Columns | Southwest Connector

A crowd of book lovers flips through pages at the Twin Cities Book Festival. This year’s event is Saturday, Oct. 14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Minnesota Srtate Fairgrounds. (Photo courtesy of Rain Taxi)

Read any good books lately? If you’re like many Americans, the answer is no. According to a 2022 Gallup poll, Americans are reading fewer books than in the past. The average number of books … more

By Eric Ortiz | 9/21/23

Volunteers are key to pulling together the annual Woofstock event in Linden Hills. The energy they put into the community event helps it run smoothly.

Positive energy meets canine energy

I think about energy a lot. I wonder: How much energy does it take to bark!? I mean, it kind of looks like it would take a lot of energy, if I were to suddenly yell that loud and urgently. . . I … more

By Larry LaVercombe | 9/21/23

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

Summertime celebrations continued

It’s August 2023. A theme is emerging out of my life experiences to date. The theme can be captured in two words: self care. My life as it is unfolding in 2023 is revolving around self care. I … more

By Donald L. Hammen | 9/21/23

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.

Take time for self-care essentials

The cornerstone of wellbeing, for yourself, your family, and your community is self-care. Staying in balance, vibrant, rested, nourished, connected and strong requires daily attending and … more

By Michele Rae | 9/21/23

An Ella Baker student and her mom working together in class.

Calling all lifelong learners back to school

Learn something new every day. This isn't a new concept. Many smart people have espoused the virtues of learning. "Education begins at the level of the learner," said Aristotle, who believed … more

By Eric Ortiz | 9/9/23

A painting by Diane Mach. Her work is on exhibit at Jones Coffee at Upton and 43rd.

It was fantastic. you should go, too.

I cannot recall in my lifetime having more instances of friends telling me: “You have to go see the Walker Exhibit.” Word on the street was, “Oh my god, it’s fantastic.” … more

By Larry LaVercombe | 9/9/23

Joan Meyer died of cardiac arrest Aug. 12, a day after unconstitutional police raids on her home and beloved newspaper, The Marion County Record.

After Kansas newspaper raid: good people showing up

If you’re reading this right now, we have won. Every week, our newspapers struggles to cover local issues. We are limited by staffing, time and newsprint space, and we struggle to pay bills to … more

By James C. Pittman | 8/30/23

Summertime celebrations continued

It's August 2023. A theme is emerging out of my life experiences to date. The theme can be captured in two words: self care. My life as it is unfolding in 2023 is revolving around self care. I … more

By Donald L. Hammen | 8/30/23

Minneapolis needs all hands on deck to create a connected city that works for everyone. (Daniel McCullough/Unsplash)

Creating A new community story together

Everything begins with a story. Joseph Campbell believed this, and he knew a few things about stories. Campbell lived from 1904 to 1987 and was considered one of the world’s experts on … more

By Eric Ortiz | 8/1/23

Chef J.D. Fratzke cooks on an open fire while camping as his wife, Lisa Anderson Fratzke, shields the meal with an umbrella. (Photos submitted)

Let’s clear the air

“Tis the Season,” I murmur to myself as the aroma of smoke from woodfired charcoal graces my nostrils. I begin to imagine platters piled high with dry-rubbed pork ribs released from the … more

By J.D. Fratzke | 7/21/23

Students at Ella Baker Global Studies and Humanities Magnet School. (Photo submitted)

Everyone deserves a good education

Youth need more positive opportunities than ever. The opportunity gap is increasing, especially in public schools and marginalized communities across the United States. While some youth are thriving, … more

By Eric Ortiz | 7/21/23

Scott Zosel (left) of Kingfield performs with Amy Finch on the keyboard during a show at Sociable CiderWerks.

Check out Scott Zosel’s latest album

So, I’m not an album reviewer. (As some of you know, I’m not really a reporter either, I just kind of... talk). When I heard that Kingfield resident Scott Zosel had another album coming … more

By Larry LaVercombe | 7/21/23

Excelsior resident Amy Sabatier says that she feels unwell if she goes too long without creating. It took her awhile to arrive at her career as a jewelry artist. (Photos submitted)

Travel inspires local jewelry artist

Tell me a little about who Amy Sabatier of Amy Sabatier Designs is… Let’s start with where you are from… Excelsio, Minn. Tell us about your career as jewelry designer… … more

By Suzie Marty | 7/21/23

Many communities in the United States need a new model of local news.

How we restore faith in journalism

Every community in the United States needs local news. But today, over 70 million Americans live in a county with no newspapers or only one, according to a report by the Medill Local News Initiative. … more

By Eric Ortiz | 7/6/23

Three kinds of trust in my life

TRUST This column revolves around three kinds of trust. There is the Donald L. Hammen Trust. There is what I call the Stories and Journeys Readership Trust, as well as the Elder Voices … more

By Donald L. Hammen | 7/6/23

Evolving into your healthiest self

One of the many changes we have seen over the past few years in health and wellness is our increased access to online information. There are more podcasts, videos, meet up groups, webinars, and … more

By Michele Rae | 7/6/23

Traveling to places like Belize has challenged Talia McWright's storytelling and writing abilities, and allowed her to experience the world in new ways. (Photo submitted)

Gen Z needs stories, too

Across many cultures and generations, storytelling has played an immense role in our understanding of the world. It is the tradition of storytelling in all its unique forms that connect us all. … more

By Talia McWright | 6/21/23

A student sits for a video interview in a classroom at DeLaSalle High School in Minneapolis. (Photo by Alex Simpson/Unsplash)

Minneapolis can shock the world

Everyone loves a redemption story. After a few rough years, Minneapolis has a chance to write one. The city is in recovery mode and charting a new path forward, but not everyone is convinced we are … more

By Eric Ortiz | 6/14/23

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

I see signs of spring in my life

Dear Reader: This column is about signs of spring showing up in my life experiences and awareness. So, buckle up! If you have read this far you have taken the plunge into the river (flow) of life … more

By Donald L. Hammen | 6/14/23

6 key facts you need to know about Juneteenth

Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom. This momentous occasion is an opportunity to pause, reflect, and grow, while renewing our commitment to the pursuit of liberty and justice for all. Fact … more

By Dr. Artika Tyner, dr.artikatyner@gmail.com | 6/14/23