Got a Story to Tell (that includes an eclipse)?

The Loft and Minnesota Premiere Publications (Southwest Journal, The Journal, and Minnesota Good Age) have teamed up to offer the Loft's Fall Writing Contest.   

Last year's winner, Sally Franson, will judge the entries and one winner will receive a $150 Loft gift certificate, $100 in gift certificates to Parasole restaurants, and publication in the Southwest Journal, The Journal, and Minnesota Good Age. Deadline is Thursday, October 3 at 11:59 p.m.
 
Contest Details: Eclipse
A good portion of the world will experience a total solar eclipse on November 3, 2013. Write a story, 800 words or less, that incorporates an eclipse.

Details and Entry Info

The Creation of the Mill City Museum / Happy 10th Birthday MCM [Video]

Mill City Museum's 10th Birthday Party runs Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.  This video describes how it came to be:

Parkway Closure for September 14-15, 2013

The following parkways will be temporarily closed September 14-15, for these events and designated times:

September 14 – Mill City Suds Run:  Historic Main Street Parkway, West River Parkway Plymouth Avenue North to Portland Avenue 10:00am to 2:00pm

September 15 – Minneapolis Bike Tour:  Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway.  All Lake Harriet Parkway All Lake Calhoun Parkway, All Lake Nokomis, All Theodore Wirth Parkway, Webber-Victory Memorial, All West River Parkway/Road, All Lake of the Isles Parkway 7:00am to 2:00pm

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. 

Visit These Mill City Farmers Market Vendors and Sponsor at the 2013 Minnesota Cheese Festival September 14 and 15

The 2013 Minnesota Cheese Festival takes place September 14 and 15 at the MN State Fair Grounds. It is one of the country's largest celebrations of regionally produced cheese and cheese-related products. Look for the following three MCFM Vendors, along with Market Sponsor Organic Valley at this years Festival.

Rochdale Farms was named in honor of the Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers, home to the original consumer cooperative launched in 1844 in England. Rochdale Farms thinks that the pioneers had the right idea, which is why all Rochdale Farms products support local farmers and help local food cooperatives - all part of the effort to grow local communities.

The folks at Shepherd's Way Farms believe in hard work, creativity, respect for the land and animals, and a focus on family and friends. The small, family farm is located 7 miles outside of Northfield, across from the Big Woods State Park. They have a small flock of approximately 200 dairy ewes and is an active part of the local food community.

Singing Hills Goat Dairy is a small artisan goat cheese dairy farm near Nerstrand that produces fresh chevre, feta, curds and yogurt from its on-farm certified cheese plant. Their goat herd can be found on 25 acres of rolling grassland that border Big Woods State Park.

Organic Valley Co-op was created 25 years ago by a handful of farmers from southwestern Wisconsin who shared the belief that a new, sustainable approach to agriculture could help family farms and rural communities survive. Once pioneers of organic agriculture, Organic Valley Co-op is now an established leader, producing only organic products and building a future for sustainable family farming across the country.

NOTE: Tickets are limited - advanced sales only.  You can save $2 on an Adult Session ticket by entering code ILOVECHEESE when buying tickets online.

Now Open in the Mill District: Magna Health and Fitness

Magna Health and Fitness announced yesterday that construction is complete and their location at 616 South 3rd Street (in the American Trio building) is now open.

With more than 7,400 square feet, their full-service facility is equipped with six treatment rooms, an industrial fitness center, group training, private fitness, meditation and an expansive yoga studio.  For more information, call 612-424-6840 or visit the website.

Welcome to the neighborhood, Magna!  :)

3rd Ward Minneapolis City Council Debate at Ritz Theater [Video]

Sponsored by the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District, the first debate of the general election featuring all Minneapolis Third Ward City Council candidates was held last night at the Ritz Theater.

Participating were: Jacob Frey (DFL Endorsed Candidate), Kristina Gronquist (Green Party Endorsed Candidate), Diane Hofstede (DFL Incumbent Councilwoman), Michael Katch (Libertarian Endorsed Candidate).

Girl Rising - September 18 (One Night Only) at St. Anthony Main Theatre

The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul presents Girl Rising on September 18.

Girl Rising spotlights the stories of nine unforgettable girls born into unforgiving circumstances. Girls like Sokha, an orphan who rises from a life in the garbage dump in Phnom Penh, Cambodia to become a star student and an accomplished dancer; Suma, who writes songs that help her endure forced servitude in Nepal and today crusades to free others; and Ruksana, an Indian “pavement-dweller” whose father sacrifices his own basic needs for his daughter’s dreams.

A Shakespeare Crawl in the Mill District?

Peter Zenner and Josh Fazeli, a BFA graduate from the Guthrie Theater are working on an exciting event to bring a new twist on Shakespeare to the Mill District.  Here's a preview of the presentation Peter and Josh will give at the next meeting of the Mill District Neighborhood Association:

WHEN - Monday, September 16, 2013 / 6:30 – 8:00 PM

WHERE - Mill City Museum
6th Floor ADM Conference Room

Enter at 710 2nd Street South - Arrive early to assure a seat

View the full agenda - http://milldistrict.org/meetings/

MPRB President John Erwin to Share His Ideas for the Minneapolis Central Riverfront

Light up St. Anthony Falls? Open the Pillsbury A Mill tunnels to the public?  Bring a restaurant to Boom Island? A park in the North Loop?  Should Gold Medal Park be preserved?  A music festival on the Central Riverfront?

Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board President John Irwin will share his ideas for the riverfront at the next meeting of the Mill District Neighborhood Association on Monday, September 16 at the Mill City Museum.

WHEN - Monday, September 16, 2013 / 6:30 – 8:00 PM

WHERE - Mill City Museum
6th Floor ADM Conference Room

Enter at 710 2nd Street South - Arrive early to assure a seat

View the full agenda - http://milldistrict.org/meetings/

East Meets West - Condos Collaborating on the Central Riverfront of Minneapolis

Based on a concept from Laurie Jones, a Central Riverfront resident, the Minneapolis Riverfront HOA Collaboration started out as a committee of the Mill District Neighborhood Association. After enlisting 14 Central Riverfront condos from both sides of the river, they're taking this fledgling collaborative to the next level.

Currently, membership is comprised of representatives from:

607 Washington - Bridgewater - Carlyle - Cobalt - Humboldt - LaRive - Metropolitan Lofts - Park Ave  - Phoenix - River West - Stone Arch - Washburn - Whitney - Zenith.

The general boundaries of the collaborative, for now is defined as Condominiums bounded by Hennepin Avenue to the north, University Avenue to the east, 35W to the south, and Washington Avenue to the west.

Their newly minted Mission Statement:

To enable collaboration and facilitate communication between HOAs.

To enhance both individual and collective HOA interests.

To share best practices of:

• Effective leadership;
• Governance and fiduciary practices;
• Community / owner engagement;
• Property management approaches and;
• Shared services.

Find out more on Monday, September 16 at the next meeting of the Mill District Neighborhood Association.

WHEN - Monday, September 16, 2013 / 6:30 – 8:00 PM

WHERE - Mill City Museum
6th Floor ADM Conference Room

Enter at 710 2nd Street South - Arrive early to assure a seat

View the full agenda - http://milldistrict.org/meetings/

Tomorrow Night - 3rd Ward Candidates Debate at the Ritz Theater

Join us at the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District candidate forum. This will be the first debate of the general election featuring all Minneapolis Third Ward City Council candidates.

WHEN: Tuesday, September 10 | The doors open at 6:00pm and the program starts at 7:00pm

WHERE: The Ritz Theatre | 345 13th Ave NE, Minneapolis

There will be a social hour after the program.

Invited guests: Jacob Frey (DFL Endorsed Candidate), Kristina Gronquist (Green Party Endorsed Candidate), Diane Hofstede (DFL Incumbent Councilwoman), Michael Katch (Libertarian Endorsed Candidate).

New Development on the Horizon in the Mill District

The parcel pictured above at 800 Washington Ave S was once slated to become the new Headquarters for Artspace, but the financing never fully materialized.

The City of Minneapolis is preparing to put up a For Sale sign again.  Be among the first to learn about this key parcel in the Mill District from Ann Calvert, Principal Project Coodinator for City of Minneapolis CPED on Monday, September 16 at the next Meeting of the Mill District Neighborhood Association:

WHEN - Monday, September 16, 2013 / 6:30 – 8:00 PM

WHERE - Mill City Museum
6th Floor ADM Conference Room

Enter at 710 2nd Street South - Arrive early to assure a seat

View the full agenda - http://milldistrict.org/meetings/

Mill City Museum Celebrates 10 Years with Free Admission and Programming, Sept. 14 and 15

Event: Mill City Museum's 10th Birthday Party
Date: Saturday, Sept. 14 and Sunday, Sept. 15
Time: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

Cost: Free
Place: Mill City Museum, 704 South Second Street, Minneapolis MN 55401
Phone: 612-341-7555
Email: mcm@mnhs.org
Website: http://www.millcitymuseum.org/

Mill City Museum Celebrates 10 Years with Free Admission and Programming, Sept. 14 and 15

In 1971, the Washburn A Mill was added to the National Register of Historic Places, in 1983 it was designated a National Historic Landmark, and in September 2003 it opened as the newest addition to the Minnesota Historical Society's network of historic sites and museums.

On Sept. 14 and 15, come celebrate Mill City Museum's 10th anniversary and find out why visitors say it's a "must-see" cultural attraction. Admission will be free the entire weekend.

Mill City Museum's 10th Birthday Party runs Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

• Saturday programs: families can make an “exploding” Washburn A Mill book, enjoy birthday cake courtesy of D’Amico Catering, hear a lunchtime concert by a re-created 1920 Washburn Crosby Concert Band, watch a performance by History Player William de la Barre, see a cooking demo by chef Austin Bartold, dance to the music of Salsa del Soul in the Ruin Courtyard and see Twin Cities inspired sketch comedy by Joseph Scrimshaw and Tim Uren, with an appearance by Kevin Kling who co-produced the museum's short film "Minneapolis in 19 Minutes Flat" a lighthearted take on the city’s history.
• Sunday programs: families can enjoy birthday cake courtesy of D’Amico catering, build a paper model boxcar, enjoy performances by a re-created 1920 Washburn Crosby Concert Band in the Ruin Courtyard, watch a canning demonstration by Tony and Nikoline Tushar, see a performance of The Amazing Gnip Gnop Circus by Z Puppets Rosenschnoz and a performance by History Player Eva McDonald Valesh.

Throughout the weekend families can explore the museum. Mill City Museum describes in compelling, multi-sensory and hands-on ways how industry, nature and people came together to make Minneapolis the "Flour Milling Capital of the World" from 1880 to 1930. The story comes to life through the Water Lab, Baking Lab and Flour Tower, an eight-story elevator ride that enables visitors to experience the powerful, noisy, industrial process that turned wheat into flour. A rooftop observation deck offers sweeping views of the Mississippi River, St. Anthony Falls, the Stone Arch Bridge and Mill Ruins Park. Mill City Museum also includes a gift shop and café.

Brief history of Mill City Museum

Originally designed by Austrian engineer William de la Barre and declared the world's largest flour mill after its completion in 1880, the structure housing Mill City Museum was nearly destroyed by fire in 1991.

After the City of Minneapolis, working through the Minneapolis Community Development Agency, cleaned up the rubble and fortified the mill's charred walls, the Minnesota Historical Society announced its intention to construct a milling museum and education center within the ruins.

Faced with how to preserve the ruins of this historically significant site while building a modern museum, the Society turned to Thomas Meyer, principal of Minneapolis architectural firm Meyer, Scherer & Rockcastle, Ltd. Construction on the museum began in March 2001.

Meyer's design left intact many features of the original mill, including flour bins, milling machinery, the engine house, rail corridor and a wheat house. Ruins of the historic mill are showcased in the 100-by-100 foot open-air courtyard. And limestone, brick, concrete and steel were used within the museum to emphasize its industrial origins.

About the Minnesota Historical Society

This summer explore more than 500 museums statewide with the free Minnesota Museums app, brought to you by the Minnesota Association of Museums and the Minnesota Historical Society. Browse Minnesota museums by name, category or location; create an itinerary, check off museums you've visited and upload favorite museum photos; plus the app will also suggest museums based on geographic location. The Minnesota Museums app is made possible by the Legacy Amendment’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the vote of Minnesotans on Nov. 4, 2008.

The Society’s calendar of events is posted online at events.mnhs.org/calendar. The website also has information about all of the Society’s programs, museums and historic sites.

The Minnesota Historical Society is a non-profit educational and cultural institution established in 1849. 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. Using the power of history to transform lives, the Society preserves our past, shares our state’s stories and connects people with history.

Week 18 at the 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

There's a drought going on, but you'd never know it when strolling through the September 7 Market, which was overflowing with abundance.

Swede Lake Farm's answer to the "Izzy Scoop"?

A rainbow of purchases from the Market :)

Bald Eagle Soaring Above Gold Medal Park

I've been noticing more eagles over the Central Riverfront the last few weeks.

"Here Comes the Sun" Book Release Celebration at Open Book, September 23

A Mill District neighbor asked us to share this information on an event taking place September 23 at Open Book:

Dear friends,

I want to share a very special event with you.

The Lucas family is a special family and friends of ours.  Brian Lucas wrote a book called Here Comes the Sun.  This is a true story about a family's journey with leukemia.  The story takes place in Minneapolis.  Come meet the Lucas family and attend the release and book signing at Open Book on Monday September 23. This is an event you won't want to miss.  Pass the word if you know someone who would want to attend.

Monday, September 23
Open Book, 1011 Washington Avenue South
Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm (short program at 7:00pm)

Please use this link to make your reservation, and learn more on this website.

If you can't attend this event, here are future dates:
 
Birchbark Books
Saturday, September 28
2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
2115 W 21st Street
Minneapolis, MN

Common Good Books
Wednesday, October 9
7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
65 Western Ave N
St Paul, MN

Tonight - Riverfront Trail Improvements Public Meeting at MPRB

Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Location: MPRB Headquarters Board Room, 2117 West River Road

Public input sought for trail improvements along west river bank - September 3 first meeting for West River and James I Rice Parkway trail project.

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) seeks community input on plans to improve 3.5 miles of bicycle and pedestrian trails and related amenities along the west bank of the Mississippi River from Franklin Avenue to Plymouth Avenue in Minneapolis.  A community survey and series of community meetings are planned, with the first meeting on Sept. 3.

Throughout the planning process, members of an appointed Community Advisory Committee (CAC) will work with MPRB staff and consultants to engage the community to develop a preferred plan for trail improvements, including new surfacing, lighting, signs, and amenities such as drinking fountains. Trail improvements will meet federal and MPRB design and safety standards. The final recommendations of the CAC will be forwarded to the MPRB Board of Commissioners for review and approval.

Mark your calendar and plan to participate:
 
CAC Meetings Sept. 3, Sept. 24 and Oct. 15 -- 6:30-8:30 pm, MPRB Headquarters Board Room, 2117 West River Road. The 21-person appointed CAC will meet. All meetings are open to the public and will include an opportunity for public participation and/or comment. 

Community Open House Oct. 1 -- 6:30-8:30 pm, MPRB Headquarters Board Room, 2117 West River Rd. An opportunity to review planning efforts to date.

Take a survey before Sept. 16! The survey is at http://www.minneapolisparks.org/ (see survey link in lower left column of home page) or by calling the MPRB’s customer service center weekdays at 612-230-6400 for a paper copy. Completed paper surveys can be mailed to, or dropped off at, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, Attn: W River Trail Survey, 2117 West River Road N, Minneapolis, MN 55411.

The existing bicycle and pedestrian trails in the project area are part of the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway.  “The trails are among the most heavily used in the state, with over 1.6 million visits to the area annually,” says MPRB President John Erwin. “They provide vital recreational and commuting connections within our community and region. The rehabilitation of these trails will use federal funds that we applied for and received. This is part of the Park Board's recent efforts to increase non-property tax based support through increased grant writing.”

The trails run parallel to the West River Parkway and James I Rice Parkway along the Mississippi River through the Mill District, one of the most historic in Minneapolis.  They link three regional parks: the Mississippi River Gorge, the Central Riverfront, and Above the Falls.  The trails are part of a regional system with direct connections to the Cedar Lake Regional Trail and the new U of M Trail.

Members of the CAC for the West River Parkway/James I Rice Trail Improvement Project have been appointed by Park Board Commissioners, other elected officials, neighborhoods, and trail user groups.

The MPRB has received $1.7 million in federal funds to improve the trails.  Regional Park Operation and Maintenance funds will provide the required local construction match as well as project planning costs.

For more information about the project, to sign up for emails about project updates, or  to take the user survey, visit the project webpage at www.minneapolisparks.org/currentprojects  (project name: West River / James I Rice Parkways Trail Improvements) or contact the Project Manager, Deborah Bartels at dbartels@minneapolisparks.org.

Pillsbury A Mill Before Mill & Main

A walk through the Pillsbury A Mill complex prior to the now completed Mill & Main apartment development. These scenes are now largely relegated to memories.

Next Tuesday - 3rd Ward Candidates Debate at the Ritz Theater

Candidates open forum and debate. Invited guests: Jacob Frey (DFL Endorsed Candidate), Kristina Gronquist (Green Party Endorsed Candidate), Diane Hofstede (DFL Incumbent Councilwoman), Michael Katch (Libertarian Endorsed Candidate).

Week 17 at the 2013 Mill City Farmers Market

The August 31 Market was bursting at the seams, and it was a challenge to keep from going completely overboard...again.  We were introduced to a new baby food company, Petit Organics, and Triple Crown BBQ Sauce (look for separate posts on the Farmers Market blog later this week).  I started stocking up on ingredients that will go into test quick breads for the September 21 Bread Festival.  Fun! :)

View our full set of pictures from the August 31 Market on Flickr.

New varieties of dried beans from Yee Xiong:

A discerning little Market shopper.  :)

This is what we love to see... Thanks for supporting the Mill City Farmers Market!