The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) FY2016 Our Town guidelines are now available, with an earlier application deadline than in past years. As a result, the City of Minneapolis has moved its deadline up to August 3 for considering partner applications.        

 The Our Town grant program supports creative placemaking projects that help to transform communities into lively, beautiful, and resilient places with the arts at their core. Read more here.

 Our Town Arts Engagement, Cultural Planning, and Design Projects require a partnership between a nonprofit cultural (arts or design) organization and a local government. Matching grants range from $25,000 to $200,000.

 Each local government — whether applying as the lead applicant or as the primary partner with a nonprofit organization — may submit up to two (2) applications. Based on the NEA guidelines, the City of Minneapolis will select up to two (2) projects to apply for/partner with.

 The deadline for the City of Minneapolis process is August 3, 2015.

 For organizations interested in partnering with the City of Minneapolis through the FY2016 National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Our Town program there will be two informational meetings. The same information will be presented at both meetings. These meetings are optional. Organizations are not required to participate in an informational meeting to apply to the City to partner through the Our Town program.

3:00-4:00 p.m., June 24, 2015*
Wells Fargo Community Room, Minneapolis Institute of Arts, 2400 Third Avenue South, Minneapolis

3:00-4:00 p.m., June 30, 2015*
Textile Center, 3000 University Avenue SE, Minneapolis

* The same information will be presented at both meetings. If you plan to attend one of the informational meetings please let us know. RSVP for either meeting by June 23 to jenny.chayabutr@minneapolismn.gov or 612-673-2509. An RSVP is not required, but does help us in planning for the meeting.

You may also contact the City of Minneapolis Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy program for assistance to develop your potential partnership application with the City. Contact program director Gulgun Kayim at[email protected] or 612-673-2488.

Visit the City of Minneapolis Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy program webpage for the most current information and details about the City’s application process.

Eastside Rail Forum is Thursday, June 18

City of Minneapolis Council Members Kevin Reich, Cam Gordon and Jacob Frey will host an Eastside Minneapolis Rail Forum 6:30 – 8 p.m., Thursday, June 18, at East Side Neighborhood Services, 1700 2nd Street NE. Panelists will include Congressman Keith Ellison, Rep. Frank Hornstein, Sen. Kari Dziedzic, Fire Chief John Fruetel, Grant Hosmer from City of Minneapolis Emergency Management and representatives from BNSF, CP Rail and MN DOT.

Rail safety and operations are of keen interest to Eastside Minneapolis residents, given the increasing frequency of rail traffic through Minneapolis neighborhoods. This forum and public discussion will allow the community to learn more about strategies in place to ensure public safety, as well as an opportunity to share questions and concerns with local, state and federal jurisdictions and railroad representatives.

This forum is co-hosted by the Shoreham Area Advisory Committee (SAAC), which is composed of representatives from CP Rail and the City of Minneapolis as well as community members and representatives from neighborhood organizations to maintain a forum for communication and community outreach regarding the Shoreham Yards area.

Residents invited to help plan the future of Minneapolis Parks

Contact Annette Majerowicz Trust for Public Land 847-977-4434 Dawn Sommers, Communications & Marketing Director Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board Office: 612-230-6407 / Cell: 612-221-9915 [email protected]

LOGAN PARK NEIGHBORHOOD

CLEAN SWEEP

April 18th, 9 AM

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

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

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

The Hothouse Extended

January 8 – 10

Grain Belt Bottling House, 79 13^th 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.

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 28^th 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

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]

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 14^th, 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!