Category Archives: Uncategorized

Northeast Minneapolis Arts District takes “Best Art District” award from USA Today

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NORTHEAST MINNEAPOLIS ARTS DISTRICT NAMED “BEST ART DISTRICT”
MINNEAPOLIS, MN, March 5, 2015—Northeast Minneapolis Arts District was named “Best Art District” via USA Today’s “10 Best Readers’ Choice” on March 2, 2015. Minneapolis beat out nine other noted art districts by garnering the most votes over a four-week period.

Featuring an iconic photo of the Northrup King Building from Meet Minneapolis, the winning description read,
“Centered around the Northrup King Building, the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District serves as a home or workplace to more than 400 independent artists. Studios, galleries and performance spaces occupy re-purposed industrial buildings, and the art scene is characterized by its many annual events, like the Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association’s (NEMAA) spring Art-A-Whirl and fall Fine Arts Show, Art Attack at the Northrup King Building in November and Casket Arts Quad’s Cache open studio events, also in November.”

Minneapolis was chosen as a contender by Lindsay Pollock, Editor in Chief at Art in America, and Joe Lewis, nationally known artist, educator and professor of Art at the University of CA-Irvine. The poll was announced via the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District’s web site, NEMAA, a variety of art-centric Facebook pages and subsequent shares by artists, residents and businesses. City Pages and The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal picked up on the buzz and also featured the poll.

ArtForce, a Northeast Minneapolis Arts District resident, noted on a March 3, 2015 tumblr. that “. . . a nod from USA Today is actually a nod toward a culmination of careful planning and collaboration between artists and businesses—that’s what makes [the District] so special, so vibrant.” Josh Blanc, President of the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District Board of Directors, and owner/artist of Clay Squared to Infinity, notes that “unique events including Art-A-Whirl, monthly scheduled open studios, seasonal, juried art shows, and the concentration of over 600 artists, including many notable mid-career artists are just a few of the reasons why the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District stands out.”

Information about Board meetings and Northeast Minneapolis Arts District initiatives is available online:

ABOUT THE NORTHEAST MINNEAPOLIS ARTS DISTRICT The geographic boundaries of the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District are the Mississippi River on the West, 26th Avenue on the North, Central Avenue on the East and Broadway on the South in the city of Minneapolis, MN. The district contains a diverse mix of businesses, restaurants, parks, art galleries and studios as well as industrial and residential property. Warehouses and rail yards are interspersed with homes, churches and family-run businesses. Artists populate many of the historic and formerly industrial buildings, which have been re-purposed and renovated into studios, galleries and performance spaces. Independent galleries have sprung up throughout Northeast, with a concentration along the District’s 13th Avenue.

For more information contact Betsy Gabler at [email protected]

Small Area Plan Sub-commitee Meeting 1.22 6pm Logan Park

On Thursday, January 22nd at 6pm at the Logan Park Rec Center, we will be having our first official Small Area Plan subcommittee meeting!

 

As an attempt to be respectful of everyone’s time, we will adhere to the agenda as best we can and ask that everyone come prepared.  In order to prepare for the meeting, please read pages 1-4 of the following document:

If time allows, it may be helpful to review examples of Small Area Plans:
**************************************************************************
Agenda:
6:00:  Small Area Plan definition and details
6:05:  Q&A **
6:15:  Discuss and define the broad vision for Logan Park
6:40:  Discuss and compile ideas to implement vision
6:55:  Determine best meeting times for the group
7pm:  Adjourn Meeting
**meeting leaders will be available after the meeting to answer additional questions

Crocheted Coral Reef Workshop

Crocheted Coral Reef Workshop

with Margaret Wertheim
January 28, 6-8 p.m. @ Logan Park Recreation Center-
Register online www.minneapolisparks.org Activity # 49900

Thursday January 29,10a.m.- Noon @ Richfield Art Center
Friday January 30, 10a.m.-Noon @ Mississippi Watershed Management Organization/
2:​00- 4:​0​​0 p.m. @ MIA ​ in Target Wing first floor atrium
Saturday January 31, 10 a.m. – Noon @ Bloomington Arts Center/
1-3 p.m. @ MIA in Target Wing first floor atrium

Free BYO curiosity and crochet hook
Now the world’s largest participatory art and science project, the Crochet Coral Reef combines mathematics, marine biology, environmental consciousness raising and community art practice.

More than 7000 people around the world have helped to make these gorgeous woolen seascapes, which have been exhibited around the world, (soon to be on view at the MIA.) One of the project’s creators Margaret Wertheim, will be here to help us get started crocheting our own local satellite reef.

 

Come learn the techniques and find out how to get involved.
Call 612-870-3104 with questions

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

 Date:    January 20, 2015
Time:  1:30 or shortly thereafter
 Place:  Minneapolis City Hall, Room 317
                350 South 5th Street

Minneapolis MN, 55415

Purpose:  Ordinance Amendment for E-Cigarette Sampling

The Community Development and Regulatory Services Committee of the Minneapolis City Council will consider amending Chapter 281 of the Minneapolis Code of Ordinances.  If approved, retail shops that sell primarily tobacco products may allow indoor sampling of e-cigarettes.  The proposed ordinance amendment is available on our website atwww.minneapolismn.gov/licensing.

You are invited to attend, express your opinions, and/or submit such in writing by contacting [email protected] or 612-673-3905.

 Information in Other Languages:  Yog xav paub tshaj nos ntxiv, hu 612-673-2800.  Macluumaad dheeri ah, kala soo xiriir 612-673-3500. Para mas información llame al 612-673-2700

Upcoming Minneapolis Events and Activities

*****Events and Activities*****

The Hothouse Extended

January 8 – 10

Grain Belt Bottling House, 79 13th Avenue NE

The run of Dark and Stormy’s well-received production of The Hothouse has been extended to include three more performances. For more information and tickets: http://www.darkstormy.org/.

Mill City Farmers Market Indoor Market

Saturday, January 10, 10 am – 1 pm

Mill City Museum, 704 Second Street South

Kick off the New Year right with some fresh locally grown produce, pastured meats, cold-pressed organic juice, whole grain baked goods and more! Shop from nearly 40 of your favorite food and art vendors for everything from wild rice to kimchi, specialty cheeses, vegan “meats,” freshly milled grains, single-source honey, jams and jellies, farm fresh eggs, handmade soaps, unique ceramic, and handcrafted jewelry. Hungry customers can quell their grumbling tummies as they shop with a pastry from Salty Tart or some tasty momos from Gorkha Palace. See you at the Market – don’t forget your grocery list! For more information: http://www.millcityfarmersmarket.org.

 

A SIP OF SCIENCE –Volcanoes and Our Past

Wednesday, January 14, 5:30 pm
Aster Café, 125 Main Street SE

A SIP OF SCIENCE bridges the gap between science and culture in a setting that bridges the gap between brain and belly. Food, beer, and learning are on the menu in a happy hour forum that puts science in context through storytelling. Volcanic eruptions are among some of the most spectacular events in our shared human experience. All too often, though, eruptions are treated as historic oddities – unusual events of limited importance in the greater scheme of things. When typically volcanism does make it into history books, the mention is brief, focusing on the eruption and its immediate death toll. This myopic approach grossly underestimates the long term impacts volcanism has played in human history and how it has shaped our society. Join us for the January Sip of Science as University of Minnesota geology professor Kent Kirkby presents the opportunity to acknowledge, perhaps even celebrate, the roles volcanism has played in human history. The talk takes place during happy hour at the Aster Café. There is no cover, and food and drink will be available for purchase. For more information and to RSVP: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/january-sip-of-science-volcanoes-and-our-past-tickets-15157512528?aff=affiliate1. A SIP OF SCIENCE is a science happy hour sponsored by the National Center for Earth-surface Dynamics (NCED). It is a chance to hear about new and exciting research over beer, in a cool bar. Come talk with the experts about their efforts to address some of the Earth’s most pressing problems. NCED’s A SIP OF SCIENCE brings the wonder of science to happy hour. Get more information at: http://www.nced.umn.edu/content/sip-of-science.

 

Kroening Interpretive Center Programs (Three Rivers Park District)
North Mississippi Regional Park, 4900 Mississippi Court

For information: 763-694-7693; for map and driving instructions: http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=4&parkid=430. For programs that require reservations, call 763-559-6700 or register on-line:http://www.threeriversparkdistrict.org.

Adult Dendrology Series: Dendrology 101
Tuesday, January 20, 7 – 9 pm

Learn basic tree identification principles, and practice your new skills at an identification lab. Cost is $5, and this program is for ages 16+. Three Rivers volunteers are free and should contact 763-559-6706 to attend. http://www.threeriversparks.org/events/A/adult-natural-resources-series–dendrology-101.aspx

Stories of the Mississippi
Thursday, January 22, 7 – 9 pm

The Mississippi has some amazing stories to tell through loggers, soldiers at Fort Snelling, residents in the Mississippi Courts and more. Cost is $5, and reservations are required; reference activity #116917-01. This program is for ages 16+. http://www.threeriversparks.org/events/S/stories-of-the-mississippi.aspx

Snowshoe Along the River
Saturday, January 24, 10 am – 12 noon

Discover the origin of snowshoeing, then search for animal signs and tracks on snowshoes. Beginners welcome. Equipment and refreshments provided. Participants will hike if there is no snow. Cost is $5, and reservations are required. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. 20% discount for groups of four or more. For information and to register: http://www.threeriversparks.org/events/S/snowshoe-along-the-river-.aspx.

Free Family Fun Day: Tales of Scales
Sunday, January 25, 1 – 3 pm, ongoing

Drop in anytime! Explore a different topic each week through hands-on activities that everyone can enjoy at their own pace. This program is free and open to all ages, but children younger than 17 must be accompanied by an adult.
Upcoming Regis Center for Art Activities
Regis Center for Art, University of Minnesota, 405 21st Avenue South
WonderWomen
On exhibit January 20 – February 14 (Gallery hours: 11 am — 7 pm, Tuesday through Saturday)
Public reception and fashion show: Saturday, February 14 (reception 7 — 9 pm; fashion show, 9 – 10 pm
Katherine E. Nash Gallery

WonderWomen is a group exhibition at the Katherine E. Nash Gallery of work by women artists inspired or influenced by comics, animation or popular culture, and related screenings of work by women filmmakers presented by the Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul. The exhibition will feature work in all media, including moving images, fashion and non-traditional media. The exhibition is curated by Frenchy Lunning, Howard Oransky and Susan Smoluchowski, and the fashion show is curated by Kelsey Bosch and Clare Jensen. WonderWomen is co-sponsored by the University of Minnesota, the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and the Film Society of Minneapolis/St. Paul.

Uruguay Study Exhibition
January 20 – 31
Quarter Gallery

Group exhibition of students who studied studio art as part of the Uruguay exchange program at the Escuela Bellas Artes (Art School) of the Universidad de la Republica in Montevideo, the capital city and chief port of Uruguay. For more information: https://art.umn.edu/degrees-courses/abroad/uruguay

Mary Bates Neubauer Lecture
Thursday, January 22, 7 pm
InFlux Space, Regis Center for Art
Sponsored by the Visiting Artist and Critics Program.

Sample of Performances at MacPhail Center for Music
501 Second Street South
For more information about events (including student performances) and classes: http://www.macphail.org or 612-321-0100.

Thursday Morning Artist Series: Stephanie Thorpe
Thursday, January 22, 10:30 am

Stephanie Thorpe, soprano, is currently a member of the voice faculty in the Department of Music at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Most recently, she performed full-time with the Carnevale di Venezia in Las Vegas, Nevada. She is a winner of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Concerto Competition, and of the Nevada District National Association of Teachers of Singing Artist Awards (NATSAA), and a Regional Finalist in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. Stephanie received a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. For information on the full season, as well as affordable annual series membership subscriptions ($75 general/$65 seniors) and individual tickets purchased at the door ($10): http://www.thursdaymusical.org/. All concerts are open seating. For more information, call 612-333-0313 or visit http://www.thursdaymusical.org/membership.

Teen Open Mic Night

Friday, January 23, 7 — 9 pm
Room 126
Hosted by the MacPhail Teen Advisory Council

Free admission. Email [email protected] to sign up to play or sing.
MacPhail Free Family Music Series presents: Jazz Kids!
Saturday, January 24, 10 am and 11 am
Antonello Hall
Hear jazzed-up versions of traditional kids tunes, with a demonstration of how jazz and improvisation works! Featured performers will include: Greg Keel (saxaphone), Tom Pieper (bass), Tom Pletscher (piano) and Reid Kennedy (drums). Visit the art and instrument explore area at 10, 10:45, 11 and 11:45 am. Free admission. For more information and directions: http://www.macphail.org/Assets/uploads/files/pdf/events/14-15/FFMS%20Jazz%20Kids%20Jan%202015.pdf.

Composition Workshop with David Evan Thomas

Saturday, January 24, 2 pm
Room 124

This workshop will explore the process of writing for orchestra, with a focus on The Bridge, commissioned for the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphony in 2013. There may be a light-hearted look at the vagaries of self-publishing. And students are welcome to share their work; much of the workshop will be devoted to listening to and discussing student pieces. $5 general admission at the door; free to MacPhail students. For more information: http://www.macphail.org/Assets/uploads/files/pdf/events/14-15/David%20Evan%20Thomas.pdf.

 

Riverfront Vitality Forum: Minneapolis After the Locks: Unlocking Opportunities

Thursday, January 22, 6 – 7:30 pm
Mill City Museum, 704 Second Street South

The Upper St. Anthony Falls lock is scheduled to be closed by the US Army Corps of Engineers in June 2015 to stop the spread of invasive carp upriver. Its closure will change river management practices and have an environmental and an economic impact far beyond the Falls and the local area. This Forum sponsored by the Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership is designed to help us better understand both the immediate and longer-term consequences of the closure and to hear ideas about how the site and the river can be used in new and different ways. Admission is free, but reserve your seat atwww.minneapolisriverfrontpartnership.org. A panel of experts will be on-hand to discuss the closing of the lock and new opportunities to be realized.
Samples of Classes and Activities at the Minnesota Center for Book Arts
1011 Washington Avenue South, 612-215-2520, http://www.mnbookarts.org.
Hours: Monday 10 am — 5 pm, Tuesday 10 am — 9 pm, Wednesday-Saturday 10 am — 5 pm, Sunday 12 noon – 4 pm

Class details, instructor biographies, registration details and online registration are all available at above web site. You may also register by calling 612-215-2520. Note: This is only a sampling of classes, focusing on those that are less expensive and that don’t require experience.

Adult Class: Introduction to Western-Style Papermaking
with Suzanne Hughes
Four Thursdays: January 22, 29, February 5, 12; 6 – 9 pm

Learn the tools, terminology and procedures of Western style papermaking as we process cotton and abaca fibers in the Hollander beaters, use molds and deckles to form sheets, and explore 2-3 traditional drying techniques. On the second day of class, we’ll up the ante by adding pigments, inclusions and/or sizing. Focus will be on consistent sheet formation and on a solid grounding in materials and technique. Great for beginners. $195 ($175 members) + $35 supply fee. For more information and to register: http://www.mnbookarts.org/event-registration/?ee=425.

Book Arts Roundtable: This is Book Art: Tradition Meets Innovation

Free Roundtable Panel Friday, January 23, 7 pm

In celebration of their 30th Anniversary, MCBA will host a series of free presentations and reduced price workshops throughout 2015, offering opportunities for interaction, discussion and skill-building with leaders in the field. At each month’s Book Arts Roundtable artists’ talks, you can learn more about the field of book arts and about each teaching artist’s work. Roundtables are free and held in MCBA’s studios. The January event will be a grand kick-off panel discussion with all five teaching artists, moderated by MCBA executive director Jeff Rathermel.

Family Class: Animal ABCs
with Ellen Ferrari
Saturday, January 24, 10 am – 12 noon

Meet the animals, Alligator to Zebra, in The Alphabet Tale by Jan Garten. Create your own rubbery animal letter to use over and over on the printing press. Fold and cut and color and collage our class animal alphabets into cards, books and even a circular zoo! Join Ellen Ferrari for family book arts fun! Each workshop starts off with a story and game to warm up your creativity and then dives into a book arts project. Workshops accommodate a range of developmental levels so that adults and children (or) adult/child teams may choose to work together or side-by-side. Each participant receives supplies to use during the workshop, but may choose to bring one set home if working with his or her partner. Ellen will provide older children with suggestions for extending their learning. For families with children ages 2 and up. Adult/child pair: $30 ($27 members) + $6 supply fee. Additional participant (adult or child): $15 ($13.50 members) + $3 supply fee. For more information and to register: http://www.mnbookarts.org/event-registration/?ee=372.

 

Sample of Activities and Classes at The Loft
1011 Washington Avenue South
For information about The Loft’s wide variety of classes and other activities: http://www.loft.org.
Mentor Series Reading: Diego Vázquez Jr.
Friday, January 23, 7 pm

The 2014–15 Loft Mentor Series in Poetry and Creative Prose presents fiction mentor Diego Vázquez Jr. reading along with program participants Rebecca Diaz (fiction) and Timothy Otte (poetry). Diego Vázquez Jr.is a poet, novelist and storyteller. He comes from indigenous migrants who crossed invisible lines to become immigrants under a common sky. He has never met an illegal human. Vázquez is the author of Growing Through the Ugly and is completing work on a forthcoming novel, Border Town Sky. Rebecca Diaz graduated from the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics at Naropa University with her BA in Writing & Literature. She is a homegrown artist, enchanted and inspired by the landscape, culture and psyche of her rural Minnesota hometown of Crookston. Growing up with Christian Fundamentalists and her love for the Red Lake River taught her almost everything she needs to know about life and writing. She is a poet turned fiction writer, looking into the tributaries of language, healing and religious addiction. Rebecca has been published in S(y)mposium, BASE: Building Alliances for Social Engagement, Flaneur Foundry Arts Journal, fre-quen-cy: the poethics of change, Monkey Puzzle Magazine, Stays Magazine and others. Timothy Otte writes text for page and performance. His work has appeared online at Paper Darts and at the Minnesota Fringe Festival. He is Senior Editorial Associate at Hazel & Wren, an online literary community. He is from and lives in the Twin Cities, Minnesota, but keeps a home on the internet at www.timothyotte.com.

 
Mill City Museum Programs and Events
704 Second Street South
For more information about Mill City Museum events call 612-341-7555, or visit http://www.millcitymuseum.org.
Baking Memories: White vs. Whole Wheat
Sunday, January 25, 2 pm

See how history is revealed in food through a baking demonstration focusing on the story behind white and whole wheat flour. Discover how Minneapolis millers perfected a way to make white flour on an industrial scale, hear about the popularity of white flour in the 19th century, what effects this had on nutrition and why flour today is frequently enriched. Visitors will also learn why Sylvester Graham developed a whole wheat cracker “to improve health and morality,” hear the pros and cons of each type of flour, sample baked goods and take home the recipes. Program is included with museum admission of $11 adults, $9 seniors and college students, $6 children ages 6-17; free for MNHS members.

*****Planning Ahead*****

Happy Hour with a Preservationist: The Pillsbury A Mill

Wednesday, January 28, 5:30 – 7 pm
301 Main Street SE (meet at construction office door; parking at meters on the street)

One of the landmark structures of the Minneapolis riverfront, and a major force in making the city what it is today, the Pillsbury A Mill opened in 1881. It was the largest flour mill in the world, a title it held for the next four decades. Now, after sitting empty and unused for years, this iconic structure is being turned into the A-Mill Artists Lofts. This project is currently under construction with plans to be open mid-summer 2015. It’s a perfect time to view the evolution of a riverfront landmark. Preserve Minneapolis is delighted to offer a sneak peek, with a guided tour led by John Stark, AIA, project architect with BKV Group; Richard Kennedy, Superintendent from Weis Builders; and Owen Metz, developer from Dominium Inc. Join us to learn about the restoration process and the plans for the artist lofts and studio spaces, and to see firsthand how the building is being restored and put back together. If it’s very quiet, you may even hear the Mississippi River still flowing through the tunnel under Main Street. The tour will take about an hour and a half. Construction is still underway, so please wear solid shoes and long pants, and know that some areas will be unheated and cold. THIS TOUR IS FREE, BUT RESERVATIONS ARE MANDATORY, SPACE IS LIMITED, AND TICKETS ARE EXPECTED TO GO QUICKLY. RESERVE YOUR SPOT ON EVENTBRITE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/happy-hour-with-a-preservationist-pillsbury-a-mill-tickets-15129339261. A big thanks to BKV Group, Weis Builders and Dominium Development for making this tour possible.

 

Ten Thousand Things presents:
The Unsinkable Molly Brown
February 13 – 15 and February 26 — March 8
Open Book, 1011 Washington Avenue South

After more than 15 years, TTT returns to its first musical, The Unsinkable Molly Brown, re-imagining this classic American rags-to-riches story of a woman who can’t decide whether money or love is more important. The show will be directed by Michelle Hensley with music direction by Peter Vitale and will feature Maggie Chestovich and Tyson Forbes as Molly and Johnny Brown, with H. Adam Harris, George Keller, Kimberly Richardson, Eric Sharp, Austene Van and Max Wojtanowicz. The show begins its tour to correctional facilities, low-income centers, schools and shelters on January 29, with paid public performances at Bedlam Theater, Open Book and Plymouth Congregational Church. For information and tickets: http://www.tenthousandthings.org/mollybrown.

 

Sandbox Theatre presents:
Marie-Jeanne Valet, Who Defeated La Bête du Gevaudan
February 15 – 20
Southern Theater, 1420 Washington Avenue South

France, 1764. In the waning days of the golden age of the French kings, an unearthly monster begins hunting the people of the tiny province of Gevaudan. King Louis sends his personal bodyguard, Francois Antoine, with a small army to kill the beast before public outrage over the killings can undermine the monarchy. Antoine, however, finds himself upstaged by a 20-year-old peasant girl with more resourcefulness than all the King’s army. For information and tickets: http://southern.ticketworks.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=4.

 

Kinetic Evolutions – Sarah LaRose-Holland and Butch Thompson
February 20 – 22
The Lab Theater, 700 First Street North
For information: http://www.thelabtheater.org/.

How’d They Do That? A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Saturday, February 21, 9 – 11 am
Guthrie Theater, 818 Second Street South, Wurtele Thrust Stage

What was the inspiration for the set? Was the play rewritten in rehearsals? Aren’t those wigs itchy? Through these eye-opening workshops, you can learn how the Guthrie’s artists and staff create a production – from early development and designs to rehearsal, costume fittings and staging of the play. $15 per person per workshop. For tickets: http://securesite.guthrietheater.org/single/SelectSeating.aspx?p=18303.

Registration Opening for Three Rivers Park District Summer Camps

There’s snow outside, but it is not too early to plan for summer! Registration for summer camps in Three Rivers Park District begins January 12, 2015. Send your children on a fun-filled adventure this summer in Three Rivers Park District, where they will gain an appreciation for nature while participating in hands-on recreational, nature and cultural heritage programs. Can’t afford to send your child to an expensive, faraway overnight camp this year? No problem. Three Rivers offers affordable day camps for children ages 4-15 that are conveniently located just minutes from your home. Camp topics include nature exploration, outdoor recreation, art, golfing, fishing, farming and Minnesota history. Camps are offered at the district’s nature and visitor centers (including North Mississippi), golf facilities, Gale Woods Farm, Silverwood Park and The Landing – Minnesota River Heritage Park. Children must be in the age group indicated for each camp. Camp dates, times and fees vary. Reservations, pre-payment and health waiver are due at least two weeks in advance of the camp starting date; early reservations are recommended. Financial assistance is available for program fees. Applications are considered on the basis of financial need and funds available. Three Rivers Park District is committed to serving people with disabilities. Please indicate any special needs at the time of reservation. For more information on the camps being offered this year, please visit:http://www.threeriversparks.org/events/Groups/summer-camps.aspx or call 763-559-6700 to register.

 

Minneapolis & Saint Paul Home Tour looking for homes to feature

Neighborhood leaders:

Please talk this up, or use in your newsletters and on your websites as soon as possible – it can take a “month of Sundays” for people to get ready and find help staffing their homes, so it’s not too early to be planning for the April tour. I’m also available to attend meetings to answer questions about the Tour, or talk individually with homeowners who may be interested. Let’s keep the turnout from Northeast and North Minneapolis strong, it’s a great promotional opportunity for your neighborhoods, in this 28th year of the tour!

Note that if a neighborhood organization brings the tour three homes (or enough to supplement other efforts such that the neighborhood ends up with three or more), we will feature the neighborhood in the Home Tour Guide. We continue to recruit for about a month after the deadline, to round out the selection.

The press release below is offered in a long version and a short version (at the end). Thank you!

— Margo Ashmore, 612-867-4874.

 

2015 Home Tour wants your home, or your neighbor’s

Who do you know in your neighborhood whose home has recently had a makeover they might like to share with other home enthusiasts? Or even great woodwork and the desire to promote your neighborhood? The 2015 Minneapolis & Saint Paul Home Tour is already looking for homeowners and home improvement professionals to feature on the late-April tour. The first round of nominations/applications are due Friday, January 16, and early submissions are encouraged. It’s the Tour’s 28th year, and it will be held April 25 and 26, 2015.

“People attending the tour are looking for ideas on how to remodel or expand their homes,” said Tour coordinator Margo Ashmore. “We also find that people are really passionate about historic preservation and accuracy to period, bringing back what previous homeowners have covered up or lost.”

Contractors often help staff the homes, and homeowners ask family and friends to contribute a few hours hosting. “A good support network makes it fun. It’s a great incentive to finish up the last few little projects,” Ashmore said.

Contractors and other vendors may nominate homes they have worked on, and are encouraged to call for more information about sponsorship. Green/energy efficient homes, and historically-sensitive remodels/expansions get special notice among the 50 homes. “We’re even partnering with the Handmade Tile Association to promote the art,” Ashmore said. It is not necessary to have remodeled the whole house. Every potential location receives a personal visit before any decisions are made about participating.

The tour is a celebration of city living that encourages homeowners to improve existing homes, and to complement the neighborhood vibe if they build new. For more information, call Tour Coordinator Margo Ashmore at 612-867-4874 or email [email protected]. Go to www.MSPHomeTour.com, click on “submit a home” for the option to apply online or download an application form.

 

Short version:

The Minneapolis & Saint Paul Home Tour, April 25-26, 2015, is accepting nominations at www.MSPHomeTour.com, click on “submit a home” for the option to apply online or download an application. For 11 hours, homeowners and contractors open their doors to share ideas with other home enthusiasts, based on their remodeling experience. Visitors are particularly interested in period-accurate restoration and expansions sensitive to the surroundings. Being on the tour gives homeowners great feedback as well as the incentive to finish those last few projects. If you or someone you know needs more information, contact coordinator Margo Ashmore at [email protected].

 

Margo Ashmore, Coordinator
Minneapolis & Saint Paul Home Tour
April 25-26, 2015
www.MSPHomeTour.com
612-788-9003     Fax: 612-788-3299
Real Homes. Real People. Real Ideas

Find us on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/#!/MSPHomeTour

Somali Photography Exhibit

The 4th  “ANOTHER MINNESOTA FAMILY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD” by Somali Photographer: MOHAMED BARRE on   Saturday  on 12/13/14 at 4:00-9:00 PM
 
This year, the event features Somali  Photo Journalists and Photographers: Mohamed Barre of MN 6 I Group and Mohamoud Hussain, each one will share our community in N. E Minneapolis, MN, their photographic creativity that reflects with the Somali Community. 
 
The work of Somali photographers and community activists  Mohamed Barre and Mohamoud Hussain provides a visual exploration and documentation of Somali community in MN and the changing landscape of Minnesota.
Barre and other photographer’s photography will be on exhibition in the Community Room of Bottineau Commons at 1808 University Ave N. E. Minneapolis, MN 55418 on Tuesday12/13/14. The event is free and any inquiry, please contact to  MN 6 I group: Mohamed Barre at  [email protected].
Event Hours
 
The event is free and open to the public and generally available for viewing the afternoon on Saturday from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Contact Information: Mohamed Barre at  612-703-8639  .
Sponsored by:  MN 6 I group  and  www.kismaayodaily.com

Northeast Park Recreation Building – open house this Thursday

Northeast Neighborhoods,

This is a reminder that there is an Open House for the Northeast Park Recreation Building this Thursday, December 11 from 6:00 – 7:30 pm at the Northeast Library, 2200 Central Avenue NE, Mpls.  Following this meeting we have one more public and Community Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for January 12 from 6:00 – 8:00pm at the Logan Park Recreation Center.  Meetings may change, please confirm shortly before the meeting and we plan to send updates.

Please feel free to post or pass this reminder along as you see appropriate and invite all to attend.  These Open Houses are family friendly – we usually have a small art table to help entertain kids and we’re more than happy to get their input as well.

Below is the website link.  We have a lot of data with previous meeting presentations and notes etc. that is currently being updated – should be loaded fairly shortly.

http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=1482

 

Thank you,
Kate Lamers, PLA, LEED AP
Design Project Manager
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board | Planning Division
2117 West River Road N | Minneapolis, MN 55411
(Office) 612-230-6486     (Cell) 612-499-0260
[email protected]

2014 Neighborhood Energy Summit

Minneapolis City By Nature

YOU’RE INVITED

2014 NEIGHBORHOOD ENERGY SUMMIT

The Minneapolis Convention Center is committed to environmental stewardship and assisting customers in achieving their sustainability goals for meetings and conventions. Please join us as we acknowledge these achievements at the 2014 Energy Summit sponsored by NRG Energy and the Minneapolis Convention Center.
The event will feature a panel discussion highlighting success in solar and energy efficiency, grass root efforts in managing organics and an update on the Center for Energy and Environment’s research and development.  Panel discussion will begin after a welcome provided by City Coordinator, Spencer Cronk.
Date:          Monday, December 15, 2014
Time:         9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Location:  Minneapolis Convention Center
1301 Second Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55403
Directions and Parking
                   Breakfast buffet will be provided
RSVP:       Shannon Lukes by Thursday, December 11, 2014
Questions? Contact Michael Rainville.

SPONSORED BY:

Lights of Logan Contest

Lights of Logan Contest

It’s getting to be that time of year when neighborhood residents decorate their homes and yards with holiday lights – it’s Lights of Logan!

This year, the judging day will happen on Sunday, December 14th, beginning at 5pm. All you need to do to enter is put up some lights/decorations and have them turned on at the aforementioned time.
Prizes this year include:

1st Prize – Full reimbursement for your December 2014 electric bill (up to $200.00)
2nd Prize – 3/4 reimbursement for your December 2014 electric bill (up to $150.00)
3rd Prize – 1/2 reimbursement for your December 2014 electric bill (up to $100.00)

Winners will be notified by the LPNA and will be asked to bring their paid December bill to the neighborhood general meeting on January 21, 2015 for their reimbursement award.

Best of luck and let there be lights!

Planning for a Greener Park System Continues

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) and the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) are preparing the first-ever Ecological System Plan. This plan will set a vision for making parks and public lands more friendly to the environment.

 An appointed Community Advisory Committee (CAC) will help guide the plan, with the second of several CAC meetings scheduled for 5:30-7:30 pm Wednesday, August 27, at Park Board Headquarters, 2117 West River Road in Minneapolis.The public may attend CAC meetings, which feature a brief public comment period at the end of each meeting. 

 The August 27 meeting will help MPRB staff prepare to visit with the public at neighborhood festivals, farmers markets, and other events throughout the fall. The meeting will discuss:

  • A set of ecologically focused maps of the city
  • The detailed plan for visiting with the community throughout the fall
  • What questions to ask the community about nature in the city

The Ecological System Plan will seek to first understand the ecology of the city and watershed, then plan for parks and public lands management and improvements that benefit both humans and nature. It will address specific threats such as climate change, decreasing water quality, explosion of invasive species, increasing runoff, and fragmentation of habitat. It will envision a more environmentally sound way of managing the impacts of the city, so that the city can be cleaner, greener, cooler, and more efficient.

 Specifically, the ecological system plan will:

  • Compile, create, and illustrate city-wide ecological data;
  • Craft a vision for natural resources and public lands within the watershed and city;
  • Outline guiding principles for management; and

In addition to attending this CAC meeting, the public may provide input and stay informed about the project in the following ways:

  •  Visit the project website to stay up to date on the project and see some of the amazing maps and drawings we plan to create. Go to www.minneapolisparks.org/currentprojects and select “Ecological System Plan.”
  •  Attend future CAC meetings. The next scheduled meeting is on October 16 in the evening, location and time to be determined. Keep informed by subscribing (see below) or visiting the project website.
  •  Attend any of the planned community events that will take place in the parks over the next year and a half. More details will be made available on the project website and by govdelivery as these events are scheduled and planned.
  •  Sign up to receive e-mail updates by subscribing on the project website or at www.minneapolisparks.org/subscribe or, if you are already a subscriber, by adding “Ecological System Plan” to your subscription preferences.

Northeast Ride is June 14th!

Waite Park Neighborhood proudly hosts a stop on the NE Ride!

Saturday, June 14th

A creative cycling tour through the 13 neighborhoods of Northeast Minneapolis!

The Northeast Ride is just around the corner!
Visit www.northeastride.org for details on the ride and how to register.

The Waite Park Community Council will be hosting a pit stop including snacks, cold beverages and the return of the WPCC Photo Booth.

It would be great if you could help us spread the word, and we hope to see you there!

Sincerely,
Anthony Beard, President

Waite Park Community Council
http://waiteparkneighborhood.org

Fb: http://www.facebook.com/waitepark
Tw: http://twitter.com/waiteparkcc

Board Member Needed

We are  short one 1 year term director.  We will need nominations from the floor or we can elect the slate and get another board director in June.

Paula Allan 3 year term
Joe Belk 2 year term
Mary Rose Ciatti alternate
Denny Grodahl alternate
Jeff Kraker 3 year term
Britt Lundberg 1 year term
Donna Norberg 1 year term
Jeff Pilacinski 2 year term
Reaanne Reed-Viken 2 year term
Pat Vogel 3 year term
Eric Winer 1 year term

 

Email [email protected] if interested

Central Ave Closure – Official City Announcement

Important Central Avenue Closure Information
03/31/2014

Beginning Tuesday, April 1, at 9 a.m. utility work will commence on Central Avenue between 14th and 18th Avenues NE. This work will necessitate closing lanes on Central Avenue for at least 2 weeks. One north-bound and one south-bound lane will remain open.

This utility work is being done in preparation for the full closure of Central between 14th And 18th Avenues, which is scheduled to begin May 19, immediately following Art-A-Whirl, and continue through Fall 2014. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MN DOT) is closing Central Avenue to begin constructing a new Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Bridge. During construction, access to businesses and residences on Central Avenue will remain open; however, Central Avenue under and near the BNSF Bridge will be closed to traffic. Motorists will be detoured around the closure using NE Lowry, University and Broadway Avenues.

Please visit http://www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/hwy65mpls/ for further information about this project .

City of Minneapolis Public Safety, Civil Rights & Emergency Management Committee Update
03/31/2014
Please take note that the Public Safety, Civil Rights & Emergency Management Committee meeting scheduled for April 2, 2014, has been canceled.

The next meeting is April 16, 2014 and you can find that agenda on the City’s website at a later date.

807 Broadway Update

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807 Broadway Update
Last summer, the Minneapolis School Board selected Hillcrest Development to purchase their old headquarters (807 Broadway). Currently, the School District and the City of Minneapolis are working on resolving a Right of Way issue on Quincy Street. Once this issue is resolved, Hillcrest will start work on the project. Here is a link for more details on their plans: http://hillcrestdevelopment.com/projects/807-broadway-street-ne/

Background
In 2012, Logan Park residents formed the 807 Broadway Task Force to have a voice in the decision-process. The Task Force was designated the community engagement partner by the CPED (Community Planning and Economic Development Dept) who assisted MPS in selling 807. The Task Force met with all interested developers and recommended 100% commercial development for 807 to replace lost jobs from the relocation of MPS headquarters.

 

Central Avenue Closure Meeting (Reunión de la clausura de Central Ave)

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Central Avenue Closure Meeting

DATE: March 19, 2014
WHEN: 2:00 PM
WHERE: Nimbus Theatre – 1517 Central Avenue NE
WHAT: Meet Ron Rauchle — MNDOT Project Engineer for the Closure and MNDOT Public Relations Agent — Bobbie Dahlke
WHY: Because we need a plan of action so that businesses survive and thrive during the 7-9 month shutdown and detour. Get the facts.

SPONSOR: NE Community Development Corporation [email protected] 612-627-9366

Reunión de la clausura de Central Ave

Fecha:    09 de marzo 2014
Cuándo: 14:00
Dónde:    Nimbus Theater – 1517 Central Ave. NE
Qué:        Reunión de información para los negocios. Ron Rauchle, elingeniero de proyectos para MNDOT, y el Agente Público de BSNF RR y MNDOT, Bobbie Dahlke, responderá a las preguntas sobre la clausura.
Por qué: Porque necesitamos un plan de acción para que las empresas puedan sobrevivir durante la clausura de 7-9 meses.

Patrocinador: NE Community Development Corporation [email protected] 612-627-9366