MPRB News: Indoor golf in the new year

By Mary Ann | Published: January 26, 2012

Click on the link to view the information.

Columbia Indoor Teaching Center now open

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City of Minneapolis News: Report shows Minneapolis has become even better city for bicycling

By Mary Ann | Published: January 26, 2012

More bikeways, increased ridership and fewer crashes highlight improvements seen over past year

Already one of the top cities in the country for bicycling, Minneapolis improved even more over the past year. In 2011 bike traffic numbers increased, the bicycle crash rate decreased and the number of bikeways doubled, according to the City of Minneapolis Bicycling Account: a recently released account on the progress made in Minneapolis’ bicycle program.

Some of the findings in the report:

  • Bikeway network expanded - 37 miles of bikeways were added in Minneapolis in 2011. There are now 167 miles of bikeways: just 11 miles from the City goal of having 178 miles of bikeways by 2015.
  • Ridership increased - From 2010-2011 the number of bicyclists increased 25 percent, and from 2007-2011 the number of bicyclists jumped 47 percent.
  • Bike-vehicle collision rate decreased - Over the past 18 years, the annual bicyclist-motorist crash rate decreased from 10 percent to 4 percent of all bicycle commuters. This drop comes at a time when bicycling has increased dramatically.

A total of 35 miles of on-street bikeways were added, including 3.1 miles on repaved and restriped streets downtown Minneapolis. There are now 80 miles of on-street bikeways in Minneapolis: an 80 percent increase over last year. Improvements in 2011 included the completion of some major bike thoroughfares:

  • Cedar Lake Trail – The final leg of the nation’s first bike freeway was completed in 2011, making it possible for bicyclists to travel from western suburbs to Downtown and beyond without riding along streets with motor vehicle traffic.
  • RiverLake Greenway – Existing streets were enhanced for bike traffic, creating a bicycle boulevard that extends from the Chain of Lakes to the Mississippi River.
  • The Hiawatha LRT Trail connection – This link will help bicyclist get to and from Downtown from the trail along the Hiawatha light-rail line.
  • Bryant Avenue Bikeway – This bicycle boulevard connects downtown to south Minneapolis, providing a safer alternative to traveling down the busy nearby arterial, Lyndale Avenue.

Many people already use bikes for transportation in Minneapolis, and the City strives to make bicycling an even more attractive option for others. By choosing to bike instead of drive, residents help keep down traffic congestion, improve our air quality and reduce our dependence on oil. Plus, biking is a healthy way to get around; it boosts physical fitness and lowers health care costs. Minneapolis is among the top nations in the country for bicycle community, according to a U.S. Census comparison of the nation’s 50 biggest cities.

Read the complete City of Minneapolis Bicycling Account.

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MPRB News: Minnehaha Park Family Nature Quest, Saturday, February 18, 10-11:30 am.

By Mary Ann | Published: January 26, 2012

It’s time for a winter quest!

Join us for the fun on Saturday, February 18th from 10 to 11:30a.m.

Bring the family out to Minnehaha Park where you will be able to hike, explore, and follow the clues placed throughout the park to unlock its secrets and find a hidden treasure. It’s nature based scavenger hunt in winter. After the quest is completed, stick around to spend some time in the park while enjoying some warm and delicious treats! Meet at the Minnehaha Park music pavilion. Call 612-313-7725 for more details or register here. If you have trouble with the registration link use activity #14150.

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HC Library News: “One Minneapolis, One Read” programs include premiere of student video on race relations

By Mary Ann | Published: January 26, 2012

To view the information, click on the link

Library One Mpls One read programs

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MPRB News Release: Snow Removal Procedures

By Mary Ann | Published: January 23, 2012

Snow removal procedures

Winter has arrived, bringing the need for snow removal with it. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) strives to serve its park users during the winter months by providing snow removal services throughout the Minneapolis Park System.

After each accumulating snowfall of at least two inches, MPRB maintenance crews work to safely remove snow from more than 50 miles of parkway trails, 95 parking lots, countless sidewalks and 47 ice rinks.

The MPRB follows a snow removal priority system, whereas crews will work to remove snow from park facilities with the following priorities:

  • Parking lots
  • Perimeter sidewalks
  • Interior pathways (trails)
  • Ice rinks

Every effort is made to have snow removed throughout the Minneapolis Park System within 24 hours of a snowfall’s conclusion. Please note that in the event of blizzard conditions, snow removal timelines may be delayed. Patience and understanding in these circumstances is appreciated.

For information about snow emergency parking rules and routes for city streets and parkways, visit theCity of Minneapolis website.

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Camden Music School/February Calendar Items

By Mary Ann | Published: January 19, 2012

Click on the link to review the information

CMS-February calendar

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Mississippi Messages from Friends of the Mississippi River

By Mary Ann | Published: January 18, 2012

Click on the link to review the January edition

Mississippi Messages-January2012

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Minneapolis Police Department Precinct 4 Update: Reward Increased for Information on the Terrell Mayes Murder Case

By Mary Ann | Published: January 12, 2012

Please click on the link to review the information

Reward Increased for Information on the Terrell Mayes Murder Case

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City of Minneapolis News Release: Minneapolis is the fittest city in the nation

By Mary Ann | Published: January 11, 2012

Minneapolis is the fittest large city in the U.S., according to new rankings from MapMyFitness.

In its “Fittest of the Fit U.S. Cities” list, Minneapolis topped Denver, Atlanta, Pittsburgh, and Seattle. The rankings were determined by the fitness activities of 1.7 million active MapMyFITNESS community members in more than 2,500 cities nationwide. According to MapMyFitness data, Minneapolis users travelled more than 23,000 miles while exercising in 2011 and burned more than 1.6 million calories.

The Fittest of the Fit Index rankings will be updated on a monthly basis throughout the year based on the self-reported runs, bike rides, walks, gym sessions and other calorie-burning activities recorded by the MapMyFITNESS community members.

Published Jan. 11, 2012

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February Programs at Hennepin County Library – North Regional

By Mary Ann | Published: January 11, 2012

Free programs for children, teens, and adults, including storytimes, author and literary programs, book clubs, technology classes, career and small business workshops, and multicultural programs, are scheduled in February at Hennepin County libraries.  For the complete program schedule and more information: www.hclib.org

The following programs are scheduled at Hennepin County Library – North Regional:

Hennepin County Library – North Regional
1315 Lowry Ave. N., Minneapolis, 612.543.8450
Maud Hart Lovelace Book Award
Wednesday, Feb. 1-Tuesday, Feb. 28
Grades 3-6. Vote for your favorite Maud Hart Lovelace nominees at your local library. You must have read at least three titles to be eligible to vote. Vote any time during the month of February!
Discovery Days
Wednesdays, Feb. 1-29, 3-5 p.m. at North Regional Library
Preschool-grade 5. Check out the Discovery Room where you’ll have minds-on, hands-on fun, with new themed activities each week.

Toddler Storytime
Wednesdays, Feb. 1-29, 10:30-11 a.m. at North Regional Library
For children ages 2 and 3. Interact with your toddler to nurture a love of books. Learn letters, sounds, and new words. Be active with music and movement.

Discovery Days
Thursdays, Feb. 2-23, 3-5 p.m. at North Regional Library
Preschool-grade 5. Check out the Discovery Room where you’ll have minds-on, hands-on fun, with new themed activities each week.

Game On! Gaming Thursdays
Thursdays, Feb. 2-23, 5-7 p.m. at North Regional Library
Grades 6-12. Play PS2 or Wii games at the library! Grab a friend, bring your favorite board or card game, or play ours!

Preschool Storytime Activities
Fridays, Feb. 3-24, 11 a.m. at North Regional Library
Preschool. After storytime (10:30-11 a.m.), do a craft, learn a new poem or enjoy other activities and get tips on how to encourage and support reading and literacy at home.

Preschool Storytime
Fridays, Feb. 3-24, 10:30-11 a.m. at North Regional Library
For children ages 4 to 6. Help your preschooler get ready to read. Enjoy stories together and build language skills.

Chess Club
Saturdays, Feb. 4-25, noon-2 p.m. at North Regional Library
Kindergarten-grade 6. Chess it out! Have fun learning the basics of chess, improving your game, mastering strategies and meeting other chess fans. Walk-ins welcome.
Presented in collaboration with African American Men Project.

International Teen Club
Tuesdays, Feb. 7-28, 5-7 p.m. at North Regional Library
Grades 6-12. Explore your personality, improve leadership skills and increase community involvement. Learn something new and build friendships. “Hmonglish” is spoken during meetings!
This project is funded with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
Funded by the Friends of the Hennepin County Library.

Discovery Days
Tuesdays, Feb. 7-28, 3-5 p.m. at North Regional Library
Preschool-grade 5. Check out the Discovery Room where you’ll have minds-on, hands-on fun, with new themed activities each week.

One Minneapolis One Read: Interviews Premiere
Sunday, Feb. 12, 1:30 p.m. at North Regional Library
Grades 6-12. Attend the premiere of videos on race relations by a group of teens that teamed up with MVStudio last fall to interview family members or someone in their community. Discussion will follow videos.
One Minneapolis, One Read is presented in collaboration with the City of Minneapolis and Minneapolis Public Schools.

World of Work Orientation for Ex-Offenders
Tuesdays, Feb. 14, Feb. 28, 4-6 p.m. at North Regional Library
This drop-in service is for men and women with a criminal background who need assistance with job applications, résumés, interview skills and support in overcoming that barrier to land their “dream job.”
Presented in partnership with Goodwill/Easter Seals.

Small Business Consultation With NEON (Northside Economic Opportunity Network)
Wednesday, Feb. 15, 4-6 p.m. at North Regional Library
How do you turn your business ideas into business realities? Do you have questions about running your business? Stop in for a free consultation with Northside Residents Redevelopment Council and learn about resources, loans and training to help you be an effective business owner.
Presented in partnership with Northside Economic Opportunity Network.

Computer Skills Workshop
Fridays, Feb. 17-24, 2-4 p.m. at North Regional Library
Registration required; begins Jan. 20; limit 6. Work on projects and practice skills from using the mouse and keyboarding to using email and Microsoft Office with our software instructors and volunteer assistants.

Microsoft PowerPoint: Basics
Friday, Feb. 17, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at North Regional Library
Registration required; begins Jan. 20; limit 6. Learn to create presentations and use the ribbon to create a basic slide show.

Computer Class for Complete Beginners
Saturday, Feb. 18, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at North Regional Library
Registration required; begins Jan. 21; limit 6. Learn the difference between hardware and software, practice using a mouse, find out more about library resources if you have little or no experience using a computer.

Microsoft PowerPoint: Multimedia Tips
Friday, Feb. 24, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at North Regional Library
Registration required; begins Jan. 27; limit 6. Use multimedia tips and tricks such as auto transitions, audio and video to dress up your presentations. Prerequisite: Microsoft PowerPoint: Basics or familiarity with presentation software is highly recommended.

Social Networking: Basics
Saturday, Feb. 25, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at North Regional Library
Registration required; begins Jan. 28; limit 6. Learn how to navigate the new generation of social media websites including Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

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