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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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...

 

 

See you there!  :D

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.

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.

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. 

Signs of Mill City

Last summer.

Laughing Baby

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

Sonoma Wine Seminar at Sorella Wine & Spirits

Time: 5:30pm-7:00pm 

Location: Sorella Wine & Spirits, 1010 Washington Avenue South

Reservations Required - 612-339-4040
 
Sonoma Winemaking with a brief historical perspective by Kathy Jones of Heck Estates.

The talk will be illustrated with one dry rose and seven reds highlighting Sonoma's key varietals and distinct growing regions. We'll be tasting some special wines from Kenwood's Jack London Series along with some items from Valley of the Moon and finishing off with one very special surprise.

Viking Stadium Update: The city has the infrastructure and the transit. The only thing it needs is you know what.

Bad news for the Mill District and Downtown East neighborhoods - City Council Member Lisa Goodman does not sound very interested in keeping the Vikings downtown, saying in the Star Trib article:

"Professional sports are good for cities," she said. "There's the unquantifiable pat-on-the-back we all feel, knowing we're a four-sport town. But I'd rather have that for the best higher education, or the most children graduating from high school, or having more people housed. You can quantify that."

But at least she will only support a Vikings Stadium near the current Metrodome site, according to the article.

From the Star Tribune:

Minneapolis has the infrastructure, the transit links, the demonstrable success of Target Field, and encompasses most of the sites the Vikings are known to be considering for a new stadium.

But the city's quest to have that stadium built on its turf still appears to lack what it most needs -- money.

Read the full article...

Tonight - Paula Poundstone at the Guthrie

Time: 7:30 pm

Location: Guthrie Theater, Wurtele Thrust Stage

Appearing on stage with a stool, a microphone, and a can of Diet Pepsi, Paula Poundstone is famous for her razor-sharp wit and spontaneity. Paula's commentaries can be heard on NPR's Morning Edition and read on the Huffington Post, and she is one of the most popular panelists on NPR's hilarious weekly news quiz show, Wait Wait…Don't Tell Me. It's impossible to attend a Paula Poundstone performance without marveling at her ability to interact spontaneously with audience members, who leave her live shows often leave complaining that their cheeks hurt from laughter.

Tweaking Exercise Routine to Enhance Marathon Training

This week I met Deb, who was already in great shape prior to seeking out a personal trainer.

As you'll learn in the video, Deb is now training for her first marathon.  Working with Andrea Austin will help assure her success.

Email Andrea at andrea@tweakmyworkout.com if you'd like to try a complimentary RealRyder spin class at 501SP1N, or if you have a fitness or nutrition question. 

Tonight - MacPhail Spotlight Series: Keys of Love and Death

Time: 7:00pm
Location:  MacPhail Center for Music, Antonello Hall, 501 South 2nd Street

This collection of pieces thoughtfully weaves together the composers’ own stories of love and loss. Experience this unique piano concert that dramatically conveys the complex emotions of love and death through intricate and tender music.

More info...

Today - Washburn A Mill Tour at Mill City Museum

Time: 1:00pm

Location: Mill City Museum

Fee: $12 adults, $10 seniors and college students, $8 children ages 6-17 and MHS members. Tour includes museum admission.

Reservations: required, call 612-341-7555

Get an in-depth look at the historic Washburn A Mill complex and the award-winning Mill City Museum building. A museum interpreter will take visitors into the building's many nooks and crannies, highlighting the lives of the men and women who worked there, how the building functioned during its peak flour milling years and the many changes to the building over time. Also covered will be the challenges of preserving the 120-year-old, fire-damaged building; its art, architecture and interior design; and the St. Anthony Falls Historic District.

Although many parts of the mill can be explored during regular museum visits, this is the public's only opportunity for a guided tour through the entire museum building.

This Weekend in Mill City / February 25-27, 2011

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

Friday, February 25

Ten Thousand Things' Doubt, A Parable at Open Book

Talk of the Stacks - T.C. Boyle: When the Killing's Done at Minneapolis Central Library

A Wine Affair: South America at St. Anthony Main Event Centre

Live Music at the Aster Cafe

Saturday, February 26

Graphic Novels: Q & A with Mark Siegel at Open Book

Percussion Showcase at MacPhail

Washburn A Mill Tour at Mill City Museum

Live Music at the Aster Cafe

Sunday, February 27

MacPhail Spotlight Series: Keys of Love and Death

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.

Vikings Stadium Update - They Prefer the Star Tribune Site

According to Bill Lester, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, the Minnesota Vikings prefer the site for the new stadium next to the Metrodome over the existing site because it will allow them to continue playing in the Metrodome while the New Vikings Stadium is being built. He did not say however, that the Star Tribune site is the overall front runner. Lester made his remarks to the East Downtown Council at their monthly luncheon, held at the Metrodome yesterday. Also speaking at the luncheon was Steve Maki, Director of Facilities/Engineering for the MSFC.

Washington Avenue Bridge Delays Start Saturday, February 26

This Central Corridor Light Rail Transit News Advisory was recently issued:

MINNEAPOLIS - Feb. 23, 2011 - People headed Saturday to University of Minnesota men's basketball and hockey games and other East Bank events can expect delays on the Washington Avenue Bridge due to work on the Central Corridor Light Rail Transit Project. 

Drivers should use either the Tenth Avenue or Interstate 35W bridges as alternate routes to reach Williams and Mariucci arenas and other campus destinations via University Avenue.

Weather permitting, crews on Saturday will close the bridge's inner lanes to traffic to remove a median at the east end of the Washington Avenue Bridge.  Traffic will be restricted to one lane each way on the outer lanes. Drivers can expect continued delays next week as crews remove the median on the west end of the bridge.

Drivers will see more lane shifts beginning in early March, when traffic will be restricted to one lane in each direction on the north side of the bridge. This change is needed to make room on the south side of the bridge to erect equipment so construction can begin in late March to replace the bridge's vehicle deck and add double tracks for Central Corridor trains.

In 2012, traffic will be shifted to the newly built south side while the vehicle deck is removed on the north side.

Cyclists and pedestrians on the upper deck of the bridge will continue using the north side this year and be shifted to the south side in 2012.

Crews have been working on the piers under the bridge off of West River Parkway in Minneapolis since late 2010. There are no anticipated impacts from this work to pedestrian and bike paths along the parkway nor are there anticipated impacts to those traveling on the bridge or under it via the parkway. Work in 2011 and 2012 will include adding girders and other design elements to strengthen the bridge.

Heavy construction on Washington Avenue on the East Bank will begin after classes end in mid-May. At that time, vehicles will be removed from the avenue between Pleasant and Oak streets during construction. The avenue will be converted into a transit-pedestrian mall from Pleasant to Walnut streets with two tracks in the middle and one lane on each side for emergency vehicles and cyclists. This work will continue through 2012.

More detailed information will be made available online at www.centralcorridor.org and distributed via a weekly electronic construction update. The public can sign up for those updates online.

For answers to frequently asked questions about the bridge and how LRT will change Washington Avenue through the University of Minnesota, see: http://www.metrocouncil.org/transportation/ccorridor/ccWABfaq.htm