Southwest Connector

10 guidelines for a strong, long and happy life

Some time ago, after suffering the shocking and unexpected loss of my still young husband, Martijn, while we were living in Europe, I experienced what is called traumatic grief. In addition to a year … more

By Susan Schaefer | 2/22/23

Something under the hood is not immediately apparent or obvious. This column will uncover stories that span the neighborhoods covered by TMC Publications. | Susan Schaefer is a widely published independent journalist, creative writer, and poet. Her articles appear in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, PBS’ online magazine, Next Avenue, Next Tribe, and beyond. She was columnist and features writer for Minneapolis’ Southwest Journal and Minnesota Good Age magazine.

Warming up for winter

Ever been accused of having a thin skin? When it comes to maintaining proper body temperature, this old adage is no joke. As we age, our metabolic rate decreases and our skin literally thins. Often, … more

By Susan Schaefer | 12/13/22

Suzy Messerole (left) and Tana Hargest of the Subversive Sirens practice at the Phillips Aquatic Center. “We do a lot more than just spread joy,” Messerole stated. “Community is a very big part of our strategy.” The group practices on Saturdays. (Photo by Terry Faust)

Subversive Sirens imagine a better world

The world of queer synchronized swimming is very small. But the Subversive Sirens, a non-binary synchronized swimming team out of Minnesota, is making a big splash. (Forgive the pun.) Advocating … more

Jan Willms | 11/30/22

Creativity and community in a time of Isolation

In 2021, retired University of Minnesota filmmaker Paul Eide and a few members of his family pictured a way to fight pandemic isolation – a way that creatively drew them together. Just before … more

~ Edited by Terry Faust | 11/30/22

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

I'm scared – what about you?

Is it Halloween? Are there ghosts in my house? I can only focus on what is in front of me. What is this me being scared? It's a mystery. Do you ever get scared? Is it a mystery to you? Tell yourself, … more

9/29/22

There are easy woodland walks that don’t require heavy hiking. (Photo by Susan Schaefer)

From the ‘Hood to the Woods

Beach to beechWhen I arrived in Minnesota as an east coast transplant in the late 1980s, my summer visions were of expanses of New Jersey beaches rather than expansive views of blue beeches, the … more

By SUSAN SCHAEFER | 8/31/22

Watercolor painter Barb Morrison is opening her studio in Millworks Lofts during this year's LoLa Art Crawl Sept. 17-18. (Photo submitted)

New artists and spaces join with familiar participants for LoLa Art Crawl

By SHARON PARKERLeague of Longfellow Artists Watercolor painter Barb Morrison is excited to be joining the LoLa Art Crawl for the first time, and to be able to show off the recently renovated … more

By SHARON PARKER League of Longfellow Artists | 8/31/22

WE SOLDIER ON!

Today, right now! It's the first day of the first year without my brother. He died! Myself, my sister-in-law, and my nieces – we continue to mourn. Labor Day week-end of 2021 was the last time … more

By Donald L. Hammen | 8/31/22

Former NEMAA president, Carmen Gutierrez-Bolger, readies her Casket Art studio for Art-A-Whirl 2022. (Photo by Susan Schaefer)

Art-A-Whirl and the creative class:

Art-A-Whirl spans neighborhoods and disciplinesWhatever corner of the Twin Cities you live in, chances are you or someone close to you has participated as an artist or a guest in what Anna Becker, … more

By SUSAN SCHAEFER | 5/30/22

Building power through unity

By CHLOE PETER “Elders from diverse backgrounds are becoming more aware of the importance of working together to build power,” said St. Paul resident Vic Rosenthal. “For many … more

5/30/22

Imagine along with me

Imagine all the people living in peace! Wait! Not just yet! Imagine us walking exploring the yard surrounding my house. It's spring but feels like summer. We see tulips, dandelions, violets … more

By Donald L. Hammen | 5/30/22

Installing a small elevator and widening doorways made this lower level more accessible. (Photo by Andrea Rugg Photography)

Home renovations to age in place

At age 69, I was a “silver sneaker” poster child – fit and healthy, living on my own, fiercely independent and proud of it. Ironically, my main fitness exercise, avid fast walking … more

By SUSAN SCHAEFER | 4/28/22

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

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

#1) “Garden of Iron Mirrors” installation by Andrea Stanislav

AN EDUCATED TWIST TO WINTER FITNESS:

By SUSAN SCHAEFER Much has been written about the benefits of exercise and being outdoors to beat the blues. According to a recent report from the American Psychological Association, “There … more

By SUSAN SCHAEFER | 1/8/22 | 1 comment

I'm taking the plunge – will you join me?

Imagine that we are standing on the banks of the Mississippi River. It is in fact a few blocks east of where I live in south Minneapolis. Imagine with the writing of this column, I am leaving the … more

By Donald L. Hammen | 1/1/22 | 1 comment

This year, anniversary activities were complicated by COVID-19 that restricted indoor gatherings. The banquet was postponed, but a walk was organized. (Photo by Terry Faust)

Becketwood celebrates 35th anniversary with walk down parkway

A month earlier, the West River Parkway had been filled with throngs of runners during the Twin Cities Marathon. But on a breezy November morning, another group of outdoor enthusiasts moved down the … more

By Iric Nathanson | 11/30/21

Linda Kjerland was a Garden for Wildlife mentee in her first year of developing a backyard habitat for wildlife. (Photo by Margie O’Loughlin)

Longfellow Garden for Wildlife Yard Tour 2021

Linda Kjerland moved to her Longfellow home 10 months ago, from a condo in St. Paul. Over the course of the winter, she started thinking about how to expand her garden and turn her lawn into … more

By Margie O’Loughlin | 9/3/21

End of Day: Practicing Stillness

Kevin Morgel rests on a bench along Lake Nokomis, observing the sunset. “I have three goals: try to exercise everyday, to take at least one picture of the sunset, and to do a little writing. I … more

7/28/21

Louie Moore has been president of the Major Taylor Bicycling Club of Minnesota for 22 years. He is a tireless advocate for cycling: promoting the sport in communities of color, and improving biking conditions across the city for all. Club rides meet at his home near 48th Street and Columbus Avenue in South Minneapolis. Moore was the first Black person to buy a home on his block, and has lived there for 57 years. (Photo by Margie O’Loughlin)

Major Taylor Bicycling Club promotes cycling geared towards African American riders

The Major Taylor Bicycling Club of Minnesota has been bringing diversity to Twin Cities cycling since it started in 1999. Co-founded by Louie Moore and Walter Griffin, the nonprofit … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 7/28/21