Taste Twin Cities Food Tours Announces New PedalPub Taste - Eat Street Food Tour

Taste Twin Cities Food Tours recently announced their new New PedalPub Taste - Eat Street, starting May 8.

Experience an international variety of food right here in Minneapolis. When you join this tour, you will enjoy food both on the PedalPub and inside select restaurants.  Here's what you can expect:

•Pizza that was named one of the "12 Best Old School Pizzerias" by Minnesota Monthly.
•Featured on Food Network, this place is know for their home-made authentic bratwurst.
•Snappy tex-mex nacho's & cheese dip with fresh fried chips from a legendary spot since 1964.
•Unique German ham and sauerkraut ball.
•Local award-winning authentic Chinese Szechuan Wontons.
•Savory German pretzel served with homemade Bavarian sweet style mustard.
•Sauteed Chinese green beans with garlic.
•Sinfully delicious ice creams made in small batch with all-natural ingredients.
•Mouthwatering sesame noodles from a restaurant that won many local awards.

Click here to purchase tickets.  This tour is also available for a private tour. Please contact info@TasteTwinCities.com for more details.

Reminder - West River Parkway Closed for Repaving Beginning April 29

The segment of West River Parkway from 4th Street South to Franklin Avenue (including ramps) will be closed starting Monday, April 29 for repaving by the City of Minneapolis.  More information about the project is available on the City of Minneapolis website.

Steve Brandt called out this sections of the Parkway in his April 23 StarTrib article.

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Receives 2013 Arbor Day Award

Via an April 26 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board:

Arbor Day Foundation Honors Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
 
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is the recipient of a 2013 Arbor Day Award in honor of its outstanding contribution to tree planting, conservation and stewardship, the Arbor Day Foundation announced this week.

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is one of 14 individuals, organizations and companies being recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation during the annual Arbor Day Awards ceremony being held in Nebraska City, Nebraska, on Saturday, April 27.
 
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MRPB) will receive the Excellence in Volunteer Management Award in recognition of its outstanding efforts to mobilize and engage volunteers in tree planting and care within their community.
 
Following a May 2011 tornado that devastated many trees in the City’s Northside, the MPRB led several critical volunteer events to replace the lost trees with young trees brought in from around the country. Nearly 500 people volunteered from neighborhood, civic and corporate groups, meeting the goal of planting 3,100 new trees by the end of 2012.
 
“The tornado was devastating to both our parks and our community,” said Jon Olson, MPRB Commissioner of District Two which includes North Minneapolis. “The Park Board’s priority response to the tornado was helping residents and the Northside neighborhoods.”
 
MPRB Board of Commissioners President John Erwin added that the Arbor Day Foundation recognition underscores the importance of the Park Board’s on-going commitment to the greening of Minneapolis.
 
“Maintaining our urban forest is an important part of our organization’s mission,” Erwin noted. “The year prior to the tornado we planted 5,500 trees throughout the city and in 2012 we planted 6,000 trees, with 3,100 of those trees in the four North Minneapolis neighborhoods hit by the tornado.”
 
“The creativity and hard work of this year’s Arbor Day Award winners enrich our public commons and inspire future generations of environmental advocates,” said John Rosenow, founder and chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board ought to be proud to be a part of this accomplished group.”
 
Since 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation has recognized the inspiring and life-changing work of leading environmental stewards and tree planters through the annual Arbor Day Awards. Award winners from previous years include the late Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai, Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, the United States Forest Service, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Mary Kay, Inc.
 
###
 
About the Arbor Day Foundation: The Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit conservation and education organization of one million members, with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. More information on the Foundation and its programs can be found at arborday.org, or by visiting us on Facebook at facebook.com/arborday or Twitter at twitter.com/arborday.
 
About the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board: The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is an independent park system featuring 197 park properties and 6,744 acres of parkland and water. The Park Board’s Forestry Department is instrumental in planting trees and maintaining the urban canopy, both within parks and along approximately 1,000 miles of city boulevards.

CONTACT:
 
Sean Barry
Arbor Day Foundation
402-473-9563
sbarry@arborday.org
 
Robin Smothers
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
612-230-6410
rsmothers@minneapolisparks.org

Two Neighborhood Treasures are Eligible for the 2013 National Historic Landmark Photo Contest

The 14th Annual National Park Service Photo Contest is open for entries through July 9, 2013.

There are just over 2,500 places, objects or districts that are designated as National Historic Landmarks, 25 of which are in Minnesota.  The full list can be viewed here (listed by state, scroll down to page 52), and it includes two of our neighborhood icons, the Washburn A Mill and Pillsbury A Mill.

This contest isn't about just taking a cool picture.  It's about experiencing the site, understanding it's history, and then capturing it in a photograph.

More information.

Tomorrow - Vikings Football Day at the Dome

Time: 10:00AM – 4:00PM

Vikings Football Day Presented By University of Minnesota Amplatz Children’s Hospital

Bring the entire family to Mall of America Field for Vikings Football Day Presented by University of Minnesota Amplatz Children’s Hospital on Saturday, April 27th. Follow the NFL draft and enjoy your day playing interactive games, getting autographs from current and former players, food and beverage and much more!

• Player and Alumni Autograph Sessions
• Kids Only Autograph Sessions
• Introduction to Vikings First Round Draft Pick
• Inflatable games
• Football skills area
• Tour of the Vikings Locker Room at Mall of America Field
• Kids Q&A session with a current player
• NFL Draft Coverage
• Vikings Locker Room Store
• Miller Lite End Zone Bar and Food Concessions
• Introduction of the 2013 Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders
• Plus much more!!

Ticket Information
Season Ticket Owners: $5
Kids 12 and Under: FREE
General Admission: $10 per adult

*50% of all proceeds from Vikings Football Day will benefit University of Minnesota’s Amplatz Children’s Hospital.

Tonight - Dining Out For Life at Neighborhood Restaurants

Tonight, consider having dinner at a neighborhood restaurant that's participating in Dining Out For Life.

They will donate a portion of the proceeds to the Aliveness Project and Rural AIDS Action Network. Here is a partial list of participatants (a complete list can be found here):

eagleBOLTbar         Red Stag Supperclub

      Sawatdee      Spoonriver     Zen Box Izakaya     Haute Dish

The Aliveness Project, a local nonprofit organization that provides on-site meals, food shelf & other supportive services for individuals living with HIV/AIDS and their families.

Rural AIDS Action Network(RAAN) serves those affected by HIV/AIDS throughout Greater Minnesota. Their services include medical case management, free and confidential HIV testing, medical transportation assistance, health education/risk reduction and support groups.

April 23 - All in a Day's Work for Mother Nature

At 9:00am this morning it looked like Christmas...

... and by 5:00pm it was Spring! YAY :D

A closer perspective:

I found your mitten...

...you're welcome!

It was by the curb in front of Nye's, in case your were wondering.

Ashley Petroske in REALTOR® Magazine’s 2013 Issue of “30 Under 30”

Ashley Petroske, the Owner and Broker of Real Estate Design, recently joined 29 other professionals in the REALTOR® Magazine’s 2013 issue of “30 Under 30.” The magazine is distributed by the National Association of REALTORS®. Every year, the staff at REALTOR® Magazine selects a group of real estate professionals with potential as part of the issue, including some of the top producers across the country.

Petroske, a Saint Paul Area Association of REALTORS® member since 2005, began her career in real estate working at her great uncle's development company, Mendota Homes, Inc., in an administrative capacity. Within weeks she enrolled in real estate classes and spent the next decade representing some of the Twin Cities' leading developers in both a real estate sales and interior design capacity.

How does this tie into our neighborhood?  Per Ashley, "For the last five years I've designed and sold dozens of condos in the Mill District, primarily at the Zenith. In those five years I've fallen in love with the neighborhood, from the Farmer's Market to Spoonriver and of course, the lovely folks that call the Mill District home. Real Estate Design will continue to provide real estate representation while offering integrated interior design services at no additional cost to our clients. We will continue to focus on Minneapolis and in particular the vibrant Riverfront communities while adding experts to our team to offer the same level of service in the surrounding suburbs."

Ashley also mentioned Real Estate Design's "Greenhouse Initiative", which she said is in its infancy, but has already received committments from dozens of people to grow and donate produce to local shelters and all manner of food distribution centers. "By providing the seedlings to our past clients and those whom have caught wind of the program, not only can we reach more people geographically, the genuine interest in growing, harvesting and sharing healthy food with those less fortunate is contagious," she added.

Congratulations, Ashley!

Special Vikings Football Day Offer for EDC Members

EDC Board Member Jeff Anderson from the Minnesota Vikings has a special offer he would like to make to EDC members.  He is offering up to 80 free tickets on a first come, first serve basis to "Vikings Football Day", which is coming up on Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Metrodome/Mall of America Field.

This is a family friendly event.  It's an opportunity to follow the NFL draft and enjoy the day playing interactive games, getting autographs from current players, enjoying food and beverage and much more!

• Kids Only Autograph Sessions
• Current Player Autograph Sessions
• Inflatable games
• Football skills area
• Tour of the Vikings Locker Room at Mall of America Field
• Kids Q&A session with a current player
• NFL Draft Coverage
• Vikings Locker Room Store
• Miller Lite End Zone Bar and Food Concessions
• Introduction of the 2013 Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders
• Plus much more!

If you are interested in the tickets, please email Jeff Anderson directly at andersonj@vikings.nfl.net, using the subject line "Minnesota Vikings Football Day Tickets".  He will provide you with up to four tickets for the event.  Please let him know if you are interested by Friday, April 19, before Noon.  

For more information regarding the event, please go to http://www.vikings.com/schedule/draft-weekend/football-day.html.

RiverFirst Schematic Design Presentati​ons and Open House

 As part of RiverFirst, the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board is completing schematic design and feasibility for six Mississippi riverfront parks and parks access projects. On Wednesday, May 1, the RiverFirst design team will present its work as part of the Park Board’s regular meeting, which begins at 5:00 PM. On Thursday, May 2, community members have an opportunity to learn more about these RiverFirst Priority Projects at an Open House from 11 AM – 12:00 PM or a Community Meeting from 6-8:00 PM. All three meetings will be in the Board Room at Minneapolis Park Board headquarters, 2117 West River Road, Minneapolis

For more information see:
http://riverfirst.com/2013/04/15/news-release-may-2-minneapolis-parks-shares-next-steps-on-six-r1-priority-projects/
http://www.minneapolisparks.org/riverfirst

Date: Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Time: meeting begins at 5:00 PM
Type: Park Board meeting
Location: MPRB Board Room, 2117 West River Road North, Minneapolis

Date: Thursday, May 2, 2013
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Type: informal open house
Location: MPRB Board Room, 2117 West River Road North, Minneapolis

Date: Thursday, May 2, 2013
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Type: open house with presentation and Q&A
Location: MPRB Board Room, 2117 West River Road North, Minneapolis
 
CONTACT: Andrew Caddock, Project Manager
Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board
612-230-6470
acaddock@minneapolisparks.org

MPRB Summer Program Registration Now Open

Via an April 16 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board:

Registration for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s summer recreation programs is now open.

A variety of programs and activities are available for all ages at recreation centers, gardens, lakes and other locations. Programs and activities available include environmental, water recreation, fitness, creative arts, day camps, sports leagues, golf leagues and lessons and more.

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board welcomes people of all ages and abilities to participate in sports and activity programs. Inclusion and adaptive services are available to those who choose to participate in general recreation programs.

To view and register for activities and programs, view category searches below or visit ActiveNet. For more information call 612-230-6400 or contact your local park's recreation center.

• Day Camps
• Water Recreation
• Environmental
• Health and Fitness
• Special Events
• Golf Leagues and Lessons
• Adult Sports
• Youth Sports

501FIT Celebrates Five Years, Hosts Benessere and Avatar Partnership Event

Via an April 1, 2013, Press Release:

Locally owned 501FIT joins forces with Benessere Body in Balance and Avatar Training Studio. Celebrating five years, 501FIT hosts partnership launch party on Friday, May 3, 2013 from 5pm-8pm.

501FIT adds complimentary services by joining forces with local owned Benessere and Avatar. Focused on building its innovative G-Werx Program, 501FIT adds services through partnerships.

501FIT expects the Benessere and Avatar partnerships to strengthen wellness outcomes for clients. Benessere began services at 501FIT, its second location, in January 2013. Avatar will close its current location to begin Barre, TRx Bootcamps and Gyrotonics training at 501FIT in April 2013.

About 501FIT
501FIT is the pilot club for the G-Werx Workout Program. 501FIT opened in January 2008 featuring the G-Werx Program growing from 20 clients to 225 clients as of March 2013. The G-Werx Machine and Workout Program were invented by 501FIT Founder, Phil Martens. 501FIT is committed to providing small group personal training with the service of one-on-one training at sustainable at group fitness rates.

http://www.501fit.com/

Mission: To provide more clients the opportunity to work with Certified Trainers as a lifestyle!
Services: Group personal training, full-service gym memberships, personal training, fitness consultations

About Benessere
Benessere Body in Balance, a full-service wellness center in Minneapolis, was opened by Kay Bashford in 2005. Benessere believes that maintaining balance of your whole being—body, mind and spirit—leads to healing, serenity, prosperity and joy. The health of clients is at the center of everything they do.

http://www.benesserebodyinbalance.com/

Services: Massage, Acupuncture, Neuromuscular Therapy, Chiropractic and Matrix Re-pattern Therapy.

About Avatar
Avatar Personal Training Studio was founded by Eric Hall in 2005. Starting primarily as a ‘by appointment’ personal training studio, Avatar has evolved into a group fitness programming studio offering BARRE and TRX Bootcamp training. Eric Hall continues to provide Gyrotonics specialty training while pursuing group fitness offerings as a compliment. Eric and Avatar will bring their services to 501FIT in April 2013.

http://www.avatartrainingstudio.com/

Services: Gyrotonics, BARRE and TRx.

Tonight: DFL Ward 3 Precinct 9 Caucus at Open Book

Time: 7:00pm

Location: Open Book, 1011 Washington Avenue South

The Minneapolis DFL will be holding precinct caucuses at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday April 16th, 2013, for the purpose of electing delegates to consider endorsement of candidates seeking election to Minneapolis Municipal Office or Park Board in 2013.

Delegates chosen at the April 16th caucuses will vote to endorse their City Council candidate at the Ward convention. The convension takes place on May 4 at DeLaSalle High School from 9:00am - 1:00pm.

April 13 Mill City Farmers Market - Final "Winter" Market of the Season

After a week of snow and ice storms, how appropriate that April 13 marked the final 2012-2013 Winter Market.  And how fortunate that we've had the Mill City Museum to provide a warm venue.

Below, Fred from French Nugget shows off a piece of driftwood resembling an elephant that he discovered while fishing.

Temporary Road Closures on Sunday, April 14 - Race for Justice 5K

Please note temporarily road closures on Sunday, April 14, from 7:00am to 11:00am for the Race for Justice 5K: Main Street, Stone Arch Bridge, and Nicollet Island.

The Race for Justice proceeds benefit the Loan Repayment Assistance Program of Minnesota (LRAP-MN). By subsidizing education debts for dedicated, low-paid public interest attorneys, LRAP helps meet the legal needs of low-income Minnesotans across the state. Also, the RFJ route is highly praised by runners of all levels.

A complete list of parkway closures is available online.

Enjoy a Trip to the Mill City Museum

The word museum may bring up images of articles roped off or behind glass - but the Mill City Museum is just the opposite.  It's an interactive experience that both kids and adults will enjoy.  This video highlights a field trip: 

If you haven't had a chance to visit them yet, I urge you to check out their website to learn about all the guided tours, baking demos, music and book signing events, etc.  The gift shop is fantastic!

There will be an indoor Mill City Farmers Market at the Museum on Saturday, April 13, from 10am-1pm.  It's the perfect opportunity to check out the Museum, as well as get to know some of the vendors who will return for the 2013 MCFM Season beginning May 11.

From People Serving People: Homelessness Through the Eyes of an 8 Year Old

From an April 4, 2013, People Serving People e-newsletter:

HOMELESSNESS THROUGH THE EYES OF AN 8 YEAR OLD

Paris is an 8 year old who loves Hello Kitty and bright colors. Her bedroom at her family’s last apartment was painted pink. She’s tall for her age, pauses for several seconds before she answers a question and her smile lights up her face. She loves to read but it’s not her favorite subject.

“In school I like to do math,“ Paris says. “Because there are a lot of things that you have to solve and you can solve them yourself without anyone helping you.” 

Paris and her family are staying at People Serving People (PSP). She was recently featured in a Minnesota Public Radio audio and photo slideshow project. Her simple but poignant responses to questions about her life and the photos of her daily activities at PSP help listeners grasp what living in a shelter is like through the eyes of an 8 year old.

Last year more than 1,800 children like Paris called PSP their temporary home. The number of guests that rely on PSP for shelter and services has increased by 39% since 2008. Two-thirds of the 368 people that call PSP home on average each day are below the age of 18. The average age of a child at PSP is 6 years old. 

Providing stability for their family is more difficult for low income parents as average monthly rents increase and vacancy rates remain low in the Twin Cities area. When paired with the scarcity of livable wage employment opportunities in the Twin Cities and the fact that child care typically costs $13,579 for a single child it becomes difficult for parents to keep their head above water. Thankfully these types of statistics don’t weigh on Paris. She’s confident her family will find another home soon.  

"Homeless is when you’re on the sidewalk asking people for money and you don't have a home," said Paris. "When you move into a shelter that is just giving you time to look at a home that you want so you are not homeless." 

PSP’s mission is to ensure that Paris, and the other children like her have the opportunity to grow up and become successful adults. By offering a safe and stable environment where parents can get back on their feet, and additional support services and connections to community resources, PSP goes beyond simply providing emergency shelter. Our building becomes a place of hope and possibilities. 

It is through the support and generosity of our community that we can offer programs and services that help families move beyond homelessness to stability. 

Takara Henegar, Individual Donor & In-Kind Coordinator
(612) 277-0258 / takarah@peopleservingpeople.org.  

1st Precinct Reports Impressive Results

From an April 4 e-newsletter:

WOW!  Impressive effort!
 
Congratulations on another record-breaking week in crime fighting in P1!  Our efforts in the community yielded some impressive results including 663 proactive stops (beating out P2 and P3), 36% reduction in Part I Crime (including Theft), a 23% reduction in Violent Crime, and we led the city in curfew/truancy enforcement. 

That does not tell the whole story.  We had ZERO Robberies this week and ZERO TFMV (Theft from Motor Vehicle) the week previous.  While I am the new kid on the block, those that have been here awhile don’t recall this ever happening.  That said, I believe you, along with the weather are just getting warmed up and the best is yet to come. 

The Spring season will bring its challenges, but I know our MPD staff and our community partners are up to the task.  Things will always rev up, so don’t let off the gas.  Remember to always put your Junk in Your Trunk, stay aware of your surroundings, don't walk distracted and as always, call 911 if something doesn't seem right.  Keep up the good work. 

Thanks again for all you do and have a safe and enjoyable weekend. 
 
Regards,
Inspector Bryan D. Schafer | First Precinct |
Minneapolis Police Department | 19  4th Street North |
Minneapolis, MN 55401  | 612.673.2337 office |
 
To Protect With Courage
To Serve With Compassion
Connect with the MPD

Treasures from the Stacks

The Friends of the Minneapolis Central Library are hosting an opportunity to see rare and historic items at a special behind the scenes tour and fund-raising event on May 17.  The proceeds from the event will support the Children’s Library initiative on Early Literacy and School Readiness.   Donations will help purchase developmental toys and furniture that foster exploration and fun by creating an interactive environment where children can learn, create and play.

The tour will highlight such items as the Kittleson WWII Collection, the Hoag Mark Twain Collection as well as other one-of-a kind treasures.   A stop in the Children’s Library will also be included for a look at the programs and activities that promote Early Literacy and School Readiness.     

Friday, May 17, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Minneapolis Central Library,  300 Nicollet Mall

Wine & Hors d’oeuvres

Maria Jette and Dan Chouinard

Admission:   $35  -  Respond By May 1

For registration information, contact minneapoliscentral@supporthclib.org