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*****Events and Activities*****
Fundraiser for Playground for Kids of All Abilities
Friday, November 4, 7 pm
Sea Salt Eatery, Minnehaha Park
People for Parks invites you to join them for a special Wine Pairings evening at Sea Salt Eatery.
Proceeds from ticket sales and silent auction items benefit the playground planned for the
Minnehaha Falls Upper Wabun Picnic Area. Cap's Restaurant, Lone Spur Grill and Edelwiess
Bakery will be offering small plates, and wine expert Bill Pausitis will pair the food with delicious,
complementary wines. $50 ticket price includes food, wine and parking. $25 is tax deductible.
People for Parks' Falls 4 All committee is working with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation
Board to create a universal-access playground for Minneapolis-area children of all abilities. The
playground will join a variety of existing facilities and resources to help entice visitors from around
the region. In addition to providing increased self-esteem and confidence, the playground will help
children with and without disabilities learn cooperation and mutual respect for each other through
regular play, and its soft surfaces will provide both kids and elderly caretakers with an added
measure of safety. Although all Minneapolis parks meet ADA standards which eliminate some of
the hurdles facing those with disabilities, universal-access playgrounds go above and beyond ADA
standards to create a space in which children or parents with physical, sensory or developmental
disabilities can use at least 70 percent of the outdoor equipment. The planned playground would
be the first Universal Access Playground in the Minneapolis Park System. For tickets and more
information, visit http://www.peopleforparks.net/falls4all.html.
Sip of Science: A Sense of Where You Are: Science and Knowing on the Mississippi
River
Wednesday, November 9, 5:30 pm
Aster Cafe, 125 SE Main Street
Join River Life Coordinator Pat Nunnally for an exploration of the Mississippi River, what we know
about it and what it means. After a brief visual tour, Nunnally will engage the audience on a highly
interactive exploration of the Mississippi River close to home, right outside our doors, in fact, at the
Aster Cafe. (Not to worry: we'll stay inside, and explore through images and discussion.) In our
increasingly connected world, it's easy to be overwhelmed by the amount of information at your
fingertips. There is a growing movement to build programs that can synthesize material on a topic
from a vast number of sources so we can spend our time connecting and acting on important news
and events rather than having to scrounge for the information ourselves. The River Life Program
connects University teaching, research and programs to off-campus partners who are working
toward a sustainable river and inclusive planning for our river future. The program utilizes diverse
digital platforms and makes strong use of social media to create unique learning opportunities --
students learn from practitioners, river agency staff network more with each other and communities
up and down the river can share their experiences. A SIP OF SCIENCE bridges the gap between
science and culture in a setting that bridges the gap between brain and belly. Food, beer and
learning are on the menu in a happy hour forum in which researchers put science in context through
storytelling. This talk takes place during happy hour at the Aster Café, and food and drink are
available for purchase. No cover. For more information: http://nced.umn.edu/content/sip-science-
sense-where-you-are-science-and-knowing-mississippi-river
Mpls Photo Center
Mpls Photo Center, 2400 North Second Street

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For information on classes and other events: http://www.mplsphotocenter.com/
Gary Hallman Artist Talk: Evolution
Tuesday, November 15, 7 – 9 pm
When Gary Hallman was five years old, his father took him to a bluff overlooking downtown St.
Paul. There, he opened up the back of the family camera and inserted a piece of wax paper. On it
appeared an image of the city, inverted: magic. This experience led the young novice to become
hooked on photography and eventually to an outstanding career as an artist and a teacher. For
information: https://www.photographyatthecenter.org/class/gary-halman-november-15th-artist-talk-
evolution-30.html.
Kroening Interpretive Center Programs (Three Rivers Park District)
North Mississippi Regional Park
For information: 763-694-7693; for map and driving instructions: http://www.minneapolisparks.
org/default.asp?PageID=4&parkid=430. For programs that require reservations, call 763-559-
6700 or register on-line: www.ThreeRiversParkDistrict.org.
Astronomy under the Night Sky
Wednesday, November 16, 6:30 – 9 pm
Join astronomer Paul Fusco on a journey through a late winter sky. Peer through a powerful
telescope at deep sky objects and fall constellations. Bring your digital camera, and take a photo
through a telescope. Refreshments served. If weather is cloudy, the make-up date will be Friday,
November 18. Reservations required; reference activity #416901-15. $5. Ages: 16+.
The Ancient Art of Making String
Saturday, November 19, 1 – 3 pm
From bowstring to fishnets to wigwams and baskets, the ancient world was held together by string.
Learn the art of making your own string from plants found in the park, then use it to make a
decorative knot, beaded necklace or even a pair of snowshoes. Reservations required; reference
activity #416901-16. $5. Ages: 8+.
Free Family Fundays: Lots of Knots
Sunday, November 20, 1 – 3 pm, ongoing
Learn how to tie many useful knots, including those useful for fishing and camping. Free; for all
ages.
Sample of Activities and Classes at The Loft
1011 Washington Avenue South
For information about The Loft’s wide variety of classes and other activities: http://www.loft.org.
Publication Reading: Marge Barrett and Joanne Esser
Wednesday, November 16, 7 pm
An evening of poetry from two authors published by Finishing Line Press. Marge Barrett will read
selections from her recent chapbook My Memoir Dress. The poetry chapbook was a finalist in
Finishing Line’s critically acclaimed New Women’s Voices Competition. Of the chapbook,
acclaimed author Wang Ping says, “Each poem from Memoir Dress is a seed from the rich soil of
Minnesota. It may appear small and quiet, but read it slowly, and it blossoms with the smell and
color of the prairie, each as hot as the noon sun. Every Minnesotan deserves this book.” Joanne
Esser will present work from her upcoming chapbook I Have Always Wanted Lightning. Poet Jim
Moore shares, “At the heart of the poems in I Have Always Wanted Lightning is the world's
gorgeous and sometimes terrifying unreasonableness. ‘Small’ details of daily life are duly noted,
collected, sifted through until patterns emerge and the total in any given poem is, indeed, larger

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than the sum of the parts.…”
Dreams and Effigies
November 17 – December 23 (Gallery hours: Thursday – Saturday 12 noon – 6 pm and by
appointment)
Form+Content Gallery, 210 North Second Street, Suite 104
New work by interdisciplinary artists Camille J. Gage and Ellen Skoro. This exhibition includes an
area appropriate for meditation or quiet reflection. Interested groups and individuals should contact
the gallery to schedule private time within the space. All events are free and open to the public. For
information: 612-436-1151 or http://www.formandcontent.org
Winter Market
Saturday, November 19, 10 am – 2 pm
Local D’Lish, 208 First Street North
On the third Saturday of the month from November through April, Local D’lish will be transformed
from a grocery store to a bustling farmers’ market. Meet your farmers and food makers, sample
some tasty treats and buy gifts for any occasion. Choices will include jams, chocolates, baked
good, apples, honey, all-natural skin care products, granola, meat, cheese and so much more.
Street parking is FREE on weekends! For information: 612-886-3047 or http://www.localdlish.com.
NE Holiday Boutique Crawl
Saturday, November 19, 12 noon – 5 pm
Come kick-start your holiday season through beautiful and historic Northeast Minneapolis with a
holiday boutique crawl. This neighborhood progressive pre-holiday sales event will include
specials, giveaways and strolling Victorian carolers and will also include a “Holiday Window
Display Contest” from numerous Northeast businesses. Come and show your holiday spirit! For
more information: http://www.northeastminneapolis.com/
Samples of Classes and Activities at the Minnesota Center for Book Arts
1011 Washington Avenue South, 612-215-2520, http://www.mnbookarts.org
Hours: Monday 10 am -- 5 pm, Tuesday 10 am -- 9 pm, Wednesday-Saturday 10 am -- 5 pm,
Sunday 12 noon – 4 pm
Class details, instructor biographies, registration details and online registration are all available at
http://www.mnbookarts.org/classes/classes.html. You may also register for a class by calling 612-
215-2520.
Tenth Annual Book Arts Festival Holiday Sale
Saturday, November 19
Celebrate the TENTH YEAR of this exciting annual holiday event, featuring dozens of artists
displaying and selling handmade books, journals, paper, prints and gifts. Browse hundreds of
items made by local artists and find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Festivities will include
artist demonstrations, free family art activities, and special sales on gift items featured in The
Shop. Free and open to the public.
Printed Holiday Note Cards
Saturday, November 19, 12:30 -- 4:30 pm
This holiday favorite sells out every year! Get into the spirit by making your own holiday cards.
Each adult/child pair will create note cards with a festive image and letterpress-printed greeting
using the platen and Vandercook presses. Students will design their own holiday images and
choose text from a variety of pre-set messages. Each person can print up to 20 cards (40 per pair)

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-- and envelopes will be provided, too! For families with children grades 1 and up. $48 ($44)
adult/child pair, $24 ($20) each additional participant. To register: http://www.mnbookarts.org/
workshops/families.html.
Japan America Arts Forum
with Sheila Asato
Sunday, November 20, 2 – 4 pm
The Japan America Arts Forum is collaboration between MCBA and the Japan America Society
of Minnesota (JASM), hosted and facilitated by Sheila McNellis Asato. Each month, people
interested in Japanese visual art forms, related materials and processes gather at MCBA for
learning, fellowship and hands-on fun. At each meeting, an artist who either practices a Japanese
art form or whose work is deeply influenced by the Japanese arts shares their work and then leads
the group through a simple exercise which allows everyone to get a hands-on experience of the
work for themselves. Topics range from katazome (resist dying on fabric) to suminagashi (paper
marbling) to origami (paper folding) and much more. Meetings are typically held on the third
Sunday of each month. For more details and monthly forum topics, visit Sheila's website, Monkey
Bridge Arts. If you would like to share your work or know of an artist who would, email Sheila. All
skill levels welcome. $10 ($5 MCBA or JASM members). No need to pre-register, just drop in!
Mill City Museum Programs and Events
704 Second Street South
For more information about Mill City Museum events call 612-341-7555, or visit
http://www.millcitymuseum.org
Washburn A Mill Tour
Saturday, November 19, 1 pm
Take an in-depth look at the historic Washburn A Mill complex and the award-winning Mill City
Museum building on this guided tour. A museum interpreter will take visitors into the building’s
many nooks and crannies, highlighting the lives of the men and women who worked there, how the
building functioned during its peak flour milling years and the many changes to the building over
time. Also covered will be how the mill ruin was converted to a museum and office building.
Although many parts of the A mill can be explored on a self-guided basis during a regular museum
visit, this is the only opportunity for a guided tour through the entire museum building, and the only
chance to see some of its non-public spaces. The tour includes admission to the museum gallery
as well as the Flour Tower show. Fee: $14 adults, $12 seniors and college students, $10 children
ages 6-17 and MHS members. Tour includes museum admission. Reservations recommended;
call 612-341-7555 or register online.
Sample of Performances at MacPhail Center for Music
501 Second Street South
For more information about events (including student performances) and classes:
http://www.macphail.org or 612-321-0100.
Violin Master Class with Ernest Salem
Friday, November 19, 4 pm
Room 607
Ernest Salem is currently Professor of Music at California State University, Fullerton. He has
performed in concerts and recitals across the United States. Active as a freelance musician in the
Los Angeles area, Dr. Salem has performed with the Los Angeles Master Chorale Orchestra,
Long Beach Symphony, Asia American Orchestra and more. Former Concertmaster of the Wichita

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and Las Cruces Symphonies, he has also served as principal second of the Minnesota Opera
Orchestra and assistant concertmaster of the Texas Chamber and Texas Opera Theater
Orchestras. He has been a faculty member at Wichita State University, the College of St.
Benedict/St. John's University and New Mexico State University. In addition to performance
activities, Dr. Salem has been published in the American String Teacher's Journal and the Long
Island Historical Journal. Admission - $5Free for MacPhail students.
*****Planning Ahead*****
A Soulful Family Christmas
December 16 – 20
The Lab Theater, 700 First Street North
Join Grammy Award-winning artist Ann Nesby and her family of soulful singers, American Idol
Paris Bennett and Twin Cities legend Jamecia Bennett for the holiday concert of the season.
Powerhouse voices fill the air with some of the Twin Cities finest musicians on stage to raise the
roof and rafters with the sizzling sounds of gospel. For information and tickets:
http://www.thelabtheater.org/#!christmas.
Sounds of Blackness – The Night Before Christmas – A Musical Fantasy
Monday, December 19, 7:30 pm
Guthrie Theater, 818 Second Street South, Wurtele Thrust Stage
Minnesota’s three-time Grammy Award-winning Sounds of Blackness returns with their annual
performance of The Night Before Christmas – A Musical Fantasy on December 19 at the Guthrie
Theater. The Night Before Christmas – A Musical Fantasy is a contemporary adaptation of the
beloved poem, A Visit From St Nicholas. This family-friendly musical production brings Santa, Mrs.
Claus and Rudolph the Rappin’ Reindeer to life in hilarious song and dance, as they learn the true
meaning of Christmas. The music ranges from R&B/Hip-Hop to Jazz, Blues and Gospel and
features Sounds of Blackness singers and band in show-stopping, roof-raising songs and scenes.
This is a must see performance during the holiday season. Tickets available at the Guthrie Theater
Box Office, charge by phone at 612-377-2224 and online at GuthrieTheater.org. For information:
http://www.suemclean.com/shows/sounds-of-blackness/?utm_source=emarketforward -%20Stay In
The Loop&utm_medium=email&utm_content=14867745&utm_campaign=Stay%20in the Loop!
Sounds%20of Blackness, Win%20Tickets!.
*****Reminder of Ongoing Activities*****
Acme Comedy Club
Tuesdays through Thursday, 8 pm; Fridays and Saturdays, 8 and 10:30 pm
708 North First Street
Enjoy stand-up comedy at one of the top five comedy clubs in the country. For more information:
http://www.acmecomedycompany.com
Classes Available at the Lundstrum Center
Lundstrum Center for the Performing Arts, 1617 North Second Street
Dream of performing on Broadway? Preparing for your college audition? Looking to get back into
class? Let the Broadway veteran faculty at the Lundstrum Center help develop your gifts. Fall
session registration is now open. Children and adults, all levels welcome. Programs include:

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Children: After school programs; age 3 and up.
Preteen/Young Adults: Broadway Musical Theatre -- Serious training in dance, voice and
theater
Adults: Ballet, tap, jazz, Pilates, voice
Special Needs Children: “Dance Mania”-ages 6 to 12.
The center offers state of the art, spacious, sun lit studios, with free parking and #14 Metro Transit
bus-accessible. Class cards available! For a class schedule please check out the center’s website
www.lundstrumcenter.org or call 612-521-2600 to be put on their mailing list.
Keegan’s Pub Entertainment
Keegan’s Irish Pub, 16 University Avenue NE
Keegan’s Pub offers a full schedule of live music, Irish lessons, pub quizzes and other activities
each month. Keegan's Pub also is offering shuttle bus service to and from Gopher Football games
at the new TCF Stadium. Round trip tickets are $10 and include a drink at the pub after the game.
For more information and a full event calendar, visit www.keeganspub.com.
Twin City Trolleys’ Minneapolis Downtown Tour
Sundays through October, 10 am – 5 pm
Minneapolis offers dozens of historic sites and structures that have been preserved and
maintained so that visitors can experience both historic and contemporary sites. For over 15
years, Twin City Trolley Tours have been providing sightseeing tours highlighting the best of
Minneapolis. Hop aboard one of our Trolleys and you'll experience Transportainment -- a delightful
combination of transportation and entertainment. With Twin City Trolleys, you can avoid costly
parking and city driving while exploring at your own pace as you hop on and off the trolley. Twin City
Trolleys is the best way to enjoy different restaurants, shops and to see the city. The route will
include Hell's Kitchen, Saint Anthony Main, The Soap Factory, Stone Arch Bridge, Mill City
Museum, Nicollet Mall, Hennepin Avenue, the Sculpture Garden and various other locations.
Tickets are $24.00 and may be purchased from the Trolley driver or by calling their office Monday-
Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. To board the Trolley you can step on at Saint Anthony Main, the
Sculpture Garden, Mill City Museum, The Soap Factory or the Minneapolis Convention Center Hall
C. For more information or http://www.twincitytrolleys.com/content/146.
Classes at Surdyk’s
Mondays and Tuesdays
Surdyk’s Liquor and Cheese Shop, 303 East Hennepin Avenue
Surdyk’s offers an extensive and fun choice of classes to help you learn about wine, beer and
cheese (both in general and specific types). Check out their calendar at
http://www.surdyks.com/Events.aspx.
National Park Service “Ranger on Call” Virtual Tour of the Mississippi River
Visitors and residents of the Twin Cities can now have a national park experience 24 hours a day
with Ranger on Call, a new virtual tour of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.
Ranger on Call is an audio guide to exploring some of the park’s most special places. The guide
features a series of 20 stops designed to expand users’ knowledge of the Mississippi River and
provoke exploration. Users can listen to stories from all along the 72-mile corridor of the national
park, and download podcasts and maps online at www.rangeroncall.com. Or, for an all-
encompassing park experience, users can visit the featured sites along the river in person and dial

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1-877-727-1172 (toll free) for the cell phone tour. Ranger on Call features narration by Don Shelby,
who brings to life the stories from diverse communities along the river. Tour stops feature the
Minneapolis Riverfront, Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary and Lock and Dam #2 in Hastings. Ranger
on Call was created by the National Park Service and the Mississippi River Fund. The national
park’s 72-mile boundary stretches along the Mississippi River from Dayton/Ramsey, through
Minneapolis and Saint Paul, to just south of Hastings. It includes a range of cultural, economic and
natural resources — from historic sites like Fort Snelling to unique features including the river’s
only waterfall and gorge, to public parks and wildlife refuges. In addition to protecting the river’s
ecosystems and water quality and providing access points for recreation, the park offers a range
of volunteer and educational activities, including ranger-led canoe, fishing, biking and hiking
programs and school programs. www.nps.gov/miss. The Mississippi River Fund is the official
charitable partner of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. The fund supports
stewardship and community engagement programs that support the park and its mission. These
programs include water quality protection, habitat restoration, formal education, and interpretive
programs that share with the public the significant role our National Park plays in American history
and culture. www.missriverfund.org.
Horse and Carriage Tours
Enjoy a tour of the riverfront via a horse-drawn carriage ride. Regular tours are available from both
the Nicollet Island Inn and VIC’s Restaurant on Main Street. For information:
http://www.thehitchingcompany.com/
*****Informational Resources*****
New At-a-Glance Neighborhood Profiles
Wilder Research has released at-a-glance profiles for Saint Paul and Minneapolis neighborhoods
that provide information about:
Population trends and demographics including age, ethnicity, education level and income
Housing occupancy and stability
Employment opportunities
They present the information in a user-friendly, printable format for residents, grass-roots
organizations, community groups and others interested in the health of their community and are
available at http://www.mncompass.org/twincities/neighborhoods.php. There are profiles for each
of Saint Paul’s 17 planning districts and 87 Minneapolis neighborhoods. Eleven Minneapolis
community profiles (groupings of several neighborhoods) also are available. Because many of the
indicators come from the U.S. Census, the data can be compared at the county, state and even
national level. The data file with margins of error and source information is also available.
http://www.twincities.com/ci_19244497
Park Board Event Calendar
Having fun in Minneapolis parks just got easier! The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
(MPRB)’s website now features a multi-month event calendar. The current event calendar is now
available at http://www.minneapolisparks.org/documents/events.pdf and is a quick guide to MPRB-
sponsored and co-sponsored events as well as outside organizers’ permitted events in the parks.
Check it out, mark your calendars and enjoy the many events occurring in Minneapolis parks!
Mill City Times

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http://www.millcitytimes.com
This web site covers “life, work and play in the Historic Mill District.” It also includes an event listing
that is more expansive than the Mill District and that would be a useful resource for you in between
issues of the RiverCurrent (or if, as sometimes happens, you accidentally deleted it).
Mississippi River Trail
The Mississippi River Trail follows the course of the mighty Mississippi from its headwaters to the
Gulf. A new MRT resource website has been launched for the Minnesota segment of the trail
(http://www.dot.state.mn.us/bike/mrt.html) complete with interactive Google Earth based maps, and
a complete series of maps printable at 8 1/2” by 11.”
1 Mississippi Campaign
http://www.1mississippi.net/
This site includes information on the entire Mississippi River and how you can help protect and
enhance it.
*****Riverfront News Articles*****
Proposal for Lower Gorge Home
http://www.minnpost.com/twocities/2011/10/28/32749/minneapolis_neighbors_
battling_planned_riverfront_home_lose_latest_skirmish
The Edge of Our Bodies at Guthrie
http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/stageandarts/132711213.html
http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/stageandarts/132801688.html
Acme Comedy Club’s 20th Anniversary and Louis Lee
http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/stageandarts/132797263.html
http://www.minnpost.com/stories/2011/11/01/32802/acme_comedy_co_celebrates_20_years_
of_stand-up/?utm_source=MinnPost+e-mail+newsletters&utm_campaign=91a9112514-
Newsletter_11_01_1111_1_2011&utm_medium=email
Fort Snelling Golf Course
http://www.startribune.com/local/minneapolis/132836783.html
Surdyk’s Sign Proposal
http://www.startribune.com/local/minneapolis/132968743.html
Coldwater Spring Renovation
http://www.startribune.com/local/west/132966398.html
http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2011/11/neglected-minneapolis-site-to-be-restored-
and-turned-into-a-park/
Park Board Superintendent
http://www.startribune.com/local/minneapolis/133049363.html
Water Treatment Plant Improvements

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http://blog.epa.gov/blog/2011/10/27/investing-in-clean-water-pays/
Longfellow Zoo History
http://www.minnpost.com/minnclips/2011/11/02/32850/lost_twin_cities_iii_|_minnehaha_falls
National Park Service Ranger on Call
http://www.thelinemedia.com/features/rivertours110211.aspx?utm_source=
VerticalResponse&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=RangerOnCall%3a+a+high-tech+tour+of+the+
mighty+Mississippi&utm_content={Email_Address}&utm_campaign=Telling+the+Real+Story
Weisman Plaza
http://www.thelinemedia.com/devnews/weismanplaza110211.aspx?utm_source=
VerticalResponse&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=Weisman+Art+
Museum+chooses+a+winning+design+for+its+pedestrian+plaza&utm_content={Email_
Address}&utm_campaign=Telling+the+Real+Story