It's the Holidays in the Mill District!


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.
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.
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.
MSP FILM SOCIETY
Promoting the art of film as a medium that fosters cross-cultural understanding, education, entertainment, and exploration.
GREAT RIVER COALITION
Enhancing the Minneapolis riverfront environment—for people and pollinators.
Key contributors to the Central Riverfront Neighborhoods.
Organizations involved in preserving and rivitalizing the Mississippi River and the Minneapolis Riverfront. Thank You!
Friends of the Mississippi River
Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association
Minneapolis Community Planning & Economic Development
Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board
Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership
MN Mississippi River Parkway Commission
Mississippi Watershed Management Organization
National Center for Earth-surface Dynamics
River Talk | Institute on the Environment | U of M
St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board
Public spaces and landmarks along the Minneapolis Riverfront.
Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway
Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
North Mississippi Regional Park
Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory
Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock & Dam
A complete list of Minneapolis Parks.
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.
From now thru December 31, we'll be posting random shots from around the neighborhood that capture the Holiday Season. Enjoy!
From the Mill District of Minneapolis.
Everyone we've played this for has thought it was an awesome new take on a holiday song, totally fresh. Can't wait for it to be released next year. That girl has serious talent.
Directed by J.D.Steele, the concert included pop, jazz, gospel and East African selections as well as compostions by members of the choir.
The MacPhail Center for Music is located in the Historic Mill District of Minneapolis.
During the month of January, 2011, Mill City Commons is offering $100 off household memberships. As an added bonus, members who join in January will have their membership extended through March 2012.
Mill City Commons is a unique neighborhood organization offering members a variety of interesting activities, in addition to other benefits.
For more information, please contact Executive Director Linnea Tweed at 612-455-3329, or email linneatweed@millcitycommons.org.
I recently subscribed to a weekly online magazine called The Line.
The Line "tells the story of the new economy in The Twin Cities - a narrative of creative people and businesses, new development, cool places to live, and the best places to work and play."
From a front page drop down menu, you can select what area of Minneapolis you'd like to read about. For example, the December 15 edition had an article about The Soap Factory under the Riverfront/Mill District section.
While the Riverfront/Mill District section doesn't have frequent entries, it's still another interesting source for information about our neighborhood.
Just received this from Ruth at the office of City Council Member Lisa Goodman -
Minneapolis has declared a Snow Emergency beginning today, Dec. 20, 2010. To make the transition from Winter Parking Restrictions to Snow Emergency rules, drivers may start moving their cars off of Snow Emergency Routes and on to EITHER side of the non-Snow Emergency Routes beginning at 4 p.m. today, Dec. 20.
Winter Parking Restrictions, which ban parking on the EVEB side of non-Snow-Emergency routes, are not in effect during this Snow Emergency. However, beginning at 8 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 23, Winter Parking Restrictions will resume.
This latest Snow Emergency will be the 5th of the season. Minneapolis received more than 24 inches of snow in December, making it the 5th snowiest December recorded in the metro area. Since more snow began falling this morning, City crews have been plowing and treating streets to keep them drivable. Now that a Snow Emergency has been declared, Snow Emergency parking restrictions will take effect beginning at 9 p.m., Monday, so crews can plow the 1,000 miles of streets as wide as possible. That’s the equivalent of 3,200 “lane miles” of streets that need to be plowed—enough to plow a lane from Minneapolis to Anchorage, Alaska.
It is imperative that drivers follow Snow Emergency rules and move their cars out of the ways of the plow. It’s in everyone’s best interest to follow the parking rules so plows can do the best job possible and folks can avoid a ticket and tow. Working together, City crews can deliver the high-quality plowing services that residents demand.
Snow Emergency parking rules
Last Night, Dec. 20 , 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. (Day 1)
Do not park on EITHER side of a Snow Emergency route until the street is fully plowed (completely cleared and plowed to the full width of that side of the street).
Tonight, Dec. 21, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Day 2)
Do not park on the EVEN side of a non-Snow Emergency route, or on EITHER side of a parkway until the street is fully plowed.
Wednesday, Dec. 22, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Day 3)
Do not park on the ODD side of a non-Snow Emergency route until the street is fully plowed.
Thursday, Dec. 23 - 8 a.m. (“Day 4”) - Return to Winter Parking Restrictions
Between 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 23, and 8 a.m., Friday Dec. 24, people can begin moving their cars from the EVEN side of non-Snow Emergency Routes to the ODD side to be in compliance when the Winter Parking Restrictions resume at 8 a.m. During Winter Parking Restrictions, parking is banned on the EVEN SIDE of non-Snow Emergency Routes. Drivers still need to follow all posted NO PARKING signs.
Winter Parking Restrictions were put into effect Friday, Dec. 17 in Minneapolis to ensure reliable access for emergency vehicles after a record December snowfall. Parking is banned on the even side of non-Snow-Emergency-routes until April 1, unless conditions allow the City to lift the ban earlier. Parking is allowed on both sides of Snow Emergency routes and parkways, and the ODD side of non-Snow Emergency-routes, unless otherwise posted and provided a Snow Emergency has NOT been declared. Drivers parking in Minneapolis must follow these Winter Parking Restrictions, or they could be ticketed and towed.
For more information on Snow Emergencies and Winter Parking Restrictions, visit www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/snow.
Yesterday we issued a press release announcing our Mill District Community Cornerstone awards -
http://www.prweb.com/releases/Mill-District/Minneapolis/prweb4911264.htm -
a project we've been working on for some time. Initial reactions from two of the first four:
"We are very fortunate to be part of such a vibrant neighborhood and cultural corridor and to partner, as we often do, with MacPhail Center for Music, the Guthrie Theater and Open Book on programming for youth and families. Thank you, Mill City Times, for your support and enthusiasm" said Laura Salveson, Director of the Mill City Museum.
“MacPhail Center for Music is proud to be a part of a neighborhood that values the arts, education and community. We are not only committed to excellence in music education for all ages and abilities, but offer a sense of community and belonging for people who love music.” Paul Babcock, president and COO of MacPhail Center for Music offered.
These organizations were among the first to commit to our neighborhood during its revitalization, and have played a huge role in the growth and vibrancy of our community. They highlight our role as the historical and cultural center of Minneapolis, and they draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to our neighborhood each year.
The Community Cornerstone awards will be announced bi-monthly throughout 2011, and will include well known, and lesser known organizations, all of which play a vital role in the Mill District of Minneapolis.
Minneapolis Veterinary Hospital, located at 1030 Washington Avenue South, recently hosted a fundraising event for Pet Project Rescue. Pet Project Rescue is a no-kill, 501(c)(3) non-profit rescue which places homeless animals in foster care homes until they are adopted by their forever families.
Above, Lisa and Curtis Sanford. Curtis is a Veterinarian, as well as Owner and Founder of Minneapolis Veterinary Hospital. Lisa is the Office Manager and Receptionist. Below are two members of their staff - Heather, a Certified Veterinary Technician, and Kathy, a Veterinary Technician.
Above, Lisa with artist Georgiana Ewing, who contributed this painting of rescued dog Oscar for the silent auction. Oscar, an 8 year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, was the inspiration for the fund raising event. Georgiana is a Texas artist who paints animals in bold, joyous colors. Below, another example of her work.
Above, Pet Project Rescue Co-Founder and Director, Maia, and Adoption Coordinator, Lindsay, with Aspen, a rescued 10 week old puppy (which they believe to be a Huskey/Samoyed mix). During the fundraising event, the Sanfords raised $1,900 for Pet Project Rescue. Funds cover animal care expenses, such as spaying/neutering prior to adoption.
In addition to dogs, Minneapolis Veterinary Hospital cares for other small animals such as rabbits, cats, guinea pigs and birds. Dr. Sanford offers advanced surgical techniques, cutting edge medical care and Stem Cell Certification for Arthritis in dogs and cats. He also serves on the Board for Pet Accolades, an organization that provides service dogs for those with invisible disabilities.
The Mill City Museum will hold a public reception to open the exhibit for "Seeing the Big River: The Eco-Art of Peter L. Johnson" on January 13 from 6:00pm-8:00pm.
This new exhibit challenges viewers to 'See Beauty in Damaged Places'. Peter L. Johnson says of his work that it "seeks and sees beauty in damaged places." By creating what he calls "lyric" photographs, Johnson chooses subjects that present an unsettling truth about the devastating relationship between humans and the Mississippi River.
Johnson will give remarks at 7:00pm and refreshments will be available. The exhibit is located in the museum’s central Mill Commons, and is free and open to the public during regular museum hours.
Photographs accompanied by found "specimens" and videos will be on display at Mill City Museum from January 13 - May 16, 2011.
Johnson draws on his varied background as a documentary photographer, solo street performance artist and social activist to create his body of work entitled "Devastating Beauty." In his recent series called "Specimens" he expands on the bumper sticker slogan, "Take only photographs and leave only footprints." Johnson photographs then removes the "specimen" from the ecosystem finally presenting the item next to the photograph in a gallery setting. Johnson says "this adds another layer of connection between humans and their effect on the environment."
In the "Immersion" series, Johnson sparks a discussion about the dangers of just being in the Mississippi River. In order to enter the waters he had to sign a waiver which he displays alongside the life-size prints and a corresponding video.
This exhibit is part of "Greening the Riverfront," a series of programs that explore how humans interact with nature, in the past, present and future.
Built within the ruins of the Washburn A Mill, a National Historic Landmark, the award-winning Mill City Museum chronicles the flour milling industry that fueled the growth of Minneapolis. The story comes to life through the eight-story Flour Tower, Water Lab, Baking Lab and other hands-on exhibits.
Events in and around the Mill District this weekend:
Friday, December 17
Saturday, December 18
Discovery Saturday: Paws to Read at Minneapolis Central Library
The Nutcracker According to Mother Goose at Southern Theater
An 'Eventually' Christmas: Holidays at the Mill
Mill City Farmers Market at Local D'lish
Childish Film: Toys' Stories at Minneapolis Central Library
Sunday, December 19
The Nutcracker According to Mother Goose at Southern Theater
An 'Eventually' Christmas: Holidays at the Mill
Weekend Brunch
Saturday
Brunch at Spoonriver
Reservations recommended
10:00am - 2:00pm
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.
Minneapolis institutes Winter Parking Restrictions to improve access for public safety vehicles.
To ensure that Minneapolis public safety crews and equipment can safely and swiftly reach every home and business in the city, public safety and Public Works officials have enacted Winter Parking Restrictions beginning at 8 a.m., Friday, Dec. 17, 2010.
Police Chief Tim Dolan and Public Works Director Steve Kotke – in consultation with Fire Chief Alex Jackson - made the decision to enact Winter Parking Restrictions because the conditions warrant taking this step to maintain public safety.
Last weekend’s blizzard was a historic storm – the fifth largest in Minneapolis history, and the largest December snowfall ever, and Minneapolis has received nearly as much snow in November and December than it did all of last winter. This significant amount of snowfall has left many residential streets severely narrowed, making it challenging for fire trucks and other emergency vehicles to navigate.
Beginning at 8 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 17, drivers parking in Minneapolis must follow these Winter Parking Restrictions, or they could be ticketed and towed:
- Do NOT park on the EVEN numbered side of non-Snow-Emergency-routes.
- Parking is allowed on both sides of Snow Emergency routes and parkways, and the ODD side of non-Snow Emergency-routes, unless otherwise posted and provided a Snow Emergency has NOT been declared.
- It is possible that Snow Emergencies can be declared while Winter Parking Restrictions are in place.
When it snows, folks should take advantage of the many tools the City offers to find out if a Snow Emergency is declared:
Call the hotline - By calling the automated (612) 348-SNOW hotline, folks can find out if a Snow Emergency has been declared and where to park during Winter Parking Restrictions. The hotline will include information on parking restrictions that drivers need to follow to avoid tickets and tows. The hotline includes information in Spanish, Somali, and Hmong.
Check out the City’s website - Go to www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/snow to find out whether a Snow Emergency has been declared and for a wealth of information on Snow Emergencies in many languages. For Winter Parking Restrictions information visit www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/snow/winter-parking-restrictions.asp
Phone alerts - Minneapolis uses a phone alert system to notify residents when Snow Emergencies are declared and Winter Parking Restrictions are instituted. It is an automated notification system that can place thousands of calls per hour. The system automatically calls listed numbers—to also receive a call to your cell phone, go to www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/snow/phone-alert.asp to sign up.
E-mail alerts - You can sign up to get Snow Emergency alerts automatically e-mailed to you. Go to www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/snow/esubscribe.asp for more details.
The media - News releases are sent to the media so TV, radio stations and other news outlets can inform their viewers, listeners and readers that a Snow Emergency is in effect or Winter Parking Restrictions have been instituted.
On Cable - Tune in to cable channels 14 and 79.
Facebook – “Like” Minneapolis Snow Emergency on Facebook. Go to www.facebook.com/MinneapolisSnowEmergency.
Twitter - www.twitter.com/minneapolissnow
Saturday December 18 is the official last day to frop off toys. Check with your local drop off center to confirm as the deadline could vary.
According to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Minneapolis website, the 2009 local Toys for Tots campaign distributed over 350,000 toys to children in the community.
The need is still great in 2010, and it's easy to contribute a toy or two at one of the convenient drop off sites here in our neighborhood, such as:
Ticket King, 212 Chicago Avenue South, 651-298-8100
Aloft, 900 Washington Avenue South, 612-455-8414
Bridgewater Lofts, 215 10th Avenue South, 952-292-7235 or 612-341-4000
Click here for a full list of drop off sites in Minnesota (listed in alphabetical order by city name).
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