Thanksgiving Dinner at The Depot

Thanksgiving is only a week away!  Enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner in the neighborhood from Noon - 8:00pm at The Depot.

Added bonus - The ice rink will be open for the skating from 5:00pm - 9:00pm.

Tomorrow is Give to the Max Day

There are a number of local nonprofits participating in Give to the Max Day on November 15.  We participated last year, and I found it to be a positive experience.  The system is easy to use, and I received emailed receipts formatted for tax filing purposes immediately.

Some organizations to consider are People Serving People, Minnesota Center for Book Arts, Mill City Commons, Mill City Summer Opera, The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul, Minneapolis Parks Foundation (specifically the "Let's Go SiteSeeing" project),Friends of the Hennepin County Library, The Soap Factory and MacPhail Center for Music.

Launched in November 2009, GiveMN helps nonprofit organizations of all sizes reach new donors, increases giving through fun and engaging campaigns and significantly reduces overall fundraising costs. It is an independent 501(c) (3) supporting organization of the Minnesota Community Foundation. Donations through the GiveMN.org site to nonprofit organizations are tax deductible and irrevocable.

GiveMN will be offering several incentives to inspire nonprofit and donor participation in Give to the Max Day:

For each donation you make on November 15, your name is entered to win a Golden Ticket. One nonprofit donor and one K-12 public schools donor will be randomly chosen every hour to have $1,000 added to their donation. One nonprofit donor and one K-12 public schools donor will also be selected randomly from throughout the 24 hours of giving to have $10,000 added to their donation!

The three nonprofits that get the most people to donate during this event will receive $12,500 for first place, $5,000 for second place and $2,500 for third place.

A small donation can have a big impact. At People Serving People, for instance, a $50 donation will allow a parent to participate in the employment assistance program. This program has helped hundreds of parents secure a job to support their families.

The Soap Factory Tour

The closing reception for Andy DuCett's project "Why we do this" took place this past Saturday night at The Soap Factory.  We had a chance to take a tour a few days earlier with fellow Mill City Commons members.

In addition to the exhibit, Executive Director Ben Heywood gave us an in depth tour of the building, providing history along the way.

Artists maintain workspaces on the top floor in exchange for helping out around building.

With the props and actors removed, the Basement isn't quite as Haunted...

Brenda Langton Wins Charlie Award for Community Hero

Congratulations to Brenda Langton of Spoonriver on winning the 2012 Charlie Award for Community Hero, presented by Mayor RT Rybak at the Pantages Theater this past Sunday. Brenda is pictured here with Sue Zelickson.

The Charlie Awards were created to recognize the organizations, businesses and individuals that comprise our metro area food and restaurant industry to ensure a diverse, vibrant and creative lifestyle and economy. The Charlies were the inspiration of Sue Zelickson, a James Beard award-winning food journalist.

Michelle Gayer of Salty Tart, a Mill City Farmers Market favorite, took home the award for outstanding Pastry Chef.

First Indoor Mill City Farmers Market of the 2012-2013 Winter Season

Shoppers filled the Mill City Museum for the November 10 Mill City Farmers Market indoor Winter Market. With over 25 vendors participating, we had no problem finding all the staples of the regular market.  Mark your calendar for the December 8 indoor Market - a perfect opportunity to pick up Holiday gifts.  :) 

An added bonus for shoppers at the indoor Market is access to the Mill City Museum Store and grabbing a bite at D'Amico & Sons.

Bird's-eye View of Mill District Condos Provided by Ben Ganje

Ben Ganje, a Real Estate Agent at Lakes | Sotheby's International, provided us with this aerial perspective of our Mill District neighborhood.  Thanks for sharing this, Ben - it's scenery most of us would have never had the opportunity to enjoy otherwise. :)

Saturday is the First MCFM Winter Market Inside Mill City Museum

The Mill City Farmers Market bounty continues every Second Saturday inside the Mill City Museum through April 13, 2013.

Mark your calendar for the first Winter Market this Saturday, November 10, when the Mill City Museum’s Commons will be transformed into a bustling marketplace of locally grown and sustainably produced food and gift items.  From 10:00am to 1:00pm, shop for everything from squash varietals, root vegetables, and salad mix to freshly milled grains, honey, syrup, pastured meats, eggs, specialty cheeses, baked goods, flowers, and even wreaths for your front door.

Each Winter Market will bring a unique celebration of seasonal offerings.  On December 8, they'll offer everything you need to make the holidays bright, including Christmas Trees and wreaths from Dawn2Dusk Gardens.  The January 12 Market will highlight many local artisans, and the February 9 Market comes just in time to get that one-of-a-kind Valentine’s Day gift for that special someone.  On March 9, we hope to see the first signs of spring and on April 13^th we will be all geared up for our regular Market season!

Continue to eat local foods this winter while supporting Healthy Foods, Local Farmers. Stock up on carrots, pumpkins, potatoes, garlic, parsnips, apples, eggs, and more local and sustainable food from Mill City Farmers Market. Meat and cheese Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares are available at Braucher’s Sunshine Harvest Farm, MN Valley Organics, and Shepherd’s Way Farms.  Winter produce CSA shares are available at Prairie Hollow Farms.

VOTE! 7:00am - 8:00pm

                                                     

Hennepin County Updates from Jan Callison

Excerpts from Commission Callison's November 1 e-newsletter:

Revenue Bonds Approved For A-Mill Lofts The board, acting as the Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HCHRA), gave preliminary approval to issue up to $55 million in tax-exempt multifamily housing revenue bonds to assist in the construction of a residential rental development – the A-Mill Artist Lofts – in the historic Pillsbury A-Mill at 301 Main St. S.E. in Minneapolis. The $138-million project will include 251 units of affordable rental housing for low- and moderate-income people. Anticipated opening is in the fall of 2014. Debt service on the bonds will be paid from project revenues and other assets pledged by the developer. File photo by Bill Klotz Resolution Opposing Voter ID Amendment Approved The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners gave final approval to a resolution, offered by Board Chair Mike Opat, opposing the Photo Identification Constitutional Amendment (commonly called voter ID). The resolution highlights several issues with voter ID: The language on the ballot is significantly different than the language in the actual amendment, and there are many unresolved details – including what kinds of valid “government-issued” photographic identification will be required. In Hennepin County, there has been no evidence – proven or anecdotal – of voter impersonation – the only type of fraud that could be addressed by voter ID. The amendment raises many serious questions about Election Day registration – a hallmark of the Minnesota voting system – and leaves many unanswered questions surrounding the proposed provisional voting system. The amendment will likely cost millions in taxpayer dollars to operate, and could result in unfunded state mandates that would have a permanent impact on Hennepin and its cities – potentially resulting in higher property taxes or the elimination of services. Constitutional amendments should not be used to stifle, prevent or restrict voting in any way, but should expand and guarantee voting rights and encourage voter participation The board is responsible for the conduct of elections in Hennepin and is uniquely positioned to speak to the integrity of the elections system – including the quality of county and city elections staff; the safeguards that are in place to ensure that elections are fair and that only qualified voters vote; and the training of election judges that takes place. No Salary Increase For Commissioners In 2013 The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners, on a vote of five in favor and one opposed, approved a resolution providing a zero-percent increase in their salaries for 2013, and a 2.5-percent increase in 2014. State law requires that any adjustments in commissioners’ salaries must be adopted before the general election to take effect Jan. 1 of the following year. In 2014, commissioners’ salaries will increase 2.5 percent, continuing the practice of board salaries lagging behind staff increases by a year. Hennepin commissioners have not received any salary increases since 2009. Look for more news at www.hennepin.us/news. 'History Day Hullabaloos' Provide Assistance For National History Day Projects What: National History Day is an inter-disciplinary research project for students in grades 6-12. Experts will offer their assistance at free “History Day Hullabaloos” to students needing help with their projects. Librarians, Minnesota Historical Society staff and mentors from the University of Minnesota will help students narrow their topics, develop their projects, find the best resources, and strategize how to complete their projects in workable phases. This school year’s theme is “Turning Points in History: People, Ideas, Events.” Students choose a topic related to the annual theme, develop a thesis, research the topic using primary and secondary resources, and develop a research paper, exhibit, documentary, performance, or website. Students are advanced from their school to the regional, state and national competitions. When: Saturdays, Dec. 1, Jan. 26, and Feb. 16; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: Hennepin County Library -Minneapolis Central, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis Where: Hennepin County Library – Ridgedale, 12601 Ridgedale Dr., Minnetonka History Day Hullabaloo is sponsored by Hennepin County Library, in partnership with the Minnesota Historical Society. More information is available in the news release.

Set Your Clocks BACK 1 Hour

From Sheriff Stanek's November 1 e-newsletter:

Weekend reminder: Set your clocks back one hour & check safety items!

Daylight Saving ends on Sunday, Nov. 4 at 2 am. Set your clocks back one hour.

The biannual changing of the clocks for Daylight Saving Time is also a great time to check on your family’s preparedness. Please do the following:

• Test the smoke alarms in your home and at work. Don’t forget to test your carbon monoxide alarms, too. Replace the batteries if needed.
• Check the emergency kit in your vehicle.
• Update the emergency contact information in your family’s communication plan. Choose an out-of-area emergency contact that each person in your family can call contact if he/she becomes separated during a disaster situation.
• Make sure that your emergency preparedness kit still includes at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food and water (a minimum of one gallon per person, per day), a flashlight, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, a multi-purpose tool, first aid kit, copies of important documents, and special items such as medications, diapers, and infant formula.
• Check your emergency preparedness kit for expired food items and freshen staples such as water, food and batteries. If there have been changes in prescriptions or dietary needs, adjust your supplies as needed.
  (SOURCE: American Red Cross) 

The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul's November Lineup

November 5, National Theater Live. From the grand stage of London's National Theatre to our big screen at St. Anthony Main Theatre, The Last of the Haussmans plays Monday, November 5 at 7pm. In one of the most sharp-witted productions that you will see all year, Julie Walters (Harry Potter, Billy Elliott, Mamma Mia!) plays Judy Haussman with Rory Kinnear (National's Hamlet) and Helen McCrory (The Queen, Hugo) as her children in this eagerly-anticipated debut play by actor and first-time playwright Stephen Beresford. In what The Guardian called "self-destructive gaiety," Haussmans is a funny, touching and sometimes savage portrait of a family that's losing its grip. Friday November 2, Civic Cinema begins! Just in time for the elections, we are presenting a series of political films that are sure to spark healthy debate. November 2 thru 8, Janeane from Des Moines. This remarkable new political buzz film, told in an inventive fiction-documentary hybrid style, follows an intrepid conservative Iowa housewife as her personal and political convictions are severely tested when she seeks answers from the Republican presidential candidates leading up to the 2012 Iowa Caucuses. See these incredible encounters with the candidates including Mitt Romney and Michelle Bachmann. Director Grace Lee and actress Jane Edith Wilson will be present for a Q&A Sunday, November 4 at 7pm! November 2 and 4, Escape Fire. Join us Friday, November 2 at 7pm for a special preview screening of Escape Fire: The Fight to Rescue American Healthcare, followed by an expert panel discussion (*This screening is selling fast!). This award-winning documentary tackles one of the most pressing issues of our time: how can we save our badly broken healthcare system? Escape Fire plays again Sunday, November 4 at 4pm, and opens theatrically Friday, November 9. November 3 and 4, Suddenly, Last Winter. 2012 MSP International Film Fest directors Gustav Hofer and Luca Ragazzi of Italy Love it or Leave it, return to our screen Saturday, November 3 at 7pm and Sunday, November 4 at 1:30pm with their 2008 documentary Suddenly, Last Winter. In Hofer and Ragazzi's characteristically humorous and exacting style, the film chronicles their personal journey amidst Italy's recent contentious civil union debate. All tickets just $5! Wednesday November 7, Ask Your Shadow. The Film Society and the University of Minnesota present director Lamine Ammar-Khodja and his new documentary Ask Your Shadow (Demande à ton ombre) on Wednesday, November 7 at 4:30pm. Eight years after leaving native Algeria for France, Lamine Ammar-Khodja decides to end his exile on January 6, 2011, the day major riots break out in Algiers. Followed by a discussion with the director and professor Patricia Lorcin, Department of History, UMN. Click on the images below for more information.

The Film Society Ticket Prices: $8.50 - Regular $6.00 - Students w/ ID / Seniors 62+ / Children under 12 $5.00 - Members The Film Society presents the very best of national and international independent cinema on Screen 3 at St. Anthony Main Theatre, 115 SE Main Street, Minneapolis, MN 55414 The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul 125 SE Main St, Suite 125A, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55414 info [at] mspfilmsociety.org | 612.331.7563 | mspfilmsociety.org

Two Thumbs Up for Bite Squad Food Delivery

After noticing these green and white cars in the neighborhood, and chatting with a delivery person in our elevator, we decided to try the Bite Squad food delivery service.  Simply enter your zip code and you'll receive a list of the restaurants to choose from, their available menu, and minimum order amount. 

Bite Squad's system is easy to use, and leaves nothing to question.  Upon ordering, a confirmation email was sent reiterating all the details, and our order arrived within the promised time.  

Happy Halloween!

From last year's Day of the Dead / Dia de los Muertos Post Card Contest at Open Book:

November 15 UMN Combined Heat and Power Facility Project Update Open to Public

Via an October 22 e-mail from Carolyn Manthei-Lund, Community Relations,University of Minnesota:

You Are Invited to a Project Update:

A New Combined Heat and Power Facility for the UMN Twin Cities Campus

Thursday, November 15, 2012

5:00 p.m. Program begins at 5:15 p.m.

REGISTER: http://chpupdate.eventbrite.com/

The University of Minnesota is planning to reinvest in steam and electrical power operations at the "Old Main" facility on the East Bank campus. The plant is at 1180 Main Street SE, at the East head of the Dinkytown Bikeway Bride (Bridge No. 9). The plant will use natural gas to co-generate steam heat and electrical power, and will reduce the University's carbon footprint.

The University hosted initial information meetings about the project in August, 2011, and the design phase began early this year. A permit application will be submitted to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency in January, 2013.

I hope that you will be able to join us for this project update. If you know others who may be interested, please post or forward, and encourage them to attend.

For further details and to REGISTER: http://chpupdate.eventbrite.com/

Week 25 at the Mill City Farmers Market - Final 'Outdoor' Market of the 2012 Season

October 27 marked the final outdoor Market of the 2012 season, with a starting temp of around 32 degrees and bright sunshine.   The Mill City Farmers Market bounty continues every second Saturday inside the Mill City Museum from November 10, 2012 - April 13, 2013.  There will be 25+ vendors at the November 10 Market, so mark your calendar and make a list!

Below, delish goat meatball samples from Singing Hills Goat Dairy. :)

Public Comment Opportunities for 2013 MPRB Budget

From an October 25 e-newsletter:

PROPOSED 2013 MINNEAPOLIS PARK BOARD BUDGET FOCUSES ON FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY, SERVICE DELIVERY AND MAINTAINING PARK SYSTEM

Public comment opportunities scheduled Nov. 7 and 28, Dec. 12

The Superintendent’s Recommended 2013 Budget for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) focuses on maintaining park services and facilities, strategically addressing financial and operational challenges, and improving organizational efficiency and service delivery.

“The proposed operating budget reflects a zero percent property tax increase and focuses on maintaining what we have, with prioritized budget package options for Board consideration that would fund specific programs and services up to the maximum of a three percent property tax levy, ” explained Superintendent Jayne Miller. “It reflects the Park Board’s commitment to sound financial management and strategic long-term planning. In 2013, we are investing in neighborhood and regional parks, technology and equipment. We are expanding community engagement to ensure all residents have access to programs and services that are designed based on community input, participation and the diverse needs of residents.”

The Superintendent’s Recommended 2013 Budget totals $62,794,451 for the general operating fund and $10,245,866 for the enterprise operating fund. Initiatives launched by Superintendent Miller in 2012 to align revenue and expenses to department activity areas are continued in her recommended budget. While the organization’s budget and personnel numbers remain similar to 2012, positions and budget accounts have been realigned in the recommended 2013 Budget to meet the needs of the community and the organization. 

According to Miller, the 2013 Recommended Budget reflects the Park Board’s commitment to service delivery and incorporates organizational performance improvements.

“We are committed to assessing and improving our work processes,” Miller explained. “The proposed 2013 Budget includes implementation of initiatives developed in 2012 to improve worker safety, internal service coordination and external service delivery.”

The proposed budget and other budget-related documents are available for viewing at www.minneapolisparks.org (select left link “About MPRB” then “Park Board Budget”) or by calling 612-230-6400. The public may comment on the proposed budget during the following times:

Nov. 7, Public Comment Session – Administration and Finance Committee meeting, MPRB Headquarters, 2117 West River Road, Minneapolis. The Committee meeting will follow the Board’s regular meeting at 5 pm

Nov. 28, Public Comment Session – Regular Board meeting, MPRB Headquarters, 2117 West River Road, Minneapolis, at 5 pm

Dec. 12, Public Hearing – City of Minneapolis public hearing on City levy and 2012 Budget, City Hall, Council Chambers Room 317, 350 South 5th Street, Minneapolis, at 6 pm

The Superintendent’s recommended budget outlines initiatives aimed at meeting the Board’s strategic goals and budget frameworks, including:

• Focus resources on maintaining the park system and address issues of aging infrastructure, especially in neighborhood parks. Use Comprehensive Plan as guidance for maintenance of natural areas and boulevard trees.

• Become a national leader in issues of sustainability, including collaborative efforts with the City Council, Mayor, County, local business leaders, and the public, making our city greener, cleaner and energy efficient.

• Focus on our partnerships, especially with the City and the Public schools, to focus on the service delivery and responsibilities across jurisdictions to assess what is working and what can be changed or improved in difficult financial times.

• Focus on new strategies of community engagement, including greater transparency and information that is posted online, outreach strategies, and clarity about our processes and procedures. Enhance our communications and relationships with communities, media, agencies, and partners.

• Focus on a financial plan that increases revenue growth with grants, new program offerings, sponsorships and foundation giving, but also plan for potential budget reductions that are the result of projected state deficits or increased costs.

• Assure that basic services and programs remain accessible, community based, and equitable. Reaffirm the importance of outdoor activities for children.   

• Shape city character through nationally recognized park development and redevelopment strategies.

Periscope Continues to Grow in the Mill District

The Line is an online magazine delivered free via email every Wednesday.  They recently mentioned Periscope, a Mill District agency on Washington and 10th Avenue South, for it's amazing continued growth.

Following a steady hiring rate in 2011, the agency kept growth strong this year, adding 123 employees as of the beginning of October. That brings the company's total employee count to 475, with the majority of those staffers in the Minneapolis offices.

More from The Line...

135 New Jobs Anticipated With $30 Million Valspar Project in Downtown East

The Valspar Corporation recently announced plans to expand its research and development campus and renovate its former headquarters building located at 11th Avenue South and South 3rd Street.  The company is investing $30 million in the project, which will add 87,000 square feet of laboratory, meeting and office space, and create up to 135 full-time jobs over the next two years.   The project is expected to be completed in early 2014.

Read more:

Twin Cities Business...

Star Tribune...

2012 Downtown Minneapolis Perception Survey

From an October 23 Minneapolis Police Precinct 1 e-newsletter: 

2012 Downtown Minneapolis Perception Survey

Please participate in this important annual survey about Downtown Minneapolis. Share the survey link with your colleagues, friends, clients, neighbors, students and social media followers to help the Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District collect much needed feedback from the downtown community.

The survey will be open through November 15th.

By participating you can enter a drawing for gift cards valued at $20 - $50! 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DowntownPerceptions2012

For questions, contact:

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

To Protect With Courage
To Serve With Compassion

Week 24 at the Mill City Farmers Market

We arrived at the October 20 Market just as the vendors were completing their set up, and caught this eerie fog backdrop.