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Minneapolis Riverfront News

Covering life, work, and play in the Historic Mill District and Downtown Minneapolis Riverfront neighborhoods. Have an opinion, local news or events to share?  Contact us.

Entries from December 1, 2014 - December 31, 2014

Sunday
Dec142014

Scenes from the December 13 Mill City Farmers Market

Didn't attend the December 13 indoor Mill City Farmers Market?  Well, take a look at what you missed...

Festive vendors and music:

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

Fresh trees, wreaths, centerpieces and ice globe kits:

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

Food!

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

Gifts!

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

Free gift wrapping:

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

Last but not least - the goat.  :)

December 13, 2014 Mill City Indoor Farmers Market

The next indoor Market is Saturday, January 10, 2015, inside the Mill City Museum.

Saturday
Dec132014

Time for a "Holidays in the Mill District" Photo Shoot

Make sure your holiday lights are all ablaze tonight.  Dave and I are taking advantage of the weekend heat wave to get out for a "Holidays in the Mill District" photo shoot! :)

Friday
Dec122014

2015 Minneapolis Park Board Budget Approved

Via a December 12 Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board e-newsletter:

Because of your interest in the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB), we want you to know that the MPRB approved its 2015 budget on Wednesday, December 10.
 
The budget focuses on maintaining park services and facilities, strategically addressing financial and operational challenges, improving organizational efficiency and service delivery, and addressing Emerald Ash Borer and other threats to the urban tree canopy.
 
Read the full news release about the approved 2015 budget for full details and information.
 
You can view the Superintendent’s Recommended 2015 Budget online.

Friday
Dec122014

Sorella Wine & Spirits Closing December 31; New Owner's Format TBD

Via a December 12 e-newsletter from Sorella Wine & Spirits:
 
So, it is time to break the news. December 31st will be our last day as Sorella Wine & Spirits. The store has been sold to a local wine and spirits industry veteran; it will have a new name, and presumably, many changes. Many of us here will be moving on to other ventures. And while the new owner will be purchasing whatever inventory we have left on January 1, we intend to offer many killer deals between now and then (we don't feel like counting all those bottles on Jan. 1st). On behalf of the whole Sorella (and Liquor Depot) family, we'd like to thank you for your patronage over the years, and we certainly hope you'll stop by to see us before the year is out.
 
Cordially,
Darrin Minehan
Wine Buyer 
Sorella Wine & Spirits
 
p.s. If you have, or know of anyone who has a Sorella GIFT CARD or a Belly Card, it is time to redeem them - there will be a completely new entity in this space in 2015 and they will have no connection to our gift card program or our Belly Points. We will also be adding some additional options for redeeming Belly Points next week.

Wednesday
Dec102014

Toys for Tots Drop Off at Bibelot Shop

Tuesday
Dec092014

City of Minneapolis Launches Open Data Portal

The City of Minneapolis just launched it's Open Data Portal, allowing access to many types of City data online. Previously, if residents or reporters wanted much of this information, they had to formally request it from the City.

The initial sets of data in the portal cover a range of City services and functions, including:

•311 incidents
•Fire incidents
•Police incidents
•Crime statistics
•Open rental licenses
•Open liquor licenses
•Air quality study results
•Digital inclusion survey results
•NRP budgets
•Exact city boundaries

Minneapolis joins 38 states and 46 cities and counties with open data portals that have made data sets available to the public. The City of Minneapolis’ open data portal does not represent all the public information managed by the City, but it is meant to make the most frequently requested and most useful data easily accessible, and more content will be added over time.

Users can download data in various formats, visualize the data in charts and maps where available, and read metadata about the information. Users can also subscribe via RSS feed to get notified when the data is updated. Programmers can access APIs that let them use the data without needing to download anything.

Monday
Dec082014

MPRB to Own Downtown East Park After All

Ben Johnson with City Pages used more colorful language to describe the process establishing The Yard/Downtown East Commons/Downtown East Urban Park or whatever the name of the day is, but let's just say it's been chaotic.

On Wednesday, the Administration & Finance Committee of the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board passed a resolution approving the Memorandum of Understanding and Lease between the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board for the Downtown East Commons.  Look for an opinion piece next week (will take some time to digest all of the info), but for now here's what's available:

MPRB Committee Meeting Video:

Downtown East Urban Park MPRB Resolution 2014-371:

https://app.box.com/shared/static/smvlmj9dapbfqd4yzwnk.pdf

Memorandum of Understanding - Downtown East Commons - MPRB and City of Minneapolis:

https://app.box.com/shared/static/5ljbvbeis4fja32gp79i.pdf

Urban Park Use Agreement - Ryan and MSFA:

https://app.box.com/shared/static/411rab25n0pljjzag4c1.pdf

Strib - Plan Would Make Park Board Owner of Downtown Park:

http://www.startribune.com/local/blogs/284670871.html

City Pages - Park Board Will Own New Downtown East Park as Long as It Doesn't Have to Pay for Anything:

http://blogs.citypages.com/blotter/2014/12/park_board_will_own_new_downtown_east_park_as_long_as_it_doesnt_have_to_pay_for_anything.php

Monday
Dec082014

[Photos] Nye's in the News Last Week

The week started with news of Nye's closing, then came a plan for high-rise apartments, then a cloud was cast by historic preservation concerns - here's a collection of the coverage:

NYE'S POLONAISE WILL CLOSE AFTER 65 YEARS

http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/news/2014/12/01/nyes-polonaise-will-close-after-65-years.html

NYE'S POLONAISE ROOM TO CLOSE

http://www.minnpost.com/glean/2014/12/nyes-polonaise-room-close

BYE NYE'S: LOCAL LANDMARK TO CLOSE AFTER 65 YEARS

http://www.mprnews.org/story/2014/12/01/nyes-to-close

NYE'S POLONAISE ROOM TO CLOSE NEXT YEAR

http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/dining/284399951.html

'NORDEAST' ICON NYE'S TO CLOSE AFTER 65 YEARS

http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_27047227/nyes-iconic-nordeast-minneapolis-bar-and-restaurant-close

-------------

NYE'S POLONAISE ROOM OWNERS PARTNER WITH SCHAFER RICHARDSON ON POTENTIAL APARTMENT TOWER

http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/news/2014/12/02/nyes-polonaise-developer-schafer-apartment-tower.html

DEVELOPER PLANS HIGH-RISE ON NYE'S SITE

http://www.startribune.com/local/minneapolis/284549121.html

-------------

HISTORIC PRESERVATION COULD HINDER NYE'S PLAN

http://www.startribune.com/local/west/284945451.html

HISTORIC PRESERVATION COULD THWART PLAN TO REPLACE NYE’S BAR WITH APARTMENTS

http://bringmethenews.com/2014/12/06/historic-preservation-could-block-plan-to-replace-nyes-bar-with-apartments/

East Hennepin Ave Tour with Preserve Minneapolis

East Hennepin Ave Tour with Preserve Minneapolis

East Hennepin Ave Tour with Preserve Minneapolis

East Hennepin Ave Tour with Preserve Minneapolis

Monday
Dec082014

Main Street SE Closure on Wednesday, December 10th

Per the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board:

Main Street SE  will be closed along the section in front of the St. Anthony Main Theatre from 7:00 am - 2:00 pm on Wednesday, December 10th.  There will be no through traffic due to this closure.

A detour route will be posted to direct traffic between E Hennepin Ave. and SE 3rd Ave., although local traffic will be allowed to enter onto Main St. up to the closure area.

Monday
Dec082014

Tonight / Community Forum - 26th Ave N & 22nd Ave NE Greenways

From the Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership:

The forces are aligning.  Between planned work on 26th Ave and plans for 22nd Ave NE this is an ideal time for North and Northeast residents to come together to develop a vision for the education corridor between Nellie Stone and Edison.

With the support of CM Reich and representatives from the Holland and Hawthorne Neighborhoods, the Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership is scheduling a community forum on Monday, December 8, 2014 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (2117 West River Rd., Minneapolis)

The Forum will be used to begin to develop a common vision of what this greenway can be for our community, with the immediate goal of developing community recommendations and input for the City Transportation and Public Works Committee.

Please invite your neighborhood to join us for this important event.

Questions:

Kathleen Boe, Executive Director

MinneapolisRiverfront Partnership

Kathleen.boe@minneapolisriverfrontpartnership.org

612-746-4987

Sunday
Dec072014

Thursday Night - Get an Update on the Nicollet Mall Redesign

Plans for the redesign of Nicollet Mall are moving ahead, and on Dec. 11, the public will have a chance to learn about changes and refinements to the design and other project updates at a public meeting at the Hyatt Regency.

In the last several months, the project team has done extensive community engagement, which has led to updates to the design, particularly changes to the central section of Nicollet between Sixth and Eighth streets. At the same time, new paving materials and furniture have been tested and the results of those tests will also be shared at the meeting.

The City of Minneapolis, Minneapolis Downtown Council and James Corner Field Operations (JCFO) will provide a project update including timeline, construction schedule, design revisions and new information from the mall livability working group. After the presentation, representatives from JCFO, the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Downtown Council will be on hand to answer questions.

This is the fifth public event held to gather feedback and share design concept progress. Information on past presentations is available at nicolletmallproject.com.

Nicollet Mall Project update

5:15 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 11

Presentation at 5:45

Hyatt Regency Minneapolis – Northstar Ballroom A

1300 Nicollet Mall

Since the 1880s, Nicollet Mall has been a retail and business hub for Minneapolis. Over the years, the mall has been through two major renovations: one in 1968 and one in the 1980s. Today the space is used by 130,000 Minnesotans daily and is home to events such as the Nicollet Mall Farmers Market. The City and the Minneapolis Downtown Council are in the process of redesigning the mall to make it an even better destination and a more powerful economic engine for the region and the state. Construction is expected to begin in 2015.

Saturday
Dec062014

Fresh Christmas Trees from Nistler Farms at the December 13 Mill City Farmers Market

You know them for their fantastic sweet corn at the Mill City Farmers Market, but did you know Nistler Farms also offers fresh Christmas trees?

If this is the year you're going to fill your home with the lovely scent of a real tree, come down the to December 13 Mill City Farmers Market at the Mill City Museum.  Jeff Nistler and his staff will have trees ranging from table top size to 8 feet tall.  They will primarily be Fraser firs from Wisconsin growers Jeff has worked with for many years. 

When you buy a tree from Nistler, you're assured no herbicides were used during the growing process (which I'm told is a rarity in the Christmas tree business).

Other added bonuses:

 - Customers who live in the nearby condos can ask about free delivery.
 - Nistler will also have tree stands available and biodegradable bags (often times apartments and condos require trees be brought in and out with a protective bag).

You will also find an abundance of the usual great food, art, clothing, etc., at the December 13 Market.  Don't forget to bring your gift-giving list - family, friends and co-workers will appreciate a treat from the Market! :)

Friday
Dec052014

45-day Comment Period Open for Central Mississipp​i Riverfront Regional Park Master Plan

Via a December 4 Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board e-newsletter:

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board invites public comment on the Draft Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park (proposed renaming to St. Anthony Falls Regional Park) Master Plan through January 18, 2015.  Once approved, the master plan will guide park investment along both sides of the Mississippi River near St. Anthony Falls for years to come. The draft plan is the result of a 16 month process that included 12 meetings of a Community Advisory Committee, 10 meetings of a Technical Advisory Committee, three community open houses, an online survey, and one-on-one conversations with residents.  Based on comments received from the public, the draft plan will be revised and presented to the Board of Commissioners for a public hearing and approval in early 2015.  Learn more by visiting the project page or by going to www.minneapolisparks.org/currentprojects and selecting “Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park Master Plan.”

The Draft Master Plan is available for review:
 
Digitally online: https://file.ac/_5mFp8FY2nY/ 
 
Hard copy at the following Minneapolis locations:
  ◦ Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Headquarters - 2117 West River Road N
  ◦ Mill City Museum - 704 South 2nd St
  ◦ Logan Park Recreation Center - 690 13th Ave NE
 
Submit a comment online: Survey
 
Submit a comment by mail:
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
Attn: Tyler Pederson
2117 West River Road N
Minneapolis, MN 55411
 
Submit a comment by phone or e-mail to Tyler Pederson, at 612-499-9084 or tpederson@minneapolisparks.org
 
Tyler Pederson, PLA
Landscape Architect
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
2117 West River Road
Minneapolis, MN 55411

Thursday
Dec042014

Embrace Winter! MPRB Offers Programs, Classes and Events

The Minneapolis Park & Rec Board recently announced their winter programming line up. Below is a sampling.  Check out the full list online.

- Kids Camps & Classes

Winter Outdoor Adventure Camp Week 1 & Week 2
Spend your winter break in extreme action! Build snow forts, find hidden treasure by compass, go sledding and snowshoeing, track animals in the snow and more! No snow? Don't worry. Our naturalists will still provide fun alternative activities. Be prepared for outdoor winter adventures and dress appropriately. Please click on Week 1 or 2 to register.

Happy Groundhog’s Day!
Tuesday February 2nd 2015 10:30am – 12:00pm: Join us as we celebrate Groundhog’s Day. Stop by Theodore Park any time during the event. Read a story, make a craft, play games, touch animal furs and go on your own groundhog scavenger hunt. Learn more about these animals and about this American holiday. Will the groundhog see his shadow this year? Ages 2-6. $5 dollars per child; adults free.

Come Out and Play Family Nature Club
You don't need to leave the city or even your neighborhood to enjoy fun in nature. It's time to get outside and play! Come Out and Play is a FREE, no-registration, no-obligation program that encourages families to get out and enjoy nature. Research shows that kids who spend time in nature are more relaxed, happier, learn and sleep better, and enjoy better physical health than those who spend the majority of their time indoors. Join our club leader and her children in a natural setting for some unstructured play and exploration. Kids of all ages and their adults are welcome, including (of course) babes-in-arms. Each month the club leader picks a new location in a Minneapolis park to explore. The club meets on weekdays and weekends so all families have the opportunity to participate. For more information contact natureclub@minneapolisparks.org

- December Cooking Classes

Kombucha
Tuesday December 11, 2014 6:00-8:00pm at Theodore Wirth Park Picnic Pavilion (3275 Glenwood Ave.)
Help yourself and your family avoid the cold and the flu season this year by regularly taking your homemade elderberry syrup. We will be making syrup in class to learn the process, so that you can make it at home.
Instructor: Iman Mefleh, co-owner of You Betcha Kimchi, LLC.

Greek Yogurt & Lebneh- Simple Milk Ferments
Thursday December 18, 2014 6:00-7:30pm at Theodore Wirth Park Picnic Pavilion (3275 Glenwood Ave.)
Yogurt populates a whole section of most grocery stores. Yet you can make your own simply and for less money and packaging. Learn to make traditional creamy yogurt and variations: Greek yogurt and "lebneh"- Lebanese strained yogurt spread. Taught by Iman Mefleh, who learned from the "Lebanese Grandmother School of Cooking."
Instructor: Iman Mefleh, co-owner of You Betcha Kimchi, LLC.
 
- Family Winter Programs

Winter Solstice
The Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year and for that it is celebrated in many different cultures as the renewing of a season. Learn about the history of the Winter Solstice, catch the sun, make a nature craft, and enjoy a bonfire with treats as we celebrate too!
Saturday December 20th 4pm-6pm

Snowshoeing When the Moon is Full
Join us on snowshoes as we hike through Theodore Wirth Park while the moon is full. Follow animal tracks, listens for owls’ calls and enjoy nature’s evening beauty. Join us for one or both sessions. Snowshoes are provided.
Sunday January 4th 2015, 6pm-8pm and Tuesday February 3rd 2015, 6pm-8pm

Night Owl Snowshoeing
Travel through the Bird Sanctuary on snowshoes while tracking nature's nocturnal hunters. Its owl nesting season and we'll look for signs of local owl species, such as Great Horned Barred and Screech. Meet at the Rose Garden Parking lot on the Roseway RD just east of Lake Harriet Parways. Snowshoes provided. Dress for the weather.
Saturday February 7th 5-6:30pm and Friday February 27th 5-6:30pm

Winter Snowshoe Hike and Bonfire
Follow the moonlit trail along Minnehaha Creek to the Mississippi River, then back to the fire pit to warm up and roast marshmallows. Meet at the Minnehaha Falls Pavilion. Snowshoes provided. Dress for the weather. Winter boots are a must.
Friday January 16th 5-7pm and Friday February 6th 5-7pm

Snowshoeing for the Family at Thomas Sadler Roberts Bird Sanctuary
Drop in any time for this laid back family fun day. Try on a pair of snowshoes and take a hike around the park. Make a snowshoe craft, meet some live animals and stay to enjoy a warm fire. Children under 10 are free with an adult. $5 dollars per person 11 and up.
Saturday January 17th 2015, 10am -12pm

Valentine’s Day Snowshoeing
Looking for an outdoor adventure on Valentine's Day? Travel by sunset or moonlight through the park on snowshoes and go to areas seldom visited in winter. End your evening at the Wirth Pavilion where you'll warm up by the fire and make homemade hot chocolate. Meet at the Wirth Beach parking lot. Snowshoes provided. Dress for the weather. Winter boots are a must.
Saturday February 14th 5pm-7pm and 7:30pm-9:30pm

Snowshoeing and Birding
Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean all the birds have headed south. Join us at Theodore Wirth Park as we hike through the park on snowshoes looking for birds. Learn how to identify bird calls as well as examine some bird bio facts. Join us for a warm drink and fire inside the pavilion after we hike. If the snow has melted by the day of the hike, still plant to hike on foot with binoculars. Snowshoes and binoculars will be provided but feel free to bring your own. $7.00 per person
Saturday February 28th 9am-11am
 
Maple Syruping Demonstration
Learn about the history of Maple Syruping and experience the process first-hand, from sap to syrup. Discover how and why trees produce sap, see demonstrations of traditional and modern syruping techniques, participate in hands-on activities, and pick up some delicious maple syrup recipes to try at home. Meet at the Theodore Wirth Pavilion. Parking is available across Glenwood Avenue at the Wirth Beach Parking lot. Live trees will not be tapped at this event.
Saturday March 14th 11am-1pm
                              
- Preview January Cooking Classes

Look for more cooking classes to come in 2015:  Pizza-making, Dark chocolate from scratch, cooking with herbs, spices and "weeds," Gluten-free baking, preserving the harvest classes, easy at-home ferments, cooking with honey, children's cooking classes, personal and household cleaning products and much, much more!
  

Wednesday
Dec032014

The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul's December Lineup

December 5 - 11
MN Premiere | MN Theatrical Exclusive

Legendary Studio Ghibli cofounder Isao Takahata adapts Japan's most famous folktale in this gorgeous, hand-drawn masterwork, decades in the making. Found inside a shining stalk of bamboo by an old bamboo cutter, a tiny girl grows rapidly into a mysterious young princess. She enthralls all who encounter her, but harbors a dark secret that she alone must confront. Presented in both English and Japanese!

 

December 5 - 11
series: Cine Latino | MN Theatrical Exclusive

A sell out smash hit at the Film Society's Cine Latino Film Festival, this Venezuelan Oscar® hopeful returns for a special theatrical run! Rising international star Édgar Ramírez takes the lead in this dramatic story of Simón Bolívar, one of Latin America's most inspirational and influential figures, and his lifelong quest for independence from Spain.

 

December 12 - 18
Minneapolis Exclusive

When William Friedkin, director of The Exorcist, calls it the most terrifying film he's ever seen, one should take note. Directed by a former apprentice of Lars Von Trier, the film follows a single mother who struggles to control her son's fear of a monster he believes is coming to kill them both: the Babadook.

 

December 12 - 18
Minneapolis Exclusive

An unconventional documentary about the Hindu Swami who brought yoga and meditation to the West in the 1920s, and authored the spiritual classic "Autobiography of a Yogi," which has become a spiritual classic used by yoga lovers and philosophers everywhere, and bears the distinction of being the only book Steve Jobs kept on his iPad!

 

December 16 at 7:00pm | December 21 at 1:00pm
series: Opera on Screen

Tchaikovsky is best known for his symphonic scores and ballets, yet his operas also occupy a place of honor in his oeuvre. Eugene Onegin, based on the novel by Pushkin, is without a doubt, one of his very finest works. Peter Mattei, who "has acquired a fabulous vocal profile and is a gifted actor blessed with debonair self-confidence," carries the title role superbly.

 

December 29 at 7:00pm | January 3 at 1:00pm
series: National Theatre Live

Internationally renowned DV8 Physical Theatre bring their powerful new production to the National Theatre. The company's new production, JOHN, authentically depicts real-life stories, combining movement and spoken word to create an intense and moving theatrical experience. 

Tuesday
Dec022014

Holiday Music at the Government Center

The Hennepin County Government Center (Skyway Level, 300 South 6th Street) will continue its annual tradition of seasonal and holiday performances, free and open to the public.  All performances are Noon – 1:00pm unless otherwise noted.

SCHEDULE:

Dec. 5:  City-County Chorus
Hennepin County, City of Minneapolis and 4th Judicial District Court employees perform a variety of songs of the season.

Dec. 9:  City-County Chorus
Hennepin County, City of Minneapolis and 4th Judicial District Court employees perform a variety of songs of the season.

Dec. 12:  Chippewa Middle School, Noon – 12:50pm
8th grade orchestra plays to communicate a love for beauty in sound, an appreciate for teamwork, and a sincere wish for the audience to have a happy holiday season.

Dec. 16:  Ameriprise Holiday Choir
Sponsored by Ameriprise Financial, Inc. since 1986, 25 members performing secular, Christmas, Hanukah and Kwanzaa holiday songs.

Dec. 18:  City-County Chorus
Hennepin County, City of Minneapolis and 4th Judicial District Court employees perform a variety of songs of the season.
                                                         
Look for more news on the Hennepin County website.

Tuesday
Dec022014

Minneapolis Tops in the Nation in National Night Out Participation

Via a December 1 City of Minneapolis e-newsletter:

December 1, 2014 (MINNEAPOLIS) Thanks to incredible community support and an increase in community policing, Minneapolis has once again grabbed the trophy for top National Night Out (NNO) city in the country. It is the city’s 3rd year in a row topping the charts nationwide.

1,484 events were registered for NNO in 2014, setting a record on our City streets the night of August 5th. Attendance totaled more than 74,000 and more than 23,500 of them were kids and young adults. All told, 19% of Minneapolis’ total population participated in the celebration and 100% of city’s 83 residential neighborhoods participated this year.

“Our communities and block club leaders realize what a tremendous honor this is for our City. Our Officers and Crime Prevention Specialists certainly do. The numbers prove that we have a very strong partnership with the neighborhoods that play a huge part in helping keep our streets safe,” Minneapolis Police Chief Janeé Harteau said. 

- - - - - -

Mill City Times Note - Over 500 neighbors gathered on the Downtown Minneapolis Riverfront overlooking the Stone Arch Bridge for food, drink, music and fun for National Night Out on August 5, 2014:

Monday
Dec012014

MacPhail Music for Life™ Offerings

MacPhail Music for Life™ is a new program for adults 55+ looking for a comfortable and inviting place to pursue music. These offerings are specifically tailored for adult learners and provide a diverse range of musical experiences in a relaxed, enjoyable, and supportive environment. 55+ adults choose music for many reasons: relaxation, "Alzheimer’s prevention," "bucket list" or just pure joy. Whatever your reason, MacPhail Music for Life™ will help you have fun making music with people like you.

More info at: http://www.macphail.org/OFFERINGS/ADULTS/mmfl

Monday
Dec012014

New, Healthy Lunch Spot Opens Downtown

With a name like Sprout Salad, it has to offer healthy choices, right?  Well, this new lunch spot in the skyway has 10 entree's - salads & wraps - on the menu, all between 200-485 calories.  Open between between 10am and 3pm, it's produce is delivered each day,  ensuring fresh , high quality meals. They also prepare each meal in front of the customer, so you know what you're getting.  From the Sprout Salad website:

Inspired by clean eating and healthy lifestyle, we became obsessed with solving the “typical salad bar” problem.  For way too long, your everyday salad bars and delis have been making salads less and less appetizing. Same boring ingredients, same lack of creativity, same old dressings and most importantly, same old experience.

With Sprout, we wanted to take something that’s been around a long time and introduce it in a new and fresh way.  How does one reinvent the wheel?  Simple, build it the way it’s supposed to be in the first place: use the freshest locally sourced ingredients, prep and cook in-house daily, create unique small batch dressings from scratch, and never stop innovating the menu and introducing new and exciting options for our customers to try.  We also suspected that some people may not always want a salad, but the same overused tortilla wrap just didn’t seem right, so we decided to make our wraps in a warm and delicious lavash flatbread instead.  Trust us, it’s better!

The Menu:

SPROUT CLASSICS

Mighty Aphrodite $7.5 320 Cal

Orzo, tri-color quinoa, cucumber, red bell pepper, teardrop tomatoes, Kalamata olives, chickpeas, red onions, imported Feta cheese with romaine & baby spinach

best with grilled chicken +$2.5

suggested with: fresh lemon-oregano vinaigrette

Sprout Chicken Caesar $7 340 Cal

Grilled chicken with romaine, handmade sourdough croutons and shaved parmesan cheese

suggested with: Sprout virtually oil-free Caesar

Sienna $8.5 300 Cal

Grilled chicken, radicchio, Kalamata olives, Italian parsley, toasted almonds, dried cranberries with Napa cabbage & baby kale

suggested with: lemon Creole mustard vinaigrette

Heartland Cobb $9.5 485 Cal

Grilled chicken, avocado, Nueske bacon, teardrop tomatoes, Maytag blue cheese, hard-cooked egg, olives with romaine

suggested with: classic French vinaigrette

LIGHT & FUN

Chop Chop $8.5 225 Cal

Grilled chicken, golden beets, radish, carrots, bean sprouts with baby kale & cabbage mix

suggested with: fresh carrot ginger vinaigrette

South Beach $9 250 Cal

Teardrop tomatoes, golden beets, frisee, tri-color quinoa, toasted Marcona almonds, citrus segments, with arugula & watercress

best with grilled wild salmon +$3.5

suggested with: citrus solara sherry vinaigrette

Riviera Nicoise $10 200 Cal

Grilled wild salmon, frisee, fingerling potato, green beans, Kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, hard-cooked egg with arugula & watercress

suggested with: classic French vinaigrette

FOODIE

K-Town $9.5 365 Cal

Korean BBQ steak, crispy wontons, kimchee, hard-cooked egg, scallion, carrots, roasted seaweed, toasted sesame seeds, with baby spinach

suggested with: spicy gochujang vinaigrette

Ensalada Mexicana $8 390 Cal

Avocado, teardrop tomatoes, pickled red onions, grilled corn, crispy jalapeños, pepitas, Cotija cheese with romaine & cabbage mix

best with blackened shrimp +$4

suggested with: jalapeño honey lime

Argentine Steak $9 400 Cal

Grilled USDA Choice flank steak, roasted red peppers, grilled red onions, tri-color quinoa, black beans with romaine & arugula

suggested with: chimichurri vinaigrette

Monday
Dec012014

[Download] A-Mill Hydro Project / Fish Entrainment and Mortality Study

The objective of this fish entrainment and mortality study is to provide the information necessary to estimate potential project operational effects on fisheries resources in the upper Mississippi River, namely the potential for fish to become impinged or entrained at the proposed Project facilities. The general approach utilized to conduct this study is as follows:

1. Describe the physical characteristics of the proposed Project that may influence fish-related turbine entrainment, impingement, and survival;

2. Describe the species composition of the existing fish community;

3. Assess the potential for trashrack exclusion and/or impingement of the target species;

4. Provide monthly turbine entrainment rates from existing empirical data, and utilize these rates to estimate monthly turbine entrainment for the target species using existing hydrologic records or information and proposed Project operations; and

5. Calculate turbine mortality rates for the range of target species’ sizes expected to become entrained, and apply these rates to the monthly entrainment estimates.

Download the report...