Family | Southwest Connector

Looking for something fun to do? Check out this list of activities

ART DROPS THROUGHOUT SUMMER The next art drop hosted by Lake Street Council is on Thursday, June 1 at 6 p.m. in Uptown. Get photo hints to help find the art in its stories on on Instagram or Facebook … more

6/2/23

How do you make a birdfeeder? Students from Lake Harriet Community School Upper Campus build their own from reclaimed wood on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023. Elpis Community Programs Coordinator LaShay DeClerq-Ransom explains the drilling-the-hanger-wire-hole stage of birdfeeder construction as (left to right) Izzy Spallino, Kennedy Kaplan, and Atticus Donald watch. They also learned about the importance of birds in the environment and how to identify birds. (Photo by Terry Faust)

Land of 10,000 outdoor hobbies

Winters can be frigid in Minnesota, but Karl Erickson, the woodworking program manager at Elpis Enterprises (2161 University Ave.) can find ways to make the cold weather both fun and a learning … more

By Jan Willms | 2/17/23

Jessica and Steven Willman, with (left to right) Adon, Sophie, Jack and Ollie. Two children were adopted after being fostered. (Photos submitted)

FOSTER THE FAMILY

What do you do when a foster child you have raised for several years is suddenly going home to her birth parents? How do you react the first time the school principal calls you in to discuss a … more

By JAN WILLMS | 11/30/22

Riverview Theater (Photo by Terry Faust)

Riverview Theater one of few one-screen theaters still operating locally

It was Dec. 30, 1948, that the Riverview Theater at 3800 42nd Avenue opened its doors, showing the film “June Bride,” starring Bette Davis. The neighborhood icon caters to its community … more

By JAN WILLMS | 11/30/22

Mary Pat Lee stands in the closet of the Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery where children visiting are able to pick their own outfits for their stay. “Every kid who comes through our doors has experienced some kind of trauma and we take that into account with their care,” Lee said. “It’s not ‘What’s wrong with this kid?’ but it’s ‘What happened to this kid and what do they need?’”

Overwhelmed? Call crisis nursery for parenting help

A woman came into the Greater Minneapolis Nursery (GMCN) looking for shelter for her children. Her boyfriend had been prostituting her and had taken all of her money. She was terrified for herself … more

Chloe Peter | 11/3/22

The Team Larry House Band performed at Woofstock on Saturday September 10, 2022 hosted at Sheridan Ave S & W 43rd St.

Teaming up for good [Photo gallery]

It was sunny and 70 degrees for the 17th Annual Linden Hills Woofstock, and the pooches were not to be disappointed. Nor were the fans of The Disappointments, the latest teenage rock group coming … more

Larry LaVercombe | 9/13/22

Hibaaq Ibrahim, also known as Moon Juice Art, painted the mural with help from kids from the local YMCA.

Nicollet Pop-off Event and Mural [Photo gallery]

On Saturday August 13, the Lyndale and Kingfield Neighborhood Associations hosted a Nicollet Pop-off at the Twisted Hare Salon, 3401 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408. The main event, along with a … more

Chloe Peter | 8/24/22

QUARTERLY TRANSIT SCHEDULE CHANGES COMING

Hi! I’d like to introduce myself to the Southwest Connector readers. My name is John Wilson and I have been a transit enthusiast since the 1970s. You may have seen my Metro Transit column in … more

By John Wilson | 8/3/22

New playground equipment at Kenny park

A brief ceremony to celebrate Kenny Park’s newly renovated playground was held on July 21, 2022. It kicked off the annual Kenny Festival, with Kenny Neighborhood Association Co-Chair Jon … more

8/3/22

Kenny Park court repair before and after

2017–2022: Six Years of NPP20 accomplishments

Rooted in racial and economic equity, the 20-Year Neighborhood Park Plan (NPP20) is transforming parks across the city. This long-term initiative resulted from a historic agreement between the … more

7/27/22

4-H’ers presented their best at County Fair

Hennepin County Fair results are in. Forty-one 4-H youth from the county participated in the 4-H project judging at the Hennepin County Fair June 16-19, held at Corcoran Lions Park. In total over 80 … more

7/13/22

Black Garnet: self-empowerment and emotional strength

Dionne Sims has loved books since before she could read, when her mom would read out loud to her. Once she could read, books were a consistent refuge whenever the world felt too overwhelming. They … more

By Chloe Peter | 5/24/22

Two years after a fire destroyed Uncle Edgar's Mystery Book Store and Uncle Hugo's Science Fiction Book Store at 2864 Chicago Ave., owner Don Blyly is reopening. He has purchased the former Glass Endeavors building at 31st and Minnehaha Ave., and will open in June. (Photo by Terry Faust)

Uncle's bookstore finds new home in Longfellow

The civil unrest following George Floyd’s murder in 2020 delivered a double blow to Don Blyly, the longtime owner of the Chicago Avenue business with the double name: Uncle Edgar’s … more

By IRIC NATHANSON | 4/28/22

‘BOULDER SCRAMBLE’ COMING TO PAINTER PARK

In 2023, there will be a new street-style skate park and bounder scramble area at Painter Park. A basketball court will be added, and the tennis/pickleball courts will be improved. Work will start … more

By Tesha M. Christensen | 4/20/22

Little Sock’s adventures resonate in pandemic

Like everyone else, a sock needs a friend. And with that in mind, Kia Heise and Chris D. Park wrote their second children’s book “Little Sock Makes a Friend.” The book by the … more

By Jan Willms | 3/23/22

Not sure how to talk to kids about race?

Minnesotans don’t know how to talk about race. But Dianne Haulcy is working to change that.Haulcy, who was born and raise in Minnesota and spent her formative years in Eagan, has a podcast … more

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN | 2/17/22

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

Artist Jill Waterhouse performs as the Goddess of the Glaciers during the Ice Shanty event on Sunday, Jan. 16, 2022. She wove her story with song, blessed seekers of wisdom with her ice wand, and granted wishes to the young at heart. (Photo by Susan Schaefer)

ART ON THE LAKE [Photo gallery]

This year’s Ice Shanty program adjusted to become an exterior-only experience for visitors with a greater emphasis on the social aspect of the outdoor village life. “Art Shanty Projects … more

2/3/22

PREPARE AND PROSPER

Finances and tax preparation can be challenging for even the most experienced. For many families and individuals who are also living on a low to moderate income, the challenges can be enormous.Enter … more

By Jan Willms | 1/25/22

Kevin Smoky Day, Ojibwe language instructor at Takoda Prep High School, led the evening prayer. He said, “When students ask me how to say a prayer in Ojibwe, I tell them it’s simple. You only need these words, ‘Thank you, Creator.’”

Urban Indigenous Legacy Initiative unveiled

Many buildings that serve Native Americans across the Twin Cities are outdated and dilapidated, making it even tougher to help those in need, according to Dr. Joe Hobot, president and CEO of the … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 1/8/22