THE FIELD REGINA NORTHROP NEIGHBORHOOD GROUP NEWSLETTER

January/February2018 Event Honors Hale-Field School Desegregation By Terry Mazig, Chair, Education Committee, er presentation by Field 6-8 grade AVID and Carrie Shidla, Communications Committee students on the history of integration in On Thursday, November 9, the com- south . There was also time to munity celebrated the 45 years of the honor the elders and leaders who partici- Hale-Field school partnership at Field pated in the merger of these two schools. Community School. This historic pairing merged together Field School, which The panel consisted of Hale/Field parent had a majority African-American student and education organizer Greg King, population, with Hale School which was former student Heidi Adelsman, former predominantly white. The pairing of the student Cindy Booker, and parent Zamara two schools was part of a district-wide Cuyún. The panel praised the work of effort in 1971 to desegregate Minneapolis past generations and used the night as a Provided photo schools, which was the result of housing rallying point to address issues that still Field students researched and produced more than 25 posters on topics related to racial segregation. Hale and Field schools were exist today, with all the panel members segregation in south Minneapolis. among the first in Minneapolis to desegre- pointing to the fact that today many areas gate thanks to years of activism by leaders have re-segregated to levels not seen since The event was put on by the Field Regina in our community, teachers, and parents. 1971. They also tackled difficult issues of Northrop education committee in part- housing affordability, and what it means nership with Hale and Field staff. The This wonderful event included music by to bring “your whole self” to school when event and the elders were praised by Sena- the Hale and Field choirs, an introduction you come from a minority background tor Amy Klobuchar in a video recorded in by Minneapolis School board member that can make a child feel different and Washington and shared via social media. Nelson Inz, a panel discussion, and a post- sometimes unwelcome. In it, Klobuchar says,”Everyone attending the Hale-Field event shares this belief, that you should be able to achieve your dreams and grow into healthy, happy adults and The Making of a you should receive a good education and it should not depend on who your are, what you look like or the Zip Code you Neighborhood Celebrity were born into. All children deserve the right to receive a quality education.” By Adam Webster, Carrie Shilda, and Continued on page 7 Sue Filbin, Communications Committee As we put together this issue of Close to Home, one thing is certain: our inspiring, hard-working leader and fellow neighbor- President’s Letter hood resident—Chris Schommer—has a Hello FRN, lot on his (already-busy) plate. We are at the end of 2017, another year has almost passed. We have seen so many By day, Chris works at the library at changes occur in our world and in our Macalester College, a position that Neighborhood as well. Some changes Continued on page 2 Continued on page 3

Field Regina Northrop Neighborhood Group 1620 East 46th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 • 612-721-5424 • frnng.org The Making of a Neighborhood Celebrity, continued from page 1 presents with unexpected opportunities. Late Night with Seth Meyers, and many neighborhood has known for years. We’re Few have been more unusual than those other outlets. pleased that the internet locked onto this resulting from a series of run-ins with a sign and story, but we’re delighted that frequent campus visitor, a neighborhood The story behind the story is just as the rest of the world can celebrate what cat who made a habit of attempting to charming. Chris himself had just returned we’ve already known about Chris. Chris is gain access to the library. Chris took it to work at Macalester after taking time currently working to turn this wonderful upon himself to more fully communicate with his wife Megan to celebrate the tale into the children’s story it was always to the public that cat’s immeasurable arrival of their newborn daughter. He’d meant to be. For updates and more, charm and lack of borrowing privileges. spent much of his parental leave reading check out http://letmaxin.com/ The cat in question? Max. Yes, that Max children’s books, especially to his 3-year- the Cat. old daughter. Freshly inspired by that To meet our neighborhood celebrity, at- vocabulary and cadence, Chris dashed tend the communication committee meet- off that sign. He wasn’t seeking notoriety; ing that convenes on the second Monday he was addressing a work issue with of every month at 6:30 p.m. at Sovereign the capable wit and warmth our Grounds. Chris is always there. v

Night on 48th Succeeds Again By Patricia Jones, Chair, Business Committee; Silent Auction Donors Corrie Perez, Business Committee; and • 14 Hill: Gift Bag Stearline Rucker, Program Director. • Afternoon Printing: Original poster Thank you to our sponsors, silent-auction • Heidi Bargmann, Perfectly Polished: contributors, board members, volunteers, Gift certificate for basic manicure individuals, and program director. • Bone Adventure: Gift box Sponsors • Bubbly Paws: Gift certificate Photo: Connie Lipton Jones Financial Group Chris Schommer, chair of the communications • Carver Junk: Gift bag committee, with Max the Cat. • $500 • Sue Filbin: Original nature print • Kidsitters at McRae Park (Field Community • Fit For Change: Gift certificate for four A campus visitor snapped a photo of the School students). 30-minute workout sessions with a sign and shared it online. Social media • FRN youth T-shirts certified personal trainer took over and the story has gone viral. Ken & Norm’s Liquor • Gilleece Family: Spain-theme basket And what a story: it’s heart-warming, • $500 + more than $200 wine for wine raffle • Illusion Theater :Two performances; funny, and it touches upon so many char- Dick’s Metro Flooring two tickets acters who help Macalester’s community • $200 • Primp: Gift certificate come to life. There’s a reason that it has Ray Welter Heating & Air Conditioning • Pedego Twin Cities: Gift certificate for trended on Reddit and Twitter, and • $200 four 2-hour rentals has been featured in the StarTribune, Salon 45 • Pump House Creamery: Gift certificate Washington Post, MPR, The Today Show, • $100 • Sum Dem: Gift card for appetizer sampler

Andrea L. Newton, DDS | Julie E. Clouse, DDS 4454 Avenue 612-823-6262 www.familydentalclinic-mpls.com Building lifelong relationships one smile at a time

2 Close to Home borhoods were once segregated by design, our neighborhoods? Who will help orga- and what it took to unify and desegregate nize these group(s)? How do we make sure our schools and neighborhoods. we are including all our new businesses, in our conversation about the commercial We’ve talked about crime in our commu- plans and hopes of our community? We nity, and how we can do something about need to work with McRae Park on com- it. FRN you have talked about forming munity building, in planning activities for walking groups, and walking together, our young people and teenagers. We have with the strength of unity, looking out our newsletter publication, Close to Home, for each other. and we need people to continue to write Provided pohoto Willie Bridges, President, Field Regina articles for the paper. We have a great Northrop Neighborhood Group (FRNNG) This November, we voted for a lot of local production team for the newsletter, who elected positions that have a direct impact have won several awards and recognition on our community. This new year, we will for being an outstanding newsletter. Let’s President’s Letter, con't from page 1 have two new City Council Members: continue to share our enthusiasm and have been positive, and some have been Andrea Jenkins and Jeremy Schroeder. talents to maintain this asset. negative. We have seen some old business- We are looking forward to working with es close on Chicago Avenue, and we’ve both of them and having them to hear FRN I’m up to the challenge for 2018 seen some new businesses open in their our concerns for our communities, and and I need your help to make these things place. We have a new bakery on 46th and working on our behalf. They will be happen. Please consider joining one of our Bloomington, too. replacing our previous Council Members, committees that interest you, and making Elizabeth Glidden and John Quincy, who 2018 the best for FRN. We’ve seen longtime business owner, Joe gave so much of themselves to preserve Minjares, who will be closing his Pepitos and improve our communities. To them If you have new neighbors, please intro- restaurant. Joe has been very active in our we give our appreciation. duce yourself and welcome them to the community through the years. He has neighborhood. Be safe and be aware of been very sick of late, and we want Joe to FRN, we have work ahead of as we begin your surroundings: always lock your car know that we’re thinking about him. the New Year 2018. How do we work doors, garage doors, and house doors. If with our local schools to help keep our you have an elderly person living next This past November, Hale and Field kids engaged and wanting to stay in door to you, check up on them periodical- School taught us in the community all school? What is it that we can do to assist ly, to make sure that they’re OK. Practice about the history of our neighborhood. those families who need help, in fixing the Golden Rule. The young people did a lot of research their homes and properties up, when about our community and educated both they’ve fallen into worsening disrepair? I wish the Best for you this coming Year themselves and us, about how our neigh- When do we start the walking groups in 2018, FRN,—Willie New Rapid Bus Line Planned By Scott Janowiak released in early 2018, and an open com- The D Line corridor’s existing Route 5 is The D Line is a planned rapid bus line ment period will offer opportunities for the busiest bus route in the region, with that will substantially replace the current the general public to provide feedback. about 15,000 riders each weekday. The Route 5 between Brooklyn Center and D Line will offer a faster, more comfort- Bloomington, and follow the same align- The Metropolitan Council is anticipated able trip for riders. For more information, ment along Chicago Avenue. to review and approve a final D Line Sta- visit the project website at https://www. tion Plan in the summer of 2018. Sign up metrotransit.org/d-line-project You Over the past year, Metro Transit has for the D Line newsletter on the project can also contact Scott Janowiak from the been developing recommended station website to stay updated on the D Line project staff at scott.janowiak@metro- locations to include within the upcom- project, including the upcoming release transit.org or 612-341-5733 for more ing draft D Line Station Plan. This draft of the draft D Line Station Plan and rec- information. Station Plan identifies the intersection and ommended station locations in the Field Expect to see the draft D Line Station intersection corner for proposed D Line Regina Northrop neighborhood. Metro Plan in early 2018. v platforms. The draft Station Plan will be Transit is interested in your feedback on recommended station locations.

January/February 2018 3 Issues addressed by the Community & Safety Committee Addressing neighborhood burglaries

By Marty Koessel, Chair, Community & the importance of calling the police, 2. Is it possible to identify systemic issues Safety Committee rather than just announcing crimes and with the way the police handle infor- There was great attendance at the October responses on Nextdoor, the neighborhood mation received from residents and do a 24 meeting of the community and safety social networking website. better job communicating with residents? committee, largely spurred by concerns Lt. Zierden said that technology for re- about an up-tick in burglaries this year in Willie Bridges, president of the FRNNG ceiving and storing information is strong the Northrop neighborhood. board and Lt. Zierden explained that and that the police do a good job com- because we are generally a low-crime municating between precincts. A resident Through October 22, there were neighborhood, during most of the day suggested finding a way to pool data 59 burglaries in Northrop, notably be- there is only one squad car on patrol in received from various sources and sharing tween 8-10 p.m., compared to 47 during each of Precinct 3’s four districts, with more effectively with residents. the same period last year. (Similar increas- some supplementing by Park Police, State es were not observed in Regina and Field). Patrol, and Transit Police. More attention Council member Quincy stated that, in Although a number have been crimes of is paid to higher-crime areas such as Lake fact, other cities often look to Minne- opportunity, some have been forced entry, Street and surroundings. apolis for best practices. Can the police especially through garage and back doors improve how they triage responses by lin- and often with the burglar using a shoul- Despite the efforts of police, a few ing up teams designed for various types of der to break through doors. According to residents stated that they felt less safe in incidents? Since there is always a problem Scott Zierden, a Third Precinct investi- their neighborhood than they did five or with resources, much of the focus must gative lieutenant, this method is quieter 10 years ago, and several pointed to drug be on efficiency rather than on increasing than kicking in doors. The burglar (or sales in their vicinity. One resident asked police numbers, though great progress has burglars) has been careful to avoid direct if perhaps small problems were sliding be- been made in that area as well since the confrontation with homeowners, though cause of the effort devoted to larger ones. attrition caused by the budget crisis of the they haven’t been shy about breaking into Another asked about preventive police Great Recession. places during daylight hours or when a measures, such as stopping and checking neighbor is present. This indicates careful suspicious persons. Both Council mem- A few people stayed beyond the official casing of the neighborhood, and togeth- ber Quincy and Lt. Zierden discussed end of the meeting to review a proposal er with the use of the shoulder to break the constitutional issues with stopping from ISSI Security for installing cameras down doors, leads to an assumption that persons without good cause. at 43rd St. and 4th Ave. The proposal the burglar is experienced and smart. relates to the area of a shooting earlier in These general concerns break the year and came about both in response Citizen concerns down into two key areas to the shooting and because of concerns Several residents voiced a concern that 1. There is a common perception that our about drug dealing. Support at the despite doing everything requested by neighborhood is growing less safe over meeting led to official approval during the police, including 911 calls, there is a time. Is this a result of a temporary spike FRNNG board meeting on November 15. sense that the police aren’t acting on the in burglaries and individual experiences, Six cameras will be installed in December. information given. Lt. Zierden explained or do statistics bear this out? that all calls coming into the dispatch center are stored, but reports are logged only when a police officer goes out to the scene. Non-logged calls aren’t visible to Lt. Zierden and other officers when reviewing crime information. Questions were raised about the possibility of sys- temic problems with the way information is handled by the police. Council member John Quincy explained that he holds regular meetings with the police to review crime issues in Ward 11 and emphasized

4 Close to Home Housing Loans Available Close to Home Close to Home is the official publication of the Field Regina in Field & Regina Northrop Neighborhood Group http://frnng.org/ and is published By Nate Lansing, Chair, Housing Committee and windows, permanent landscaping six times per year by the FRNNG Recently, the City of Minneapolis up- features, and many more projects. Communications Committee. dated the city’s Rehab Support Program Editors to include the neighborhoods of Field Eligible borrowers must reside in the Sue Filbin, Chris Schommer, and Carrie Shidla and Regina. The Rehab Support Program home or duplex where the work will be Layout was created by the City of Minneapolis performed. Borrowers must also meet Smiling Dog Design to help improve housing and boost the certain income requirements. Borrower’s Contributors housing market in neighborhoods that income cannot exceed 115% of the area Council Member-Elect Andrea had seen high foreclosure rates or ag- median income (AMI) which is currently Jenkins, Council Member John ing housing stock. Including Field and $98,700. If borrowers do not qualify due Quincy, Willie Bridges, Sue Filbin, Scott Janowiak, Patricia Jones, Marty Regina, 23 neighborhoods are eligible for to the income limit, the Field Regina Koessel, Nate Lansing, Terry Mazig, the program. The program works with Northrop (FRN) neighborhood loan pro- Steffanie Musich, Corrie Perez, the Minnesota Housing Finance Agen- gram (which has no income limitations) Stearline Rucker, Chris Schommer, cy’s Community Fix-Up Loan to provide may still be an option. Carrie Shidla, Adam Webster. low-interest home-improvement loans. Articles, photos, and announcements are welcome. Please email: For more information on the loan program [email protected] Eligible borrowers may borrow up to or to see if you qualify, email Jennifer or call 612-721-5424 $30,000 at 2% interest with repayment Camacho-Schalo at jennifer.camacho- or email: frnng.org terms up to 20 years. Funds can be used [email protected] or call The next deadline is Friday, February 2. for a variety of home improvements, 612-673-5174. For more information on including any code-enforcement orders, the FRN home-improvement program, The Field Regina v kitchen and bath remodeling, new siding contact Nate Lansing at [email protected] Northrop Neighborhood Group, Inc. Established in 1965 1620 East 46th Street Burglaries, con’t from page 4 Minneapolis, MN 55407 FRNNG Info Line (612) 721-5424 Lastly, during the meeting, St. Joseph’s ber-elect Jeremy Schroeder attended the E-mail: [email protected] Home for Children submitted a letter November 15 board meeting, the com- Program Manager: Stearline Rucker munity and safety committee chairperson providing background for their request 2017-2018 FRNNG Board spoke with him about the St. Joseph’s for street signage (specifically “Children at President: Willie Bridges request and handed him a copy of the let- Play” and “Speed Limit 30 MPH”) near 1st V.P.: Matt Steele ter. The committee plans to follow up in the St. Joseph’s driveway entrance on 2nd V.P.: Barbara Harris 46th Street. There was a collision with a January, when the council-member baton v Treasurer: Laura Dale child last August that, fortunately, didn’t is officially placed in Jeremy’s hands. Secretary: Emily Poskie-Wilson result in injury. When council mem- Field Neighborhood Rep: Mark Perrier Regina Neighborhood Rep: Alberta Knight Northrop North Neighborhood Rep: Kate Nyquist Northrop South Neighborhood Rep,s: Mike Lyon & Lindsey Feiner Business: Patricia Jones Communications: Chris Schommer Community and Safety: Marty Koessel Education: Terry Mazig Greening: Tim Price & Lauren Anderson Housing & Community Development: Choose a lawyer you can talk to – Dave Porter Nate Lansing 612-722-1001 U 5208 Bloomington Avenue Parks: Maria Gilleece

January/February 2018 5 Thanks from Four Upcoming Projects for Council Member Quincy It has been my great honor and privilege to Parks in Planning Stage serve as your City Council Member for the past eight years and I am extremely proud Greetings Field Regina Northrop of all that we’ve been able to accomplish neighbors! Thank you so very much for together. Together we resurfaced 50 miles providing me with the opportunity to of Ward 11 streets and brokered a deal with represent you for the next four years as the Park Board to invest $800 million over your park commissioner. 2018 brings the next 20 years to repair city streets while four new planning projects, some with supporting our neighborhood parks for the implementation occurring to park prop- next generation. erties in the area. The planning projects We fought for a Working Families Agenda are for the Minnehaha Creek Corridor, Provided photo that includes a $15-an-hour minimum Steffanie Musich, Park Board Commissioner Hiawatha Golf Course property with- wage, to raise wages over time to approach in Nokomis-Hiawatha Regional Park, Shoreline-restoration and carp-removal a livable wage, and the first-ever earned shoreline restoration at Lake Nokomis, efforts funded through State of Minnesota Sick and Safe Time ordinance. Now our and improvements at Phelps Park. Each grants will help improve water quality in neighbors no longer need to decide be- individual project will have a project page Lake Nokomis. Carp removal took place tween getting well and getting paid. at https://www.minneapolisparks.org/ after the ice was strong enough to support park_care__improvements/park_proj- commercial fishermen and their nets. As a city, we continued to lead on envi- ects/current_projects/ Shoreline-restoration planning is under- ronmental issues, which is why I advo- way with engagement opportunities and cated for more renewable energy, helped Minnehaha Creek Corridor planning additional project information available shape the Climate Action Plan and the will help direct capital expenditures and on the project page. first-in- the-nation Clean-Energy Partner- improvements during the next 25 years ship. We also worked toward our goal of and is being done in conjunction with the Capital funds are available for improve- a zero-waste city by implementing City of Minneapolis’ Public Works divi- ments at Phelps Park, located at Chicago single-sort and organics recycling. sion and the Minnehaha Creek Watershed Avenue and 39th Street, in 2018 and I communicated with neighbors con- District. This project is anticipated to 2019. Planning for improvements is cerned about Hiawatha Academy to begin in January of 2018. anticipated to begin in early 2018 with reassure residents that H.A. will continue implementation to follow. to be a stellar member of the Field Regina The Hiawatha Golf Course property is Northrop neighborhood. being master planned around a reduced My newsletter, the 5th District Dispatch, pumping scenario in January of 2018. A is a great resource for more frequent I am also proud of the partnerships I had Community Advisory Committee will updates about the parks that I send out with Council Vice President Elizabeth begin meeting in January with additional once or twice a month to help keep my Glidden and the Ward 8 community. outreach efforts coinciding with this series constituents informed. You can subscribe We supported a vibrant business district of public meetings. More information at http://eepurl.com/QZ_-9. Happy at 48th & Chicago and got the Arthur about this project and the planning pro- New Year and I’ll see you in the parks! v and Edith Lee House added to the cess can be found on the project page. National Register of Historic Places. I worked hard every day to stay true to our shared values and deliver on the promise of One Minneapolis—a growing and vibrant world-class city, with a flour- ishing economy and a pristine environ- ment, where all people are safe, healthy, and have equitable opportunities for success and happiness. I thank you again for the privilege of serving you. v

Council member Glidden’s summary will be available in the March/April issue of this newsletter.

6 Close to Home Event Honors Hale-Field School Desegregation, continued from page 1 Thanks to these generous sponsors Gayle and Bruce Adelsman Doris Arnold Alison Galbraith Brown Dave and Catherine Cooley Barbara and Joel Eisinger Marjorie Goldberg James Johnson John and Joanne Knoblauch Robert Kreuser Pearl and William Lieb Al and Terry Mazig Peter McLaughlin and Nancy Hylden Robert, Janet and Allyson Morgan

Provided photos Robert Noble Parents, teachers, and staff from Hale and Field schools—the elders—who initiated the pairing of the schools to achieve racial desegregation, were honored at the November 9 event. Phil and Mary Schmidt Rick and Kay Streng Keiko Sugisaka I was overwhelmed by the incredible power and lasting impact of the Hale & Field Foundation Hale–Field partnership even 45 years after the fact. Hopefully Minneapolis Saint Joan of Arc Church Public Schools can work with community leaders as we battle the resegre- Hale PTA gation of our schools in the present. It is obvious to me any lasting solutions Field PTA need to be led by our community with support from MPS and the school Field Regina Northrop Neighborhood Group board.—Nelson Inz, Minneapolis School Board, District 5 Director Event Organizers Heather Walker, Field AVID teacher Greg King, Field parent, panel, education organizer for the faith-based group ISAIAH Jen Buss, Field parent Heidi Adelsman, community historian Stearline Rucker, event adviser Chase Burkhart, tech support, Field choir teacher Elizabeth Roth, Hale choir teacher Kim Hotchkiss, Field jazz band teacher From L to R: Gwen Fraction, Bessie Griffin, Panelists L to R: Greg King, Heidi Adelsman, Terry Mazig, chair, education committee Alberta Johnson, and Janet Morgan. In the Cindy Booker, and Zamara Cuyún.The panel background, Robert Morgan and Vincent praised the work of past generations while Nelson Inz, Mpls. School Board, District 5 Cruse, Lucille’s son. Lucille worked at Hale and raising the question of re-segregation today. Field schools as an educational assistant. Field They also noted the issues of housing affordabil- School’s new addition, where the event took ity and cultural differences related to personal Volunteers Needed! place, is named Lucille Cruse Commons. names, foods, and overall acceptance. Please consider volunteering in the AVID classroom at Field School. Volunteers are needed to help check student binders and assist students with organization. Tuesdays or Thursdays Period 1 : 8:30-9:30 a.m. Period 2 : 9:30-10:20 a.m. Period 3 : 10:20-11:15 a.m.

Education Committee : [email protected] 1st Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m., McRae Park Arts & Crafts Room

Chris Schommer contributed to this article. v

January/February 2018 7 8th-Ward Update

Council Member Andrea Jenkins

Since our historic election, it’s been quite community. There are some exciting proj- the media ride, as it has inspired hope and ects being considered to promote econom- faith in our democracy. We have inspired ic development and healthy communities. other women to seek public office and I look forward to fostering this growth. bring attention to marginalized voices. We must be engaged in our communities if we As an artist, I am interested in continuing want to create the world we want to live in. to elevate the arts as a broad tool for eco- nomic development and supporting artists I am excited to take office. My office as entrepreneurs and income generators will be deeply engaged in the equity and and contributors to our growing creative inclusion work across the City to bring economy. Provided photo more equity for people of color, African Council Member Andrea Jenkins Americans, and other marginalized com- I look forward to working with my new munities. colleagues to continue to implement the Happy New Year! My name is Andrea Clean-Energy Plan, to support and pro- Jenkins, and I am deeply honored and I am pleased to announce that I will be mote a Zero-Waste culture, and to ensure humbled to represent the 8th Ward and maintaining the current staff, Sara Lopez that we are creating a cleaner environment the Field Regina Northrop neighborhood and Deebaa Sirdar. in Minneapolis and beyond. on the . My team and I will focus on providing I want to thank all of you for your I am a poet, artist, oral historian, and a responsive constituent services to address support. I look forward to continuing to long-time Ward 8 resident. As many of issues of concern in the ward. I intend build positive relationships over the next you may know, I also worked with the to work with community members and four years. We will be announcing com- previous City Council Member, Elizabeth the Police Department to address mis- munity office hours and opportunities for Glidden, for 10 years. I want to thank her understandings, promote stronger police engagement and input in the near future. for her vision, wisdom, and service to the accountability, and improve police-com- Until then, please feel free to contact my 8th Ward and the City of Minneapolis. As munity relations. office by phone at (612) 673-2208, your new City Council Member, I intend or you can reach me via email at to carry forward many of the policies and One of the goals of my term is to contin- [email protected]. v initiatives that Council Member Glidden ue positive economic development along has brought forward. East 38th Street as well as throughout the

One in a series of articles about neighborhood board members Getting to Know You: Patricia Jones Propinquity is a funny word that means, advisor and money manager in her own “A state of nearness; of being close to firm—Jones Financial Group. someone or something; affinity or rela- tionship.” Propinquity suggests geographic proximi- ty. Patricia’s office on 48th & Chicago Propinquity is a fitting word to describe is located just nine blocks from her home what Patricia Jones brings to her re- in the Bancroft neighborhood. Patricia lationships with clients and people in and her husband chose their home our community. Relationships form the 14 years ago partly because they saw foundation of Patricia’s work as a financial Continued on page 9 Provided photo

8 Close to Home Sift Gluten Free Bakery Opens Doors

By Carrie Shidla, Communications Committee After months of construction, Sift Gluten Free Bakery opened its doors on Decem- ber 8 at 4557 Bloomington Avenue. Proprietor Molly Miller, who developed a dedicated following from the Kingfieldand Mill City farmers markets over the past four years, has been working since July to realize her dream of opening a brick-and-mortar bakery to serve her customers. Photo: Sue Filbin Molly Miller designed her gluten-free bakery to be a welcoming space for people to enjoy. The extensive build-out boasts a large commercial bakery in what has been a The corner will likely see a lot of activity. In baristas and front counter staff. The retail long-empty space that was formerly a the final stages of finishing the renovation, space, which offers free wifi, is open doctor’s office, and a retail space in the potential customers knocked on the doors Tuesday-Friday from 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m., former Sisters’ Sludge Coffee Café. and windows every few minutes, anxious to Saturday 7 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sunday 7-2. sample the offerings. The bakery menu fea- Sift will be closed on Mondays. The retail space is open and bright, with a tures a farmers’ market favorite, cinnamon cozy and warm feeling, which Miller cred- rolls, along with scones, muffins, breakfast “I’m just so excited,” said Miller. “It’s a its to her father and brother, who lent their bites and donuts. Molly hopes in the future long time coming. Minneapolis has such a skills as finish carpenters to the custom to also add some savory items such as bread vibrant food scene and it’s great to be part maple woodworking. “I wanted it to be an and pizza. She’ll also feature a beverage of it, and part of this neighborhood.” inviting, welcoming space for people who program featuring coffee from Bootstrap are gluten free to enjoy—and people who Coffee Roasters out of Saint Paul. 4557 Bloomington Avenue. aren’t can also enjoy it just as much. It’s http://siftglutenfree.com/ or exactly what I imagined—my dream come Miller hired 10 new staff, many from the on Facebook at Sift Gluten Free. v to life,” says Miller. immediate neighborhood, as bakers,

Getting to Know You: Patricia Jones, continued from page 8 a diverse neighborhood—people of dif- Patricia wants to connect businesses and time and energy to devote to community ferent generations and professions as well residents. She knows that every business activities. Patricia believes that she can’t as different cultures and nationalities. She owner wants residents and patrons to feel ask for a great community and not and her husband love their neighborhood safe and welcome. Residents need the contribute to it. and feel it is a safe and thriving place products and services that neighborhood to raise their 14-year-old daughter and businesses provide, and thriving com- Since joining the neighborhood board of 12-year-old son. merce adds vitality to the community. directors, Patricia says she is “constantly And naturally, businesses need people to surprised by how much people do. There Patricia demonstrates the same sense of patronize their establishments. As Patricia is so little recognition for the board and propinquity in her view of the Field Re- says, “When we support each other, people on committees, but they are really gina Northrop communities. For Patricia, we all prosper.” working hard for the good of the neigh- community means more than geographic borhood. They care. I hope readers get nearness; it’s about the affinity we have for Patricia senses that both residents and involved and care with us and get to know each other. We succeed when local orga- business owners are willing to get involved who we are. When someone wants to get nizations, businesses, and neighbors work and “give back” to the neighborhood. involved, I hope they know there’s a place toward each other’s best interests. When her children were younger, she vol- for them to get involved. It’s about lifting unteered in their classrooms but couldn’t up a community.” v As chairperson of the business committee— volunteer for community activities. Now By Sue Filbin and Patricia Jones a position she’s held since June 2016— that her children are older, she has more

January/February 2018 9 4 Questions Rosie Posie Adds Tom Goetz, Proprietor, Style to 48th and Tom’s Popcorn Shop Chicago By Adam Webster, Communications Committee By Carrie Shidla, Communications Committee 1. Tell us how you got into this line of work. There is a new shop open at 4802 Chicago How’d you find yourself here? Avenue for women looking for stylish, Tom’s has been around in more or less its interesting pieces for both the home and current form since 1979, but it’s actually an themselves. Rosie Posie opened its doors offshoot of a previous store, Dave’s Pop- in the neighborhood on October 14. corn, which until the late 1960s occupied the lot where the Super America is now. Shop owner Jenny Osborn strives to offer When the owner passed away, it changed a unique collection of clothing, jewelry, hands and moved a few storefronts north. It home décor, accessories and gifts. In fact, stayed that way until 1979, when my father Osborn so enjoyed the offerings of Rosie walked in the door and offered to buy the Posie that she has transitioned from customer to employee, to now being place as-is. My sister and I helped out from Photo: Adam Webster the earliest days, since my father didn’t have Tom Goetz, second-generation owner of Tom’s the owner. the time to make it a full-time business. My Popcorn Shop on 47th and Cedar Avenue. dad is still involved, but I assumed many “I always loved to shop at the old location day-to-day responsibilities in 1983. I’ve this intersection have evolved. I don’t think in Prior Lake, and eventually I started been here ever since. there have ever been this many differently working there. When I found out they priced dining and dessert establishments were going to close, I just had to find a 2. 34 years! What’s changed in that period of here, and that’s only going to continue with way to keep it open!” she shared. time? the new Starbucks opening up soon. Per- Popcorn was a pretty straightforward thing sonally, I know I’m fortunate. Popcorn and once: 3 flavors—caramel, plain and cheese. ice cream are happy foods, which means In the early 1980s, my father came up with most people who walk in the door are in a cinnamon popcorn, and that fourth flavor good mood. I work alone a lot of the time, was a big innovation for us. In the mid- but I only average a robbery attempt every 1980s, I switched us over to plastic packag- ten years, so I think I’m doing okay. I’ve ing, which is good for shelf life and made had some other close injury calls over the it possible to make, package and sell nearly years, but I have customers who are friendly 50 different flavors of popcorn that are and often want to chat. I’m pretty sure this available in different seasons. I should also is a lot better than working alone at say that we’ve also expanded some other a gas station. offerings, like ice cream. And since I don’t Photo: Sue Filbin “sit well,” I’ve even gotten into firewood 4. This is good popcorn, way better than I Jenny Osborn shopped at Rosie Posie for unique jewelry, reasonably priced women’s sales and chainsaw carving, both of which can make. What’s a secret you can share that clothing and accessories, and home décor I sell from this location, too. would improve the quality of the popcorn before becoming the shop’s owner. we eat at home? “I purchased the store in July of 2014 and 3. You have a unique perspective on this Popcorn and moisture don’t mix well. moved it to Edina to be close to home, neighborhood, and on small business ownership Clarified butter and airtight storage are good but was looking for an area with more in general. What perspectives on the area or your starting points. But the single best thing you retail shopping business...I also wanted to livelihood can you share? can do? Buy your popcorn from me! v be in a location that had a neighborhood While I’ve worked here for a long time, feel and not a lot of chain stores.” She it’s not the only job I’ve had. And I’ve seen 4708 Cedar Avenue learned from a friend about the vacancy many other businesses open and close along 612-721-8066 in the former Sassy Knitwear space, and this stretch of Cedar in those years. The https://www.facebook.com/Toms-Popcorn- it was a perfect fit. stores, restaurants and service stations at Shop-283438811721 Continued on page 11

10 Close to Home Artful presentation FRNNG Floral Art by Tim Meeting By Sue Filbin, Communications Committee In addition to the arrangements shown When Tim Boken visited a friend whose on the shop’s website, Tim creates flowers Information business is located at 48th and Chicago, he for weddings, and bouquets for funer- Full Board noticed the “Space for Rent” sign posted als, events, and any occasion. Delivery 3rd Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m., in the window at 4851 Chicago Avenue. throughout the entire metro area is avail- Lake Nokomis Presbyterian Church (LNPC) He also observed the number of people able. Tim is also ready for spontaneous 17th Avenue and East 46th St. The full board spending time at the intersection. They purchases, with arrangements available in does not meet in July or December. walked, drove, biked, and hopped off buses the cooler or stems selected by a customer Business Committee | [email protected] to shop, eat, meet friends and family, take a that become a “handtie.” Tim creates a 1st Tuesday of each month at 8:30 a.m., class, or keep an appointment at one of the portable bouquet on the spot by tying an Turtle Bread Company, 48th and Chicago many professional services that have offices assortment of fresh-cut flowers together, Communications Committee | in our neighborhood. then cutting off their ends. The result is a [email protected] gift that’s ready to place in a vase at home 2nd Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. All of that activity convinced Tim that or to present to a delighted host or hostess. Sovereign Grounds, 48th and Chicago. the vitality he observed would contribute Community and Safety Committee | to a good location for his shop, Floral [email protected] Art by Tim. Fortuitously, the pleasant, 4th Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. narrow space that was available had been McRae Park Rec. Center occupied for the past 12-plus years by two Education Committee | [email protected] other floral/home-décor shops. Twiggs 1st Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. was followed by Spruce Flowers & Home, McRae Park Arts & Crafts Room which had the pleasant problem of out- Greening Committee | [email protected] growing the space. 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Turtle Bread Company, 48th and Chicago Housing Committee | [email protected] The artistry in Tim’s business name refers Photo: Sue Filbin to his approach to create one-of-a-kind ar- Tim Boken of Floral Art by Tim, in his shop at 1st Monday of each month at 7 p.m. Town Hall Tap, 48th & Chicago rangements for his clients. He asks about 4751 Chicago Avenue. the purpose behind the gift and what Stop in at Floral Art by Tim to meet Tim, Parks Committee | [email protected] message the gift is intended to convey. view his evolving selection of handcrafted 1st Monday of each month at 7 p.m. McRae Park Rec. Center By selecting the fresh flowers immedi- gifts from local artists, pick up some spon- ately available in his shop’s cooler, or by taneous fresh flowers, have Tim create a purchasing special specimens from a local special arrangement, and to literally wholesaler, Tim creates memorable, artful “smell the roses.” v floral arrangements. He looks forward to creating “non-traditional” presentations 4751 Chicago Ave., (612) 824-4526 for Valentine’s Day—along with special https://floralartbytim.com/ bouquets of a dozen red roses. And on Facebook

Rosie Posie Adds Style to 48th and Chicago, continued from page 10 Osborn says that the shop has always been charming neighborhood! Everyone I have known for unique jewelry pieces, but for met has been so welcoming and encourag- the new location she is working hard to ing to me. I am truly grateful be here!” v source beautiful clothing and accessories that are reasonably priced. She is excited 4802 Chicago Avenue We thank our partner in producing this to share her finds with the neighborhood. Wednesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-6:30 pm. newsletter – Greenhaven Printing, (651) 639-9822, greenhavenprinting.com “The best part of owning my own store are Sunday noon-4 p.m. the relationships you build with customers, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ and I am so excited to be a part of this Rosie-Posie-145720485480456/ or [email protected]. v

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