Tonight - Great River Outing: Tour of Graco

Time: 5:30pm – 6:45pm

Location:  Graco, 88 11th Avenue NE

The Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership invites you on a tour of Graco's site on the Mississippi River and learn what it means to be an engaged neighbor on the Mississippi River.  We will learn about this world leader in manufacturing fluid-handling equipment and systems.  Graco equipment creates Hershey kisses, applies paint to homes, and squeezes tomato paste on pizzas.  In partnership with Graco, Inc.

Registration required.  Please register online.

The Week Ahead in Mill City / December 5-11

Each Monday morning we provide an easy to reference list of events and activities for the week ahead in the Mill City neighborhood.  Submit your events here...

Monday, December 5

Kevin Kling at the Guthrie

Great River Outing: Tour of Graco

Wednesday, December 7

Winter Root Vegetables Class at Local D'Lish

Breakfast with a Preservationist at the Mill City Museum

Thursday, December 8

Hitting the High Notes Dinner at MacPhail (RSVP by November 28)

Spotlight on Milkweed Editions at Central Library

Holy Cow! Press Reading: Anthony Bukoski, Ann Iverson, & Catherine Holm at The Loft

Taste Twin Cities Downtown Minneapolis Skyway Tour

Central River Forum

Friday, December 9

Live Music at Crooked Pint Ale House

Live Music at Aster Cafe

An 'Eventually' Christmas: Holidays at the Mill at Mill City Museum

Mentor Series: Lan Samantha Chang at The Loft

Foodie Gifts Class at Local D'Lish

Ian and Margery of myTalk 107.1 at Wilde Roast Cafe

Saturday, December 10

Raptors of Minnesota at Central Library

History Day Hullabaloo at Central Library

Printing! Printing! Printing! at MCBA

Live Music at Crooked Pint Ale House

Live Music at Aster Cafe

An 'Eventually' Christmas: Holidays at the Mill at Mill City Museum

Guthrie's How'd They do That Workshop: Charley's Aunt

Kevin Kling Book Release Party at MCBA

Mill City Farmers Market's Holiday Market at Mill City Museum

Taste Twin Cities Downtown Minneapolis Skyway Tour

French Christmas Boutique at Our Lady of Lourdes

Sunday, December 11

An 'Eventually' Christmas: Holidays at the Mill at Mill City Museum

Aebleskiver Fun Class at Local D'Lish

French Christmas Boutique at Our Lady of Lourdes

Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership Great River Outing: Snowshoeing North Miss

Put Your Bike Away for the Winter? Try the New Power and Performance Training at 501SPIN

Dawn Doll, founder of 501SPIN, recently introduced the newest member of 501SPIN's Team, Leah Prudhomme.  Leah is a pro elite female road racer/triathlete and Ironman finisher who holds the course record and won the State Championship Time Trial in 2010 and 2011. 

Leah will be teaching 501SPIN's new Power and Performance 8-Week Endurance Edition Class beginning January 7, 2012.

Highlights of this new class are:

Endurance  Maintain Speed and build energy to go the distance on the bike

Power  Pedal through the pain, interval training, peak power and increased stamina, gain speed in every training session, increase power and passion towards next years racing season

Education  Learn to train smarter not harder, by power, (THR) Threshold Heart Rate training, speed, (RPE) Rate of Perceived Exertion and recovery. 

501SP1N is located at 501 Washington Avenue South, and shares space with 501F1T.

Minneapolis Beard & Moustache Club Meeting at Grumpy's

The first-ever open meeting of the Minneapolis Beard & Moustache Club took place December 2 at Grumpy’s, 1111 Washington Avenue South.  Michael Johnson, who you may recognize from Sorella Wine and Spirits, hosted the event.  We popped in for a few pictures:

The Missing "O" is Back at Gold Medal Park

I took the picture above yesterday afternoon after reading a blog post on the Star Tribune website.  We had reported on this in October.

The story below from the Star Trib just posted a few minutes ago, so they probably haven't been notified on the return of the big "O" yet.  Look for it in the Sunday Strib (includes a nice shot of Gold Medal Park.

From The Star Tribune:

Someone has been stealing letters from the sign at Gold Medal Park next to the Guthrie Theater. The most recent victim was the "O," possibly nabbed in late October.

It's the fourth time a letter has gone missing, said Kate Sherburn, an attorney for the Park Development Foundation that is responsible for the sign.

"It's quite amazing," Sherburn said. "Those things are quite anchored down."

The "O" that was stolen has been recovered, Sherburn said, though she wasn't sure where. It takes a while for a letter to be repaired, she said.

"It's not like you can go to Home Depot to get an O," she quipped. But the missing letter should complete the sign soon.

One local blogger, David Tinjum of the Mill City Times, noted that the "D" had disappeared in July and speculated on the thieves' motive: "Is this the work of scrappers?"

The sign is near the I-35W bridge collapse Remembrance Garden, which also had letters stolen from its memorial earlier this year.

Read the full article...

Interesting Pieces of History Emerge during The Soap Factory Renovations

With the help of a recent $70,000 grant from Partners in Preservation, The Soap Factory is currently closed for renovations.  According to their website, they plan to re-open in March 2012 with Art(ists) on the Verge 3.

However, if you follow them on Facebook you'll see they've been posting some cool pictures of items being discovered as they work on the building, like this one: 

You can also follow them on Twitter.

Tonight is Opening Night of An 'Eventually' Christmas: Holidays at the Mill - The 1st of 4 Nights at Mill City Museum

Kim and I have attended "Eventually' Christmas the past 2 years, and have tickets for the December 10 performance this year.  This kicks off the holiday season for us, and is an entertaining way to give our daughters of taste of Minneapolis history without them knowing it.  The shows always sell out fast, so reserve your tickets soon.

Times: 6:00pm, 7:00pm and 8:00pm

Location: Mill City Museum, 704 2nd Street South

An 'Eventually' Christmas: Holidays at the Mill

Dates: December 2, 9, 10, 11

Above - Christmas Greetings, December 22, 1920

This unique theatrical event performed in the museum's Flour Tower elevator ride, features "The Ghost of Mill City Past" guiding an intimate look at the 1920 Washburn Crosby holiday party.

The Ghost of Mill City Past

The script is based on real stories taken from the pages of the company's employee newspaper. Scenes unfold on different floors of the mill and visitors will meet different characters along the way. Witness the rocky romance of Celia and Otto; meet marketing mastermind Benjamin S. Bull; experience the awesome sweeping power of Bill Smith; and learn the secret origin of the Washburn Crosby marketing slogan, "Eventually-Why Not Now?"

Celia & Otto

Celia Crowe June 8, 1921

Otto Balk June 8, 1921

This piece is written by playwright Joseph Scrimshaw, directed by Laura Salveson, and stars a cast of professional Twin Cities' actors. Not recommended for children under the age of 8.

Cast of 'Eventually' Christmas: Holidays at the Mill

Fee: $14 adults, $12 seniors and college students, $10 for children ages 6-17 and MHS members; $2 off adult admission with Fringe Festival button.

Reservations: required, call 612-341-7555

This Weekend in Mill City / December 2-4

Events this weekend in and around the Historic Mill District and Minneapolis Riverfront Neighborhoods.  Have an event to share?  Contact us...

Friday, December 2

Members Double Discount Holiday Shopping Weekend at Mill City Museum

Live Music at Crooked Pint Ale House

Live Music at Aster Cafe

An 'Eventually' Christmas: Holidays at the Mill at Mill City Museum

Minneapolis Beard & Moustache Club Meeting at Grumpy's

Winter Wonderland Cocktails Class at Local D'Lish

Saturday, December 3

The Royal Guard at Central Library

Members Double Discount Holiday Shopping Weekend at Mill City Museum

Marbled Paper, Holiday Cards and Ornaments at MCBA

Live Music at Crooked Pint Ale House

Live Music at Aster Cafe

Star Tribune Holiday Cookie Contest Winners at Mill City Museum

Washburn A Mill Tour at Mill City Museum

Guthrie's How'd They do That Workshop: A Christmas Carol

EQ Spoken Word: Remi Kanazi and Jamaica Heolimeleikalani Osorio at The Loft

Sunday, December 4

Talk & Taste: Urban Gardens at Central Library

Members Double Discount Holiday Shopping Weekend at Mill City Museum

Vikings and Denver Broncos at the Dome

Quick Weeknight Meals Class at Local D'Lish

1850s Holiday Party at Ard Godfrey House

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.

Video - Sneak Peek at "A Christmas Carol" at the Guthrie Theater

A miserly and miserable man, Ebenezer Scrooge (J.C. Cutler) greets each Christmas with a "bah humbug," until he is visited one Christmas Eve by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Future. Through a restless night, the spirits show him happy memories from his past, cruel realities from the present and the grim future should he continue his cantankerous ways. In the Guthrie's production, Scrooge's story of redemption remains as powerful and uplifting as it ever was. Don't miss your chance to share this holiday favorite with your whole family, an experience they will remember for years to come.

"A Christmas Carol" is presented on the Wurtele Thrust Stage through December 30, 2011.

Hennepin County Now Accepting Applications for Citizen Advisory Board Volunteers

Hennepin County is now accepting applications for Citizen Advisory Board volunteers.  Click here for more information on the current openings and the application process.

The purpose of the Open Appointments process is to promote citizen involvement through volunteer service. The process allows Hennepin County commissioners an opportunity to tap into and select from the broad base of talent, diversity, knowledge and skills of its citizens to benefit county government.

A Special Place for a Special Evening in the Mill District of Minneapolis

We recently visited Sanctuary for the second time in as many months, this time to celebrate our 17th Wedding Anniversary.  The Sanctuary is a cozy 20 table resaurant located 1 block from the Guthrie Theater in the Mill District of Minneapolis at 903 Washington Ave. South.

An A+ Atmosphere

Instant relaxation best describes how we feel settling into our booth - The fireplace, the stone wall running the entire length of the restaurant, lights turned down low, and music that sets the mood yet fades into the background.   This place just gives off a good vibe.

Minnesota Nice with a Sprinkle of Sophistication

Or should I say sophistication with a sprinkle of Minnesota nice?  Whatever, the Sanctuary seems to have perfected the art of making their guests feel special.  Starting with 5-Time award winning maitre de, and Sanctuary Partner Michael Kutscheid, the staff treat service as both a profession and art form - warm, welcoming, knowledgeable with, yes, just the right amount of "sophistication" to make our experience special.

Our Meal Was as Delicious as it was Beautiful

Chef Patrick Atanalian, a native of Marseille, France, and once named Best Mad Genius Chef by City Pages, stopped by our table to say hi and extend his best wishes on our anniversary.  After enjoying a cocktail, we were ready to savor the flavor.  Chef Patrick and his team served us a work of art that surprised, and delighted our taste buds.

ginger beer potato soup finished with garlic chili creme fraiche

dayboat sea scallops, hangar 1 chipotle vodka eggnog sauce, shishito peppers, asian pear and red tobiko caviar

certified black angus beef, speck ham risotto, black truffle ketchup sauce, jalapeno confiture

Follow Sanctuary on Twitter or Facebook to stay on top of special events and new additions to their menu.

Join Mill City Commons' Annual "Turkey, Dressings and Extra Helpings" Drive, December 1-19

Join Mill City Commons (MCC) members and friends for the fourth annual Turkey, Dressings, and Extra Helpings drive.  This is a wonderful opportunity to do good this Holiday season and throughout the winter!

Ways to Help:

TURKEY:  Tax-deductible financial donations ($10-15, or more if you wish) to provide Holiday dinners for 50 families in North Minneapolis.  Any additional funds will be used to stock a local food shelf. 

Financial donations accepted December 1-15.  Mail checks payable to Mill City Commons to: 117 Portland Avenue #213, Minneapolis, MN 55401.

10 - 12 volunteers are needed Monday, December 19, to help pick up, pack and deliver groceries to Ascension School.  Volunteers will meet in the North Star Lofts parking lot at 10:00am.  Call (612-455-3329) or email Linnea (info@millcitycommons.org) at Mill City Commons to volunteer!

DRESSINGS: Donate cold weather clothing (hats, scarves, mittens) for all ages, and job interview clothing for adults, to benefit our neighbors at People Serving People. 

Clothing donations accepted December 9 -16.  Drop off clothing items at:  MCC Office, 17 4th Street or North Star Lofts, 117 Portland Avenue.

EXTRA HELPINGS: Donate small new or gently used gift items like books, jewelry, and cologne/aftershave, for individuals and families at Exodus Residence and Mary’s Place. These are the only gifts some residents receive.  

Gift donations accepted December 9 - 16.  Drop off gift items at:  MCC Office, 17 4th Street or North Star Lofts, 117 Portland Avenue.

Volunteers needed Saturday, December 17, to sort and deliver the clothing and gift items to People Serving People, Exodus Residence and Mary’s Place.  Volunteers will meet at 10:00am at North Star Lofts. 

Call Linnea (612-455-3329) or email info@millcitycommons.org at Mill City Commons to volunteer, or if you have questions. 

Breaking News - Mill City Summer Opera Coming to Mill City Museum Courtyard

THE NEW MILL CITY SUMMER OPERA COMPANY TO STAGE PAGLIACCI UNDER THE STARS, IN THE RUINS OF THE HISTORIC MILL DISTRICT JULY 12-20, 2012

A venerated opera staged among old city ruins may sound like an exciting event in Italy, or other parts of Europe. But coming in 2012, a newly formed Minnesota-based opera company called The Mill City Summer Opera (MCSO) is hoping to make its outdoor opera premier as enriching and as enjoyable as its location is accessible and memorable — under the stars inside the historic Ruin Courtyard of the Mill City Museum, along the Mississippi Riverfront!

Adding to the rich cultural life of the redeveloped Minneapolis milling district, The Mill City Summer Opera will present its first production, Leoncavallo's Pagliacci on July 12, 14, 15, 18, and 20, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. All performances will take place in the Mill City Museum courtyard. In the event of rain, performances will move inside the museum.

The production, which will include seating for 400 — will feature two staging areas connected by a bridge over the access ramp to the ruins space. Musicians performing the music for the opera will be above the staging, at a height of the second row of windows on the north wall, distanced from the production so as to not overpower the singers and audience with sound. The opera staging, including costuming and sets, will also reflect the era of the first fire at the mill in 1878.

The MCSO company and board, which includes Minnesota composer Libby Larsen and White Bear Lake native, Mezzo-soprano Heather Johnson, who this past summer performed at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, has appointed a superbly talented Artistic Team featuring Artistic Director David Lefkowich and Music Director Brian DeMaris. It also has formed an educational alliance with The Lundstrum Center for Performing Arts on Minneapolis’ north side, to help educate underserved engage students about opera and to engage them in the summer production.

Toys for Tots Drop off Site in the Mill District

According to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Minneapolis website, the 2010 local Toys for Tots campaign distributed over 300,000 toys to children in the community.

The need is still great in 2011, and it's easy to contribute a toy or two at a convenient drop off site here in our neighborhood:  Bridgewater Lofts Sales Office at the corner of 11th Avenue South and Washington Avenue South.  Call 612-341-4000 for office hours.  There is metered street parking or free indoor retail parking (entry on 11th Avenue South side).

Click here for a full list of drop off sites in Minnesota (listed in alphabetical order by city name). 

Tonight - Leo Kottke at the Guthrie Theater

Time: 7:30pm

Location: Guthrie, Wurtele Thrust Stage, 801 2nd Street South

For the past three decades, Leo Kottke has pursued a unique musical vision that has placed him among the foremost acoustic guitar stylists of our time. Kottke's ability to embrace folk idioms and pop melodies as readily as he assimilates jazz and classical influences makes him unique among guitar virtuosi.

Over the years, Kottke has worked in the studio and shared concert stages with everyone from Lyle Lovett, Mike Gordon, John Fahey, T-Bone Burnett and Rickie Lee Jones, to Paco de Lucia, Pepe Romero, John Williams, John McLaughlin and Joe Pass. Since the guitarist's 1969 debut, 12 String Blues, recorded live at a Minneapolis folk club, Kottke went on to release over 30 studio albums, consistently winning over new fans while continuing to surprise and delight longtime aficionados.

Zen Box's "Meat and Potato" Recipe on KARE 11 [Video]

Co-Owner/Chef John of Zen Box Izakaya, 602 Washington Avenue South, was recently featured on KARE 11.  He demonstrated a traditional Japanese winter meat and potato dish called Nikujaga.

If you haven't yet had a chance to experience this new Zen Box location, consider treating yourself to a reprieve from the Holiday madness.  Not only is their food delicious, it's simply a welcoming, feel good environment.

The Week Ahead in Mill City / November 28 - December 4

Each Monday morning we provide an easy to reference list of events and activities for the week ahead in the Mill City neighborhood.  Submit your events here...

Monday, November 28

Leo Kottke at the Guthrie

Tuesday, November 29

Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Public Meeting

Upper River Forum

Wednesday, November 30

Elegant Entertaining with Local Flavors Class at Local D'Lish

Thursday, December 1

Members Double Discount Holiday Shopping Weekend at Mill City Museum

Friday, December 2

Live Music at Crooked Pint Ale House

Live Music at Aster Cafe

An 'Eventually' Christmas: Holidays at the Mill at Mill City Museum

Members Double Discount Holiday Shopping Weekend at Mill City Museum

Minneapolis Beard & Moustache Club Meeting at Grumpy's

Winter Wonderland Cocktails Class at Local D'Lish

Saturday, December 3

The Royal Guard at Central Library

Members Double Discount Holiday Shopping Weekend at Mill City Museum

Marbled Paper, Holiday Cards and Ornaments at MCBA

Live Music at Crooked Pint Ale House

Live Music at Aster Cafe

Star Tribune Holiday Cookie Contest Winners at Mill City Museum

Washburn A Mill Tour at Mill City Museum

Guthrie's How'd They do That Workshop: A Christmas Carol

EQ Spoken Word: Remi Kanazi and Jamaica Heolimeleikalani Osorio at The Loft

Sunday, December 4

Talk & Taste: Urban Gardens at Central Library

Members Double Discount Holiday Shopping Weekend at Mill City Museum

Vikings and Denver Broncos at the Dome

Quick Weeknight Meals Class at Local D'Lish

1850s Holiday Party at Ard Godfrey House

Minneapolis Park and Rec Board Posts Winter-Spring Activities Guide

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s (MPRB) new Winter-Spring Guide (November 2011 - April 2012) is available online and at recreation centers and libraries citywide.

The Guide highlights popular recreational opportunities available at parks, lakes and recreation centers throughout Minneapolis, and features activities, amenities, events and sports for youth, teens and adults at recreation centers.

Once winter weather conditions allow, the park system’s award-winning outdoor recreation facilities become available, including ice skating, skiing, snowboarding and tubing. The Guide lists hours for ice rink warming houses, ski chalets, tubing and snowboarding areas and recreation centers.

For updates on your favorite winter activities, sign up for paperless, electronic emails specific to your choice of topics.

HUGE Turn Out for 2011 Turkey Day 5K

It was a perfect Thanksgiving morning for the 2011 Turkey Day 5K (unlike last year's single digit temps and blowing snow), with over 12,000 runners, walkers, wheelers and pets participating.

This Weekend in Mill City / November 25-27

Events this weekend in and around the Historic Mill District and Minneapolis Riverfront Neighborhoods.  Have an event to share?  Contact us...

Friday, November 25

Drop the Mic! The Light Within at the Guthrie (2 Nights)

Live Music at Crooked Pint Ale House

Sophia Shorai at Aster Cafe

Northstar Storytelling League Tellabration! at Open Book

Saturday, November 26

Live Music at Crooked Pint Ale House

Brian Bates with Sara Renner at Aster Cafe

Taste Twin Cities Downtown Minneapolis Skyway Tour

Northstar Storytelling League Tellabration! at Open Book

Sunday, November 27

Eating Local Through the Winter Class at Local D'Lish

The Mad Ripple Hootenanny at the Guthrie