News | Southwest Connector

Carol Dungan submitted a statement on behalf of the Standish Ericsson Neighborhood Association Board, and then said she had a personal note for the MPRB board members. “I am deeply offended at the way some board members have addressed our community,” she said. “The misinformation coming from this board is unchecked and we deserve better. I would like you to consider giving us an apology for the op-ed that appeared today [in the Star Tribune].”

Is lake unsafe due to pollution from golf course?

The Hiawatha Golf Course Master Plan is heading to a public hearing, another meeting in a long line of contentious meetings since the course flooded in 2014 and the public learned how much pumping is … more

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN | 8/2/22

Markeanna Dionne, a former classmate of Sundberg’s at Roosevelt High School, led a chant to say his name, “Tekle” on July 16, 2022. (Photo by Jill Boogren)

Community grieves, seeks answers

Grief fell heavy as family, friends and supporters gathered on the 900 block of 21st Ave. in the Seward neighborhood on July 16, 2022, two days after Minneapolis Police officers killed Andrew Tekle … more

By JILL BOOGREN | 8/2/22

Brass Solidarity plays a few tunes in front of the Arthur and Edith Lee house at 4600 Columbus where an angry mob gathered in 1931 to force the family out. (Photos by Jill Boogren)

GFS: Sowing Seeds of Solidarity

The little white house at 4600 Columbus Ave. S. is a typical south Minneapolis home. It has a garden out back and another out front, where every year in mid-July the Black-eyed Susans bloom. Its … more

By JILL BOOGREN | 8/2/22

Dawn2Dusk farm provides land, infrastructure, and sharing of knowledge of farming and markets, as well as building community to beginning farmers through 1-on-1 support. (Photo by Susan Schaefer)

FARMERS MARKETS

Summer in the cities finds metro residents flocking like sheep to partake of the bounty offered at more than 15 local farmers market from various neighborhood locations. (See sidebar on page 3.) … more

By SUSAN SCHAEFER | 8/2/22

Community Safety Initiative

By CHLOE PETER In fifth grade, Simone Hardeman-Jones was asked to identify a social problem and identify a solution. She chose to have her classmates and community help her in writing letters to … more

8/2/22 | 2 comments

SOUTHWEST SUMMER NIGHTS

“Nothing beats a warm summer night and live music at the bandshell,” remarked local artist Robbin Burnham, also known as WACSO (Walking Around Checking Stuff Out). “It’s … more

WACSO | 7/28/22

Writers and editors celebrate the launch of “We Are Meant To Rise: Voices of Justice from Minneapolis to the World.” Left to right: Tess Montgomery, Samantha Sencer-Mura, Carolyn Holbrook, David Mura, Anika Fajardo, and Suleiman Adan. (Photo by Terry Faust)

Diversity of Twin Cities highlighted in anthology

Carolyn Holbrook loves to bring people together to discuss difficult issues. As an educator, author and advocate for the healing power of the arts, she has spent much of her life doing just that. … more

By Jan Willms | 7/28/22

Kristen Ingle (left), Ray Klahr, and Elliana Lippold-Johnson participate in a protest against racist policies in southwest Minneapolis. (Photo submitted)

Neighbors band together for equitable change

The Southwest Alliance for Equity (SWAE) is a Southwest Minneapolis neighborhood alliance dedicated to addressing and changing racist policies. They are asking questions like: What kind of community … more

By Chloe Peter | 7/28/22

PRIMARY WILL WHITTLE DOWN ATTORNEY, SCHOOL BOARD RACES

Early voting in the Aug. 9, 2022, primary election is now underway. There is plenty to choose from on the ballot this year on the federal, state and more local levels. Even if you are not interested … more

By Cam Gordon | 7/28/22

‘CLIMATE STORIES FOR JUSTICE’ PART OF FRINGE FESTIVAL

Change Narrative, an organization bringing creative climate programming that balances science with art, empathy, and emotion led by Jothsna Harris, announces “Changing the Narrative: Climate … more

7/27/22

BRIEFS July 21, 2022

Mayor’s Community Safety Work Group Mayor Frey’s Community Safety Work Group has presented their recommendations for improving public safety to the city council. They include creating a … more

Briefs compiled by Cam Gordon. | 7/27/22

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

Abby Simons and her American Eskimo, Bianca, enjoy neighborhood parks and trails. (Photos submitted)

Meet Star Tribune reporter Abby Simons

Harrison resident Abby Simons oversees the public safety team at the Star Tribune, and works to determine how the state’s largest daily newspaper covers police, courts and prisons. The Star … more

By Tesha M. Christensen | 7/27/22

NEIGHBORHOOD BRIEFS July 21, 2022

LHENA NATIONAL NIGHT OUT AUG. 2 Lowry Hill East Neighborhood Association will be meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 2 from 6-8 p.m. at Mueller Park (25th and Colfax) for live music and a potluck social. … more

7/27/22

The two buildings at Wirth on the Woods in the Bryn Mawr neighborhood at 2800 Wayzata Bouldvard will be named The Theodore and The Eloise. A groundbreaking was held on July 14, 2022.

INTRODUCING Wirth on the Woods

Wirth on the Woods is a collaboration between Lupe Development and Swervo Development Corporation to deliver 99 units of affordable senior housing in a six-story building (The Theodore) and 100 units … more

7/27/22

Work at Bryn Mawr Meadows Park delayed

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB), in coordination with the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission and the City of Minneapolis, recently advertised to receive bids from … more

7/27/22

Larry LaVercombe (left) meets with Ward 13 Council Member Linea Palmisano at the 50-foot, publicly owned right-of-way in Linden Hills.

Part 2: Can we improve parking in Linden Hills village?

In the last Connector, I wrote about the parking issues in Linden Hills, and while a big part of me wants to take a break from this topic and write about both “Dobbs V. Roe” and the Jan. … more

By Larry LaVercombe | 7/27/22 | 1 comment

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.

Get outside: It’s good for you!

Were you able to get outside over the Fourth of July long weekend? I was lucky enough to swim in a lake, listen to loons and enjoy a picnic with friends and family. We are so fortunate to have access … more

By Michele Rae | 7/27/22

East Cedar Lake beach will remain natural. A formalized event area and a concert area with natural materials is proposed, and some new soft surface trails will be added. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)

No new structures on Cedar or Lake of the Isles

There are no new permanent structures in the revised master plan for Cedar Lake and Lake of the Isles.That means no picnic pavilions. No new bathroom facilities. No rental kiosks. These items were … more

By Tesha M. Christensen | 7/13/22

7 Generation Games envisions an educational system where all communities have the tools and resources needed to foster strong connections to their heritage while creating new opportunities for their future. Their mission is to break down the barriers to education and life-long success that underserved students face. (Photo submitted)

GAMES BRIDGE THE GAP

The last 20 years has provided a technological revolution, but educational outcomes have remained largely unchanged. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, Minnesota has some of the … more

By Chloe Peter | 7/13/22