28th-Annual Palio More Than Just a Neighborhood Gathering

PAGE 6 THE WEDGE VOL. 41, NO. 9 SEPTEMBER, 2010
Infinitaste at Infinitea
New teahouse opens in Lowry Hill East
❏ NEW FLAVORS
BY KATHERINE HIMES
With more than 200 loose-leaf teas, test-tube samples that allow you to smell the herbal tisanes,
delicious green blends, and rooibos blends, Infinitea Teahouse is a must-visit addition to the
neighborhood. Tea aficionados previously had to order this caliber of tea online or (gasp!) trek over
to a brick-and-mortar store in St. Paul. Now aficionados and newbies alike can venture over to the
attractive storefront at 2827 Hennepin Avenue South and explore the wonderful world of tea.
Infinitea got its start in Eau Claire, WI, but the owner wanted to offer high-quality tea to his
hometown, Minneapolis. He got his wish when the business’ second location opened in May.
Word has spread rapidly about the store. Infinitea won the Uptown Association’s best drink
competition with their take on the Pu-erh Palmer, a twist on the Arnie Palmer. What’s Pu-erh? Nate,
Infinitea’s manager, explained it as a Chinese tea that’s buried underground, where it ferments
and releases a delicious flavor. The staff mixes the tea in a martini shaker with lime, raspberry,
lemonade, and a secret herbal blend to create a unique drink. Sounds like a fantastic way to savor the
last days of summer.
New to tea? Then try one of their classes on Tuesday nights at 7:30 p.m. For $10, you can learn
about (and taste) tea and chocolate pairings, Chinese and Japanese green tea ceremonies, and
caffeine-free teas. Not so interested in tea? Then check out the featured local art and music concerts.
Infinitea also hosts custom events, such as tea ceremonies and bridal showers. One of their staff,
David, was trained by a Taiwanese tea master, and is certified to do Chinese tea tasting.
Just want to stop in on a walk home from Uptown? Treat your taste buds to cups of tea, pots of
tea, iced teas, and tea sodas. Any of the 200 loose-leaf teas can be made into iced tea, so try that
yellow bud, the martial arts blend, and gunpowder green. I’ve got my eye on the Jamaican rooibos.
For more information: http://www.infiniteateahouse.com/ or 612-871-390. Infinitea is open Sundays
noon—midnight, and Monday—Saturday 10 a.m.—midnight. ❍
—PALIO from p. 1
than a horse race. This is about pride of place
and strong communal spirit. She returned
home, and with the help of other neighbors,
organized the first Palio in Kenwood Park (true
story, honest).
Since then, the area surrounding Lake
of the Isles—Kenwood, East Isles, Lowry Hill
West, Lowry Hill East, and Cedar Isles Dean—
has come together united under colors and
mascots to parade into Kenwood Park from
their respective neighborhoods. Residents from
Kenwood dress as red egrets, those from East
Isles are blue raccoons, the green turtles hail
from Lowry Hill West, the purple squirrels
from Lowry Hill East, and the yellow foxes
from Cedar Isles Dean. Judges award prizes for
costumes, spirit, and creativity. The Corner
Balloon Shoppe will generously donate parade
balloons this year.
To join in the LHENA parade, gather at
12 p.m. at Triangle Park at 24 th and Irving for
face painting, costumes for kids and pets,
bicycle decorating, and to learn the purple
squirrel cheer. Our parade will depart at 12:30
p.m. Together, we’ll walk, bicycle, and roller
blade our way to Kenwood Park. Participants
are encouraged to wear purple and to bring
along anything squirrel-themed. Noisemakers
and musical instruments are welcome.
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.
SALES & SALVAGE
of reusable building materials. Better Homes &
Garbage. Shop online at www.BHandGarbage.com.
Sales by appointment. Warehouse - 2829 Emerson
Ave.S. Joe Knaeble 612-644-9412
DRAGONFLY DESIGN AND LANDSCAPE LLC
**Spring Specials**, Clean-Up, Gardens, Landscape
and Much More! Landscape Architect and Arborist on
Staff.
Call 612-529-5957 or e-mail:
jfjeldseth@dragonflydesignandlandscapellc.com.
Hurry now to reserve your spot!
After the parades come together in
Kenwood Park, participants will enjoy food,
games, art, and music. Continuing the tradition
of friendly neighborhood rivalry, this year,
adults will compete in bocce and badminton
(yes, for trophies!), and neighborhood groups
will vie in a Battle of the Bands competition
for a chance to perform at the Bryant Lake
Bowl. The Walker Art Museum will organize a
variety of art activities, and D’Amico’s,
Kowalski’s, Red’s Savoy Pizza, and Isles Buns
will provide great food.
Resident groups that are sponsors
include Kenwood Isles Area Association, East
Isles Residents Association, Lowry Hill
Residents, Inc., and Lowry Hill East
Neighborhood Association. Each year,
proceeds from Palio benefit Kenwood Park and
Recreation Center and other neighborhoodimprovement
projects.
Volunteers are needed to organize and
staff this wonderful event. Please contact Kristi
Pearson at kpearson1920@comcast.net to sign
up for one hour of the following events: set up/
clean up, ticket sales, food and beverage, and
games. Volunteers can be ages 12 and up.
Come, meet your neighbors and take part in a
28-year neighborhood tradition! ❍
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS
Each resident of Lowry Hill East receives one FREE classified advertisement per year,
with a limit of 25 words. After the ad has run, subsequent ads must be prepaid one of two ways:
to the LHENA office at Jefferson School (1200 W. 26th St., Room 107), or to ad representative Susan
Hagler (612-825-7780). Non-neighborhood/after-free-ad cost is $0.40 cents/word. Cost is per month.
The Wedge reserves the right to refuse any ad.
CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING
Save 20%-2 rooms starting at $59
Dave 612-721-5105 (office)
612-636-3073 (cell)
ATHEIST/AGNOSTIC AA SUNDAYS 6pm
3249 Hennepin Ave S, Ste 55, 612.710.4467
AACEHAULINGSERVICES.COM
Rubbish removal & containers 5-18yds
since 1979, 952-894-7470
HOME DETECTIVE
Services: Document and preserve the history of your
home. Learn about the people who built your home
through 1940. Basic package, $75. Detailed history
and research, $150. Kathy Kullberg, 612.374.4456.
Art in Nature ~ Nature in Art
Afternoon & Afterschool
Eleven to Adult
B-Girl Be “Carnival!” takes over
Intermedia Arts
❐ ARTS
BY VANESSA MOORE ARDOLINO
There are few events in the Twin Cities as unique, passion-filled, and
empowering as the annual B-Girl Be festival at Intermedia Arts. This
celebration of women in hip-hop culture—Dance, DJ-ing, MC-ing, and
art—has been growing in popularity and national renown since its
founding in 2005. This year, with the title, “Carnival!,” expect a
raucous three-ring circus of entertainment.
The main attraction is the block party, noon-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4.
Stop by to watch women from around the nation show off their skills in
dance, live mural painting, music, film, and in the art marketplace. A
highlight is the “Vocal Acrobatics” show, 6-10 p.m. Female and male MCs
will put their talents to the test in a battle of words.
In the gallery, seven visual artists are showcased in “Sideshow.”
Powerful emotions reach out from the mediums of collage, painting,
and even embroidery. Over and over, the women tie the meaning of a
human heartbeat to the beat of music. “Sideshow” will be up until
Saturday, Sept. 18.
Hip-hop dancers get three events to showcase their skills. “Flava
Tamers,” (8 p.m. Thursday, September 2, and 3 p.m. Sunday, September
5) is a great way to discover a lot of up-and-coming talent. Catch local
and national stars during “Beat Contortionists,” 8 p.m. Friday, September
3, and during the block party, 2 p.m. Saturday, September 4. For “the very
essence of hip-hop dance,” attend “Decipher This,” 10 p.m. Saturday,
September 4, during the block party. The dancers will improvise their
moves as they trade off in the spotlight.
“Soothsayers: Spoken Word at the Sugar Shack” will take place 10
p.m. Friday, September 3. Hosted by local spoken-word star
Desdemona, this night of poetry should be electrifying.
It is heartening to see this much activity at IA. After taking
emergency measures to compensate for a significant loss of funding
from corporate sponsors in December 2008, the arts center recently
learned it would receive a financial shot in the arm. The Michiganbased
Kresge Foundation is granting IA $200,000. It will receive
$125,000 during the upcoming fiscal year and $75,000 during the next.
The money will go toward general operating costs.
Intermedia Arts is located at 2822 Lyndale Avenue South. For more
information call 612-871-4444. ❍
Upcoming at the Walker Library
❐ LIBRARY EVENTS
BY GARY THADEN
Master Gardener: Fall Yard and Garden Care
Saturday, Sept. 25, 10:30a.m.–noon.
Open Poetry Reading
Thursday, Sept. 9, 6:30p.m.–8 pm.
Health Insurance Counseling for Seniors
Thursday, Sept. 16, 12:30–3:30 p.m.; Thursday, Oct. 7, 12:30–
3:30 p.m.; Thursday, Oct. 21, 12:30–3:30 p.m. Registration required,
begins Aug 19. A certified State Health Insurance counselor will assist
with senior health insurance.
MacPhail Center for Music: Sing, Play, Learn!
Wednesdays, Sept. 22–Oct. 13, 10:30 a.m. Registration required,
begins Aug 25 for kids in preschool.
First Pages: The Fine Print - How Do I Get Published?
Thursday, Sept. 23, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Practical information for increasing
your chances of getting published. Get answers to questions and
guidance on the research that needs to be done to understand the
publishing process
Find Local and Online Book Clubs
Love to read and share your thoughts about books with others? You can
find a local or online book discussion group, tips on how to generate
good book discussions, and other useful info on our
www.BookSpace.org pages.
Downloadable Books
Hennepin County is experimenting with downloadable eBooks.
Downloadable eBooks are available for check out at www.hclib.org/
pub/search/Downloads.cfm. Almost 700 titles are available during this
launch, including adult, teen, and children’s bestsellers, new releases,
and classics. The Hennepin County Library’s collection from OverDrive
uses standard Adobe protection (Adobe Digital Editions), therefore
HCL’s eBooks cannot be downloaded to a Kindle. OverDrive is in the
process of developing applications that will allow their eBooks to be
downloaded to smart phones (Android, iPhone) and the Apple iPad, but
at this time the iPad is not a supported reading device. In addition to
eBooks, you can download audio books, movies, and music files—all
for free. ❍