Columns | Southwest Connector

Under the Hood columnist, Susan Schaefer, shares her spectacular view of the Mississippi River. (Photo by Susan Schaefer)

HyggeCertainly, the long, cold, dark Minnesota winters can spark a melancholia for some. Yet frigid temperatures and spare daytime hours can also create the mood to hibernate, as other creatures of … more

By Susan Schaefer | 1/19/23

North High School assistant football coach and MPD officer Ricky Plunkett, right, talks with quarterback Deshaun Hill during the 2021 season.

‘Boys in Blue’ shows how to turn pain into power

The world is not black and white. But sometimes, it gets reduced to that.All cops are bad.All criminals are bad.All [insert any group] are bad.Those kinds of blanket statements are not helpful. … more

By Eric Ortiz | 1/19/23

Hercules, an Olde English Bulldogge, had his tail cut off by a breeder at a young age before he joined the Peter family.

Dogs don’t need cosmetic surgery

I’ve had three family dogs that I can remember in my lifetime. Hunter was a yellow Labrador, Hercules an Olde English Bulldogge, and now, Smokey, our German Shepherd mix. When I was growing up, … more

By Chloe Peter | 1/19/23

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

Return to sender

One day as I am writing a draft of this column, I become aware that the U.S. mail has arrived at my house. I bring in the mail. An envelope jumps out at me with the words RETURN TO SENDER. Sad! Those … more

By Donald L. Hammen | 1/19/23

Exploring purpose for health and wellness

Did you know that living with a clear purpose can improve your resilience, health, and relationships? The beginning of 2023 may be a perfect time to reflect on what gives you direction, why you get … more

By Michele Rae | 1/19/23

Add more holidays to your life and honor what is significant to you

My children and I tested positive for COVID-19 about a week before Thanksgiving, which meant we had to miss a larger family gathering that my in-laws were hosting. We made the best of it on … more

By Eddie Glenn | 12/13/22

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

Wedge resident Dave Whorton talks to community members before a neighborhood public safety walk. (Photo by Eric Ortiz)

It’s time to learn to walk again

Walking is one of those big early milestones in life. When you’re a kid, you have to walk before you can run. As you get older, walking is how we move through the world from task to task each … more

By Eric Ortiz | 12/13/22

My vacation was full of transcendent experiences of natural beauty, including these redwoods, but I was most inspired by the work of other people doing good. (Photo by Larry LaVercombe)

The value of three documentaries I watched on a plane

In flight and bookending our Sonoma County vacation, where we enjoyed winding wine-country roads, redwood forests, and sunbathing seals at the mouth of the Russian River, I watched three … more

By Larry LaVercombe | 12/13/22

A more sustainable season

Extra waste from the holiday season is a big problem in America. The average American throws away 25 percent more trash during the Thanksgiving to New Year’s holiday season, according to … more

By Chloe Peter | 12/1/22

Look closer at Credit Card Competition Act of 2022

The Black community has struggled to keep up financially with White peers. Much of this can be attributed to a lack of access to financial services offered to the community. Nontraditional services … more

By Brett Buckner | 12/1/22

A nativity scene depicting the birth of Jesus.

Nothing beats forgiveness — in any season

The holidays are here. You know what that means. It's the most wonderful time of year. Or the worst. Depends on how you feel about Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. And what they represent. … more

By Eric Ortiz | 12/1/22

Mike Salovich, of St. Paul and Columbia, performs in front of Everett & Charlie.

All that was yummy in 2022

Another year is coming to an end, giving birth to a new one. What 2023 has in store is yet to be seen. A mystery like turning a page in a suspense novel yet to be written. This last year has not been … more

By Suzie Marty | 12/1/22

More marvelous music for middle-aged Minnesotans

“We’re playing all originals tonight,” said band leader Terry Walsh as he ripped into another of his audience’ favorites. “I mean, since we’re celebrating Dan … more

By Larry LaVercombe | 12/1/22

Most plants should be pruned in the late dormant season, generally around January or February. The exceptions are those that bloom early in the growing season on last year's growth. (Photo submitted)

Best time to prune most plants is late winter

As fall turns to winter, you may be looking at the bare, brown branches in your yard and wondering when to cut them back. Overall, the answer is not yet! But there’s lots to think about before … more

By LAUREN BETHKE, Master Gardener | 11/30/22

Donald L. Hammen reading a copy of the Messenger.

Musings on $20

Each day since writing the last Stories and Journeys column, I have been checking the obituries in the newspapers I read. None of them are mine. So, here I go again.Before starting to write this … more

11/30/22

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.

Carrying on a tradition, one step at a time

It was the summer before my junior year at Hamline University in 1977. I had already been named the editor of the Hamline Oracle, Hamline’s student newspaper, for my junior year, and I decided … more

Denis Woulfe | 11/17/22

Our midterm elections and the tyranny of the comfortable

It’s Monday the 7th, and I’m writing the first section of this column the day before The Election. I’ll write the second half on Nov. 9... PART ONE I’ve finally … more

Larry LaVercombe | 11/17/22

Eric Ortiz, the author, resting at home after total ankle replacement surgery.

We don't need to live in suffering anymore

Pain is a terrible thing. Whether it's physical, emotional, or mental — pain hurts. I was in a lot of pain for many years. It was my right ankle. The pain was chronic and had become so bad in … more

Eric Ortiz | 11/17/22

I am inviting you to my committal service

As far as I can tell I haven't died. I am writing this column. The service will take place at Lakewood Cemetery, the site of my internment. Details to follow. The theme of the service will be coming … more

Donald L. Hammen | 11/17/22