Hennepin County Libraries Update

I recently received a notice that the newly renovated Hennepin County Library-Northeast (2200 Central Avenue NE - artist's rendering below) will reopen on Saturday, April 2.

Also mentioned in the notice: "Hennepin County Libraries are nationally recognized as one of the top library systems in the United States. The 41-libraries serve 1.2 million residents in Hennepin County and offer about 5 million books, CDs, DVDs, electronic resources and other items in more than 40 languages, as well as over 1,775 public computers."
 
We of course have the incredible Central Library close by on Nicollet, with it's seemingly endless array of programs for both children and adults. 

If an onsite visit isn't feasible, there's 24/7 online access to items such as the Hennepin County Library catalog, electronic databases and other online resources, the program calendar, information about the Library Foundation of Hennepin County, and other library information. 

Tonight - Free Restorative Yoga Class

Time: 6:30PM

Location: The Zenith, 901 South 2nd Street

Victoria Rico is hosting a Restorative yoga class in penthouse #904 at the Zenith.  Space is limited - the first 15 folks to call text or email Victoria will enjoy a yoga class with beverages and snacks after class.  To make a reservation for a free yoga class at the Zenith Condominiums contact Victoria at 612.554.7755 or victoria@victoriarico.com

More info...

Show Off Your Vocal Talents at Grumpy's

In case you missed it, Grumpy's (1111 Washington Avenue South) was featured in Alex Gaterud's February 21 Star Trib articleregarding the resurgence of karaoke. 

Tonight - 'Telling True Stories Panel' at The Loft

Time: 7:00pm

Location: Open Book, 1011 Washington Avenue South

Admission:  $10 admission/$5 for Loft members, ASJA members and students. (Tickets available at the door. No advance ticket sales.)

Telling True Stories: 

Three Award-Winning Writers Talk About Literary Journalism
Panel discussion with Deborah Blum, Michael Perry and J.C. Hallman

The future of publishing may be in flux, but one thing remains constant:  There will always be a need for writers who can tell a good story.  This panel brings together three master storytellers to discuss their craft and to examine the role of narrative journalism in the 21st century.

More info...

Twin Cities Named 7th Most Active

Time named the 15 most active cities in the United States on Friday, with the Twin Cities coming in at #7.  The graphic with the article was of runners on the Stone Arch Bridge in the Mill District.

From Time.com:

Although it has the coldest average yearly temperature (45 degrees F!) of any major U.S. metropolitan area, Twin Cities residents manage to avoid hibernation. It could be the city's abundance of water ways: lakes, wetlands, waterfalls and the Mississippi River are all within city limits. Or it could be the designated bike paths and greenway trails through which 10,000 Minneapolitans commute to work each day — the second highest rate of bike commuters in the country. In fact Bicycle magazine named Minneapolis the best biking city in 2010. If this city's residents can endure Arctic air masses on two wheels, the rest of us have little excuse.

Today - Anime Showcase at the Central Library

Time: 4:30pm–6:30pm

Location: Pohlad Hall, Central Library

Anime Showcase:  Hayate the Combat Butler
 
Grade 7 and up. Don’t miss this chance to watch an amazing line-up of Japanese animation on the big screen! Anime Twin Cities and Teen Central have teamed up to offer something for everyone. Cosplay encouraged.

Sponsored by the Anime Twin Cities.

Vikings Stadium - Downtown Offers Most Potential for Economic Impact

Existing Metrodome site has a cost advantage of $200 million over prospective North Loop site, according to Star Tribune editorial.

While they don't come right out and say it, it's clear the site of the Metrodome is the overall best site for a new Vikings stadium.  Parking, mass transit and other infrastructure seem to give a big cost advantage to the current site relative to any other in the Twin Cities.  The importance of the core cities to the overall economic vitality of the State of Minnesota should give priority over a suburban site.

Read the full article...

Tonight - Randy Newman at the Guthrie Theater

Witness an American-music legend as he performs favorites including Louisiana, Leave Your Hat On, Feels Like Home, I Love to See You Smile and You've Got a Friend in Me live at the Guthrie Theater.

More info...

Only 4 Days Left for CorAzoN's Consolidation Sale

CorAzoN's Consolidation Sale, with savings of up to 70% off, ends February 24.

The Benefits of Being a Mill City Commons Member - An Ongoing Series

Dave and I became members of Mill City Commons(MCC) in January.  We joined for a number of reasons, including the ability to attend interesting member-only events, meet fascinating people, and to have more of a hands on role in helping with their various fundraising activities. 

Unfortunately, time constraints keep us from attending all the events we'd like to.   Linnea Tweed, Executive Director at MCC, filled us in on an event we missed this past week:

"We had no idea how timely our February Compleat Scholar topic on the Egyptian civilization would be when we scheduled it last summer. Our speaker, Professor Steven Derfler, Ph.d., was in Egypt in January and returned to the USA one day before the political protests started. He included recent events in his presentation on the history of Egyptology and shared some amazing pictures. Our partnership with the University of Minnesota makes these exclusive classes available to members right here in our neighborhood."

To learn more about Mill City Commons, please visit the website, or contact Linnea at 612-455-3329 or linneatweed@millcitycommons.org.

This Weekend in Mill City / February 18-20, 2011

It's a busy weekend in the Mill City, my home town.  Events this weekend in and around the Historic Mill District of Minneapolis and across the Stone Bridge in Old St. Anthony.

Friday, February 18

Exhibition opening at MCBA - Parts of a Whole: New Work by MCBA's Artist Community

Ten Thousand Things' Doubt, A Parable at Open Book

Stormwater BMP Performance and Cost Benefit Assessments at McKnight Foundation

Alisa Weilerstein and Gabriel Kahane at Southern Theater

Artist Talk with Rosemary Williams at The Soap Factory

Live Music at the Aster Cafe

Saturday, February 19

Faculty Concert at MacPhail

Alisa Weilerstein and Gabriel Kahane at Southern Theater

Bundle Up, Walk Right Into Winter at Minneapolis Central Library

Scandinavian Classic Baking with Pat Sinclair at Mill City Museum

Twisted Fairy Tales at Minneapolis Central Library

Whisker Whirl: A Party for People and Pups at the Depot

Mill City Farmers Market at Local D'lish

Midwest Photo Safari "Minneapolis Nights" in the Mill District, Winter 2011 Special Session

Live Music at the Aster Cafe

Sunday, February 20

Chamber Music at MacPhail

Accordo at Southern Theater (2 nights)

Live Music at the 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.

Two New Restaurants, Live Music Planned for 501 Club Space in the Mill District

From The Journal:

WASHINGTON AVENUE — The 501 Club is gone, but the live music may make a comeback at 501 Washington Ave. S., if Mario Cocchiarella has his way.

Cocchiarella, who owns the building that Jarret Oulman’s venue vacated last January, has plans to resurrect the space as not one but two new bar/restaurants. And both will likely have live bands.

Cocchiarella made an appearance at a Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association (DMNA) meeting on Feb. 7, seeking a recommendation for a Class B liquor license.

Promising news.  We'll be tracking this and providing updates.

Read the full article...

Minneapolis Leads the Metro Out of Recession

With all of the negative financial news being published and broadcast, here's an upbeat counterpoint from MinnPost. 

A state's biggest city is often expected to play the role of basket case. By some measures, Minneapolis fits the stereotype. It has more than its fair share of poverty, criminals, troubled schools, high taxes and dense city-hall bureaucracy.

But there's another side to the city that might surprise a lot of people. Minneapolis is better educated than its suburbs, an attribute that may have helped it weather the recession better than the state and metro area. The city's unemployment rate — 6.6 percent — is lower than either the metro's or state's. Its housing market is comparatively stronger, having led the metro in housing starts, even in the teeth of the recession. And through the darkest months of 2008 and 2009 it maintained its momentum on construction, in part because of a new ballpark but also because of targeted public investments in neighborhood projects.

We caught up this week with Mike Christenson, director of the city's Department of Community Planning and Economic Development, to talk about how cities might best protect their potential during hard times.

Read the full article...

Tonight - Historic Resource Survey Meeting at Our Lady of Lourdes

Brian Schaffer, Senior City Planner for the City of Minneapolis, recently announced the schedule of locations, dates and times for public meetings to introduce the Historic Resources Survey project.

The purpose of the survey is to:

- Identify unknown historic properties.
- Recommend properties for further study.
- Make informed decisions about the significance and protection of historic resources.
- Develop goals and strategies for preservation as well as neighborhood planning.

The city has been divided into several Survey Areas, and the Mill District is included in the Central Core Survey.   The meeting for our neighborhood will be held Thursday, February 17, from 6:00pm-7:30pm at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.

More info...

CorAzoN Closing Washington Avenue Location, Consolidat​ion Sale February 15 - 24

We received the following notice from Susan Zdon, owner of CorAzoN, who recently finalized plans to consolidate her store locations to the Lake Street shop.

We are consolidating our 2 locations down to one. That means we are closing the downtown Washington Avenue store (but we will have our Lake Street at the Mississippi River store continue to do business as usual).
 
At the Washington Avenue location (ONLY at the Washington location) we will have a sale from Feb 15-Feb 24th.  All categories of merchandise will be on sale.  The sale will start at 30-50% off.  The next mark down will be 40-60% and finally 50-70%.  It is merchandise and a few fixtures.  We would love to have people come in and shop but also say hello - and if needed get directions to our ongoing store on Lake Street.
 
Thank you to all our customers over the years who have become friends, the many creative artists who have shown work with us, and all of you who have helped make CorAzoN successful. Please come and shop the great bargains at the Downtown Washington closeout sale.

And then please continue to visit us at Lake Street. 4646 East Lake Street at River Road 55406.  Telephone 612-276-0198.
 
All the Best
Susan and the CorAzoN Staff

Those of us living/working in the Mill District will miss having CorAzoN here - from the neat selection of merchandise and friendly staff to the irreverent cards.  And, of course, the fun artist parties...

Tonight - Performance And Discussion With Gabriela Lena Frank And Nilo Cruz at Open Book

In collaboration with Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, the Loft presents a performance and discussion with composer Gabriela Lena Frank and poet and playwright Nilo Cruz, the first Latino recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
Cosponsored with Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra

Award-winning composer Gabriela Lena Frank and playwright Nilo Cruz join musicians of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra for a special discussion and performance event at the Loft Literary Center. In anticipation of the SPCO’s forthcoming world premiere performances of Frank and Cruz’s song cycle La centinela y la paloma, the composer and playwright will discuss their work and unique collaboration. The evening will feature readings from Cruz’s work and performances of Frank’s music by members of the SPCO.

More info...

Pet Care Tips - An Ongoing Series from Curtis L. Sanford, DVM

This is the seventh installment of Pet Tips from Curtis L. Sanford, DVM.

There are several ways you can care for your pet’s teeth every day. A complete home dental care program for your pet often will include brushing as well as a special pet food that helps care for your pet’s teeth while he or she eats.

Even if you aren’t able to brush your pet’s teeth every day, by incorporating a special pet food into your pet’s daily routine, you can provide the dental care needed to keep your pet healthy. Be sure to discuss the options with your veterinarian to determine which are right for your pet.

Brushing Your Pet´s Teeth

1) Introduce a brushing program to pets gradually. Avoid over-restraining your pet and keep brushing sessions short and positive. Praise and reassure your pet throughout the process.

2) At first, dip a finger into beef bouillon for dogs or tuna water for cats. Rub the soaked finger gently over the pet’s mouth and teeth. Again, make the initial sessions short and positive.

3) Gradually, introduce gauze over the finger and gently scrub the teeth in a circular motion.

4) Finally, introduce a soft toothbrush designed for pets. Special pet toothbrushes are available from your veterinarian or specialty pet store. Don’t use toothpaste designed for people because it could upset the animal’s stomach.

Minneapolis Veterinary Hospital is currently offering 10% off all Dental related items for the months of February and March.

Dr. Sanford is a Veterinarian and Owner/Founder of Minneapolis Veterinary Hospital in the Mill District.   He can be contacted at 612-746-0300 or mplsvet@live.com.

He Knew it Was Time to Start Working Out When His Wife Said...

Doug and Pam have been married for 12 years.   After the wedding, Doug stopped working out - fast forward 3 or 4 years, and an eye opening statement from Pam made him realize he needed to make a change.  They were shopping on a rainy day, and Pam was watching Doug run to the car.  When he got in the car, she blurted out, "Your boobs jiggle more than mine!".  It was then that Doug decided he needed to get back in shape.  As you can see below, he's kept that commitment and he and Pam enjoy working out together.

  

Email Andrea Austin at andrea@tweakmyworkout.com if you'd like to try a complimentary RealRyder spin class at 501SP1N, or if you have a fitness or nutrition question. 

Beautiful Array of Valentine's Flowers and Gifts at City Gardens Flower Mill

Valentine's Day is Monday!  City Gardens Flower Mill owner, Dan Seefelt, took a few moments to show us some of the gorgeous fresh flowers and gifts available to melt your sweetie's heart.  Call Dan today at 612-332-7377 to place your special order.

 Or how about a flower that lasts forever:

Sorella Wine & Spirits has that Perfect Wine for a Special Valentine

When we asked Stacey at Sorella Wine & Spirits for an example of a current special that would work well for Valentine's, she recommended Mumm Napa.  I'm no connoisseur, but the description sounded wonderful: "Crisp and elegantly styled, with floral apple and yeasty spice aromas that lead to layered flavors of baked pear, citrus and creamy vanilla."