On his LinkedIn profile, Lee Syndegaard of Gentle Transitions shares his mission statement:
Does the thought of downsizing and moving overwhelm you?
The Southwest Connector is excited to welcome Lee Syndergaard to " Let's Connect ," our monthly community speaker series, on Friday, May 3, 2024.  Syndergaard is the managing director of …
Briefs - Mar 2024
NEW NAME FOR LITTLE NOKOMIS BEACH? The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is considering renaming the Lake Nokomis 50th Street Beach "Al Wittman Beach." It's the smaller beach of two …
Andrea Tritschler
Improve your home, improve the community
The Greater Longfellow Neighborhood is known for its charming bungalows and craftsman-style homes. These old homes are embedded into the character of our neighborhood, but as any property owner …
Sarah Friedman
Adventure awaits everybody
When people talk about bikes, I used to think of fun commutes or quick after work rides that provide short bursts of freedom on an otherwise humdrum day. I never thought about big adventures or using …
City briefs - Mar, 2024
Primary election   The presidential nomination primary will be held on March 5. The election is partisan and only open to candidates seeking to run with one of the three participating …
Police officer Paul Elmstrand, officer Matthew Ruge and firefighter/paramedic Adam Finseth
Violence Free Minnesota issues statement on Burnsville Police and EMT domestic violence homicides
Violence Free Minnesota issued the following statement on Tuesday, Feb. 20 to call attention to the full circumstances around Shannon Cortez Gooden's murder of two police officers and an EMT in …
Janice Downing and Alicia Belton, The Coliseum, 2708 E. Lake St.
Minneapolis shines a light on partners creating new opportunities with city support
Signs of recovery can be seen all around the City of Minneapolis A new video series, Stories of Recovery , highlights some of the incredible rebuilding efforts happening in the city and the people …
Gina Rautenberg
Two local women speak at 'Let's Connect' in March on International Women’s Day
The Southwest Connector is excited to welcome Gina Rautenberg and Karen Binkowski to " Let's Connect ," our monthly community speaker series, on Friday, March 8, International Women’s …
Matt and Ashley Lloyd have purchased the family hardware store from Ashley’s dad, Kendall Crosby. They plan to continue offering free popcorn and friendly service. Plus, the beloved pets will be around, including Cleo the German shepherd, Lila the Rottweiler, Stanley the big black cat, and Makita the tortoiseshell cat.
From father to daughter
Kendall Crosby remembers being at a conference in Atlanta, Ga. and sharing the mission statement for his St. Paul hardware store: “To go above and beyond customer expectations.” The …

 

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AWARD WINNING NEWSPAPERS

20 AWARDS FOR TMC PUBLICATIONS IN 2023

TMC Publication's three newspapers earned a total of 20 awards at this year's Better Newspaper Contest. Congrats to the winners! NEWS1) First Place, Sports Story - Eric Erickson, “Unforgettable …
Opinion
Donald L. Hammen is a longtime south Minneapolis resident, and serves on the All Elders United for Justice steering committee.
Weighing in on legislation
Dear Reader, you have continued to tell me your Medicare stories via tesha@longfellownokomismessenger.com .  A Southwest Connector reader, Judy M., has written to tell me her Medicare …
Letters - Mar 2024
ARE YOU STILL DELIVERING? I noticed that I haven't received the February edition, and I am just wondering if there has been a change. I live in Longfellow. Is there a good place for me to go to …
'Free local newspaper is an incredibly valuable part of my life'
I noticed that I haven't received the February edition and I am just wondering if there has been a change. I live in Longfellow. Is there a good place for me to go to get a copy? I don't mean to …
Valuable news source
I just read the article about the change of delivery service. Sorry to hear! Thanks for commitment to this valuable news source. I read it cover to cover! Annie Ittner, Nokomis
Local author loves paper newspapers
Just writing to let you know we did get our paper. Hope your delivery services work out — I myself love a paper newspaper and appreciate reading about what’s happening in the ‘hood. …
Rebuild Repair Recycle
The MPRB began and supported several small but impactful projects at Hiawatha Golf Course while funding for a more comprehensive design effort was secured.   Osprey Trash Boom System …
Gather on Jan. 29, 6:30 p.m., at the Hook and Ladder Theater and Lounge to focus on the transformation of the former 3rd Precinct site into the Minneapolis Black Cultural Center. This event aims to …
The community objection to the Minneapolis Public School (MPS) district’s announcement to demolish the playground at the now-closed Cooper school convinced the district to delay the demolition …
Aging Well
In an exciting development for the local television landscape, “Inside Senior Living,” a groundbreaking docu-series, has announced its partnership with PBS North. The series, set to …
With affordable housing a priority at all levels of government, state and local commissioners and elected officials joined leaders from Ecumen – a nonprofit leader and developer  of …
Thirty-five years ago, at Thanksgiving, I moved to Minnesota from my Philadelphia home. I relocated back to my hometown in time for Passover and Easter. In November 1988, the Twin Cities were cold …
Home & Garden
There are a number of options for hydroponic systems – ways to a grow plants directly in water, without soil. (Photo submitted)
Consider hydroponic gardening
Although it’s been a mild fall so far, winter is rapidly approaching. Something that has always helped me maintain a good attitude despite Minnesota’s cold, snow, and short days, is …
Plants with berries (such as winterberry, shown here) and those with unique bark and stem colors (such as dogwood) add color during winter months. Add winter interest by leaving stems and flowers intact rather than cutting them down in the fall. (Photo submitted)
Planting for winter interest
The days are getting shorter and it’s almost time to wrap up the gardening season. When planning garden spaces, we often think about staggering bloom times so we can enjoy beautiful flowers …
Patricia Neal works with children to tend their neighborhood sponsored garden.
Local model for an urban CSA
“Four years ago, I realized we needed a model for an urban CSA,” says Craig Neal, founder and chief gardener of the Neighborhood Sponsored Garden (NSG) located in a backyard on Beard Ave. …
These small lightboxes made by Longfellow artist Chris Miller can brighten tables and shelves. Other larger ones function as furniture. (Photo submitted)
How to add art to your home
Longfellow mosaic artist Chris Miller believes that art is like jewelry for your home. “I made this piece in glass a few years ago and I display it each September during LoLa Art Crawl. It says …
Bulbs come in different sizes. Above (left to right) are daffodil, tulip, and crocus bulbs.  At right is a hardy allium, a decorative onion that features a large, puffy flower on a tall stalk. (Photo submitted)
Tips for planting fall bulbs
Now that the days are becoming noticeably shorter and nights are getting colder, you may think the planting season is over. However, fall is the perfect time to put some hardy bulbs in the ground for …
Voices Against Violence
Christmas Eve luminary supports Domestic Abuse Project
For 25 years, the warm glow of hundreds of luminaries have lit Dupont/King’s Highway on Christmas Eve. The annual event not only brings neighbors together, but it has raised over $50,000 for …
Dani's daughter sent her teddy bear with her mom on Oct. 2, 2023. “I couldn’t stop thinking about how my daughter would take the news that her mom wasn’t coming home for a month,” said Dani.
Domestic abuse victim jailed
During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a Minnesota judge ordered a victim to jail for not forcing her daughter to see her father. Dani* was ordered to serve 30 days in jail on Oct. 2, 2023 or …
Thi Synavone works as the executive director at Standpoint.  (Photo submitted)
FROM THEIR STANDPOINT
Thi Synavone came to the U.S. in 1979 as a Laotian refugee. After living in many states, her family settled in Minnesota in 1988. Synavone said that growing up, domestic and sexual violence was never …
CAUGHT BETWEEN
She lived in Minnesota for only five months and her daughter was born in Iowa, but Dani* has been dragged into family court in Minnesota nearly every one of the past 11 years by her ex-boyfriend. …
Colorado becomes the first state to limit court use of family reunification camps
A bill signed into law this week in Colorado prohibits family courts from ordering children to participate in reunification programs that isolate them from a trusted caregiver. Many of these programs …
Longfellow
A typical Minnesota winter has more snow than what we’ve seen this year (which is almost none). Personally, the snow is what I love most about the cold winter months – the trees sparkle …
Earth is spinning faster than it was 50 years ago – days are ever so slightly shorter. It’s an infinitesimal difference, a difference we can’t notice, but this year I could swear I …
Well friends, my time in office has come to an end. I want to thank you, the people of Ward 12, for giving me the opportunity to serve you over the past decade, and for your tremendous support along …
Nokomis
  I'm sharing information Nokomis Pride FC provided this month: Established in 2022, Nokomis Pride FC is a soccer team made up of players aged 30 and above, mainly residing in the …
It’s that time of year where we all look back at what we’ve done and get excited about new beginnings. It’s one of my favorite times of year. When people ask me what I do, and I say …
Debbie Beck created a book swap for her kids’ school years ago when her two kids were only in kindergarten and first grade. “We knew there were children who didn’t have books, and …
Arts
Every artist has an interesting origin story. But nothing compares with how Mark Rivard got started. Rivard began illustrating skateboards with Sharpie markers in the early 2000s. That led to an …
Musicians Richard Baldinelli and Dr. Joan Madden exude joy whether playing their trumpets in the 53rd Street Brass Quintet, looking forward or reminiscing. The two musicians capture the delight of a …
LOLA ART SHOW  LoLa will once again be hosting a winter art show at Squirrel Haus Arts in late February and early March, including a reception on Saturday, March 2. Over two weekends in …
MESSENGER CELEBRATES 40 YEARS
Cal deRuyter and Tim Nelson began and ended their careers in neighborhood journalism. In 1977, their office was at Thomas and Fairview in St. Paul. (Photo submitted)
How a newspaper business developed
When I was chosen to be co-editor of our high school paper, it was exciting to learn the ropes of planning a publication, assigning stories, cleaning them up and eventually putting them on the page …
At Uptown Bill's, the coffeeshop, bookstore and performance venue in Iowa City which Tom Gilsenan managed for almost 10 years.
SO MANY STORIES IN OUR NEIGHBORHOODS
Our neighborhoods are full of wonderful stories. And for more than a dozen years, I got to tell those stories right here in the Messenger. It was grand. Minnehaha Falls is full of stories. It has …
20 years with neighborhood newspapers
It has been nearly 20 years since I handed in my first story to the Longfellow Messenger, and it is hard to believe the time has passed so quickly. I had arrived in Saint Paul from Montana with two …
Lewis Duemke
THE MOVERS AND THE SHAKERS
The Longfellow-Nokomis Messenger is not only one of Minneapolis’ oldest neighborhood newspapers, it is part of a long tradition of such Minneapolis and St. Paul publications.Coverage of city …
Racial Justice

‘Enough is enough’

Community members stood with the family of Ricky Cobb II at George Floyd Square on Aug. 5, 2023 to offer support and demand justice for Cobb, who was fatally shot on July 31 by a Minnesota State …

Through Their Eyes
Rashad Cobb (holding microphone) stands with family in grief over the loss at the hands of state troopers of his twin brother, Ricky Cobb II. “What are we gonna do for us, as citizens, together…? I’m a peaceful person. I don’t really agree with violence.”
Rashad Cobb (holding microphone) stands with family in grief over the loss at the hands of state troopers of his twin brother, Ricky Cobb II. “What are we gonna do for us, as citizens, together…? I’m a peaceful person. I don’t really agree with violence.”
Rashad Cobb (holding microphone) stands with family in grief over the loss at the hands of state troopers of his twin brother, Ricky Cobb II. “What are we gonna do for us, as citizens, together…? I’m a peaceful person. I don’t really agree with violence.”
Rashad Cobb (holding microphone) stands with family in grief over the loss at the hands of state troopers of his twin brother, Ricky Cobb II. “What are we gonna do for us, as citizens, together…? I’m a peaceful person. I don’t really agree with violence.”
Rashad Cobb (holding microphone) stands with family in grief over the loss at the hands of state troopers of his twin brother, Ricky Cobb II. “What are we gonna do for us, as citizens, together…? I’m a peaceful person. I don’t really agree with violence.”
Election
The Longfellow-Nokomis area will see few changes in city council representation following the Nov. 7, 2023 election where all 13 Minneapolis City Council seats were on the ballot and all the …
This fall, Bloomington, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, St. Louis Park, and St. Paul all used ranked choice voting for their municipal elections and were among 21 cities in seven states using ranked choice …
The Longfellow-Nokomis area will see few changes in city council representation following the November 7 election results where all 13 Minneapolis City Council seats were on the ballot and all the …
Family
Due in part to high demand, parents who want to place their kids in summer rec programs or summer camps should being vetting such programs and camps well in advance of summer. The following are a …
Minneapolis is filled with great local people doing great things in the world. The Southwest Connector will showcase them with "Let's Connect," a new community speakers series. Every month, the …
Bethlehem Covenant Church3141 43rd Ave. S. • 612-721-5768www.bethlehemcov.org Pastor Colleen Nelson(Handicapped Accessible)Traditional Service – 9 AMContemporary Service –10:30 …
School & Sports
Jan. 12-13, 2024, the Roosevelt High School Debate team competed in the MSHSL Minnesota State Debate Tournament. Students from all across Minnesota gathered for high quality, rigorous, debate, and we …
In the fall of 2023, two students from Yinghua Academy Chinese immersion school in northeast Minneapolis went on the trip of a lifetime. Keewaydin resident and sixth grader Sage Houdek and seventh …
Minneapolis Public Schools is getting a new superintendent in February. On Dec. 1, with the support of both southside school board directors, the Minneapolis Public School (MPS) Board of …
Longfellow Business Directory articles
Ekta Prakash moved to Minneapolis 20 years ago as an immigrant from India and has served as CAPI’s CEO for the last 14 years.
A BETTER BUSINESS AS USUAL
Since we last printed the Longfellow Business Directory in early 2020, our business community, landscape and daily rhythms have been substantially and irrevocably changed. COVID-19 has presented a …
Ruhel Islam at the Gandhi Mahal site. Photo by Jan Willms
LONGFELLOW RISING
The year 2020 was challenging for the Longfellow business community, particularly in the main commercial intersection of Lake Street and Minnehaha Avenue referred to as Downtown Longfellow. The COVID …
As we heal the Coliseum, 
it is a sign that the 
broader community 
along Lake St. is healing. 
Taylor Smrikarova, Redesign
RESTORING THE COLISEUM
The Colisum, a community commercial center since 1917, was almost destroyed following the civil unrest after the murder of George Floyd. In order to restore this historic 80,000 square-foot building, …
Mother Earth Gardens
COMMUNITY VOICES
1) “We are asking questions about what our community needs, trying to use our space and resources to meet those needs, and trying to hold onto connections and awakenings that have been made …
A LONGFELLOW PARTNERSHIP
The Longfellow Business Directory has been an important part of the Longfellow community going back to the 1990s. It was started to help foster better communication within the business community, and …
Web Extras - Contact us to sponsor content
How do airplanes fly? An aerospace engineer explains the physics of flight
U.S. airlines carry more than 800 million passengers per year. Lasha Kilasonia/iStock via Getty Images Plus Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If …
San Francisco's burning question: Are we ready for Waymo Google cars?
After an incident with one of Google's driverless vehicles in San Francisco, Way.com explores whether the city is ready to adopt these vehicles for service.
Can background checks show whether your identity was stolen?
Money.com offers tips and information to consider when conducting a background check on yourself.
Safest and most affordable cities in the US
MoneyGeek analyzed cost data from the Census Bureau's one-year American Community Survey and MIT's Living Wage Calculator, focusing on the top cities from our safest small and mid-to-large city studies.
Tobacco imagery rising in top entertainment, including among the 2024 Best Picture winner and nominees
(BPT) - To find a smoke-free setting among this year’s Oscar Best Picture nominees, you’d have to go to Barbie Land. Of the 10 films nominated for the Oscars top prize — including …