Kim Eslinger
Editor
612-321-8040
kim@millcitymedia.org

Brianna Ojard
Associate Editor

David Tinjum
Publisher
612-321-8020
dave@millcitymedia.org

Claudia Kittock
Columnist / Non-Profits
Email Claudia...

Becky Fillinger
Small Business Reporter
Producer / Milling About
Email Becky...

Michael Rainville Jr.
History Columnist
Email Michael...

Doug Verdier
River Matters

Mill City Times is a not-for-profit community service. We do not sell advertising on this site.

Community Partners

Thanks to our community partners, whose support makes Mill City Times possible:

MILL CITY FARMERS MARKET

With over 100 local farmers, food makers and artists, MCFM strives to build a local, sustainable and organic food economy in a vibrant, educational marketplace.

Visit their website...

HENNEPIN HISTORY MUSEUM

Hennepin History Museum is your history, your museum. We preserve and share the diverse stories of Hennepin County, MN. Come visit!

Visit their website...

MEET MINNEAPOLIS

Maximizing the visitor experience of Minneapolis for the economic benefit of our community, making Minneapolis the destination of choice among travelers.

Visit their website...

MSP FILM SOCIETY

Promoting the art of film as a medium that fosters cross-cultural understanding, education, entertainment, and exploration.

Visit their website...

GREAT RIVER COALITION

Enhancing the Minneapolis riverfront environment—for people and pollinators.

Visit their website...

Cultural Cornerstones
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Minneapolis Riverfront News

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.

Tuesday
Sep202011

Vote for Mill Ruins Park

From September 20 through October 12, 2011, local residents and people across the country are encouraged to vote for their favorite historic place from a diverse slate of 25 sites throughout the seven-county Twin Cities Area.

The winner of the public vote is guaranteed grant funds.  The remainder of the $1 million in grants will be given to a number of the other sites after review by American Express, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and an advisory committee. The committee, co-chaired by R.T. Rybak and Chris Coleman, mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul, respectively, is composed of Twin Cities civic and preservation leaders.

Cast your vote for Mill Ruins Park here...

(voting results shortly after launch on 9/20/2011)

Constructed: 19th Century

Location: 103 Portland Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN

About

Mill Ruins Park is located along the Mississippi River adjacent to St. Anthony Falls. The falls were the literal driving force behind the development of Minneapolis, providing power for lumber and flour mills. Minneapolis served as the Midwestern hub to transform wheat into flour and was known as the “flour capital of the world”. Although most of the mills are gone, their stone foundations and elaborate races that powered the mills survive on the Mississippi riverfront. Some of these have been exposed at Mill Ruins Park, but much more exists underground. The park is open year round, providing over 1.6 million annual visitors with access to the park and trails for recreational use, guided tours and programs, and large public events.

Need

The "Dig In!" project at Mill Ruins Park will engage people of all ages in a hands-on archaeological experience within the Milling District of St. Anthony Falls. The project will be an on-going public archaeological dig. Participants (who will be trained and supervised by professional archaeologists and field technicians) will help with excavation, documentation, and artifact processing. The project will provide people of all ages with the opportunity to actively engage in the preservation and enhancement of Minneapolis’ historic river resources.

Cast your vote for Mill Ruins Park here...

St. Anthony Falls Lock & Dam Tour with Mill City Commons

Tuesday
Sep202011

Day of the Dead / Dia de los Muertos Postcards on Display at the Open Book

Minnesota Center for Book Arts (MCBA) sponsored a Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) postcard competition, and the 253 entries are now on display in the Open Book Lobby Gallery until November 6.  The 4"x6" postcards incorporate a number of artistic methods, including collage, paint, drawing, printing, sewing, photography and digital imagery.  

The below slide show will give you an idea of how diverse the entries are, but we strongly recommend you stop in (1011 Washington Avenue South) to appreciate this creative collection in person.  It's wild!

 

Tuesday
Sep202011

Tonight - Minneapolis Riverfront Development Initiative Draft Report Presentations at MPRB

Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Location:  Minneapolis Park and Rec Board, 2117 West River Road

With the change of seasons comes the prospect of a change of Upper Riverfront scene, as finance consultants HR&A and design team TLS/KVA return to Minneapolis, September 19-21, to present the Minneapolis Riverfront Development Initiative’s (MR|DI) draft report to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation BoardMR|DI committees and the public.

HR&A, TLS/KVA and the MR|DI project team will jointly author the draft report, which is scheduled for release on September 20. In it, the authors will summarize the RiverFIRST vision for Upper Riverfront parks development, along with research, engagement and other steps taken to gather relevant information; detail recommendations for priority sites and projects, timing and funding; and suggest steps and structure for maintaining project momentum.

On Tuesday, September 20, the Minneapolis Park Board invites the community to join Advisory and Technical committee members to a 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. briefing on the draft report at Park Board headquarters.  HR&A, along with TLS/KVA and Project Manager Mary deLaittre, will present to the MR|DI Steering Committee on Wednesday, September 21, beginning at 7:30 a.m., also at Park Board headquarters.

Minneapolis Park Board Commissioners will hear the MR|DI team’s formal presentation during the regularly scheduled board meeting on September 21 at 5:30 p.m. in the board room at Park Board headquarters. At that meeting, Park Board planning staff anticipate asking Commissioners to authorize a 45-day comment period on the MR|DI draft report. For timely information regarding news and developments, community members are encouraged to sign up for the e-newsletter at http://minneapolisriverfrontdevelopmentinitiative.com/newsletter or subscribe to the blog at http://minneapolisriverfrontdevelopmentinitiative.com/feed.

Monday
Sep192011

The Week Ahead in Mill City / September 19-25

Each Monday morning we provide an easy to reference list of events and activities for the week ahead in the Mill City neighborhood.  Submit your events here...

Monday, September 19

John Hiatt and the Combo at the Guthrie

Next Generation of Parks 2011 Speaker Event: Projects of the RiverFirst Design Team

Tuesday, September 20

Surdyk's Scotch Tasting at Ginger Hop

Talk of the Stacks: Nuruddin Farah at Central Library

Nancy Paddock Publication Reading at the Loft

Minneapolis Riverfront Development Initiative Draft Report Presentations at MPRB

Wednesday, September 21

Happy Hour with a Preservationist: Special Tour of Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory

Simple Stocks Cooking Class at Local D'Lish

Minneapolis Park and Rec Board Meeting

Thursday, September 22

Spanish Wine Dinner at Spill the Wine

Midwest Photo Safari St. Anthony Falls Heritage Trail Tours

Big Wine Tastings at Sorella Wine & Spirits

Friday, September 23

Farmers Market Feast Cooking Class at Local D'Lish

Central Library Book Store Fall Clearance Sale (9 days)

Big Wine Tastings at Sorella Wine & Spirits

Saturday, September 24

Minneapolis Beer Fest (near the Dome)

How'd They do That Workshop: Much Ado About Nothing

Gabriel James at The Southern Theater

Paws to Read at Central Library

Spotlight on Local Presses: Coffee House Press at Central Library

Minneapolis Riverfront Tour at Mill City Museum

Mill City Oktoberfest at Mill City Museum

Heart and Soul Gala for People Serving People

Sunday, September 25

Autumn Colors Paddle with Wilderness Inquiry

Minneapolis Riverfront Tour at Mill City Museum

Herb Garden Fun Cooking Class at Local D'Lish

Vikings and Detroit Lions at the Dome

FREEDOM Film at St. Anthony Main Theatre

Monday
Sep192011

Tonight - Next Generation of Parks 2011 Speaker Event: Projects of the RiverFirst Design Team

Time: 7:00pm

Where: U of M College of Design, Rapson Hall, 89 Church Street SE

Admission: Free

Their vision for a renewed and revitalized Upper Riverfront - focusing on water, health, mobility, and green economy - won them the Minneapolis Riverfront Design Competition.  Join us to hear Tom Leader, Sheila Kennedy, and Frano Violich of the bi-coastal urban and landscape design team, TLS/KVA, share project highlights from their other creative works outside of the Twin Cities and discuss the next phase of implementing their work on the much-anticipated RiverFirst project.

Click here to learn more about the Minneapolis Riverfront Design Competition and TLS/KVA.

Co-presented by the Minneapolis Parks Foundation, the Walker Art Center, the University of Minnesota College of Design, and the American Association of Landscape Architects, Minnesota Chapter.

Monday
Sep192011

The Great Minnesota Pet Together Seeks Volunteers for October 1 Adoption Event

Although this event isn't in our neighborhood (it's at the MN Fair Grounds), we know there are a lot of pet lovers here who might want to do a few hours of volunteer service at this October 1 adoption event.

Download Great Minnesota Pet Together

View more documents from Mill City Times
Sunday
Sep182011

Job Posting at the Loft Literary Center

Saturday
Sep172011

Week 20 at the Mill City Farmers Market

With just four Saturdays remaining in the 2011 Mill City Farmers Market season, it's time to get serious with our shopping lists.  The Market is a great place to pick up unique gifts - house warming, birthdays, hostess gifts, and of course Christmas.

Mill City Farmers Market September 17, 2011

Mill City Farmers Market September 17, 2011

Mill City Farmers Market September 17, 2011

Mill City Farmers Market September 17, 2011

Mill City Farmers Market September 17, 2011

Mill City Farmers Market September 17, 2011

Mill City Farmers Market September 17, 2011

Mill City Farmers Market September 17, 2011

Mill City Farmers Market September 17, 2011

Mill City Farmers Market September 17, 2011

Mill City Farmers Market September 17, 2011

Mill City Farmers Market September 17, 2011

Mill City Farmers Market September 17, 2011

Mill City Farmers Market September 17, 2011

Mill City Farmers Market September 17, 2011

Mill City Farmers Market September 17, 2011

Mill City Farmers Market September 17, 2011

Mill City Farmers Market September 17, 2011

Mill City Farmers Market September 17, 2011

Mill City Farmers Market September 17, 2011

Mill City Farmers Market September 17, 2011

Mill City Farmers Market September 17, 2011

Mill City Farmers Market September 17, 2011

Mill City Farmers Market September 17, 2011

Mill City Farmers Market September 17, 2011

Mill City Farmers Market September 17, 2011

Mill City Farmers Market September 17, 2011

Mill City Farmers Market September 17, 2011

Saturday
Sep172011

Monster Halloween Store Opens on Washington Avenue South - Mill City Times Exclusive

It's never too early to start working on your perfect Halloween costume or party, and the Monster Halloween store is now open and ready to help.   They're located at 1211 Washington Avenue South (next to Bobby & Steve's Auto World) and will be open daily 10:00am-10:00pm until November 7th.

The store features two levels stocked with decorations, makeup, accessories, props and costumes for both kids and adults.  

Manager Hunter Duncan has plans to offer artist services for customers who want professionally applied makeup to complete their costume.  We'll post a follow up article when the details are available.

Monster Blowout

Monster Halloween Store

Monster Halloween Store

Monster Blowout

Monster Blowout

Check out some of the cool items and large selection you'll find at Monster Halloween:

Monster Halloween Store

Monster Halloween Store

Monster Halloween Store

Monster Halloween Store

Monster Halloween Store

Monster Halloween Store

There are separate changing rooms for men and women, so you can make sure the outfit that looks great on the hanger also looks great on you.   The "Ladies Boodoir" is located on the upper level, and has 8 dressing rooms.

Monster Halloween Store

Monster Halloween Store

Monster Halloween Store

Reach them at 612-338-5161, or email info@gosota.com with any questions.

Friday
Sep162011

This Saturday at the Mill City Farmers Market

September 17, 2011 Mill City Farmers Market

Friday
Sep162011

This Weekend in Mill City / September 16-18

Events this weekend in and around the Historic Mill District of Minneapolis and across the Stone Arch Bridge in Old St. Anthony.

Friday, September 16

Oktoberfest at Aster Cafe

Lunch with MacPhail

Live Music at Aster Cafe

Saturday, September 17

Oktoberfest at Aster Cafe

Mill City Farmers Market

Art, Politics and Censorship at The Soap Factory

Taste Twin Cities Minneapolis Riverwalk Tour (Starts at Gold Medal Park)

Judith Yates Borger Book Signing at Sorella Wine & Spirits

Childish Films at Central Library

Central Library Book Store Fall Clearance Sale (7 days)

Historic Main Street Tour at Mill City Museum

Second Story Reading: LGBT Panel & Reading (Featuring David Levithan) at the Loft

Live Music at Aster Cafe

Sunday, September 18

Ukrainian Heritage Festival

Minneapolis Bike Tour

Railroad History Tour at Mill City Museum

Vikings and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Dome

Live Music at Aster Cafe

Weekend Brunch

Saturday & Sunday

Brunch at Spoonriver
750 South 2nd St (at Chicago Ave S)
Minneapolis, MN 55401
612-436-2236

Reservations recommended

10:00am - 2:00pm

See the menu...

Saturday & Sunday

Brunch at the Aster Cafe
St. Anthony Main
125 SE Main Street
Minneapolis, MN 55414
612-379-3138

Until 2pm.

See the menu...

Sunday

Brunch at Spill the Wine
1101 Washington Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55415
612-339-3388

brunch buffet 10am- 2pm Sunday
$12/person (kids 3 and under eat free, 4-12 years are 1/2 price!)

includes: eggs, bacon, french toast, hash browns, fresh salad and fruit, pastries, build your own omlette bar and more...

featuring absolut bloody bar for $5.

also offering fair trade coffee and full bar.

Thursday
Sep152011

This Friday & Saturday - Aster Oktoberfest from @astercafe

Aster Oktoberfest

Thursday
Sep152011

Tonight - Central River Forum: Focus on the East Bank

Time: 6:30pm – 8:00pm

Location: Mill City Museum

The developers of the Pillsbury A Mill will present their plans for this National Historic Landmark. The Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership convenes a quarterly forum in the Central Riverfront concerning issues shaping this area.

Central River Forum:
A Mill Outstanding in Our Nation: Shaping the Future of the Pillsbury “A” Mill and Main Street Southeast

Why is this site’s story so important to Minneapolis – and the nation?  How can you help shape the future of the St. Anthony Falls Historic District? What are the pressure points in the development process?  What are two developers planning to propose for the area? 

Experts David Wiggins of the National Park Service and Brian Schaffer of the City of Minneapolis will highlight the big stories this place tells, and preview how and when you can most effectively inform public decision makers. Developers Dominium Apartments and Doran Companies will share their proposals for developing the area, including this National Historic Landmark.

Thursday
Sep152011

Live Music at the Crooked Pint Ale House

Here are some upcoming acts at the newest live music venue in the area, the Crooked Pint Ale House:

9Tomorrows - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2011

Lynhurst - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2011

SellOutStero - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2011

Wednesday
Sep142011

Tonight - "Seeing the Minneapolis Riverfront Photo Contest" Exhibit Opening Reception

Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Location:  Mill City Museum, 704 South 2nd Street

A reception to celebrate the opening of the new exhibit “Seeing the Minneapolis Riverfront Photo Contest.” The reception will take place on Wednesday, September 14, from 6:00pm-8:00pm in the museum’s Mill Commons. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served and a cash bar will be available. Brief remarks will take place at 7:00.  This event is free and open to the public. 

As part of its "Greening the Riverfront" program series, Mill City Museum invited the public to submit striking images of the Mississippi River and the Minneapolis Riverfront. "Greening the Riverfront," funded by St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board, was a year-long series that highlighted how the Minneapolis Riverfront has been transformed from an industrial center into a catalyst for new ways of thinking about our relationship with nature.

The exhibit is runs through January 2, 2012.

Wednesday
Sep142011

Today - Grand Opening of WorkAround

From WorkAround:

You're Invited! Wednesday, September 14th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. we will be having our Grand Opening of WorkAround, a new coworking space in Minneapolis North Loop Neighborhood and the consolidation of the KnowledgeSphere Group of AdviCoach coaches as members of WorkAround.

Where:

WorkAround 
210 North 2nd Street, Suite 101
Minneapolis, MN 55401

RSVP so we can have enough beer and dogs on hand 

Come join us for hot dogs, beer, and networking with each other, our coaches and coworkers.  An official ribbon cutting with the Minneapolis Regional Chamber will start off our event. We will have live music performed by Beck Shaheen.

To pull off this grand event, we are partnering with FINNEGANS and the FINNEGANS Community Fund to provide the beer and with Nate Beck of Natedogs for our hot dog meal.  Both FINNEGANS and Natedogs are social entrepreneurs who are committed to giving back to those in need in our local communities.  FINNEGANS mission is to create sustainable change for those affected by the cycle of poverty and gives back 100% of their profits to support their local priority partner, the Emergency Food Shelf Network.  Natedogs mission: “Get a dog, Give a dog.”

To get your free beer and hot dog, bring a non-perishable food item for the Emergency Food Shelf Network or cash donation to the FINNEGANS Community fund.  We will buy you a dog then Nate will give it back.

Both WorkAround, Inc. and KnowledgeSphere, Inc. are members of the Minnesota Keystone Program and have committed to giving at least 2% of our profits back to local charities.

Learn more about WorkAround and KnowledgeSphere Group of AdviCoach

Wednesday
Sep142011

Mill City Farmers Market September 11 Harvest Moon Dinner

Neighbors and friends of the Mill City Farmers Market filled the train shed Sunday night for the Harvest Moon Dinner.  Attendees enjoyed a feast prepared by Chefs Heather Hartman and Nick Schneider, Cajun music, a colorful live auction, silent auction, raffle, and guest speaker Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie. 

Mill City Farmers Market Harvest Moon Dinner 2011

Mill City Farmers Market Harvest Moon Dinner 2011

Mill City Farmers Market Harvest Moon Dinner 2011

Mill City Farmers Market Harvest Moon Dinner 2011

Mill City Farmers Market Harvest Moon Dinner 2011

Mill City Farmers Market Harvest Moon Dinner 2011

Mill City Farmers Market Harvest Moon Dinner 2011

Mill City Farmers Market Harvest Moon Dinner 2011

Mill City Farmers Market Harvest Moon Dinner 2011

Mill City Farmers Market Harvest Moon Dinner 2011

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Mill City Farmers Market Harvest Moon Dinner 2011

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Mill City Farmers Market Harvest Moon Dinner 2011

Mill City Farmers Market Harvest Moon Dinner 2011

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Can't think of a better way to transition into the Fall season.

Wednesday
Sep142011

Repairs to 35W Bridge Memorial Almost Complete

A few minor tweaks are all that remain of repairs to the 35W Bridge Memorial.  Notice the security cam set up my Minneapolis Police Department - good move!

Repair of 35W Bridge Memorial

Repair of 35W Bridge Memorial

Repair of 35W Bridge Memorial

Repair of 35W Bridge Memorial

Wednesday
Sep142011

Runners Get in the Spirit of the 2011 Mill City Suds Run

Creative runners turned out in full force for the September 10 Mill City Suds Run (formerly known as the Blubber Run).

Mill City Suds Run 2011

Mill City Suds Run 2011

Mill City Suds Run 2011

Mill City Suds Run 2011

Mill City Suds Run 2011

Mill City Suds Run 2011

Mill City Suds Run 2011

Mill City Suds Run 2011

Mill City Suds Run 2011

Mill City Suds Run 2011

Mill City Suds Run 2011

Mill City Suds Run 2011

Mill City Suds Run 2011

Mill City Suds Run 2011

Mill City Suds Run 2011

Mill City Suds Run 2011

Mill City Suds Run 2011 

Mill City Suds Run 2011

Here's a slide show with a more expansive group of pictures:

Tuesday
Sep132011

Video - MPRB Fuji Ya / Waterworks Resolution 09/07/2011

From last week's Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board meeting where they passed the resolution authorizing an agreement with the Minneapolis Parks Foundation to study redevelopment options for the former site of Fuji Ya, now being called the "Waterworks site".