Longfellow Nokomis Messenger

Melissa Gross holds the Nokomis East Business Association medallion near where she found it. She's been searching for medallions for 30 years, and is so excited that this dream came true in 2020. (Photo submitted by NEBA)

Finding a medallion is something Roosevelt High School graduate Melissa Gross has always wanted to do. On Friday, Dec. 11, she crossed it off her bucket list. Gross discovered the Nokomis East … more

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN | 1/1/21

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

Pregnant and parenting during COVID-19: There are no manuals for this

Ingrid Rasmussen and her six-week-old son Lars, carried through and delivered in the time of COVID. (Photo by Margie O’Loughlin)[/caption] Ingrid Rasmussen had everything … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 8/28/20

Why they love homeschooling

As COVID-19 forces educational changes, some parents are considering whether online schooling through their district or homeschooling on their own will work better for their families. Kathy … more

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN | 8/28/20

‘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 … more

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN | 5/26/20

On the watch for raptors in river gorge

14 species of raptors in the neighborhood A bald eagle surveyed the Mississippi River from high atop a white pine. There are at least 90 active bald eagle sites in the Twin Cities.(Photo by Margie … more

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

Kids learn through play

While you’re at home during this extended break from school, try these ideas from Free Forest School By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN Free Forest School Executive Director Anna Sharratt said, “This idea … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 5/4/20

The ‘Warbler Wave’ is coming

Why get excited about warblers? They’re incredibly diverse, colorful, and beautiful. They’re great singers too: a delight to the eye and the ear. They are passing through the … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 5/4/20