Mill City Museum Will Be Victim of a State Shutdown

We've confirmed with the Mill City Museum that they will close during a State of Minnesota shutdown due to the budget impasse.  This will include a new History Pub Crawl we had registered for.  A Museum shutdown will impact people from all over the metro area, State of Minnesota, and nationally who've made the Mill City Museum part of their leisure or travel intinerary.

The Press release from the Minnesota Historical Society:

NEWS ALERT: MHS TO CLOSE IF STATE SHUTDOWN OCCURS

The Minnesota Historical Society announced today that in the event of a state government shutdown all its programs and operations would be suspended beginning July 1. Funding from the State of Minnesota comprises more than half of the Society’s operating budget.

All of the Society’s 26 historic sites and museums statewide would be closed during a shutdown, including the History Center, Mill City Museum, Historic Fort Snelling and Split Rock Lighthouse, as well as the library and general offices that support all of the Society’s functions including preservation and education.

“The Minnesota Historical Society has a long history of serving Minnesotans, beginning in 1849 – even before Minnesota was a state,” said Stephen Elliott, the Society’s director and CEO. “If we indeed need to close operations for a state government shutdown, it will be with deep regret, both for the many families planning to visit our sites and museums this summer and for our employees and the financial hardship such an action would place on them.”

If there is a shutdown, the public would still be able to access general information, conduct online research, and make charitable donations and membership payments at www.mnhs.org. However, web functions enabling the public to order historical documents, photographs, tickets and merchandise would not be operational during the shutdown.

Until an official notice of a shutdown is given by the state, on or around June 30, the Society and all its historic sites and museums remain open and ready to serve the public. Go towww.visitmnhistory.org for links to all of the Society’s historic sites and museums.

“We know and appreciate that Minnesotans value the work of the Society,” said Elliott, “and we look forward to continuing to fulfill our mission to connect people with history, preserve the evidence of the past, tell the stories of Minnesota’s people, and educate our schoolchildren.”

The Minnesota Historical Society is a non-profit educational and cultural institution established in 1849 to preserve and share Minnesota history. The Society collects, preserves and tells the story of Minnesota’s past through museum exhibits, libraries and collections, historic sites, educational programs and book publishing. For more information, visit www.mnhs.org.

Tonight - Twin Cities River Rats Show on the Riverfront

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

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

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

Tonight - Youth Farm 6-Course Tasting Menu Event & Benefit at Sanctuary

Time:  5:00pm to 10:00pm

Location: Sanctuary - the restaurant, 903 Washington Avenue South

Talk about sourcing locally, Youth Farm & Market Project teaches urban kids to grow food in urban gardens and sell it.  Please join us for one of Chef Patrick's famous 6-course Tasting Menus for a Cause - this time benefiting Youth Farm. Sanctuary will buy some of the food on the menu from these local kids and their gardens - an we will donate $5 to them for each Menu purchased.  The Menu is fun enough for your inner-kid!

Menu 
westfield farm classic blue goat cheese quesadilla, black olive provencal tapenade, tomato oil 
pairing:  lemongrass gin infused ‘tini

trio of melon salad with a balsamic reduction 
pairing:  duboeuf rosé
 
braised short ribs in a root beer barbeque sauce, yukon mashed potatoes, elephant garlic and mirepoix
pairing:  angeline pinot noir
 
hawaiian mahi, hoisin paint, baby carrot, sweet corn, english pea salsa 
pairing:  ferrari fumé

duck confit ratatouille and tomato shot 
pairing:  organic tomato ‘tini
 
caramelized red banana split

Six Course Tasting Menu only $40 ($5 from each will be donated to Youth Farms)
Five Optional Tasting-Sized - Pairings $15 (tasting sized pours – a little over 2 glasses total).  Prices exclude tax and tip

These special event Tasting Menus only happen on one night a couple times a year - so don't miss it!

Reservations

Canines Celebrate 2011 Pride Parade

Hundreds of 4-legged supporters turned out for the 2011 Pride Parade:

Tonight - Upper River Forum: Our Great River Park Future: From Design to Delivery

Time: 5:00pm – 6:30pm

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

The Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership and Above the Falls Citizens Advisory Committee are hosting a series of forums to help us envision and shape a vibrant riverfront. Ten years after the visionary Above the Falls plan for the Mississippi River above St. Anthony Falls was adopted, the transformation of the Minneapolis riverfront is getting a jump-start.

Both the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and the City of Minneapolis will soon be making choices that will help shape the future of this segment of the river and our city for generations to come.

MacPhail Center for Music Website Gets a Makeover [Photo]

MacPhail Center for Music just launched a totally revamped website.  It has a very nice visual presentation and is much easier to navigate.  Well done neighbors!

http://www.macphail.org/

Tonight - Music in The Park at Father Hennepin Bluffs

Time: 7:00pm

Charity Huot  "Original, uplifting, Relaxing Night Out"

Brought to us by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.

Elected Officials Show Support in the 2011 Pride Parade

There was a huge show of support from elected officials at the 2011 Pride Parade, starting with Mayor Rybak riding front and center with the Dykes on Bikes.

 

 

35W "Rainbow Pride" Bridge Lights #NOH8 [Photos] [Video]

It was spectatular.  Kim and I attended the lighting ceremony (see video at the bottom) and snapped a few photos.

Wilde Roast in the Pride Parade

Our neighbors had one of the most entertaining entries in the Pride Parade yesterday.  The crowd went Wilde! (pun intended).  And they do have tasty cake...

Solstice River XV - Global Water Dances Event a Success Thanks to Perfect Execution

Despite the wind (which at times seemed strong enough to turn the performers into human kites) Saturday afternoon's Global Water Dances event was by all accounts a perfectly executed event.  The shows audio was broadcast simultaneously on FM 88.5, and there were boom boxes spaced closely together on the bridge allowing everyone in attendance to clearly hear the music and oration.

Prior to the Dances, spectators could stroll along the Stone Arch Bridge reading Mississippi mile markers that showed water quality at various towns and cities along the river.  Below is a sample:

The entrance of Women of the Water was part of the event welcome:

Dancers were stationed high and low along the river, and were later joined by 3 kayaks and streamer bearers:

 

People of all ages gathered to watch the performances.  Global Water Dances took place at 60 locations around the world - that our beautiful Mississippi neighborhood was one of them speaks volumes. 

HeartBeat 5000 5K

HeartBeat 5000 5K celebrates the work of Children's physicians, nurses, staff, and volunteers and recognizes the quality of life provided by innovation and technology.

In it’s short history, this event has raised over $1.2 million dollars for the cardiovascular program and family needs fund at Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota.  Children’s has one of the largest cardiovascular programs in the region and cares for nearly two-thirds of pediatric patients hospitalized for cardiac surgery in the metropolitan area.  The proceeds from this event have helped fund outlook materials that provide valuable information for newly diagnosed families, 48-hour digital heart rhythm recording equipment, and ultrasound transducer adapters that help improve diagnostic capabilities.

Week 8 at the 2011 Mill City Farmers Market

Don't forget to cast your vote for Mill City Farmers Market in the America’s Favorite Farmers Markets contest!

This Weekend in Mill City / June 24 - June 26

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

Friday, June 24

Celebrate the Guthrie's 5-Year Anniversary with $5 Promotions (3 days)

Lunch with MacPhail

Live Music at the Aster Cafe

Saturday, June 25

Global Water Dances on the Stone Arch Bridge

Historic Main Street Tour at Mill City Museum

Mill City Farmers Market

Garden Papermaking at MCBA

HeartBeat 5000 Race

Live Music at the Aster Cafe

Sunday, June 26

Railroad History Tour at Mill City Museum

Twin Cities Pride Rainbow Run 5K

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.

Behind the Scenes Look at Preparations for Saturday's Global Water Dances at Stone Arch Bridge

StarTrib writer Jessica Bakeman provides a behind the scenes look at what goes into preparing for the annual summer solstice celebration - the Global Water Dances.  You can watch the performances live if you get to the Stone Arch Bridge by 5pm this Saturday, June 25.  Click here for the June 22 online article (or see the Variety section in today's paper).

Tonight - Taste of the Nation Minneapolis at the Guthrie

Time: 6:00pm to 10:00pm

Location: Guthrie Theater, 818 South 2nd Street

Please join us for Taste of the Nation HOTlist featuring culinary sensations prepared by the Twin Cities hottest chefs and mixologists.

Join host Chef, Tim McKee of La Belle Vie and the Twin Cities' hottest chefs and restaurateurs for a fantastic evening of gourmet food and drinks highlighting the the latest food and beverage trends. Sip the latest creations from the area's most noteworthy mixologists. Sample the culinary delights of the Twin Cities most innovative chefs. Enjoy the view from the Guthrie Theater's stunning 8th floor, all while supporting the cause of ending childhood hunger in the Twin Cities.

Participating Restaurants & Mixologists:
Be'Wiched • Bar La Grassa Barbette • Bradstreet Crafthouse • Brasa • Cosmos • Dakota Jazz Club • Heidi's • Il Gatto • La Belle Vie • Masu • Meritage • Proof Drink Design • Salty Tart • Sea Change • Strip Club

Tickets: General Admission: $58 (all food & drink included)

New Event in the Mill District: Taste Twin Cities Minneapolis Riverwalk Tour

We recently learned of a fun new activity coming to the Mill District Saturdays, July 2 - October 15:  The Taste Twin Cities Minneapolis Riverwalk Tour.

President Rebecca Pfeiffer explained the inspiration behind Taste Twin Cities Food Tours, and how she decided to base a tour in the Mill District:

"Being an avid traveler and food lover, it was suggested to me to participate in a food walking tour while on my last vacation.  It was a fabulous experience to try food at local eateries that I would have never thought to try, while at the same time meeting other foodies and learning about the history and culture of that city.  I enjoyed it so much I wanted to bring this experience to the Twin Cities for our local residents and visitors; to get to know our rich food scene and unique neighborhoods.
 
Our first tour is called the Minneapolis Riverwalk Tour.  This tour was created to enjoy vibrant historical neighborhoods, amazing views of the Mississippi River all while eating food and enjoying drinks that are proudly Minnesota made or owned."

Each tour is limited to 12 guests, beginning at Gold Medal Park and ending in Northeast Minneapolis (Hennepin Avenue & SE University Avenue).  With six tasting stops along the way, think of it as a very leisurely lunch (11:30am - 2:30pm).   To learn more, visit their website and Facebook, and follow them on Twitter.

If you love to eat, try new foods and enjoy a fun experience learning about the history of the Twin Cities, this tour if for you!  Reservations are required, and at $43 per person it's an entertainment bargain.  We look forward to adding this tour to our 2011 Must Do List!

Fuji Ya Initiative Announced at Minneapolis Park Board Meeting

Paul Reyelts of the Minneapolis Parks Foundation presented a vision for the former Fuji Ya site on the Dowtown Minneapolis Riverfront at Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board meeting last Wednesday, June 15, 2011.

Presentation by Paul Reyelts, Minneapolis Parks Foundation Board Treasurer and Board Member at the June 15, 2011

Meeting Notes

Working on this idea for the past year

- Believe it has “broad interest and support for the development of a public reuse plan” for the site.

- Plan to attract private resources to support development of the site

- Intention is that the site would be dedicated to public use, not for private use

- Site is not addressed in the Minneapolis Riverfront Development Initiative (MRDI)

- Proposal would be complimentary to the MRDI

Four major reason to give focus and priority to the Fuji Ya site:

1. The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB) owns the land

2. Site is very close to Downtown Minneapolis

3. If properly developed, the site could be the major Downtown gateway to the river and to the Stone Arch Bridge

4. The Stone arch Loop already has an estimated 3/4 of a million visitors annually passing near the site

The proposal would enhance the experience for visitors and at the same time develop revenue generating opportunities that support the financial sustainability of the sites amenities.

The Proposal:

Minneapolis Park Foundation will engage a team of professionals that has agreed to develop a Phase 1 Fuji Ya site master plan and program.

Paul Reyelts will fund these services through the Minneapolis Parks Foundation (MPF).

The MPF Executive Committee will oversee the development of the plan.

Only Public use of the site is envisioned.

Paul Reyelts does not live near or own property in the vicinity of the Fuji Ya site.  Nor does he have any personal or financial interest in this proposal.

The MPF will coordinate with the MPRB on getting Citizen input the MPRB Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) process.

The goal of Phase 1 is the creation of a visual presentation summarizing the findings of the MPF and a recommended vision for the site development, along with next steps in the development process.

Assuming that the site master plan has the support of the MPRB, the MPF, and the community, Paul Reyelts is prepared to provide “material financial support” for the development project, and with the MPF he will champion private sector fundraising efforts.

Motivation:

Like the Founders of the Minneapolis Park System, the MPF and supporters want to leave a legacy for future generations. This premise is the reason behind Paul Reyelts commitment.

Timing:

Hope that CAC will start within the next month.

Phase 1 process completed in a 3 month timeframe.

MPRB Commissioners Reactions:

Commissioner Anita Tabb – “This has a lot of very exciting potential.” “I’m delighted to see people have a real interest in Downtown Minneapolis.” “I think projects like this will continue to make our city a great place to be, and hopefully attract more people to Downtown.”

Commissioner Scott Vreeland – “What we have there is this great treasure with 7 different archeological ruins that can be accessed.”

Board President Erwin – “This is not only a wonderful gift you’re giving the Park Board, but this is a great kick-off for the Foundation to help the Foundation a key project that they focus on that I think will be successful…it’s a broader area than just the Fuji Ya site itself…the site extends all the way to the 3^rd Ave Bridge…

Fuji Ya Site Background

1968: Fuji Ya moved to 420 S. 1st St. in Minneapolis, a chic riverfront structure of glass, oak and rough cedar, designed by architect Newton Griffin, based upon a plan by Shinichi Okada. It was constructed over the ruins of the 1878 Standard Mill. Owner Reiko Weston bought the land, 2.7 acres, for $20,000 in 1961.

1990: Fuji Ya closes. After extensive litigation, the Minneapolis Park Board buys out the Weston family for $3.5 million in an out-of-court settlement.

Background on Mr. Reyelts

Paul Reyelts served as the Executive Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer of The Valspar Corporation, a global leader in the coatings industry, from April 1982 until February 2008. He remained an Executive Vice President of Valspar Corporation until his retirement in May 2009. In addition, Mr. Reyelts serves on the Board of Trustees of Minnesota Public Radio, the Advisory Board of the University of Minnesota College of Design and the Minneapolis Parks Foundation Board.

Mill City Times Celebrates 1 Year!

We launched Mill City Times in June 2010, starting with the Stone Arch Festival of the Arts.  Over the past 12 months, we've accumulated thousands of pictures, videos and articles, and have met numerous people who collectively make the Mill District a vibrant, engaged community.  Below are just a few of our favorites.

Favorite Picture - Happy Baby at the 2010 Aquatennial.

Favorite Event Video -  Dog's eye view of the 2011 Dog Day K5:

Best New Business Award - Mill City Market Grocery and Deli (Opened Summer 2010).

Rick Pratt and his staff run our neighborhood grocery store and deli in the Bridgewater Lofts building.  They have it all - coffee and bakery items in the morning, hot entrees and fresh sandwiches at lunch, salad bar, roasted whole chickens for dinner, and a great selection of general grocery items.

 Favorite Music Videos- J.D. Steele and the MacPhail Community Youth Choir: 

 1) Enjoy the Holiday

2) You've Got a Friend (Mr. Steele's intro really captures the passion and commitment of both himself and MacPhail Center for Music.)

3) Every Burden Shall Be Rolled Away

Neighborhood Champion Award - Naomi Williamson of Sanctuary the restaurant.

In addition to supporting local artists, participating in causes such as Dining Out for Life, and offering promotions with other businesses in the neighborhood, Naomi is very active with social media - creating a constant buzz.  (And the restaurant is pretty incredible, too!) 

Most Valuable Public Officials -

Lisa Goodman,  Minneapolis City Council Ward 7 Representative

Scott Vreeland, Minneapolis Park & Rec Board Commissioner District 3 

Coolest Event of the Year - The Zombie Pub Crawl (October 9, 2010)

We had so much fun taking pictures of the living dead that we created The Zombie Crawl Blog where you can see a new zombie every day until the 2011 Crawl rolls around!

Most Popular Series - 49 Steps to Insanity (Crown Hydro)

Saddest Loss - CorAzoN's Washington Avenue South location

Susan Zdon consolidated her business to the East Lake Street location in February, 2011, and we still feel the loss today.  From her funky inventory, promotional parties, art displays, and book signings - we miss Susan and her staff!

Most Inspiring Community Service - People Serving People

Can you imagine the fear, panic and despair a family with small children experiences when they suddenly find themselves homeless?  People Serving People (PSP) offers a clean, safe, structured environment while helping families get back on their feet.   

We have been in awe of the work they do since our tour in January.

Community Cornerstone Award -
Mill City Museum

 Much of the Mill District's history can be learned at the Mill City Museum -  through countless tours and programs, by exploring the building and courtyard, and in the wall of books for sale in the gift shop.   

We have used the Museum as our own personal History class since moving to the neighborhood.

Most Freakish Event- Metrodome Roof Collapse, December 12, 2010.

Favorite Live Music Venue- MacPhail Center for Music

Whether it's the Spotlight Series or a recital, Antonello Hall is exquisite.

Favorite Activity (May - October) - The Mill City Farmers Market, of course! 

Again, these are just a few of our favorites.  Everything we've experienced over the past year in this wonderful Mill District neighborhood could fill a book.  THANK YOU to everyone for the contributions that have helped make Mill City Times an interesting and informative site!  

Two Thumbs Up on Our First Visit to Wilde Roast Cafe

This past Thursday night we took a leisurely walk across the river to check out the newly relocated Wilde Roast Cafe at 65 Main Street SE.  It was a gorgeous night and the place was hoppin' - inside and out. 

Having never dined at Picaso (the restaurant occupying this space prior to Wilde Roast Cafe) we had no idea what to expect inside.  What a great space - it's roomy, yet intimate, with a decor that transitions from ice cream parlor/coffee shop to rich and warm dining.   The multiple tiers of seating provide informal chat areas as well as more private dining sections.  Great background music, too.

Our server, Joe, (above) was cool and collected despite how super busy it was.  The Thai Chicken Wrap and Tuna Noodle Hotdish were both tasty:

Of course we couldn't leave without sampling the gelato.  The night we visited, flavors ranged from standards such as chocolate and peach, to the more exotic olive oil and sea salt, garlic, and basil.  We went with cherry and peanut butter - both were delish with a wonderful consistency.  Flavors change daily, so we stopped back during the Stone Arch Art Festival and tried the Salted Caramel and Amaretto - both winners.