Columns | Southwest Connector

Minneapolis street art on Lake Street at Lyndale Avenue calls for peace after the George Floyd protests in 2020. (Eric Ortiz)

In Minneapolis, public safety remains an open wound. There has been no slowdown to the shootings, carjackings, robberies and other criminal acts that plagued the city in 2021. Minneapolis now … more

By Eric Ortiz | 4/5/22

Hale and Field schools were combined in a unique pairing in 1971 designed to take meaningful steps towards racially integrating one school that had more White students and one that had more Black. (Mpls Star Trib News Negatives.Box 310)

'Separate Not Equal' exhibit marks the 50th anniversary of the Hale-Field pairing project

Of all my identities, being a Field-Hale-Field kid is one of the most formative. Let me explain. I grew up on First Avenue in south Minneapolis, a stable block of Tudor and Craftsman-style homes that … more

by guest columnist Cara Letofsky The Fair Economy Project Director | 4/5/22

Advice and service tips from Bobby & Steve’s Auto World

After a brutal winter, Minnesotans know it’s time to tend to our vehicles. And for metro area residents there’s no better place than the locally owned Bobby & Steve’s Auto … more

By SUSAN SCHAEFER | 3/23/22

Not sure what to put in your boulevard? Plan ahead for success. Pick plants well-suited to the conditions.

Wondering what to plant in those tough spots?

As a Master Gardener, people ask me lots of questions about their yards, but probably the most common type of question is “I have a spot that’s hard to grow things in. What should I plant … more

By LAUREN BETHKE, Master Gardener | 3/23/22

Donald L. Hammen is a longtime south Minneapolis resident, and serves on the All Elders United for Justice steering committee.

For me, 2022 will be the Year of the Woman

As I make my way down the river of life experience with those of you who have taken the plunge and joined me as readers of Stories and Journeys, I always knew this moment would come. Initiating … more

By Donald L. Hammen | 3/23/22

THE TOKEN POC

I glanced around the room, hoping something would be different this time. Entering yet another door into yet another room. The same kind of room I was just in, funny enough. Crowded, chattery, even a … more

By ABHA KARNICK | 3/23/22 | 1 comment

Michele Rae, RPh, MA, NBC-HWC is the founder of The Center Within, LLC and author of “Living From the Center Within: Co-Creating Who You Are Becoming.” She provides holistic coaching designed to accelerate and support personal, professional, and organizational transformation.

Have a courageous conversation

Healthy relationships and a sense of belonging and connection contribute to our well-being. How do we improve our relationships and expand our circles of belonging to enhance our own lives and our … more

By Michele Rae | 3/17/22

Predictions for the local real estate market

In the March 3 Connector, I talked about becoming a realtor, and I’d planned this week to offer predictions on what to expect in local real estate over the next weeks, months, and even years. I … more

By Larry LaVercombe | 3/17/22

During the pandemic outside OLLI classes continued to be popular, which included a drumming circle. (Photo courtesy of OLLI)

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is a health club for the aging brain

It is widely known that aging is accompanied by varying rates and degrees of cognitive decline. However, neuroscience research has revealed that by keeping physically, socially, and mentally active … more

By SUSAN SCHAEFER | 3/17/22

Can we handle the truth?

I was talking with my 80-something neighbor the other day while shoveling snow. He’s a veteran who was an engineer in the United States Army and is a wise man. Having lived in Uptown for over … more

By Eric Ortiz | 3/17/22

TMC Publications sales representative Denis Woulfe has worked on both the editorial and advertising sides of newspapers, and relishes the opportunity to work with area businesses on developing marketing plans and finding solutions to reaching their audience.

Still an intern after all these years

I often tell people that I came into my current work in community newspapers as the “Intern Who Never Left.” The statement usually draws a smile and perhaps a look of surprise since most … more

By Denis Woulfe | 3/17/22

THE TOKEN POC

I glanced around the room, hoping something would be different this time. Entering yet another door into yet another room. The same kind of room I was just in, funny enough. Crowded, chattery, even a … more

By Abha Karnick | 3/17/22

Carrier Lyle James has a strong connection to local news. “I find local papers provide information that is relevant to my life,” he said.

Meet our carriers, who come to your doorsteps

There is something to be said for having the news delivered to your doorstep; local, community-focused news that is happening in your neighborhood. And while the paper is also available online … more

By Bjorn Willms | 3/6/22

A young woman in Uptown Minneapolis. (Clarke Sanders/Unsplash)

Youth mental health holds key to the future

A growing percentage of youth in the United States live with major depression. According to Mental Health America, 15.08 percent of youth (age 12-17) experienced a major depressive episode in 2021, a … more

By Eric Ortiz | 3/6/22

Q&A with Kristi Abbott

Was there a defining moment when in your life when you knew you wanted to be an artist?Kristi Abbott: If you’ve ever met me, you’ll know that I talk with a funny accent. I was born in … more

By Suzie Marty | 3/6/22

How a filmmaker became a real estate agent

Thirty years ago, when I moved back to Minneapolis from Los Angeles, it was not only for family, but career-wise. It was to be a bigger fish in a smaller pond. I was a filmmaker, and at the time, … more

By Larry LaVercombe | 3/6/22

Let's build a better Minneapolis together

Ward 11 community – for those of you who I haven’t had the opportunity to connect with yet, I’d like to introduce myself. My name is Emily Koski, and I am your new council member. I … more

By Emily Koski emily.koski@minneapolismn.gov | 2/23/22

A new era of neighborhood/city relations

Imagine for a moment that you are a spiritual guide and poet. You share your Celtic heritage and love for your native landscape of west Ireland. Your name is John O'Donohue. Now back to reality. Into … more

By Donald L. Hammen | 2/23/22

HOW WE CAN HELP HEAL AND UPLIFT OUR COMMUNITY

When was the last time you were in Uptown? If it’s been a while, you might not recognize the place anymore. Uptown, downtown and other parts of Minneapolis look more like ghost towns than the … more

By Eric Ortiz | 2/17/22

Connie Osterbaan & Herman Milligan: Longtime residents of South Minneapolis, together 41 years

LIFELONG VALENTINES

With its mid-month Valentine’s Day holiday, February is synonymous with love. And countless couples seal their love by entering committed relationships, whether marriage or domestic … more

By SUSAN SCHAEFER | 2/17/22