Tuesday October 8 - The Final Debate & Downtown Neighborhood Election Night

OPEN BOOK / 1011 WASHINGTON AVE S

Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association Annual Meeting

6:00PM – 8:00PM on Tuesday October 8

Two big events are planned for the DMNA Annual Meeting, and a happy hour at 5:00 PM.

THE FINAL DEBATE FOR 3^rd WARD CITY COUNCIL

A candidate’s forum for the new Third Ward City Council.  All candidates for the new 3rd Ward City Council race have committed to participating:

- Jacob Frey (DFL Endorsed Candidate)

- Kristina Gronquist (Green Party Endorsed Candidate)

- Diane Hofstede (DFL Incumbent Councilwoman)

- Michael Katch (Libertarian Endorsed Candidate)

Sarah McKenzie from the Downtown Journal will moderate the debate.

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DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD ELECTION

4 Votes. There are four seats up for election to the DMNA Board of Directors. This means if you live or work Downtown you have 4 votes, one for each seat.

These four Mill District residents, all extraordinarily engaged at the neighborhood level, will serve the Mill District/Downtown East area well:

- Chad DiDonato

- Laurie Jones

- Claudia Kittock

- Peter Zenner

Currently, and in the recent past, the Mill District/Downtown East neighborhood has been under-represented on the DMNA Board, which represents all of Downtown Minneapolis.  Not intentionally, but just the way it’s worked out.

Make Sure We Have a Seat at the Table.  From redevelopment of the area surrounding the new Vikings Stadium, to the creation of a new Central Riverfront Master Plan, and the infill development already planned, you can ensure our neighborhood has a seat at the table.  Write Them Down, Use All Four Votes!

Download the flyer...

Mark Your Calendars - Shakespeare on the Downtown Riverfront

A first of it's kind theater crawl on the Minneapolis Riverfront.  October 13 & 14 starting at Mill Ruins Park.

From Director Josh Fazeli:

In world where we face impossible odds against a myriad of various of pressures, citizens committed to the community purpose have consistently prevailed in their cause. Whether it was 600 years ago and thousands of men less than the overwhelming favorite - the French, mankind has prevailed for the cause in the act of valor and courage. We achieve this because we stand together, work together, and band together as brothers, sisters, neighbors, families, and comrades in the act of setting aside our differences and coming together in the practice of intentional and amicable purposes.

This piece ignites theatrical activism in the community by calling upon people who live next to one another to get to know their neighbors and reacquaint their surroundings. While the weather is still above sub-zero, lets come together and call upon our city to ask for a re-igniting activism that creatively purposes new approaches by looking at our architecture and bestow new ways to honor those who blessed our land with the options we are afforded to live by today.

Henry V and the St. Crispin's Day Speech is an example of heroism and champions community advocacy. We hope you will join in banding together with our brothers and sisters and support artists expressing their form of engagement in the NEW third Ward.

RSVP on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/events/240678922751659/

Download the flyer here...

Big Crowd at Zen Box Izakaya RAMEN ATTACK! Block Party

Zen Box Izakaya celebrated their second anniversary in style by hosting a block party today with plenty of food, drinks and entertainment.  Chef John Ng and his two guest chefs must have been exhausted after serving up enough ramen to feed the throngs of hungry customers who patiently waited in a line that snaked out and around the perimeter for the party.

The Taiko performance was fantastic!

Congratulations to John and Lina - for your second year anniversary in the Mill District, and the success of this fun, unique block party. :)

Week 21 at the 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

It was a soggy, windy Oktoberfest at the September 28 Market. But, oh, the good stuff - so many options to choose from this time of year!  An added bonus for coming out in the rain - we got to meet our newest neighbors in the Mill District, Day Block Brewing.  Please note - hours for the October Markets will be 9am - 1pm.  :)

Winner of the Freaky Tomato Award:

Sunday, September 29 - RAMEN ATTACK! Block Party

Come celebrate Zen Box Izakaya's second anniversary as they host a block party featuring three chefs; Surly taps, Asahi tap and sake; Mu Performance Arts Taiko Performance and a special guest appearance. Admission $2; 16 and under free.  Portland Avenue between Washington Avenue South and Second Street South.

Nationally Known Artists to Coach Rock 4 Real - an Adult Rock Music Workshop at MacPhail Center for Music

MacPhail Center for Music recently announced their next session of Rock 4 Real- an Authentic Rock n’ Roll Experience for Adults, offering 18 and older musicians real world professional insight about songwriting, rehearsing, the music business and presenting a polished live show.

Live your Rock & Roll dreams by experiencing the entire music-making process with these accomplished artists:
• Mike Arturi, drummer of the classic 60's band, The Lovin' Spoonful.
• Tim Mahoney, singer/songwritter and finalist on NBC's "The Voice".
• Bun E. Carlos, founding member of Cheap Trick, will present a clinic and performance master class, one-on-one group counseling of each band and Q and A sessions.

Rock 4 Real is a live rock band rehearsal and performance experience produced and directed by professional national touring artists.  Rock 4 Real staff will place you in a band, then rehearse with you for five Wednesday nights leading up to a Saturday dress rehearsal/master class and a Sunday live performance!  Guest artist, Bun E. Carlos of Cheap Trick fame will be on hand throughout the day on Saturday, November 23, to mentor your band and lend his world class experience.  On Sunday, November 24, Bun E. will present a workshop and clinic sharing his expertise as a drummer and his story as a founding member of Cheap Trick immediately followed by Rock 4 Real live band performances. 

Register onlineor call MacPhail at 612-321-0100.

Tonight - Help shape the future of the Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park at the Mill City Museum

When: Tuesday, September 24, 2013, 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Where: Mill City Museum ground-floor lobby, 704 South 2nd Street, 55401

Staff contact: Andrew Caddock, Project Manageracaddock@minneapolisparks.org

More info:

http://millcitytimes.com/news/public-meeting-gathering-input-on-a-master-plan-for-central.html

Block Party This Sunday - RAMEN ATTACK! at Zen Box

Time: Noon – 5 pm

Location: Portland Avenue between Washington Avenue South and Second Street South

To celebrate their second anniversary, Zen Box Izakaya will host a block party featuring three chefs; Surly taps, Asahi tap and sake; Mu Performance Arts Taiko Performance and a special guest appearance. Admission $2; 16 and under free.

Public Meeting - Gathering Input on a Master Plan for Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park

(click here for full size image)

When: Tuesday, September 24, 2013, 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Where: Mill City Museum ground-floor lobby, 704 South 2nd Street, 55401

Staff contact: Andrew Caddock, Project Manager acaddock@minneapolisparks.org

The Water Works Design Team Will Be Featured Presenters

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board will host the first in a series of public meetings to gather input on a master plan for Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park. The agenda for this meeting will include the “Water Works” area bounded by 3rd Ave. S., Portland Ave. S., 1st Street S. and the Mississippi River.

Subsequent public meetings will be held through early 2014 and will address other focus areas, so there will be plenty of opportunities to weigh in! Please go to the MPRB project page to learn more about the plan and to sign up for email updates: http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=1396

(click here for full size image)

Week 20 at the 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

What a day at the September 21 Market.  In addition to the continually expanding variety of produce, Mark Wheat of The Current 89.3 emcee'd the 3rd Annual Bread Contest, and a crop art activity table gave kids an opportunity to explore their artistic side. Look for separate postings on these events this week on our Farmers Market blog.  Some new items available this week included raw peanuts in the shell, butternut squash, Magnesium Oil from Olsen Naturals and Pumpkin Spice granola from Bliss Gourmet Foods.

City of Minneapolis Seeks Election Judges for Nov 5 Elections

Are efficient, fair elections important to you? You can help protect voters' rights, serve your community, and be paid to do it.  The City of Minneapolis is seeking election judges to assist with the
November 5 elections.

Click here for more info or to apply online.

Tonight - Art Opening at Verve

Figurative Work by Gary Korlin:

Fall Cooking Classes with Brenda Langton of Spoonriver

Brenda Langton of Spoonriver and licensed nutritionist, Carolyn Denton, will be joined by additional Center for Spirituality & Healing faculty to teach "Healthy Eating, Healthy Living".  Register online.

Tonight: First Annual NE Ladies Night Out

Celebrate with your favorite gals at neighborhood bars and restaurants this year at the first annual NE Ladies Night Out! Great specials,  group photos available, and fabulous “sneak-peek” ideas for the upcoming holiday season.

Special offers available starting 5pm at the following participating neighborhood businesses:

Bone Adventure - Bring your dog and drop while you shop! Complimentary playcare at Bone Adventure from 5:00 to 8:00pm with any $40 purchase at a participating merchant, otherwise just $5 an hour.

Parc Boutique - Featuring a Fall Trunk Show featuring a local clothing designer. Everything in store will be 20% off and we’ll also have drinks & appz.

Look & See Total Eyecare & Stylish Eyewear - Offering $100 off Rx glasses or sunglasses during the event.

Mona Williams – Choose a handmade Ross Sveback soap as our gift with any $100 purchase.

Surdyk’s Liquor and Cheese Shop – 4 for $40 from 5:00pm- 9:00pm so jumpstart your weekend with four (4) bottles of wine from a special selection for just $40. Also, 20% Off ALL Sparkling Wines so come and enjoy Free Chair Massages and complimentary cheese and wine tasting.

The Bibelot – 20% off entire store as a special preview for our “NE customers.” The Anniversary sale at all Bibelot locations will be September 20, 21.(This includes all regular priced merchandise). Don’t forget to stop by for a hibiscus flower tasting and their special drawing for merchandise

Keegan’s – $2.00 any drink.

Pacifier  – 20% off Regular Priced Fall Clothing.

The Mill City Running - Offering 15% off of Women’s apparel.

Red Stag – 2 for 1′s on select wine & taps, and rail cocktails, available 5pm-close.

Whitey’s World Famous Saloon – Stop in for a Cosmos for only $2.00

Feral Cat Hearing at City Hall [Video]

The public comment segment of the September 11 hearing at which the measure was approved.  A look at the research calls some of the rhetoric into question:

http://www.startribune.com/opinion/commentaries/224151211.html

MPRB Appoints New Director of Safety and Security

Via a Sept. 17 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board:

MPRB Superintendent Jayne Miller and newly sworn in Park Police Chief Jason Ohotto

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) recently appointed Jason Ohotto as the new Park Police Chief and was sworn in by Superintendent Jayne Miller in front of full crowd in the Board Room at the MPRB Headquarters on September 11.

In this new position, Chief Ohotto will be responsible for the overall management and direction of all services, functions and operations of the Park Police Department. Additionally he will plan, coordinate and direct year-round, citywide Park Police activities and services to ensure that the mission, goals, policies and priorities of the MPRB are incorporated into the department activities and services.

“As a decorated member of the Minneapolis Park Police Department, Jason has over 17 years of committed experience to protecting our communities and keeping our parks safe,” said MPRB Superintendent Jayne Miller. “Jason is a proven leader with a clear vision and a high-level of understanding of what it takes to ensure safe parks, facilities and recreation programs throughout Minneapolis. It is through his hard work and tireless efforts that Jason has been able to establish authentic relationships with park staff, elected officials and community members to solve – and prevent – crime and safety issues in our parks.”

Ohotto first joined the Minneapolis Police Department as a Park Patrol Agent in 1995, serving in that role through 1998. From 1998 through 2004 he served as a Minneapolis Park Police Officer and as a Park Police Sergeant from 2004-2012. In 2012, Ohotto was promoted to Park Police Lieutenant and has served as Captain of the Minneapolis Park Police department since February of this year. Ohotto holds a Master of Public and Non-Profit Administration Degree with a concentration in Law Enforcement Organizations from Metropolitan State University in St. Paul. During Ohotto’s career with the Minneapolis Park Police Department he has received the Award of Merit, the Lifesaving Award and twice has received the Medal of Commendation from the Minneapolis Police Department.

“It is my great honor to accept this position and continue my work for the greatest park system in the country. In my view, people are what make Minneapolis parks so special,” said Chief Ohotto. “I truly appreciate all the support I have felt from staff, Commissioners and residents over my career and especially the last six months. Please know that I believe my job is to support the work being done in the field and I am thankful each day that I am able to serve alongside this dedicated staff!”

Mpls Beard and Moustache Club Members Win Gold at National Championships

A lot of people in the neighborhood recognize Michael "MJ" Johnson from Sorella Wine & Spirits.  But what you might not know is that he's the Founder of The Minneapolis Beard and Moustache Club.

MJ and a fellow member recently won Gold Medals at The National Beard and Moustache Championships in New Orleans.  He won in the Imperial Partial Beard category and Marc McShane won Gold in the Amish Beard category.


MJ also made the top 4 for Best in Show.  Check out this video!

Tomorrow Night - Nicollet Mall Redesign Presentation at the Guthrie Theater

Email reservations to megan@mcfarlandcomm.net, using “Nicollet Mall RSVP” in the subject line.

Day Block Brewing - New Brewpub Opening in the Mill District This Fall

Day Block Brewing Co., a "pizza based" brewpub is preparing to open this fall.  They are currently renovating the former Spill the Wine space at 1105 11th Ave S next door to Grumpy's in the historic Day Block building and hope to open in 2013.  They will be brewing craft beers in the refurbished basement of their new digs.

We're eager to welcome our new neighbors, so we'll be tracking this one closely.

Visit them on the web at http://www.dayblockbrewing.com/

Week 19 at the 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

September 14 was Sweet Corn Day at the Market.  It was celebrated with piles of sweet corn at vendor stands, and corn recipes at the Mill City Cooks demo and Meet Your Veggies booth.  Time to start filling the freezer with those sweet little yellow kernels for savoring this winter.  

Simply amazing - still no rain, yet the farmers continue to out do themselves each week.

Yoda the squash! :)

Braucher's Sunshine Harvest Farm was one of the Mill City Farmers Market vendors featured in the Minnesota Cooks calendar.

Darrold from Sunrise Flour Mill demonstrates the pizza dough toss: