Longfellow Nokomis Messenger

How much do you need to retire at 55? A planning guide

Wealth Enhancement reports that retiring at 55 is possible but requires careful planning, including managing Social Security, healthcare costs, and withdrawal strategies.

How to save on prescription medications and maximize your benefits

(BPT) - At a time when prices everywhere seem to be on the rise, it's natural to have concerns about the cost of your prescription medications. For many, these costs are affecting how consistently …

Lured by Promises, Exposed to Risk: A Warning for Seniors

(NewsUSA) - For older Americans struggling to access prescription medicines, an advertisement promising a cheaper breakthrough can be difficult to ignore. In the StopAfib.org community, we are …

Minnesota’s minimum wage standards for nursing home workers in effect Sept. 10

Minimum wage standards for nursing home workers across Minnesota take effect Sept. 10, 2026, following federal approval of the State Plan Amendment by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services …

WOMEN LIFTING UP WOMEN

"Every stroke, every step and every mile is a testament to your courage," said YWCA Minneapolis President and CEO Shelley Carthen Watson at the start of the 17th YWCA Triathlon on Sunday, Aug. 9, …

Kevin Kling & Larry Long, Minneapolis, April 23, 2011. (C) Tony Nelson........

Moving through life with intention

Longfellow resident Larry Long started writing songs and singing them when he was 20, and 54 years later he has not stopped. As he has traveled the country and shared his voice, he has practiced the …

Buzz Farrell pets Sugar, Jesse Vaonois's cat.

Coffee talk

It is Veteran’s Day, but like every Tuesday, a group of vets sit in a circle on couches and chairs in a sunny room on the second floor of Every Third Saturday (ETS), 5402 43rd Ave. S. in …

It is hard to wrap words around what it is like for two vets to connect, no matter which generation or branch of service they come from, observed Dave Dahl. Coffee Talk started out as a Legion program, but now is an Every Third Saturday program.

Thanks to Dave, vets gather for coffee, conversation

Each Tuesday, 50 vets gather in south Minneapolis to connect, thanks to Midway resident Dave Dahl. Dahl, 77, has led a life of service from being a Cub Scout as a child through his military career …

Fall checkup: Retirement planning moves to make now

CFP Board reports that fall is a great time to review retirement planning strategies, focusing on tax strategies, charitable giving, and Social Security timing to maximize savings.

'Aging in place' is about autonomy and community for older adults

(BPT) - As more older Americans choose to age in place — remaining in their own residences and communities as they grow older — a new wave of tools, programs and innovations is making …

Take simple steps to protect your vision from diabetic retinopathy

(BPT) - November is Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month, a time for those living with diabetes to prioritize regular eye exams and protect their vision. Diabetes affects more than just the body's …

Removing barriers to preventive screenings one community at a time

(BPT) - Getting preventive care, such as routine screenings, is one of the most important things people can do for their health. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, getting …

How to stay on top of your oral health while on your GLP-1 journey

(BPT) - Did you know that if you are on a GLP-1, you may be more prone to certain oral health problems, like cavities? Some people taking GLP-1s have experienced side effects including dry mouth, …

The Glenwood-Inglewood Company in 1910. The Glenwood and Inglewood springs were on adjacent property and ran as separate water companies until about 1896. Minnesota Historical Society.

DO DRINK THE WATER

Before a new house is completed today in the Twin Cities, the utilities (sewer, water, natural gas, electricity, etc.) are already in place. The owners take it for granted that their new home will …

Dredging operation at Lake Hiawatha in 1929, courtesy of the Minnesota Digital Library

The changing names and landscapes of Lake Nokomis and Hiawatha

Read this piece by the Minnesota Historian written by Josh Biber in 2022 titled, " The Changing Names and Landscapes of Lake Nokomis & Hiawatha. "

At 37th and Hiawatha, you can see the iStorage self-storage in the former Dayton's warehouse, the General Mills grain elevators on the far east, and the Atkinson ADM Mill on the south side of the intersection. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)

Atkinson ADM Mill still operating

The Atkinson ADM Mill at 3745 Hiawatha Ave. is still operating, and has recently been upgraded to make it more efficient. It is the last industrial flour mill still operating in Minneapolis. The mill …

Minneapolis' second Black fire chief, Bryan Tyner, speaks at the renaming ceremony in Longfellow on March 17. "I'm just so happy to see this day finally here," said Tyner. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)

It’s Cheatham Avenue now

Dight Ave is no longer named after a man who launched a crusade to bring the eugenics movement to Minnesota and wrote fan letters to Hitler. Instead, it has been renamed to honor John Cheatham, a man …

Nokomis East History

What was here in...? Curious? Jackie Sawyer, who owns Nokomis Tattoo with husband Mike Welsh, put together this document for 2021 Crazy Days. The signs were posted throughout the community to help …

A science-backed guide to better sleep

(BPT) - Key takeawaysYour daily habits, routines and environmental cues make up your sleep ecosystem, affecting how you fall asleep and stay asleep.Melatonin, which helps signal to your brain that …

This Type of Breast Cancer is on the Rise. Have You Heard of It?

(BPT) - From national sports events to local fundraisers, breast cancer seems to be discussed everywhere. But despite all the conversations around breast cancer, most Americans are not talking about, …

Five retirement planning mistakes that can come back to haunt you

The Retirement Group reports on five retirement planning mistakes that can haunt you, including poor tax strategies, Social Security timing, and healthcare costs.

Shoot for the Stars When It Comes to Medicare Advantage

(NewsUSA) - By Alan Stewart, SVP, Medicare Divisional Leader, Humana - If you’re one of the nation’s 58.6 million people with Medicare, you understand the importance of selecting a health …

Why Preventive Care Matters for Healthy Aging

(BPT) - As the year comes to a close, this is an important time for older adults to take stock of their health and make sure they're up to date on important preventive care appointments. Spending a …

Why creatine deserves a place in your routine

(BPT) - By Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, LDAs a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist navigating perimenopause, I'm always thinking about how to best support my body and mind as I age. I'm also selective …

Could unresolved respiratory symptoms be something more?

(BPT) - For over 40 years, celebrity designer and carpenter Ty Pennington's mother lived with unresolved respiratory symptoms like chronic cough, excess mucus, and lung infections. As her caregiver, …

Take simple steps to prevent falls

(BPT) - Falls are a common cause of injury throughout life, but as you age, they become both more common and more serious. About 1 in 4 older adults reports falling each year, and falls are a leading …

3 expert ways to maintain health as you age

(BPT) - As we get older, our health needs often become more complex. Taking a proactive approach to your health can help, but many people don't know where to start."One of the most common questions I …

Simple Swaps to Stretch Your Dollar Further on Everyday Essentials

(BPT) - As costs steadily rise, navigating today's economic landscape requires a fresh look at how households handle their daily expenses. New research from AARP reveals just how central family …

Tubman raising funds to add pet shelter

Tubman, an innovative organization dedicated to providing support and resources to individuals and families affected by domestic violence and trauma, is raising funds to add a pet shelter. Tubman's …

Lyle James takes Honey, a two-year-old bulldog, out into the run next to the Minneapolis Animal Care and Control building at 212 17th Ave. N. James can't have pets at his condo and he volunteers several days a week at the shelter. He is also a carrier for TMC Publications CO. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)

Not the pound you think you know

The Minneapolis city animal control facility isn’t the grim place many picture.“For a long time, this place would have been called a pound with all the negative aspects that …

Donate blood, save lives during drive Oct. 28

For only the second time in Red Cross’s history, the organization has declared a national blood supply crisis due to an emergency shortage of blood. Blood donations have dropped to their lowest …

Longfellow Bike Tour set for Aug. 22

Hop on your bike and explore some of Greater Longfellow's favorite local businesses on Saturday, Aug. 22 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Join us for a relaxed, guided bike tour through the …

Soul of the Southside 2026

In honor of Juneteenth, the people of Minneapolis came together for the Soul of the Southside Annual Festival, a free event hosted on E. Lake Street, 27th and Minnehaha Ave. Soul of the Southside …

Brave Hearts Club co-founders are left to right: Wanjiru Dalton, Melley Richards, and Kate Fischer. On the first anniversary of their club’s beginning, they’re celebrating “one year of being brave enough to be vulnerable with others. One year of slowing down and making space to hear ourselves.” (Photo by Jennings Photo)

Brave Hearts Club welcomes all women

Brave Hearts Club is a monthly gathering of women (and those who identify as women) committed to showing up for themselves and for each other. Co-founded by Wanjiru Dalton, Kate Fischer, and …

Free mental health care in Minneapolis

The first column I wrote for the Messenger in 2023 was about universal health care. While that hasn't happened yet, Minneapolis does offer some free mental health services. If you or someone you know …

Assisted living vs. home care: What’s the difference?

A Place for Mom reports that assisted living and home care differ mainly in setting, with assisted living offering social activities and caregiving for multiple residents.

Social Security reform: What wealthy taxpayers should know

Bernstein Private Wealth Management reports Social Security reforms are likely, but benefits won't disappear and that wealthy taxpayers should plan strategically for potential changes.

5 financial changes that happen when you turn 55

Wealth Enhancement reports that turning 55 introduces key financial changes, including penalty-free 401(k) withdrawals, increased contribution limits, and crucial retirement planning opportunities.

The life expectancy gap is putting a new focus on long-term financial planning

AccuQuote reports that the life expectancy gap highlights the need for updated long-term financial planning, emphasizing cohort-specific data to better prepare for extended retirements.

How longevity is moving from a demographic trend to a financial priority

Abacus Global Management reports that U.S. life expectancy has hit a record 79 years, necessitating better retirement planning due to increased longevity and financial risks.

Turning 55 and leaving your job? What to know about the IRS rule of 55

The Retirement Group reports on the IRS Rule of 55, allowing penalty-free 401(k) withdrawals for those leaving their job after turning 55, with key conditions.

The retirement fear gap: Who really fears running out of money?

John Stevenson reports a survey revealing that lower-income Americans are more fearful of running out of retirement savings, contradicting the age-based anxiety trend.

Four Ways to Save on Everyday Essentials

(BPT) - AARP's 2026 Longevity Report found that adults older than 50 provided the equivalent of $1.2 trillion in unpaid care and volunteering in 2024. Additionally, findings show that this age group …

Why Some Wedding Guests Are RSVPing No

(BPT) - Key takeawaysA recent Accredited Debt Relief survey found that eight in 10 people with at least $10k in unsecured debt— like credit cards, personal loans, medical debts and certain …

Bringing healthcare closer to home: How to reach rural patients

(BPT) - Imagine being an older adult in rural West Virginia with chronic health conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Your conditions need regular monitoring, but the nearest clinic is 90 …

Join the fight against Medicare fraud

(BPT) - Medicare fraud isn't just a crime, it's a direct attack on your benefits, your taxpayer dollars and your personal medical records. That's why Medicare is taking action to stop fraud before it …

The Hidden Reason Some Wedding Guests Are RSVPing No

(BPT) - Key takeawaysA recent Accredited Debt Relief survey found that eight in 10 people with at least $10k in unsecured debt skipped at least one event or activity in the last year, including …

Americans are rethinking the role of home equity in retirement

Boldin reports that Americans are rethinking home equity's role in retirement, viewing it as a vital asset for financial stability amid rising costs.