Columns | Southwest Connector

All graphs in this column were drawn from data in the area highlighted in pink.

Local real estate market in three graphs

Interest rates were 3% in August of 2021; today, it’s hard to find a rate below 7%. To a lot of people, that is the whole story. The thinking goes like this: … more

By Larry LaVercombe | 10/19/23

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.

Sleep: A cornerstone of good health

There are only four things that are essential to keep our bodies alive. We need oxygen so we can breathe, water so we are hydrated, food so we are nourished, and sleep so we can function. Sleep plays … more

By Michele Rae | 10/19/23

Young students work with restorative practices leader Manu Lewis during a team building exercise at the Strong Mind Strong Body Foundation’s Community Solutions With Youth workshop at Walker Library in Uptown.

How we can help young people be happier

We have a crisis. Mental health issues for young people are skyrocketing, and the need for mental health treatment is not being met. According to the National Library of Medicine, nearly 20 percent … more

By Eric Ortiz | 10/5/23

Patricia Neal works with children to tend their neighborhood sponsored garden.

Local model for an urban CSA

“Four years ago, I realized we needed a model for an urban CSA,” says Craig Neal, founder and chief gardener of the Neighborhood Sponsored Garden (NSG) located in a backyard on Beard Ave. … more

By Larry LaVercombe | 10/5/23

Christy Johnson of United Goods does minimalistic, graphic prints in small sizes. (Photos submitted)

Inside the head of minimalist State icon artist

Christy Johnson, founder & CEO of United Goods started working as a graphic designer and artist in 2003 in Minneapolis. A life-long creative, she’s loved to draw since she was a kid. Over … more

By Suzie Marty | 10/5/23

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)

Rediscover the power of reading books

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

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