Family | Southwest Connector

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Many buildings that serve Native Americans across the Twin Cities are outdated and dilapidated, making it even tougher to help those in need, according to Dr.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

New name for Sibley Park?

Sibley Park may be renamed as part of an improvement project in 2022. The draft project includes removing the tennis courts to provide additional space to rearrange and expand the playground and … more

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN | 1/1/22

NEW SCULPTURE COMING

The Lake Street Council has unveiled sneak peek images of a new outdoor art installation coming to Lake Street. A heart-shaped “We Love Lake Street” sculpture designed by the Chicago … more

1/1/22

Dr. Buffy Smith, interim dean of Dougherty Family College, see herself in the experiences of the students there. She was the first person in her family to attend college. (Photo submitted)

Dougherty Family College offers students a great start

A two-year college through the University of St. Thomas is tailored to motivated, underrepresented students who have encountered barriers in pursuing a college degree. Founded in 2017, the Dougherty … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 1/1/22

Jerrod Brown, a professor at Concordia University in St. Paul, is the program director for a master of arts degree in human services with an emphasis in forensic behavioral health.

Kids with special needs and COVID-19

The impact of COVID-19 on children with special needs and their parents is immense. Jerrod Brown, a Concordia professor who is the program director for the Master of Arts degree in human services … more

By Jan Willms | 1/1/22

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

RETHINK owner Kristen McCoy in an upcycled denim blazer. She explained, “To upcycle is to add value to something in the processing. We’re able to take a worn garment and turn it into something new. We take jeans that are no longer wearable and cut them into denim squares. The result is a reversible blazer that still has a lot of wear. It’s on sale at the shop, and is size fluid (small to large).” (Photos by Margie O’Loughlin)

RETHINK upcycles old clothes with style

Artist and business founder Kristen McCoy has been rethinking the future of fashion for years. Along with her staff at RETHINK Tailoring & Sewing Lounge (3449 Bloomington Ave. S.), she offers an … more

By Margie O’Loughlin | 11/30/21

Jennie Leenay, GFS community member and caretaker of The People’s Closet, with their pup Joyoncé. It's important to Leenay that fashion reaches everyday people, and that people feel connected to themselves and their community. (Photo by Jill Boogren)

The People's Closet makes fashion, political statement

Sometimes a revolutionary act is quiet, unseen. Sometimes it’s loud and worn on a shirtsleeve. At The People’s Closet at George Floyd Square, it’s a little bit of both.Born out of … more

By JILL BOOGREN | 11/30/21

Tierra Encantada owner Kristen Denzer has been inspired by the ups and downs of parenthood. (Photo submitted)

Tierra Encantada owner releases Christmas book

From starting her own childcare business to writing a children’s book, Kristen Denzer’s ideas have been inspired by the ups and downs of parenthood. Denzer looked around for childcare for … more

By Chloe Peter | 11/30/21

A pair of MiMS runners compete in the full 26.2-mile Twin Cities marathon on Oct. 3. (Photo by Margie O’Loughlin)

POWER OF RUNNING

When Mishka Vertin moved from New York City to Minneapolis in 2014, she hit the ground running. Trained as a social worker, she took a job at Mill City Running while looking for a job in her field. … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 10/28/21

Twin Cities Marathon 2021

10/28/21

"You really put yourself out there when you make public art," remarked Lomgfellow resident Taylor Tinkham. "Mostly people are great, but I’ve been hassled by the police. I’ve been yelled at by passersby, I’ve had people comment on my body when I’m drawing. As I approach a space where I’m going to chalk, I’m anxious – but as soon as I start chalking, I feel good.”(Photo by Margie O’Loughlin)

Longfellow chalk artist creates mindfulness messages on pavement

Taylor Tinkham has been chalking on neighborhood sidewalks for the last two and a half years. She said, “The idea came out of a mindfulness meditation class I was taking as part of my masters … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 10/1/21

BareBones Extravaganza 2021 Co-Directors (left to right) Xochi de la Luna, Adriana Cerrillo and Mina Leierwood at Powderhorn Park in September. (Photo by Jill Boogren)

BareBones Extravaganza 2021 returns Oct. 31

Shaped from sticks, torn pieces of brown paper bags, newspaper, and paste, bones were in the making at Powderhorn Park in September as artists and community members gathered to prepare for BareBones … more

By JILL BOOGREN | 10/1/21

Dancing together through a pandemic

On Sunday, Aug. 22, 2021, Ballare Teatro dance instructor Molly Breen (at left) and her Cardio Funk dancers gave a live performance every 15 minutes through the early evening.They danced against a … more

by Margie O'Loughlin | 10/1/21

“For me, this is the most peaceful place on earth," explained Dr. Remi Douah, who is a listening presence at the "Say Their Names Cemetery" near George Floyd Square. "I can easily spend eight hours a day here. It’s not a chore; it’s not an intervention. It’s my way of life now. It’s what I structure my days around.” (Photo by Margie O’Loughlin)

Learn to listen

Dr. Remi Douah is a listening presence at the “Say Their Names” Cemetery near George Floyd Square, just off East 37th Street between Chicago and Columbus avenues. He spends hours there … more

By Margie O’Loughlin | 9/3/21

Classics Lost ‘n’ Found Theater Company announces fall and winter 2021 season

Following their successful summer production of William Shakespeare’s "Twelfth Night," Classics Lost ‘n’ Found Theater Company is pleased to announce the remainder of its 2021 … more

9/3/21