inside

Opinion ........................................................... 2 Crime & Safety ...................................... 4 Rental Info .................................................. 4 CARAG News .............................................. 8 Film Reviews .............................................. 8 ECCO News ............................................... 10 Events Calendar.....................................12
< Who are your wearing? Jensen is wearing WREATHwhat all the dogs are mad for this season. Learn how to make one of your own. (See page 12 for details.) (Photo by Bruce Cochran)

Your Community-Supported News Source

Covering the Uptown AreA and the Neighborhoods of CARAG and ECCO

DECEMBER 2011 Volume 7, Number 12

imagine lagoon and Cinnamon, Hennepin after 2014 Cookies, Candles

And Much More

Bellweather

(Photo by Aline Anliker)

By Aline Anliker
There are so many Cs related to Christmas. Yes, shopping for the holidays can be exhausting and stressful. But not if you know where to go and what to look for. Let me take you on a shopping tour, browsing unique Uptown stores featuring extraordinary gifts and creative presents, and trying my best to make your holiday shopping trip more fun. CinnaMon page 6

(Illustration provided by VJAA Architects)

Soul Kitchen

Amelia owner takes over Our Kitchen

Envision what the northwest corner of Lagoon and Hennepin will look like after 2014. Construction of a new library was given a green light by the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners. The Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board approved conceptual plans for the park area north of the library. The library replacement is included in the Countys budget so planning will move forwar. Funding for the Mall park area has not yet been identified. Since the Mall will be used for staging during library construction it will have to be restored creating an opportunity for improvement. The goal is to integrate the new library with surrounding public places including the Mall, the Uptown Transit Station, a future light rail transit station down in the Midtown Greenway and Hennepin Avenue. Conceptual plans for both grew out of a series of public meetings that gathered ideas from the community. The library design is by VJAA Architects; the Mall design is by Close Landscape Architecture. For further information contact Jennifer Ringold at the Minneapolis Parks & Recreation Board, jringold@minneapolisparks.org, 612.230.6464 or Lois Enroot-Ernt at the Hennepin County Library llenroot@ hclib.org, 952.847.8555.

(Photo by Bruce Cochran)

By Bruce Cochran
Aside from wanting to tell the real story of Jim Morrison, write a book about her family connection to Al Capone, solve every backstory street rumor youve ever heard . . . and hide from photojournalists, Christine Soul page 7

PREPaRing FoR Snow

Snow parking Information
Call the Hotline: 612.348.Snow Snow emergency: www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/snow receive phone Alerts: www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/snow/phone-alert.asp receive e-mail Alerts: www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/snow/esubscribe.asp Broadcast tV/radio: Tune in to cable channels 14 and 79 or FM (88.5 MHz) Facebook: www.facebook.com/MinneapolisSnowEmergency twitter: twitter.com/minneapolissnow

Support Neighborhood Businesses

Shop Uptown

Joy to the World and especially YOU if you win this contest!
Enter to win Landmark Theatre Movie Tickets or Dinner for 4 at Chipotle
(see details on page 12)

2 Uptown neighborhood news

www.carag.org

DECEMBER 2011

commentary
Peace on Earth, good will To all
Editorial by Phyllis Stenerson
Seasons Greetings, Happy Holidays and Feliz Navidad have become some of the familiar messages for this time of year expanding beyond Merry Christmas to reflect the religious pluralism and cultural diversity that has been increasing in America for the past 40 years. Like almost all change, there are those who demand, those who despise, those who really dont care one way or another and those who just want to offer warm wishes to others without offending. Most will agree this is a special time of the year. Days get shorter until the Solstice when the movement toward more light begins. In our part of the world weather change is dramatic. Winter arrives with snow, cold, ice and wildly mixed reactions. Some love to ski and look at brightly lighted homes. Most hate to slip and fall or slide and crash. Observance of holidays ranges from avoiding as much as possible to lavish decorating, entertaining and shopping. Some feel blessed with plenty. Others become even more aware of scarcity. Its all around us music, decorations, advertising, entertainment. Much of the holiday season is about money - buying, selling, consuming. Sometimes it translates into generosity and appreciation. Christmas has long been celebrated with awe and reverence by Christians as the birth of Jesus and His message of love your neighbor as yourself. Other cultures and faith communities have different holidays and customs. Yet, the spirit is basically the same in all major religions and spiritual traditions around the world: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, summarized as compassion. There just might be during this holiday season a transcendent moment sparked by music, words, silence, lights or a generous gesture when all is calm, all is bright. When we feel connected to one another and know deep down in our souls that peace on earth and goodwill to all can be ours. My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together. Archbishop Desmond Tutu Peace is our gift to each other. Elie Wiesel

where need is Met with generosity

Joyce Food Shelf

The Book Value

Friends of the Walker Library held its fall sale in November and is scheduled to hold its last sale in the spring before reconstruction starts. The mission of the Friends is to enrich the resources and enhance the potential of the Hennepin County Walker Library. See www.supporthclib.org for more info. (Photo by Bruce Cochran)

(Photo by Bruce Cochran)

unn wants You

Reporters, writers and photographers from the community are needed. Workshops to help writers find their groove are being planned. To explore ideas, contact Phyllis Stenerson, Editor, uptownnews@ yahoo.com.

DEaDlinE for submissions to the Uptown neighborhood news is DECEMBER 15 (email: uptownnews @yahoo.com)

The holiday season is full of joy and plenty for some. However, as the economic downturn continues, poverty is increasing and more people need help to feed their families. Giving to the Joyce Food Shelf is a way for those with enough to help those in need. For every dollar donated a person in our community can walk out through this door with three meals. Joyce Food Shelf is located at 3041 Fremont Avenue. Checks can be sent to 1219 West 31st Street, Minneapolis, MN 55408. For more information contact 612.825.4431 or joyce@visi.com.

Uptown neighborhood news is now on can send and receive news Facebook Friend us so you
about happenings in Uptown.
uptown neighborhood news wants to hear from the community
c Uptown Neighborhood News

36th St & Bryant ave S 612-825-3718

Hours

Mon - Fri 6:30am-3pm sat. & sun. 7am-2pm

News tips, story ideas, articles, photos with captions, letters to the editor and commentary are welcomed and encouraged. Send by the 15th of the month to uptownnews@yahoo.com or UNN, 3612 Bryant Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55409. All submissions must be relevant to Uptown. Letters to the Editor are limited to 250 words. High resolution photos are required. We reserve the right to decide whether or not a piece will be published and to edit for space, clarity, appropriateness or legal concerns. We need to know your name, address, phone number, e-mail and neighborhood. UNN 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 Uptown and is delivered free to households within the area bounded by Lyndale Avenue and Lake Calhoun, between Lake Street and 36th Street. Copies are distributed to businesses in the Uptown area. Circulation is 5,200 with a pass-along readership of 10,000. Publication and distribution is before the first of every month. Contributors are area residents who volunteer their time to bring the news of the area to residents. UNN is managed by a board of local citizens with the ECCO and CARAG Boards each appointing three representatives. Monthly meetings are held at St. Marys Greek Orthodox Church, 3450 Irving Avenue from 7 pm to 9 pm the first Monday of the month, unless otherwise scheduled. Meetings are open to the public. Contact uptownnews@yahoo.com to confirm and/or request time on the agenda. Copyright 2011 Uptown Neighborhood News Editor Phyllis Stenerson (CARAG) 612.331.1929 uptownnews@yahoo.com Managing Board Ralph Knox, President (ECCO) Elizabeth Walke, Treasurer (CARAG) Linda Todd, Secretary (ECCO) Ruth Cain (ECCO) Samantha Strong (CARAG) Nancy Riestenberg (CARAG) Contributing Photographers Aline Anliker, Bruce Cochran, Bethany Heemeyer, Maude Lovelle Contributing Writers Aline Anliker, Carol Bouska, Bruce Cochran, Wendy Schadewald, Judy Shields, Monica Smith, Sarah Sponheim, Phyllis Stenerson, Meg Tuthill, Nicole Valentine Newspaper Circulation CARAG/ECCO/Uptown Circulation: Bill Boudreau, Justin Jagoe

Lyn-Lake Barbershop
Jayson Dallmann - Propietor

612.822.6584 3019 Lyndale Avenue South

Art Direction and Production Bruce Cochran (CARAG) unn612@gmail.com Advertising Susan Hagler (CARAG) 612.825.7780 susanhagler@earthlink.net

www.Lyn-LakeBarbershop.com Hours: Tues - Fri. 11am-7pm | Sat. 9am-4:30pm | (Afterhours by Appointment)

DECEMBER 2011

www.carag.org

Uptown neighborhood news  .

vital Connections

a Home of Your own

by Judy Shields
our best from all sides of the table. Its definitely more emotional nowadays than it has been in the past. With todays negotiations, we are finding ourselves up against cashstrapped home owners, complex transactions and fearful, reluctant buyers. The negotiation part of the transaction can get brutal. Tempers flare, people take comments and reactions personally and it can get downright nasty. Have I mentioned that Buyers want it all? They want a home warranty, closing costs covered, and maybe even the big-screen TV and some of the furniture. Oh, and they also want $20,000 probably more shaved off the asking price. And sellers are mad, feeling trapped and wondering how much more they have to give up to seal a deal. Sound familiar? Negotiations nowadays can be tense. And trying to keep the dream alive and all parties happy is getting tougher. We are trying The job of the Realtor is to present facts and keep everyone calm including the agent on the other side of the table. Because for all the good your Realtor can do, the other side can unravel in a split second. Our job is to see the big picture, the overall goal and potential obstacles. Most of all, we should be able to see the common ground and use that for a positive end result.

Knowledge is power when negotiating

1. Strength: To gain more strength in negotiations, its the job of

A central ramp and bridge connect Uptown

Construction crews are working on two adjacent projects that are the product of a public/private partnership between Hennepin Countys Transit Oriented Development Program, The Ackerberg Groups MoZaic project, Greco Developments Flux project, the Hennepin County Regional Rail Authority and the City of Minneapolis. The Midtown Greenway entry/exit ramp and the pedestrian/bike overpass at the interTHE Uptown neighborhood news iS now availaBlE aT THESE SElECT loCaTionS Bremer Bank Brueggers Bagels Bryant Square Park Cheapo Records Chiang Mai Thai Common Roots Cafe Dunn Bros (Hennepin & 34th) Dunn Bros (lake & Bryant) Falafel King Famous Daves BBQ gigis Caf Health Resource Center Hennepin-lake liquors isles Bun & Coffee its greek to Me Joyce Food Shelf Joyce united Methodist Church Kowalskis Market Magers & Quinn lagoon Theatre Parents automotive Pizza luce Rainbow Foods Sebastian Joes ice Cream Cafe Southwest Senior Center Subway Spyhouse Coffee Shop uptown Diner uptown Theatre Tea garden Treetops at Calhoun vail Place walker library walker Place The wedge YwCa (uptown)

(Photo by Bruce Cochran)

HoME page 5

section of Girard Avenue and the Greenway will bring a long desired connection for commuters and recreationalists to and from the core of Uptown. Scheduled for a December opening, this $375,000 project is scheduled to be completed in December 2012. The Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority owns the Midtown Greenway corridor. The Countys TOD program provided $265,000 in funds with the balance being provided by The Ackerberg Group and Greco Development. MoZaic will own and maintain the bridge and ramp.

Citizen ACtion
CARAG Neighborhood
612.823.2520 carag@carag.org

real estate | design-build

www.morphmpls.com
612.782.2000

Whats missing on your path to a greener home? My team.

Samantha J. Strong General Contractor + Real Estate Broker Specializing in urban homes.
BC. 20628624

East Isles Neighborhood

612.821.0131 nrp@eastisles.org

ECCO Neighborhood
612.821.0131 nrp@eastcalhoun.org 612.377.5023 lhena@thewedge.org 311

Lowry Hill E. Neighborhood Minneapolis Information Mpls. Park & Rec. Board
Brad Bourn 612.230.6443 ext. 4 bbourn@minneapolisparks.org Bob Fine 612.230.6443 ext. 6 bfine@minneapolisparks.org

NARs sustainable property designation

green

More appliances. Less money.

Thousands of appliances in stock at the lowest nal price.

Mpls. Public Schools

612.668.0000 answers@mpls.k12.mn.us

City Councilperson (10) Meg Tuthill Mayor R.T. Rybak

612.673.2100 rt@minneapolis.org

6 months special nancing available*

on all brands $499 or more with your Warners Stellian credit card. Restrictions apply; see store for details.

612.673.2210 meg.tuthill@ci.minneapolis.mn.us.

State Representative (60A) Marion Greene

651.296.0171 rep.marion.greene@house.mn.

State Representative (60B) Frank Hornstein

651.296.9281 rep.frank.hornstein@house.mn

State Senator (60) D. Scott Dibble

651.296.4191 sen.scott.dibble@senate.mn

Governor Mark Dayton

651.201.3400 mark.dayton@state.mn.us

14 Cycle Top-Load Washer (NTW4600VQ) 7 Cycle Electric Dryer with Moisture Sensor (NED4500VQ)
Gas dryer extra.

U.S. Congressman (5th) Keith Ellison

612.522.1212 www.ellison.house.gov

699

Pair Price

00

4-Piece Kitchen Suite

Prices After Instant Savings & Rebate

149900
(Shown)

White, Black & Bisque

Stainless Steel $1799.00

U.S. Senator Al Franken

202.224.5641 info@franken.senate.gov

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar President Barack Obama

Your neighborhood, family-owned appliance specialists

Minneapolis (612) 825-6465 Edina (612) 920-0640

202.224.3244 www.klobuchar.senate.gov

202.456.1111 comments@whitehouse.gov

Nicollet & Diamond Lake Rd.

Across from the Galleria

ww

w.warnersstellian.co

*Prices subject to change. See store for details.

 Uptown neighborhood news

www.carag.org

DECEMBER 2011

crime & safety

On the Defensive
Crimes By location
October 24 - November 20
Burglary of Dwelling includes garages, attached or unattached.

Chelsea adams, Crime prevention specialist 612.673.2819 or Chelsea.Adams@ci.minneapolis.mn.us 5th precinct: sectors 1&2: (Uptown)

n
The Uptown Association and the Minneapolis 5th Precinct Police Department hosted a personal safety workshop on November 10 at Bryant Square Park. The free public workshop aimed to educate area businesses and residents about how to safely avoid or escape potentially dangerous situations. (Photo by Maude Lovelle)

living Together
Fifth installment in the UNNs series

Landlord & Tenant Rights & Responsibilities

Excerpts from the Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities handbook from the Office of Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson. The full handbook is available through the Attorney Generals website as well as in other formats upon request for free at www.ag.state.mn.us

9. MainTEnanCE
According to Minnesota law the landlord is responsible to make sure that the rental unit is:
1) Fit to live in. 2) Kept in reasonable repair. 3) Kept in compliance with state and local health and housing codes. 4) Made reasonably energy efficient to the extent that energy savings will exceed the costs of upgrading efficiency.

ment from the landlord. (See

Section 15 for procedures to be followed in repair disputes.) (54)

10. unlawFul DESTRuCTion oF PRoPERTY

The tenant must not abuse the rental property and must pay for any damage the tenant causes beyond normal wear and tear. A landlord may sue a tenant for the willful and malicious destruction of residential rental property. The party that wins may recover actual damages, costs, and reasonable attorneys fees, as well as other damages determined by the court. (55)

These landlord obligations cannot be waived. (53) A tenant who experiences problems with a landlord who is not making necessary repairs or who is not providing a unit that is fit to live in should refer to Section 15 for details on how to resolve such issues. Some repairs or maintenance duties (like yard work) can become the duty of the tenant if:
1) Both parties agree in writing that the tenant will do the work and 2) The tenant receives adequate consideration (payment), either by a reduction in rent or direct pay-

11. alTERaTionS
Ordinarily, a tenant is not allowed to paper or paint walls, resurface fixtures, alter woodwork or carpet, or make other changes without speaking with a landlord before making any alterations. Next Installment CHAPTER 2-12. THE RENT.

Coffee Corral
Various aromas filled the air at the 22nd Annual Calhoun Square Coffee Fest on November 19. Attendees were treated to samples of coffee, tea and treats from local and national vendors. Proceeds from the event went to benefit House of Charity at www.houseofcharity.org. (Photo by Bethany Heemeyer)

DECEMBER 2011

www.carag.org

Uptown neighborhood news 5 .

Jobs 10th ward news Snow Wedge for pilot snow removal project City chooses
From Council Member Meg Tuthill
Contact Meg at 612.673.2210, meg.tuthill@ci.minneapolis.mn.us, Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit us at www.ci.minneapolis. mn.us/council/ward10

From the office of Council Member Meg Tuthill

A sidewalk snow removal pilot program is being tested in the Lowry Hill East neighborhood (the Wedge) this winter. Both commercial and residential properties are part of the pilot program. The program is in response to city wide complaints on the poor condition of sidewalks in winter. Currently, after the City receives a complaint about an unshoveled sidewalk Public Works inspects it. If the sidewalk is confirmed as not cleared, a letter is mailed to the property owner and is given a chance to clear their sidewalk. Public Works inspects the sidewalk again to verify it was cleared. If the work was not done, a work order is issued to street crews to clear the sidewalk and bill the property owner. City street crews perform many duties including plowing and corner clearing in additional to sidewalk work. As a result there can be a substantial delay in clearing sidewalks. In the pilot program area, the inspectors work order will go to a private contractor instead of to the City crews. This is very similar to how long grass complaints are handled. Property owners will continue to be billed. The expectation is for the work will be completed more quickly. Lowry Hill East was chosen as the pilot neighborhood because of the high number of pedestrians, the high housing density and the variety of housing and commercial properties. Council Member Meg Tuthill commented, As someone who walked to work for over 30 years, and watched young parents with strollers, the disabled, the elderly, strugglereally struggle with sidewalks that hadnt been shoveled, this pilot program thrills me!

Happy Holidays from Your 10th ward office!

We would like to wish each of you a wonderful and safe holiday season and a very Happy New Year! Enjoy time spent with family and friends! Meg, Leslie, and Breanna

City Council begins 2012 City budget consideration

The Minneapolis City Council has begun the process to consider Mayor R.T. Rybaks proposed 2012 Budget. The City Councils Ways and Means/Budget Committee began budget hearings on September 22. Budget hearings continued through mid-November with final approval of the 2012 budget scheduled for December 14. Two public hearings will be held before the budgets approval, offering you a chance to comment. The Mayors proposed budget calls for no property tax levy increase in 2012. You can find the rebroadcast schedule of all departmental budget hearings and view the them online at www.minneapolismn.gov/webcasts. Public hearings on tax levy and 2012 City budget: Wednesday, November 30, 6:05 pm City Hall, 350 South 5th Street, Council Chambers (Room 317) Wednesday, December 14, 6:05 pm City Hall, 350 South 5th Street, Council Chamber (Room 317) For more information on the Mayors proposed 2012 Budget, visit www. minneapolismn.gov/mayor.

HoME from 3
Realtors to educate the buyer and seller about market conditions. Educate them about the comparables in the area and the competition. Realtors need to understand buyers or sellers needs versus their wants. Taking the time to delve into market conditions as well as consumers needs, motivations, fears and aspirations can help provide a stronger foundation for negotiations. 2. Flexibility: There is more than one way to reach the goal of buying or selling a home. A little flexibility on the part of both sides helps the transaction make it to closing. 3. Mindfulness: Particularly in todays tense and often emotional negotiations, a degree of sensitivity needs to be brought to the transaction. Many sellers are feeling trapped and powerless, but buyers may be fearful, too reluctant about purchasing a home that may lose value or worried that they may be missing out on something better. 4. Communication: Do unto otherslet everyone know who is doing what and most importantly WHY. Empathy for the other side is hard to conjure up but it can help in the long run.

A Place at the Table

Minneapolis Tap water System gets Highest Ranking

The Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies awarded Minneapolis its Platinum Award for Utility Excellence for making dramatic improvements in tap water and for the way it manages an operation that delivers an average of 57 million gallons of drinking water to around a half million people every day. To learn more about this award to Minneapolis, visit www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/communications/ 20111026TapWaterAward_newsletter.asp

no Meet with Meg in December

Due to the budget season and scheduling changes with committee and council meetings, the regular meeting will not be held. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Such a Cliche

Judy Shields lives in the East Calhoun neighborhood and serves on the ECCO Board. She is aRealtor with Coldwell Banker Burnet - jshields@ cbburnet.com or 952.221.1723. Editors note: Real estate experts are invited to send suggestions for columnists and topics to UptownNews@yahoo.com.

Randy Roberts Potts, speaking here at First Universalist Church on October 25, is the gay grandson of televangelist Oral Roberts. Randy has contributed to the It Gets Better book and is developing a new Off-Broadway show based on his memoir. His message, A Place at the Table, details the loving and harsh realities of what it is like to grow up gay in a faith-based society and family. He traveled around Minnesota talking to youth and young adults in particular. See the full speech at http://firstuniv.podbean.com/2011/10/27/2011-10-26-randy-roberts-potts. (Photo by
Bruce Cochran)

SpringHouse Ministry Center for

Call Me Ishmael, an in-store presentation of Danielle Everines Fall 2011 Collection inspired by Trans-Atlantic travel took place on November 11. The Cliche fashion boutique free fashion show featured light fare and drinks. (Photo by Bethany Heemeyer)

We hope to be in our Newly Renovated and Named

9 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship

This month were on the move from Intermedia Arts (2822 Lyndale Ave. S.) to the re-newed shared facility at 28th and Garfield, SpringHouse Ministry Center!

Sundays
8:30 am Traditional Service 9:15 am Sunday School 10:30 am Jazz Worship

LyndaLe UNITED CHURCH

OF CHRIST
Divine Liturgy Sunday 9:30 am Fr. Paul Paris www.stmarysgoc.org (612) 825-9595

Wednesdays
7 pm Advent Evening Service

Christmas Eve
Dec. 24, 4 pm, Candles, Carols, Communion. Hopefully in the Ministry Center!

610 W 28th St. Minneapolis, MN 55408 612.825.3019, Lyndaleucc.org Sunday Worship,10:30 a.m.

Christmas Day
Dec. 25, 10:30 am, simple Christmas service

 Uptown neighborhood news CinnaMon from 1

www.carag.org

DECEMBER 2011
from a local author and Jellycat, the softest stuffed animal ever. You can find thousands of little items under $10 that make great stocking stuffers. belle weather, 3404 Lyndale Av, 612.825.2909

love people? Cook tasty food for them

At Penzeys Spices, you can find all of the seasons spices such as nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon to bring the best to everything you cook or bake. Or how about a yummy hot chocolate mix for colder weather? Gift boxes are another great ideas: Grill & Broil, Bakers Assortment and a newly launched four-jar box called Kind Heart Gift Box. Penzeys Spices, 3028 Hennepin Av, 612.824.9777

Dresses, purses, and even socks

Dress-up for the holidays? All you need is a visit at the Corner Store where you can find dresses from the 40s and 50s, rentable tuxedos, all kind of jewelry, leather items and real boots: Its all about vintage. They also stock great stuff for collectors such as records and sell some special items such as cufflinks. Corner Store, 900 West Lake Street, 612.823.1270 A clothing shop that features as many local designers as possible is Local Motion. Their secret tip for the upcoming shopping season: cashmere mitten and gloves. Local Motion, 2813 Hennepin Av, 612.871.8436
Go Home
(Photo by Aline Anliker)

a passion for cooking

The store features over 10,000 kitchen products - sure thing that Kitchen Window will have something for you. First of all, you can find everything you need for preparing a turkey: stuffing bags, roasting thermometers or pop up timers that take the guesswork out of cooking the perfect turkey. Being creative and exciting with your gift giving is made easy with cooking classes. There is Holiday Wine Dinner on December 9 or Cookies with Santa on December 18. You are asking for my personal favorite gift idea? A fondue set (I have to admit, I am Swiss). Kitchen Window, Calhoun Square, 612.824.4417

you. Paper Source, 3048 Hennepin Av, 612.377.0700

Find a page-turner
Childrens Books, Poems, Literature, Fiction or Religious Studies name only a few of all available genres at Magers & Quinn Booksellers. Looking for a personalized gift? The Twin Cities largest independent bookstore presents Saturday Signings. Every Saturday in December, great local authors will be available to make your book a unique present. Stop by their Sharing with Santa event on December 3. Magers & Quinn Booksellers, 3038 Hennepin Av, 612.822.4611

Happy owlidays
It is obvious that Paper Source is the place to go for gift-wrapping paper, greeting cards or calendars. In addition, you can find all kinds of do-it-yourself-kits. In this way, you can be crafty but you dont have to do all the work. Make place cards, goodie pouches, garlands and wreaths by yourself. Its easy! Besides the common motifs such as reindeers, owls, Santa and snowflakes, its all about the cute gnomes for this years holiday. Stocking stuffers under $10 include finger painting sets, glow stars or a sip-sational silly straw. Lots of ideas, just waiting there for

possible, even if you are dealing with little space. The top surface slides smoothly, and magically the table becomes 10 feet long. What further distinguishes Go home are the hand-blown pendant lights, a great variety of greeting cards and some of the most extraordinary watches. Go home, 1408 W Lake St, 612.824.8732 Think India when it comes to holiday shopping? Yes, you can actually find a lot of beautiful items in the Geetanjoli fashion and home dcor shop. Embroidered pillow covers, colorful tablecloth or exotic bedding would just look great in your own or your best friends house. Geetanjoli, Calhoun Square, 612.825.1992

diving into another world. Amelia Flower and Garden Shoppe is where flower aficionados go. Besides flower arrangements for holiday tables, custom-made wreaths, free-range organic Christmas trees and locally grown roses, you can also find fragrance for your body, such as a whole body bar enhanced with cinnamon, almond and vitamin E or a sweet orange ginger bath soap. This seasons bestseller? Glowing honey pots, made out of bees wax, lighted up by a candle. Amelia Flower and Garden Shoppe, 910 W 36th St , 612.208.1205

Keep your toes warm! Not a problem at all, with Sox Appeal, a store selling only cozy stockings with themes such as snowmen, snowflakes, reindeers, stars or even printed with turkeys. Get three for $15. Sox Appeal, Calhoun Square, 612.822.6960

Spoil yourself with Jimmy Choo

Wanna feel like shopping in a celebrity closet? At June, you can buy outright upscale. Previously owned, but still new, you can find a great deal for clutches and dresses, everything from Marc Jacobs to Miu Miu. June stocks well-known and much sought-after brands like Burberry, Louis Vuitton and Chanel. Yes, go for it and buy yourself a Christmas present, you are worth it. June, 3406 Lyndale Av, 612.354.3970 I told you, its a lot of fun this year going holiday shopping! Aline Anliker recently moved from St.Gallen, Switzerland to Uptown with one year in a Minneapolis suburb in between.

Custom-built furniture
Youd better have a big table to seat all your family for the holiday dinner. Go homes stylish extendable Italian dining table makes it

Budget-friendly presents for everyone

Looking for an awesome independently owned shop serving all of your gifting needs? Found it! Its called belle weather and you could spend an entire afternoon browsing this store. Picture frames, wine bottle boxes, hand made pillows, jewelry, a funny childrens book

no Christmas without a wreath

Being inside this beautifully decorated tiny little store feels like

http://www.facebook.com/nicolletace

like us on our new Facebook page

Check out our Specials and free merchandise

June

(Photo by Aline Anliker)

DECEMBER 2011

www.carag.org

Uptown neighborhood news  .

Wine Stewards

Amelias Mattingly stands in for Cassano.

(Photo by Bruce Cochran)

Soul from 1 Cassano and her stunt doubles want to take over the 36th Street diner, Our Kitchen, for one night. Her store, Amelia Flower & Garden Shoppe is housed in a building owned by Danny and Julie Zeigler, who also own Our Kitchen. Youd think a flower arranger, dog lover, parakeet resquer and full time organic flower shop owner would have plenty of outlets for creative expression. But about the only entree she gets to showcase is raw food from Woodys deli for her favorite sidekick, Jensen.

We are doing it because the opportunity arose and we all love to cook and eat and we all love Italian, I am Italian and it will just be lots of fun and romantic, said Cassano. Twenty percent of the proceeds from the classic italian dinner at Our Kitchen, 813 West 36th Street, will benefit the Will Steger Foundation. The mostly organic and local menu will consist of Penne Vodka or Chicken Cacciatore, vegetarian Caesar salad, garlic bread, cheesecake, cannoli, coffee or tea

and two free glasses of complimentary wine. Assisting Cassano on Sunday, December 18 at 6 pm, will be Elizabeth Mattingly, Jessica Warner, Maria Brosofske Wires, Christopher Farstad, Gretchen Peck and Brita Melom. Those wishing to purchase tickets to the dinner should call 612.208.1205 or stop by Amelia Flower & Garden Shoppe at 910 West. 36th St. The deadline for the $60 dinner is December 8. Bruce Cochran is Art Director and in charge of Production for the Uptown Neighborhood News and lives in CARAG.

Calhoun Square hosted the annual Hennepin Lake Community Wine Tasting Fundraiser on October 26. The neighborhood benefit was sponsored by Hennepin Lake Liquor, Calhoun Square, Il Gatto/Parasole and Great Clips. Preliminary ticket sales numbers showed the CARAG neighborhood selling 88 tickets for $2,200 and the ECCO neighborhood selling 117 tickets for $2,925. (Photo by Bruce Cochran)

Amelia
Flower & Garden Shoppe
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c Uptown Neighborhood News c Uptown Neighborhood News

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Jazz Concert
Universal Jazz played their 13th annual free concert on November 5 at First Universalist Church, 3400 Dupont Avenue. Universal Jazz is led by John Jensen. Music Director and pianist. www.firstuniv.org, 612.825.1701. (Photo by Bruce Cochran)

Getyou buy $25 worth5of Bonus Card! a Free $ gift cards) (When
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 Uptown neighborhood news

www.carag.org

DECEMBER 2011

CARAG report
Lake St. 36th St.

Calhoun Area Residents Action Group

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.

were introduced.

agenda & Minutes: Diana Boegemann

Motion, Seconded to approve the meeting agenda. Approved. Motion, Seconded to approve the October 18 CARAG Neighborhood Meeting minutes. Approved.

begins soon at BSP or online: www.minneapolisparks.org.

Council Member Meg Tuthill

Garage burglaries have increased with most not forced entries. Remember to lock your garages. Tuthill is concerned that the Mayors budget proposes to eliminate four CCP/Safe crime prevention specialists. She is working to find funding to keep these employees that help the Police work with the community. The budget will be approved December 14. Mesa Pizza was denied a license for late night hours by the City. City staff recommended that the restaurant operate for a while to establish a track record of good business and come back for the license at a later date. Residents interested in establishing a critical parking district on their block should contact Tim Drew at Minneapolis Public Works. The district restricts parking to those with a City permit or guest pass. The establishment of critical parking requires signatures from 75% of residents on a

Calhoun Area Residents Action Group (CARAG), Monthly Neighborhood Meeting Minutes, November 15, 2011. DRAFT: Subject to approval at the January 2011 CARAG Meeting. Minutes recorded and submitted by Carol Bouska.

Bryant Square Park: Julie Sandin

The Feed the Dream Food Drive is going on at all Minneapolis park buildings and will culminate with an event at Martin Luther King Park on January 16. Non-perishable food can be dropped off at the park building and will benefit the Groveland Food Shelf. The Halloween Party on October 31 was a big success with around 500 people attending. The skating rink is tentatively scheduled to open December 6 weather permitting. BSP sponsors Friday night skate parties throughout the winter, beginning in January. Sign up for wrestling and hockey

block and an additional process. Traffic signal lights at Bryant Avenue & 31st Street will be hooked up soon. Xcel Energy has caused delays in electrical hook up for the lights. The signal lights at Hennepin Avenue & 31st Street will be hooked up after CB2 store construction is done. Sign up for the monthly10th Ward newsletter by calling 612-673-2210 or email breanna.patsch@minneapolismn.gov?subject=Subscribe

nRP Phase 2 Year one Review: Carol Bouska

CARAG approved the NRP Phase 2 Action Plan in November 2010 and has started implementing many projects described in the plan. CARAG had to cut 50% of the funding from the action plan in February 2011, but an additional amount of money has been released by the City. Bouska presented a spreadsheet that details how an additional $101,958 in NRP Phase 2 funds is proposed to be allocated by the CARAG NRP Implementation Committee. Motion, Seconded to approve the reallocation of additional NRP Phase 2 funds as presented. Approved. Housing: The housing task force is developing guidelines for three revolving loan programs- 1-3 Unit, 4+ Unit, and Garage Rehabilitation. CARAG has also provided many $30 rebates to CARAG homeowners to complete home energy audits through the Community Energy Services program. The energy audits are still

attendance
Board Members Attending: Diana Boegemann, Carol Bouska, Steve Green, Dan Jenney, Jason Lord, Erick Peterson, Nancy Riestenberg, and Samantha Strong. Excused Absence: Melissa Davidson.

introductions: Diana Boegemann

The meeting was called to order at 7:02pm and Board Members

available. Each audit is free with the CARAG rebate and includes over $400 worth of energy saving supplies. Sign up at www.carag. org Transportation: The transportation task force has been discussing potential pedestrian and bicycling improvements for CARAG. The group will meet with representatives from the Midtown Greenway Coalition on November 21 to discuss potential improvements for the Greenway. Seniors: The group developed an inter-generational summer camp with the Southwest Senior Center last summer. Due to low participation, it was cancelled and will take place in 2012. The senior task force will meet again soon to discuss other projects to support CARAG seniors. Community Building & Beautification: The Livability Committee implements many of these projects including organizing community events, public gardening, boulevard tree plantings, and park improvements. Carol Bouska will be organizing a CARAG Green Team with help from Sarah Sponheim from ECCO neighborhood. Crime & Safety: CARAG contracted with a Safety Coordinator named Paul Buchel to promote crime prevention and organize block clubs. CARAG partnered with Aldrich Arts Collaborative last summer to develop a mural at 36th Street & Bryant Ave S. The Southwest Senior Center has coordinated another graf-

Hennepin Ave.

Asking citizens to hold him accountable on expenses, Mayor R.T. Rybak discussed his 2012 City of Minneapolis budget and how budget choices affect property taxes and services. At the November 16 Temple Israel Community Forum Rybak was interested in input about what services citizens value and where to hold the line on spending. Before the budgets approval, the City Council will hold two public hearings to give citizens a chance to comment on the proposed 2012 budget: 6:05pm, Wednesday, November 30 and December 14, City Hall, 350 S. Fifth St., room 317. The City Councils budget mark-up process is scheduled for December 6-7 with final approval of the 2012 budget scheduled for December 14. More info at www. ci.minneapolis.mn.us. (Photo by Bruce Cochran)

No Meeting in December Next Meeting is Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 7pm

Bryant Square Park (3101 Bryant Ave S)

HappyHolidays!
February 21 March 20 April 17 May 15 June 19 July 17 August 21 September 18 (Annual Meeting) October 16 November 20 December 18

Mark Your Calendars for CARAG Neighborhood Meetings in 2012

Join the CARAG E-update at www.carag.org to receive emails about CARAG activities and events.

CARAG | 3612 Bryant Avenue S | Minneapolis, MN 55409 www.carag.org | carag@carag.org | 612.823.2520

Lyndale Ave.

Running the Numbers

CaRag page 9

Short Redhead Reel Reviews

Rating Legend: (4=Dont miss, 3=Good, 2=Worth a look, 1=Forget it) www.shortredheadreelreviews.com My week with Marilyn (R) (3)
[Some language.] A compelling, insightful, factually based, star-dotted (Toby Jones, Emma Watson, Julia Ormand, Derek Jacobi, Dominic Cooper, and Simon Russell Beale) film, which is primarily based on documentary filmmaker Colin Clarks novel The Prince, the Showgirl, and Me and told from his perspective as the third assistant director (Eddie Redmayne), that documents the struggles of iconic, seductive, spoiled, troubled actress Marilyn Monroe (Michelle Williams) while filming The Prince and the Showgirl in 1956 at the Pinewood Studios in England with her playwright husband Arthur Miller (Dougray Scott) and loyal acting coach Paula Strasberg (Zo Wanamaker) at her side while frustrated costars, such as Sir Laurence Olivier (Kenneth Branagh) and Dame Sybil Thorndike (Judi Dench), coddled her in an attempt to desperately wrap up filming.

CARAG Neighborhood Meeting

The Descendants (R) (3)

[Language, including some sexual references.] While a grieving, successful Hawaiian lawyer (George Clooney) on Oahu negotiates a sale of a prime, stunningly beautiful property on Kauai worth millions on behalf of a multitude of cousins (Beau Bridges, Michael Ontkean, John McManus, Hugh Foster, Matt Esecson, Matt Corboy, Stanton Johnston, and Tiare R. Finney) in this well-acted, down-to-earth, somber, unevenpaced drama, he is also trying to raise two precocious daughters (Shailene Woodley and Amara Miller) after his wife (Patricia Hastie) ends up in a coma due to a tragic boating accident and learning that she had an affair with a real estate agent (Matthew Lillard), who has a wife (Judy Greer) and two young children.

Melancholia (R) (2.5)

[Some graphic nudity, sexual content, and language.] While the planet Melancholia threatens life on Earth in this beautifully photographed, typically quirky, controversial, intriguing, star-dotted (John Hurt, Charlotte Rampling, Udo Kier, and Jesper Christensen), 135-minute, Lars von Trier sci-fi film divided into two parts: In part 1, Justine, a sullen copyeditor (Kirsten Dunst) makes a fiasco of her elaborate wedding celebration by sleeping with a guest (Brady Corbet), berating her boss (Stellan Skarsgrd), and then abruptly leaving her husband (Alexander Skarsgrd) on their wedding night; and in part 2, Claire, her older, protective sister (Charlotte Gainsbourg) tries to keep a watchful eye on her depressed sibling at her palatial estate and herself together for the sake of her worried husband (Kiefer Sutherland) and young son (Cameron Spurr) as the giant planet comes closer annihilating Earth.
1986 through 2011 by Wendy Schadewald. The preceding films were reviewed by Wendy Schadewald, who has been a Twin Cities film critic since 1986. To see more of her film reviews see www.shortredheadreelreviews.com

New Business

DECEMBER 2011

www.carag.org

Uptown neighborhood news 9 .

Bike lane Markings Explained

Provided by Traffic & Parking Services, Public Works Department, City of Minneapolis
(November 21, 2011) - In 2011, Minneapolis added approximately 35 miles of on-street bikeways, including several new projects in the Uptown area. To inform users how to drive or ride along the new projects, the Minneapolis Public Works Department is developing a set of educational materials and resources. Below is a sample of some of the information that is currently in development. In the coming months look for additional resources and videos instructing road users how to drive and ride. Information on the Bryant Avenue green shared lanes is forthcoming. Visit www.minneapolismn.gov/ bicycles for updates. background. Like regular shared lanes, green shared lanes are used to mark a designated bike route. Placed in the center of the travel lane, they encourage bicyclists to ride in a safe position outside of the door zone (where drivers side doors of parked cars open). Green shared lanes do not designate any part of the roadway as either being exclusive to motorists or exclusive to bicyclists. Rather, the green background highlights the fact that the travel lane is shared and that motorists should expect to see bicyclists.

Bicycle Boulevard
A bicycle boulevard is a lower-volume, lower-speed street that has been optimized for bicycle traffic. The purpose of a bicycle boulevard is to provide bicyclists, especially those who are not comfortable riding on busy streets and in traffic, a relaxing and safe place to ride. While many residential streets are already favorable to most bicyclists, a bicycle boulevard goes the extra step to provide safe crossings at major streets and encourage motorists to travel at safe speeds, while reducing the frequency of stop signs. This environment is created through a variety of traffic calming and design elements such as speed humps, traffic circles, curb extensions, medians, and bicycle traffic signals. Many of the changes, especially the intersection treatments, improve safety for pedestrians and motorists, too. Bicycle boulevards are designated with pavement markings that include a large bicycle symbol with the text BLVD.

Bike lane
A bike lane is a striped and signed lane for bicycle traffic. The purpose of a bike lane is to provide a dedicated space on the roadway for bicyclists. They are marked by solid white lines with a white bicycle symbol each block.

Suits You
Atmosphere co-owner Dan Capetz, who opened Suit Up one block west from September 2010 thru February 2011, is back at 1406 Lake St., next door to Sawatdee. Re-opened on November 10, the mens suit shop boasts $199 suits, $149 sport coats, $69 shirts and ties for $39. (Photo by Bruce Cochran)

Rusty Quarters

As a bike lane approaches an intersection or bus stop, the white lines are often dotted to allow turning motorists the opportunity to merge and prepare for a turn. The dotted lines indicate a shared space between thru bicyclists and turning motorists.

green Shared lane Markings

Green shared lane markings are similar to regular shared lane markings or sharrows but also include a solid green

Rusty Quarters Retro Arcade and Museum at 818 Lake Street, between Jacksons Gelato and Bryant-Lake Bowl, will open soon with about 18 to 20 80sstyle video game machines the first year and then maybe 35 to 40 the second year along with pinball. (Photo by Bruce Cochran)

CaRag from 8
fiti prevention project at Bryant Avenue Market- a mosaic mural. The unveiling will take place on November 19. The NRP agency will shut down December 31 and their responsibilities will move to the Citys Neighborhood & Community Relations Department.

October 26 with CARAG selling 70 tickets. Additional proceeds from the event will also benefit CARAG. Cindy Christian reported that there were only 3 small trash baskets of landfill waste. All other waste was recycled or composted. The Uptown Market budget and actuals for the year were presented.

Library to the Midtown Greenway.

Community input & announcements

There will not be a CARAG Neighborhood Meeting in December due to the holidays. The CARAG Board will hold a retreat in early December to discuss goals for the organization.

Treasurers Report: Samantha Strong

Financial reports were available including balance sheet, last months register report and end of the year budget reports. The Citys Community Participation Program (CPP) will change in 2012, but decisions have not yet been made. Therefore, the City extended the contract to June 30, 2012 to allow CPP revisions to get enacted. In the meantime, CARAG will receive half the amount of funds received in 2011 for the first six months of 2012. The Hennepin Lake Community Wine Tasting went well on

Zoning Committee update: Dan Jenney

The group met on November 10 and agreed to schedule monthly meetings for the 2nd Tuesday of odd-numbered months, 7pm at Bryant Square Park. Motion, Seconded to recommend no position on the request to the City for a Certificate of Non-conforming Use at 3300 Girard Avenue S. Approved. Motion, Seconded to appoint David Holt as a member of the Zoning Committee. Approved. The committee discussed the connection from a new Walker

Meeting Adjourned: 8:30pm.

Once more with Feeling . . .

From the same crowd that brought you Zeno, then Fusion, comes the third establishment at 2919 Hennepin Ave. called Social House. Its crowning feature is its cuisine. Executive Chef Travis Wong and Executive Sushi Chef, Long Nguyen add their signature asian-fusion compliments to each entre by utilizing the freshest ingredients when hand crafting their exquisite sushi plates and intricate main course entres, boasts the website. More info at www.socialhousempls.com. (Photo
by Bruce Cochran)

10 Uptown neighborhood news

www.carag.org

DECEMBER 2011

ECCO report
Lake St. 36th St.

East Calhoun Community Organization

ECCO meets the first Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at St. Marys Greek Orthodox Church, 34th & Irving. All ECCO residents are welcome and urged to attend.

Council Member Meg Tuthill won the Ward Award and Monica Smith was recognized for Outstanding Contribution for work in promoting the program ($334 to East Calhoun). Congratulations!

Israel, 2324 Emerson Ave S. Council Member Gary Schiff is proposing changes to the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) process for residential development with 5-9 units. The change would expedite processes for the Planning Commission. Site plans are still required. CM Schiff will meet with neighborhoods to answer questions and get feedback on the proposal. CM Tuthill does not think there is City Council support for a new

stadium sales tax. Meet with Meg is Nov. 8, 12-1 p.m. at the 5th Precinct, no meeting in December.

staff. Expenses for the year will be below what was budgeted. ECCO saved money by accessing an NRP policy for insurance. The Board approved a raise for Monica Smith effective January, 2012 (to $27.50 per hour).

Hennepin Ave.

Lyndale Ave.

ECCO Meeting Minutes for November 3, 2011. (East Calhoun Neighborhood Monthly Meeting) Minutes recorded and submitted by Monica Smith and approved by the ECCO Board by electronic vote prior to publication.

attendance
Board Members Present: Sarah Sponheim, VP; Glen Christianson, Treasurer; Anja Curiskis; Brad Durham; Gael Ellis; Blake Harper; Harry Savage; JudyShields; Linda Todd; and past President Nancy Ward. Missing: Kate Davenport, Heather Wulfsberg, Jim Smith ECCO Board Vice President Sarah Sponheim called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. The meeting began with introductions. The agenda was unanimously approved.

announcements
Community Energy Services (CES) Awards Ceremony was held October 25. East Calhoun won first place for the Participation Grant ($5,000 from the McKnight Foundation).

LAKE CALHOUN

Treasurers Report
Treasurer Glenn Christianson reviewed ECCOs budget. The report did not include the Wine Tasting revenue ($3000 plus) nor the $5,334 grant from the CES Awards. Expenditures for the rest of the year are expected to be about $2,000 for communications and

Meg Tuthill (City Council Member, ward 10)

Congratulations to ECCO for CES Awards The Mayor is proposing cutting four of the 18 Crime Prevention Specialists in the City. Meg encouraged concerned resident to send emails opposing these cuts to all the council members, the mayor and the police chief. Mesa Pizzas application for extended hours was denied by the Regulatory, Energy and Environment committee. Mesa Pizza was encouraged to reapply after they have established a track record. Kowalskis application for their liquor store is expected to be approved by the City Council on 11-4-11. Residents interested in learning more about how to obtain critical parking (permit parking) on their block can contact Tim Drew at timothy.drew@minneapolismn. gov at 612.673.2152 for more information. Mayor Rybak is holding a community meeting about the 2012 budget and how budget choices affect property taxes and City services on Nov. 16, 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Temple

Monica Smiths Report

Housing program Grant program: 38 grants have closed. $65,000 remains available for other grants. ECCo page 11

Team 2011-2012
The newly elected 2011-12 ECCO Board of Directors: (Front row): Brad Durham, Harry Savage (Secretary), Blake Harper (Co-Vice President). (Back row): Linda Todd (Co-Vice President), Judy Shields, Anja Curiskis, Glen Christianson (Treasurer), Sarah Sponheim (President), Gael Ellis. Not pictured: Kate Davenport, Kaitryn Durham, Jim Smith, Heather Wulfsberg. (Photo by Bruce Cochran)

EAST CALHOUN NEWS AND EVENTS

DECEMBER EVENTS
T H U R S D AY, D E C E M B E R 1 T U E S D AY, D E C E M B E R 2 0

ECCO Board and Neighborhood Meeting 7:00 -9:00 p.m. St. Marys Greek Orthodox Church 3450 Irving Ave S
Join us our last meeting of the year.
M O N D AY, D E C E M B E R 1 9

East Calhoun Tree Task Force 7:00 -9:00 p.m. St. Marys Greek Orthodox Church 3450 Irving Ave S
Scott Henke from Rainbow Treecare will discuss treatment options for Emerald Ash Borer. Become part of the task force working to protect shade trees in East Calhoun. All are welcome!

Holiday Caroling Party 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. St. Marys Greek Orthodox Church 3450 Irving Ave S
Kick off the holiday season by spreading good cheer! Gather at St. Marys at 6:30 p.m. Well bundle up and sing our way through the streets of East Calhoun from 7 - 8 p.m. End the evening with hot cider, snacks and social time at Judys home. Bring the whole family. Invite your friends and neighbors. Singers of all ability are welcome! RSVP to Monica Smith at nrp@eastcalhoun.org or 612-821-0131. www.eastcalhoun.org
Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter to learn more about our events. Send a request to nrp@eastcalhoun.org or call Monica Smith at 612-821-0131.

were watching our waste

Sign up for a Green Cart during the month of December and win FREE stuff: - counter-top compost pail - supply of compostable bags - Waste Watchers cloth shopping bag - Waste Watchers lawn sign Save space and money: downsize from a large trash cart to a small one. ECCO residents are recycling 35% more with our new one-sort system. Keep up the good work! To sign up for a green cart or small trash cart, contact Sarah at greenteam@eastcalhoun.org.
East Calhoun Waste Watchers is funded by a grant from Hennepin County.

ECCO

DECEMBER 2011
ECCo from 10 Loan program: 2 loans have closed. $64,000 remains available. Keep promoting the program so property owners know that these funds are available for improvements. Community Participation Program (CPP) Expenses year-to-date were reviewed for the CPP funding. The Board requested monthly updates. The current program has been extended until June 30, 2012; ECCO will receive 50% more funding than in 2011 to cover the six-month period. The 2012 program will begin July 1, 2012. New CPP guidelines Neighborhood Community Relations released a draft of the guidelines for the 2012 CPP program. The deadline for feedback is Nov 21. Sarah Sponheim and Judy Shields will attend an informational meeting about the new guidelines on Nov 8. Mailing: The Board discussed sending a mailing to all East Calhoun households to promote our NRP programs, social events, invite participation in committees, etc. The cost of the mailing is $900. The discussion was tabled until next month.

www.carag.org

Uptown neighborhood news 11 . ing each standard at Kenwood and want to share the great things being done here with others. Kenwoods goal is to submit the completed application this spring. The topic of discussion was youth and safe use of electronics at the November 8 evening Parent Teacher Association meeting. Chelsea Adams, Crime Prevention Specialist for the 5th Precinct of the Minneapolis Police Department was the invited speaker. She addressed the crowd of parents on the topics of Internet usage and cyber bullying. This is a very important topic and an area of concern for our families as their elementary age children become older. We are very pleased that Ms. Adams could join us. Her comments were very much appreciated, said Kenwood resident and PTA Co-President Lori Johnson. Nicole Valentine is the mother of two students at Kenwood School and one at Anthony Middle School plus a member of the Kenwood PTA Board.

Kenwood Students Show impressive academic growth

By Nicole Valentine
Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) reported that Kenwood is one of only two southwest-area elementary schools to make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) as determined by the federal No Child Left Behind law. The schools proficiency rating in both math and reading went up this year based on the states Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) test which is used to determine AYP. MPS also measures school performance based on a value-added rating, which measures instruction and student academic growth. Kenwoods value added score also shows that most of its students have shown one years academic growth since last year. This rating is determined by the states Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) test which identifies skills and areas that need strengthening for each student. Principal Cheryl Martin reports that the schools students and teachers have a lot to be proud of and notes that family support of students at home also played a key role in student improvement. Principal Martin reports that Kenwood will be completing the application process for the Minnesota School of Excellence Program. This program, supported by the Minnesota Department of Education and the National Association of Elementary School Principals, assesses schools based on six national standards for quality: Learning Centered Community; Diverse Community; 21st Century Learners; Quality Instruction; Knowledge and Data; and Community Engagement. Research shows that if these standards are evident, best practices are being followed, said Principal Martin. I see evidence support-

ECCo wins Cash awards For Community Energy Services Participation

HallowEve

Committee Reports
The committees will give reports at the December meeting. Standing committees are: Social, Crime and Safety, Zoning, and Green Team. ECCO also has a Tree Task Force and has three representatives on the Uptown Neighborhood News (UNN) Board. ECCO Board members are required to serve on one committee. New board members can sign up for committee assignments at the December meeting. The UNN Board is looking for a new representative from East Calhoun. The UNN Board meets the first Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. and provides oversight of the staff and clarifies procedures for the paper. Social Committee update Judy Shields reported that ECCO sold 114 tickets to the Wine Tasting fundraiser. Thank you to event sponsors: Great Clips, Hennepin Lake Liquor, il Gatto and Parasole Restaurant Holdings. Zero Waste Sponsors were: Uptown Business Association and EcoLitin. Special thanks to event coordinator Pat Fleetham. Tree Task Force The task force held their first meeting in October. They had a good start with a lot of ideas. Their goal is to present a plan to the ECCO Board in Spring 2012. The will meet monthly on the third Tuesday of each month at 7pm at St. Marys Greek Orthodox Church. Officer Elections The ECCO Board unanimously elected the Executive Committee: Sarah Sponheim, President: Blake Harper and Linda Todd, Co-Vice Presidents, Glen Christianson, Treasurer; Harry Savage, Secretary. The meeting was adjourned at 8:58 p.m. Next meeting: Thursday, December 1, 7:00 p.m. at St. Marys Greek Orthodox Church.

By Sarah Sponheim
ECCO has won two awards from the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) and the McKnight Foundation. At an October 25 awards ceremony, $5,000 was awarded to the East Calhoun neighborhood for having the highest percentage (18%) of households receiving Home Energy Visits through the Community Energy Services (CES) program. In addition, Monica Smith, who serves as staff for ECCO, East Isles (EIRA) and Cedar-Isles-Dean (CIDNA), won a $1,000 award on behalf of her work promoting CES in all three neighborhoods. A third of this award went to ECCO. Community Energy Services promotes home energy efficiency through workshops and follow-up home energy visits, which are similar to energy audits. CES kicked off in ECCO in September, 2010 with a workshop held at St. Marys Greek Orthodox Church. Attendees were then qualified to sign up for a free Home Energy Visit, in which two trained technicians assess your home for energy efficiency, make recommendations and supply you with free materials like CFL light bulbs, programmable thermostats, low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators. Through its Phase II NRP plan, ECCO offers matching grants and lowinterest loans to help defray the cost of energy efficiency improvements. In addition, ECCO will reimburse the first 150 residents who attend a CES workshop for the $30 fee. The next CES workshop will take place on Saturday, December 10 at 10am at Lake Harriet Upper School, 4912 Vincent Avenue South. For more information visit www.mnces.org or contact Monica Smith at nrp@eastcalhoun.org. Sarah Sponheim chairs the East Calhoun Green Team and serves as President of the ECCO Board.

Decked out kids take a break between sets at the HallowEve Festival at Calhoun Square. The October 29 event featured the toddler-famous Teddy Bear Band, as well as costume contests, trick-or-treating, a craft station, a photo station and spooky stories. (Photo by Bruce Cochran)

the Uptown neighborhood news

If We Were Any More Local Wed Be Sitting On You.

classifieds
Commercial classified ad sales are 40 per word, 10-word minimum and mUSt Be prepAID. 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 Ave. S., mpls., mn 55409.

tRaNspORt
A dressing 612.827.3033. table to Seattle,

UptOwN GRaphIc DEsIGN

Fast-Reliable-Professional: Graphic Design, Copy Writing, Illustration, Photography. www.satellitedesign. com, bruce@satellitedesign.com, 612.202.3045.

Holiday Caroling Party

Kick off the holiday season by spreading good cheer!
Monday, December 19, 6:30pm to 8:30pm St. Marys greek orthodox Church, 3450 irving avenue
Gather at St. Marys at 6:30 pm. Well bundle up and sing our way through the streets of East Calhoun from 7 to 8 pm and end the evening with hot cider, snacks and social time at Judys home. Bring the whole family. Invite your friends and neighbors. Singers of all ability are welcome! RSVP to Monica Smith at nrp@eastcalhoun.org or 612.821.0131.

cOMpaNys cOMING!
Is your house clean? Let me help you! 612.636.1701. P.S. yard work, babysitting, pet care, too!

RELIabLE pERsON
(Retiree, high school student...) to walk my nice 45lb. dog. Anytime between 12 and 4:30 weekdays. Good pay for a 20 minute walk! ECCO 612.987.3584.

INt/Ext paINtING
Sheetrock (Drywall) Taping, skim coating, textured ceilings. Ceiling & wall repair, water damage, wallpaper removal, power washing, deck staining. Fully insured. References. 24 years experience. A lifelong uptown area resident. casey.reynolds@att.net 612.825.9959, 612.991.6384

REMODELING
Windows and doors. Siding. Fences and decks, finish carpentry. Custom tile. Sheet rock, taping. Local references, free estimates. Tom 612.824.1554

12 Uptown neighborhood news

www.carag.org

DECEMBER 2011

community events calendar

DECEMBER
(Editors Note: We will run community event listings every month on this page. Contact uptownnews@yahoo.com to submit your event information by the 15th of each month to be included in the next issue.) fiddle queen Carrie Rodriguez. Kyle has won numerous song-writing awards and Romanticas albums have been critically heralded by the likes of Paste Magazine and the Village Voice. But all accolades aside, Kyle writes and sings from the heart and will likely move yours. More info at www.romanticamusic.com.

1THURSDAY

4SUNDAY

LAte nIGHt mUSIC: Ben KYLe

Barbette - 10pm 1600 W. Lake St. 612.827.5710 www.barbette.com
Ben Kyle; singer, songwriter and driving force behind the Midwests favorite altcountry band Romantica, can be counted on to bring you a song brimming with melody, meaning and feeling. Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, but quickly embracing the musical roots of North America upon his familys emigration to Minnesota, Mr. Kyle has duetted with Ryan Adams, Alejandro Escovedo, Sara Watkins and Dan Wilson, and has just released a recording of duets with Austin songstress and

wreAtH worKSHop

Amelia Flower - 5pm 910 W. 36th St. 612.208.1205 www.ameliaflower.com

Join in the holiday spirit in a wreath making workshop at Amelia. Call the store for more details.

5MONDAY
BoDY tALK
First Unitarian Society - 7pm 900 Mt. Curve Ave. 651.414.0545
Animal communicator Kristen Scanlon will lead an interactive introduction to communicating with your pet and body talk

to help you bond and heal with your animal companion, in a public meeting sponsored by the Theosophical Society. She is a professional animal communicator from Bismarck, North Dakota who is now based in Minneapolis. Upon discovering her ability to speak and work with animals through telepathy, she left her former position as music education teacher and begin pursuing a career in animal communication, due to her love of animals and desire to educate and encourage a better understanding of the animal world. She has studied extensively with teachers nationwide and through Animal University in Colorado. She is now co-owner of The Healing Loft, a center for integrative healing in Minneapolis. She leads many classes and workshops as an expert in the field. Social hour with free refreshments 6:30-7pm. $4, TS members. $6, non-members. $10, couples or families.

10SATURDAY

Don SHeLBY SIGnS tHe SeASon neVer enDS

Magers And Quinn Booksellers - 11am 3038 Hennepin Ave. 612.822.4611 www.magersandquinn.com
Magers & Quinn Booksellers presents Saturday Signings. Every Saturday in December, great local authors will be available to make your book a unique present. Stop by to meet great authors and go home with a special present personalized just for you. Don Shelby is one of the most accomplished local TV journalists in the country. Off camera, he has been involved in organized basketball as a player, coach, and advocate since 1960. Inducted into Indianas Delaware County Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003, Shelby has been compiling stories of pivotal basketball games those he has played, and those that have inspired himfor over twenty years.

conformist, and guardian of the past, Charlotte survived the Nazi terror and the communist oppression of East Germany. What makes her story so extraordinary is that Charlotte von Mahlsdorf was a man, and lived her defiant, distinctive life adamantly on her own terms. One of the most popular shows the Jungle has produced, and winner of a 2006 IVEY Award for Performance. Call or check website for showtimes.

20TUESDAY

LIFe on eArtH: tHe orIGIn oF eLementS

Bryant Lake Bowl - 7pm 810 W. Lake St. 612.825.8949 www.bellmuseum.org

Caf Scientifique is A Happy Hour Forum for Science and Culture, hosted by the Bell Museum. The Bell Museums Caf Scientifique provides a happy hour program for adults that brings research from the University of Minnesota and beyond into some of the Twin Cities most unique and atmospheric bars and restaurants. Gatherings explore science and natural history from distinct and surprising viewpoints, drawing connections between scientific research, culture, environment and everyday life. Each month they feature guests from a variety of fields. They provide everything from first-hand stories of research and discovery, to controversial topics that challenge our ideas and opinions about the world around us. The only elements made in the Big Bang were hydrogen and helium--so where did the carbon in our bodies come from? UMN astronomy professor Terry Jones explains how elements like oxygen and iron were made, and how they came to be incorporated into our home planet. Cost: $5-$12 (pay what you can) Tickets available at the door or online.

6 TUESDAY

HeALtH InSUrAnCe CoUnSeLInG For SenIorS

13FRIDAY

Walker Library - 12:30-3:30pm 2880 Hennepin Ave. 952.847.8400 www.hclib.org

A certified state health insurance counselor will assist with senior health insurance (enrollment steps, plan choices, low-income subsidy). Bring your list of prescriptions or your prescription bottles, Medicare, supplemental insurance, and/ or Part D drug plan questions. Two private sessions 12:30-2pm and two private sessions 2-3:30pm. Register online or call 612.543.8400. Presented in collaboration with Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging.

CompAnIonABLe BIrDS

Decembers Contest: The UNN is Giving Away . . . 1 Dinner for 4 at Chipotle!

(Courtesy of Chipotle)

Minneapolis Audubon Society - 1pm Bryant Square Park 952.926.4205 bbfrankli@gmail.com

Juli Sands of the Minnesota Companion Birds Association will introduce everyone to Companionable Birds. Join them for a program and refreshments.

14WEDNESDAY

LANDMARK THEATRES CINEMA

8 THURSDAY
LeGo mAnIA!
Walker Library - 11am-3pm 2880 Hennepin Ave. 952.847.8400 www.hclib.org
Take the LEGO challenge. Get together with your friends and build wild creations beyond the imagination. LEGOs and DUPLO bricks will be available. The most fabulous completed projects will be on display in the Walker Library display case the following week. Sponsored by Friends of the Walker Library. Two Dates: Thursday, Dec. 8, 4pm7pm and Saturday, Dec. 10, 11am3pm. K-grade 6.

Fifth Element - 4pm 2411 Hennepin Ave. 612.377.0044 www.fifthelementonline.com

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis are heading back to the Twin Cities. On their last trip they had the whole store packed and rockin for a special in-store performance alongside Blueprint. This time around they are coming back to the store to do a special autograph signing and photo session. On that day the store will also be releasing the brand new Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Limited Edition 7 Viny. This event is free and all ages.

mACKLemore & rYAn LewIS

OR 3 pairs of Movie Tickets! (Courtesy of Landmark Theatres)

RULES: 4 entries will be chosen by Dec. 10 from the correct answer to this question: How many times does the word Xmas appear in this issue besides this sentence?
Email your answer to unn612@gmail.com

THRU JANUARY 14

DImenSIonS oF InDIGenoUS
Intermedia Arts 2822 Lyndale Ave. 612.871.4444 www.intermediaarts.org

THRU DECEMBER 18
I Am mY own wIFe
Jungle Theater 2951 Lyndale Ave. 612.822.7063 www.jungletheater.com
The Jungle reunites actor Bradley Greenwald and director Joel Sass to tell the astounding true story of Charlotte von Mahlsdorf. Collector of antiques, non-

(Previous months winners are not eligible. One entry per person)

Dimensions of Indigenous, Co-curated by Sarah Sarzoza and Rebekah Crisanta, is an annual visual arts exhibition that features the work of Indigenous artists whose work demonstrates involvement in, and knowledge of decolonization, building cultural identity, and resisting further colonization of any kind. The show defines Indigenous as anyone who considers themselves to be indigenous to their homeland, and who acknowledges that colonization occurred there.

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Sweet Enough to Kiss

Workshops were held at the Southwest Senior Center in September for people of all ages to help build this community mosaic at Bryant Avenue Market, 3200 Bryant Avenue. The mural image was created by Sharra Frank and unveiled with a parade on November 18. Property owner since 1991, Dean Alnizami expressed his joy about the project, Its a great feeling! (Photo by Bruce Cochran)