The City of Lakes Loppet: Festival of Cross
Transcription
The City of Lakes Loppet: Festival of Cross
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Neighborhood 2 Editor’s Notes 2 LHENA Letter / Information 3 In With The New... 4 Northstar Rail Line 5 Uptown 5 The Volume 41 • Number 2 Calendar Artswatch Active Minnesotan 6 The Library Report 6 Energy 7 Saver Rebates The Wedge Classifieds 7 Meet The LHENA Board 8 The longest-published neighborhood newspaper in Minneapolis February • 2010 The City of Lakes Loppet: Festival of Cross-Country Skiing and more! February 6 and 7, 2010 The largest ski race in the Twin Cities (perhaps the premier urban ski race in the United States!) emerges from the snow during the first weekend in February. All are invited to participate or spectate. This festival has it all: snow sculpting, ice bicycling, skiing with dogs, skiing by candlelight, sprint races down “The Mall,” and long ski races through tunnels and under bridges. For those not interested in fitness activities, there is beer and BBQ in a heated tent in Uptown. Here is a list of the activities, and additional information, including registration information, is available at cityoflakesloppet.com Saturday, February 6 Snow Sculpture Contest Sculpting: 8 a.m.–1 p.m. Judging: 1–3 p.m. Teams of sculptors have 5 hours to turn a large block of snow into a work of art. Penn Ice-Cycle Loppet Heats: 11 a.m. Finals: 2 p.m. An exciting bike race on a short track of ice. This is a must-see! Chuck and Don’s Skijoring Loppet, 1 p.m. Dogs pair up with their human skiers during this exciting race around Lake of the Isles with an Uptown finish. This race can be very comical; some dogs do not run toward the finish line! Minnesota Youth Ski League SuperCarnival, 1–3 p.m. Ski games for children 12 and under, alongside the finish line in Uptown. 5K Rossignol Junior Loppet, 2 p.m. A 5-kilometer race around Lake of the Isles with an Uptown finish for anyone 18 and under. Sons of Norway Minne-Loppet, 3 p.m. A free and non-competitive event for kids 12 and under. All kids receive medals, cookies, and hot cider. Toko/Finn Sisu Sprints, 4 p.m. 2 minute heats in the heart of Uptown with high school, open, and masters divisions. This is exciting; there are many falls into hay bales as skiers try to make tight turns around the trees going down “The Mall.” Pasta Feed, 4–6 p.m. Load up on carbs for the big race with a spaghetti feed at Old Chicago in Uptown. Beer, BBQ, and Vendor Village, 1–9 p.m. Visit the heated tent for beer, brats, outdoor and fitness vendors, and more. Notice of Public Meeting about a future bike boulevard on Bryant Avenue Tuesday, February 9 - 7:00 p.m. Bryant Square Park, 3101 Bryant Ave. S. You are invited to a public meeting to discuss proposed changes to identify a bicycle boulevard between the Loring Bikeway Bridge (near Franklin Ave.) and Lake St., as well as between 50th and 58th streets. This project is intended to provide a north-south route for bicyclists. It will NOT entail parking removal. A bike boulevard provides shared lanes (bikes and cars together) in the middle of the street. The public will be asked to rank preferences for items such as traffic calming and improvements to busy crossings.The project will also include way finding and route identifier signs, as well as pavement markings. Luminary Loppet and Tent Party, 6–9 p.m. A beautiful nighttime, non-competitive ski around Lake of the Isles. The course is lit up with thousands of ice luminaries--a beautiful sight to see! There will also be a heated tent full of music and fun. Sunday, February 7 REI Tour, 9:15 a.m. A 10k non-competitive ski tour starting at Theodore Wirth Park and finishing in Uptown. Hoigaard’s Classic Race, 9:20 a.m. A 25k classic/diagonal stride race starting at Theodore Wirth Park and finishing in Uptown. Contestants leave the starting point of a City of Lakes Loppet 2009 race [photo courtesy of City of Lakes Loppet] City of Lakes Freestyle Loppet Race, 10:30 a.m. A 33k urban ski race starting at Theodore Wirth Park and finishing in Uptown. Minnesota Youth Ski League SuperCarnival, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Children 12 and under play ski games alongside the finish line. Beer, BBQ and Vendor Village, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Visit the heated tent for beer, brats, outdoor and fitness vendors, and more. —Katherine Himes Dogs and owner racing in the 2009 skijoring loppet [photo courtesy of City of Lakes Loppet] Guess who is turning 40? LHENA! In 1970, faced with plummeting property values, house demolitions on every block, and spiking crime, a small group of concerned homeowners banded together to preserve historic, turn-of-the-20th-century homes and promote livability in the neighborhood through a variety of efforts. They formed the Lowry Hill East Neighborhood Association (LHENA), one of the first grassroots neighborhood associations to organize in Minneapolis, which in turn set the precedent for many of the other 65 organizations currently in existence. 2010 will be marked by anniversary celebrations throughout the year. We hope to honor and recognize the major impact those residents and this organization have had both in our neighborhood and throughout the city. The kickoff will begin at the LHENA Annual Meeting on April 21st with a major commemoration tentatively-scheduled for Saturday, June 19th. Anyone who would like to volunteer for the planning committee is asked to contact either Kathy Kullberg at 612374-4456 or LHENA at lhena@thewedge.org or 612-377-5023. Page 2 The Wedge • Lowry Hill East Neighborhood Association Newspaper The Wedge is a monthly publication of the Lowry Hill East Neighborhood Association (LHENA). Distribution is free to residents and businesses of the Lowry Hill East neighborhood. Mailed subscriptions are $20 per year. The Wedge Neighborhood Newspaper exists to address neighborhood events, issues and causes, while providing a public forum for the community to share information and ideas and voice individual opinions and concerns within the Lowry Hill East neighborhood. Articles, opinion pieces, photos and drawings by neighborhood members are welcome! Call 612377-5023 for assignments, or to discuss your ideas. Contact The Wedge for guidelines. The deadline to submit items for publication is the 17th of the month prior to publication. Display Ad deadline is the 15th of the month prior to publication. Send publication items, subscription checks or money orders to: The Wedge thewedge.org 1200 West 26th Street Minneapolis, MN 55405 Phone: 612-377-5023 E-mail: lhena@thewedge.org Editor and Layout: Paul Bowman editor@thewedge.org Office Administrator: Caroline Griepentrog The Wedge Contributors – Valerie Powers – Katherine Himes – – Kathy Kullberg – Gary Thaden – February • 2010 Editor’s Notes: The Wedge in your e-mail! LHENA Neighborhood Notices by Paul Bowman Committee meetings are held in Jefferson School, Room 107 Have you ever thought you wanted The Wedge to be delivered to your e-mail as soon as it is being printed? Let me know if you’d like a PDF copy sent via e-mail; just e-mail editor@thewedge.org and say you’d like to be on the e-mail list! The PDF files end up being around 1.5 megabytes, so make sure your Internet connection can handle downloading larger attachments. February 2010 Meetings and Events The Wedge Newspaper Committee LHENA Zoning and Program (NIP) Contact the LHENA office at Planning (Z&P) Committee 2431 Hennepin Ave. S. 612-377-5023 or e-mail Z&P meets on the second editor@thewedge.org to Wednesday of the month. receive article ideas and Residents and businesses NIP has programs to help per- deadlines. seeking variances and waiv- sons who are seniors, youth, ers need to meet with the committee before the LHENA Wed., Feb. 3, 6:30 p.m. Crime & Safety Committee To test your connection and the size of the file, the PDFs on our Web site at thewedge.org (click “Newspaper”) are the same ones I e-mail. For those who are curious about my production process, the PDF that I send to the printer is about 10-15 times larger in file size than the e-mailed PDF. I can guarantee that we will not have a mobile site any time soon, so this is as big as our upgrade is going to get. Neighborhood Involvement Wed., Feb. 10, 6:30 p.m. C&S meets the first Wednesday of the month. www.neighborhoodinvolve.org 612-374-3125 and/or low-income uninsured. NIP also has weekly support Board hears the request. groups, including some at Requests need to be submit- little or no cost for rape surted to the committee at least vivors and people living with HIV/AIDS. a week before the meeting. Call 612-377-5023 for specific meeting details. Twin Cities Men’s Center (TCMC) 3249 Hennepin Ave. S. Wed., Feb. 3, 7 p.m. www.tcmc.org LHENA Neighborhood Wed., Feb. 17, 6:30 p.m. 612-822-5892 Revitalization Program Lowry Hill East (NRP) Steering Committee TCMC has a variety of support Neighborhood Association groups for men and a weekly The LHENA-NRP Steering (LHENA) Board Meeting presentation on personal Committee meets the first The LHENA Board meets the growth or well-being, open to Wednesday of the month. third Wednesday of the month. both men and women. Some might even want to have it deliverd via e-mail in lieu of your paper copy. Please state this in your e-mail as well. Let me know if you have any issues with the PDFs. – Vanessa Ardolino – Kris Prince – To advertise in The Wedge contact Susan Hagler: 612-825-7780 or susanhagler@earthlink.net For general inquiries, contact the LHENA office at 612-377-5023 The Wedge Calendar – Caroline Griepentrog – – Carina Ruhlandt – INTERMEDIA ARTS BRYANT-LAKE BOWL THEATER WALKER ART CENTER The contents of this publication do not necessarily 2822 Lyndale Ave. S. | 612-871-4444 810 W. Lake St. | 612-825-8949 1750 Hennepin Ave. | 612-375-7600 reflect the views of LHENA or its board members. intermediaarts.org/calendar bryantlakebowl.com/calendar/list The Wedge reserves the right to exercise discre- Dimensions of Indigenous tion in publishing any material submitted and fur- Extended through Feb. 19 ther reserves the right to refuse any advertisement. Questions about The Wedge may be directed to 12-6 p.m. This month at Bryant-Lake Bowl: Now through March 14 • The Problem of the Body • Pissing on the Great Wall the editor or to the The Wedge Committee chair. This is IA’s 2nd annual visual arts exhibition © 2010 LHENA, all rights reserved. presented by Discover This! and co-presented by Intermedia Arts through their Cat- calendar.walkerart.org Zhao Liang: Heavy Sleepers • Profile An acute exposition of social realities in China, Zhao’s large-scale video environment depicts the interior of a dormitory for construction —see Web site or call for tickets— workers. Shot in Beijing during the fast-paced construction leading up to the 2008 Olympics, LHENA alyst Series. This multidisciplinary exhibition 1200 West 26th Street Minneapolis MN 55405 Phone: 612-377-5023 E-mail: lhena@thewedge.org will feature artwork by indigenous youth and BRAVE NEW WORKSHOP the empty beds raise the question of whether adult artists from the Twin Cites, Los Ange- 2605 Hennepin Ave. S. | 612-332-6620 the men have gone back to work, or finally les, and Nogales, AZ. bravenewworkshop.org —see Web site or call for information— How to Make Love Like a Minnesotan III: Lowry Hill East Neighborhood Association Board of Directors K. Himes, President 612-870-3991 M. MacLeod, V. President 612-872-1901 S. Bode 612-872-4077 P. Dahlberg 612-245-3145 J. Demma 612-920-0435 M. Greenwald 612-381-1460 P. Sukki Kim 612-377-9909 L. McHale, Wedge Chair 612-823-1270 D. Ogren 612-377-2290 C. Ruhlandt, Secretary, Z & P Chair 540-557-7791 MINNEAPOLIS THEATRE GARAGE 711 W. Franklin Ave. | 612-870-0723 torchtheater.com | nimbustheatre.com —see Web sites or call for information— THE JUNGLE THEATER Blithe Spirit Neighborhood Revitalization Program Feb. 12–March 28 When English novelist Charles Condomine hires an eccentric medium to perform a 612-377-4969 612-377-9909 612-374-4456 612-600-9347 612-377-4007 Neighborhood Boundaries: Hennepin on the west, Lyndale on the east, Lake Street on the south and I-94 on the north Feb. 12–April 24 HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY - WALKER The smash hit is back! Returning lovers and 2880 Hennepin Ave. S. | 952-847-8400 Workshop virgins alike will thaw their winter hclib.org/pub/events hearts as you take an unforgettable ride down the love canal. The Brave New Workshop is Master Gardener: Annual Flowers for Minnesota prepared to delve even further into the sub- Tues., Feb. 23 ject that burns in our hearts and sometimes 6:30 p.m. gives us heartburn. Make your Valentine’s Day Annuals fill the whole growing season with plans early, for our special February 14th per- blooms - whether in pots or in lush waves of formance! colorful gardens. Learn how to grow them 2951 Lyndale Ave. S. | 612-822-7063 NRP C. Bart, Secretary P. Sukki Kim, Vice Chair K. Kullberg, Chair M. Lescher, Treasurer J. Schwartau —see Web site or call for more details— The Full Montevideo jungletheater.com (NRP) Steering Committee returned home. séance at his house party in order to gather material for his next book, she winds up accidentally summoning the ghost of his first wife, Elvira, who is out to seek revenge on Charles —see Web site or call for showtimes— from seed, how to buy plants from garden centers and what their common diseases HIGHPOINT CENTER FOR PRINTMAKING 912 W. Lake St. | 612-871-1326 highpointprintmaking.org/calendar are. Presented in collaboration with the Hennepin County Master Gardeners, University of Minnesota Extension. info@highpointprintmaking.org Select Impressions: Juried Works from Highpoint’s First Portfolio Review Now through March 13 and his new wife, Ruth. The Jungle conjures Highpoint is pleased to present an exhibition a sparkling entertainment that celebrates the of works by 29 local printmakers. Visitors will glamour of the 1940s and the timeless wit of have the opportunity to view lithographs, inta- Noël Coward. Featuring the Jungle’s beloved glio prints, screenprints, relief and monoprints Wendy Lehr as Madame Arcati! in a wide variety of styles. —see Web site or call for showtimes— —see Web site or call for more details— Conversation Circles Saturdays, now through Feb. 27 3:30–4:30 p.m. Non-native English speakers: practice your English and make new friends in an informal, volunteer-led setting, and learn about the library, too. Call 612-630-6069 for more information in English or, in Spanish, 952847-8510; in Hmong, 952-847-8845; in Somali, 952-847-8756. February • 2010 The Wedge • Volume 41 – Number 2 NRP Phase II Action Plan Modification Community Vote On Thurs., Jan. 14, 2010, the Lowry Hill East Neighborhood Association (LHENA) Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) Steering Committee approved a proposed plan modification which would reallocate $25,500 in funds from inactive LHENA-NRP Phase II strategies into the existing administrative/implementation contract. The $25,500 in funding will cover the administrative/office budget through the end of 2010. The funding allows for staff support as the committee continues focusing on implementation of current Phase II strategies and looking forward to the future of neighborhood programming beyond NRP. The funds are proposed to be reallocated from the following Phase II strategies: $18,500.00 – Business Exterior Improvement Grants (Strategy 16.1.1) 3,000.00 – Temporary Outdoor Sale (Strategy 16.2.1) + 4,000.00 – Youth Employment Directory (Strategy 18.1.1) $25,500.00 – Total In accordance with NRP’s 21-day public notification policy, a hearing for the community to vote on the proposed plan modification has been scheduled for Wed., March 3, 2010 from 7-7:30 p.m., at the LHENA Office, located in Room 107 of Jefferson School, 1200 W. 26th St. Questions or comments? Call 612-377-5023 or e-mail lhena@thewedge.org —Caroline Griepentrog Page 3 Historic Preservation Seminar Series Co-Sponsored by Lowry Hill East Neighborhood Association and Minneapolis Historic Homeowners Association February 18 - Tile and Clay in Vintage Homes March 18 - Old House Movie Month, The Money Pit April 15 - Historic Lighting in the Period Home May 20 - Purchasing and Inspecting an Older Home Presentations held at: Jefferson Auditorium Jefferson Community School, 1200 W. 26th St., Minneapolis Ticket price: $3.00 per event For more information, call the LHENA office at 612-377-5023. www.thewedge.org www.histhome.org Save the Date: LHENA Annual Meeting April 21st Board and NRP members wanted! On Wed., April 21st, the Lowry Hill East Neighborhood Association (LHENA) will host their annual meeting at Jefferson Community School. Come enjoy food and beverages from local establishments. Learn about a variety of issues affecting the neighborhood and speak with elected officials. LHENA Board: LHENA’s mission is to represent the interests and values of Lowry Hill East residents, property and business owners to the larger community and government. The LHENA Board makes neighborhood building and land use recommendations to the city government, maintains the organization’s financial oversight, publishes The Wedge newspaper, organizes neighborhood social events, and is a forum for neighborhood concerns. The commitment includes attending 10 board meetings per year, participation with LHENA committees, connecting with the larger community, and attending special events. 5 of 11 seats are open for election to a two-year term. Most importantly, engage with your community! Consider running for the LHENA Board or Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) Steering Committee. Elections for each of these bodies will occur at this meeting. All neighborhood residents, business and property owners are eligible to run and to vote in the elections. Time commitment equals approximately 5-8 hours per month. Participation with these groups is a fun NRP Steering Committee: way to better connect with your neighbors and to The NRP Steering Committee oversees the impact the direction of the neighborhood. use of NRP funds for neighborhood improveParties interested in volunteering for either ment projects in Housing; Infrastructure; Crime the Board or the NRP Committee should please & Safety; and Youth, Arts & Commerce. This contact Caroline Griepentrog at LHENA, lhena@ year’s committee will continue implementing the thewedge.org or 612-377-5023. We plan on fea- neighborhood’s Phase II NRP Action Plan. The turing candidates in the April issue of The commitment includes attending special events Wedge, and will ask that you submit a short and monthly meetings. Committee term is one biography to introduce yourself to the neighbor- year. 11 seats are open for election. hood. —Caroline Griepentrog ?aXg5XgT<^]SPhb $%S_ebcUTY^^UbV_b#" cUbfY^W\_SQ\\iVQb]UTQ^T_bWQ^YSY^WbUTYU^dc 7P__h7^dab=_^6bY#&`]Ce^DXe! `]S\_cU !& g<Q[UCDbUUd\Q[UYbfY^W]Y^^UQ`_\Yc&!"("'%'! gggRQbRUddUS_] Lyn-Lake Barbershop Jayson Dallmann - Propietor 612.822.6584 3019 Lyndale Avenue South www.Lyn-LakeBarbershop.com Hours: Tues - Fri. 11am-7pm | Sat. 9am-4:30pm | (Afterhours by Appointment) Tax Preparation LHENA Letter by Carina Ruhlandt The Lowry Hill East Neighborhood Association (LHENA) Board had a great first meeting of 2010. We are excited about what this year holds. We live in an active neighborhood, with lots of good things on the horizon. • Our new City Council Representative Meg Tuthill came to give her first report in her new position. She and her staff are in the process of creating a list of current constituents. For neighbors who have unresolved issues that began before Dec. 31, 2009, please call Meg’s office at 612-673-2210 to fill her staff in on your situation. They are here to serve us! • The Zoning & Planning Committee and LHENA Board voted to support a strong beer and wine license for Red’s Savoy Pizza. This matter now goes before the City’s Zoning & Planning Committee for approval. • Our Board President, Katherine Himes, has set some goals for 2010. We want to engage renters and new neighbors in what’s happening in Lowry Hill East. Our second goal is to establish a city-wide reputation for green initiatives. We welcome input from all our neighbors, and look forward to connecting with YOU! • Shaun Laden from the Uptown Market came to report on the 2009 market season. He will be making a full report at our Zoning & Planning Committee meeting on Feb. 10. All are welcome to come hear from Shaun and discuss how the market will operate in summer 2010. • Shaun Murphy from the City of Minneapolis came to talk about improvements to the Bryant Avenue Bikeway. There is a public meeting on Feb. 9 for those who would like to have direct impact on this process. Lowry Hill East/The Wedge residents are always welcome to observe a meeting, and participate in our lively discussions. If you’re not able to join us in person, this update will help keep you in the loop about what’s going on in LHENA. Jack D. Manders, CPA 1900 Hennepin Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55403 612-874-7884 jackmanders@sihope.com Page 4 The Wedge • Lowry Hill East Neighborhood Association Newspaper Snow Shoveling Hints by Helen Williams Now that snow shoveling season has arrived in Minnesota and we are supposed to keep sidewalks clear of snow, I would like to give you a hint about careful shoveling. This pertains mostly to heavy and wet snow removal. Do not eat a large meal before you pick up that shovel. It’s the same rule that applies to swimming after eating a large meal. The possibility of having a cramp in the water is far higher if you have just eaten. The results can be fatal. The heart sends blood to the stomach to digest your food and it puts a strain on it. This can also be true for heavy snow removal as it also puts an extra strain on your heart and can cause cardiac arrest. This is especially true for people that have not been active all year then over-exert themselves shoveling. Be safe: shovel, rest, eat. February • 2010 /2'!.)# %''3 Andrea’s Vintage and Bridal features vintage dresses for unique brides 0LUCKEDFROMUNDERTHEBUTTS OF,ARRYSCHICKENSFORUS SINCE "REAKFASTSERVEDDAILY UNTILPM ÆJeidlc<^gaÇ >CHJG>C<>C ÇJeidlc LdgaYÇ 6C 3430 Nicollet Avenue South, Mpls. Phone: 612.823.4111 FAX: 612.823.1787 mary.trondson.gs6v@statefarm.com • Great Free Parking • Mailbox Rental • Great Prices on Faxes and Copies • U.S. Post Office Services • Secure Document Shredding Locally Owned & Operated store2175@theupsstore.com www.theupsstore.com Mon-Thurs: 9am-8pm Fri-Sat: 9am-6pm Sun: 11am-5pm c Uptown Neighborhood News The UPS Store 612.822.0022 2751 Hennepin Ave. (28th & Hennepin, next to Kinhdo) IN: Andrea’s Vintage and Bridal 723 West 26th Street OUT: Lift repair shop www.andreasvintagebridal.com, 612-716-8006 Owners: Andrea Erickson and Chris Holm Photo and article by Kathy Kullberg c Uptown Neighborhood News /PENDAILYAMAM "REAKFASTLUNCHDINNER ANDLATENIGHTEATS 7EST,AKE3T-INNEAPOLIS WWWBRYANTLAKEBOWLCOM Mary M. Trondson Insurance Agency, Inc. In with the new, out with the old Difference between a co-op and a “club” store: You Only Join Once. Really. That’s it. Make 2010 the Year of the Co-op Difference. Join us! If ever there was a contrast between black and white, then this storefront must be it. Picture a dark and greasy garage, men in patchy overalls, oil cans lining the walls. That was then. Now picture everything inside freshly painted white, even the floors. Crystal chandeliers and beautiful lacy vintage white and cream dresses hang from the wood beam ceiling and oriental carpets lay on the brightly painted cement. Light streams in to brighten even the grayest of days. Owner Andrea Erickson had a vision for her new shop months before she even considered moving her vintage clothing from the Hopkins location. It was a premonition of sorts that she “always envisioned a repurposed gas station” to display and sell her collection of 1930’s and 50’s wedding gowns. Then, “lo and behold this spot opened up,” and she moved in the middle of December to the converted 1937 Pure Oil gas station at the corner of W. 26th St. and Aldrich Ave. S. 2105 Lyndale Ave S. 612-871-3993 Mon-Fri 9-10 | Sat & Sun 9-9 | www.wedge.coop c Uptown Neighborhood News Brides-to-be shopping for that one-of-a-kind look for H their special day will find lace, satin, embroidered or polka dotted tulle on the racks. Almost every dress comes with a story as Andrea personally has acquired each dress from a previous owner. Don’t need a wedding dress? Cocktail dresses are in the mix as well. Unique headdresses, veils, shoes, and purses complete the bride’s selections for a one-stop shopping experience. And there is not a wait to pick up items! You can take your purchases home with you that day; a fitter is available to redesign that special dress just for you. Andrea, a recent bride herself, comments that when she was looking for that one-ofa-kind dress, she was most disappointed with the lack of variety in the usual wedding shops. She did not want to wear the same dress as others so she decided to open her own boutique to provide a unique alternative to future brides. She states that her goal for the shop is to “carry vintage looks, especially for the larger woman” with dresses that can and should be personalized and custom-tailored for each bride. Tastefully displayed in vintage corner display cases, are purses, jewelry, unique attendant gifts, vintage perfume bottles and cake toppers. “Vosges Chocolat” from Chicago is available for wedding favors or just plain chocolate indulgence. Almost everything is vintage with some new reproductions scattered throughout. No two dresses are alike. Andrea characterizes her typical bride as a well-educated career woman in her 20’s, 30’s or 40’s who is “green-minded” and loves old things. Since most gowns were only worn once, to reuse and re-purpose a vintage high quality creation is an appropriate and pretty display of eco-friendliness. What was once old is truly new again at Andrea’s. If you have items from the 1930s, 1950s, 1960s and the 1980s, Andrea would be more than happy to discuss purchasing them for her shop. Standard hours Thursday and Friday: 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. oliday Party Photos Last month, The Wedge printed a series of photos from the LHENA Holiday Party. The Wedge staff would like to apologize for miscrediting the photos to Caroline Griepentrog. They were actually taken by Lowry Hill East resident Eric Meininger. A big thanks to Eric for letting us print his photos! February • 2010 The Wedge • Volume 41 – Number 2 Northstar Line Marks a New Beginning for Passenger Rail in Minnesota by Peter Dahlberg, LHENA Board Member Several weeks ago, I took my first ride on a commuter train in Minnesota. The Northstar Line runs from Big Lake to Downtown Minneapolis at speeds up to 79 miles per hour (mph), and provides welcomed relief to commuters in the northwest metro. The line is the first regional addition to the passenger rail system to become a reality in Minnesota since 1975, and other corridors are being studied for both commuter rail and The ride is very smooth and sleek, providing views that were previously only enjoyed by freight train crews. Just moments after an on-time departure, the train crosses the Mississippi River and Nicollet Island, providing a spectacular view of Downtown Minneapolis. The train then makes its way through Northeast Minneapolis on slightly-elevated track, providing an interesting perspective on the Logan Park and Holland neighborhoods. longer distance service. The Northstar service is operated by Metro Transit on freight railroad tracks owned by BNSF Railway. I took a round trip on a recent weekday afternoon by taking the first outbound train from Target Field Station Downtown. The train passes through BNSF’s Northtown freight yard just before making its first station stop in Fridley. Upon departing Fridley, the train speeds up to 79 mph, making quick station stops in Coon Rapids, Anoka, Elk River, and finally Big Lake. The 40-mile trip from Downtown Minneapolis to Big Lake takes only 51 minutes, far shorter than an automobile trip during rush hour. Target Field Station currently provides Northstar passengers with easy access to Downtown Minneapolis and connections to the transit system through the Hiawatha Light Rail and the 5th Street Transit Garage. The station is also a central hub to future regional passenger rail services. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) released its Comprehensive Statewide Freight and Passenger Rail Plan Draft in December. This plan lays out a vision for a number of interregional passenger rail corridors that connect both the UPTOWN ARTSWATCH by Vanessa Moore Ardolino Green Jobs as art at Common Roots Café If a function of art is to get people to think, then Pictures by Erica Ritzel show workers in the city the photographs currently on the walls of Common of Shoreview laying down a pervious road surRoots Café fit the bill. Although, it might take a face. On another wall, photos by Stephanie Althoff moment to think about them in that way. depict rows of gold-flowered sedum plants, ready In collaboration with the Blue Green Alliance, for use on the next green roof project. Common Roots is displaying a “Green Jobs Photo Nevertheless, the connection between the phoProject.” It is a series of color images showing Minnesotans who work in jobs that will help improve tos’ subject matter and the café is compelling. The the environment, such as building wind farms, or café’s mission is to “operate in an environmentallyhybrid buses. Lined up along the walls of Common friendly way.” These pictures reveal that it’s not Roots, it feels like you stepped into a city’s pub- just small businesses that are trying to do their lic works office instead of an Uptown restaurant. part – the effort extends into the world of unions They don’t exactly cry, “This is art!” when you look and government budgets, too. And that is beautiat them. ful. The men and women were caught by photogra“Green Jobs” will be on display until the end of phers with a photojournalist’s eye. They are porFebruary. Common Roots Café is located at 2558 trayed bent intently over their work in hard hats and brightly colored safety vests. Sometimes they Lyndale Ave. S. For more information call 612-871pose, smiling for the camera. 2360. A lively mish-mash from Walker Art Center’s permanent collection in Benches & Binoculars Winter weather forces me to weigh the value of an experience against the hardship associated with leaving my apartment. In January, the Walker Art Center felt impossibly far away. If I was getting bundled up, the payout better be worth it, and in the case of Benches & Binoculars, it was. On two tall walls, 96 paintings from the Walker’s permanent collection are a crowd of colors, sizes and subject matter. It can be overwhelming to stand near them. The curators knew what they were doing when they put benches and binoculars in the name of this exhibit. Using them improves the experience. Hollywood Hills House, for they make certain aspects appear three-dimensional. While the paintings seem to have been hung through a practice of controlled chaos, the works do seem separated by genre. One wall consists of mostly portraits, landscapes and still life paintings, with just a couple abstract pieces peeking out. On the opposite wall, more experimental pieces hang. I found this array more compelling when crowded so close together. The carefully placed colors in Mark Rothko’s No. 12 persuaded me to look more closely at its neighbors, finally drawing It might take a while before you can snag a seat out the beauty of them, like the nearly featureless on a bench, but when you do, lean back and let blackness of Ad Reinhardt’s Painting. your eyes pan across the display. I kept the exhibiThis exhibition is on display until Aug. 15. Some tion map open in my hands, referencing it often. pieces will be rotated out during that time, so it is Since there are only a few binoculars, I’d suggest good to visit more than once. Walker Art Center is bringing your own. They are especially helpful located at 1750 Hennepin Ave. For information call when looking at David Hockney’s brightly colored 612-375-7656. Page 5 Downtown Minneapolis Target Field Station and a renovated St. Paul Union Depot with outlying regional centers. These potential corridors include high-speed 110 mph service to Duluth, Rochester, even to Madison/Milwaukee/ Chicago! The vision also calls for connections to St. Cloud/ Moorhead, Mankato, and Eau Claire at speeds of 79-110 mph. The final plan is expected to be adopted in February, when state and local lawmakers will begin work on implementation. For more information on Mn/DOT’s plan, visit dot.state.mn.us/planning/railplan Love… is in the Air! Call today and place your Valentine’s order The Corner Balloon Shoppe will be open on Sunday February 14th from 10am-4pm. 2455 Hennepin Ave S, Minneapolis 612.377.4011 RENTAL • LAWN & GARDEN • PLUMBING • ELECTRICAL • KEYS MADE • GLASS CUT • PAINT Keep Up With Fido This Winter. YakTrax 19 Only 99 Each The Biggest Little Hardware Store in Minneapolis Page 6 The Wedge • Lowry Hill East Neighborhood Association Newspaper The Active Minnesotan Letters to the Editor We welcome letters to the editor, but cannot guarantee that they will be printed. Preference is given to letters from Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) residents concerning neighborhood issues. The Wedge does not accept any letters that are not exclusive to The Wedge newspaper, are unsigned, or do not include the writer’s address and phone number. This information will be kept on file to verify the writer’s identity and will not be printed. The Wedge reserves the right to edit for clarity and length. Send letters to: lhena@thewedge.org or Wedge Letters 1200 W. 26th St. Minneapolis MN 55405 Lowry Hill East Crime Map December 22, 2009 – January 18, 2010 Homicide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 Remember: Rape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 • Take keys inside and lock your car. Robbery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Aggravated Assault. . . . . . 1 • Lock your house and garage doors. Burglary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Larceny . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 • Call 911 if you have an emergency. Auto Theft . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Narcotics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 For more information, contact the CCP/Safe Team: www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/police/crimealert/signup.asp Lt. Dave Hayhoe | 612-673-2919 david.hayhoe@ci.minneapolis.mn.us CPS Chelsea Adams | 612-673-2819 chelsea.adams@ci.minneapolis.mn.us Crime-Prevention Block Club Want to form a crime-prevention apartment / block club? Training sessions for block / apartment club leaders 94 are held monthly, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Call the 5th Precinct at 612-673-5585 for more information. with Gary Thaden Franklin Avenue West Robbery is person-to-person confrontation where threat or force is used. Most often demanding or attacking for money. Events at Central Library 300 Nicollet Avenue (unless stated otherwise) Gthaden at Gmail dot com 22nd Street West St. Paul’s 16th Annual Fireside Literary Readings Series 25th Street West 26th Street West Colfax Avenue South Dupont Avenue South Emerson Avenue South 27th Street West Aldrich Avenue South Bryant Avenue South Mueller Park 28th Street West 29th Street West Lyndale Avenue South 24th Street West Fremont Avenue South Henn epin Ave nue Sou Girard Avenue South th [source: www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us /police/crime-statistics/] Wed., Feb. 3, 6:30 p.m. Crime & Safety Committee typically meets on the first Wednesday of each month. LHENA, Room 107 Jefferson School 1200 W. 26th St. Midtown Greenway This is the first of a monthly column about staying active throughout Minnesota’s four wonderful seasons. I plan to focus on activities which are enjoyable, local, inexpensive, and fun. My goals are to share my love of being active with you, help you get fit, increase your health, and encourage you to explore. February is an excellent month to connect with the outdoors. Daylight hours are increasing, yet snow should still be present, creating activities that exist only during the wintertime. • Walking and Running: Hopefully everyone knows about a terrific resource we enjoy here in Minneapolis, lakes. After snowfall, the outer path is plowed on Lake of the Isles, Cedar Lake, Lake Calhoun, and Lake Harriet. Walking around one lake is excellent exercise; see if you can challenge yourself to tackle two lakes! Note that Cedar Lake does not have a paved path around the entire lake. Completing this circle requires either walking on the Kenilworth and Cedar trails on the east and north sides respectively, or walking on the hard-packed and snow-covered trails closer to the lake. If you want to take your walking and running skills to the next level, then try the local 25th Annual Valentine’s Day TC 5K race on Sat., Feb. 13, 2010. The 5-kilometer race starts and ends at the Lake Harriet Band Shell, circling the lake once. Run as a couple and save on registration! Right now, registration is only available on-line. On the 10th, you can also register at Marathon Sports, 2312 W. 50th St. Find more information and register at mtcmarathon.org/ValentinesDay or call Marathon Sports at 612-920-2606. Many winter walking and running events take place throughout the Twin Cities. They are listed on a variety of Web sites, including midwestevents.us and raceberryjam.com • Ice Skating: This is an excellent activity to enjoy in the winter. I just went ice skating for the first time in almost ten years with my mom. We had a great time and were humbled by the men The Library Report Larceny is basically theft: shoplifting or stealing personal property where force is not used. Burglary is illegal entry to private areas whether property is locked or unlocked. Now in its 16th season, the Fireside Literary Readings Series is one of St. Paul’s oldest and most popular events. The series annually highlights the work of some of Minnesota’s finest writers who published new work in the previous year. The author readings take place in the cozy atmosphere in front of the hearth at the Hamline Midway Branch Library (1558 W. Minnehaha Ave., St. Paul) and include free coffee, cider and cookies. Fireside readings occur on Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. Call 651-3666488 for more information. This year’s authors are: Lake Street West February • 2010 February 5: Eric Dregni, Never Trust a Thin Cook and Other in their 60s and 70s playing hockey! The best part about ice skating is that we can walk to W. 25th St. and E. Lake of the Isles Parkway to access well-maintained ice. I often see the groomers out in the morning, hosing down the rink. The Lake of the Isles ice skating rink and warming hut are scheduled to be open through Feb. 15, 2010. The hut is open generally from 3-9 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat.; and 12-6 p.m. Sunday. Call the winter season hotline for more information at 612-313-7708. • Snowshoeing: If you are like some of my friends and family and are concerned about falling on icy walkways and ice skating rinks, snowshoeing is a fantastic and safe way to enjoy Minnesota in the wintertime. If you can walk, you can snowshoe. Find out about snowshoe programs available through the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board by calling 612-313-7725 or go to minneapolisparks.org If programs are not your thing, then try snowshoe rental ($10 fee) at the Theodore Wirth Chalet; call 763-522-4584. Many wonderful trails exist in the park. • Cross-Country Skiing: This is my favorite winter sport. And the great news for Lowry Hill East residents is that the City of Minneapolis grooms Lake of the Isles, the Cedar-Isles channel, Cedar Lake, and Brownie Lake! This means you can walk to Isles and ski (without those pesky hills) all the way to Wirth Park, where additional groomed trails await. It’s free to ski on the lakes, but a pass is required in Theodore Wirth Park. See the article about the City of Lakes Loppet for additional information on upcoming cross-country ski activities! • Indoor activities: For those of you who really dislike the outdoors in winter, check out the active offerings at Jefferson School through Minneapolis Community Education. African dance, basketball, yoga, and tai chi all begin at the very end of January. For information call 612-668-2740 or go to mplscommunityed.com Happy trails! —Katherine Himes Lessons from Italy’s Culinary Capital February 11: Sarah Tonich, Ice Chorus and These Granite Islands February 18: J. C. Hallman, The Hospital for Bad Poets February 25: Marisha Chamberlain, The Rose Variations Walker Library Book Club Tues., Feb. 9, 6:30-8 p.m. White Lioness: A Mystery, by Henning Mankell, the 1998 English language version of the Kurt Wallander mystery Den vita lejoninnan. Tues., March 8, 6:30-8 p.m. Salt: A World History by Mark Kurlansky. Mr. Kurlansky is the winner of the James Beard Award for Excellence in Food Writing. Master Gardener: Annual Flowers for Minnesota Walker Library Tues., Feb. 23, 6:30 p.m. Annuals fill the whole growing season with blooms - whether in pots or in lush waves of colorful gardens. Learn how to grow them from seed, how to buy plants from garden centers and what their common diseases are. Presented in collaboration with the Hennepin County Master Gardeners, University of Minnesota Extension. Pen Pals Lecture Series Hopkins Center for the Arts 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins Lectures range from $35-45 For more information, call 952-979-1100 or visit www.hopkinsmn.com/_hca/ Sarah Vowell Thurs., Mar. 11, 2010, 7:30 p.m. Fri., Mar. 12, 2010, 11 a.m. Is there anything Sarah Vowell hasn’t done? Contributing editor to Public Radio International’s This American Life, a regular on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, music critic and author of audio books featuring the likes of Norman Lear, Vowell is also the acclaimed author of five books, including Assassination Vacation, a road trip to the tourist sites devoted to the murdered presidents. Her most recent book is The Wordy Shipmates, a history of American Puritans. Vowell also happens to be the voice of Violet in the Pixar film, The Incredibles. February • 2010 The Wedge • Volume 41 – Number 2 jefferson.mpls.k12.mn.us Jefferson School News Lyndale Church Back On Lyndale Avenue prepared by Kris Prince The Jefferson food drive was a huge success! On Dec. 16, the Emergency Food Shelf Network collected over 500 cans/items of food from our school. We had 115 students participate. I am sure there are lots of great examples of kids getting involved with the food drive from each of your classrooms, but I wanted to share a couple examples that I heard about that impressed me. Sammy, one of our 2nd grade students went door to door around his neighborhood with his family and collected over 30 cans of food. In Ms. Lass and Ms. Glocker’s 3rd grade class- Page 7 rooms, the students collected over 2,000 coins, which they used to purchase food for the drive. In the middle grades, Savannah and Cynthia brought in several bags of food. If you see any of these students or any others that you know helped, make sure to thank them and let them know what they helped accomplish. Thank you so much for encouraging your students to get involved and for any food that you brought in! 125 years ago Lyndale Church started on the Wedge (NW) corner of Lake and Lyndale. National African American Parent Involvement Day is February 8 Parent volunteers are essential to planning the day with ideas for activities you would like to do. Family engagement in our school will improve our test scores and the chance for your children to succeed. Please call me to volunteer at 612-668-2749 or e-mail me at kris.prince@ mpls.k12.mn.us —Kris Prince We’re back. We are sharing space with Intermedia Arts (and Salem Church) at 2822 Lyndale Ave. S. Come check us out. 9:15 a.m. Christian Education for all 10:30 a.m. Worship in either the Intermedia Arts theater or gallery 2822 Lyndale Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 612.825.3019 Lyndaleucc.org LYNDALE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST No matter who you are or where you are on your journey, you’re welcome here. —Tricia, AmeriCorps Tutor Energy Saver Rebates Now Available [information courtesy of Minnesota Center for Energy and Environment] As of December 7, Minnesota’s Federal Stimulus Funding is available for homeowners across the state. The stimulus funding comes in the form of an “Energy Saver Rebate” and offered through participating Minnesota Housing lenders, such as the Center for Energy and Environment, CEE. Only borrowers who access Minnesota Housing’s Fix-Up Fund loan are eligible to apply for the rebate. The “Energy Saver Rebate” offers a 35% rebate for all qualifying energy improvements, with a maximum rebate of $10,000. These qualifying improvements include windows, doors, insulation, water heater, heating and cooling. Improvements must meet certain energy efficiency criteria to be eligible for the rebate. The Fix-Up Fund has a maximum loan amount of $35,000 and a maximum term of 20 years with an interest rate of 5.99%* as of Nov. 22, 2009. More information on the “Energy Saver Rebate,” the fixup fund loan and other home improvement loans can be found at mncee.org The Fix-Up Fund loan is one of the many loans and financ- ing options CEE offers to Minnesota residents. As the largest non-profit home improvement lender for Minnesota Housing, they can help match Minnesotans with the best available financing options for their home improvement needs. The Center for Energy and Environment is a nonprofit organization based in Minneapolis. CEE was established in 1979 and is the leading nonprofit resource on energy efficiency in the state. Give Community Relations Manager Erica Schulte a call at 612-335-5884 if you have any questions. Energy Saver Rebate Specifics Instructions to Homeowners •Within 120 days of closing on a Fix-Up Fund Loan, homeowners must submit the completed Energy Saver Rebate Application to the Center for Energy and Environment. See a PDF copy of this and other back issues by visiting our Web site! www.thewedge.org To advertise in The Wedge contact Susan Hagler: 612-825-7780 or susanhagler@earthlink.net For general inquiries, contact the LHENA office at 612-377-5023. •Rebate amount is 35% of cost of completed rebate-eligible improvements described below. •Required attachments to this application are: •Paid receipts for all rebate-eligible improvements; and •Utility Release Form signed by homeowner. •It may take 4-6 weeks to process rebates. •To get a rebate application or if you have questions regarding program participation or the Fix-Up Fund, visit mncee.org or call 612-335-5884. Heating Systems Natural Gas or Propane furnace AFUE >= 95, Oil furnace, gas, propane or oil hot water boiler AFUE >= 90. Central Air Conditioning Split systems; SEER >= 16 - EER >=13; Package systems: SEER >=14 - EER >= 12. Light Fixtures Fixtures must meet Energy Star requirements. Window Replacement Windows must be Energy Star qualified under Federal guidelines. Not all Energy Star labeled windows qualify for Federal Energy Tax Credits. Exterior Doors Exterior doors must have a U-factor and SHGC of 0.30 or less. Attic Air Sealing Testing the air tightness of a home using a calibrated door will measure the quantity of air leakage and air sealing effectiveness. Attic air sealing is a prerequisite for wall/attic insulation rebates. Attic Insulation Attic insulation must be combined with attic air sealing for rebate eligibility. Final R-Value >= R-44 Wall Insulation All external wall cavities must be filled with insulation. Rebate eligibility is conditioned on Attic Air Sealing being performed. Water Heater Atmospherically vented and orphaned water heaters are eligible for replacement with a power vented or direct vented high efficiency storage or demand unit; only if an orphaned water heater currently exists or if an orphan is created due to furnace replacement. Gas storage units >= 0.62 EF Gas tankless units >= 0.82 EF w/ 2.5 gpm @77 degree Fahrenheit rise The Wedge Messages The Wedge accepts classified ads and personal messages. See bottom for pricing. HOME SERVICES / REPAIR HOME RESTORATION, REMODELING AND REPAIR Resident of The Wedge. All projects considered. Handyman services. Great service and quality. Licensed and insured. Dan 612-655-4961 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES TEACH OTHER ADULTS Volunteer as an adult education classroom assistant in Basic Reading, ESL, Basic Math, or Basic Computer Skills. Daytime or evening at Lehmann Center.,1006 W Lake St. Contact 612-668-3984 or Ellen.Lipschultz@mpls.k12.mn.u YOUR LIFE IS BUSY, BUT IS IT FULL? Unique volunteer opportunity to staff on-site coffee shop in neighborhood nursing home. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Training provided. Call Jennifer at 612-827-2555, ext. 142 MISCELLANEOUS NEED AN ATTORNEY? Experienced Uptown area criminal defense Attorney. All traffic offenses including DWI, misdemeanors, theft, drugs, expungements. Affordable rates. Call Attorney Brad Mathis, 612-823-9466. Website: www.bradmathislaw.com How to advertise Each resident of The Wedge receives one FREE classified each year with a limit of 25 words. After the initial run, you must prepay one of two ways: our office at Jefferson School (1200 W. 26th St., Room 107; 612-377-5023) or our ad representative, Susan Hagler (612-825-7780; susanhagler@earthlink.net). Non-neighborhood / after free ad cost is $0.40 per word. Cost is per month and must be paid with order. The Wedge reserves the right to refuse any ad. Page 8 The Wedge • Lowry Hill East Neighborhood Association Newspaper February • 2010 The Wedge Recycling Disaster Meet the LHENA Board Katherine E. Himes, Ph.D. 1. What’s your role on the Board? Board President 2. How long have you lived in The Wedge? Almost three years an MBA, and really enjoy putting both to good use. Much of my time is spent on broad science or graduate education projects. I really enjoy my work. 7. What are your hobbies? 3. What do you like best about Lowry Hill East? Running marathons, cross country ski racing, playing violin, backpacking and hiking, learnProximity to everything--I can walk to the ing to garden, travel, reading, bicycling, cooking, co-op, farmer’s market, restaurants, and library. spending time with friends, and developing new So many bus routes to travel to other parts of skills. the city, including my job! I run from my door to 8. What book are you reading right now? the lakes and Wirth Park. And the biking options Gail Collins’ America’s Women: Four Hundred are terrific. Years of Dolls, Drudges, Helpmates and Hero4. Do you have a favorite location in the ines. It’s a pretty fascinating read of the history neighborhood? of women in the United States. I picked it up at I really like the conifer trees in Mueller Park; the Field Museum in Chicago. they make me feel like I’m “up north.” I enjoy the 9. Tell us an interesting fact or story. sunrise over the Greenway as well. I attended the University of Minnesota for two 5. Favorite neighborhood restaurant? of my degrees and Madison for the other. I’m a This is a tough one, as we are fortunate to conflicted Gopher-Badger fan. have so many delicious eating options. I’d like to change this question to favorite neighborhood establishment with food. Then the answer would Please e-mail editor@thewedge.org or call 612be Bryant-Lake Bowl. What a neighborhood icon. 377-5023 if there is a Lowry Hill East resident 6. What do you do for a living? you would like to see here. We alternate months I work in administration at the University of of LHENA Board Members and residents of The Minnesota. I have a Ph.D. in neuroscience and Wedge. You are welcome to nominate yourself! THIS IS MY CITY. THIS IS MY YWCA. We are Minnesota’s Official Center for Total Immersion™ Featuring TRX® Suspension Training® 0 Join by Feb. 15 and pay no joiners fee! Valid at any of our three locations. Must be 18 years or older with valid Photo ID. Other restrictions may apply. facebook.com/ywcafitness Hints for Good and Easy Recycling: Keep four paper bags in your residence; one for glass, one for plastic, one for aluminum, and one for newspaper. Newspapers may also be tied with twine, rope, or string. Glass bottles/containers/jars: Remove lid/caps, then rinse. Plastic butter containers: Remove lid/caps, then rinse. Aluminum cans: Remove label, then rinse. I flatten them and get twice as many in the bag. Cardboard boxes: They have to be opened up (nothing left taped together or interlocking), no larger than 3’ by 3’, and weigh less than 20 lbs. Put in a bag or tie with string, twine, etc. Batteries: Small household batteries may be put in a plastic bag and left on top of the container cover. As each bag is filled, place it in your city-provided recycling container, and put the cover on so it looks like a dome. I realize there are a lot of small rental units in The Wedge area. Perhaps new residents do not know how to recycle properly. It would help if landlords or caretakers explained to them how to recycle in Minneapolis. If your recycling container is not in good condition or there is no cover, you can call the following number and order new ones at no expense: 612-673-2917. The following items are not recyclable or belong in your regular garbage container: Plastic milk bottles (long neck) Egg cartons Beer and pop containers Pizza boxes Refrigerator/frozen food containers Margarine/yogurt containers Broken glass/glass windows Aerosol cans Tires, automotive batteries, and construction waste has to be taken to the transfer station located at 2850 20th Ave. S. You will need a voucher; each homeowner is allowed six vouchers per year. They will take eight tires on one voucher. Call 612-6732917 for voucher availability. When you buy local, you support the independent, one-of-a-kind businesses that make up the heart of Minneapolis neighborhoods. Buying local keeps money in the community and builds a strong local economy. Healthy Me. Healthy Community. $ I occasionally walk through the alleys of The Wedge neighborhood and cannot believe the way some people handle their recyclable items. In many instances, the cover for the city-provided recycling containers does not get put on. The blue containers actually have the cover attached but are still not used! Some people do place items in paper bags, beer or pop containers, etc. and leave them on the ground next to an empty city container rather than inside. Unfortunately these bags and boxes are often left unsorted. When do get rain/snow, these paper/cardboard containers become wet and fall apart. Items become scattered around the alley are rarely picked up by the careless resident. This can still happen if items are in the plastic container, but at least the items do not end up around the alley. Without the lid on, it quickly becomes a soggy mess. A common reason is that some people bring out recyclables the day after the semimonthly pickup. That leaves two weeks to become a mess from weather. This could easily be prevented if people would get that cover on after putting items in the containers. The recycling truck has separate bins. If items are put in separate bags before they go into containers, it makes it far easier for the handlers and helps guarantee pick-up. Certain handlers will leave containers untouched if the items are not sorted. Recycling items are picked up twice a month on the same day your garbage is picked up. ywcampls.org I am afraid that the people that are guilty of poor recycling or sometimes don’t care how to recycle also probably do not read The Wedge newspaper, so the disaster will continue. Too bad when it can be so much easier for the person picking up the items. The Wedge neighborhood does not have a good reputation for proper recycling and I would like to see it changed. Congratulations to those residents in The Wedge that do a good job separating items within the provided container and covering it. This article was not addressing large apartment buildings, as they have separate containers and rules for their recyclable items. Happy Recycling, The Recycling Detective
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