Izzy's Ice Cream Construction Update [Photo]

From earlier this week:

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/millcitytimes/8450850896/in/photostream/lightbox/

Spoonriver Cookbook Signing and Food Samples at February 9 Mill City Farmers Winter Market

In 2006, Brenda Langton opened Spoonriver and founded the Mill City Farmers Market. She has also authored a number of cookbooks, and will be on hand at the February 9 MCFM signing copies of her most recent cookbook, The Spoonriver Cookbook (University of Minnesota Press).  There will also be samples of some the tasty recipes featured in the book.

The indoor Market is held inside the Mill City Museum from 11:00 am - 1:00pm. 

For nearly forty years, Brenda Langton has been one of the most recognizable guiding lights of Twin Cities organic dining. The Spoonriver Cookbook is a tribute to her acclaimed Spoonriver restaurant and the Mill City Farmers Market, as well as a presentation of the vision and philosophy behind Spoonriver’s delicious creations and its remarkable chef.  She is a senior fellow at the Center for Spirituality and Healing at the University of Minnesota and an educator and consultant on healthy eating.

Minneapolis/St. Paul Selected as Host Cities for 2017 International Urban Parks Conference

Via a January 31 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board:

Washington, DC – The national urban park advocacy organization City Parks Alliance announces the selection of San Francisco and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/Saint Paul as host cities for the next two International Urban Parks Conferences in July 2015 and July 2017.

“We are excited to announce the selection of the next host cities for City Parks Alliance’s International Urban Parks Conference,” said Catherine Nagel, Executive Director, City Parks Alliance. “San Francisco and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/Saint Paul offer two very different geographic settings for our International Urban Parks Conference. At the same time, each offers some of the most innovative work happening today around urban park planning, design and programming and each clearly demonstrates the power of partnerships in creating and sustaining urban parks.”

San Francisco will host the conference in 2015 and Minneapolis/Saint Paul in 2017.

Click here to continue reading the full news release online.

Apartments.com Donates $12,500 to People Serving People

Facebook Campaign Generates Awareness and Funds for Local Charity

People Serving People Executive Director Daniel Gumnit and Tammy Kotula, Public relations and Promotions Manager at Apts.com.

Apartments.com recently presented a check for $12,500 to People Serving People at the culmination of their second annual “Raising Awareness. Taking Action: A Campaign to Help End Homelessness” Facebook initiative.  As part of the campaign, Apartments.com promised to donate $1 to People Serving People for every new “LIKE” it received on Facebook from November 1, 2012 – December 31, 2012.

“We are thrilled to have been able to support People Serving People as part of our second annual campaign,” said Dick Burke, senior vice president and general manager of Apartments.com.  “In every aspect this year’s campaign was a true success, generating a lot of support for the organizations we identified to receive the donations not only on Facebook, but across all social media channels and in the news. While $12,500 by itself won’t bring an end to homelessness, we hope it helps People Serving People to be able to continue the monumental good they do each and every day.  It was an honor for our organization to be able to do our small part on behalf of People Serving People this past holiday season.”

Because of the emergency shelter they provide to 99 homeless families every night in Hennepin County, People Serving People was identified as one of the beneficiaries of the second annual campaign—the other is Dallas, TX-based Vogel Alcove, who also received $12,500. Located in Downtown Minneapolis, People Serving People’s 10-story building is essentially a hotel whose primary form of hospitality comes in helping families to overcome homelessness. Apartments.com made a $15,000 donation to the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless during their inaugural effort in 2011.

“The new face of homelessness is that of a five year old child.  By supporting People Serving People, you can change a homeless child’s life,” states Daniel Gumnit, CEO of People Serving People.  “Support through the creative efforts of Apartments.com will provide shelter and solutions to help families break the cycle of poverty.”

Apartments.com committed to making a $1 donation for every new “LIKE” received on their Facebook page on behalf of the people who participated between November 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012, up to a maximum of $25,000, to be divided equally between People Serving People of Minneapolis, MN and Vogel Alcove of Dallas, TX. Participants were not required to make any financial contribution, just simply visit (www.facebook.com/Apartments.com) and click “LIKE” before December 31, 2012, to have $1 donated on their behalf to help end homelessness. 

About People Serving People
People Serving People provides emergency shelter to 99 homeless families every night in Hennepin County. Located in Downtown Minneapolis, this 10-story building is essentially a hotel whose primary form of hospitality comes in helping families to overcome homelessness. Families come to the shelter because of landlord foreclosures, job loss, financial crisis, evictions, overwhelming medical expenses, etc. – and they leave with stronger community connections, dedicated advocates, employment, stable housing, and a chance at a better future. The heart and soul of People Serving People’s work is the time spent on strengthening the futures of the 200+ children at the shelter every day – through early childhood education, healthy meals, volunteer readers and tutors, healthcare, family activities, school transportation, and stabilization of family life. Everyone deserves to have a place to call home – and People Serving People depends on the community’s support to help families find their way home. Visit them on the web for more information.

About Apartments.com
Apartments.com is a leading national apartment Internet listing subscription service with more than 50,000 unique addresses representing millions of rental units from managed properties, newspaper classifieds and for-rent-by-owner properties. By incorporating the most relevant products to reach renters, including personalized searches and highly-visual ads featuring live chat, real-time rent, online video walk-through demonstrations, professional photography, a mobile website and iPhone and Android apps, Apartments.com creates easy access to its listings. Providing unmatched exposure to its advertisers through an intuitive name, strategic search engine placements and featured partnerships and more than 120 newspaper websites and innovative emerging media, Apartments.com reaches millions of renters nationwide, driving both qualified traffic and highly-engaged renters to leasing offices across the country. Apartments.com is a division of Chicago-based Classified Ventures, LLC. The Apartments.com network of apartment rental websites includes Apartment Home Living (http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/), a leading social media apartment website distinguished by a "live for fun" community experience, proprietary lifestyle matching and local living guides to help renters find their perfect place to live; Rental Homes Plus, an online destination where house hunters who prefer to rent can choose from a robust inventory of houses, condos, town houses, duplexes and apartments from around the country; and Rentfish, a national apartment website offering customizable searches by neighborhood, favorite coffee spot, sports arena, famous landmark and more.

Nordic Lights Film Festival 2013 Coming to St. Anthony Main

The fourth annual Nordic Lights Film Festival – Twin Cities, in partnership with The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul, will screen February 8 – 14 at St. Anthony Main Theater in Minneapolis.

From its inception in the summer of 2008, the purpose of the Nordic Lights Film Festival – Twin Cities is to highlight contemporary cinematic treasures of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, and to support Minnesota’s historic Scandinavian ties while giving a modern look into new sides of Nordic cultures.
 
The Nordic Lights Film Festival attracts film goers of all ages captivated by the longstanding film making traditions of the North. It also provides an opportunity to share the richness and diversity of the Nordic cultures through the lens of film. The festival will include a variety of feature-length and short films. The festival will also provide opportunities to mingle and interact, helping to connect our local Nordic community with fellow film enthusiasts.

Vietnamese New Year Celebration at Central Library to Feature Dance, Music, Storytelling, Martial Arts

On Saturday, Februray 2, at 1:30pm, the Central Librarywill host “Tet: Vietnamese New Year 2013”.

Children and families will kick off the Year of the Snake and learn about the biggest and most popular festival of the year in Vietnam. They'll discover unicorn moves and drumming to drive off bad luck, listen to zodiac tales, watch and dance along with a cultural dance group and enjoy a martial arts demonstration.

Performers are Hoang Anh Dance Group, Anh Ha Kieu Nguyen performing on a suspended bamboo xylophone, Asian Storytellers Alliance, and a martial arts demonstration by Hua Truong and Mac Le.

Presented in collaboration with Hung Vuong Association of Minnesota, and funded by Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Minnesota Winters of Past

The Minnesota Historical Society shared...

From Youtube:

As Minnesotans, we love to talk about the weather. Talk about it, obsess over it, live in it, love it. Or love hating it, at least. Since the Saint Paul Winter Carnival and Crashed Ice start soon, we thought this a good time to look at a variety of winter weather from images and film in our Collection, including an Easter snowball fight, winter swimming, -20 degrees, and blizzards. Enjoy the misery of others and maybe watch it again come July!

This Saturday - Free Electronics Recycling

Minneapolis PAL (Police Activities League) is partnering with Tech Dump in sponsoring an electronics recycling event exclusively for all residents of the City of Minneapolis. By dropping off your electronics for recycling, you are helping sponsor the efforts of Minneapolis PAL.

Date/time: Saturday, January 26, from 8:00am — 1:00pm.
Location: 4119 Dupont Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55412

Items that can be recycled:
- DVD and VCR Players
- Cell Phones and PDAs
- Computers, Laptops and Accessories
- Fax Machines and Printers
- Stereo Equipment and Speakers
- Game Consoles and Accessories
- Flat Panel TV’s/Monitors
- CRT’s and TVs ($15, NO CRT’s over 25″)
- …Anything with a battery or cord on it (not appliances)
 
Safe, secure, and responsibly prompt disposal guaranteed!

For more information call 763-432-3117.

Benessere Body in Balance Now at 501F1T

Diana, Phil and the staff at 501F1T are excited to announce their new bodywork partner, Benessere Body in Balance.  501 Washington Avenue South is the second location for Benessere, their first one being in St. Anthony Main.

New Assistant Superintendent Leads Minneapolis Parks’ Recreation Division

Via a January 16 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board:

New Assistant Superintendent Leads Minneapolis Parks’ Recreation Division

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s (MPRB) new leader for its Recreation Division is now in place. MPRB Superintendent Jayne Miller announced Nicholas Williams as her selection after a national candidate search and Williams began his duties as the new Assistant Superintendent for Recreation on Monday, Jan. 14.

“Minneapolis provides an abundance of recreational opportunities that draw residents and visitors alike and I’m pleased to have Nick on board to serve in such a vital role within the organization,” said Superintendent Miller. “Nick is a highly effective leader who has exceptional knowledge of operations, management and programming to keep us moving forward. He provides an expertise in community engagement, is adept at managing and mentoring a diverse staff, and offers an innovative approach to solving problems and thinking outside the box.”

The Park Board’s Recreation Division provides expertise to lead, provide and create affordable recreational, cultural, educational, and leisure opportunities to benefit and enhance the lives of all Minneapolis residents. The division oversees recreation facility operations, including recreation centers, golf courses, aquatic facilities and beaches, ice arenas, cross-country skiing venues, and the Wirth Winter Recreation Area; recreation, education, and interpretive programming; use and event permitting; and athletic fields and complexes. The Recreation Division also provides support to the Recreation Committee of the Board.

A long-time resident of Atlanta, Williams brings leadership and community building experience to the MPRB. Since 2007, Williams served as Parks Operation Manager and Interim Director for the Office of Recreation and Office of Parks for the City of Atlanta. Prior to his time with the City of Atlanta, Williams also served as the Director of Community Building for Park Pride, a non-profit organization that supports Atlanta’s park system.

“I'm thrilled to join such a team of experienced and passionate people,” Williams said. “I'm honored to be a part of the greatest parks and recreation system in the country and I look forward to being intricately involved in its continued forward progress.”

Mill City Farmers Market January 12 Winter Market

Bruce Bradley signed copies of his novel, Fat Profits, at the January 12 Market.  In addition to authoring this book, he blogs on his website about the tricks, traps, and tools big food companies use to get us eating processed food.

I'm short on pictures for the January 12 Market, but I love this one of a little guy sampling cheese:

And this little girl contemplating her veggies:

I'm thinking this fresh pasta, along with an arugula pesto skyr sauce, garnished with diced tomatoes and crumbled bison chorizo, will make a great Market Meal.

Mark your calendar - the next MCFM Winter Market is February 9.  :)

1st Precinct Reports Rise in Bike Thefts

From a January 8 e-news alert:

First Precinct has seen a rise in bicycle thefts from underground parking facilities in the last two weeks

In a proactive effort, MPD is asking the community to take special care with bicycles stored in underground parking facilities. It is earlier in the year than what we usually see this type of activity so we are urging extra precaution.

Several bicycles have been stolen, particularly in the North loop Community. A Bicycle Theft Information Flyer is attached along with a Home Inventory Sheet.

Stay aware of who is in your garage; do not allow anyone to piggyback when you are entering through the service or overhead doors. Allow the doors to fully close before proceeding in or out of the parking area. Secure you bicycle to a stationary object with a good lock. Make sure you have the description and serial number recorded and stored in a safe place.

Urge you neighbors to sign up for Crime Alert bulletins by going to http://www.minneapolismn.gov/police/crimealert/WCMS1Q-070530?list=90&nb=20

For questions, contact:

Renee Allen, Crime Prevention Specialist
Minneapolis Police Department, First Precinct
renee.allen@minneapolismn.gov
612-673-5163

Bike Theft.docx

Copy of Home-Inventory-Form.pdf

The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul - Here's What Playing/Coming

The Film Society programming screens at St. Anthony Main Theatre, 115 SE Main Street.

Friday January 4 thru Thursday January 17: Promised Land. Gus Van Sant (Good Will Hunting, Elephant, Milk) directs this intelligent drama embedded in the social, economic, and environmental issues surrounding the 'fracking' boom in rural America. Written by and starring John Krasinski and Matt Damon, based on a story by Dave Eggers.

January 18 thru Febraury 7: Frozen Docs. Starting mid-January, The Film Society presents a new series of acclaimed and award-winning documentaries hot off the festival circuit. Kicking things off will be Eugene Jarecki's (Why We Fight, Freakonomics) astonishing probe into the 'war on drugs': The House I Live In; and lyrical documentarians Bill and Turner Ross' (45365) mesmerizing discovery of New Orleans viewed through an all-night forbidden excursion taken by three young brothers: Tchoupitoulas.

Check out the other titles to be featured during Frozen Docs below.

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‘Winter Jackets’ Reading Program for Adults Begins February 1

Via a January 4 Hennepin County Library e-newsletter:

“The Snow Angel,” “The Chocolate Snowman Murders” and “Dashing Through the Snow” are a few of the books Hennepin County Library staff recommends when “the weather outside is frightful”.  What are you reading? Hennepin County Library invites readers age 17 and up to share their comments about what they’re reading by participating in “Winter Jackets,” a free adult reading program scheduled Feb. 1-28 at all Hennepin County libraries.*

Presented in collaboration with the Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA) and back by popular demand for its fifth year, “Winter Jackets” encourages adults to read to their hearts’ content throughout I Love to Read Month (February), then post book reviews at their local library. Public libraries throughout the seven-county metro area (www.melsa.org) are participating in the “Winter Jackets” program.

Whether you like fiction or nonfiction in print, as an audiobook on a CD or downloaded to an MP3, or downloaded to your computer or eReader, make the most of a season of snow and cold by curling up indoors with lots of great books, sharing your reading recommendations with others and finding out about lots of great titles to add to your reading list.

Three Ways to Share

Hennepin County Library offers you three ways to share your book recommendations with others:

· Fill out a “Winter Jackets” book review form. Look for a “Winter Jackets” display with blank review forms at your local library. At Home Service patrons who are homebound can submit their book recommendations via a review form included in the At Home Reader newsletter and materials mailed to them, and by phone.

· Create book lists to share online via Hennepin County Library’s BookSpace.

· Add your comments about books via Hennepin County Library’s online catalog.

“One of the great things about this metro-wide program is that adults can participate whether they read fiction, mysteries, poetry, biographies or other nonfiction,” said Hennepin County Library Director Lois Langer Thompson. “It’s a great opportunity to share what you’re reading, as well as find out about good books.”

As part of the month-long “Winter Jackets” reading program, a “Winter Jackets Book Chat” is scheduled on Tuesday, Feb. 12 at 10:30 a.m. at Hennepin County Library – Brookdale, 6125 Shingle Creek Parkway. Librarians will talk about books they’ve enjoyed over the past year and patrons will be invited to talk about some of their favorites, too. Registration is requested and begins Jan. 15 (call 612-543-5600).

For more information, visit your library, go online to www.hclib.org or Ask Us. For a list of library locations and hours: http://www.hclib.org/pub/info/locations.cfm. To see Library staff’s “What We’re Reading” list: http://www.hclib.org/pub/bookspace/WhatWereReading/Reviews.cfm. 

*Hennepin County Library – Roosevelt and Hennepin County Library – Walker are currently closed for renovation or construction.

Park Board Selects Officers, Committees, Representatives for 2013

Via a January 3 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board:

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) held its annual meeting Wednesday, Jan. 2, and elected its officers for 2013. Commissioners elected John Erwin as President for the fourth consecutive year and Liz Wielinski as Vice President for the second consecutive year.

The Board also elected Michael P. Schmidt to continue serving as Secretary to the Board and Attorney Brian Rice and firm Rice Michels and Walther LLP as General Counsel.

President Erwin appointed the following Commissioners to serve on Standing Committees of the Board (one-year terms):

•Administration and Finance Committee – Chair Scott Vreeland, Vice Chair Anita Tabb, Bob Fine, Jon Olson, Liz Wielinski
•Recreation Committee – Chair Bob Fine, Vice Chair Brad Bourn, Carol Kummer, Anita Tabb, Liz Wielinski
•Planning Committee – Chair Anita Tabb, Vice Chair Bob Fine, Jon Olson, Scott Vreeland, Annie Young
•Operations and Environment Committee – Chair Jon Olson, Vice Chair Brad Bourn, Liz Wielinski, Scott Vreeland, Annie Young
•Legislation and Intergovernmental Committee – Chair Carol Kummer, Vice Chair Jon Olson, Bob Fine, Anita Tabb, Liz Wielinski
•Standards and Conduct Committee – Chair Liz Wielinski, Vice Chair Annie Yount, Scott Vreeland, Carol Kummer, Bob Fine
•Innovation and Development Committee – Chair Annie Young, Vice Chair Jon Olson, Scott Vreeland, Liz Wielinski, Brad Bourn, Juli Wiseman
 
Park Board Commissioners, ten citizens and Superintendent Jayne Miller were appointed to serve on the following external boards, commissions and panels. All terms are one year unless otherwise noted.

•Planning Commission – Liz Wielinski (second year of two-year term)
•Board of Estimate and Taxation – Bob Fine
•Neighborhood and Community Engagement Commission – Citizen appointee Ali Warsame (two year term expires July 2013)
•St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board – Scott Vreeland, Liz Wielinski, John Erwin, citizen appointee Stephanie Gruver, Superintendent Jayne Miller
•Youth Coordinating Board – Brad Bourn
•Minneapolis Institute of Arts Board – Anita Tabb
•Mississippi Watershed Management Organization – Scott Vreeland, alternate Annie Young
•John H. Stevens House Organization – Carol Kummer
•Minneapolis Parks Foundation – John Erwin, alternate Bob Fine
•Minneapolis Tree Advisory Committee – Scott Vreeland, citizen appointees Peggy Booth, Gay Noble, Jeanne LaBore, Don Willeke
•Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership – Liz Wielinski, Scott Vreeland, Anita Tabb
•Minneapolis DID Gate Committee – John Erwin
•Minneapolis DID Greening Design & Infrastructure Committee – John Erwin
•Southwest LRT Community Works Steering Committee – Anita Tabb
•Bottineau Transitway Policy Advisory Committee – John Erwin
•Minneapolis Bicycle Advisory Committee – Citizen appointees Janice Gepner, Matthew Hendricks, Joshua Houdek (two-year term expires May 2014)
•Internal Audit Committee – Citizen appointee Mark Oyaas (three year term)
 
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board typically meets at 5 p.m. every first and third Wednesday of each month for regular meetings. Board meetings are broadcast live from 5 to 9 p.m. on the Minneapolis Government Meeting Channel 79 on Comcast cable and online on the Channel 79 webpage.

Meeting agendas and related information are typically posted on http://www.minneapolisparks.org/ two business days prior to each meeting.

Vandals Strike Gold Medal Park Sign Again

Vandals mangled the L on the sign this weekend:

A Few Favorite Shots from 2012

In no particular order - some random shots taken in 2012.  Click on any picture to see the photo set on flickr.

Let City Gardens Flower Mill Beautify Your New Years Eve

Dan & Kaia of City Gardens Flower Mill would like to help make your New Year's Eve beautiful.

Call "Dan the Flower Man" for a custom flower arrangement to add elegance to your evening, or bring as a hostess gift. Get $5 off for every $30 spent.  Per Kaia, "It's sort of a YEAR END SALE. We're just trying to keep up with the gang over at Sorella Wine and Spirits!" 

Pick up or delivery available.  Hours: Saturday 10am-6pm and Monday 10am-4pm. (Closed Sunday)

Reach them at 612-332-7377, visit their website, or email them at citygardens@mac.com.

City Gardens Flower Mill wishes their Mill City Friends and Neighbors a Happy New Year!

West River Parkway Closed January 1 for Commitment Day 5K

A portion of West River Parkway from 4th Avenue to 11th Avenue will be temporarily closed Tuesday, January 1, from 9:00am to 1:00pm during the Commitment Day 5K.

Ring Out 2012 With The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul

Oscar contender, A ROYAL AFFAIR opens Fri, Dec. 28 thru Thu, Jan. 3

A ROYAL AFFAIR is the true story of an ordinary man who wins the queen's heart and starts a revolution. Centering on the intriguing love triangle between the ever more insane Danish King Christian VII (Mikkel Boe Følsgaard), the royal physician who is a man of enlightenment and idealism Struensee (Mads Mikkelsen) and the young but strong Queen Caroline Mathilda (Alicia Vikander), A ROYAL AFFAIR is the gripping tale of brave idealists who risk everything in their pursuit of freedom for their people... Above all it is the story of a passionate and forbidden romance that changed an entire nation.  Purchase Tickets

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SISTER - Now Showing thru Sun, Dec. 30

Winner of the Silver Bear at the 2012 Berlin Film Festival and Switzerland's Oscar Submission for Best Foreign Language Film. Twelve-year old Simon lives with his older sister in a housing complex below a luxury Swiss ski resort. With his sister drifting in and out of jobs and relationships, Simon takes on the responsibility of providing for the two of them. Every day, he takes the lift up to the opulent ski world above, stealing equipment from rich tourists to resell to the local kids down in the valley. But, when Simon partners with a crooked British seasonal worker, he begins to lose his boundaries, affecting his relationship with his sister and plummeting him into dangerous territory. An Adopt Films release.  Purchase Tickets