Southwest Connector

Photographer Patience Zalanga's billboard is of a moment she captured of a father reading to his son on a bench at George Floyd Square, a book he chose from the community's free library.(Photo by Jill Boogren)

Billboards at George floyd square show connection, unity

Two new artist-created billboards are up on the rooftops at George Floyd Square. Part of the Social Justice Billboard Project, “La Conneccion,” by Maria Cristina “Tina” … more

By JILL BOOGREN | 7/28/21

Alan Berks (left) and Leah Cooper (right) are co-artistic directors of Wonderlust Productions. Their 2016 play about the experience of adoption has been adapted into graphic novel form. (Photo by Margie O’Loughlin)

In my Heart: the Adoption Story Project

Seven years ago, Wonderlust Productions co-artistic directors Alan Berks and Leah Cooper (both former South Minneapolis residents) began inviting people from the adoption community to share their … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 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

Jesse and Marion Dunbar of Happy Earth Cleaning sold their businesses to their workers when they moved back to Seattle, Wash.

So, you want to retire...

Business owners who want to retire have two options. They can sell or just shut down.Christina Nicholson of Nexus Community Partners (2314 University Ave. Suite 18) told those gathered at a joint … more

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN | 5/26/21

Seeking justice, caring for people: preparing for the days ahead

As the criminal trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin begins, the Twin Cities will once again be front and center in confronting the trauma of racism, police brutality, and White supremacy.To … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 3/24/21

Executive director Tom Coleman with Winston, a service dog-in-training. (Photo by Margie O’Loughlin)

Local non-profit trains service dogs for vets and kids

Anyone who has ever owned a dog knows that training one is hard work. Most of us are satisfied with the basics – but Tom and Julie Coleman, co-founders of Pawsitivity Service Dogs in St. Paul, … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 1/27/21

Library services are limited at Hennepin County Libraries, but they are open to visits. East Lake Library Supervisor Sarah Connolly answers questions and helps folks find materials. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)

East Lake Library reopens

The East Lake Library has reopened.The library had been closed since fires and unrest tore through the neighborhood during the last week of May 2020. Prior to that, the library had only been open for … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 1/27/21

STABLE HOMES, STABLE SCHOOLS

When a child does not know where he or she is going to sleep at night, studying for that math test loses its importance. Having a roof over one’s head becomes more of a priority than acing the … more

By JAN WILLMS | 1/27/21

Nokomis Tattoo owner Mike Welch (left) is joined by Ward 11 Council member Jeremy Schroeder, Nokomis Surplus owner Raul Morales, and Grande Sunrise Restaurant owners Javier (front) and Roberto Grande to launch the bilingual Little Free Library on Jan. 20, 2021. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)

Free bilingual books

Get a book in Spanish or English at the Little Free Library in front of Nokomis Tattoo (4933 S. 34th Ave.). It is now bilingual.Through an informal partnership with other local business owners, … more

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN | 1/27/21

Linda Grieme (left) and Gregg Kelley (right) have been members of the NSSTC for decades. They’re drawn to others who love and value silent sports. They bought their home, in part, because of its proximity to the Hiawatha Golf Course – where they’ve already skied a few times this year. (Photo by Margie O’Loughlin)

North Star Ski Touring Club embraces silent sports

To a cross country skier, there are few sounds more magical than the swoosh of their skis on a freshly groomed trail – and Minnesota has no shortage of these.According to Gail Lundeen Brand, … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 1/1/21

When Wendy Wolff and her family returned from a year working at the Holden retreat center, she found herself helping friends and family move. "People wanted to hear about why we left, what it was like, and how we changed," recalled Wolff. "They listened as I told them that the most significant shift we made as a result of our time at Holden was thinking more intentionally about what we brought into our home and what we let go of by donating, gifting or purging anything we did not love or need." She quit her job working for Minneapolis Public Schools as a therapist, and Blissworks was born. (Photo submitted)

Letting go to live blissfully

Helping people let go of things to focus on a new season of life is what Blissworks is all about.Wendy Wolff launched Blissworks, Beautiful Living in Simplified Spaces, in 2019. The company merges … more

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN | 11/25/20

‘Reverend, you can lean on me’

When Lake St. burned, Father Joe Gillespie gathered each night with others at the Church of St. Albert the Great in Longfellow. (Photo by Margie O’Loughlin)[/caption] Father … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 7/29/20

Church adapts

In touch through video calls, telephone, email, and postal mail By IRIC NATHANSON Joy and Randy Nelson keep in touch online with their fellow members at Holy Trinity Church. (Photo by Terry Faust) … more

By IRIC NATHANSON | 5/26/20

Songs for Singing’

“Keep that Hope Machine running strong,” urge The Okee Dokee … more

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN | 5/26/20

Family bonds over games

The Bodkin family at play. (Photo submitted) Standish resident Joel Bodkin has loved fish since he was three and won a goldfish at the state fair. That combined with a love of making things and … more

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN | 5/26/20

Games, music & art >> Connect

Kristi Anderson, at right holding Barney, appreciates seeing her neighbors at least once a day from a distance while they come together to sing. With her, from left to right, … more

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN | 5/4/20