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.

Monday
Mar142011

Mill District Business Spotlight: Level Salon

Although we've walked by Level Salon countless times since moving to the neighborhood, it wasn't until a recent visit that I discovered what a cool place it is.  Located at 903 Washington Avenue South, owner Gary Anderson and his staff recently celebrated the salon's 5 year anniversary.

Level Salon 006

Level Salon 012

Gary (pictured above) co-owned Take Five on First for 17 years prior to opening Level Salon.  He loves the energy of the Mill District neighborhood, and was careful to incorporate the original beams of the 100+ year old building into the salon's sleek design. 

Below, sample pieces from Level Salon's first art show grace the wall.  Gary featured the work of Bulgarian artist Silvia Yordanova for this first event, and it was a smashing success.  The next art show is planned for later this year. 

Level Salon 004

The old beams work well to frame a product display:

Level Salon 010

The space Gary started with was a blank canvas.  He worked with an architect to ensure the limited square footage was utilized efficiently, functional and visually pleasing.

Level Salon 001

But let's be honest.  A salon can have a great location and snazzy appearance - neither of which matter if it's missing the most important element - terrific people.   Level Salon excels there, as well. There are 9 stylists, serving both men and women clientele.  Services include haircuts, color and highlights, manicures and pedicures, and eyebrow/lip waxes.   

They also offer special occaison styling.  Being located across the street from the Aloft makes it convenient for wedding parties.  Check out some wedding photos on Level Salon's Facebook page.

As Mishon (below) explained to me during what could qualify as the worlds best pedicure, the team has worked together with Gary for many years, and are like family. 

Level Salon 013

It's been a long time since my last pedicure - mainly because memories of a sadistic technician who cut my toe still haunt me.  Mishon, on the other hand, was very gentle, yet very thorough.  If you're in need of a pedicure, or looking for a gift certificate idea, you can't go wrong with Mishon.

Level Salon 015

I'll be heading back to Level Salon in the near future for a hair cut with Jeffrey. 

Sunday
Mar132011

Neighborhood Volunteer Opportunities at People Serving People

People Serving People, located at 614 South 3rd Street, provides emergency housing and community services that assist families experiencing homelessness in becoming self-sufficient and reconnected with the community. 

They currently have the following volunteer needs:

Meal Server

Serve breakfast, lunch or dinner to PSP guests and assist with clean-up as necessary.

Breakfast: 7:30am - 9:00am                     
Lunch: 11:30am - 1:00pm                   
Dinner: 4:15pm - 5:45pm
Must be at least 12 (children 12 - 15 must be accompanied by an adult).  Great for groups: 2-3 volunteers for breakfast, 4-6 volunteers for lunch and dinner.

Building Beautification

Assist our housekeeping department with duties including general upkeep of the building and donation sorting.
Monday-Friday: 8am - 4pm (2 hour shift)             
Weekends: 8am - 2pm (2 hour shift)
Requirements: Must be at least 12 years old (children 12 - 15 must be accompanied by adult).

Children's Activity Assistant

Help our staff facilitate games, crafts and group activities with children ages 3 - 17.
Fridays: 5:15pm – 7:30pm
Sundays: 12:45pm – 3:15pm
Requirements: Must be at least 18.

Click here to fill out an online volunteer application

Saturday
Mar122011

Vikings Stadium Update - The Global Stadium Proposal

The Minnesota Vikings chances for a new stadium are improving, it seems, based on a proposal from the Minnesota Timberwolves.  MPR broke the story of a "Global Stadium Solution" prepared by the basketball team.  But what does it mean for the Mill District neighborhood?

I'm speculating here, but the proposals call to keep the Metrodome operating as a community sports center probably means the new Vikings Stadium would be built on the other side of Downtown Minneapolis:

1. The Star Tribune site being considered is adjacent to the Metrodome - would 2 stadiums side-by-side make sense?  No.

2. The other downtown location is near Target Field and Target Center (home of the Timberwolves.

3. Core business district movers and shakers are working to locate the new stadium near Target Field.

Trying to read between the lines, including the dome does not make sense except to preclude our neighborhood as the new site.  Minneapolis City Council Predident Barb Johnson seems to agree the the dome aspect of the proposal is a bad idea in a Star Tribune article in today's paper:

Barb Johnson, the Minneapolis City Council president, said Friday that while she favors a global solution to the Twin Cities' professional stadium issues, the plan's aim to build a new Vikings stadium and keep the Metrodome was a "red flag." The Vikings have played at the Metrodome in downtown Minneapolis for 29 years.

"There'd be two football stadiums, and I just don't think that's very practical," said Johnson, who said she had only recently seen the plan.

Read the MPR article...

Read the Star Tribune article...

Global Stadium Solution

Saturday
Mar122011

Countdown to May 7 Opening Day at the Mill City Farmers Market!

Be sure to mark your calendar for May 7 - we're only 8 short weeks away from Opening Day at the 2011 Mill City Farmers Market!

Every Saturday until opening day, we'll be posting pictures and videos from the 2010 MCFM to help get you in the mood...

Mill City Farmers Market 2010

Mill City Farmers Market 2010

Mill City Farmers Market 2010

Mill City Farmers Market 2010

Mill City Farmers Market 2010

Mill City Farmers Market 2010

Mill City Farmers Market 2010

Mill City Farmers Market 2010

See you at the Market!

Friday
Mar112011

This Weekend in Mill City / March 11-13, 2011

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

Friday, March 11

3-day Creative Nonfiction Conference at Open Book

Children’s Defense Fund Beat the Odds Award Dinner at The Depot

Doveman and Nadia Sirota at Southern Theater (2 nights)

Live Music at the Aster Cafe

Saturday, March 12

Tim Carroll Opening Reception at The Soap Factory

Guthrie Theater: Once Upon a Time Storytelling at Central Library

MacPhail Spotlight Series: Una Noche en España

Washburn A Mill Tour at Mill City Museum

Ribbon Cutting for Soap Factory's New Entrance Walkway

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

Live Music at the Aster Cafe

Sunday, March 13

David Hyde Pierce at The Guthrie

MacPhail Community Partnership Recitals and Open House

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.

Thursday
Mar102011

Tonight - Central Riverfront Forum: Creating a Downtown Gateway to the Mississippi River, Focus on Fuji-Ya

Time: 6:30pm – 8:pm

Location: Mill City Museum, 704 Second Street South

Where a fifty-foot wide canal for Mississippi waters once supplied the world’s largest direct-drive hydro-powered industrial complex, a visitor will now see the boarded-up Fuji-Ya restaurant, mill ruins, a shady grove and a railroad bed, and can look beyond to the St. Anthony Falls, the Stone Arch Bridge and the Third Avenue Bridge. Just two blocks from Washington Avenue, the downtown street grid meets the river here, creating two levels and scenic views of the falls.

The Central Riverfront Forum will focus on this site. Tom Meyer of Meyer, Scherer and Rockcastle will share insights he prepared with a public-private team facilitated by the Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership and the Minneapolis Park Foundation.

Other topics include an update on restoring the falls in the East Channel of the Mississippi and an invitation to apply for Downtown area representation on theAbove the Falls Citizen Advisory Committee.

The Central Riverfront Forum provides a quarterly update on Central Riverfront issues. Additional 2011 dates will be:  June 9, September 8, December 8 at Mill City Museum. 

This event is free.  For more information, please contact Cordelia Pierson at 612-465-8780 x212 or cordelia.pierson@gmail.com

Wednesday
Mar092011

Mill District Business Spotlight: Bierbrauer Chiropractic

I recently met with Dr. Chris Bierbrauer of Bierbrauer Chiropractic, located at 221 10th Avenue South in the Bridgewater Lofts building.   The soothing spa aroma puts you into relaxation mode as soon as you enter the office.  His website states it's "a new kind of Chiropractic care", and I quickly learned exactly what that meant. 

After earning his degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1995, Dr. Bierbrauer practiced in Green Bay, Chicago and Platteville.   All the while, he knew there was a better way to treat patients, and about 10 years ago he started looking at soft tissue work.   Since establishing his own practice here in the Mill District in November 2008, he now concentrates on two soft tissue methods - the Active Release Technique and the Graston Technique.  This is what sets Bierbrauer Chiropractic apart from other practices.

Below, Dr. Bierbrauer demonstrates how he uses specific tools to manipulate nerves at the muscle level.  This allows him to zero in on issues ranging from carpal tunnel syndrome to tennis elbow.  He cited an example of a patient suffering from "calf contracture" - her calf muscles were so tight they felt like bone, and she was unable to stand flat-footed.  Soft tissue treatments were the effective treatment for her.

Patients range from newborns to seniors, although a large percentage are athletes - runners, iron men, triathletes, skiers and weight lifters.  In fact, Dr. Bierbrauer's first patient was a pitcher from an AL Central Team in town for a game against the Twins.  Although his office wasn't officially open yet, he was sought out because of his ability to perform the tissue treatment needed for this professional athlete.

A colicky baby may be in need of a single adjustment to provide relief.  The birthing process can be tramatic - all the manipulating can cause immobility in the neck from the cranial nerve that comes off the brain stem. 

Dr. Bierbrauer explained the efficiency of soft tissue treatments.   He does not subscribe to the old ways of scheduling X visits per week for X number of weeks.  Rather, he spends more time with a patient during a visit, and only schedules a follow up if it's needed.  (So this old joke does not apply here: "How many chiropractors does it take to screw in a light bulb?  Only 1, but it takes 36 visits.")

Dr. Bierbrauer lives in North East with his wife, Missy Wilson, a Graphic Designer for Duffy & Partners (another Mill District business).

Tuesday
Mar082011

Tonight - Wine Seminar at Sorella Wine & Spirits

Time: 5:30pm-7:00pm 

Location: Sorella Wine & Spirits, 1010 Washington Avenue South

Reservations Required - 612-339-4040
 
Chris Griese - Sake Specialist - World Class Wines

Chris has just returned from another week of Sake studies in Japan where he completed Professional Sake Training Level II, with John Gauntner, noted sake author and expert at the National Sake Institute in Tokyo.

Chris is one of only 80 people worldwide to complete the class. We will be tasting some very special Sakes as Chris shares his travel tales and expertise.

Tuesday
Mar082011

The Newest Mill District Cornerstone - Mill City Commons

Today we issued a press release naming Mill City Commons the next Mill District Community Cornerstone award winner. Mill City Commons works tirelessly behind the scenes to connect our community and enrich the lives of members and the whole neighborhood.

According to Kim Eslinger, Editor of the Mill City Times, "More than any other organization, Mill City Commons works to connect the people, businesses and non-profit groups in the Mill District neighborhood".

"We were delighted when Dave Tinjum and Kim Eslinger from Mill City Times joined us for an exclusive sing-along with JD Steele at MacPhail Center for Music last fall. We learned that in addition to being fans of MacPhail, they share Mill City Commons commitment to providing unique connections, resources and support for life for our vibrant neighborhood" said Linnea Tweed, Executive Director, Mill City Commons.

View the press release...

Visit Mill City Commons...

Tuesday
Mar082011

Tonight - Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association Board Meeting

Time: 6:00pm

Location:  Central Public Library - Room N-202

DMNA board meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month. Anyone who lives, works or owns a business or property within the Downtown East and Downtown West neighborhoods is eligible for general membership in the DMNA.

The agenda for tonight's meeting is:

6:00pm Call to order and introductions
6:05pm Consideration of agenda
6:10pm Presentation regarding the Northern Spark summer festival scheduled for June 4, 2011, by Steve Dietz and Andrea Steudel
6:20pm Land Use Update
- Kaplan University (40 S. 7th Street) – Conditional Use Permit application for new signage; Presentation by Mary Ferraro
6:25pm NRP Implementation Report
- Update on City Council action with regards to the NRP Phase II Plan
  o Considered by Community Development Committee – February 15 – Approved
  o Considered by Ways and Means Committee – February 22 – Approved
  o Considered by City Council – February 25 – Approved
6:30 pm Neighborhood and Community Engagement Report (NCEC)
- Update on NCEC action on February 22, with regards to the DMNA 2011 Community
Participation Program application and budget
- Consideration of endorsing neighborhood proposal with regards to the NCEC election
process
6:35pm Consideration of minutes from the February 8, 2011 Board Meeting
6:40pm Consideration of March 2011 Financial Report
6:43pm Staff report presented by Christie Rock
6:45pm Downtown 2025 Update and discussion facilitated by Bob Parr, Downtown 2025 Plan Coordinator
8:00 pm Adjournment

Next DMNA Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 12, 2011, at 6:00pm at the Central Library in Room N-202.

Monday
Mar072011

Tonight - Artist Don Holzschuh Opens Exhibit at The Sanctuary

From the Sanctuary Restaurant:

Sometimes, when I am out looking at art in the Twin Cities, I can't help but be struck by the near embarrassment of art riches around every corner.  Each Quarter, we like to let a few special pieces - done by a local artist - stand out on their own in our dining room.

Don Holzschuh is a well known artist from Minnesota who has done shows in other major US cities (e.g. New York!) as well as France, Germany, Holland and Belgium.  His works are in the collections of major corporations and individual homes in this country and overseas.  We are thrilled to show four of his Minneapolis scenes!  Learn more at www.donholzschuh.com.


Don will be at Sanctuary this coming Monday, March 7, 2011 from around 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. He'll be here with a few of his friends and family and would be happy to meet you as well!  Come see Don's art and, while you're here, enjoy one of Chef's new appetizers, one of our fab new martinis ~ or give yourself a treat and make a dinner reservation!  www.sanctuaryminneapolis.com

Monday
Mar072011

Pedestrian Advisory Committee Seeking Members - Application Review Process Begins April 4

Minneapolis' Pedestrian Advisory Committee, created 5 years ago, is charged with advising the Mayor and City Council on policies, programs and actions for improving pedestrian safety, mobility, accessibility and comfort; for promoting walking for transportation, recreation and health purposes; and for strengthening the linkage between the pedestrian environment and public transportation.

The committee is composed of 15 voting members who reside or own a business in the City and who have an interest in promoting walking and improving the pedestrian environment in Minneapolis.

There are eight Council-appointed vacancies for a term beginning July 1, 2011, and expiring June 30, 2013. These positions will remain open until filled, with the application review process to begin on Monday, April 4.

The committee also includes non-voting members from City Departments and partner agencies with an interest in and impact on pedestrian issues to provide expertise on pedestrian issues and to serve as a liaison between the committee and City departments and partner agencies.

Click here for more information, including the application process.

Sunday
Mar062011

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

Dave and I became members of Mill City Commons 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. 

The next fundraising event to be hosted by Mill City Commons is coming up in a few weeks: Chefs for Change.  It takes place Monday night, March 21, at People Serving People, 614 South 3rd Street.

This special Chefs for Change dinner will be created by Brenda Langton of Spoonriverand feature bountiful garden hors d'œuvres, wine and discussion. The focus of discussion will be on urban gardening and the development of a rooftop garden at People Serving People. Attendees will experience the unique flavor of Spoonriver, as well as learn about issues affecting the local community.  You don't have to be a member of Mill City Commons to attend, but reservations are required.  In addition to doing something good for the community, this would be a great chance to meet current Mill City Commons members.

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

Sunday
Mar062011

Tonight - Michael Langham Memorial Service at The Guthrie

Time: 6:00pm

Location: Guthrie Theater, Wurtele Thrust Stage

A public celebration of the life and work of former Guthrie Artistic Director Michael Langham, who passed away on January 15, will take place Sunday, March 6, at the Guthrie.

Scheduled to pay tribute and share their memories of Langham are Guthrie Artistic Director Joe Dowling, board member Charles Zelle, director Stephen Kanee, production manager Jon Cranney, playwright Barbara Field, musician Dick Whitbeck and actors Barbara Bryne, Peter Michael Goetz, Helen Carey, Sally Wingert and Christina Baldwin.

Saturday
Mar052011

Countdown to May 7 Opening Day at the Mill City Farmers Market!

The 10-day weather forecast screams winter, but we're only 9 short weeks away from Opening Day at the 2011 Mill City Farmers Market!

Every Saturday until opening day, we'll be posting pictures from the 2010 MCFM to help get you in the mood...

 Mill City Farmers Market 2010

 Mill City Farmers Market 2010

Mill City Farmers Market 2010

Mill City Farmers Market 2010

 

Mill City Farmers Market 2010

Mill City Farmers Market 2010

See you there!  :D

Saturday
Mar052011

Today - Kitchen Harvests: World War I Tips for Getting the Most from Your Food at Mill City Museum

Location: Mill City Museum, 704 South Second Street

Times: Noon and 2:00pm

Featured tips in this demonstration include clever ways to pack more nutrition into food, how to turn seemingly useless scraps into meals and ways to get more from your food dollar.

Author Rae Katherine Eighmey will feature food and facts from her new book"Food Will Win the War: Minnesota Cooks, Crops, and Conservation during World War I."  Eighmey will demonstrate the preparation of whole wheat chocolate cookies, cornmeal and rice waffles, and meatcakes. Samples will be available. After each demonstration, copies of Eighmey's book will be available for purchase, and she will be available to sign them.

Friday
Mar042011

This Weekend in Mill City / March 4-6, 2011

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

Friday, March 4

Ten Thousand Things' Doubt, A Parable at Open Book

Lunch With MacPhail

Monthly 1st Precinct Court Watch Meeting at Central Library

ARENA Dances at Southern Theater (3 nights)

David Holland String Master Class at MacPhail

Saturday, March 5

Origami Box Filled with Mini Books Class at MCBA

Kitchen Harvests: World War I Tips for Getting the Most from Your Food at Mill City Museum

David Holland String Master Class at MacPhail

Sunday, March 6

Michael Langham Memorial Service at The Guthrie

Guthrie Backstage Tour

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
Mar032011

Idris Goodwin -- These Are The Breaks at The Loft

Time: 7:00pm

Location: The Loft, 1011 Washington Avenue South

Equilibrium Spoken Word: Idris Goodwin -- These Are The Breaks

Book release performance and celebration with Lisa Brimmer, Guante and Ed Bok Lee. Idris Goodwin is an award-winning playwright, poet and essayist who uses hip hop arts to create original genre-defying performances. His widely produced works have been supported by the The National Endowment for the Arts, The Ford Foundation, The National New Plays Network, The Hip Hop Theater Festival and The Illinois Arts Council. 

Wednesday
Mar022011

Signs of Mill City

Signs of the Mill District of Minneapolis.

Last summer.

Tuesday
Mar012011

Laughing Baby

This belongs on The Wire, but it's too good to bury.