Two New Restaurants, Live Music Planned for 501 Club Space in the Mill District

From The Journal:

WASHINGTON AVENUE — The 501 Club is gone, but the live music may make a comeback at 501 Washington Ave. S., if Mario Cocchiarella has his way.

Cocchiarella, who owns the building that Jarret Oulman’s venue vacated last January, has plans to resurrect the space as not one but two new bar/restaurants. And both will likely have live bands.

Cocchiarella made an appearance at a Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association (DMNA) meeting on Feb. 7, seeking a recommendation for a Class B liquor license.

Promising news.  We'll be tracking this and providing updates.

Read the full article...

Minneapolis Leads the Metro Out of Recession

With all of the negative financial news being published and broadcast, here's an upbeat counterpoint from MinnPost. 

A state's biggest city is often expected to play the role of basket case. By some measures, Minneapolis fits the stereotype. It has more than its fair share of poverty, criminals, troubled schools, high taxes and dense city-hall bureaucracy.

But there's another side to the city that might surprise a lot of people. Minneapolis is better educated than its suburbs, an attribute that may have helped it weather the recession better than the state and metro area. The city's unemployment rate — 6.6 percent — is lower than either the metro's or state's. Its housing market is comparatively stronger, having led the metro in housing starts, even in the teeth of the recession. And through the darkest months of 2008 and 2009 it maintained its momentum on construction, in part because of a new ballpark but also because of targeted public investments in neighborhood projects.

We caught up this week with Mike Christenson, director of the city's Department of Community Planning and Economic Development, to talk about how cities might best protect their potential during hard times.

Read the full article...

Tonight - Historic Resource Survey Meeting at Our Lady of Lourdes

Brian Schaffer, Senior City Planner for the City of Minneapolis, recently announced the schedule of locations, dates and times for public meetings to introduce the Historic Resources Survey project.

The purpose of the survey is to:

- Identify unknown historic properties.
- Recommend properties for further study.
- Make informed decisions about the significance and protection of historic resources.
- Develop goals and strategies for preservation as well as neighborhood planning.

The city has been divided into several Survey Areas, and the Mill District is included in the Central Core Survey.   The meeting for our neighborhood will be held Thursday, February 17, from 6:00pm-7:30pm at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.

More info...

CorAzoN Closing Washington Avenue Location, Consolidat​ion Sale February 15 - 24

We received the following notice from Susan Zdon, owner of CorAzoN, who recently finalized plans to consolidate her store locations to the Lake Street shop.

We are consolidating our 2 locations down to one. That means we are closing the downtown Washington Avenue store (but we will have our Lake Street at the Mississippi River store continue to do business as usual).
 
At the Washington Avenue location (ONLY at the Washington location) we will have a sale from Feb 15-Feb 24th.  All categories of merchandise will be on sale.  The sale will start at 30-50% off.  The next mark down will be 40-60% and finally 50-70%.  It is merchandise and a few fixtures.  We would love to have people come in and shop but also say hello - and if needed get directions to our ongoing store on Lake Street.
 
Thank you to all our customers over the years who have become friends, the many creative artists who have shown work with us, and all of you who have helped make CorAzoN successful. Please come and shop the great bargains at the Downtown Washington closeout sale.

And then please continue to visit us at Lake Street. 4646 East Lake Street at River Road 55406.  Telephone 612-276-0198.
 
All the Best
Susan and the CorAzoN Staff

Those of us living/working in the Mill District will miss having CorAzoN here - from the neat selection of merchandise and friendly staff to the irreverent cards.  And, of course, the fun artist parties...

Tonight - Performance And Discussion With Gabriela Lena Frank And Nilo Cruz at Open Book

In collaboration with Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, the Loft presents a performance and discussion with composer Gabriela Lena Frank and poet and playwright Nilo Cruz, the first Latino recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
Cosponsored with Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra

Award-winning composer Gabriela Lena Frank and playwright Nilo Cruz join musicians of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra for a special discussion and performance event at the Loft Literary Center. In anticipation of the SPCO’s forthcoming world premiere performances of Frank and Cruz’s song cycle La centinela y la paloma, the composer and playwright will discuss their work and unique collaboration. The evening will feature readings from Cruz’s work and performances of Frank’s music by members of the SPCO.

More info...

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

This is the seventh installment of Pet Tips from Curtis L. Sanford, DVM.

There are several ways you can care for your pet’s teeth every day. A complete home dental care program for your pet often will include brushing as well as a special pet food that helps care for your pet’s teeth while he or she eats.

Even if you aren’t able to brush your pet’s teeth every day, by incorporating a special pet food into your pet’s daily routine, you can provide the dental care needed to keep your pet healthy. Be sure to discuss the options with your veterinarian to determine which are right for your pet.

Brushing Your Pet´s Teeth

1) Introduce a brushing program to pets gradually. Avoid over-restraining your pet and keep brushing sessions short and positive. Praise and reassure your pet throughout the process.

2) At first, dip a finger into beef bouillon for dogs or tuna water for cats. Rub the soaked finger gently over the pet’s mouth and teeth. Again, make the initial sessions short and positive.

3) Gradually, introduce gauze over the finger and gently scrub the teeth in a circular motion.

4) Finally, introduce a soft toothbrush designed for pets. Special pet toothbrushes are available from your veterinarian or specialty pet store. Don’t use toothpaste designed for people because it could upset the animal’s stomach.

Minneapolis Veterinary Hospital is currently offering 10% off all Dental related items for the months of February and March.

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.

He Knew it Was Time to Start Working Out When His Wife Said...

Doug and Pam have been married for 12 years.   After the wedding, Doug stopped working out - fast forward 3 or 4 years, and an eye opening statement from Pam made him realize he needed to make a change.  They were shopping on a rainy day, and Pam was watching Doug run to the car.  When he got in the car, she blurted out, "Your boobs jiggle more than mine!".  It was then that Doug decided he needed to get back in shape.  As you can see below, he's kept that commitment and he and Pam enjoy working out together.

  

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

Beautiful Array of Valentine's Flowers and Gifts at City Gardens Flower Mill

Valentine's Day is Monday!  City Gardens Flower Mill owner, Dan Seefelt, took a few moments to show us some of the gorgeous fresh flowers and gifts available to melt your sweetie's heart.  Call Dan today at 612-332-7377 to place your special order.

 Or how about a flower that lasts forever:

Sorella Wine & Spirits has that Perfect Wine for a Special Valentine

When we asked Stacey at Sorella Wine & Spirits for an example of a current special that would work well for Valentine's, she recommended Mumm Napa.  I'm no connoisseur, but the description sounded wonderful: "Crisp and elegantly styled, with floral apple and yeasty spice aromas that lead to layered flavors of baked pear, citrus and creamy vanilla."  

This Weekend in Mill City / February 11-13, 2011

With the Holidays behind us, it's time to restart our weekend preview.  Events this weekend in and around the Historic Mill District of Minneapolis and across the Stone Bridge in Old St. Anthony:

Friday, February 11

Ten Thousand Things' Doubt, A Parable at Open Book

Winter Honors Recitals at MacPhail Center for Music

Live Music at the Aster Cafe

Saturday, February 12

Phyllis Root and Eileen Beha Reading at The Loft

Washburn A Mill Tour at Mill City Museum

Talking Image Connection at the Soap Factory

How'd They Do That Workshop at the Guthrie - The Winter's Tale

Family Valentine's Class at MCBA

Live Music at the Aster Cafe

Sunday, February 13

Winning Recipes from the Pillsbury Bake-Off at Mill City Museum

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.

Metrodome Roof Will be Replaced

The Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission voted unanimously today to replace the roof of the home of the Minnesota Viking, and host to over 300 events per year.

Estimated cost: $18.3 million

Source of funds: Mostly insurance

Completion date: August 1, 2011

Roof size: 10 acres

The Metrodome roof has collapsed four times since it opened, and one of the engineering firms involved in the evaluation stated that even with a new roof, there was a high probability the new inflatable roof would experience a collapse in the future.

Below: Metrodome the morning of the latest collapse

Winner of Minneapolis Riverfront Design Competition Announced

TLS/KVA was named the winner of the Minneapolis Riverfront Design Competition today during a press conference at the Nicollet Island Pavilion.  View the presentation and detailed proposal below:

TLS/KVA

TLS/KVA from MRDC on Vimeo.

A set of inter-related design initiatives-focused on health, mobility and green economy-that function at multiple scales and are enhanced by community outreach strategies to raise public awareness about consumer choice impacts on the River system.

View design details...

The other finalists and their designs were:

Ken Smith Workshop

Ken Smith from MRDC on Vimeo.

The river is a catalyst for renewal through new and enhanced park, infrastructure and ecological systems and a series of bold, iconic design scenarios that reflect the area’s history and spirit of place.

View design details...

Turenscape

Turenscape from MRDC on Vimeo.

A fifty-year framework for investment that focuses on: ecological renewal, social equity, new economies and a new identity for the city of the river, and includes a strategic approach to ecological infrastructure, re-orienting urbanism and phasing over time.

View design details...

Stoss Landscape Urbanism

Stoss Landscape and Urbanism from MRDC on Vimeo.

A longer-term transformation that reclaims the river as civic space, introduces new landscapes, infrastructure and urban fabrics, and weaves the multiple new and existing systems and experiences back into the city.

View design details...

Yoga: A Transformation - Mind, Body and Spirit - With Breath and Movement

Submitted by Victoria Rico

Whether improvisational or classic theater, actors warm up their voices and bodies with a variety of vocal and physical routines.  Transformation of sound and movement is a warm-up used in acting companies around the country.   The basic steps are and principles are easy:

   1. Make a circle.
   2. Person (A) enters the middle of the circle and creates a sound and a movement.
   3. A explores the sound and movement, which  might morph it into a new sound and movement.
   4. A then moves to another individual in the group (B) and gives the energy – the sound- the movement to B.
   5. B then moves into the circle and explores the sound and movement given by A and further transforms the sound and movement – when fully explored – B gives the sound and movement to another individual in the circle (C).
   6. Each individual takes a go at receiving, exploring and giving energy – through sound and movement to one another in the circle.

In transformation of sound and movement, the actors warm up the body and vocal chords, explore time and space, give and receive one another’s energy and trust.  The concept was recently explored in Circle Mirror Transformation by Annie Baker, staged at the Guthrie Theater in May and June of 2010

While transformation of sound and movement is an actor’s tool, the concepts also applies to yoga.  Transformation of the mind, body and spirit can be achieved through each asana practice (physical practice).   While it may seem counterintuitive, losing oneself to each asana (pose) creates the greatest opportunity for transformation.   One can not muscle one’s way into an asana, one must allow the breath to transport the body into each configuration. 

Click here for the full article under the Mill City Times Fitness Blog

Tomorrow - Tour at People Serving People

Time: 8:30am-9:00am

Location: 614 South 3rd Street

Come in for a tour at People Serving People from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Coffee and breakfast will be served after the tour. You'll see what's being done to help end family homelessness.

RSVP to Lauren at 612.277.0219 or lrimestad@peopleservingpeople.org.

Tonight - A Sip of Science: Road De-Icing Salt Impact on Twin Cities Waters

Time:  5:30pm

Location:  Aster Cafe, 125 SE Main Street, St. Anthony Main

This series bridges the gap between science and culture in a setting that bridges the gap between brain and belly. Food, beer and learning are on the menu in a happy hour forum that offers the opportunity to talk with researchers about their current work, its implications and its fascinations.

More info...

Local Talent and Funky Gifts at CorAzoN

CorAzoN recently hosted an "Idea Local: Minnesota's Creatives" party at the 1026 Washington Avenue South store.

Above, Andrea Bidelman introduced her new line of Hobo inspired products. Historical Hobo symbols applied to functional everyday items such as wallets, passport holders and wall hangings.  Below, Penny Larsen of Penny Larsen Jewely with CorAzoN owner Susan Zdon.  She introduced her new line of Minnesota jewelry and silver zip code charms - a new take on her most recognized designs in a series of heart pendants - hand crafted, hand-cut and cast by Penny.

In addition to owning Ink, a very cool by-appointment-only pen store in the IDS Center, Barry Rubin created a line of amusing, clever coasters called Step 12 1/2.  Great conversation pieces for your next party!

Below, CorAzoN staff member Judy Grasamke, along with Robert Cohanim of Historical Remedies, took a moment to sport Judy's bow ties.  Hanging behind them are Judy's Urban Lunch Bags, each containing a personalized napkin.

Robert's line of homeopathic lozenges are pictured below.  For more information on the benefits of each lozenge, check out Historical Remedies.

Below, Susan with brother John Munson of The New Standards.

Tonight - McKnighty-Nights I at The Loft

Time:  7:00pm

Location: Target Performance Hall, Open Book, 1011 Washington Avenue South

Admission:  Free

McKnighty-Nights I: The Screenwriters

Fellowship winners Shelli Ainsworth and David Erickson show and talk about their work. Cosponsored with IFP.

Each year, the McKnight Foundation and IFP Media Arts award four $25,000 Fellowships to Minnesota’s mid-career filmmakers and screenwriters. This year, screenwriter Jeffrey Hatcher (Casanova, The Duchess) and film producer Christine K. Walker (Howl, Life During Wartime) will present the 2010 Fellowship recipients and their work on two nights in February at The Loft Literary Center. We’re calling them the “McKnighty-Nights.” Bedtime snacks will be served.

Admission is free.

Baby's First Class at MacPhail Center for Music

We've been enamored with the MacPhail Center for Music since moving to the Mill District.  On February 5 we took our 15-month old grandson Louis to his first class there -  Musical Explorations II.  Angela is an incredible teacher.  She transitioned from activity to activity effortlessly, played piano and guitar, and explained the whys and hows of incorporating music into a child's development. 

The quality of activities, materials and follow up is wonderful.  After class parents were given a CD of songs recorded by MacPhail teachers, along with other materials. Shortly after class we received an email with a weekly Lesson - complete with videos and sheet music.  It is a true commitment to ensuring the lessons go beyond the weekly 1-hour class.

Below, Louis learns the Hokey Pokey with the help of his parents:

 

The Benefits of Being a Mill City Commons Member - An Ongoing Series

Dave and I became members of Mill City Commons(MCC) in January.  We joined for a number of reasons, including the ability to attend interesting member-only events, meet fascinating people, and to have more of a hands on role in helping with their various fundraising activities. 

Unfortunately, time constraints keep us from attending all the events we'd like to.   For example, Linnea Tweed, Executive Director at MCC, filled us in on a few we missed this past week:

"The Penumbra Theatre welcomed Mill City Commons members to their rehearsal on Thursday to watch Act 1 of their production of Ma Rainey's Black Bottom playing at the Guthrie February 11 through March 6. Artistic Director Lou Bellamy spoke before the rehearsal and provided valuable context for the show. It was a wonderful opportunity to hear about August Wilson and the play. Today, members enjoyed a hard hat tour of the Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts. It is a pretty amazing place."

The Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Artsis the former Minnesota Shubert Center for Performing Arts, now located at 528 Hennepin Avenue and currently being renovated.

To learn more about Mill City Commons, please visit the website, or contact Linnea at 612-455-3329 or linneatweed@millcitycommons.org.

Get Your Environmental News Fix with "Green Notes" from Hennepin County

Green Notes is a monthly e-newsletter covering environmental news, programs and events from Hennepin County.  While the articles are not Mill District-specific, anyone concerned with environmental issues in the city will find the newsletter interesting.

Click here to view archived issues of Green Notes.  To sign up for future editions, send an e-mail with "subscribe" in the subject line to greennotes@co.hennepin.mn.us.