News from the 1st Precinct

Via a June 28, 2013, Minneapolis Police Precinct 1 Inspector's Update email:

A message from Inspector Schafer
 
All,

Thank you for another great week in crime fighting.  We have experienced a 27% reduction in week-to-date crime, and a 4% reduction YTD in overall crime Downtown.  Proactive work continues to increase by double-digits each week, with 80-100% of your efforts in our focus areas during peak times.  In my numerous meetings with community partners and business representatives in the downtown area, I have heard nothing but positive comments.  We will remain focused on the Nicollet Mall from 1000-2200 hrs. and the Warehouse District from 2200-0400 hrs as well as an overall focus in the Loring Park community, 13th to 15th/Lasalle to Nicollet.  These are and will remain our priority. 

This week we were also happy to receive (2) new Police Segways, compliments of the DID and hard work by Shane Zahn.
 
Our Youth Outreach Tent on Nicollet Mall during Thursday's Farmer's Market has been a great success and will continue through the summer.  It is staffed by our Police Explorers, PAL, Crime Prevention Interns and our School Resource Officers.  Stop by to visit with our young people at 7th and Nicollet. 

Please keep up the all of your good work and have a Happy and Safe 4th of July!
 
Regards,
 
See it, Own it, Solve it, Do it!
 
Inspector Bryan D. Schafer | First Precinct |
Minneapolis Police Department | 19  4th Street North |
Minneapolis, MN 55401  | 612.673.2337 office |
 
For questions, contact:
Renee Allen, Crime Prevention Specialist
Minneapolis Police Department, First Precinct
renee.allen@minneapolismn.gov
(612) 673-5163

The MPRB Invites You to Enjoy Red, White and Boom!

Annual Red, White and Boom 4^th of July Celebration

Celebrate the 4th of July during Minneapolis Red, White and Boom, a two-day celebration hosted by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.

On July 4^th Father Hennepin Park will offer FREE family activities in the Family Fun Zone from 6:00pm – 9:30pm.  Live music will be playing at Mill Ruins Park and Father Hennepin Park from 6:00pm – 10:00pm. There will also be lots of tasty food vendors, so come hungry!

The Red, White and Boom Celebration closes with a spectacular fireworks display along the Riverfront at 10:00pm.

Hot Dam 5K - Wednesday, July 3 - 6:30pm

There’s still time to register for the Hot Dam 5K. Take in the beautiful view of the Minneapolis skyline as you enjoy a walk or run on the most scenic course in Minneapolis, which includes Historic Main Street and the Stone Arch Bridge. Funds raised will benefit the firework fund for future Red, White and Boom celebrations in Minneapolis. The After Party includes outdoor concert by Rogue Valley followed by the outdoor film Top Gun. Pre-registration is open through Thursday, June 27, 2013. Register Online.

Important Road Closure Information
For a detailed list of road closure information regarding the event please visit the MPRB Road Closure webpage.

Submit Your Comments for the Above the Falls Regional Park Master Plan Draft

Via a June 21 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board:

45-day comment period begins for the draft Above the Falls Regional Park Master Plan
 
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board invites you to review and comment on the draft Above the Falls Regional Park Master Plan. On the ATF project page you can download the draft plan or the executive summary and learn more about the planning process.
 
To comment online, please go to the ATF survey page.
 
ATF Regional Park was created in 2000 and extends for nearly 3 miles along the banks of the Mississippi River from the Plymouth Avenue Bridge to the Camden Bridge. The draft regional park plan includes recommendations for parkland acquisition, parks development, implementation phasing and environmental stewardship. The plan incorporates parts previous plans, including “Above the Falls: A Master Plan for the Upper River in Minneapolis” (2000) as well as “ATF Phase One – West Bank” (2006) and “RiverFirst” (2012).
 
The Park Board voted to start the 45-day comment period on June 19. Following the comment period, notice will be sent for a public hearing on a date to be determined.
 
Andrew Caddock, Project Manager
Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board
612-230-6470
acaddock@minneapolisparks.org 

Week 7 at the 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

June 22 was Brain Health Day at the MCFM. To celebrate the day, Market Sponsor American Academy of Neurology (AAN)  and its foundation, the American Brain Foundation, were busy handing out 1,000 bike helmets and tote bags.

Do You Have a Nomination for the 2013 Community Development Awards?

The Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers(MCCD) and Twin Cities LISC are now accepting nominations for the 2013 Community Development Awards.

The Community Development Awards recognize the people, projects, organizations, initiatives and programs that have substantially contributed to the field of community development in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area by demonstrating innovation, collaboration, inspiration and vision.

A committee will review and score the nominees to determine the winners for each of the six categories. The award recipients will be recognized during the "Art of Collaboration" Community Development Reception and Awards Program event on Wednesday, October 9. The categories include People, Project, Organization and Program/Initiative.  Nominations will be accepted through Sunday, July 7.

For more information (including a list of the categories) or to submit a nomination, please visit http://www.mccdmn.org/news-and-events/cdawards.  Contact Greg Gramza (ggramza@mccdmn.org) or Tina Homstad (khomstad@lisc.org) with questions.

News from the Minneapolis Parks Foundation

Temporarily Road Closures June 22 and 23

The following parkways will be temporarily closed June 22 and 23 for these events:

June 22 – Heartbeat 5000 - Historic Main Street Parkway and local streets 6:00a.m. – 12:00p.m.

June 23 – The Guthrie 50 5K - A Segment of West River Parkway from Portland Avenue South to East Franklin Avenue. Historic Main Street Parkway and The Stone Arch Bridge 8:00a.m. - 11:00a.m. 

Please note that the duration of the closures is subject to change based on the event's start and finish times.

A complete list of current and upcoming parkway closures is available online.

June 26 Pizza Cruise on Mississippi to Raise Money for Minneapolis July 4 Fireworks

Via a June 20 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board:

Pizza Cruise on Mississippi to Raise Money for Minneapolis July 4 Fireworks
 
On Wed., June 26, Minneapolis Fireworks sponsor Paradise Charter Cruises and the Mississippi Queen will host a Happy Hour and Pizza Cruise aboard the Paradise Lady to support the Minneapolis July 4 Fireworks.
 
The cost is $26 for adults and $16 for children under 10. The ticket price includes a Pizza and Dinner Salad Buffet, along with a full cash bar. A portion of the ticket sales will be donated to the Minneapolis July 4 Fireworks fund.
 
The cruise will depart from Bohemian Flats Park at 6 p.m. and return at 8 p.m. Make reservations online at http://www.twincitiescruises.com/ or call their office directly at 952-474-8058.
  
Public Contact:
Janelle Klander
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
Event Coordinator
612-867-3184

Protect Your Brain: 1,000 Free Bike Helmets Available This Saturday at the Mill City Farmers Market

WHAT: FREE Bike Helmet Giveaway by the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), American Brain Foundation

WHERE: Mill City Farmers Market on Chicago Mall, Minneapolis, between Guthrie Theater and Mill City Museum

WHEN: Saturday, June 22, 2013, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

In an effort to raise awareness and prevent head injuries in Minnesota, the American Academy of Neurology and its foundation, the American Brain Foundation, will give away 1,000 free bike helmets to adults and children at the Mill City Farmers Market on Saturday, June 22, 2013.

“The Academy is the world’s trusted authority on preventing, diagnosing, managing and treating concussion. This bike helmet giveaway is an important way we support our own community in hopes of preventing head injuries locally,” said Catherine M. Rydell, CAE, Executive Director and CEO of the American Academy of Neurology. “We encourage Minnesotans to visit the Mill City Farmers Market this Saturday, receive a free bike helmet, and learn why it’s important to protect and maintain a healthy brain.”

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak also proclaimed Saturday Brain Health Awareness Day in the city to raise awareness of brain disease and the importance of supporting research to find cures. “As an avid biker, I believe that wearing a helmet is key in protecting your brain. Our hope is that Minnesotans will take this simple step in maintaining their brain health.”

As part of Saturday’s celebration, the Mill City Farmers Market will present a cooking demonstration on healthy brain food as a part of “Mill City Cooks in the Kitchen” with Chef Heather Hartman at 10:00 a.m.

The helmets will be given away as part of a larger commitment by the AAN and the American Brain Foundation to donate 2,500 helmets in Minnesota this year. Attendees should arrive early as quantities are limited.

The largest trade association in Minnesota, the American Academy of Neurology recently built its new headquarters at Chicago Avenue and 2nd Street, across from the Mill City Farmers Market.

To learn more about concussion, please visit http://www.aan.com/concussion

Benefit Event for Candidate Betsy Hodges June 23

*This post is for informational purposes and does not imply support or endorsement for a political candidate.

Flag Football in the Park

Girls night out fun at Gold Medal Park.  Visit Gold Medal Park on Facebook here...

West River Parkway Temporary Closure on June 18

West River Parkway, between Portland and 11th Avenue South, will be closed June 18 from 8:00am-3:00pm on Tuesday, June 18, due to a crane setup on the road by the City of Minneapolis. 

A complete list of current and upcoming parkway closures is available online.

Week 6 at the 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

June 15 was one of those perfect Market days.  Lovely weather, an army of shoppers, an abundance of wonderful food to choose from, music, art and more.  We recently came across this article written by Sue Dietrich of Very Prairie.  I hope you enjoy this vendor perspective of the Market as much as Dave and I did.

Kiss My Cabbage debuted these new sampling spoons - great idea!

New!  Gluten-free muffins from Solomon's Bakery.

Origami at the Market - the Great White Buffalo appeared at Buffalo by Bike.

Remember to stop by the info booth to learn something new every week!

Dried black locust flowers from Stone's Throw Urban Farm.

Ridin' to the Market in style...

Tomorrow, June 15: Solstice River XVII/Global Water Dances at Stone Arch Bridge

If you're on the Stone Arch Bridge tomorrow evening around 7:00pm and you notice some interesting goings on - it's the 17th annual Global Water Dances.  From the bridge you'll see the surrounding landscape come alive with dancers on rooftops, kayaks, and riverbanks for Solstice River XVII. Minneapolis is one of over 60 cities on six continents creating this year's event.

Global Water Dances is a series of dances performed on the same day throughout the world, bringing local and global attention to water quality issues.

The event is free and open to the public, the event will be held rain or shine. Click here for more information on the Minneapolis Global Water Dances event. Live streaming is available on that site if you are unable to be out and about.

I've attended the previous two years - click on these links for pictures: 2011 and 2012.

The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul Brings Opera to Aster Cafe

Becoming Traviata
Pre-screening Party and LIVE OPERA Performance
with opera conductor/director Craig Fields
and an outstanding cast of opera singers

Monday, July 1, 2013
6-7:30 pm
Aster Cafe River Room
125 SE Main St, Minneapolis

$25 General / $20 Film Society Members
Ticket Includes:
performance & discussion | hors d’oeuvres & cash bar
Screening of Becoming Traviata
Purchase

Guthrie Theater 50th Anniversary Free Community Celebration Day June 23

The Guthrie Theater is planning a once-in-a-lifetime theater-wide gala honoring 50 years of the Guthrie.

The celebration will take place on Sunday, June 23, 10:00am - 4:00pm, in and around Guthrie Theater, 818 Second Street South.

This is a neighborhood-wide family event, featuring free activities for all ages. Kick off the day outside with an invigorating 5K run throughout the surrounding historic district, then come inside to get behind the scenes and enjoy a wide variety of free activities. Activities in the theater will include:

· Welcome by Artistic Director Joe Dowling
· Self-guided behind-the-scenes backstage tour
· Story-making class for kids ages 4 to 10
· Sampler classes for ages 10+ including acting games, stage combat, tap dance, physical comedy and musical theater
· Sampler classes for adults including voiceover, playwriting and presentation skills
· Family-friendly performance of Milly and Tillie by Minneapolis' Open Eye Figure Theatre in the Dowling Studio
· Costume promenade featuring artistry from the Guthrie Costume Shop
· Talks on Guthrie history and the building's architecture and an all-day retrospective slideshow in the McGuire Proscenium
· Face painting, tattoos and cookie decorating
· Special effects demonstration on the Wurtele Thrust Stage
· Food samples by Sea Change

Activities in the neighborhood will include:
· 5K Run and 50-yard dash
· Mill City Farmers Market
· Toy Truck Players

No tickets required. Click here for more information or call the Anniversary Line at 612-225-6350.

Work downtown? Check out Summer on the Plaza

Hennepin County Public Affairs is proud presents Summer on the Plaza from now thru August.  Enjoy musicians, actors, dancers, educators and more from Noon to 1:00pm on select weekdays on the North Plaza of the Hennepin County Government Center.

Hennepin County Public Affairs arranges all performances, which are uncompensated. In the event of bad weather, performances move inside to the Public Service Level (Skyway Level) of the Hennepin County Government Center.

Here's a list of the upcoming events:

Wednesday, June 12, Minnesota Magic Baton Team
Minnesota Magic Baton Teams are state, regional and national champions who train at Dance Twirl Minnesota in Eagan
 
Thursday, June 13, Montrose High School
Montrose high school band is a 29 student band, playing songs like "Sweet Caroline, Louie, Louie" and more.  They will be playing a variety of instruments including brass, percussion, and strings
 
Thursday, June 20, Master Gardeners
Master Gardeners are University of Minnesota-trained volunteers who educate the public about a variety of horticulture topics
 
Friday, June 21, Wayzata Summer Band
The Summer Wayzata Summer Band is made up of students currently in grades 6, 7 and 8 who have played instruments in the middle school band program
 
Wednesday, June 26, Transitive Nightfall
Transitive Nightfall plays vintage rock music with an improvisational edge – no two performances ever the same!
 
Friday, June 28, Pam Ritter
Pam is an award-winning performer who plays various types of music on the accordion – popular, classical plus her own compositions

Week 5 at the 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

June 8 was Rhubarb Day at the Market - which of course called for a scoop of Rhubarb Strawberry Sorbet from Sonny's.

Twin Cities Bike Walk Week June 9 - 15

The 2013 Bike Walk Week is the week of June 9 – 15.   Twin Cities residents are encouraged to join others across the country and leave the car at home and bike or walk to work. Live too far from work to bike or walk?  Then mix it up by biking or walking to the bus stop or train station!

Whether you are new to bicycling and looking for a way to get started or are a long-time cyclist who wants to meet others like you, come celebrate at one of the many events throughout the week.

Commuter Pit Stops

Reward yourself with the many perks available at Bike Walk Week pit stops during your commute in the morning or afternoon. Commuter Pit Stops are located throughout the metro on heavily used routes by bikers and walkers. Perks include free bicycle tuneups, free bicycle repair, free refreshments, and prize giveaways. Perks vary by location, click the Commuter Pit Stop links below for the details.

Minneapolis Pit Stops:

Midtown Greenway at Kenilworth Trail  7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.
Commuter Pit Stop: Bryant Square Park  7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.
Midtown Greenway at Hiawatha Trail  7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.
Hiawatha Trail at Cedar Avenue  7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.
Commuter Pit Stop: Loring Park  7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.
Washington Avenue Bridge -West Bank  7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.
Gateway Park at 1st and Hennepin  7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.
Stone Arch Bridge at East Bluff  7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.
Dinkytown at 4th and 15th  7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.

Enter the National Park Service "Explore Your River Art Contest" by July 7

We have a national park in our backyard - the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.

It encompasses a 72 mile stretch of the Mississippi River from Dayton/Ramsey to Hastings, Minnesota. The 54,000 acres of park holds rich historical, cultural, natural and scientific resources.

Share your experience with the Mississippi River through the visual arts - be it photography, paint, pencils, crayons or clay - enter the Explore Your River Art Contest.

The winner will be announced mid-July and will receive official recognition at the 25th Anniversary Reunion August 13. 2013. The prize is an America the Beautiful pass, which will allow free entry to the federal lands for one year. The winner's art will be used in online and print pieces produced by the National Park Service and Mississippi River Fund to represent the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.

How to enter:

1. Visit the river or a park within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. Check out the website for ideas on where you can visit.
 
2. Have an amazing experience and create your art. If you've made a physical piece of art, take a high resolution photograph of it.

3. Pick out two photographs or digital submissions of your art. Name your submissions with this format: First name_Last name_Image name. (Example: Pat_Smith_MississippiRiver.jpg.)

4. Email your submissions to miss_info@ nps.gov. Be sure to include proper name formatting for each, as well as a short 2-3 sentence description of the experience you would like to convey. Also include a phone number where you can best be reached. In the Subject line please put "Experience Your River National Park Art Contest."