Washington Avenue Bridge Light Rail Prep Earns Contractor Award

From a recent StarTrib article by Tim Harlow:

The contractor that retrofitted the iconic Washington Avenue Bridge to accomodate light rail trains has won an award from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Minnesota.
 
AECOM, the international engineering and design firm selected by the Metropolitan Counci for the job, earned a 2013 Engineerint Excellence Grand Award for the $21 million makeover of the double decker bridge that spans the Mississippi River on the University of Minnesota.
 
The firm shared the award with the Met Council, according to a news release updating progress on the construction of the Central Corridor Light Rail Line.  Known as the Green Line, trains will cross the bridge when the line between downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul opens in mid-2014.
 
Construction is 89 percent, according to a Met Council spokeswoman.
 
The retrofitted bridge includes two tracks in the center of the lower level of the bridge along with one traffic lane in each direction. The upper level is still open to pedestrians.
 
Preserving the existing 1,131-foot bridge, which was built in 1965, saved an estimated $80 to $100 from the Green Line's cost since a new bridge did not have to be built. It also kept construction on schedule since complete bridge replacement could have taken up to 2 years.
 
Photo credit: Metropolitan Council 

Fourth Annual Minnesota Cuban Film Festival Opens Tomorrow

On February 21, the Fourth Annual Minnesota Cuban Film Festival opens at Saint Anthony Main Theatre in Minneapolis. Presented by the Minnesota Cuban Committee in partnership with The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul, the festival includes a mix of new feature films and documentaries, along with two vintage classics. The films will all be accompanied by short features from Cuba's International Film School and other sources.

More Info

Arboretum to Host Mill City Farmers Market on March 16

Shop for Jams, Pickles, Artisan Cheeses, Natural Soaps & More!

Chanhassen, MN (March 16^th, 2013) - On Saturday, March 16, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum will host the Mill City Farmers Market and its popular vendors in a bustling marketplace full of quality, locally produced, home grown products. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., visitors can purchase everything from pickles to freshly milled grains and flours to honey and artisan cheeses. 

Here's a glimpse at participating vendors for the March 16 event: Ames Farm (honey, beeswax candles), Bliss Granola, Cafe Palmira (coffee beans), French Nugget (chocolate nougat), Gorkha Palace (chutneys), Natura Farms (hydroponic tomatoes), Kiss My Cabbage (sauerkraut, kimchi), Lucille's Kitchen Garden (jams), Jeanne Beatrice (handmade baskets), Martha's Joy (pickled vegetables), Olsen Naturals (natural body care), Spring Finn and Co (leather handbags and handmade jewelry), Singing Hills Goat Dairy (goat cheese) and Sunrise Flour Mill (freshly milled whole grains and flours).  A full list of participating vendors can be found at http://millcityfarmersmarket.org/events/03162013-winter-market-at-the-arboretum/.

Founded in 2006 by local acclaimed chef and restaurateur Brenda Langton, the Mill City Farmers Market has earned a reputation for its promotion and support of local, sustainable and organic agriculture.  Typically located next to the Guthrie Theater and Langton's Spoonriver restaurant in downtown Minneapolis, the market is making its second annual appearance at the Arboretum! As a special treat at the March 16 event, Langton will make a guest appearance to greet attendees and sign copies of her popular Spoonriver Cookbook at the Arboretum. Mill City Farmers Markets own chef, Heather Hartman, will also be on-site doing a cooking demonstration and sampling a delicious wild rice salad. Need another reason to visit the Arboretum on March 16?

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the largest public garden in the Upper Midwest, is part of the University of Minnesota College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences & located 9 miles west of I-494 on Highway 5 in Chanhassen. The Arboretum is disability accessible and smoke free. Admission: $12 adults; free for members & ages 12 and under.    

American Academy of Neurology Awarded LEED Certification

The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) recently announced the U.S. Green Building Council has awarded the Academy’s new headquarters at 201 Chicago Avenue with the coveted Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) certification.

Click here for the Press Release.

"Sweatworking" Comes to Minneapolis

Marcy Twete, Founder and CEO of Career Girl Network, notified us about this upcoming networking and health & fitness event.

Per Marcy, "We empower women to excel in their careers through information, resources, and networking. We've launched a nationwide event series in 2013 and our first event in Minneapolis is on February 28th. It's a "Sweatworking" event – we're combining the incredible power of a workout class with the professional connection of a networking event giving busy and ambitious women a change to get fit and enhance their careers at the same time."

Their first event is at 6:30pm on Thursday, February 28, at Ivy Fitness Club in the Ivy Hotel. The event is sponsored by LUNA and benefits local Minneapolis nonprofit organization Girls on the Run.

More information can be found at http://www.sweatnetworking.com/.

Violent Crime Has Decreased Countywide By 37%

From a February 15 Hennepin County Sheriff's Office e-newsletter:

The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office is releasing statistics that provide an estimate of the county’s violent crime in 2012.  The statistics show that violent crime has decreased countywide by 37% from 2006 to 2012.

2012 had one of the lowest levels of violent crime countywide in more than two decades. 

Violent crime is defined as: murder and manslaughter--non negligent, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. The definition is from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Year-to-date, from 2011-2012, there was an estimated 3% increase in violent crime countywide. Despite the slight increase year-to-date, last year’s overall violent crime numbers are historically low. 

Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek credits several areas of law enforcement with contributing to the effective fight against violent crime: the expansion of partnerships among law enforcement agencies, enhanced criminal information sharing and analysis, and improved use of technology by law enforcement.

Sheriff Stanek encourages residents to help law enforcement in the continued effort to fight crime.  If you see suspicious activity, call 911.  Or, if you prefer to send an anonymous tip, text HCSOtip to 847 411.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day to all our Mill District neighbors.  We celebrated a day early, and I will be enjoying this lovely bouquet from City Gardens Flower Mill for days.

Hockey Fans! The Film Society of Mpls St. Paul Presents "The Last Gladiators" February 15-21

The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul would like to inform you of the upcoming exclusive theatrical engagement of the compelling new documentary The Last Gladiators. Academy Award® winning Director Alex Gibney takes an unprecedented look at the National Hockey League’s most feared enforcers and explores the career of Chris “Knuckles” Nilan. Chris won the love of hockey’s holy city, Montreal, and helped his team win the Stanley Cup, but it came at the cost of a shattered body, addiction to drugs, and harming the people closest to him Through interviews with hockey’s toughest guys, the film explores what it means to enforce the unspoken code of the NHL®.

The film will play Friday, February 15-21 at The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul's St. Anthony Main Theatre (115 SE Main Street, Minneapolis, MN 55414)

A special Q&A will be facilitated by The Code author Ross Bernstein and Chris Nilan, along with several other NHL®. players on February 15 at 7:00pm. The group will discuss the movie, the current state of hockey, and how concussions and physical play have changed the game.

Click here for more information, tickets and showtimes for THE LAST GLADIATORS.

2013 Minneapoli​s Earth Day Cleanup Set for April 20

Via a February 11 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board:

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) and the City of Minneapolis will host the 19th annual Minneapolis Earth Day Cleanup on Saturday, April 20, 2013 from 9:30 a.m. to noon in neighborhoods and parks throughout the city.

The Earth Day Cleanup has become the largest community service project in Minneapolis and takes place at nearly 40 cleanup sites. It’s free to participate and the public is encouraged to participate by volunteering to help pick up trash in parks, neighborhoods, and watersheds. No registration is needed – just choose a site and show up to help. For more information about the event and a list of cleanup sites, visit http://www.minneapolisearthday.com/ or call 612-230-6479.

Mill City Farmers Market February 9 Winter Market

These Winter Markets were a brilliant idea - packed house every time. At the February 9 event, Mill City Farmers Market founder Brenda Langton signed copies of her latest cookbook, The Spoonriver Cookbook, and St. Croix Chocolate Company had a beautiful selection of specially packaged Valentines.

The Depot Announces RLife LIVE Idol Tryouts

RLife LIVE events at The Depot include live music, food and featured drinks.  The Depot is currently searching for local top talent to compete in the RLife LIVE Idol try-outs.  The winner of the competition will get 4 exclusive contracted gigs this summer, along with other prizes.  See details

Casting Announced for Kingdom Undone - Opens March 15 at The Southern Theater

The Powerful Passion Play Returns to The Southern Theater March 15 - 30

Casting has been announced for Kingdom Undone, the new play written by Jeremiah and Vanessa Gamble (founders of Theater for the Thirsty). This critically acclaimed work with a compelling twist on the last days of Jesus and Judas returns to the Southern Theater March 15 – 30.

The Gamble’s hoped the piece would challenge both church goers and non-church goers to rethink assumptions and provoke discussion. “We were thrilled with the response,” says Jeremiah, “and we are pleased that 12 of 16 actors from last year’s premiere are returning. Two additional roles plus a percussionist have been added to this year’s production.

Kingdom Undone is directed by Jeffrey S. Miller (The Refreshment Committee) with musical direction by Michael Pearce Donley (Triple Espresso), Nadine Grant is the costumer and Betsy E. Mills is directing movement. The creative team includes Jeremy Barnett (Set Design), Joy Donley(Producer/Asst. Director), Sarah Pierucki (Stage Manager), Geoffrey Wold (Lighting Designer) and Mike Anderson (Fight Instructor).

Dustin Bronson (Pillsbury House, The Illusion, Park Square) is featured as Judas, Jeremiah Gamble (playwright and author) plays Jesus, Vanessa Gambleis Magdalena (Children’s Theater Company, Theater Latté Da, History Theater), Matt Berdahl (Bloomington Civic Theater, Skylark Opera Company) is Isaac, and Janet Hansonas Mary (Theater Latte Da, Park Square Theatre, The Children’s Theatre Company). The rest of the stand-out cast includes Greg Bunce (Pharisee), Nathan Cousins (Peter), Stephanie Cousins (ensemble), Kelli Foster Warder (angel), Matthew Greseth(Caiaphas),Eric Heimsoth (Centurion), Nicholas Leeman (James), Daniel McLaughlin (John), Gail Ottmar (Joanna), Bethany Peters (ensemble), Arnie Roos (Lazarus), Peter Simmons(Pilot/Achan), and Kurt Schweickhardt(Zacchaeus/Sadduce). 

Musicians include Anna Bakk (violin), David Doll (percussion), Christopher Erickson (upright bass), Karen Thomas (violin) and Jon Visser (classical guitar) who will be joined by Music Director Michael Pearce Donley on keyboards.

Performance Dates: March 15 – 30 at The Southern Theater, 1420 Washington Ave. S,. 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays – Saturdays with 3 p.m. matinees on Saturdays and Sundays. Additional performances: 7:30 p.m. on Palm Sunday, March 24, and 4 p.m. on Good Friday, March 29. 

Tickets: $15 - $25, Discounts for groups, seniors, students and Minnesota Fringe button-holders at http://www.kingdomundone.com/ or 800.838.3006.

Izzy's Ice Cream Construction Update [Photo]

From earlier this week:

View full size:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/millcitytimes/8450850896/in/photostream/lightbox/

Spoonriver Cookbook Signing and Food Samples at February 9 Mill City Farmers Winter Market

In 2006, Brenda Langton opened Spoonriver and founded the Mill City Farmers Market. She has also authored a number of cookbooks, and will be on hand at the February 9 MCFM signing copies of her most recent cookbook, The Spoonriver Cookbook (University of Minnesota Press).  There will also be samples of some the tasty recipes featured in the book.

The indoor Market is held inside the Mill City Museum from 11:00 am - 1:00pm. 

For nearly forty years, Brenda Langton has been one of the most recognizable guiding lights of Twin Cities organic dining. The Spoonriver Cookbook is a tribute to her acclaimed Spoonriver restaurant and the Mill City Farmers Market, as well as a presentation of the vision and philosophy behind Spoonriver’s delicious creations and its remarkable chef.  She is a senior fellow at the Center for Spirituality and Healing at the University of Minnesota and an educator and consultant on healthy eating.

Minneapolis/St. Paul Selected as Host Cities for 2017 International Urban Parks Conference

Via a January 31 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board:

Washington, DC – The national urban park advocacy organization City Parks Alliance announces the selection of San Francisco and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/Saint Paul as host cities for the next two International Urban Parks Conferences in July 2015 and July 2017.

“We are excited to announce the selection of the next host cities for City Parks Alliance’s International Urban Parks Conference,” said Catherine Nagel, Executive Director, City Parks Alliance. “San Francisco and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/Saint Paul offer two very different geographic settings for our International Urban Parks Conference. At the same time, each offers some of the most innovative work happening today around urban park planning, design and programming and each clearly demonstrates the power of partnerships in creating and sustaining urban parks.”

San Francisco will host the conference in 2015 and Minneapolis/Saint Paul in 2017.

Click here to continue reading the full news release online.

Apartments.com Donates $12,500 to People Serving People

Facebook Campaign Generates Awareness and Funds for Local Charity

People Serving People Executive Director Daniel Gumnit and Tammy Kotula, Public relations and Promotions Manager at Apts.com.

Apartments.com recently presented a check for $12,500 to People Serving People at the culmination of their second annual “Raising Awareness. Taking Action: A Campaign to Help End Homelessness” Facebook initiative.  As part of the campaign, Apartments.com promised to donate $1 to People Serving People for every new “LIKE” it received on Facebook from November 1, 2012 – December 31, 2012.

“We are thrilled to have been able to support People Serving People as part of our second annual campaign,” said Dick Burke, senior vice president and general manager of Apartments.com.  “In every aspect this year’s campaign was a true success, generating a lot of support for the organizations we identified to receive the donations not only on Facebook, but across all social media channels and in the news. While $12,500 by itself won’t bring an end to homelessness, we hope it helps People Serving People to be able to continue the monumental good they do each and every day.  It was an honor for our organization to be able to do our small part on behalf of People Serving People this past holiday season.”

Because of the emergency shelter they provide to 99 homeless families every night in Hennepin County, People Serving People was identified as one of the beneficiaries of the second annual campaign—the other is Dallas, TX-based Vogel Alcove, who also received $12,500. Located in Downtown Minneapolis, People Serving People’s 10-story building is essentially a hotel whose primary form of hospitality comes in helping families to overcome homelessness. Apartments.com made a $15,000 donation to the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless during their inaugural effort in 2011.

“The new face of homelessness is that of a five year old child.  By supporting People Serving People, you can change a homeless child’s life,” states Daniel Gumnit, CEO of People Serving People.  “Support through the creative efforts of Apartments.com will provide shelter and solutions to help families break the cycle of poverty.”

Apartments.com committed to making a $1 donation for every new “LIKE” received on their Facebook page on behalf of the people who participated between November 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012, up to a maximum of $25,000, to be divided equally between People Serving People of Minneapolis, MN and Vogel Alcove of Dallas, TX. Participants were not required to make any financial contribution, just simply visit (www.facebook.com/Apartments.com) and click “LIKE” before December 31, 2012, to have $1 donated on their behalf to help end homelessness. 

About People Serving People
People Serving People provides emergency shelter to 99 homeless families every night in Hennepin County. Located in Downtown Minneapolis, this 10-story building is essentially a hotel whose primary form of hospitality comes in helping families to overcome homelessness. Families come to the shelter because of landlord foreclosures, job loss, financial crisis, evictions, overwhelming medical expenses, etc. – and they leave with stronger community connections, dedicated advocates, employment, stable housing, and a chance at a better future. The heart and soul of People Serving People’s work is the time spent on strengthening the futures of the 200+ children at the shelter every day – through early childhood education, healthy meals, volunteer readers and tutors, healthcare, family activities, school transportation, and stabilization of family life. Everyone deserves to have a place to call home – and People Serving People depends on the community’s support to help families find their way home. Visit them on the web for more information.

About Apartments.com
Apartments.com is a leading national apartment Internet listing subscription service with more than 50,000 unique addresses representing millions of rental units from managed properties, newspaper classifieds and for-rent-by-owner properties. By incorporating the most relevant products to reach renters, including personalized searches and highly-visual ads featuring live chat, real-time rent, online video walk-through demonstrations, professional photography, a mobile website and iPhone and Android apps, Apartments.com creates easy access to its listings. Providing unmatched exposure to its advertisers through an intuitive name, strategic search engine placements and featured partnerships and more than 120 newspaper websites and innovative emerging media, Apartments.com reaches millions of renters nationwide, driving both qualified traffic and highly-engaged renters to leasing offices across the country. Apartments.com is a division of Chicago-based Classified Ventures, LLC. The Apartments.com network of apartment rental websites includes Apartment Home Living (http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com/), a leading social media apartment website distinguished by a "live for fun" community experience, proprietary lifestyle matching and local living guides to help renters find their perfect place to live; Rental Homes Plus, an online destination where house hunters who prefer to rent can choose from a robust inventory of houses, condos, town houses, duplexes and apartments from around the country; and Rentfish, a national apartment website offering customizable searches by neighborhood, favorite coffee spot, sports arena, famous landmark and more.