Columns | Southwest Connector

Then and now: J.D. Fratzke. “While I won’t deny that all of those nights behind a stove helped me discover what I was capable of, what I could work through and persevere, what I wanted more than anything has never changed: As often as I’m able, I simply want to savor the life I share with those I love the most,” he said. (Photos submitted)

For most of my 30-year career as a professional (I use the term loosely) chef, it was a rare occasion for my wife, Lisa, and I to attend a social function together. Both of us worked in restaurants … more

By J.D. Fratzke, Savoring the 612 | 11/30/23

Community stakeholders and youth brainstorm solutions for gun violence at Walker Library on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023.

Youth have a lot to say about gun violence

Ask 10 people what they think about guns. You might get 10 different answers. Gun ownership is a fundamental right. We need stricter regulation. There are too many guns. There aren't enough. … more

By Eric Ortiz | 11/30/23

Potter Bob Arnoldy is behind @potteryinthegrotto and free items in his curbside pottery grotto.

Pottery in the Grotto: Building Community

Potter Bob Arnoldy has created a treasure in Linden Hills with his curbside pottery grotto. He explains the concept of the grotto and how the community has embraced it. Q: So, tell us what pottery in … more

By Suzie Marty | 11/30/23

Homegrown talent rocks the Cedar

When I heard that Dial Tone was having an album release party at The Cedar Cultural, I was like, “What? Didn’t these kids just meet? How can they have an album already? And how can they … more

By Larry LaVercombe | 11/30/23

The South Minneapolis-based organization COPAL launched a Minnesota to Puerto Rico delegation this year. The cohort included elected officials such as Senate Majority Leader Bobby Champion and partners such as the Minnesota Environmental Partnership and the Latino Economic Devlopment Center. (Photos submitted)

The 'power' of community in Puerto Rico

Power is generated: electric power, community power, people power. This past August, a delegation of fifteen Minnesotans visited the island of Puerto Rico to learn from communities on the frontlines … more

By Ryan Perez, ryanp@copalmn.org | 11/26/23

The Statue of Liberty in New York City is a symbol of freedom recognized around the world. (Kit Suman/Unsplash)

It’s time to flex our humanity with immigration

Everyone has a voice. But not every voice gets heard today. This isn't a new problem. My grandma and grandpa on my dad's side were both first-generation Mexican-Americans who grew up in … more

By Eric Ortiz | 11/16/23

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

Fall has arrived along with Medicare open enrollment

HERE’S MY MEDICARE STORY. WHAT’S YOURS? This is a time during fall to make changes in one’s Medicare plan. I am making my way through my seventh year of retirement and enrolled … more

By Donald L. Hammen | 11/16/23

Advice to buyers in this ‘crazy’ real estate market

This question rose again in my latest meeting with two prospective buyers: “When is the housing market going to calm down?” “It seems like it’s been crazy for three years … more

By Larry LaVercombe | 11/16/23

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.

What is a wellness ritual?

The concept of wellness has ancient origins rooted in Greek, Roman, Indian, Native, and Chinese cultures. It was, and is, a belief that an integrated approach to one’s health and well-being … more

By Michele Rae | 11/16/23

There are alternatives to incarceration

I am reading an excellent book. It is called "Until We Reckon" and was written by Danielle Sered, the executive director of Common Justice , a unique program in New York City that offers alternatives … more

By Eric Ortiz | 11/2/23

Brass Solidarity performs in Boston during HONK! Oct. 6-8, 2023.

George Floyd Square’s Brass Solidarity goes to HONK!

“Throughout the country and across the globe, a new type of street band movement is emerging — outrageous and inclusive, brass and brash, percussive and persuasive — reclaiming … more

By Larry LaVercombe | 11/2/23

Daniel Schmidt is a south Minneapolis resident.

Minneapolis perpetuates poverty through camp eviction policy

The City of Minneapolis is perpetuating a humanitarian crisis against our neighbors who cannot afford housing. We are all witnesses to the tragedy. Instead of enacting common sense programs to … more

By Daniel Schmidt | 10/25/23

Imagine a future of nonviolence

'Nonviolence is the most effective method to work for rights.' The only constant is change. Life either gets better or worse. These days, the world is on fire. Metaphorically and literally. And … more

By Eric Ortiz | 10/19/23

Do we realize how isolated we are?

I attended National Night Out on Aug. 1. It was great! At this annual event, my block gathers a couple dozen people for a mix of burgers, brats, and salads. The adults catch up on each other’s … more

By Eddie Glenn | 10/19/23

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

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