december 2008 uptown neighborhood news

Commentary ............................................ 2Crime & safety ...................................... 4Business & Real Estate ...................... 5special Holiday Guide Pullout .......7CARAG Report .........................................12ECCO Report .............................................13Events Calendar .....................................14

December 2008 • Volume 4, Number 12

inside

Handmade Ornaments at Urban Earth. (See pg.7)Photo (left) by Bruce Cochran

Your Community-Supported News Source • Covering the Neighborhoods of CARAG and eCCo and the Uptown Area

Youth Step Up!Minneapolis Youth Convene to Proclaim “No Decision about Us without Us”With infectious energy, this Youth Step Team opened the Town Hall Session of the Minneapolis Youth Convention on October 28, produced by the Minneapolis Youth Coordinating Board. Topping an engaged symposium on city issues and youths’ ideas and comments about them, the Town Hall Session wrapped up the break-out ses-sions with proclamations by various groups assigned to tackle issues such as Crime, Housing and Transporta-tion. The Town Hall panel included representatives from the MPD, MPRB and Mayor Rybak.

“They have to hear they can succeed and have to be responsible as well.”- Mayor Rybak

economy got down?

Save gas, Save Time andMaybe even Save Your Sole(s)?

Bust Out The Holiday Guide pgs. 7-10

obama and Dfl’ers win Big in Uptown

By Gary Farland

Barack Obama and Joe Biden won an overwhelming 85.5% of the vote in the seven precincts near the center of Uptown. Al Franken (DFL) won 70.8% of the Uptown vote (with that close race now going to a manda-tory recount). 5th District U.S. Representative Keith Ellison (DFL) won re-election with the help of 79.8% of the Uptown vote. 60A State Representative Margaret Anderson Kelliher (DFL) won 82.5% of the Uptown vote, and will once again be Speaker of the Minnesota House. And 60B State Representative Frank Hornstein (DFL) won re-election with 84.2% of the Uptown vote.

By Bruce Cochran

When the crew of “A serious Man”, the latest Coen brothers’ film, asked Jean sabre if they could shoot a scene at uptown Vision, she had no idea what to expect. on the corner of 36th and Hennepin, Jean sabre and husband Dr. Mark sabre have been co-owners of uptown Vision for 19 years. During the setup process she admits

Senior Center Unveils MosaicBy Mary Ann Schoenberger, Director

Volunteers of America - Minne-sota’s Southwest Senior Center unveiled its 100 square foot mosa-ic located on the exterior of the building on Saturday, November

15. Over 120 seniors, students and neighborhood resi-

dents helped to create the oval that features

scenes from S o u t h w e s t

Minneapo-lis. The morning included the unveiling

of the mosaic, mosaic activities, refreshments and a slide show of the process and the participants.

“This process was a great exam-ple of how art can bring people

together. People of all ages worked with

each other to cre-ate this beautiful

piece. I think everyone who sees the mosaic will be inspired by the work and its celebration of our neighborhood,” said Mary Ann Schoenberger, Director of South-west Senior Center. The mosaic features images of the neighbor-hood and its residents that were brought up during the four vision-ing workshops. Key components

a history of being a bubbling pot of rising talent. in the CARAG neighborhood alone the unn has spoken with four artists actively involved in film and other enter-tainment media.

eric Rechin 2000 Rech became one of the producers for tC Muzique, the oldest running live music show in the world. once a week on Minne-apolis cable chan-nel 17 every thursday at 8p .m. the live rock ‘n’ roll music show has filmed epi-sodes with bands such as Filthy D i v i n e , Dill inger Four and M i c h a e l bland of

that the film crew was very con-siderate, organized and generous. they coordinated with her cli-ent schedule, landscaped and they even agreed to install a new sign after the shoot. the old “uptown Vision Clinic” sign was temporar-ily replaced by a “Great bear Den-tal” sign for the shoot. sabre said she was “pleasantly surprised” by the whole process. the Coen’s

wrapped up the film and left town for the next step in production.

Although making a last-minute production change to shoot here in uptown required days to okay and hours to setup, this brief shot with 1960’s era vintage automobiles will be measured in mere minutes. but uptown’s experience with film is much broader than that. it has

soul Asylum. it’s an all volun-teer staff and although he does computer graphics and tech for the show, as producer he says his primary role is “more cow bell.” see more at www.tcmuz-ique.org.

in 2010 he’s releasing a proj-ect called “A World of tears”. it’s a half hour format with 13 episodes and features stories of

Photo by Bruce Cochran


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FILMMAKERS MAY BE CLOSER THAN YOU THINK

Jean and the rest of Uptown Vision gather

ʻround Team Coen

2 • Uptown neighborhood news DECEMBER 2008

commentaryletters

UPTowN NeigHBoRHood NewS

Uptown Neighborhood News is a monthly publication of Calhoun Area Residents Action Group (CARAG) in cooperation with the East Calhoun Community Organization (ECCO). UNN covers the news of and is delivered free to households within the area bounded by Lyndale Ave. S. and Lake Calhoun, between Lake Street and 36th St. W. Extra copies are distributed to businesses in the Uptown area, along Lake Street, and Lyndale and Hennepin Aves. Circulation is 5,100, with a pass-along readership of 10,000. Publication and distribu-tion is before the first of every month. Subscriptions are available for $30 per year, prepaid. Send check to: UNN, 3612 Bryant Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55409.

Contributors are area residents who volunteer their time to bring the news of the area to resi-dents. Articles, letters to the editor and story ideas are welcomed and encouraged. The editor reserves the right to edit for length, clarity, relevance to the area, or other reasons. Editorial and advertising guidelines are available. Please contact the editor:

newS, tiPS & letteRS to the [email protected] UNN3612 Bryant Avenue SouthMinneapolis, MN 55409612.259.1372

eDitoRPhyllis Stenerson

aRt DiReCtion & PRoDUCtionBruce Cochran

aDVeRtiSinG Susan [email protected]

ManaGinG BoaRDAppointed/elected Reps:Ted Ringsred, Chair (ECCO)612.824.6474Anna Matthes, Vice Chair (CARAG) Jill Bode, Treasurer (CARAG) Gary Farland, Secretary (ECCO)Ralph Knox (ECCO)Kay Nygaard-Graham (CARAG)Volunteer MemberMary Ann Knox

ContRiBUtinG PhotoGRaPheRSBruce Cochran, Courtney Cushing Kiernat, Kat Singer

ContRiBUtinG wRiteRS

Roberta Avidor, Jill Bode, Bruce Cochran, John Darlington, Gary Farland, Ellan Meyer, Cecilia Michel, John Munger, Mary Ann Schoenberger, Phyllis Stenerson, Jessica Wicks, Allison Zank

newSPaPeR CiRCUlationCARAG/ECCO Circulation: Bill Boudreau 612.825.0979

MinneaPoliS CitY CoUnCilTenth WardRalph Remington, [email protected]

CRiMe PReVention SPeCialiSt Tom Thompson, 5th Precinct SAFE Unit, Sector 2, 3101 Nicollet AveMinneapolis MN 55408Serving the neighborhoods of;CARAG, East Harriet, ECCO, Kingfield, Linden Hills, Lyndale, West Calhoun

5th PReCinCt CoMMUnitY attoRneYLisa Godon 612.673.2005

Uptown Neighborhood News reserves the right to refuse publication of articles or advertisements as it sees fit. But we will see fit to publish most things, don’t worry. Copyright © 2008 Uptown Neighborhood News.

Ruminations on Proposition eightBy John Darlington, Minister, Joyce Church: A Reconciling Congregation

Why do so many “Christian” people fear same-sex marriage? They claim that the Bible makes it clear that homosexuality is an “abomination ‘ before God. I assure you that the Bible is not clear on the subject. Yes, when you search you may find four isolated biblical injunctions against homosexuality. But, given the scripture’s per-vasive emphasis on humbleness, kindness, faithfulness and justice, the passages which render a verdict against homosexuals are not only isolated, they are few-and-far-between and ambiguous.

Californians buckled under when they voted yes on Proposition Eight. They succumbed to caution and fear. There is of course nothing intrinsically wrong with Californians. To be sure, they are better known for their open-mindedness. My point is that if even Californians give way to the promoters of fear and hate, perhaps even free-thinking Minnesotans are not far behind.

May people of faith try again, and embrace what we have learned from childhood -- that God is love! Love is ever the context in which living creatures experience newness of life and joy. The committed love between two persons, whether they are of the opposite sex or the same, gives beautiful expression to the miracle of love and the blessing of God that goes with it.

Fear of the unknown, on the other hand, serves only to deny love and the very God who adorns the universe with it. Why are religious people so bent on fear? Is it because they are afraid that God will send them to hell if they allow their hearts and minds and doors to open wider?

If so, they mystifyingly discard the underlying biblical injunction that God is love.

John Darlington is pastor of Joyce Church and Simpson Church and a member of the CARAG board.

Dear Unn editorI am writing this letter to inform members of the neighborhood about Minneapolis’ unattended animals ordinances. I was moved to call the city by an experience I had one dark fall evening recently.

Coming home after dark, I was stopped at a traffic light in the CARAG neighborhood – a fairly busy intersection with two corner stores and a popular neighborhood cafe. I look over, and there, in the dark, sits a beautiful golden lab, attentively waiting for his person, tethered to a street sign.

As I drove off, I was struck by the dog’s expectant expression and the fact that it was after dark and he was sitting pretty close to a curb.

I went around the block and parked across the street where I could see him - it was 15 minutes before his owners came out of the cafe to get him. No bags of take-away food so it appears they sat and ate there.

How long had the dog been sitting there?

Where he was tethered it would be impossible to see him from the cafe’s windows which seems to me really unsafe.

I queried Minneapolis Animal Control to see if they had any rec-

Dear neighborsI saw the greatest play last night. “Souvenir” at the Jungle Theater stars our neighbor Claudia Wilkins and is directed by Joel Sass. This is an unsolicited endorsement of the performance. I am not affili-ated with the Jungle, other than as a loyal and satisfied audience member. This play is hysterically funny and like nothing you will have seen before. I think Claudia is a jewel of the Twin Cities’ the-ater community, and have enjoyed her for many years, but I have never seen her like this. I laughed ‘til I cried. And then I cried real tears at the touching finale. This is one of the most satisfying and fun performances I have seen in a while, and I urge you all to check it out. It plays until December 21. If you have never been to the Jun-gle, you are missing out on some-thing great––the intimate size and always-exquisite sets create the perfect tableau for the talented acting and directing always seen there. We are very lucky to have them within walking distance. Support your local theater!

Mary Ann Knox, CARAG

ommendations should I see this again and found out there are two ordinances on the city’s books. One prohibiting unattended animals in public spaces and tying off animals on trees, plantings or signage.

Tethering your dog during the day to run into a corner store or taking home some dinner is one thing, but tethering your dog in the dark for close to an hour just seems a little unfair to that pet.

Just thought the UNN is the per-fect place to let neighbors know that the city does have ordinances about it. Thank you.

Julie Michener, CARAG

Uptown is Multi-PartisanBy Phyllis Stenerson

America’s history made another significant turn in the November election.

Electing an African American as President has deep meaning in terms of our country’s progression toward living out its declaration of independence and justice for all. After eight years of a Republican administration and the Congress controlled by Republicans for six of those years, Democrats are in charge.

Commentary on the impact of the election and predictions for the future are almost as pervasive as speculations before the ballots were cast so I won’t add to the ver-biage here. Suffice it to say change is on the way.

As you’ll see elsewhere in this issue,

most people in Uptown voted for Democrats. BUT NOT EVERY-ONE. Many of our Uptown neighbors are conservatives, mod-erates, Republicans, Independents or whatever political identifica-tion they choose. We DFL’ers are dominant and vocal but I’m pretty sure we don’t have all the good ideas and I know we’re not the only good guys.

I’ve been involved in politics in Minneapolis and Minnesota for a long time and have fond recollec-tions of many outstanding lead-ers and activists from BOTH the Republican and DFL parties. We earned a reputation for good gov-ernment that was largely the result of visionary public servants who worked together, mostly, for the public good instead of clinging to partisan ideology.

It was easy and pleasant to have a

conversation with most folks about public policy and popular culture without pre-screening them for political biases. Die hard Republi-cans and Democrats actually com-mingled amicably!

Let’s restore that sense of commu-nity and shared purpose starting right here in Uptown. Let’s have a conversation about our shared future that welcomes everyone.

Uptown Neighborhood News wants to hear from people of all political persuasions about how we can work together for the good of our community and nation. Write to [email protected] or Editor, Uptown Neighborhood News, 3612 Bryant Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55409 with your thoughts.

We must be thankful for so much. We have a responsibility to future generations to build on our legacy of good government and a safe, caring community.

Phyllis Stenerson is Editor of the Uptown Neighborhood News and lives in CARAG.

Divine LiturgySunday 9:30 amFr. Paul Paris

RnC Convention Recap“Terrorizing Dissent: Election Cut,” an exposé of events at the 2008 Republican National Con-vention in St. Paul, Minnesota produced by independent media activists. For information and to catch or host a screening go to www.terrorizingdissent.org

8888

DECEMBER 2008 Uptown neighborhood news • � .

DeaDline for submissions to

The Uptown Neighborhood

News isthe 15th of DeCeMBeR

(email: [email protected])

Your ECCO/CARAG Neighborhood Realtor & Lender Team!

Providing 1st Class Realtor Services & Home Financing Programs “in One Location”

Lance FraserLakes Area Realty

[email protected]

651-230-1648

Josh HennesyPrime Mortgage

A Division Of The Business [email protected]

612.716.1187

1428 W 28th StUptown

(Next to Isles Buns Coffee)

government

MOHNElectric & Lighting Company

ALL ECO-FRIENDLY CFLs 20% OFF!!925 West Lake Street Uptown Minneapolis MN 55408(Corner of West Lake Street & Colfax Avenue South)

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L i g h t i n g • P a r t s • S h a d e s • B u l b s • R e p a i r • A d v i c e

Citizen ACtion

CARAG [email protected]

ECCO [email protected]

City Councilperson Ralph [email protected]

Mayor R.T. Rybak612.673.2100 [email protected]

State Representative Margaret Anderson Kelliher651.296.0171 [email protected]

State Representative Frank Hornstein651.296.9281 [email protected]

State Senator D. Scott [email protected]

Governor Tim [email protected]

U.S. Congressman Keith Ellison612.522.1212www.ellison.house.gov

U.S. Senator Norm Coleman651.645.0323www.coleman.senate.gov

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar202.224.3244www.klobuchar.senate.gov

President George W. [email protected]

These percentages are computed from the accompanying table showing the vote totals for Ward 10, Precincts 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 10 and 11. The table shows the totals for the races voted on by these precincts with several exceptions to keep the table within space limitations. In addition to the races shown, three individuals were elected as Soil and Water Supervisors: they were Kim N. Boyce (District 1), James Wisker (District 3), and Jeffrey A. Beck (District 5). Also, the only judicial races shown are for Min-nesota Supreme Court.

The Uptown area strongly voted for the three referendum ques-tions that passed. 82.8% of Uptown voters approved the Minnesota Constitutional Amendment that dedicates funding to protect drink-ing water and the environment, to preserve our arts and cultural heri-tage and to support our parks and trails. To do this, it increases the sales and use tax rate beginning July 1, 2009 by 3/8 of one percent until 2034.

Uptown also voted strongly for the two Minneapolis School Board referendums. Question No. 1 on the ballot increases the present referendum levy from $615 per pupil to $1,200 per pupil begin-ning next year and for eight years. It will also be increased with the federally-determined rate of urban inflation. This passed overall with 70.9% of the vote, while Uptown gave it 77.5%.

Question No. 2 on the ballot chang-

win from 1

es the composition of the Min-neapolis School Board. Instead of having seven at-large members, it will consist of six members elected from districts geographically the

same as the Park Board, plus three at-large members. This change will be implemented beginning with the 2010 election and be com-pleted in the 2012 election. This

referendum passed overall with 65.9% of the vote, while Uptown gave it 67.6%.

The School Board election (offi-cially non-partisan) went to the three candidates endorsed by the DFL: Jill Davis, Lydia Lee (ECCO resident and present chair) and Carla Bates. The Uptown per-centages followed the City totals, with Lydia Lee being the top City vote-getter and even more so in Uptown.

Gary Farland is a board member for ECCO and the UNN and lives in ECCO.

� • Uptown neighborhood news DECEMBER 2008

crime & safety

5th PReCinCt (Southwest Minneapolis) Sector 2: Crime Prevention Specialist tom thompson: [email protected]

october 2008Crimes by Location (ECCO: west of Hennepin. CARAG: east of Hennepin.)

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Cyclists DoubleProvided by the Office of Ralph RemingtonMore people are biking to work here in Minneapolis, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Ameri-can Community Survey. Ridership numbers jumped 49% over the previous year.

The survey found that the num-ber of Minneapolis residents who biked to work increased from an estimated 4,840 in 2006 to 7,200 last year. About 3.8% of all Min-neapolis commuters used bikes in 2007 (with a margin of error of ± 0.8%). These findings put Minne-apolis second among the 50 largest

cities in the nation and just a frac-tion of a percent behind Portland, Ore., where an estimated 3.9% of all commuters bike.

It’s not surprising that this rise in bicycle commuting has put more bikes on the street. Counts per-formed by the City of Minneapo-lis revealed a 50% increase in the number of bicyclists in Downtown Minneapolis between 2003 and 2007.

Despite this increase in bikes on our streets, Minneapolis is seeing an overall downward trend in the number of bike vehicle accidents. From 1993 to 1999, the average number of bicycle crashes was 334 per year. Since 2000, the average

has dropped 269 per year, a 20% decline. In fact, there has been a downward trend in all traffic crashes since the late 1990s.

City leaders are working to main-tain Minneapolis’ place as one of

the most bikeable and walkable cities around. Along with county, state and federal partners, they’ve invested in several projects to expand improvements that make biking and walking more attrac-tive to people in Minneapolis.

For more information on bicy-cling in Minneapolis, visit www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/ bicycles To learn more about walking in the city, visit www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/pedestrian

Dog eat Dog Reward Program Announced to Help Prevent Animal FightingThe Humane Society of the United States has teamed up with various Minnesota law enforcement agen-cies to combat cockfighting and dogfighting. At a press conference held November 17 at the state cap-itol, representatives from the Min-nesota Chiefs of Police Association, Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association, Minnesota Police & Peace Officers Association and Minnesota Ani-mal Control Association joined to announce that The Humane Soci-ety of the United States is offering up to $5,000 for information lead-ing to the arrest and conviction of any person(s) involved in illegal animal fighting.

Cockfighting and dogfighting are felonies in Minnesota, punishable by imprisonment of at least one year and one day.

instructions• If you have information about

illegal animal fighting in Min-nesota, call your local law enforcement or animal control agency. If you wish to remain anonymous, let the agent whom you give your tip to know that you do not want your identity released to the public, but are interested in The Humane Soci-ety of the United States’ reward. Make sure to note the officer’s name.

• If the suspected animal fighter is convicted, ask the law enforce-ment agency involved in the case to write a letter to The Humane Society of the United States.

• The letter should state that your

tip helped lead to the arrest and prosecution of the convicted animal fighter and should be mailed or faxed to:

Animal Fighting Reward Program C/O Ann Chynoweth The Humane Society of the United States

2100 L St. NW Washington, DC 20037 FAX: 301.721.6414

For more information about The Humane Society of the United States’ animal fighting reward program, call 301.258.1459 (Eng-lish) or 301.258.1420 (Español).


Crime Prevention Specialist Tom Thompson, shown above, gave a lively sem-inar to kids on graffiti awareness and prevention. The class was held at Bryant Square Park on November 18. Other instructors included Officer Butch Blauert, Megan Orr of the Uptown Association, the sponsor, and Sarah Burson, represent-ing Calhoun Square.

art vs. Graffiti

DECEMBER 2008 Uptown neighborhood news • � .

business & real estate

inner StrengthGrand Opening CelebrationInner Strength Fitness Studio celebrates its Grand Opening at two loca-tions: Uptown, 28th and Lyndale and St. Paul, 758 Grand Avenue on Saturday, January 3, 4-6 p.m.

The 1st annual Lake of the Isles Run/Walk begins at Inner Strength at 2:30pm. Sign up in advance to receive a long sleeve commemorative T-shirt to wear during the run.

Come for the run and stay for the party afterwards with food, drink, raffle and music! Visit www.innerstrengthstudio.com for more.

arterial MotivesDown on the Corner


Raised buildings in November opened this space at Girard and Lake for expansion of Calhoun Square’s northeast corner. The parking ramp is on schedule and the interior is still under construction while open. Vision World will open November 23 in a new expanded location with an in-store lab for producing new glasses. Sushi Tango will have a new redesigned space with a grand opening estimated in Feb-ruary 2009. Kitchen Window’s new space is estimated to open April 2009.

foreclosure information available Hennepin County Taxpayer Ser-vices, in conjunction with the Min-nesota Home Ownership Center, is providing free public foreclosure information.

Workshops have been held with one remaining on Tuesday, December 2, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Brooklyn Park Library, 8600 Zane Avenue North.

A video of the workshop is avail-able on the Hennepin County web-site http://hennepinmn.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?publish_id=12.

The workshop will help residents – including homeowners fac-ing or worried about foreclosure, and renters affected by landlords’ foreclosures – to understand the foreclosure process, their rights and how they can find assistance. The workshop includes informa-tion about the foreclosure process, homeowners’ and tenants’ rights, foreclosure counseling, working with your lender, assistance and other related topics.

For more information about the workshop call Jeff Strand, Hen-nepin County Taxpayer Services, 612.348.7870. For questions about the library locations go to the Hen-nepin County Library website – hclib.org – or call Jodi Monson, 952.847.8516.

Information and assistance for dis-tressed homeowners is available from the Minnesota Home Own-ership Center at 651.659.9336, toll-free at 1.866.462.6466, or on their website at hocmn.org.


El Nuevo Rodeo hosted Lakes Street Council’s 12th Annual Fundraiser with over 300 people and raised over $9000 with a Wine & Beer Tasting and Silent Auction.


Q Boutique joins the Uptown fashion circle with the latest styles from across the nation and around the globe. The Grand Opening is December 17 at 7 p.m.-10 p.m. at it’s new location, 1404 West Lake St., next to Stella’s Fish Cafe.

Quintessential Quarters

east Meets west

Midwest Meets west


The owners of the ex-Campiello property have just signed a lease with “Cow-boy Slims”, a cowboy theme with bar food and drink.

Moto-i, the new restaurant on Lyndale and Lake from Herkimer owner, Blake Richardson, officially opened its doors on October 20. More akin to beer fermen-tation than rice wine, sake’s yeast starter is the restaurant’s namesake. Boast-ing the first sake brewery restaurant outside of Japan, Richardson will offer three handcrafted sakes and sparkling sake when the restaurant first opens, many grades and different styles of sake will soon follow to complete the taste spec-trum, from Junmai Ginjo and Yamahai, to Futsuu and Nama Genshu. The menu will include many small dishes to be sampled and shared.

new ordinance RequestCM Remington has introduced an ordinance regulating newspaper boxes Council Member Remington is seeking to regulate newspaper boxes to ensure that they:

1) Do not impede sidewalk acces-sibility

2) Are well-maintained and free of graffiti, trash, etc

3) Are regularly stocked and not abandoned

The goals outlined above will be accomplished through a permitting process. Each year, all newspaper distributors who would like to have boxes in the public right-of-way will pay a fee per box (approx-imately $39). This fee will pay for an inspector to approve individual box locations, issue a sticker for each box (with a box number and contact information), respond to complaints and survey the city for violations. Any box that is found to be noncompliant can receive a fine and/or be imploded.

St. Paul passed a nearly identi-cal ordinance in 2000 and began imposing a fee in 2005. Council Member Remington believes Min-neapolis is overdue in providing similar protections to its citizens.

When passing laws regarding newspaper boxes the City needs to be sure that its regulations are content neutral. That means we cannot treat one distributor differ-ently than any other. We cannot differentiate between publications that provide mostly news and those whose pages hold mainly advertisements. Cities throughout the nation have ordinances similar to St. Paul’s and Council Member Remington’s proposal.

A public hearing on this pro-posed ordinance is set for Tuesday, December 2, in Council Cham-bers. The committee will begin at 9:30a.m. Additional discussion will take place in Public Safety and

Regulatory Services on Decem-ber 3 and the final vote will occur on December 12. Please attend on December 2 to testify, if pos-sible. Written comments will also be accepted for the public record. Written comments can be submit-ted to Council Member Reming-ton’s office ([email protected]). Please par-ticipate by testifying on December 2 or submitting comments.


first Universalist Prepares for Sesquicentennial Year By Jessica Wicks

First Universalist Church, 3400 Dupont Avenue, launched a year-long series of programs on Octo-ber 25 that will culminate in their 150th Anniversary in 2009.

The history of First Universalist and the city of Minneapolis are inseparable. From the start the church was clearly committed to playing an active role within the community. From its founding in 1859 many leaders of the commu-nity were impacted by the call of their minister that to whom much is given, much is expected.

Rev. J.H. Tuttle arrived in 1866 and served First Universalist until 1891. He came from Rochester, New York where he was friends with and often shared a pulpit with two historical giants, Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Doug-las. It was to them he attributed his strongly held belief that the church has an active role to play in society, a legacy lasting to this very day. Reverend Tuttle turned often to his congregation to reach out beyond the walls of the church.

The founders and early members of the church sound like a who’s who of Minneapolis history - peo-ple like Dorilius Morrison who began as State Senator then served two terms as Mayor and was also the first editor of the Star Tribune and W.D. Washburn who was a member of the Board of Trust-ees for the first 50 years, served in the U. S. Congress and Senate and worked for his brother Cad-waller for the Minneapolis Milling Company, the precursor to Gen-eral Mills. Then there were the Northrup’s, the Lowry’s, Crosby’s and King’s. When the National Women’s Suffrage movement met in Minneapolis in 1885, they came to First Universalist Church.

Institutions in Minneapolis found-ed by church members include the Minneapolis Club, the Minneapo-lis Foundation, Lakewood Cem-etery, Washburn Orphanage (now the Washburn Clinic), The Min-neapolis Institute of Art, The Min-nesota Symphony Orchestra and the Pillsbury and General Mills companies.

Church pastor Dr. Marion Shutter was responsible for the creation of Unity Settlement House in 1897 that was later led by member Car-oline Macomber Crosby. Under her leadership Unity Settlement House developed free kindergar-ten, a mother’s club, sewing school, library, gymnasium and a proba-tion office working with the juve-nile court to oversee 81 boys and 7 girls. Unity Settlement House worked in cooperation with other churches until it was sold to the city in 1984. Money from that sale was used to establish First Univer-salist Foundation, a contributor today to a host of progressive con-cerns.

For its entire history First Univer-salist has been committed to social justice and progressive values. During the sixties Reverend John Cummins, now First Universalist Minister Emeritus, counseled over 500 men about becoming conscien-tious objectors. Rev. Cummins also joined many other UU ministers with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for the famous march on Selma, AL after a UU minister, Reverend James Reeb, had been killed there. During the eighties First Univer-salist was a sanctuary church and during the eighties and nineties began a number of programs for HIV as well as support for gay and lesbian members. A group of gay

parents and their families meeting at First Universalist provided the genesis for the subsequent found-ing of Rainbow Families organiza-tion.

They have come a long way, first meeting at a house on Washing-ton Avenue, moving to the site of today’s St. Olaf Catholic Church in downtown Minneapolis, then to 50th Street and Girard Avenue South and finally to the current location on Dupont. It has been a grand journey laying the ground-work for the next 150 years.

John Cummins said it well back in 1981:

“The flame of the liberal spirit in religion shines most brightly when elsewhere it is dark. That is as it should be. To exalt the human spirit, to widen human liberty, to promote and defend exercise of the individual mind and conscience, to uplift the dignity and hope of every human being is the unique mission of Universalism.”

Saturday, October 25, was the beginning program featuring a prominent theologian, educator and historian.

The first speaker was Rev. Dr. Paul Rasor, director of the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom and Professor of Interdisciplin-ary Studies at Virginia Wesleyan College. He spoke on “Circum-scribing Universalism: Navigating some Universalist Shoals” as well as delivering the sermon the next day.

Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Strong, Minis-ter of Religious Education for 25 years, spoke on “Universalism’s Long and Proud History: the Peo-ple, Theologies, Scholarship, and Just Plain Quirkiness.” In addition the next day she presented a lun-cheon program entitled “The Rev. Dr. Marion Shutter and His Work and Influence: Evolutionary The-ory and Universalist Theology.”

Finally John Hurley, Director of Communications for the Unitarian Universalist Association spoke on “Memory and Justice: Reflections on Universalist History.” He is also archivist and denominational historian for the UUA.

First Universalist’s sesquicentenni-al programs will continue through-out the year. For information on these programs as well as regular church activities go to www.firs-tuniv.org or call 612.825.1701. All are welcome.

Jessi Wicks is a member of First Uni-versalist Church.

include the Lake Harriet Band-shell, Lake Harriet, a school, the Center, the Rose Garden, and peo-ple of all shapes and sizes. View-ers will also spot surprises in the mosaic, such as special pieces of jewelry or coins that were donated by participants.

“This project is exactly what com-munity art is supposed to be - art made by the community, for the community - it’s a delight to see so many people enjoy it,” said Maria Ricke, co-owner of Mosaic on a Stick and the lead artist on the project.

“Working on the mosaic was fun

on so many different levels. I loved the challenge of fitting the pieces together and I enjoyed getting to interact with the students from Barton Open School. Just looking at it makes me smile to think of all the people who worked together to make this happen,” said Pat Marentic, a Southwest Center par-ticipant.

“This project was a great way to start the year,” said Allison Rubin Forester, teacher at Barton Open School. “The students interacted with their community in new ways, working alongside the seniors and discussing ideas about neighbor-hood spaces and sketching visuals during the visioning process. They

learned from and were inspired by artist Maria Ricke to cut tile and lay out designs giving thought to color and texture. It’s been a phe-nomenal learning experience.” Barton students also conducted a graffiti survey around their school, and helped to build the mosaic.

Funding for the mosaic came from a City of Minneapolis Innovative Graffiti Prevention Micro-Grant, Volunteers of America – Minne-sota and Calhoun Area Residents Action Group (CARAG).

The unveiling and celebration took place at Southwest Senior Center, 3612 Bryant Avenue South. For more information, please con-tact Mary Ann Schoenberger at 612.822.3194 or [email protected].

about Southwest CenterSouthwest Center, a program of Volunteers of America – Minneso-ta, serves the neighboring Minne-apolis community through a wide variety of programs, services and volunteer opportunities that sup-port the health and independence of older adults. The Center strives to be a welcoming environment where seniors feel comfortable socializing and learning ways to enhance their physical and mental health. Southwest’s current pro-grams and services include health

and nutrition programs, includ-ing senior dining; exercise classes; health screenings, diabetes club; presentations on assorted wellness topics; a variety of educational and cultural events; volunteer opportu-nities; caregiver support services, social work services for Medicare, housing, financial and legal issues; and “DayElders” adult day ser-vice.

about Volunteers of america - MinnesotaVolunteers of America - Minne-sota is a nonprofit organization founded in 1896 which offers a wide variety of services to more than 27,000 children, adolescents and their families, older adults, students, persons with disabilities and special needs, and ex-offend-ers each year. It is one of the oldest, largest and most comprehensive human service organizations in the state and has more than 60 pro-grams, 700 employees and 4,000 volunteers. Volunteers of America has a rich history of developing innovative, quality programs to meet emerging social issues and prides itself on sponsoring pro-grams which are able to articulate explicitly the outcomes achieved in its program participants’ lives. For more information about Vol-unteers of America of Minnesota, visit www.voamn.org, or call 952.945.4000.

Battle of the BandsHigh school musicians sound off Four high school musical bands will compete starting at 8 p.m. on Fri-day, December 5 at Aldrich Avenue Presbyterian Church, 3501 Aldrich Avenue South. Bands will audition on December 3 and the four best will sound off on Friday in the basement of Aldrich Church. Judges and the audience will determine the winner.

First prize for the winning band is a promotional package including a professional photo shoot, studio time to record a demo album, copies of the CD and a CD release party at the Church.

The $3 admission fee includes refreshments, a chance to win prizes and the opportunity to help select the winner. All are welcome. For more information contact the Church at 612.825.2479 or Michael von Gross at [email protected] or 612.386.0284.

Rev. and Mrs. Tuttle host ladies of First Universalist Church at a garden party in the late 1800’s.

MoSaiC from 1

The Uptown Neighborhood NewsIf We Were Any More Local We’d Be Sitting On You.

Multiple Choice: “I think holiday food is...?”perishable food item which they will be donating to a local food shelf.

Vfw UPtown29th and Lynadale Ave S. 612.823.6233 Daily drawing through Thanks-giving for one free turkey every day at 7 p.m. Contestants must enter the free drawing by 6 p.m. the same day and have purchased one menu item. See a bartender for full details.

If you answered “C”GalaCtiC PiZZa2917 Lyndale Ave. S. 612.824.9100 www.galacticpizza.com Pizza Alla Vodka: Creamy tomato vodka sauce, mozzarella cheese, button mushrooms, prosciutto, and fresh organic basil.

If you answered “A”UPtown BaR & Cafe3018 Hennepin Ave. S. 612.823.4719 www.uptownbarandcafe.com Three words: Hot Roast Turkey: fresh roasted turkey served on country style bread with mashed potatoes, gravy, dressing and cran-berry sauce.

UPtown DineR2548 Hennepin Ave. S. 612.874.0481 Real late-night value: Turkey Dinner: turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn and cranberry sauce.

lUCia’S1432 W. 31st St. 612.825.1572 www.lucias.com Everything but the Turkey...To-go: sweet potatoes, stuffing, yams, cranberries, rolls and more. They work, you chow.

oUR KitChen813 W 36th St 612.825.3718 This greasy spoon just FEELS like home-Okay maybe not YOUR home but at least it feels like a place you might be able to steal leftovers from the fridge like you used to do when you were a teenager.

olD ChiCaGo2841 Hennepin Ave 612.870.1918 www.oldchicago.com Offering a Holiday Mini Tour. Twelve holiday beers from around the world. If you drink all twelve beers your receive a long sleeve Old Chicago T-Shirt.

Mini Tour Beers: Sam Adams Winter Lager, Sierra Nevada Cel-ebration Ale, Stella Artois Premi-um Ale, Sprecker Black Bavarian, Schells Snowstorm, Boulder Never Summer, Big Sky Powder Hound, Leinenkugel’s Fire Side Nut Brown, New Belgium 2 Below, BRRR Seasonal, Pyramid Snow Cap, Samuel Smith Winter Wel-come.

If you answered “B”BaR aBilene1300 Lagoon Ave. 612.825.2525 www.barabilene.com If you grab your phone and text the word BRUNCH to 39649, you will get a reply telling you

Chino latino2916 Hennepin Ave 612.824.7878 www.chinolatino.com ANYTHING on the Menu.

Stella’S fiSh Café 1400 West Lake Street 612.824.Tuna www.stellasfishcafe.com It Ain’t Turkey Contest: “Man vs. Mollusk II”: Nov. 26, 9 p.m. Or ANY Seafood, really.

Compiled by Bruce Cochran

loCal BiKe ShoPSThe Alt, Bike & Board 612.374.3635 www.altbikeboard.com 3013 Lyndale Ave. S.

Calhoun Cycle 612.827.8000 www.calhouncycle.com 3342 Hennepin Ave. S.

Cars-R-Coffins 612.822.4130 www.carsrcoffins.com 3346 Lyndale Ave. S.

Penn Cycle 612.822.2228 www.penncycle.com 710 W. Lake St.

Sunrise Cyclery 612.824.6144 www.sunrise-cyclery.com 901 W. Lake St.

VS. Social Standard 952.226.5428 www.vssocial.com 1221 W. Lake St., #102

Gear GarlandBicycle accessories for easy Gift GivingBy Bruce Cochran

With the growing numbers of bicycle commuters in Minneapo-lis there’s a good chance that you or someone you know needs some gear. And I say needs–winter is here and bicycling outside can be...well...terrifying without the cor-rect gear. So here’s a thrifty list of bicycle accessories followed by a short list of bicycle shops in the area that are so close you can even bike to them.

the alt, Bike & Board

For dress-up, role-playing or bet-ter yet, winter riding: The Ninja Hood: prevents drastic heat-loss through the head, breaths and doesn’t fog glasses or goggles by Pearl or Craft, $30

Calhoun Cycle

Prevent third degree burns from scalding dessert...er coffee drinks: The Morning Rush: Hot drinks on the bike done right, and right where you need it.

Cars-R-Coffins

Let everyone know about YOUR grassroots funded “Zero

A. The only food that heals your soulB. A time to shareC. For suckersEither you look forward to holiday food all year long or by mid-December you’ve had so much of it that even the thought of another seasonal meal has you considering stomach staple surgery. So here is a short list of great menu items from local restaurants for those of you that answered “A”, “B” or “C.”

how you can save $3 off an adult brunch when you bring in a non-

Holiday GuideCelebrating with a little less cash, gas and time

Winter Childby Jill Bode

Christmas carols, colored lights,

The scent of cookies baking,

Gentle snowflakes drifting down-

A sense of wonder waking.

Like a child I taste the air

And crunch through clean crisp snow.

Joy reinvents the me-down-deep

For all the miles to go.

I am! I am! I care not why-

This walk is all my reason,

For I find spring in every step

All through the winter season.

I cherish such a simple birth,

The child reborn in me on earth.

Holiday Artisan FairSaturday, December 6By Ellan Meyer and Roberta Avidor

If you’re looking for truly unique gifts for loved ones, you must come to our holiday artisan fair. From pottery to eco-friendly jewelry to natural soaps and prints . . . come and discover what our fine local artisans have to offer! For more information, contact Roberta Avidor at 612.827.0545, [email protected] or www.urbanearth.coop or the store at 36th and Bryant.

The event will be held in Urban Earth’s lovely greenhouse during Satur-day store hours, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. Kids are welcome! Supplies will be provided for making holiday ornaments with our own local artist, Roberta Avidor.

Ellan Meyer lives in CARAG. Roberta Avidor lives in Kingfield.

Tolerance” Program: The Cars-R-Coffins T: Not warm, not practical, but oh so inexplicable.

Penn CycleBecause frostbite means they’ll be taking a surgical saw to those extremities: Under-the-helmet bike hat, gloves, over-the-shoe booties and wind pants or coats for layering.

Sunrise CycleryThe salt of the earth, and MNDOT’s winter road plan will bring daily pain to that shiny new bike you just bought. Consider a beater ride for the winter. A sec-ond-hand cold-weather ride is a steal here under $500.

VS. Social StandardNot sure if you want to ride yet but still consider yourself a shop-alcoholic. T’s and hats for wearing or just plain framing.

...and Most Bike ShopsKeep the 3-ton car from smash-ing you to smithereens by being lit up like a Christmas tree with bike lights for front and back.

ShareHoldersGiving to local non-Profits

BRiDGe foR YoUth612.377.8800 www.bridgeforyouth.org

Mission

Helping youth in crisis

Vision

The Bridge for Youth is the pre-mier resource for youth and families in crisis. We ensure a con-tinuum of care to provide shelter and support, to reunite families whenever possible, and when it is not, to build independent living skills in young people. The Bridge for Youth is a community leader in the development of approaches for youth and their families to resolve problems and develop healthier relationships.

VAlues

• We value the ideas, contribu-tions, and potential of young people.

• We honor the worth, compe-tence, and integrity of families in all their forms.

• We welcome, understand, and encourage diversity among our staff, clients, and colleagues.

• We promote excellence among our staff, volunteers, and interns, and honor their contributions.

• We are passionate about work-ing with young people and their families.

We can accept checks, credit cards or donations of stocks. You will receive a receipt by mail.

The Bridge for Youth Attn: Devel-opment Director, 2200 Emerson Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55405-2628

JoYCe fooD Shelf612.825.4431 www.joyceuptownfoodshelf.org

Mission

To distribute food to those in need, with respect and dignity, as an expression of the love of God.

Vision stAte-Ment

To develop programs and policies with our neighbors which encourage their dignity as God’s children

See website for donation information. (See full story on page 10)

the Men’S CenteR612.822.5892 www.tcmc.org

This is a Twin Cities charity that has served the area for over thirty years.

You can donate to them simply by sending a check to: The Men’s Center, 3249 Hennepin Ave. S. #55, Minneapolis, MN 55408.

Mission

The Men’s Center provides resources for men seeking to grow in body, mind, and spirit, and

from that foundation advocates for healthier family and com-

munity relationships.

Their values include:

• We believe men can and should support each other through times of personal challenge and change.

• We believe in authentic-ity, which means acknowl-

edging to ourselves and each other our hopes, fears, strengths, and weaknesses as men seeking to grow.

• We believe in the equality between men and women.

• We believe in the power of our common humanity, which means regardless of our sexual orientations, gender identities, or other issues that separate us, what we have in common tran-scends our differences.

If you have any further ques-tions, please feel free to contact the

office, weekday afternoons except Wednesday.

RainBow health initiatiVe877.499.7744 www.rainbowhealth.org

Health & Wellness for Minnesota’s GLBT Community

Uptown Rotary is known for our friendly atmosphere, our great speaker programs, and our lovely setting at the Minikahda Club overlooking Lake Calhoun. We’re a small size club where everybody not only knows your name, but also how you and your family are doing. Uptown Rotarians are as committed to this atmosphere of friendship as we are to service in our community and the world. Through hands-on volunteer ser-vice we keep our community food shelf open one evening each week. In addition fundraising activities support the purchase of food and

supplies for the foodshelf. Our community work also extends to volunteer activities, dictionaries for third graders, and financial support for musical instruments and lessons for children at the Ramsey International School for the Fine Arts. International-

ly we work with Books for Africa and Haiti Outreach to support lit-eracy and clean water. We’re cur-rently partnering with the Ambur Rotary Club in Ambur, India to send computers to a hospital and school of nursing.

URBan VentUReS leaDeRShiP foUnDation612.638.1000 www.urbanventures.org

Urban Ventures Leadership Foun-dation opened in 1993 as a faith-based, nonprofit, community development organization dedi-cated to serving the communities in South Minneapolis. The mis-sion of Urban Ventures is to build successful community within the city by:

• Developing youth leadership through sports and recreation programs as well as enhanc-ing opportunities for academic success and job-skills training through technology and men-toring programs.

• Strengthening families by con-necting individuals within the community to meet basic human needs of others; provid-ing education and training to fathers giving them the skills and resources to be effective dads; reaching the Latino com-munity.

• Creating meaningful work opportunities by recruiting, starting and growing businesses within the community’s Oppor-tunity Zone; developing and encouraging local ownership of business; involving community members in the business process and management; and support-ing existing businesses within the Opportunity Zone.

The programs of Urban Ventures serve more than 2,500 youth and adults each year. Guided by found-er Art Erickson, Urban Ventures employs 35 staff members and gratefully acknowledges the time of more than 300 volunteers annu-ally.

By Bruce Cochran

The state of the economy seems to have everyone in a funk, myself included. But every time I feel like I’m struggling, I try to remember two recent stories I came across recently.

The Zimbabwe inflation rate is so high that our 69 cent toilet paper role costs residents there over $400, (NY Times). Mostly it’s due to gov-ernment spending issues and food shortages. That’s usually enough money for me to actively complain about my annual taxes.

But speaking of food, here is another story that gives me pause.

Scientists recently tracked the annual migration of the Godwit from Alaska to New Zealand. The bird can fly 7,242 miles nonstop, up to nine days without resting or eating. NINE DAYS. I can maybe go nine minutes without a sugar craving or nine hours without pro-tein, or maybe, okay, I can do nine days without a drink–maybe. Does Minnesota-made wine count?

Anyway, I’m a weenie.

So, in the spirit of the season, I’ve compiled a list of non-profits that are just that, non-profit. Anytime the floor falls out of the economy, the impact on them is like having the whole building topple.

If you’ve run out of gift ideas, short on cash, short on time or fear the inevitable re-gifting of your long sought-after chia pet, then consider giv-ing to an organization in someone’s name. This is an especially hard time for them because not only are more people in need, but those that traditionally give, are giving less.

Some of these orga-nizations give you the option of mak-ing a gift in some-one’s name and they do all of the work of billing you and sending the card. With other organizations you’ll probably have to buy your own card and maybe even, oh goodness, buy stamps.

The following is a short list of non-profits in our Uptown neigh-borhood.

martini & olive per-form “silent night fever”

at bryant lake bowl: dec.

5,6,12,13,19, 20,26-28,

30

janelle ranek

performs “lost letters to santa” at bryant lake bowl: dec. 4,7,

11,14,18, 21

Donate online, by

phone or mail:

You can give online by going to www.networkforgood.org. Use keywords “Bridge for Runaway Youth” to find us.

Call Chelsea Miller at 612.230.6657

ouR stoRY

Founded in 2000, The Rainbow Health Initiative is a non-profit corporation comprised of community activists, physicians, health advocates and citizens. The mission of Rainbow Health is improving the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in Minnesota through:

• Education

• Clinical Practice

• Research

• Advocacy

Over the past five years, Rainbow Health has established itself as an authoritative source of health information on and for the GLBT community. Since our inception, Rainbow Health has:

• Conducted the only large-scale surveys on the health concerns and needs of gay, lesbian, bisex-ual and transgender people liv-ing in Minnesota.

• Established itself as a primary source of information for and liaison to health agencies and community coalitions including the Minnesota Department of Health, Tobacco-Free Lavender Communities of Minnesota and The Minnesota Partnership for Action Against Tobacco.

• Developed a pool of over 200 potential volunteers including health providers, mental health providers, health advocates, and community organizers to spe-cialists in communications and social marketing.

UPtown RotaRY612.926.2878 www.uptownrotary.org

ShaReholDeRS page 9

2008 Holiday Guide

3146 Hennepin Ave. • 612.823.3988 • www.shoezoo.us

Shoe ZooGreat Holiday Giftstights, slippers, pjs, hair

accessories & gift certificates

YoUth faRM612.872.4226 www.youthfarm.net

Mission

The Mission of the Youth Farm and Market Project is to nurture relationships between urban youth and their families, their communi-ties, and the earth around them by growing, cooking, eating and sell-ing healthy food. Within our three main focus areas of Urban Agri-culture, Youth Organizing and Cultural Nutrition.

GoAls

• To increase youth com-petencies and quali-ties need-ed to be successful in life and work

• To help youth develop public skills through com-munity building projects

• To set youth on the road to lifelong health using local, traditional and cultural foods

• To provide high quality, cultur-ally-appropriate foods for people in low income communities

YwCa UPtown612.874.7131 www.ywcampls.org

Mission

Our mission is to empower women and girls and to eliminate racism.

The YWCA of Minneapolis stands for a fully-inclusive community where each person is healthy and valued, and where racial justice, gender equality and human dig-nity are promoted and sustained through bold and effective wom-en’s leadership.

We continue to build on the strength and success of our current

programs for children and youth and develop new programs of the highest quality to meet the needs of emerging and under-served populations.

We invite you to stand with the YWCA of Minneapolis in our mis-sion and our work.

ContRibute

A small contribution can go a long way:

• $35 will provide one month of diapers for a toddler

Jefferson School 612.668.2749 [email protected] 1200 W. 26th St.

Jefferson Community School’s Parent Teacher Association holds its annual Tree Fundraiser for the 5th year in a row. You can pur-chase a farm-fresh Christmas tree and support Jefferson Community School in Minneapolis. The Jef-ferson Community School Parent Teacher Association is selling trees to raise money for family events, field trips, classroom supplies, art department supplies, athletic activ-ities and snacks for elementary stu-dents. Your purchase will support a Minneapolis School that serves a predominantly low income, non-English speaking population.

The trees will be cut a couple of days before pick-up. As in years past the trees are Balsam Firs from Carl Wegner’s Tree Farm

Deck the Wallsa Variety of holiday Decorations are available in Uptown

in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. The supplier’s trees have been repeat-edly selected for the Governor’s Mansion and the State Capitol.

The trees are Minnesota grown Balsam Fir Trees that are cut just before delivery and hold needles very well. Prices are $40 for a 5 – 6 foot tree, $45 for a 6 – 7 foot tree and $55 for an 8 - 9 foot tree.

Order from Kris Prince through December 11 by phone or e-mail - 612.668.2749 or [email protected]. Trees can be picked up at Jefferson School, Hennepin Ave. S. and 26th St. on December 13 between 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Delivery available for $5.00. Make checks payable to Jefferson PTA.

luna Vinca612.823.6178 www.lunavinca.com 3344 Hennepin Ave. S.

Owner Jennifer Guion stocks this locally owned flower shop with an assortment of lights, ornaments, centerpieces, flowers and more.

• Starlightz, $35. Beautiful hang-ing paper lanterns, seen in their window (16 designs) price includes all parts: lantern, 15 foot cord, ceiling hook, protec-tor to keep light from touching the paper.

• Ornaments: wide variety of choices from elegant and classic to updated and funky. All 50% off now (when you need a sale the most), priced $2-5.

• Fresh wreathes of spruce, incense cedar, blueberry juniper and pine cones $30. These can be embel-lished with other greens, ribbons, and ornaments.

• Centerpieces for

dinner tables and or hostess gifts. Decorative containers with mix of seasonal greens and/or flowers $30-60.

• Large variety of soy, lead free wick Pacifica scented candles all made in the states: $5.95-19.95

Urban earth 612.824.0066 www.urbanearthcoop.org 910 W. 36th St.

The Co-op’s vision is to “Harness the econom-

ic power of the cooperative’s stake-holders to promote social justice and environmental sustainability by operating a flower and garden store.”

Their decorative cheer includes the following items for sale:

• The green alterative to the cut Christmas tree: Norfolk Island Pine (potted and live)

• Wreaths (balsam)

• Poinsettias (red, white, burgun-dy)

• Spruce tip patio pots

•Terracotta pots with holiday decor

• Holiday hanging baskets with greens

• Handmade soy candles with cotton wicks in holiday fra-

grances

• Handmade ornaments

• Christmas cacti

• Rosemary topiaries

• Garlands: (pine, cedar, balsam)

Call store for current prices.

• $250 will allow high school youth to complete a racial jus-tice community action project

Vail PlaCe952.938.9622, ext. 25 www.vailplace.org

A ReAl stoRY

When Ron, a young urban profes-sional, thought he heard people talking to him over the company intercom, his coworkers thought it was funny. When he started hearing things about himself on the radio and TV, he knew it was no joke. Medication helped con-trol the voices, but the side effects made his movements stiff and jerky and left him unable to work. So he stopped taking the pills.

Soon he started to believe that the CIA and FBI were out to get him. Out of desperation, he jumped off the Lake Street Bridge. It was a miracle that he survived. After a couple of hospitalizations and drifting through some short-term, minimum-wage jobs, Ron came to Vail Place.

At Vail Place, Ron found people who really cared about how he was doing. He began taking part in the daily program activities and making new friends. As his confi-dence increased, Vail Place helped him find a job and supported his going back to school. Ron gradu-ated with a degree in Human Ser-vices and now works as a mental

health counselor, helping others who are living with a mental ill-ness. “Vail Place helped me start my life over again, and offered me support so I could manage my own future. I still visit Vail Place and I am grateful for its existence.”

Vail Place is a non-profit, commu-nity support program for adults with serious and persistent mental illness. Located at 36th and Hen-nepin, its mission is, “To transform the lives of people with mental ill-ness through recovery-oriented community support services that empower them to achieve self-suf-ficiency.”

Your gift to Vail Place helps pro-vide opportunities in the areas of housing, education, and employ-ment; support with mental health management and independent liv-

ing skills; and the ability to trans-form lives.

Holiday gifts can be made online at www.vailplace.org or sent to Vail Place, c/o Holiday Gift Pro-gram, 1412 W. 36th Street, Minne-apolis, MN 55408.

Charity Evaluator and DirectoriesCharity navigator www.charitynavigator.org Charity Evaluator

Just Give www.justgive.org Donating Online

network for Good www.networkforgood.org Donating Online

theatre lumina

performs “lost letters to santa” at bryant lake

bowl: dec. 3,4,7, 10,11,14,17,

18,21

brave new workshop

performs“all i want for christ-

mas is 700 billion dollars: our 50th noel”: through

dec.

in our Children’s Center

• $75 will support one week of math and science education for a girl in our Girl Power program

• $125 will provide 50 books for children in our Children’s Cen-ter classrooms

ShaReholDeRS from 8

2008 Holiday Guide

Holiday Services in Uptownthanksgiving eve – wednesday, november 26 7:30 p.m. – Salem English Lutheran Church

advent Vespers - wednesdays December 3, 10, 17 7 p.m. - Salem English Lutheran Church

winter Solstice – Sunday, December 21 7 p.m. - First Universalist Church

Christmas eve - December 244 p.m. - First Universalist Church

4 p.m. - St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church

4 p.m. – Salem English Lutheran Church

7 p.m. - Joyce United Methodist Church

informationAldrich Avenue Presbyterian Church, 3501 Aldrich Avenue, 612.825.2479, www.aldrichchurch.org – call for information on services

First Universalist Church, 3400 Dupont Avenue, 612.825.1701, www.firstuniv.org

Joyce United Methodist Church, 31st and Fremont Avenue, 612.822-5288 or 612.822.2945, www.joycechurch.org

Lyndale Congregational United Church of Christ, 810 West 31st Street, 612.825.3019, www.lyndaleucc.org (sharing space with Salem Church)

St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church, 3450 Irving Avenue, 612.825.9595, www.stmarysgoc.org

Salem English Lutheran Church, 810 West 31st Street, 612.872.4650, www.discoversalem.com (sharing space with Lyn-dale Church)

810 W. 31st StreetMinneapolis, MN 55408612-825-3019Lyndaleucc.org

Sunday School for ALL ages 9:15 a.m.Sunday Worship,10:30 a.m.

No matter who you are or where you are on your journey, you’re welcome here.

We don’t sing, “O Come, SOME of You Faithful”

ChriStMaS EvE,Candlelight Worship at 10 p.m.

Join us for the quiet, the candles, the story.

O Come aLL You Faithful!

Joyce Food ShelfBy Allison Zank

Joyce House on the quiet corner of 31st and Fremont was pur-chased by the Methodist Church across the street in 1968. It’s a little house that has reliably been a sav-ing grace to hundreds and even sometimes thousands of Uptown residents for over 40 years.

During the early years, it housed a coffee shop, a thrift shop, an organization that served meals to senior citizens, a Sunday school

and a playroom for the nursery school. Some time in 1970 the need for food became apparent to the community and Joyce House finally settled down into a bilateral mission that still serves as transi-tional housing for a homeless fam-ily upstairs with the Joyce Uptown Emergency Foodshelf in the base-ment.

With borders from 25th street to 62nd street, and France Avenue to 35W, the population it serves is extremely polarized economically,

and includes both the wealthiest as well as the most impoverished citi-zens in the Minneapolis area.

The pamphlets handed out by the administrative staff lay testa-ment to the humility and purpose behind their mission -- with the obviously homemade desktop graphics and the plain paper they are printed on bearing witness to the true goal of the organization: to feed the hungry.

According to Becky Bellefeuille, the spunky assistant director, “All fundraising is done by volunteers with no administrative costs.”

“That’s a really important thing to point out,” chimes in Jean McGrath, who has been the direc-tor for 25 years, “it means that 100% of donations go directly to the foodshelf, and that’s very unique.”

When asked about how the cur-rent economic climate has affect-ed the organization, the women didn’t skip a beat, instantly calling to mind several ways in which the foodshelf has recently suffered: people who used to be faithful donors are now unable to give

Eye CandyUptown association Sponsors window Decorating ContestSponsored by Uptown Association, the Uptown Window Decorating Contest will involve area busi-nesses. Award categories include, Toast of Uptown, Most Creative, Most Festive and Best Incorpora-tion of Business Service/Product. Judging will take place on Decem-ber 2. A preliminary list includes Bobby Bead, Everyday People, Glasses Menagerie, Old Chicago, Shoe Zoo and Zilya Salon & Spa. Look for updates at www.uptown-minneapolis.com.

2008 Holiday Guide

the same monetary contributions, and there don’t seem to be many new contributors; food bank pur-chases are only 20 cents per pound, but with donations waning, they have had to dip into slim finan-cial reserves; and most alarmingly, many past donors are now becom-ing clients.

In some very touching quotes from clients an elderly woman once said “I couldn’t make it through the month without you,” a new cli-ent on a Monday said “I haven’t had any food since last Friday,

bless you,” and a person giving a $100 check said “When my fam-ily needed help last fall, you gave it. Now I just want to return the favor.”

But perhaps the director herself, said it best when she pointed out that they “give food to an average of 1,400 people a month, many of them children and seniors.”

Allison Zank is an author, volunteer and CARAG resident and sits on the board of directors for the Joyce Food Shelf.

DECEMBER 2008 Uptown neighborhood news • 11 .

MPRB Seeking input for Capital improvement Program

Tax PreparationJack D. Manders, CPA

1900 Hennepin Avenue SouthMinneapolis, MN 55403

Call Jack at [email protected]

Barn Dance time for Parents and Kids

The Minneapolis Park and Recre-ation Board (MPRB) is developing a new Capital Improvement Pro-gram (CIP) for the park system and is seeking community input in late 2008 and throughout 2009.

The CIP is a prioritized list of infrastructure improvements that guides long-term investment and rehabilitation in the park system. “The MPRB’s new CIP will be one of the most significant ways we apply the direction and findings of the Comprehensive Plan into parks across the system,” stated Superintendent Jon Gurban.

As budgets tighten, demographics shift and the diversity of recreation activities grows, it is essential that

community needs drive infrastruc-ture improvements in the park system. To develop the CIP, major activities provided in or supported by the Minneapolis park system will undergo review. The review process will include researching trends, developing delivery goals and conducting community input. The resulting plan for each activ-ity will identify infrastructure changes or improvements as well as programming opportunities for that activity. Identified improve-ments are anticipated to range from basic maintenance to reha-bilitation to those that might catch the eye of potential donors to the park system.

The review will begin with bik-

ing/walking/rolling activities and field sports. Potential activities to be reviewed in the future include winter recreation, court sports and environmental programming.

There will be several opportuni-ties for park visitors to express their needs and preferences. Cur-rently, residents and park visi-tors are encouraged to visit www.minneapolisparks.org to complete surveys by Nov. 28 regarding biking/walking/rolling activities and field sports. Surveys are also available at recreation centers and the MPRB’s customer service desk (612.230.6400). Public meet-ings will be held in early 2009, with details available after Janu-ary 1 at www.minneapolisparks.

org or by calling customer service 612.230.6400.

Community input will be sought on more activities over the next year. Residents and park visitors are encouraged to stay connected to future participation opportuni-ties by submitting contact informa-tion at www.minneapolisparks.org – Capital Improvement (see activ-

ity plan links on left navigation bar) or by calling 612.230.6400. If language accommodation is need-ed to provide input in this process, please call 612.230.6472.

For more information contact Jennifer B. Ringold, Citywide Planner, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, 612.230.6464, [email protected]

By Cecilia Michel

Ponies, hay bales, wooden nickels, bandanas and root beer were in abundance as guests sauntered in to the Kenwood Elementary School Barn Dance held on November 14 at St. Mary’s Greek Ortho-dox Church, 3435 Irving Avenue.

Music by the Shake These Bones Orchestra filled the hall as nearly 500 Kenwood students, teachers and their families danced “hand over hand, heel over heel” during the evening’s festivities.

As part of its 100-Year Celebra-tion of educating students in Min-

neapolis, the Barn Dance was the result of months of planning by Committee members Andrea Duddingston, Ellie Feldman, Nicole Valentine as well as ECCO residents Carrie Menard and Ruth Ehalt. Many children from the Uptown area attend Kenwood School, 2013 Penn Avenue.

A common group activity a cen-tury before the invention of “Wii”, the Barn Dance was the culmina-tion of one of the many artist in residency programs at Kenwood School. Traditional dance com-pany Shake These Bones provided instruction to students this fall in traditional dance and music from cultures around the world. “The goal of the residency was to expand student knowledge of many dif-ferent cultures and to have fun doing it,” stated dance instructor Julie Young. Kenwood students enthusiastically performed dances from Native American, Scandina-vian and African American tradi-tions and others. Family members joined in with instruction provid-ed on the spot.

To learn more about this event and other Kenwood 100-Year Celebration events, go to the Ken-wood website kenwood.mpls.k12.mn.us. To join the Kenwood alumni mailing list contact [email protected] or call Phil Hallaway 612.377.3530 or Trish Conroy 612.377.8473. Call Sue Payne, Community Liaison if you would like a tour of the school 612.668.2778.

Cecelia Mitchell is an ECCO resident and parent of a Kenwood School student.

Photo by Courtney Cushing Kiernat, ECCO resident

Ben and his family, ECCO residents, enjoyed the Kenwood School Barn Dance, one of the many events to celebrate Kenwood Schools 100 Years of edu-cating Minneapolis children.


what’s new with the 2009 City of lakes loppet?By John Munger

Snow sculptures, the Ice-Cycle Loppet, the Loppet Ski Club – these are just some of the new and exciting twists one will find at the 2009 City of Lakes Loppet Cross Country Ski Festival.

Snow Sculptures. Four feet wide – by four feet deep – by eight feet tall. Sixteen snow sculptures will rise from the ground throughout Uptown this year. Frosty, animals, Uptown and skiing themes – the snow sculp-ture contest will have something for the whole family. Sculpting work will happen on the morning of Saturday, January 31, 2009. Take a tour of Uptown to see the sculptors at work. Judging will take place that after-noon and the sculptures will stick around until Sunday evening, Febru-ary 1, 2009. For more information visit www.cityoflakesloppet.com.

The Penn Ice-Cycle Loppet. Loppet weekend kicks off with ice bike racing. Ice bike racing happens on a short track of ice – usually with studded tires. The event will feature many heats on a track of ice in the lagoon between Lake of the Isles and Lake Calhoun. The first heats of the Ice-Cycle Loppet will start at noon, with the finals at 2:20 p.m. Combine viewing or racing in the Ice-Cycle Loppet with cheering on the dog-skier teams in the Skijoring Loppet, which starts at 2 p.m. [Editor’s note: the Ice-Cycle Loppet resulted from the idea of Bruce Cochran of the Uptown Neighborhood News].

The Loppet Ski Club. Interested in skiing but need a confidence booster? Sign up for the Loppet Ski Club. The Ski Club offers a low-key opportu-nity to ski and learn skiing technique and to meet other new and newer skiers. Visit www.loppet.org for more information.

Don’t forget the Luminary Loppet, the Sons of Norway Minne-Loppet, the REI Tour and the big events finishing at the top of the Mall on Sun-day, February 1, 2009. Find more information or register for the Loppet events at www.cityoflakesloppet.com.

Photo by Kat Singer


Calhoun Area Residents Action GroupCARAG report

LAKE CALHOU

N

Lake St.

36th St.

Hennepin

Ave

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Lyndale

Ave.

The CARAG Board meets the third Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at Bryant Park Community Center, 31st and Bryant. All CARAG residents are welcome and urged to attend.

CaRaG page 15

Monster MashPhoto by Bruce Cochran

Bryant Square Park hosted it’s annual Halloween party outside this year with food, activities and a live DJ.

CARAG NeighborhoodMeeting

CARAG | 3612 Bryant Avenue S | Minneapolis, MN 55409www.carag.org | [email protected]

No meeting in December. Happy holidays!Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 7pm

Bryant Square Park (3101 Bryant Ave S)Welcome 2008/2009 CARAG Board of DirectorsJohn DarlingtonJeff ForesterBrendan JordanAnna MatthesTreasurerMaren NowickiSecretaryAaron RubensteinPresidentScott SchiefelbeinPamela TayorVice PresidentHoward Verson

Public Notice:CARAG will discuss an NRP Plan Modifi-cation reallocating approximately $2,000 from various strategies to Strategy 16.1 “CARAG Livability Committee” to support community building events. These funds are used for supplies, flyers, and advertis-ing for the Chilly Chili Fest, Super Sale, Hennepin Lake Community Wine Tasting, Hennepin Hazardous Waste Disposal Day and Architecture Tour events. The pro-posed plan mod will be discussed at the January CARAG Neighborhood meeting after the 30-day public notification re-quirement has been met.

Calhoun Area Residents Action Group (CARAG) Monthly Neighborhood Meeting Minutes: November 18, 2008

DRAFT: Subject to Approval at the January 2009 CARAG Meet-ing. Minutes recorded and submitted by Maren Nowicki.

Board Members Attending: Anna Matthes, Maren Nowicki, Aaron Rubenstein (President), Pamela Taylor, Scott Schiefelbein and Howard Verson. Absent: John Darlington, Jeff Forester, Brendan Jordan

agendaThe meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. with the introduction of two new CARAG Board mem-bers, Maren Nowicki and Pamela Taylor. John Darlington and Jeff Forester, who were not present, are also newly-elected to the Board. Motion, Seconded to approve the agenda as submitted. It was noted that an Executive Coordinator’s Report did not appear as an agen-da item. Further discussion was tabled until the Board Retreat in December. Agenda approved as submitted.

MnCoSa Pilot Project: Philip auClaireAuClaire spoke about a restorative justice pilot project to implement Minnesota Circles of Support and Accountability (MnCoSA)

in Hennepin, Ramsey and Olm-sted counties. The joint project between Amicus and the Minne-sota Department of Corrections (DOC) seeks volunteers, who will undergo training to provide intensive support and accountabil-ity to sex offenders following their release from prison.

City Council Member’s Update and Discussion: CM Ralph Remington• Remington discussed the pro-

posed city regulation of newspa-per boxes. A public hearing will be held on December 4 with a final Council vote to be taken on December 12.

• He spoke about the proposed route alignments for the South-west Corridor LRT. Reming-ton favors a route that serves the Uptown area via rail transit along the Midtown Greenway. The Hennepin County Region-al Railroad Authority expects to arrive at a preliminary decision on the LRT route by the end of the first quarter in 2009.

• Remington was asked whether bicycle lanes will remain on Marquette and Second Avenues once construction is completed; he will look into the matter.

• The CARAG Zoning Commit-tee will send Remington a final version of its statement on the city’s proposed revisions to off-street parking requirements in advance of the meeting of the Council Committee on Zon-ing and Planning scheduled for December 18. The matter will go before the full Council on December 30.

• Remington announced that Cowboy Slim’s will go into the space formerly occupied by Campiello. The restaurant will

serve alcohol and bar food. An opening date has not yet been determined. Representatives for Cowboy Slim’s have met with the LHENA community and it is expected that they will meet with CARAG as well.

Bicycle ice Race: Bruce CochranCochran briefly described a pro-posed bicycle ice race to be held during the Loppet in January. The event would be sponsored by the Uptown Association.

MinutesMotion, Seconded to approve October’s CARAG meeting min-utes. The minutes were approved after striking a portion of the state-ment regarding the nay vote cast against approval of September’s Special Board of Directors Meet-ing minutes.

treasurer’s Report: anna MatthesThe October CARAG Opera-tions Account Financial Report shows a checking account balance of $14,504.49; asset accounts are valued at $7,187.20 for an overall total of $21,691.69 as of October 31. Mathes suggested that some funds from the checking account be transferred to a CD. Discus-sion was tabled until the CARAG meeting in January.

Uptown neighborhood news (Unn) treasurer’s Report: Jill BodeBode presented the UNN Balance Sheet. The balance in the UNN checking account as of November 18 is $4,201.34. Total assets and lia-bility come to $8,423.60. Elizabeth Walke’s name was placed in nomi-nation for a position on the UNN

Management Board; nomination seconded and accepted. Anna Matthes accepted nomination at CARAG’s October meeting. Mathes and Walke were elected to the UNN Board by acclamation.

Zoning Committee: aaron RubensteinRubenstein reported:

• Owners of a property located at 3533 Girard are seeking to legal-ize a 5-unit dwelling currently licensed for just 4 units, which requires rezoning to R5 or to R4 with a variance.

• To expedite the acquisition of foreclosed or blighted prop-erties, the City has proposed waiver of a 45-day notification period. Neighborhoods would retain the right to review the dis-position of properties acquired by the City and neighborhood approval of the waiver could be retracted at any time. Motion, Seconded to approve the waiver. Motion failed. Rubenstein will seek more information on the proposal.

• NorthMarq Real Estate Services will assume management and leasing for Calhoun Square sub-sequent to the closure of Capital Growth Madison Marquette’s Twin Cities office. The change in management will not affect redevelopment plans.

• In response to the City’s pro-posed revisions to city-wide parking requirements, the CARAG Zoning Committee drafted its Statement on the Pro-posed Revisions to Off-Street Parking Requirements, which was adopted by the committee on November 17. CARAG sup-ports the overall proposal, how-ever the neighborhood believes the significant reduction in off-street parking requirements for restaurants will adversely impact surrounding neighborhoods. The City’s proposal also includes the addition of a defined eastern boundary for the Lake and Hen-nepin area and has proposed Dupont Avenue as this bound-ary. CARAG believes Bryant Avenue should be designated as the eastern boundary in order to

be consistent with boundaries of the Uptown Small Area Plan. Rubenstein provided statistics to illustrate the existing and proposed parking requirements for seven Uptown area restau-rants; the proposed requirement results in an average reduction of 76 percent. Motion, Seconded to approve CARAG’s Statement with inclusion of these statistics and the addition of a statement that expresses CARAG’s hope that the City will grant fewer variances as a result of reducing its parking standards. Motion approved.

nRP Update: Scott engelEngel reported:

• The CARAG NRP Action Plan Spending Summary as of 9/30/08 shows that significant funds remain in several numbered strategies: Old House Seminars, Rental Property Improvement Program, Exterior Residential Improvement Program, Neigh-borhood Bus Stops, Commercial Corridor Design Loans, Front Porch and Low Level Lighting, Public Landscaping Projects, Arts Opportunity and Office and Staff Support. Engel pro-vided a brief update on each of these strategies.

• Engel discussed a proposed NRP plan modification where-by NRP funds from Old House Seminars would be transferred to the CARAG Livability Com-mittee. A 30-day notice period is required, which is to be followed by neighborhood discussion and vote at the next neighborhood meeting. Motion, Seconded to approve the plan modification with the stipulation that other proposals be considered for dis-cussion and vote at January’s CARAG meeting. Approved.

• The 2009 CARAG Event Cal-endar includes 11 proposed event dates. Motion, Seconded to approve the Event Calendar. The motion to approve was passed; two nay votes were cast (Taylor and Verson).

• In September the City Council approved creation of a 16-mem-

CaRaG page 15

DECEMBER 2008 Uptown neighborhood news • 1� .

East Calhoun Community OrganizationECCO reportECCO meets the first Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church, 34th and Irving. All ECCO residents are welcome and urged to attend.

LAKE CALHOUN

Lake St.

36th St.

Hennepin Ave.

Lyndale

Ave

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Gospel Gossip plays Uptown Bar & Cafe on December 13.

here’s the Dish...

ECCO Board Meeting Minutes for November 6, 2008. (East Calhoun neighborhood monthly meeting) Minutes recorded and submitted by R. Kean.

Meeting timeMeetings are on the first Thurs-day each month at 7:00 p.m.at St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church. The public is invited to attend.

Board Members PresentRobert Kean, Brad Durham, Elaine Beyer, Bruce Grimm, Judy Shields, Anders Imboden, John Ellis, Gary Farland, Nancy Ward, Tim Prinsen, Ruth Cain, Michael Ekholm and Ralph Knox.

others PresentKim Malrick and Ralph Rem-ington, Mike and Kathy Johnson, Monica Smith and Brian Voerd-ing.

welcome / announcements• President Bruce Grimm called

the meeting to order, welcomed board members and others and initiated introductions.

• The ECCO Board received a note from the Uptown Asso-ciation thanking the board for their $2,000 contribution to the graffiti grant. This grant will be working through the end of the year to help prevent graffiti and promote acceptable creative outlets for graffiti artists.

• The City of Minneapolis has a new Neighborhood and Com-munity Engagement Commis-sion, which will function as part of the reorganized NRP. The deadline is November 19 for applications to be on the com-mission. There are 7 positions open.

• The City of Minneapolis sent a report of the 311 line and how it has been used in the ECCO neighborhood. The top services requested in the ECCO neigh-borhood from 311 were: Graffi-ti complaints, parking violation complaints, animal complaints, special sweep, debris in the street or alley, permit status request, traffic sign trouble and zoning ordinance questions.

open forum• The house at 3249 Humboldt

was bought by the Johnsons. They plan to tear it down and rebuild it themselves to live there. The style of the house will coordinate with the rest of the neighborhood.

• There may be a T-Shirt design contest for the ECCO logo. Michael Ekholm will have the rules for this contest.

• It is possible that the t-shirt will match the Uptown Asso-ciation’s design.

• It is also possible that there will be two t-shirt designs, one that is done yearly for the ECCO neighborhood, and one that is the official logo.

• There needs to be a check

done on what the official name for the neighborhood is on city records. Traditionally, this is called the East Calhoun Neighborhood, but it is often referred to as “ECCO” which is the abbreviation for the name of the community orga-nization.

• The board is considering a neighborhood committee that focuses on the environment. The issue will be discussed fur-ther at the December meeting

• There have been recent break-ins to the brownstone on 33rd and Humboldt.

• The screen on the ground floor was cut; the break-in occurred during broad day-light.

• There was a separate inci-dent where a hidden key was found and used to break into the building.

• The moral of this story is to be careful. There are criminals operating in the neighbor-hood and watching for easy opportunities.

approval of october Minutes and november agenda• The October Minutes were

approved.

• On the November Agenda, Ralph Remington was added to the schedule after the approval of the minutes.

• The revised agenda was approved.

City Council Member Update – Ralph Remington• On the subject of 3249 Hum-

boldt:

• Per the issued permits, the existing house must be razed and the new building plans approved by April 20, 2009.

• The owners will need to remove the snow and the leaves from the front of the house this fall/winter.

• The election of Barack Obama as next President of the US should be a good thing for Min-neapolis, because we are an urban area and cities should be getting more money. See Obama’s website for description of his urban agenda.

• The constitutional amendments were approved which means more money toward the envi-ronment and schools.

• The state economist says that financial forecasts for the state look bad for the next 10 years. The city will need to make tough decisions about how the budget is balanced. The Governor has indicated that he will cut Local Government Aid in response to cuts in spending in the city bud-get, so cutting spending may not help the city financial situation.

• Foreclosures are very high on the Northside.

• This is bad for home values, crime and neighborhoods.

• The city of Minneapolis is not able to move homeless into vacant/foreclosed houses, but they have the Minneapo-lis Advantage Program and hope to expand it. This pro-gram had 50 homes that were sold to “Homesteaders” (peo-ple that agree to live in their homes), The homesteaders

have real loans on the prop-erty, but they are carefully screened to make sure that it is a good match and there are grants available to cover some of the costs.

• Neighborhood and Community Engagement Commission:

• This new commission will work with the new city department of Community Engagement as part of the reorganization of the NRP program.

• It is intended to preserve the best aspects of the NRP but create greater accountabil-ity and better coordination between neighborhoods.

• There is a link on the city website with more informa-tion.

• The Newspaper boxes:

• An ordinance is being intro-duced which will put a series of regulations into effect. The regulations will be similar to that of St. Paul. These new regulations will only apply to the boxes on public property.

• Owners will be required too:

• Keep them clean and stocked, as well as out of the public right of way.

• Pay a fee to put them up

• Deal with them if they become a hazard.

• They will also need to be in groups of 4 or less, and each group must be placed at least 3 feet apart.

• This program will be put under Public Works, and there will be fines and/or removal of the boxes if they are not in compliance.

• Police issues:

• The police officers who mis-used their guns (off duty) were fired. They currently have a lawsuit against the city.

• There is a citizen’s police academy that people can attend- Mr. Remington and Ms. Malrick are enrolled in the program.

eCCo officer elections• The nomination(s) were:

• President: Nancy Ward

• Vice President: Gary Farland and John Ellis

• Secretary: Robert Kean

• Treasurer: Elaine Beyer

• The election results were:

• President: Nancy Ward

• Vice President: John Ellis

• Secretary: Robert Kean

• Treasurer: Elaine Beyer

Committee assignments• The Committee assignments for

last year were:

• Zoning: Ruth Cain, Gary Far-land, Robert Kean and Tim Prinsen.

• SCSE (Social, Communi-cations, & Special Events): Michael Ekholm (Chair), Elaine Beyer, Ralph Knox and Carrie Menard.

• Neighborhood Safety: Nancy Ward (Chair), Michael Ekholm, Gary Farland, Rob-ert Kean, Carrie Menard.

• The Committee assignments for this year are:

• Zoning: Tim Prinsen (Chair), Anders Imboden, Brad Dur-ham, Judy Shields, Ruth Cain, Gary Farland, Robert Kean and Ralph Knox.

• SCSE: Michael Ekholm (Chair), Elaine Beyer, Judy Shields, Nancy Ward, John Ellis and Carrie Menard.

• Neighborhood Safety: Nancy Ward (Chair), Michael Ekholm, John Ellis, Robert Kean, Carrie Menard.

• The assignments were estab-

lished and approved by the Board.

nRP Update• There have been eight trees

treated with the Boulevard Elm Tree Treatment grants. Two of these treatments were on trees that have been treated before.

• All of the missing boulevard trees (in East Calhoun) will be replanted in the spring planting cycle- make sure you take care of your new tree.

• Six neighbors have taken advantage of the Home Secu-rity Grants. If anyone is inter-ested in taking advantage of this grant, they can go to [email protected].

new nRP Coordinator Update• The candidates have been nar-

rowed down from four to two.

• The process of choosing one is very near completion.

• The new officers will meet with the candidates to choose the final person.

A formal thank you was issued from the board to Bruce Grimm for his service as board president.

The next ECCO Board Meeting will take place on December 4, 2008.

Join us at our nextECCO Board and

Neighborhood meeting.

7:00 PM, Thursday December 4th

St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church35th and Irving Ave. S.

Please join us for discussion and decision about an ECCO

Environment CommitteeBring your ideas and concerns

1� • Uptown neighborhood news DECEMBER 2008

community events calendar

Mainstreet Bank is proud to sponsor the UNN calendar

(Editor’s Note: We will run community event listings every month on this page. Contact [email protected] to submit your event information by the 10th of each month to be included in the next issue.)

DisCussiOnDUNN BROTHERS3348 Hennepin Ave. So.Tues. 7:30 pm, weeklythe socrates Cafe is an open meeting. The evening is spent discussing a short list of questions of philosophy that range all over the map from self iden-tity, capital punishment, perception and anything else in between. Bring your questions and prepare to engage your mind.

VisuAL ARTsFlANDERS GAllERy3012 Lyndale Ave. S. • 612.344.1700www.flanders-art.comThru - Jan 1, 2009. exhibitions of Art-work by Jim Bird, Todd Severson, Genie Castro and Michael Bigger. Todd Sever-son, local and international artist, has a new set of chainsaw drawings. These are paintings on wood with multi-col-ored layers of enamel that are drawn into with a chainsaw creating a finish that is both surprising and elegant. Genie Castro is a regional artist exhib-iting a collection of vibrant abstract monotypes. Michael Bigger is a local well known sculptor with a handsome installation of recent abstract table top sculptures.

SOO VISUAl ARTS CENTER /TOOMER GAllERy2640 Lyndale Ave. S. • 612.871.2263www.soovac.org Thru - Dec 24 – toys on Roids: Pola-roid Photography by Sean Tubridy. His work is inspired by the golden age of design a heyday of atomic age optimism with promises of robots, jet-packs and flying cars. Toys on Roids is a collection of over 60 Polaroids each staging a different narrative with toys, ranging from vintage tin robots to contemporary vinyl figurines. Now that the fate of Polaroid film seems uncertain and could vanish forever, it is important to memorialize this one of a kind medium. Tubridy believes instant film must be saved, what else allows you to watch a memory form “out of hazy nothingness”, an image that cannot be deleted. To celebrate the the art of the Polaroid, Sean is encour-aging everyone to bring their Polaroid cameras to the opening reception to show them off or take a few pictures of their own! Soo Visual Arts Center is publishing its first art book, catalog-ing a selection of the Polaroids from the exhibition. Gallery Hours: Wed, 12pm-6pm, Thur, 12pm-8pm, Fri, 12pm-6pm, Sat, 12pm-4pm.

BOOK CLuBsBRyANT lAKE BOWl810 W. Lake St. • 612.825.8949www.booksandbars.comTues, Dec 9, 7pm – books & bars. A unique atmosphere for a lively discus-sion of interesting authors, fun people, good food and drinks. October’s book is Out Stealing Horses by Per Petter-son After a meeting with his only neighbor, sixty-seven-year-old Trond is forced to reflect upon a long-ago

incident that marks the beginning of a series of losses for Trond and his child-hood friend, Jon.

ONCE UPON A CRIME BOOKSTORE604 W. 26th St. • 612.870.3785www.onceuponacrimebooks.comWed, Dec 10, 6:30pm-7:30pm – Mys-tery Reading Group. Book for the night is Julie Hyzy’s State of the Onion. Facilitated by Carl Brookins.

WAlKER lIBRARy2880 Hennepin Ave. S. • 612.630.6650www.mpls.lib.mn.usThurs, Dec 4, 7pm-8pm – boys book Club.

AuTHOR EVEnTsMAGERS AND QUINN BOOKSEllERS3038 Hennepin Ave. S. • 612.822.4611 www.magersandquinn.comSun, Dec 7, 5pm – Robin Asbell dis-cusses, signs, and serves samples from The New Whole Grains Cookbook. Treats will be served; some will be gluten-free. From whole wheat, oats, and rice to farro, barley, and quinoa, no grain is left unturned in this com-pendium of more than 75 healthful recipes.

FOR KiDs & TEEnsBRyANT SQUARE PARK3101 Bryant Ave. S. • 612.370.4907www.minneapolisparks.orgMon-Thurs, Thru - Dec 8, 2pm-3pm – Homework Help. Need help with homework? We’ll provide a quiet room and staff to assist you with your homework after school. Ages 6-12. Free for Mpls Residents. Online reg-istration available for this program or contact the park to register in person.

WAlKER lIBRARy2880 Hennepin Ave. S. • 612.630.6650www.mpls.lib.mn.us10:30am-11am – stories. For kids in preschool and their families. Enjoy a fun-filled morning of stories, live music and crafts. 11am-11:30am – live Music. Enjoy a fun-filled morn-ing of live music and crafts. Sat, Dec 13, 11:30am-12:30pm – Crafts. Enjoy a fun-filled morning of live music and crafts.

THEATERJOyCE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH1219 W. 31st St. • 822.5288www.joycechurch.orgSat, Dec 6, 7pm – the Adventures of Juan bobo by Open Eye Figure The-ater: A puppet show by 3 actors and an accordian player. Inspired by a Puerto Rican folk character, this story tells of a world turned upside-down by 3 dev-ils. Juan Bobo, or “Foolish John,” must set off on an adventure to make things right again. Performed in a combina-tion of Spanish and English. Treats, Tamales and Salsa Music to follow. It’s Free. Bring A Friend. Everyone Is Welcome. Sponsored by Joyce, the Uptown Church of Joy.

JUNGlE THEATER2951 Lyndale Ave. S. • 822.7063www.jungletheater.com

Tues-Sun, Thru Dec 21 – souvenir: A comic fantasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins by Stephen Temperley Directed and Designed by Joel Sass, Featuring Claudia Wilkens and Peter Vitale.

CLAssEs/WORKsHOPs/LECTuREsARISE! BOOKS2441 Lyndale Ave. S. • 871.7110www.arisebookstore.orgWednesdays in December, 7pm – the icarus Project Minneapolis is part of the Icarus Project Network — a group created by people with bipo-lar disorder who wanted to address mental health issues in the progressive community, and find ways to support each other. This is a weekly meet-ing for people dealing with their own mental health issues, whether that’s bipolar disorder, depression, schizo-phrenia, anxiety, undiagnosed angst (!), etc. We meet for about two hours, and it’s somewhere between a support group and a discussion group. We’re laid back, but everything that’s said in the group is confidential. It’s a really warm, nice place to share and learn from others about how to negotiate being labeled “mad” in a crazy world, or get info on meds, or unload about what’s going on in your life. Or dozens of other things. We’re open to lots of different perspectives, including peo-ple who don’t take meds and people who do. It’s a diverse group. So, please join us. Whether you’ve been dealing with a mental health issue, or are just interested in supporting those who are, we’d love to work with you.

BRyANT lAKE BOWl810 W. Lake St. • 612.825.8949www.bryantlakebowl.comTues, Dec 16, 7pm(6pm doors) – Cafe scientifique: Presented by The Bell Museum of Natural History. December Topic: Honey Bees & Human Health. What can we learn about human health from honeybees? And how can we keep honeybees healthy along the way? University of Minnesota Ento-mologist Marla Spivak and research partners in Horticulture Science, Jerry Cohen and Gary Gardner, think they may have found one answer to those questions. Among other things, they are researching a possible connection between propolis—a plant-derived resin that honeybees deposit in their nest—and an antidote to human HIV. Join Spivak as she gives us the buzz about bees. The Bell Museum’s Café Scientifique is a happy hour exchange of ideas about science, environment, and popular culture featuring experts from a variety of fields on diverse and often provocative topics. For more information visit bellmuseum.org. $5-$10 pays what you can.

HAUSER DANCE1940 Hennepin Avenue • 612.871.9077www.mnartists.org/hauser_dance2Dec 1-20 – Holiday session. Hauser Dance offers modern dance classes that emphasize the principles of motion, the joy of moving and individual cre-ativity.

DAnCEBRyANT lAKE BOWl810 W. Lake St. • 612.825.8949www.bryantlakebowl.comWed, Nov 26, 8pm – 9x22 Dance/lab:

Produced and hosted by Laurie Van Wieren. Named for the modest dimen-sions of the BLB stage, this exciting dance showcase features unfettered dance exploration. A discussion mod-erated by choreographer/curator Lau-rie Van Wieren follows each piece, giving audience and choreographer alike the opportunity to react and explore the work together.November choreographers: Tamami Yamada, Judith Brin Ingber, and April Sellers.

FiLmBRyANT lAKE BOWl810 W. Lake St. • 612.825.8949www.ifpmsp.orgWed, Dec 17, 7pm – Cinema lounge: Where independent filmmakers schmooze and make nice. For more info visit www.ifpmsp.org. Free and presented by IFP/MSP.

lAGOON CINEMA1320 Lagoon Ave. • 612.825.6006www.landmarktheatres.comStarts Fri, Dec 5 – My Name is Bruce. bruce Campbell In Person Fri, Sat & Sun: Dec 5, 6, 7 at 7pm, 9:40pm! When the small mining town of Gold Lick, Oregon needs to rid itself of a venge-ful monster, they kidnap actor Bruce Campbell—star of the Evil Dead tril-ogy, Bubba Ho-tep and countless B-movie horror films—and recruit him to be their local savior. Directed by Bruce Campbell.

musiCBARBETTE1600 W. Lake St. • 612.827.5710www.barbette.comMondays, 10pm – Free late night Music series. Dec 1, 15: Kid Dakota. Dec 8: national bird.

FAMOUS DAVE’S 3001 Hennepin Ave S. • 612.822.9900www.famousdaves.comSat, Nov 29, 9pm – the Daisy Dill-man band. The Daisy Dillman Band,

a Twin Cities country-rock institu-tion, formed in 1976 during an early heyday of the genre. This great name in Minnesota music performs one of their rare Twin Cities gigs at Famous Dave’s. $7 cover. Dec 5 - Free Fal-lin’: the nations #1 tribute to tom Petty. Dec 12 - Ronn easton Motown Review. Dec 13 - Chicago Rhythm & blues Kings. Dec 19 - Vintage Raggs. Dec 26 - lamont Cranston. Dec 27 - Power of 10. Dec 31 - lil’ ed & the blues imperials.

UPTOWN BAR & CAFE3018 Hennepin Ave. S. • 612.823.4719www.uptownbarandcafe.comFri, Dec 12 – the Hasbeen, ben Glaros. Sat, Dec 13 – Mercurial Rage. Thurs, Dec 18 – battlefields (From Fargo ND), FREE. Fri, Dec 19 – to Reinvent (Cd Release). Sat, Dec 20 – nobot, blue ox, Ambassador Gun, Age of Ascension. All Shows 9pm & 21+.

sEAsOnALMINNEAPOlIS AUDUBON SOCIETy3101 Bryant Ave. S • 763.657.1907Fri, Dec 12, 1pm at Bryant Square Park – nature in the summer of 2008: shared by Ted Galambos. Please join us for the program and refreshments. All are welcome.

GEAR RUNNING STORE Lake Calhoun • 952.926.2645www.gearrunningstore.comSun, Dec 28, 7pm – eighth annual Winter Waddle 5K: Lake Calhoun. This year we move back to the chain of lakes area for the first time since 2001, with this year’s race being run around Lake Calhoun. This commu-nity favorite traditional festive holiday run is perfect for those in need of a mid-winter pick me up. Get outside and enjoy our winter wonderland and burn off some of those holiday calo-ries.

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Toys On Roids at SOO VISUAL ARTS CENTER. (See this page)

DECEMBER 2008 Uptown neighborhood news • 1� .

Got a little junk in the trunk? Sell it or give it away with a FREE UNN classified. CARAG and ECCO residents can run a free classified ad in one UNN issue per year. Free classifieds are limited to 25 words or less and must be non-commercial in nature. After one free ad, classifieds can be run in additional issues for a small fee.

Send your ads to [email protected] or Uptown Neighborhood News Attn: Classifieds 3612 Bryant Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55409.

classifieds

SeRViCeS

PAiNTiNg\ReModeliNg int.ext.painting, drywall-sheetrock hang, tape ceiling texturing. wall paper removal, skim coating, Ceil-ing & wall repair, deck staining. honest, friendly, respectful. Fully insured, own all tools. [email protected], 612.825.9959/612.991.6384

Commercial classified ad sales are 40¢ per word, 10-word minimum. ad and advance payment are due the 15th of the month. Please send a check and ad copy to: Uptown neighborhood news, attn: Classifieds, 3612 Bryant Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55409.

CARPeT CleANiNg2 average -sized rooms & a hall $48.95. Upholstery Cleaning: couch $49.95, Love seat $39.95, chairs $29.95. owner oper-ated, 35 years experience. dave 612.721.5105/612.636.3073 or www.orbcarpetcleaning.com

FURNiTURe Re UPHolSTeRY

Labor starting at: Chairs -$190, Love seats - $290, Couches-$390, owner operated, 35 years experience. dave 612.721.5105/612.636.3073 or www.orbcarpetcleaning.com

the UpTowN NeighBorhood News

iS now aVailaBle at the followinG

loCationSamore Victoria

Blue Sky Creamery

Booksmart

Bremer Bank

Bryant Square Park

Cars-R-Coffins

Cheapo Records

Chiang Mai thai

Dunn Brothers (lake & Bryant)

Dunn Brothers (lake & humbolt)

Dunn Brothers (hennepin & 34th)

falafel King

famous Dave’s BBQ

first Universalist Church

Gigi’s Café

hennepin-lake liquors

it’s Greek to Me

Joyce United Methodist Church

la Bodega tapas Bar

lyndale United Church of Christ

Magers & Quinn Booksellers

Marla’s indian & Caribbean Cuisine

Mohn electric

Parents automotive

Pizza luce

Rainbow foods

St. Mary’s Greek orthodox Church

Uptown Bar & Café

Uptown theatre

Urban Bean

Urban earth

walker at treetops

walker library

the wave Salon

YwCa (Uptown)

lIFE TIME FITNESSLake Harriet Bandshell • 763.557.9587www.reindeerrun.comSat, Dec 6 – life time Fitness Rein-deer Run: Race day registration, pre-registered race # pick-up, tee shirts, race start and finish are near the band shell on the Northwest side of the lake. The event begins with the Fisher Price Kids K (1 kilometer) for kids 8 & under at 9:00 a.m. For all ages run-ning the 5K the start is at 9:30 a.m. with a hearty “Ho Ho Ho...GO” by Santa! For the 21st year, Reindeer Run is partnered with Toys for Tots. Par-ticipants, volunteers and spectators are encouraged to support the u.s. Marine Corps Reserve toys for tots program by bringing a new toy on race day. All toys are given to children who live in our local area and are in need this holi-day season.

BAKKEN MUSEUM3537 Zenith Ave. S. • 926.3878

www.thebakken.orgTues, Dec 9 – bakken evening out occurs the second Tuesday of each month at The Bakken Museum. Sam-ple food while you are checking out the museum’s newest exhibits, listening to a lecture, participating in hands-on demonstrations, and more. The event is included with the cost of admission and complimentary to museum mem-bers. Members also receive free admis-sion for a guest. Buy one ticket, get one ticket free Coupon.

INTERMEDIA ARTS/SASE

CalenDaR from 14

ReModeliNgwindows and doors replaced. Fin-ish carpentry. Custom tile instal-lation. sheet rock, taping, plaster repair, texturing and painting. Local references, free estimates. tom 612-824-1554.

2822 Lyndale Ave. S • 871.4444www.intermediaarts.orgWed, Nov 12, 7pm – MinneDemo returns! MinneDemo is the Twin Cit-ies’ premier technology demo and net-working event. Come for the demos, stay for the beer and conversation. For this event, we have rented Intermedia Arts, Uptown’s coolest art gallery/performance space. All are welcome! Please RSVP at http://minnedemo.eventbrite.com. Free Beer/Soda. Since MinneDemo is not at a bar this time, we’re brining in kegs, and it’s all free. Be sure to tip your bartenders.

BleSSed HoMe CleANiNg SeRViCeS, CHRiST iNC.

Licensed. insured. bonded. resi-dential / Commercial Cleaning. detail cleaning is our specialty. honesty & dependability is our foundation. Call 612-408-1771.

New CHURCH liViNg FAiTH MiNiSTRieS

bible based pentecostal church with sound doctrine. Fun, family like atmosphere. we preach forgiveness, acceptance and grace. service time: sundays 10:30 am. bible study: Mondays 7pm. Located on the corner of Lake and irving. 1516 west Lake street, suite 105, Minneapolis Mn 55408. e-mail: [email protected].

eUPHoRiC AMBiANCe MASSAgeCome rest, relax & rejuvenate. therapeutic, non-sexual. $10 off for new clients. Credit cards accepted. www.massagesoeuphoric.com. 612.644.4513

Screenshot from the award winning drama “Birthmarked For Death”

children who have lived in drug related family environments. The stories, 39 of them in all, are to be transformed into a narrated cartoon format with old school illustration styles. The series is primarily aimed at the 7-16 year olds but has something for any age. His history has connected him to this part of the community and his anthem is “Every day we lose another child to drug addicts, and they’re getting younger all the time.”

Rech says he made a lot of mis-takes in the past and he’s try-ing to set some things right. This might explain his most recent, some say “suicidal” project. “The Great Depression Tour” is a full-throttle comedy tour. Fifty days, 50 towns, one car, five comedians, no pay, just gas and car sponsors. There are no hotels so a shower or bed will come only with a hand-

out from a generous patron. The motive behind the tour is re-creat-ing a little bit of hell that a child with cancer has to endure. The comedians’ suffering helps make it real for potential donors. Rech’s family experienced cancer and the entire event is a fund-raiser for a children’s cancer charity soon to be announced.

erika Backberg & eric niggErika Backberg and Eric Nigg have been working on media projects that have been awarded national attention. Their most recent piece, called “Birthmarked for Death” won Best Picture at the MN 48 Hour Film Competi-tion back in June (out of 91 teams in the state, the second largest state competition in the world). This piece also screened at South Dako-ta Film Fest where they won best Juried Screenplay, and it will also be screened in the South by South-west Film Fest and San Antonio Film Fest. Watch it for yourself at BirthmarkedforDeath.com.

Erika Backberg, fiance of Eric Nigg and Production Manager for

the film, has many talents. Work-ing in the Twin Cities, her passion is to empower, educate, and bring color to people’s lives which comes to light in both her visual and media art. She is an active, local community organizer, an educa-tor for all ages, an accomplished fashion eco-jewelry designer (see her art at the Urban Earth Artisan Fair, pg.7) and a longtime produc-er for The Label Productions and SPNN Youth media. Her produc-tion works include What Would My President Do Film Festival, short films such as THE BIO. PIECE and THE STALKER as seen on FUSE TV, and the inter-national award winning CD ROM: Waters to the Sea-Chattahoochee River. See www.TeaTreeDesigns.com.

Eric Nigg, actor, and co-writer of the film maintains “The village is full of idiots, and I’m one of ‘em.” Eric has used this all inclusive phi-losophy to find his voice as a come-dic writer and performer. He’s had the opportunity as a stand up comedian to perform with the likes of Doug Stanhope, Emo Phil-

ips, Paul F. Tompkins and Gilbert Gottfried. Eric has worked as a producer, head writer and per-former for more than 20 original, multi-media sketch shows. Cur-rently, he is a contributing writer on the Emmy Nominated Flak Radio podcast. Eric is always on the look out for new collabora-tive opportunities with artists of any discipline and strives to create original performance pieces and uniquely funny films. See him at www.ericnigg.com.

Rich ReederReeder has been writing and pro-ducing film and video documenta-ries for the last 25 years. One for which he’s particularly proud was a short film done for The Nature Conservancy as part of an effort to preserve the Yunnan Province of China. Funds generated from the promotion of that film have been

E r i c R e c h

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ber Neighborhood and Commu-nity Engagement Commission. Eight residents will be selected by city neighborhood organiza-tions to serve on the Commis-sion, one representative will be appointed by the Park Board and the remaining members will be appointed to the Com-mission by the City Council. A meeting will be held at Walker Library at 10 a.m. on Decem-ber 6 to consider the means by which neighborhood residents may be selected to serve on the Commission.

transportation Committee: Scott SchiefelbeinSchiefelbein reported:

Brendan Jordan has attempted to contact Don Sobania at the Depart-ment of Public Works in regard to the issue of traffic signals at the 3100 block of Dupont and Emer-son Avenues, but has received no response to date.

Uptown association

CaRaG from 12 Update: Bill MortonMorton reported:

• A broken water pipe recently caused flooding at the offices of the Uptown Association.

• Due to lack of funds, the Special Services District will not put up holiday lighting this year.

• Morton attended a recent Lyn-Lake Association meeting at which possible development of the parcel located at the north-east corner of 31st Street and Lyndale Avenue was discussed; proposed development could include a two-story building with retail below and one apart-ment above.

• The Uptown Association wants to encourage Uptown neighbor-hoods’ involvement in planning for the Great River Bike Race to be held June 9.

Board Retreat: aaron RubensteinRubenstein identified four deci-sions to be made concerning the Board retreat scheduled for

December 13: input for the pro-posed agenda, whether a facilita-tor is needed and source of funds to pay for this service, a location for the retreat and whether food should be provided. After brief discussion, the Board agreed that a facilitator is not needed for this first meeting. However, the Board will consider engagement of a facilitator for a possible follow-up meeting. In order to best utilize the time allotted for the retreat, Board members will review docu-ments in advance and come pre-pared to discuss. The retreat location is tentatively scheduled for the Common Roots Café; cof-fee and bagels will be provided by CARAG.

Community input and announcements: aaron RubensteinNone.

adjournMotion, Seconded to adjourn at 8:50 p.m. Approved.


(Lake St. & Bryant Ave. S.)

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Reeder, betting the farm

used to build an eco-tourism cen-ter near the Yunnan Great River Area. Last year Reeder’s film for The Saint John’s Bible Project was part of a major international art exhibit that toured in England and the U.S. That exhibit, featur-ing the first hand-drawn Bible in 700 years, drew one of the largest crowds to the Minneapolis Insti-tute of Arts. That film won a Cine Golden Eagle award.

When Reeder isn’t involved in his documentary work, he works as an actor in films and television commercials. This past summer he had the opportunity for two small roles in the Michael Mann film “Public Enemies” with Johnny Depp, Christian Bale and Marion Cotillard. Reeder played both a convict at a prison in Joliett and a guard for J. Edgar Hoover (played by Billy Crudup) in Chicago. The film, focusing on the most-want-ed gangsters of the 20’s, will be released in July of next year.

Last year Reeder had the unique challenge of trying to get a cow to jump through a hoop of fire. This was a spot for DeJobe Casino where Midwesterners were trying to ‘Go Vegas’ with their unique talents.

Next up for Reeder is a TV pro-motion for the Minnesota Twins new ball park which airs on Super Bowl Sunday.

Bruce Cochran is Art Director in charge of production for the Uptown Neighborhood News, lives in CARAG and is writing a life about his film.

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december 2008 uptown neighborhood news

Documents