People and butterflies connect at Minneapolis Monarch Festival

BY TESHA CHRISTENSEN, TC DAILY PLANET

September 13, 2011

People of all ages and backgrounds came together on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011 at the Monarch Festival on Lake Nokomis to share their love for the monarch butterfly.

That’s what Lis Young-Isebrand of the Monarch Lab at the University of Minnesota loves about this annual event.

“One of the best parts of the Monarch Festival for me is when I witness kids and adults becoming empowered to help the monarchs that they love. Many participants were surprised to learn that monarch larvae only eat milkweed and that they can grow this beautiful plant in their yards! They get excited and I am quite sure that many of them will increase monarch habitat,” said Young-Isebrand.

During the monarch tagging, Young-Isebrand encouraged participants to touch the butterfly. “People are so gentle and respectful,” she observed. “It seems a real connection between this small insect and people is made once they are allowed to touch them.”

“We had a great time,” noted Crystal Wood of Minneapolis after she and her daughter created a mudball containing a milkweed seed to plant in their own garden.

The 2011 stage line-up featured performances by Mariachi Mi Tierra, the Javier Trejo Trio (Mexican/Americana), Larry Long (American folk), the Tropical Zone Orchestra (salsa), KetzalCoatlicue (Aztec dance), Ballet Folklorico Mexico Azteca (traditional dance), Larrie Yazzie (Native American Fancy Dance) and Batak (fusion jazz).

“Our show promotes the mutual sharing between people beyond boundaries,” observed Pedro Fonseca of the Tropical Zone Orchestra. “If the ecosystems and small creatures work in harmony, we should be able to do so.”

There were numerous activities, including the Butterfly Fun Run, canoe tours of Lake Nokomis, and guided tours of the NatureScape. The steamroller operated by ArtOrg and Grupo Soap del Corazon, rolled over special print blocks created by kids to make individual butterfly artwork. Local vendors sold Hispanic and American food.

The festival is organized by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, the Nokomis East Neighborhood Association and Community Celebration of Place. Learn more at the bilingual web site: www.monarchfestival.org.

“The volunteers, participants and organizers all did a wonderful job celebrating and promoting conservation for the monarch.  Everything went smoothly and it is because of the hard work of the volunteers!” stated Young-Isebrand.

Copyright: 

 © 2011 Tesha M. Christensen

See photos @ HTTP://WWW.FLICKR.COM/PHOTOS/TCDAILYPLANET/SETS/72157627658567282/

See original news story @ http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/news/2011/09/13/people-and-butterflies-connect-minneapolis-monarch-festival

Fire destroys church building in Minneapolis, arson suspected

BY TESHA CHRISTENSEN, TC DAILY PLANET

September 12, 2011

Firefighters battled a suspected arson fire in a vacant church at  at 3115 42nd Street in Minneapolis in the early morning hours of Monday, September 12. The fire was reported shortly after 2 a.m. (Additional photos below.)

According to investigators at the scene, there were multiple areas where the fire started, pointing to arson.

The building was constructed in 1911 and housed several churches over the years, including Across Nations Church and Cedar Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Most recently it was a furniture store.

Power was shut off to neighboring properties at 3:30 a.m. and was back on by 10 a.m.

See printed story at http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/news/2011/09/12/fire-destroys-church-building-minneapolis-arson-suspected

Enjoy camaraderie at Southside Kettlebells group fitness classes

Bring your “can-do” attitude to Southside Kettlebells on 42nd Street and enjoy a free class, encourages owner and kettlebell instructor Hiromi Yokoi.

“There is no typical class! Every class is different; we hardly have the same routine twice. What's common is a bunch of satisfied, sweaty people at the end of the class,” said Yokoi.

All classes at Southside are group events. “People get to know each other quickly and there is a sense of camaraderie among the clients. There are a lot of interactions among the participants as well as with the instructors. Yet unlike contact sports like marshal arts or highly choreographed exercise like aerobics, there is individuality in the workout,” said Yokoi. “In other words, it doesn't matter if you missed a few steps, or take a break while others keep going. You simply get back into the group when you are ready.”

There are two instructors at most classes to ensure safety and provide enough coaching. Beginners and experts work out together. “By seeing the clients who have been with us (the advanced) is a great motivator for the beginners, and being able to reflect on yourself by looking at the beginners — how far you've come — is a great feeling for advanced,” said Yokoi.

What is a kettlebell? A kettlebell looks like a cannonball with a handle. Its shape allows both weight and cardio training simultaneously.

BENEFITS OF KETTLEBELL TRAINING

• Develops all purpose strength

• Amps resilience

• Maximizes staying power

• Blends strength with flexibility

• Hacks the fat off without dieting and aerobics

• Forges a fighter’s physique

“Kettlebell works on your strength and cardio all at once,” explained Yokoi. “If you lift weight, you would normally do a separate set or time for cardio activities or vise versa.”

All the movements in kettlebells are designed to be natural to the human body. For example, there is no arching of the back to lift kettlebells over your head as you might do in traditional weight lifting. “This is a great benefit for people with past injury and/or physical limitations,” observed Yokoi.

At Southside Kettlebells, instructors employ the "High Intensity Interval Training" method. “Basically you do a cardio activity as fast as you can do for a very short period of time (like 20 seconds up to a minute or so), rest for 10 seconds or so, and repeat this cycle for four to five minutes,” explained Yokoi. “This promotes the strengthening of the muscles around your heart which leads to stronger heart. By swinging the bells (instead of lifting), the weight of the bell pulls your muscles and joints, elongating your ligaments - this is helpful for people with tendinitis. As matter of fact, many of our clients are referred by their physicians and chiropractors.”

Southside Kettlebells has been located at 3107 E. 42nd Street since July 2008. The space matched the unique requirements owners had. “The space had to be wide open and square or rectangle. The floor could not be too polished (fearing bells might damage the polished floor). We didn't want the floor carpeted. The ceiling had to be high enough for the movements that require bells to be hoisted above head,” explained Yokoi. “This location fits our specification perfectly and the owner is the nicest landlord we have ever met! Also in our early days we knew we wanted to be small, local fitness place. Since this is a very nice residential community, we thought it was a good fit for us.” They’ve been proven right.

CLASS RATES

• First Class: FREE

• Unlimited access to all classes: $100/month

• Punch Card for 8 Classes: $100/month

• Single class: $15/class

Classes are offered 7 days a week. Morning classes are offered Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Kickboxing classes are held on Sunday mornings. Southside offers progressive discounts on the monthly membership; a client gets a discount of $10 when completing 30 classes, another $20 discount after additional 30 classes. Family and student discounts are also available. Instructors are certified RKCs by Pavel and Russian Kettlebell Federation.

“We welcome anybody - we don't care if you are athletic type, or this is the first attempt to do exercise in a long time,” said Yokoi. “We also don't care how young or old you are.”

Southside Kettlebells

3107 E. 42nd Street

Minneapolis, MN 55407

(612) 281-1166

http://southsidekettlebells.com/

http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/news/2011/07/30/neighborhood-notes-enjoy-camaraderie-southside-kettlebells-group-fitness-classes

Corn feed July 29, other upcoming events in Standish and Ericsson

Come for the corn and stay for the movie on Friday night, July 29. The cornfeed at Sibley Park (1900 40th St. E., 55407) begins at 6:30 p.m. “Harry and the Hendersons” will be shown on a 20 x 25-foot screen beginning at 8:45 p.m.

There will also be face painting, a moonwalk, and other games. Enjoy listening to live Blues and Rock and Roll music.

Concessions will be sold by SIBAC; proceeds benefit Sibley Youth Sports.

“Bring your blankets, chairs and bug spray and enjoy what is calling for perfect weather! “ urges Brian Hall.

ABOUT ‘HARRY AND THE HENDERSONS’

On their way home to Seattle from a camping trip, the Hendersons accidentally run over a strange and unknown creature. Realizing it might be the legendary Bigfoot creature, they strap it to the roof of their station wagon and take it home because they felt bad. Once there, the revived creature goes wild, rampaging throughout the house. Eventually, the family realizes that the creature is actually very gentle. Given the name "Harry", the creature's curiosity leads him to escape, running through the city as sightings of him strike fear into the populace (and greed into the heart of one French Canadian bounty hunter). Trying to hide Harry from the Seattle authorities and the hunter who wants his hide, the Hendersons with a help of an elderly once disillusioned and embittered ex-scientist and Bigfoot-believer Dr. Wrightwood come to realize that the best thing for Harry is to return him to his home in the wilderness.

“Harry and the Hendersons” is a 1987 American comedy film directed and produced by William Dear, and starring John Lithgow, Melinda Dillon, Lainie Kazan and Don Ameche.

Other upcoming events in Standish and Ericsson neighborhoods:

AUGUST

• Monday, Aug. 1 to Thursday, Aug. 4 - Swinging on a Star Camp, children ages three to five, Lake Hiawatha Park, call 370-4930

• Monday, Aug. 1 to Thursday, Aug. 4 - Remote Control Camp, children ages 6-12, Lake Hiawatha Park, call 370-4930

• Wednesday, Aug. 3 - Lake Hiawatha Festival, Lake Hiawatha Park, 27th Ave. S. and E. 44th St., 5-8 p.m. More at http://www.lhrc.freeservers.com/festival.htm

• Monday, Aug. 8 - SENA Board meeting, 1830 E. 42nd St., 7 p.m.

• Monday, Aug. 8 to Thursday, Aug. 11 - Disney Junior Days Camp, children ages three to five, Lake Hiawatha Park, call 370-4930

• Monday, Aug. 8 to Thursday, Aug. 11 - Space Camp, children ages 6-12, Lake Hiawatha Park, call 370-4930

• Wednesday, Aug. 10 - “To Sleep or Not to Sleep,” Nokomis Healthy Seniors Health Program, speaker Abigail Holley, M.D., Nokomis Square Cooperative, 10 a.m.

• Monday, Aug. 15 to Thursday, Aug. 18 - Kindergarten Boot Camp, children ages three to five, Lake Hiawatha Park, call 370-4930

• Monday, Aug. 15 to Thursday, Aug. 18 - Super Hero Training Camp, children ages 6-12, Lake Hiawatha Park, call 370-4930

• Monday, Aug. 22 to Thursday, Aug. 25 - Photography Camp, children ages 6-12, Lake Hiawatha Park, call 370-4930

• Saturday & Sunday, Aug. 27-28 - LoLa Art Crawl, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through the greater Longfellow neighborhood. Features painting, sculpture, photography, pottery, weaving, jewelry, textiles, video and more. This unique art crawl is open to artists of all skill levels. There will be demonstrations at some sites. More at www.lolaartcrawl.com or pick up a map at a supporting business after Aug. 10.

• Saturday & Sunday, Aug. 27-28 — Nokomis Healthy Seniors will be selling brats, soda, chips and hot dogs at Bergan’s SuperValu, 4715 Cedar Ave. S., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

SEPTEMBER

• Monday, Sept. 12 - SENA Board meeting, 1830 E. 42nd St., 7 p.m.

• Friday to Sunday, Sept. 16-18 - 28th annual Autumn Daze Festival, St. Helena Catholic Church, 3204 E. 42nd St. Food, rides, live and silent auctions, games of chance, games of skill, used items for sale, quilt bingo, music and other family-friendly events. Parade at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Hours: Friday 6-10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

OCTOBER

Monday, Oct. 3 - SENA annual meeting, Lake Hiawatha Park Recreation Center, 27th Ave. S. and E. 44th St.

http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/news/2011/07/28/neighborhood-notes-corn-feed-july-29-other-upcoming-events-standish-and-ericsson

Lake Hiawatha Festival: an inexpensive family event

The whole family will enjoy the 16th Lake Hiawatha Neighborhood Festival coming up on Wednesday, Aug. 3 from 5 to 8 p.m. near the park building (27th Avenue S. and E. 44th Street).

“It is a great family event that is not very expensive,” said organizer Joyce Boettcher. ”It is a great way to enjoy being with your family and friends, and enjoy the weather before the kids go back to school.”

At 5:00 p.m. the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board will hold a dedication and ribbon cutting for the updated wading pool and the tennis courts.

Expect:

• Pony rides for kids 10 years old and younger, $5, 6 to 8 p.m.

• Canoe rides on Lake Hiawatha, free, 5-8 p.m.

• The 5-in-1 moon walk, softball field, 75¢

• Inflatable water slide, 75¢

• Mini-golf, $2, provided by Party Putt LLC from 5:00-8:30 p.m.

• Caricatures, $2, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

• Face paint and hair spraying, $2

• Pet wash

• Talent contest. To register, email lhfest@yahoo.com.

• Health fair

• Teen Job Opportunity Fair

• Family fitness challenge. Trophies will be awarded to the top three winners in the challenge. To register, email lhfest@yahoo.com.

“For the young kids the pony rides are the biggest attraction,” observed Boetther. ”For adults it would probably be the canoe rides on Lake Hiawatha.”

Food will be for sale.

Showcase your business at a table by emailing lhfest@yahoo.com; put Business Display in the subject line.

“We are always looking for new activities and enjoy giving local businesses a change to provide information on their company to the attendees,” Boettcher said.

She is the one volunteer who has been involved in each of the 16 years of the festival. “The best part of the festival for me is selling the tickets. I get to interact with so many people from the surrounding neighborhood,” Boettcher noted. ”I like seeing all the happy faces of people attending the festival. It makes all the planning and work worth while.”

For more information, browse http://www.lhrc.freeservers.com/festival.htm.

This event is sponsored and supported by the Lake Hiawatha Recreation Council, Standish-Ericsson Neighborhood Association and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.

http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/news/2011/07/27/neighborhood-notes-lake-hiawatha-festival-inexpensive-family-event

Growing it fresh at Southside Star Community Garden

Standish-Ericsson resident Laura Hansen can’t wait until later this summer to serve up her heirloom tomato bruchetta with yellow tomatoes, basil and garlic grown from her plot at the Southside Star Community Garden off 32nd Avenue just north of 42nd Street.

“Anything fresh from the garden is awesome,” said Hansen. “In fact it's a bit of a smorgasbord later in the season when weeding. One pea for me; pluck four weeds.”

Hansen enjoys “doing something to make the neighborhood more livable, friendly and green. I think the people in the neighborhood are very proud to have a community garden.”

Virginia Bach agrees. She has been involved in the Southside Garden since the beginning. “I thought this was a great opportunity to get to know my neighbors better, develop a gardening hobby that I could do into my old age and pass on to the next generation, eat better organic food, and build a safe and beautiful community space,” she explained.

This year she planted beans, beets, spinach, acorn squash, Hubbard squash, zucchini squash, baby watermelons, pea pods, bushel cucumbers, eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, strawberries, and raspberries.

“I like walking through the garden, watching the birds flit around, and enjoy the peace and beauty. Everyone does their own thing and it's fun to walk through the garden and look at everyone's spin on their garden. It becomes a personal expression,” said Bach. “We have an amateur vintner who has planted a couple of grape vines. Another person has planted some tropical palms (which they move inside in the winter).”

She added, “It is a beautiful and safe place that draws the community together.”

As a project that was started by neighbors for neighbors, Southside Star was carved out of a plot of land that was originally cleared for the Hiawatha Avenue improvements 30-plus years ago. The land passed to the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) as part of the Hiawatha Light Rail Project. “We lease the land from MnDOT,” explained Bach, who is a member of the garden steering committee.

The idea of a community garden first sprouted online. “Mike McMahon, who lives a block from the garden, put the idea on the StanEric E-Democracy listserv, where it was discussed initially,” stated Bach. From that initial discussion a small group of seven to 10 neighborhood people met regularly for one and a half years to plan and implement the idea. “Community gardens are springing up all over the metro area as a way to increase the availability of fresh garden vegetables, fruits and flowers especially in 'food desert' areas of the urban centers,” Bach observed.

The first crops were planted at the garden in 2010. In 2011, 31 participants are growing vegetables, fruit and flowers on 37 plots. Each pays $50 a year, and performs 10 hour of community service such as mowing, weeding, moving mulch, digging weeds out of the sidewalk, working on the shelter and filling water barrels. Prior to work days, a scheduled walk-through is done to create a task list for the work-day leader. People also do community work on their own time and drop a note with their hours into the mailbox in the shed.

“Almost every time I'm in my plot one of the neighbors walks by and stops to talk or waves,” said Bach. “One 80-year-old man (Ronald Waltz) walks a few blocks to the garden almost every day. He gives us advice about gardening and his garden, and comes by with his rototiller to help people till their soil. At least three members of the garden live across the street or in the next block. Many people chat with the neighbors sitting out in front of their houses and share produce with them.”

Anything extra from the garden is donated to the food shelves at Sabathani and Calvary Lutheran.

There is a waiting list for garden plots. Contact Hansen at for more information.

Looking for a fresh idea for the kitchen? Bach shared this recipe which fellow Southside Star member Dana Tuss shared with the group last year:

PINEAPPLE ZUCCHINI BREAD

3 eggs

2 cups sugar

2 tsp. vanilla

1 cup oil

3 cups flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking soda

2 cups shredded zucchini

1 15 oz. can crushed pineapple (drained)

Cream eggs, sugar, vanilla and oil. Add zucchini. Mix together dry ingredients and add into creamed mixture. Stir in pineapple. Bake in two loaf pans at 325 degrees for 1 hour or until toothpick in center comes out clean.

Freezes well.

http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/news/2011/06/30/neighborhood-notes-growing-it-fresh-southside-star-community-garden