275 Market Street, Room 185, Minneapolis.

AWARDS DETAILS
Nominations are solicited in the following categories:

• Historic Restoration, Rehabilitation, or Adaptive Reuse Project: Projects in which an existing place, property, building, or landscape was either returned to its original character in a manner that is respectful to the property’s historic past, or transformed and reinvented to incorporate both new and old elements in a way that that is respectful of, but different from, the form of the past.

• New Addition to a Historic Building: Projects involving an addition to an existing place, property, building, or landscape in a manner that is respectful to the property’s historic past.

• New Construction within a Historic District: Projects consisting of a new building or landscape added into one of the city’s existing heritage preservation districts. Projects will be judged based on how well the new project fits into the historic context as well as the quality of design, architecture, workmanship, and materials.

• Single Family Residential Award: This category is intended to recognize and celebrate the hard work and serious efforts of any individual or team who has made a positive contribution to preserving, restoring, or rehabilitating a single family home anywhere in Minneapolis. Nominations can be for a noteworthy property owner, contractor, architect, real estate professional, or anyone else who played a pivot role in saving and caring for a particular old house somewhere in Minneapolis

• Recent Past Award: Projects that restore, reuse, or add to a place, property, building, or landscape that originates from (approximately) the last 50 years. The Recent Past Award is designed to promote education and awareness of the materials, design techniques, and planning principles from the second half of the twentieth century.

• Community Education & Advocacy: Projects that have made an overall contribution to preservation in Minneapolis beyond the physical construction or reconstruction of a building or landscape. This category is to recognize organizations and their preservation-related education and outreach projects.

• Good Luck and Good Fortune: Projects just getting started that have already committed to a specific preservation challenge in Minneapolis. This category is meant to encourage bold projects, draw attention to their high-minded purpose, and lend support through wider community knowledge of and participation in the project.

• The Steve Murray Award: The Steve Murray Award is considered the top individual honor for preservation in Minneapolis. It is awarded to an individual who has displayed leadership, courage, and dedication to heritage preservation in Minneapolis in the last year or over the course of his or her career or lifetime.

All Nominations are due to the American Institute of Architect Minnesota Office by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 5th, 2012. If you have questions about the awards or the nomination forms, please contact Preserve Minneapolis board member Tammy Lindberg at (612) 251-8167 or tammydlindberg@gmail.com Electronic nomination forms are available at: http://www.aia-mn.org/ext_about/local-chapters/minneapolis/

City Provides Transportation Options for Twins' April 1 Season Opener

Via a March 28 e-newsletter from the the City of Minneapolis:

Plan ahead, know your transportation options as Twins home opener approaches

 

When the Minnesota Twins take to the field on Opening Day, April 1, downtown Minneapolis will be especially busy, with a Minnesota Timberwolves game at Target Center that evening. So whether you’re going to a Minnesota Twins game, catching a show at Target Center, or taking in entertainment at venues across Downtown, spring is a good time for folks to refresh their memories on all the transportation options available for getting to and around Downtown.

Events on April 1:

• Twins game vs. the Detroit Tigers at Target Field – 3:10 p.m. – Gates open at 1 p.m.

• Timberwolves game vs. the Boston Celtics at Target Center – 7 p.m. – Gates open at 5:30 p.m.

The City, Metro Transit, and many partners are again teaming up to make sure getting to and from games 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 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.

1. Plan ahead – Visit TwinsBaseball.com/transportation or Targetcenter.com to learn more about all your transportation choices. Visit the Downtown Improvement District’s events calendar at http://www.minneapolisdid.com/ to see what events are going on any day.
2. Know your parking options – There is parking availability throughout Downtown. If you prefer convenient access to Target Field and Target Center, the adjacent A,B,C, and Hawthorne ramps have plenty of capacity, and the ramps empty smoothly after games, without long waits. If you’re parking on the street when coming Downtown, make sure to check the signs to be sure of the time limit and hours of enforcement for your parking space.
3. Use transit – Target Field and Target Center are extremely transit –friendly. The facilities are located at the junction of Northstar commuter rail, the Hiawatha light rail, and many bus lines – future site of The Interchange.
4. Bicycles are another great way to the games – Bicyclists are reminded to use headlights and taillights after dark and, if possible, to wear light or reflective clothing.
5. Come early/Stay late – The Warehouse District is ready to welcome fans for another summer of baseball, basketball, shows, and excitement. Take part in activities, shopping, dining, and other entertainment before and after games and concerts. Enjoy the extra time to experience all Downtown has to offer, and beat the traffic.

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.

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.

Mill City Live 2013 Lineup Announced

Mill City Live returns for its tenth season with four outdoor concerts on Wednesday evenings in August.

 

Set in the museum's dramatic open air Ruin Courtyard, "Mill City Live" features four great evenings of outdoor music by top local artists.

• Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
• Fee: $5 includes concert and museum admission from 4 to 9 p.m., an opportunity to visit Mill City Museum at a significant discount. Free for Minnesota Historical Society members.
• In case of rain, Mill City Live goes on indoors!

2013 Schedule:

August 7th, 6-8pm

Alison Scott / Kevin Bowe and the Okemah Prophets

Soul, Folk, Rock, Americana

Alison Scott is a piano-playing singer-songwriter and soul-rocker. Working with

multi-platinum guitarist/producer Kevin Bowe (Paul Westerberg, Etta James,

Jonny Lang), drummer Peter Anderson (Polara, Honeydogs), bassist Steve Price

(Rex Daisy), Alison has become one of the most popular live acts in Minneapolis,

regularly selling out shows at venues like the Dakota Jazz Club, the Fine Line and

the Varsity Theater. Her albums include "Wish on the Moon" and "Hiding Under

The Covers, Vol. 2."

Alison's backing band, Kevin Bowe and the Okemah Prophets, will open the show. Taking the spotlight after backing up such artists as Alison Scott, Freedy Johnston, and Gary Louris, the Okemah Prophets, led by singer-songwriter Kevin Bowe, are a Minneapolis rock band with deep roots in Americana. The band’s debut CD Natchez Trace was released in 2012.

August 14th, 6-8pm

Communist Daughter

Folk-pop

 From the basements of Wisconsin and Minnesota, Communist Daughter came

together after Johnny Solomon had given up on music. He left his critically

acclaimed band Friends Like These and his musical roots in Minneapolis, retreating

to Prescott, Wisconsin to battle addiction. There he faced his demons head on,

and eventually began making music again. Communist Daughter’s debut album

Soundtrack to the End (2010) made a splash in the Twin Cities and nationally,

with two #1 singles on 89.3 The Current and two songs featured on ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy. An EP Lions & Lambs hit stores in 2012.

August 21st, 6-8pm

Cactus Blossoms

Traditional Country

Led by brothers Jack Torrey & Page Burkum, the Cactus Blossoms play classic

country music reminiscent of Hank Williams. Based in Minneapolis, the band

includes Mike "Razz" Russell (Jayhawks, Joe Henry) on fiddle, Liz Draper

(DitchLilies, Black Blondie) on upright bass, and Randy Broughten (Gear Daddies,

Trailer Trash) on pedal steel guitar and dobro. After placing first in a duet

competition at the 2010 Minnesota State Fair, Jack and Page were invited to

perform later that night at the grandstand performance of Garrison Keillor's A Prairie Home Companion. The Cactus Blossoms' 2012 debut CD features ten country & western songs including eight of their own originals..

August 28th, 6-8pm

Chastity Brown

Soul, Folk, Jazz, Blues, Gospel

 Chastity Brown is a Minneapolis-based singer-songwriter with a powerful voice

whose music deftly straddles multiple genres such as soul, folk, jazz, blues and

gospel. The Tennessee native’s fourth full-length record, Back-Road Highways

was released in 2012. "Melding bits of soul, jazz and rootsy Americana into a

potent stew, at times Chastity sounds like a young Mavis Staples, but with an edgy

urgency instead of any retro affectation."-Top Minnesota Releases of 2012, 89.3

The Current. She will be playing with her full band.

NEMAA's 2013 Art-A-Whirl Scheduled for May 17-19

Sponsored by the Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association (NEMAA), Art-A-Whirl is the largest open studio tour in the country. It’s a great opportunity to tour private artist studios and galleries, connect with the artists, and purchase original artwork.
 
Tour more than 70 locations throughout Northeast Minneapolis, including studio buildings, art galleries, homes, storefronts, businesses, and restaurants.

Plan your visit with NEMAA's Artist Directory and Guide, which includes information about the NEMAA artists, a map of Northeast Minneapolis and the Art-A-Whirl locations, a dining guide, and more. Pick up your free copy of the Artist Directory and Guide at the information booths during Art-A-Whirl, or starting April 17 at the California Building, Casket Arts Building, Keg House Arts Building, Northrup King Building, or Thorp Building in Northeast Minneapolis.

The 2013 Dates and Hours are:
Friday, May 17: 5:00pm-10:00pm
Saturday, May 18: Noon-8:00pm
Sunday, May 19: Noon-5:00pm

This event is free and open to the public.

Nationally Known Artists to Coach Rock 4 Real - an Adult Rock Music Workshop at MacPhail Center for Music

MacPhail Center for Music recently announced another one of a kind program - Rock 4 Real.  It's an Authentic Rock n’ Roll Experience for Adults, offering 18 and older musicians real world professional insight about songwriting, rehearsing, the music business and presenting a polished live show.

This April 10 - May 12 adult rock music workshop will be coached by Mike Arturi, drummer for Rock & Roll Hall of Famers the Lovin’ Spoonful, Tim Mahoney, The Voice season one contestant and locally known musician and Jim Peterik, member of the Rock & Roll band Survivor, and songwriter of hits such as “Eye of the Tiger” and “Vehicle.”

We had the pleasure of meeting Mike Arturi at MacPhail's beautiful Antonello Hall, where he gave us some background on the program and treated us to a drum solo.

All Rock 4 Real participants will be placed in bands on the first day of the workshop. Each band will receive direction and coaching from Mike Arturi and Tim Mahoney in preparation for a live performance at the Nomad World Pub on May 12. Jim Peterik will visit and counsel all the bands during dress rehearsal following his songwriting/live performance master class. Jim will also be present for the final performances wrapping the show up with a three song set accompanied by Mike and Tim!

Register online  or call MacPhail at 612-321-0100.

2013 Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival Set for April 11-28

Purchase Tickets for the 2013 Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival by phone at 612-331-7563, or online.  Films play at the St. Anthony Main Theatre, 115 SE Main Street.

The Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival presents a number of programs and special film focuses that highlight the diversity of worldwide filmmaking, that hone in on an important aspect of current events, or that highlight a piece of history that deserves remembrance. This spring, these special categories include:

World Cinema, Documentary and American Independents Programs

World Cinema, Documentary and American Independents programs make up the main slate of the MSP International Film Festival. World Cinema feature a lineup of new narrative films from more than 60 countries, the Documentary program presents a lineup of non-fiction feature-length films from around the world, and American Independents highlights new works from emerging and veteran US filmmakers.
 
Songs of Exile: Cinema of Displacement and Dispossession

This selection of documentary and narrative features centers around the topic of displacement-- whether voluntary or imposed--and the disruptive physical, psychological or cultural consequences that may follow. Fear not, although the series rubric may sound lugubrious, the line up is far from it.

More REEL

Programmed in conjunction with the Minneapolis Institute of Arts exhibition ‘More Real? Art in the Age of Truthiness’(March 21-June 9, 2013), this special series focuses on documentary and narrative films that creatively blur boundaries between fact and fiction. 'More REEL' is framed by a pair of Werner Herzog’s pioneering ‘directed documentaries’ and includes recent features and shorts that similarly deploy fabrication and imagination in a quest for ‘ecstatic truth.’ The series was co-programmed by former Walker film/video curator Bruce Jenkins.

MINNESOTA-Made

An audience favorite, MINNESOTA-Made returns with a slate of new films with local connections. Programmed by filmmaker and musician Craig Rice, with Shelli Ainsworth and Susan Marks as advisors, along with other filmmakers and industry notables.

Childish Films

2013 marks the eighth year of Childish Films at the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival. Curators Deborah Girdwood and Isabelle Harder (who also program a free monthly Childish Films series for the Friends of the Hennepin County Libraries) are dedicated to providing ongoing opportunities for families to experience a vital international film culture in the Twin Cities. Every Spring since 2005, Childish Films at the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival showcases some of the best international shorts and feature films for kids in current circulation. By serving this young audience, Childish Films extends the festival’s reach to welcome the next generation.

The East of Europe

A slate of new and groundbreaking films hailing from one of the oldest worlds are highlighted in this sidebar curated by longtime Festival programmer by Al Milgrom.

Late Nights

What could be more crowd pleasing than watching a baby explode? Cuban zombie-exterminator for hire? A passionate love-affair with a literal straw-man? Late Nights at the MSP International Film Festival goes there, and so much further, this spring with a catalogue of camp, horror, comedy, and suspense that will leave you haunted and positively thrilled. Our most daring program to date will also be the most unforgettable, so make sure to bring a friend and hold on tight, because it’s gonna be a wild ride.

Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board Begins Master Planning Process for Northeast Park

Via a March 22 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board:

Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board Begins Master Planning Process for Northeast Park

Community Advisory Committee to be appointed - All encouraged to Apply by April 5, 2013.

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is beginning the Master Planning process for Northeast Park and seeks community participation in the plan development. The Board will appoint a Community Advisory Committee (CAC) by April 12, 2013 to help engage and represent park users and the surrounding community in the planning process.

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 CAC, which is to represent the range of park users, will be appointed by Park Board commissioners, other elected city officials, neighborhood associations, and advisory groups. Members will act as liaisons to the community and will work with MPRB staff and consultants to engage the community and develop a preferred park development plan, which, upon completion, will be forwarded to the Board for approval.  Click the link for a copy of the CAC application to help identify possible appointees.

MPRB welcomes everyone to get involved and to share their ideas—look for announcements and upcoming meetings by visiting the MPRB webpage . To stay in the know, sign up for the Northeast Park email list call 612-230-6464.  Questions from media:

Dawn Sommers, Communications & Marketing Mgr
Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board
Office: 612-230-6407 / Cell: 612-221-9915
dsommers@minneapolisparks.org

Jennifer Ringold, Manager of Community
Engagement and Citywide Planning
Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board
612-230-6464
jringold@minneapolisparks.org

Tonight - City Council Ward 3 Candidate Forum

Time: 6:30pm-7:30pm

Location: DeLaSalle High School, Nicollet Island

The Journal and the League of Women Voters of Minneapolis are sponsoring a candidate forum for the Ward 3 City Council race on March 21, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at DeLaSalle High School on Nicollet Island.

Incumbent City Council Member Diane Hofstede and Jacob Frey are running for the seat. The new Ward 3 includes neighborhoods on the western half of downtown, northeast and southeast Minneapolis.

The event will be held in the school's Florance Center and will be moderated by the League of Women Voters of Minneapolis.

Both candidates have been courting DFL delegates, which will be selected at the April 16 caucuses. The Ward 3 DFL endorsing convention is May 4 at DeLaSalle High School.

Franklin Avenue Bridge Design Firm Approved

I'm sharing this information for anyone who crosses the Franklin Bridge, as I do every day on my drive to the office.   I get on from West River Parkway, and in doing so I first drive under the bridge.  This provides a disturbing view of the tremendous amount of missing concrete, exposed rebar, cracks, etc.  That's why I'm so thankful to see this announcement!

From the County Board Actions 3-12-2013:

From the March 12, 2013 meeting of the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners. County Board Actions includes summaries of only a portion of the total actions of the board, selected for general news interest. For complete information on all resolutions and actions by the board, see the information at the bottom of the page.

Franklin Avenue Bridge design firm approved.

The County Board approved a $2.34 million contract with HNTB Corporation for design services for the Franklin Avenue (CSAH 5) Bridge rehabilitation project in Minneapolis.

The Franklin Avenue Bridge is a 1,014-foot-long concrete arch bridge spanning the Mississippi River; it was constructed in 1923, re-decked in 1971 and resurfaced in 1984. In 2007, a structural investigation of the bridge took place to determine the most cost-effective method of renovating the structure.

The purpose of the rehabilitation project is to restore deteriorated areas of the bridge in a manner that prevents future degradation while preserving the structural integrity and historic nature of the concrete arches.

HNTB Corporation was chosen by a design selection committee consisting of members from the Public Works departments of the county and Minneapolis, and MnDOT. Design engineering will take one year and construction is scheduled to take two years, beginning in the last half of 2014.

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Indicating a measure has passed the board does not imply a unanimous vote. The actions of the Hennepin County Board, including a record of how individual commissioners voted are posted under Hennepin County Meetings and Agendas. This portion of the site includes agendas, minutes and resolutions for all committee and full board meetings. Also, from time to time, individual commissioners may post their own viewpoints, news and information on their own websites.

If you’d like to watch committee and full board meetings, they are generally broadcast live on Tuesdays, beginning at 1:30 p.m., and rebroadcast the Friday following the meeting, beginning at 8 p.m., on Metro Cable Network/Channel 6.

Meetings are also streamed live on the Hennepin website under Board Meeting Videos. Archived videos of past meetings also are available on that page.

For more information about these news items, call Carolyn Marinan (612-348-5969), or Carol Allis (612-348-8536). Look for more news at www.hennepin.us/news. 

Mill City Summer Opera Announces Season Two: The Barber of Seville

Building on its sold-out first season success, Mill City Summer Opera (MCSO) recently announced its second season production of Gioachino Rossini’s popular and comedic masterpiece, The Barber of Seville.  The opera’s five performances (July 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 2013) will take place under the stars in the inspiring Ruin Courtyard of Mill City Museum.  Tickets go on sale May 20, 2013 at 12 a.m. online at tickets.mnhs.org, and at 10:00am by phone by calling 612-341-7582, or in person at the Museum’s ticket desk.

Sold out weeks before its July, 2012 opening night, MSCO’s stirring debut production of Pagliacci was heralded as a new highlight on the region’s performance scene that brought together a diverse audience of both opera buffs and a rousing new audience of all ages. The outstanding cast and production, under the artistic direction of David Lefkowich, was named “Best New Opera Company” in the annual Best Of issue of Mpls St. Paul Magazine.

Lefkowich returns for MCSO’s second season to present the Rossini’s two-act tale of love, disguise, and deceit set against the backdrop of 18th-century Spain and just steps from the Mississippi River.

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