Behind the Scenes of A Christmas Carol at the Guthrie

In case you missed the article by Rohan Preston in todays Star Tribune, here is the link. 

Curious George Visits the Library Today

Time: 10:30am–11:30am

Location: Central Children's Library

Curious George Visits the Minneapolis Central Library

Preschool-Grade 2. Join Curious George and "The Man in the Yellow Hat" for monkeyshines and shenanigans. Enjoy stories, activities and games!

Minnesota Vikings / Green Bay Packers Fan Challenge November 19

I noticed this Event on the Red Cross web site:

The Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers are known for their rivalry on the football field. To kick-off their second showdown this season, both teams are encouraging their fans to also support patients in need by donating blood or platelets through the American Red Cross on Friday, November 19, 2010.  The team that has the most people turn out to donate earns extra bragging rights on and off the field.

All blood and platelet donations made at American Red Cross blood drives and donor centers in Minnesota on Friday, November 19 will count for the Minnesota Vikings. Donations in Wisconsin will count for the Green Bay Packers.

Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to find a blood drive near you in Minnesota on November 19. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.  Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in good general health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

“The best part about this rivalry is that no matter which team triumphs on the field, patients in need of lifesaving blood transfusions are the ultimate winners,” said Geoff Kaufmann, CEO of the local American Red Cross Blood Services Region. “By giving blood on November 19, donors can support their hometown team while helping to ensure a stable blood supply.”

“Many of our terrific fans say they ‘bleed purple.’ Well, now’s their chance to prove it,” said Brad Madson, Minnesota Vikings executive director of community relations. “This is a terrific way to enjoy our Packers rivalry while helping a very important cause.”

The American Red Cross partners with 129 hospitals in Minnesota and Wisconsin, and more than 3,000 nationwide, providing lifesaving blood products and specialized laboratory services.

There is an American Red Cross Donor Center in our neighborhood at 1201 West River Parkway.

First Mill City Snowman of the Season

Saturday morning was a beautiful winter wonderland (at least for those of us who didn't have to drive or shovel snow).   Around 9am we trudged down to Dunn Bros. for beans, and got a few shots along the way: 

And finally, a diehard worker washes windows on the newly leasing Mill District City Apartments:

Mill District City Apartments Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Tour

Mill District City Apartments - already 35% leased - held it's official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on November 10.

Wielding the scissors in the below video are (left to right) Elliot Jaffee, President, US Bank, Minneapolis City Council Member Lisa Goodman, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and Jonathan Holtzman, CEO, Village Green. 

A tour of several furnished models followed the ribbon cutting.  We started at the living green wall just off the lobby.

From there we continued on to the 2-story model:

 

And the first floor model:

At the end of the tour, Dan waives farewell from the private 2nd Street South entry of the first floor model.  

Dan mentioned the underground garage has 300+ bike racks, 2 car wash bays and a Pet Spa.  

For apartment leasing information, contact Diane Tidwell at 612-886-3780, or millpropmgr@villagegreen.com.  Click here for Floor plans, rates, etc.

Pet Park Safety Tips - An Ongoing Series from Curtis L. Sanford, DVM

Our neighborhood is a haven for dog owners, and we thought it would be beneficial to have an ongoing series specifically for them.  This is the fourth installment of Pet Park Safety Tips from Curtis L. Sanford, DVM.

All dogs can benefit from training classes, which are offered by Canine Coach in South Minneapolis (42nd Avenue & 54th Street), Twin Cities Obedience Training Club on Broadway in Minneapolis, and Bark Busters (John Pilati-Warner: 612-360-3492).

Dogs "in heat" should never be brought to a dog park because the female dog could cause male dogs to fight.  However, other dogs can benefit from visiting dog parks.  The positive effects include exercise, less pent-up energy, social contact, and mental stimulation.  Dog owners also socialize and exercise at these parks.

Dr. Sanford is a Veterinarian and Owner/Founder of Minneapolis Veterinary Hospital in the Mill District.   He can be contacted at 612-746-0300 or mplsvet@live.com.

Cool Things are Always Happening at CorAzoN

CorAzoN, 1026 Washington Avenue South, is a real gem of a gift shop in our neighborhood.  

This past Friday night, they hosted a book release party for "when words get in the way" by John "Charlie" Hanson.  Below is a video from the publisher in which Charlie shares the inspiration for his book.

Below, Charlie with Sue Zelickson, well known locally as the former host of WCCO Radio’s Food for Thought, the Sue Zelickson Awards, and the Sue Z Says section of Minnesota Monthly.

On the same night, a new taste sensation was debuting at CorAzoN:  Buttercrisp Toffee by S-Squared Sweets.  Below are Suzanne Kane and Susie Greupner with their milk chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate varieties.

Their product ingredients include hormone-free butter, California almonds and Callebaut Belgian chocolate.  I sampled the milk chocolate variety - YUM!  A great hostess gift, stocking stuffer, or treat to share with company or co-workers. 

The next book signing event is scheduled for Friday, December 10, when Jodi Hillswill be at CorAzoN with her latest work "friend'. 

Click here to join the CorAzoN 'rare' email list - be notified of art openings, events, and sales.

Replaced Stretch of West River Parkway Now Completely Open

We've seen a noticeable reduction in traffic on South 2nd Street since West River Road between 11th Avenue South and Portland Avenue recently opened to through traffic from end to end.

2010 Nice Ride Season Ends at 10pm, Sunday, November 7th

According to the Nice Ride Minnesota website, the inaugural Nice Ride season comes to a close at 10pm on Sunday, November 7th, when Daylight Savings Time ends. They will begin removing equipment from the street on November 8th, and all bicycles and stations will be placed in storage for the winter. 

Nice Ride will return to service in April of 2011.

Kathy and Beth - A Sisters Success Story

This is the first in an ongoing series of personal health and fitness success stories, brought to us by Mill City Times Fitness Expert, Andrea Austin.

I met Kathy and Beth Friday night after their RealRyder spin class led by Andrea at 501SP1N.  They shared their weight loss journeys and healthy lifestyle transformations:

Kathy began working with Andrea 2 years ago.  Below, she shows a "Before" picture, taken prior to her 45 pound weight loss.

Beth has lost an amazing 140 pounds since March 2009 (Yes - that's an entire person in 18 months!).  Below, she displays her "Before" picture. 

 Andrea's leadership, combined with the girls' commitment and hard work, yielded these incredible results!  

The 5pm Friday Happy Hour RealRyder spin class at 501SP1N helps Kathy and Beth stay fit.  Email Andrea andrea@tweakmyworkout.com if you'd like to try a complimentary class, or if you have a fitness or nutrition question.

Another Unique Show at MacPhail

We are hooked on the MacPhail Center for Music. 

Saturday night we attended our third event in the beautiful Antonello Hall - "Jekyll and Hyde Come Alive".  As the 1920 silent film played, a combination of MacPhail instructors and local musicians provided live music and sound effects to accentuate the scenes. It was a treat to see a classic silent movie on the big screen, and combined with the live music - Wow!

Below, Paul Babcock greeted the audience and provided a bit of background.   The huge screen assured everyone had a clear view.

 

The three events we've attended so far have been fun, and each were very different genres.   As Mill District residents, we are lucky to have this cool source of entertainment within a few blocks walk.

Pet Park Safety Tips - An Ongoing Series from Curtis L. Sanford, DVM

Our neighborhood is a haven for dog owners, and we thought it would be beneficial to have an ongoing series specifically for them.  This is the third installment of Pet Park Safety Tips from Curtis L. Sanford, DVM.

All pet companions should be vaccinated for the following contagious diseases by a veterinarian at the recommended intervals: The Distemper Combination Vaccination (DHPPL), Bordetella (kennel cough), and Rabies. Vaccination status should be available for review within 24 hours in case of a fight.

All pet companions should be heartworm tested annually and placed on a heartworm preventive product (most products contain a heartworm and intestinal parasite preventive product) year round to prevent the spread of intestinal parasites.

Dr. Sanford is a Veterinarian and Owner/Founder of Minneapolis Veterinary Hospital in the Mill District.   He can be contacted at 612-746-0300 or mplsvet@live.com.

4th Avenue Playground Update

We hadn't revisited the 4th Avenue Playground site since our September 20 posting, but a tip from our neighbor Rachel sent us back there.  She wasn't kidding - it's really taking shape!

The detail put into this project is incredible, and the setting on the river is absolutely beautiful.

Why We Love Mill City Market Grocery and Deli

Since opening earlier this year, Mill City Market Grocery and Deli (1020 Washington Avenue South) has evolved into a well-stocked neighborhood grocery with an expanding list of products.  Rick and his staff are friendly and accommodating, and the store is always clean and tidy.  

The daily hot entrees and soups are consistently delicious, and the rotisserie chicken is a great instant dinner.  If you like to cook from scratch, there are plenty of options for that too.

It's baking season for me, and thankfully all the ingredients I use are at Mill City Market - from nutmeg to almond extract to cocoa powder.  And with the Mill City Farmers Market closed for the season, it's nice to be able to pop in before work for a few pieces of fresh fruit or veggies.

These are just a few reasons why we love having Mill City Market Grocery and Deli in our neighborhood. We hope anyone who hasn't discovered them yet will do so soon.  They are a true asset to the community.

Above, a Boar's Head representative was at the store October 23 providing samples of their products stocked at Mill City Market Grocery and Deli.

First Resident Moves Into Mill District City Apartments October 25

The Mill District City Apartments onsite sales office opened October 22.  We spoke with leasing agent Dan on Friday evening, and he gave us an update on their fast moving progress. 

The first residents are taking occupancy today, October 25.  A ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for November 11, and the fitness center and Living Wall are slated for completion mid-November.

Above, a view of the main entry on Portland Avenue.  The sales office is to the right, directly under the Mill District City Apartments signage. (If you look real close, you can see Dan sitting at his desk.)

New details have been appearing daily on the 2nd Street South side.  Above, the rusted metal trim ties in with the history of the neighborhood.   First floor residents have private entries. 

Above, signage on the corner of Portland and Washington went up last week.  Below, the Living Wall is under construction.  It receives light through a wall of windows overlooking the courtyard.

Mill District City Apartments adheres to the National Association of Home Building "NAHB Green Building Standard".  Below, natural finishings in the lobby are part of the developers commitment to green construction.  Read more on this topic. 

The Plank Road is No More

Our last update on the Plank Road Replacement Project was posted October 11, at which time there was one section of planks yet to be replaced with cement.  

The below pictures were taken while we were out for a stroll this past Friday night.  Although all the planks have now been replaced with cement, the road was not yet open on the Portland side.

  According to an August Star Tribune article, the replacement project was scheduled for completion this October.

Coming Soon - the Mill City Fitness Blog

We're excited to launch the Mill City Fitness Blog on November 1.   We've lined up an expert guest blogger, Andrea Austin, who will contribute fitness tips and amazing client success stories.

Andrea is a Certified Master Personal Trainer with 20 years experience, and is a RealRyder instructor at 501SP1N, 501 Washington Avenue South.  Please visit Andrea's website to learn about her background, credentials and innovative approach to fitness.

We're honored to have Andrea on board as a guest blogger! 

Large Turn Out for Fundraiser to Benefit Mill City Farmers Market and Skyway Business Women's Education Fund

On October 14 the Skyway of Minneapolis Business Women sponsored a Fundraiser and Silent Auction to benefit Mill City Farmers Market and the Skyway Business Women's Education Fund.  The event was held at Local D'Lish, 208 North 1st Street. 

This was Skyway of Minneapolis Business Women's 6th Annual Fundraising event, and the first year MCFM was a beneficiary.  Skyway of Minneapolis Business Women, formed in 1989, is one of 14 member organizations within Minnesota Business Women (MBW).

Per Marjorie Hegstrom, Director, Mill City Farmers Market, "We were honored to be part of this lovely evening celebrating women entrepreneurs, especially the many Mill City Farmers Market businesses that are owned by women, and grateful to receive the generous donation from the event proceeds."

Over 20 locally owned vendors were present, with appetizers catered by Zoie Glass of Lucille's Kitchen Garden.  

Above, Amy Bibeau of Beonia Creations Jewelry was one of the vendors at the Fundraiser.  Amy travels extensively to obtain the perfect stones for her rings and other pieces. 

Rave reviews for the Soap Factory's Haunted Basement!

We spoke with several groups of people who dared to venture through the Soap Factory's Haunted Basement.  Here's what they had to say:

The Haunted Basement is open through October 31, Thursdays through Sundays.

Downtown Condo Development News

We're posting this link in case you missed Jim Buchta's "Developers Returning to Downtown Condos" article in the Sunday, October 17, Star Tribune.