Tonight - Music in the Park: Folk Singer Bob Frey at Nicollet Island Park

Come watch Bob Frey, a regular in Twin Cities folk scene at Nicollet Island Park.

Time: 7:00 PM

Visit his website...

Runners Start/Finish the Minneapolis Marathon in the Mill District

According to the announcers at the 2011 Minneapolis MarathonFinish Line, 4,800 runners participated in yesterday's race.  (According to Team Ortho's website, there were 3,576 finishers.)  500 volunteers were on hand to keep things running smoothly.  The race started at the Depot and ended at the Guthrie.

The Guthrie's Endless Bridge provided a birds eye view of the finish line:

Below, coming up on the finish line - runners pass the 35W Memorial construction site. 

Above, the vertical flags list each state represented by participating runners.

Spectacular Week 5 at the 2011 Mill City Farmers Market

GrazeFest was the theme of this Saturday's Mill City Farmers Market.

More produce is appearing each week.

The  Blackberry Sorbet from Sonnys hit the spot after meandering around in the sun for an hour...

The animal babies are back!

See you there next week - rain or shine (but hopefully shine)!  :)

This Weekend in Mill City / June 3 - June 5

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

Friday, June 3

Writers with Disabilities Reading at The Loft

Live Music at the Aster Cafe

Saturday, June 4

Mill City Farmers Market

Northern Sparks Festival

All Night Square Dance and Book Making Marathon at MCBA

Ard Godfrey House Opens for the 2011 Season

Lucia Watson, 'Eating Local' At Mill City Museum

Author Talk: Kevin Kling at Central Library

Live Music at the Aster Cafe

Sunday, June 5

Minneapolis Marathon

Accordo at Southern Theater (2 nights)

Literary Death Match at Aster Cafe

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.

Tonight - The Pillsburys of Minnesota at Mill City Museum

Time: 7:00pm

Location: Mill City Museum, 704  2nd Street South

Fee: Free

Mill City Museum will host a conversation between authors Lori Sturdevant and George Pillsbury to celebrate the publication of their new book, “The Pillsburys of Minnesota,” which chronicles the family’s role as local pioneers in the milling and lumbering industries, and the part they played in Minnesota politics, the growth of the University of Minnesota, and other civic developments in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Sturdivant recounts how succeeding generations of Pillsburys blended private enterprise with public service, and probes the enduring effect the family has had on the civic culture of a state.

After the discussion Sturdevant and Pillsbury will sign copies of the book, which will be for sale in the museum store.

People Serving People Provides Shelter, Food and Other Necessities to North Minneapolis Tornado Victims

People Serving People (PSP) located at 614 South 3rd Street, provides emergency housing and community services that assist families experiencing homelessness in becoming self-sufficient and reconnected with the community. 

Though often near capacity, PSP is providing shelter to a few families with special needs who were displaced when a tornado tore through North Minneapolis on May 22.

They also delivered clothing and diapers to the Francis Drake Hotel, where the majority of families are sheltered.

Additionally, PSP has supplied pallets of food to the Salvation Army where families are able to go for assistance.

Parking Meter Out of Service? You'll Still Get a Ticket, but...

Scenario:  You find an open parking spot and absentmindedly start feeding quarters into the meter, only to discover the meter is out of service.  Do you:

A) Curse, kick the meter, and then drive off in search of another parking spot.

B) Park there anyway, with the assumption that if the meter is broken, you won't get a ticket (and besides, you already put money in, so you're entitled, right?).

If you've been in this situation and chose "B", chances are you're $42 poorer thanks to Minneapolis' extremely diligent parking enforcement.

You can dispute this type of ticket by contacting the City of Minneapolis Parking Services to report the issue.  During business hours (8A-4P, Monday-Friday), call 612-348-2040, Option 4 for Defective Meters, and follow the directions.  Make sure you have the Parking Meter ID (which should also be listed on the citation).

Get Ready for the Northern Spark!

The Northern Spark gets under way at 8:55pm this coming Saturday night (June 4) with two simultaneous world premiere fanfares:

In Minneapolis, Chris Kallmyer's commissioned composition, for dawn or dusk // homeward for 100+ local musicians playing trumpet, trombone/baritone, percussion and piccolo along the Stone Arch Bridge will kick things off.  Afterwards, there are numerous projects to experience in Zone A of the Festival.

Car Horn Fanfareby Philip Blackburn in collaboration with ArtCars of Minnesota will take place in Saint Paul along the Upper Landing Park across from Harriet Island. Immediately following the fanfare, Jim Campbell's Scattered Light will illuminate, Andrea Stanislav's Nightmare will gallop past, the Jonathan Paddleford will have already left with its Mississippi Megalops – A Floating Chautauqua organized by Works Progress, and, if all goes according to plan, the searchlights along Wabasha Bridge will be switched on for the second time in a decade.

At first the notion of trying to take in this Minneapolis to St. Paul riverfront festival seemed a little daunting. However, a thorough review of the website brought things into perspective.

For example, there are 5 Zones - our neighborhood is Zone A: Minneapolis Riverfront Central Avenue and Stone Arch Bridge.  The website shows events, food vendors, etc., for each Zone.   There's also a Getting Aroundpage from which you can download a pdf of the guide book prior to the event.  There will also be guide books available at the festival.  For those who want to take in both Minneapolis and St. Paul projects, free buses will be running a continuous loop between the two cities.

FERC Begins Process of Terminating Crown Hydro License

With a letter dated May 25, 2011, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has begun the proccess of termintating the license of Crown Hydro to build a hydroelectric powerplant at Mill Ruins Park in the Mill District of Minneapolis.

Download the letter...

Other comments from the web:

FROM MINNEAPOLIS PARKWATCH -

FERC PULLS THE PLUG ON CROWN HYDRO

Park Watch has learned that in a letter dated May 25, 2011, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) informed Crown Mill Hydro President Tom Griffin that FERC staff consider the "Crown Mill Hydro Project to be abandoned."

In a discussion of the project, which was described as "unconstructed," it was pointed out that there has been no progress moving the Crown Mill Hydro Project forward and Crown's mandatory reporting on plans, activities and filings "are long overdue."

Crown Hydro has 30 days "to show cause why the Commission should not initiate proceedings for terminating the license."

It is interesting to note that FERC refers to the Crown Hydro Project by its proper name--the Crown Mill Hydro Project. That's because the FERC license that Crown holds is not for the Mill Ruins Park location.  The license that Crown holds was issued on March 19, 1999, and it was for the basement of the Crown Roller Mill Building--not for Mill Ruins Park. So, while Crown was attempting to pressure the Park Board to gain control of the Mill Ruins Park location for its proposed facility, Crown never held a license to construct its hydro facility on MPRB property.  In order to build on Mill Ruins Park, it would have had to get an amendment of the license it had for the obsolete Crown Roller Mill site.

FROM SHAWNE FITZGERALD on e-Democracy

In a letter dated May 25th, FERC notified CH that it has 30 days "to show cause why the Commission would not initiate proceedings for terminating the license...." FERC notes the project is unconstructed and lists four required plans never submitted:

-Schedule for submission of design documents and plans and specs for the project (Art. 301)

-Memorandum of Agreement with the Corps (Art. 303)

-Pedestrian Walkway and Bridge construction (Art. 402)

-Operation and Management Plan (Art. 406) These plans were due 90-365 days after CH received a FERC license on March 19, 1999.

FERC also enclosed information on surrendering a license. The letter is posted at the FERC Online e-library.

Search for docket number P-11175. http://elibrary.ferc.gov/idmws/search/fercgensearch.asp

FYI, Shawne FitzGerald

Update on Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 9:55AM by David Tinjum

Nick Halter from The Journal just tweeted -  "Crown Hydro attny Todd Guerrero says the project will continue and plans to respond to FERC letter within 30-day requirement"

Update on Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 6:15PM by David Tinjum

The Journal published an update here -

http://www.downtownjournal.com/index.php?&story=16957&page=65

Another Sign Summer is Coming - PedalPubs Are Back!

Although they have multiple routes in both St. Paul and Minneapolis, I first saw a PedalPub when we moved downtown.  It's the perfect invention for multi-taskers - happy hour and exercise rolled into one.   Now that warm weather has returned, you'll be seeing a lot of them in our neighborhood.  

These crazy revelers zoomed by so fast we barely got a picture (I've never seen one roll that fast, but they were heading down a long hill):

Check out Lori Storm's May 4 article about PedalPub in The Line - very informative.

Themed Bike Racks Pop up in the Mill District - Part 2: Open Book

Themed Bike Racks Pop up in the Mill District - Part 1: MacPhail Center for Music

Twin Cities River Rats First Show of 2011 Season is Thursday, June 2

The 2011 Twin Cities River Rats season kicks off Thursday, June 2.  Shows are scheduled for 7pm Thursday nights through August 25, and take place at 1628 West River Road (between the Plymouth and Broadway).

The Twin Cities Rivers Rats describe their show as an aquatic Broadway musical featuring multiple water ski acts choreographed to music and built around a theme.

If you haven't already enjoyed a River Rats show, their website is loaded with fun videos to give you an idea of what to expect.  These are free events.

Sunshine Returns for Week 4 at the 2011 Mill City Farmers Market

After braving the wind and rain for the past two Saturdays, this mornings sunshine allowed us to enjoy a relaxing and prolonged trip to the Mill City Farmers Market.

 

 

Be sure to check out the Mill City Farmers Market Blog under the Quick Links section.  We post new pictures, vendors and videos daily. 

Reminder: Twin Citys Trolleys Begin Sunday Service This Weekend

Starting this Sunday, May 29, thru October, Twin City Trolleys will have a downtown route.

Ticket are $24.00, and can be purchased from the Trolley driver or by calling thier office Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm.

Trolley Boarding Locations:
- Saint Anthony Main (this is the first pick up of the morning at 10am)
- The Sculpture Garden
- Mill City Museum
- The Soap Factory
- Minneapolis Convention Center (Hall C)

For more information please call them at 612-876-4489, or email info@twincitytrolleys.com.

Mill District Business Spotlight: 501F1T

Founded in 2008, Phil Martens and Diana Broschka have made 501F1T a successful Mill District workout destination with their unique programs and personal interest taken in each client. 

The 3rd floor of the 501 Washington Avenue South building was a perfect spot to found their studio in this growing neighborhood. Natural lighting from walls of windows are just one component of the overall upbeat feel of the space.  

Joe Duffy of Duffy & Partners, is responsible for 501F1T's distinctive branding.  Joe's wife Patsy has been a client of Phil's since 2004.  Per Patsy, "Phil Marten’s group fitness routine has been part of my life for more than 6 years. I started with a group of my friends when he was located in Northeast Minneapolis.  501 F1T has become a very important part of my life. I have been running regularly for over 30 years but before Phil, I had never done any kind of strength training. The results have been dramatic, not only my increase in strength but just as importantly, my balance, flexibility and physique. My all-around fitness has never been better and I’ve been able to keep weight off like never before. The atmosphere and environment at 501 F1T is second to none. The small group training is fun and social - in a good way. The trainers are very knowledgeable, they focus on each of us individually and they maintain a great attitude that encourages results."

I first met Phil last Fall after a Client Success story interview with Andrea Austin (a RealRyder instructor at 501SP1N).  During that brief chat he mentioned how members of Mill City Commonswere attending classes specially designed for them.  Little did I know at the time that Dave and I would eventually become MCC members, where we met Marcia Townley, MCC Board Chair.  Marcia explained, “Mill City Commons values very much its partnership with 501F1T.  Over a year ago, we asked Diana and Phil to design a special “Strength, Balance and Stretch” course for Mill City Commons members.  Twice a week 6-12 members participate in challenging and targeted fitness classes.  I feel certain all participants would agree that their overall conditioning has improved under the excellent leadership of 501F1T trainers.”

Most unique to 501F1T is the G-WERX full-body workout equipment that Phil designed and put into production in 2001.  Manufactured in Maple Grove, this machine utilizes free weights to increase resistance in smaller increments than other equipment.  The user doesn't have to bump by 10, 20, 30 pounds at a time (10 pounds may not sound like much, but anyone who weight-trains knows otherwise).  The ingenious design is perfect for workout groups.

While Phil and Diana both provide individual training, it was obvious from the clients I spoke with that the group sessions are a very special part of their fitness routine.  Take Kristine Nielsen for example.  She's here from New York City performing in ARSENIC AND OLD LACE at the Guthrie.  Per Kristine, "I selected G-WERX because I loved the idea of a weight training class - the fact that it took 45 concentrated minutes, working different parts of the body 3 times a week. And that Phil and Diana monitor it closely, pushing you to your limits, but never causing injury. I found my stamina onstage increased as I became stronger and then I performed better. I like their philosophy- a group helps each other, yet makes you compete too. In New York City, that costs a whole lot of money and probably a personal trainer. Don't tell them, but it's a steal here. And so worth it!"  She also appreciated the short term membership available to accommodate her stay in the city.

Client Teresa Mock shared, "Since last November I have been committed to the 360 Group Strength Training GWERX program at 501 F1T. I don't think I've ever stayed committed to a workout plan this long. There is a sense of accountability with the group classes that keeps you coming because people genuinely miss you when you aren't there." Teresa had enough positive remarks to write a short story - I think if I looked up 'endorphin rush' in the dictionary there'd be a picture of Teresa.

In addition to training and consulting with their own clients, they are also sought out by college students for internships while earning a degree in kinesiology, or a certified trainer program. 

Phil provides nutritional consulting to help clients reach their goals.  What you eat and when you eat it play an integral role in losing weight and gaining muscle. Terry Jackson recently joined 501F1T as Club Manager. 

Last year he placed an ad in search of an additional trainer.  Dawn Doll responded, and 501SP1Njoined the space in August, 2010.   501SP1N also offers a unique menu of training options, including the RealRyder and Krankcycle classes.  

What's the perfect service to compliment 501F1T and 501SP1N?  Why, massage therapist David Wicklund and his staff at The Doorway for Massage Therapy, of course.  They are also located on the 3rd floor.  Per Diana, "The massage therapists at The Doorway for Massage Therapy are top notch! You are sure to receive amazing treatment at the practice independently owned and operated within 501FIT."

501F1T offers potential customers Free Club and Program Trials.  To learn more, check out the  informative videos featuring Phil and Diana on the main page of their website, or call 612-767-4415.

Tonight - Minneapolis Riverfront Development Initiative Public Meeting

Location:  Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, 2117 West River Road

Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board wants your “two cents” on RiverFIRST.

The Minneapolis Riverfront Development Initiative launched with an intensive four-day, seven-meeting spree, April 27-30, featuring the MR|DI design team TLS/KVA presenting their RiverFIRST proposal. These meetings were the first in a series of three multi-day information exchange sessions, running April - July, during which the public and Steering, Technical and Advisory committee members are invited to participate in the MR|DI's "iterative design process." (And what is that, exactly? See this blog post.)

The public is invited to meet with the designers – Sheila Kennedy and Frano Violich of Kennedy & Violich Architecture and Tom Leader of Tom Leader Studio.  Also presenting will be Mary deLaittre, Project Manager of the MR|DI.

“These meetings, which began in April and will wind up in July, are the second of three wonderful opportunities for the public to have an in-person dialog with the designers as they work toward preparing their recommendation for Upper Riverfront Parks development,” says deLaittre, who is working closely with TLS/KVA and multiple local constituencies to identify and define the functional parameters for the RiverFIRST proposal. “You can expect to see new and more detailed images of the RiverFIRST proposed sites and systems, maps and analysis of current or forthcoming Upper Riverfront projects being overseen by many different agencies, and preliminary timelines and resource identification.”

The third opportunity for in-person comment on RiverFIRST will be in late June or early July, with details announced as soon as they are finalized.

More opportunities to connect:

Community members unable to attend the public meetings will find minutes and video/audio from MR|DI meetings online.

May 31 is the Deadline for Mill City Museum's 'Seeing the Minneapolis Riverfront' Photo Contest

 Mill City Museum invites you to enter your photographs of the Minneapolis Riverfront that reveal the relationship of people to the environment in the past and present.

Judges will be looking for striking images of the Mississippi River and the Minneapolis Riverfront that show the relationship between people and the environment past and present, what that relationship has meant to different people in different times, and the positive and negative consequences of our use of the land and waters. Ideal photographs will convey a sense of place of the Minneapolis Riverfront and will address the way people use the riverfront and its resources. Photographs can focus on the environmental success stories or on the work yet to be done. 

Winning photographs will be framed and displayed in the museum’s lobby in July and August 2011. Honorable mention photographs will be displayed nearby in a high definition slide presentation.

This photo contest is part of "Greening the Riverfront", a year-long series of programs highlighting how the Minneapolis riverfront has transformed from an industrial center to a center for new ways of thinking about our relationship with nature.

Click here for eligibility, entry information, etc.

New Artist at Sanctuary in the Mill District

A native Minnesotan, Leon does expressive art for your interpretation.  His themes include landscapes, water, flora, music and time in acrylics, metallic leaf, copper foil, vivid color, texture & depth.   For the Sanctuary show, he has chosen to share four of his favorite places: a Florida marina, a Hawaiian volcano, the past through Grecian arches and an impression of Paris.

Do You Have a Story to Share? StoryCorps Would Like to Hear From You

StoryCorpscollects stories for their weekly broadcast on NPR's "Morning Edition”, and now you have an opportunity to share your own story. 

StoryCorps is an independent nonprofit whose mission is to provide Americans of all backgrounds and beliefs the opportunity to record, share, and preserve the stories of our lives. Since 2003, StoryCorps has collected and archived more than 30,000 interviews from more than 60,000 participants. This project is funded with money from Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

They are hosting an informative meeting on Thursday, June 2, at 7:00pm.  The location is Pohlad Hall at the Central Library, 300 Nicollet.

If you have a few minutes in your day, take time to listen to some of the clips.  These are everyday people sharing stories that range from humerous to heartbreaking.