News | Southwest Connector

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Many buildings that serve Native Americans across the Twin Cities are outdated and dilapidated, making it even tougher to help those in need, according to Dr.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

#1) “Garden of Iron Mirrors” installation by Andrea Stanislav

AN EDUCATED TWIST TO WINTER FITNESS:

By SUSAN SCHAEFER Much has been written about the benefits of exercise and being outdoors to beat the blues. According to a recent report from the American Psychological Association, “There … more

By Susan Schaefer | 1/8/22 | 1 comment

Bianca Austin (at center, holding microphone), aunt of Breonna Taylor, stands with families who have lost loved ones to police violence in support of Daunte Wright’s family on the first day of Kim Potter’s trial at the Hennepin County courthouse. (Photo by Jill Boogren)

Families of lost loved ones, supporters rally behind Wright family

Families from Minnesota and around the country who have lost loved ones to police violence stood together outside the Hennepin County Courthouse on Dec. 8, 2021 in support of the Wright family. It … more

By JILL BOOGREN | 1/8/22

Art Shanty Projects is returning to the ice Jan. 15 to Feb. 6, 2022.

PLAN IT January 2022

DAY of SERVICE Mark your calendar and join TRUST Inc as they honor Dr. King’s life and legacy with a free “Day of Service” Event packing cold weather kits for neighbors in need on … more

1/8/22

What’s in a name?

My first assignment, when offered this opportunity to write for the Southwest Connector, was to come up with a Name for the Column. And as I started to write, I realized that without a name for it, … more

By Larry LaVercombe | 1/8/22

BRIEFS January 2022

ARRESTS MADE IN BRYN MAWR ROBBERY Four teens have been arrested in a robbery that occured on Wednesday, Dec. 29 at 11:31 a.m. at Bryn Mawr Market (412 Cedar Lake Road S.). According to the … more

1/8/22

A bowl of gratitude to start a new year

Minneapolis artist Lynn Sarnoff–Christensen has been a potter for over 30 years. She is continuously reinventing her focuses with new creative directions. The path of growth, if you will. Her … more

by Suzie Marty | 1/8/22

Living in Gratitude

As we begin 2022 many of us take time to reflect on the ups and downs, disappointments and joys, beginnings and endings of the previous year. We set intentions for the new year. How can you make … more

By Michele Rae | 1/8/22

NEIGHBORHOOD BRIEFS

SERVE ON THE EAST BDE MAKA SKA BOARD The East Bde Maka Ska Neighborhood Association is looking for applicants to fill several vacancies on the board of directors. Applicants must be at least 18 years … more

1/8/22

RESOLUTION: REDUCE WASTE?

Did you know that the average American family wastes $1500 worth of food each year? Fifty-three million tons of food waste is sent to landfills each year. These statistics only scratch the surface of … more

By Sally Bauer, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 1/8/22

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 Avenue Fire Arts Center will be completed and displayed along the Lake Street corridor in early 2022. “This new sculpture will celebrate all the special people and places that make Lake Street a wonderful neighborhood – especially the hundreds of small businesses that call it home,” said Allison Sharkey, executive director of the Lake Street Council. “We are excited to bring this locally designed sculpture to Lake Street as we rebuild, recover and look to the future.” Once completed, the eight-foot-tall sculpture will be placed outside at the corner of Lake Street and Chicago Avenue, travelling to other locations along Lake Street over the seasons. The art piece is made possible by Wells Fargo and its Hope USA campaign, a nationwide effort focused on supporting small businesses and neighborhood beautification in communities across the country. Drawings of the sculpture were revealed at the Lake Street Council’s Winter Block Party on Thursday, Dec. 2. The free event focused on celebrating Lake Street’s small businesses and featured live music, bonfires and an ice sculpture inspired by the new art installation. (Photo submitted

A few highlights from 2021

A few highlights from Lake Street Council:• Awarding $300,000 in grants to local artists and community groups to produce murals and host events. This newly launched creative placemaking program … more

1/8/22

Cindy Hovey of Whittier Neighborhood Alliance

WHAT WE ACCOMPLISHED IN 2021

Greetings and well wishes from the Whittier Alliance Neighborhood Organization, an independent non-profit supporting residents, businesses, and property owners in our much beloved neighborhood. This … more

By Cyndi Hovey (pictured & Kaley Brown | 1/8/22

Meet LCC’s new executive director

The new executive director of the Longfellow Community Council has a passion for driving progressive social change to impact people’s lives for the better and help them see their own … more

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN | 1/1/22

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

March for homeless who have died

A memorial march for the homeless who have died took place Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021 at 4 p.m. Braving the cold, about 200 marchers bearing signs with the ages and names of the deceased started from … 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

Major ES sewer maintenance project along Minnehaha Creek near Minnehaha Falls in south Minneapolis.

AWARD FOR WORK

Metropolitan Council Environmental Services, which operates the regional wastewater collection and treatment system, received the Public Works Project of the Year Award on Nov. 19 from the Minnesota … more

1/1/22

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12/1/21