Residents call for Dowling Community Local author earns compromise at Garden celebrates national Pinckley Hiawatha Golf Course 75th anniversary Prize for debut novel PAGE 5 PAGE 6 PAGE 12

September 2018 Vol. 36 No. 7 www.LongfellowNokomisMessenger.com 21,000 Circulation • ‘Extremely affordable’ housing project planned at 45th and Hiawatha Amber Apartments to provide a step between homelessness and citizens who give back to their communities

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN An “extremely affordable” housing project in Longfellow will bridge the gap for people who are working but still don’t make enough to afford a stan- dard rent payment. Amber Apartments is being built by RS Eden, a niche player in the development world that provides affordable housing with support services, explained Presi- dent and RS Eden CEO Dan Cain. “The expectation is for peo- ple to move from a level of dys- function to function,” said Cain. The company manages or owns nine buildings in the Twin Cities, totaling 550 units, that help people get off the RS Eden President and CEO Dan Cain hopes the city will consider con- streets and into stable housing. structing a pedestrian bridge near 45th and Hiawatha to serve residents, in- cluding high-density housing projects at Amber Apartments and the Snelling The company began with just RS Eden Chief Financial Advisor Paul Puerzer (left) and President and three staff members and now Yards site. Right now, people regularly cross Hiawatha near 45th instead of CEO Dan Cain hold up an illustration of Amber Apartments, an 80-unit walking down to the crosswalk at 46th. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen) has 180 employees. In each building that will provide extremely affordable housing along Hiawatha and building, there are also services 45th Ave. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen) aimed at dealing with problems barriers to securing housing, ute to the community and take that contributed to homeless- making it easy for landlords responsibility for their own ness, including addiction, men- Low barrier housing and being responsible citizens, to screen them out. RS Eden’s lives. There are any number of tal health issues, lack of educa- RS Eden employees envision and not have to spend 50% or commitment is to ‘screen peo- barriers that people have had to tion, and more. filling Amber Apartments with more of what little income they ple in.’ We look for reasons overcome to make that full leap The goal of the Amber tenants who are working but have on rent,” stated Cain. to believe that a prospective from where they’re coming to Apartments in Longfellow is to don’t make enough to afford Residents at RS Eden apart- tenant will make it, and be- where they’re going.” provide efficiency, single-oc- market-rate housing—even ments often can’t pass back- come a good neighbor.” He added, “It’s breaking cupancy units at about $600 a what’s labeled as “affordable.” ground checks and don’t have RS Eden focuses on creat- the cycle.” month. Maybe they’re working at a cou- high credit scores. So RS Eden ing intentional communities Right now there are some “We’re not giving people a ple of part-time jobs. Or, they offers “low barrier housing.” in their buildings. “We look for people who aren’t being served handout, but a hand up,” ex- work next door at Walgreens or According to RS Eden Vice people who have buy-in to a by the housing projects RS Eden plained Cain. “They have to do Cub as a cashier earning mini- President of Supportive Hous- culture of pro-social values and already offers as they aren’t tech- the work, but we provide the mum wage. ing Lois Mueller, “Many of the beliefs,” explained Cain. “They nically homeless because they’re opportunity.” “This will allow them to con- people we meet have histories may not have always been that, tinue in the process of working that have resulted in multiple but now they want to contrib- Continued on page 2 Program focuses on seniors at risk of isolation and loneliness By JAN WILLMS zation is to end social isolation It is nearly 5pm on a Mon- and loneliness among older day, and Longfellow resident adults in the Twin Cities. Jim Buskirk is anticipating a Although the program of visitor. He is looking forward visiting companions has al- to conversation and a challeng- ways been a part of LBFE, a new ing game of tic, a card game project, Neighbor Connect, is similar to gin rummy. starting now in the Longfellow Emily Wildberger has fin- neighborhood. ished her work day as a proj- “Through Neighbor Con- ect manager for Target Corpo- nect, Longfellow communi- ration. She is nearing the due ty members will forge a path date of her pregnancy and is toward creating isolation-free tired and ready for a nap. blocks to ensure everyone, even But all those feelings dis- those who live alone, are con- appear as she looks forward to nected and feel a sense of be- meeting her friend Jim, hop- longing,” said LuAnne Speeter, ing that this evening she might communications director for actually win a card game with LBFE. him. Both Wildberger and Bus- Buskirk and Wildberger are kirk can attest to the benefits of part of a program initiated by connecting with each other. They Little Brothers Friends of the began their visits last January. Elderly (LBFE), 1845 E. Lake Longfellow resident Jim Buskirk (left) is visited by Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly volunteer Emily Wildberger St. The mission of the organi- Continued on page 3 every other week. (Photo by Jan Willms) $2,100-2,800. Affordable housing Rental vacancies in the project Twin Cities have dropped to 2.4 percent while the unem- Continued from page 1 ployment rate has dropped to staying with a mom or brother 2.9 percent resulting in low or friend. Amber Apartments will rental vacancies and strong provide a place for those people, rent growth, according to the said Mueller. Dougherty study. Meanwhile, When RS Eden opens a new the compensation for private building, they often find that market workers in 2017 in- police calls go up in the area. creased just 1.4 percent, mak- It’s not because there is more ing it difficult for low-income crime in the RS Eden building, wage earners to find housing. but because the residents of the “There has been a lot RS Eden building are calling in of attention recently on the about the crime they see in the homeless encampment along streets around their homes, ob- Hiawatha Ave., but we’ve been served Cain. facing a crisis in homelessness One of the first steps RS far before those tents went Eden took in getting this proj- up—it just hasn’t been quite ect off the ground was to visit as visible,” remarked Minne- with the Longfellow Communi- apolis City Council member ty Council and garner support. Andrew Johnson. “The Amber “We look for a neighbor- Apartments proposal helps hood that will support the tran- address this crisis by creating sition for people to become in- Amber Apartments is being named after RS Eden President and CEO Dan Cain’s daughter as a legacy project to some units for homeless in- volved in their communities,” honor the 46 years he’s been with the organization. The majority of the $18 million cost of the project will be cov- dividuals and families, along stated Cain. ered by various grants and low-income housing tax credits, but RS Eden needs to raise $700,000. (Photo by Tesha with providing necessary sup- It wasn’t until the LCC M. Christensen) port services, such as helping Neighborhood Development them get and keep jobs. It also and Transportation Committee will consider constructing a pe- be covered by various grants affordable housing, according creates additional units that approved the project that RS destrian bridge near 45th and and low-income housing tax to Mueller, who pointed out help address the affordable Eden purchased the property. Hiawatha to serve residents, in- credits, but RS Eden needs to that the city is in need of tens of housing crisis hitting many cluding high-density housing raise $700,000. Donations thousands of affordable housing major cities, including ours, Five-story, 80 unit building projects at Amber Apartments can be made via the website at units according to a study by the with runaway rents that push Amber Apartments will be lo- and the Snelling Yards site. www.rseden.org. Dougherty Financial Group. The working families out and de- cated on the property that Planners expect Amber definition of affordable housing stabilize their lives. now houses the Bell Labo- Donations needed Apartments to be fully fund- is housing costs that are 30% “We need more develop- ment proposals like this and I ratory building, just north of Amber Apartments is being ed by the end of 2019, and to of a person’s income. To afford Walgreens along Hiawatha Ave. named after Cain’s daughter as start construction shortly after rent payments of $700-$900 a am thankful to have RS Eden as and kitty-corner from the up- a legacy project to honor the that. It will take 10-11 months person must make between a partner in these efforts.” coming Snelling Yards housing 46 years he’s been with the or- to complete. development. It does not in- ganization. clude the historic Flair Foun- The majority of the $18 An affordable housing crisis tain structure. million cost of the project will Minneapolis is in high need of The five-story, 53,950 square-foot building will sit on BUY LOCAL one acre. It will include 80 ef- ficiency units that range from 418 to 518 square feet. A park- ing lot will have 40 spaces, or about a half space per unit, and there will be inside storage for bicycles. One-third of the prop- erty will be green space along what planners hope will soon be the Min Hi Line linear park. The entrance to the build- ing will be off 45th rather than Hiawatha. The building will sit di- rectly across from the 46th St. light rail station, and planners expect that most residents will not have a car. It was the prox- imity to a light rail station and A Line Bus Rapid Transit that drew RS Eden to this site. “For low-wage workers, the expense of owning and operat- ing a dependable car presents one more barrier to success, but not having a car means not having access to jobs, health care, and other necessary ame- nities,” remarked Mueller. Cain hopes that the city

Page 2 September 2018 • Messenger • www.LongfellowNokomisMessenger.com kirk worked as a mailman, later the little pink house they share who feels isolated can benefit. Program for seniors being promoted into manage- with her dog. And he has met “We get referrals from lots Continued from page 1 ment. “I did that for 35 years, her brother, Drew, who came of different sources,” Speeter Next Deadline: Sept. 17 also,” he said. over to play cards with them explained. “Sometimes from Next Issue: Sept. 27 Buskirk has a great love of one day. family who lives out of town, “I found out about the pro- sports, which he shares with Forming these connections or from social services. Some gram through the NextDoor Wildberger. She, in turn, has is what LBFE is all about. Ac- people just call up and say they “I play cards on Thursdays app,” Wildberger said. She had taught him about her dog and cording to Speeter, the organi- would like to have a friend.” with a male friend, and every started working as a compan- love of fantasy fiction. “Being a zation started in Paris in 1946 Speeter said Longfellow other Monday with Emily,” ion in college, so it was some- mailman, Jim did not like dogs and was first in the United was chosen as a pilot project Buskirk said. “I really look for- thing she knew she wanted to very much,” she said. States in 1959. It opened in the for Neighbor Connect because ward to those days. The best do and something she knew Wildberger said she went Twin Cities in 1972. of the number of elders living thing out of the relationship is was needed in the neighbor- through some training and re- As well as helping form in the community and also be- getting to know her and having hood. A native of South Caroli- ceived a little bit of informa- friendships between elders cause some tools were already a friendship.” na, she moved to the area with tion about Buskirk. “We went and other community mem- in place, such as organizations “The best thing is friend- her husband, who is Minneso- out for dinner a couple of bers, LBFE has a program called like the Longfellow Commu- ship,” Wildberger agreed. “Jim tan that grew up in the Longfel- times, at Carbone’s and Apple- Friendship and Flowers, in nity Council and Longfellow/ is a part of my community. low neighborhood. bee’s,” she said, “so you could which homebound residents Seward Healthy Seniors. “We People at work ask if I have “She just started coming see if you liked me. And I guess receive visits and homemade are partnering with them to won at cards. It’s fun, and we every other Monday,” Buskirk you did.” cookies on a monthly basis. focus on this neighborhood, talk.” said. The pair think Buskirk’s These days, with Wildberg- “We have focused Neighbor and then replicate Neighbor “I don’t think the age dif- daughter Shelly, who lives in er’s advancing pregnancy, they Connect in the Longfellow area Connect in other communi- ference is a barrier. I think it is Atlanta, may have been the one usually meet at Jim’s house and to try and get as many elders ties,” Speeter said. nice for us to be this far apart who contacted LBFE to find a play cards and visit. connected as possible,” Speeter “So many people are on so- in age. He has raised three chil- volunteer to visit her father. “We don’t really have that said. “There are about 1400 el- cial media these days, and you dren and has grandchildren “I have been in this house much in common,” Wildberg ders over the age of 65 in the just don’t see them out in their and great-grandchildren. It is since 1964,” Buskirk noted. “I said. “But that’s good because Longfellow community who yards and interacting with each nice to have someone who has was in the army during the Ko- we can learn new things from live alone and are more at risk other. We hope this program experience with family life.” rean War, and I was married for each other. I am learning about of isolation and loneliness.” will bring greater excitement For anyone in the Longfel- 35 years. That was wonderful.” baseball, basketball, and foot- She said the program pri- and greater awareness among low community interested in He attended Augsburg Col- ball. And Jim is an expert on TV marily works with elders who community members.” becoming a part of Neighbor lege, where he met his wife. shows.” do not have a strong family For Buskirk and Wildberger, Connect, contact Ann Fosco at They raised three children. Bus- For his part, Jim has connection nearby or a strong the evidence of the success of [email protected] or learned about her husband and social network, but anyone the program is already in place. 612-746-0725.

The volunteers with Transition Paul Hawken, author of "Draw- Longfellow create opportunities Down." Donation accepted. for South Minneapolis neigh- Each Friday, Transition bors to get to know one another Transition Longfellow Longfellow sends out a Step-by- while also learning how to live Step Preparedness Email with more sustainably and prepare By LESLIE MACKENZIE actions you can take that week for changes ahead. Visit www. to become more prepared for transitionlongfellow.org for extreme weather. Sign up for more details on these and other Transition Longfellow plans Movie Night, Parent Group in Sept. the series at the website, www. activities. transitionlongfellow.org, where you can also find past emails. Transition Parents & Kids about raising resilient kids, liv- journey of so many refugees flee- Macy and the Great Turning.” Play Group meets Sat., Sept. 1, ing a sustainable, less consum- ing flood, fire or civil unrest. The Macy shares her understanding 10am-noon, at Longfellow Park, er-oriented, low-waste family mother telling this tale of escape of these times we live in, when 3435 36th Ave. S. Join with life. Share conversation, resourc- from a London now underwa- everything we treasure seems other parents who are concerned es, and ideas. In September, the ter is making the dangerous trip to be at risk. This is not a film group will be visiting a farmers with a newborn. The author has about despair, but about the market or a farm to learn about done a masterful job of cap- opportunity we have to come MINNEHAHA sustainable food production. turing the laser focus of a new alive to our truest power and ACADEMY The Book Group meets parent and the search for safety participate in the Great Turn- Thurs., Sept. 13, 6:30pm, at amidst uncertainty experienced ing, the third major revolution 44th and Final Arena Sale Moon Palace Books (3032 by so many refugees. A quick of human existence, after the 4200 W. River Parkway Minnehaha Ave.) to discuss “The and compelling read. (This book agricultural and industrial revo- Minneapolis, 55406 End We Start From,” by Megan is newly available in paperback lutions. The good news is: that’s Fri, Sept. 14, 9 am – 6 pm Hunter. In this short novel, the on Sept 1; Moon Palace will what’s happening all around reader is taken along on the have copies available.) the world. “Arguably the great- ($3 Adult Adm – Free after 2 pm) Movie Night is scheduled est interview of our time with Sat, Sept. 15, 9 am – Noon for Fri., Sept. 21, with a potluck one the wisest women of our (Free admission) at 6:30, and a movie at 7-9pm time. Heartbreakingly inspiring, 15 well-organized departments at Minnehaha Communion Lu- practical and transcendental, No strollers allowed in arena theran Church, 4101 37th Ave. transformative words that Joan- More information at: S. Share a potluck meal, then na Macy has conjoined so beau- MinnehahaAcademy.net watch the documentary “Joanna tifully in her life and work,” The movie “Joanna Macy and the Great Turning” will be shown on Sept. 21 for this month’s Movie Messenger Night. (Photo from Internet source)

125 First Ave. NW, PO Box 168 Minneapolis MN 55369 651-645-7045 Publishers: the Messenger. Letters to the editor and news releases for publication can be sent via e-mail Calvin deRuyter, Tim Nelson at [email protected]. Be sure to send copy in the body of the e-mail, and please Managing Editor: mark whether the copy is a letter, a news release Calvin deRuyter, [email protected] for publication, or perhaps just your thoughts on the last issue. Don’t forget to write! Advertising: Denis Woulfe (651-917-4183); The Longfellow/Nokomis Messenger is [email protected] a monthly community publication in the Longfellow and Nokomis areas of Minneapolis, Production: owned and operated by deRuyter-Nelson Tim Nelson Publications, Inc. All correspondence should be sent to the Messenger, 125 First Ave. NW, PO Contributing Writers: Box 168, Minneapolis, MN 55369. To contact Tesha M. Christensen, Jan Willms, Jill Boogren, the editor, call Calvin at 651-917-4182. To reach the advertising department, call Denis at Matthew Davis, Margie O’Loughlin, 651-917-4183. Stephanie Fox All rights reserved. The contents of the Now, communicate with the Longfellow/ Messenger cannot be reproduced without Nokomis Messenger electronically! express written permission of the publisher. Now it’s easier than ever to keep in touch with Copyright ©2018. www.LongfellowNokomisMessenger.com • Messenger • September 2018 Page 3 Nokomis Days serving from September 2018 to April 2020. Discover Nokomis Days on Sept. Visit www.nokomiseast.org 8 and 9 in the Nokomis East for more information and an neighborhood! Spend the week- NENA (Nokomis East Neighborhood Association) application. end exploring our quiet, fami- ly-oriented community through 4313 E. 54th St. three celebrations that highlight Fall Neighborhood Cleanup different facets of Nokomis East. Nokomis Days blends Monarch Fest, Big Tent Event and block party Litter is not only unsightly, but Start with the Minneapolis it also can have devastating ef- Monarch Festival on Sat., Sept. fects on local water quality. Join 8, 10am-4pm, with art, dancing, Upcoming meetings and events: us for a neighborhood clean- music and make and take activi- 09/05/18, 6:30pm: NENA Housing, Commercial and Streetscape Committee, NENA Office, 4313 E. up and get to know the NENA ties. The festival happens at 49th 54th St. Green Initiatives Committee. St. and Woodlawn Blvd. 09/08/18, 10am: Minneapolis Monarch Festival, 49th St. and Woodlawn Blvd. The event is on Sat., Sept. 22, Then, enjoy a glass of beer 09/12/18, 6:30pm: NENA Green Initiatives Committee, NENA Office from 10am–12:30pm at the and live music while your kids 09/22/18, 10am: Fall Neighborhood Cleanup, Crosstown Covenant Church, 5540 30th Av. S. Crosstown Covenant Church visit the balloon artist, face 09/27/18, 7pm: NENA Board Meeting, NENA Office parking lot (5540 30th Ave. S.). painters, and caricature artist at Volunteers that show up be- the Lake Nokomis Community Web: www.nokomiseast.org • Facebook: www.facebook.com/Nokomiseast tween 10– 10:30am get free cof- School Big Tent Event. It’s hours Twitter: twitter.com/NokomisEast • Email: [email protected] • Phone: 612-724-5652 fee and doughnuts. Bring a pair of fun in the Oxendale’s Market of gloves you do not mind get- (5025 S. 34th Ave.) parking lot ting dirty. RSVP on the NENA on Sat., Sept. 8, 5:30-10pm. Facebook event page or just Cap off the weekend with show up! a visit on Sun., Sept. 9 to the Nokomis Block Party hosted by BARK!ART Dog & Art Festival the Nokomis East Business As- Announcing BARK!ART Dog & sociation. This event is packed Art Festival, Sat., Sept 15, 12- with local foods, arts and crafts, 8pm and Sun., Sept. 16 from music, games, kids activities, raf- 12-5pm at Off-Leash Area’s fles, and more. Head to Oxen- Art Box, 4200 E. 54th St. E. dale’s Market at 5025 S. 34th Ave. This new two-day family festi- from 11am-3pm. val will be hosted by Off-Leash Area with community partner Monarch Festival – Canine Coach. BARK!ART will Festival de la Monarca 2018 bring two communities be- loved by Off-Leash Area—dogs This year’s 10th Anniversary Min- and art—together in a festival neapolis Monarch Festival will featuring all-ages outdoor tal- occur on Sat., Sept. 8, 10am- ent shows, dog-related business 4pm. The Festival celebrates the and artist booths, and a new monarch butterfly’s amazing production by Off-Leash Area 2,300-mile migration from called “Paws and Effect,” star- Minnesota to Mexico with ring a dog! music, food, dance, hands-on Learn more by visiting the art, native plant sales, and plenty BARK!ART Festival page at www. of opportunities to get up-close This year's Monarch Festival will take place Sat., Sept. 8, 10am-4pm. (Messenger archive file photo) offleasharea.org. The festival is with monarch butterflies, learn supported by a 2018 MRAC grant. about their habitats, and what you can do to make a difference. formation. These activities are all Apply for a NENA Board Seat neighborhood resident as an ap- Sign up for NENA News Festival participants can lis- free and open to the public. No plicant for the Board. Complet- NENA is seeking applicants for ten to music from Salsa Del Soul registration is required. ed nomination forms are due on Get your neighborhood news de- the vacant Board seat from the and other acts, make their own The Festival will be held Wed., Sept. 12. livered to your inbox every other Minnehaha neighborhood. If you art print, get up-close with mon- just east of the Lake Nokomis The NENA Board of Direc- Wednesday. Sign up today at live (homeowner and renter) in arch caterpillars, tag and release Community Center in the area tors will review all applications www.nokomiseast.org. Once you the Minnehaha neighborhood, a monarch butterfly, play games, surrounded by E. Minnehaha and appoint a new Board mem- sign up, you’ll receive updates on you can nominate yourself (most and much more. Pkwy., Woodlawn Blvd., and E. ber at its Sept. 27 meeting. This news and happenings for your common); or any NENA mem- Visit the Minneapolis Mon- Nokomis Pkwy. The festival is is a replacement appointment neighborhood. ber can nominate a Minnehaha arch Festival website at www. co-hosted by the Nokomis East monarchfestival.org for the full Neighborhood Association and line-up of music, food, art, ac- the Minneapolis Park and Recre- tivities, and native plant sale in- ation Board. Neighborhood Churches Welcome You! Bethlehem Covenant Church Minnehaha Communion Lutheran St. Peder’s Evangelical Lutheran 3141 43rd Ave. S. • 612-721-5768 4101 37th Ave. S. • 612-722-9527 4600 E. 42nd St. • 612-722-8000 www.bethlehemcov.org www.minnehahacommunion.com www.stpeders.org Rev. Matthew Kennedy Pastors Dan and Sally Ankerfelt Julie A. Ebbesen, Pastor Contemporary Worship – 9:00am Sunday Worship – 9:45 am Sundays: 9 am Worship (childcare available) Traditional Worship – 10:30am Sunday School – 9:45 am 10 am Coffee & Fellowship Espanol – 1:30pm Sept 9 – Pulled Pork Potluck after Worship Holy Communion is celebrated on the first Sept. 9 - Gathering Sunday (Wheelchair Accessible) Sunday of the month. Worship 10:30am September 9: Our Work, God’s Hand Block party to follow: 11:30-1 Spirit Garage - The church with the Sunday Fall worship schedule starting Sept. 16 really big door September 16: Rally Sunday, picnic lunch and activities beginning at 10:30 Contemporary Worship – 8:45am The Hook & Ladder Theater & Lounge September 23: Faith Formation resumes (9 Traditional Worship – 11:00am 3010 Minnehaha Ave. • 612-827-1074 am for youth, 10:30 for adults) www.spiritgarage.org Espanol – 1:30pm (Handicap acc., Braille) Come to church - 10:30 AM Sundays! Epworth United Methodist Strong coffee, loud music, serving all makes and models Trinity Lutheran Church 3207 37th Ave. • 612-722-0232 of Minnehaha Falls www.epworthumcmpls.org 3rd Thursday Theology on Tap: Sisters’ Sludge Wine and Coffee bar 5212 41st Ave. S. • 612-724-3691 Pastor Steven Reiser www.trinityfalls.org Sunday Worship: 10:30 am September 20th, 7-8:30 PM Pastor Matt Oxendale (Childcare Provided) Pastor: Holly Johnson Sunday Worship 10:00 am (thru 9/2) (Wheelchair Accessible) Music: John Kerns and bands Sunday Worship 10:30 am (beg. 9/9) Upcoming: AA Sun & Tues 7:00 pm September 9: Coming Home Sunday St. Albert the Great Catholic September 12: Beer & Bible @ E. 29th St. at 32nd Ave. S. • Merlin’s Restaurant 612-724-3643 September 21 - 22: UMW Fall Rummage www.saintalbertthegreat.org PROJECT OF Sale Fr. Joe Gillespie, O.P. NEIGHBORHOOD CHURCHES Sunday Mass: 9:30 am (Childcare available) September 23: Bagel & Bible Minnehaha Food Shelf, October 13: Harvest Festival Saturday Mass: 5 pm M,T, Th, F: Rosary at 8 am, Daily Mass Serving People Tuesday, 8:15 am 10:30 am - 3 pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Call us at 612-721-6231 First Fridays from 9 am to noon Minnehaha United Methodist • (Handicapped accessible) 3701 E. 50th St.

Page 4 September 2018 • Messenger • www.LongfellowNokomisMessenger.com Residents call for compromise at Hiawatha Golf Course After four years of disagreement, some are optimistic and others apprehensive about new Park Board direction

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN Neighborhood residents are being asked to compromise and come together over the Hiawatha Golf Course after four years of disagreement. Standish resident and Hi- awatha Golf Course Community Advisory Committee (CAC) mem- ber Sean Connaughty pointed out that compromise was achieved by the Minneapolis Park and Recre- ation Board (MPRB) commission- ers during a 6-2 vote on July 25. “Although it gives nobody On July 25, the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board of Commissioners Some wetland areas already exist on the golf course land, including this everything they want, it meets the passed a resolution directing CAC members to reduce pumping at the golf pond in the northwest corner. Under the reduced pumping scenario, lowland basic needs of all constituents in- course while also maintaining a minimum 9-hole course. Voting in favor areas of the course will be flooded and unsuitable for golf. (Photo by Tesha cluding Lake Hiawatha. Homes will were Commissioners Musich, Forney, Vetaw, Cowgill, Meyer, Bourn; voting M. Christensen) be protected, climate resiliency re- against were French and Severson. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen) stored, pollution mitigated and the golf course preserved as a 9-hole The revised compromise reso- Seibold. “The decision to redesign course,” observed Connaughty. ican history and provides habitat mise,” Connaughty said. “Let’s get lution was drafted by new At-Large this public space to be flood-re- “Picture an ecologically run and public access to spaces unus- excited about the near future. May Commissioner Vetaw, who resides silient and ecologically-driven is 9-hole course, which maintains the able for golf. the CAC move forward now with in Southeast Minneapolis. the most sustainable decision the key community asset of Hiawatha “I am just one person in this the business of the master-plan- board could make. Protecting our Golf Course in a reduced pumping community and an appointee on ning process.” Some optimistic water resources and dealing with scenario, honors the African Amer- the CAC, but I accept this compro- Last year commissioners di- According to District 5 Commis- climate change is important now rected the CAC to begin a master sioner Musich, “I am optimistic and in the future. As a community planning process for the golf course that the public planning process member, I hope that the CAC as a property. Some CAC members felt utilized by the MPRB will be able whole will collaborate effectively that their official charge was not to proceed in a productive way with the park board on this positive specific enough, and asked that the now that the new board has reaf- direction forward.” board, which had changed follow- firmed the decision made by the ing the 2017 election, look at the previous board. Some apprehensive issue again. “The adopted resolution re- However, some community mem- The Minneapolis Parks and spects the past while considering bers remain apprehensive. Recreation Board of Commission- the future of this park land and “As someone who lives in a ers did that on July 25 and passed the need to design an ecological- former wetland area that has been a resolution directing CAC mem- ly diverse landscape that reduces developed for residential purpos- bers to reduce pumping at the golf pumping while protecting nearby es and has personally experienced course while also maintaining a homes from groundwater intru- the cost of fluctuating groundwa- minimum 9-hole course. Voting in sion, and is resilient to the impacts ter levels, I am apprehensive to favor were Commissioners Steph- of climate change.” say that adding more water to an anie Musich, Meg Forney, Letrisha Musich pointed out that the area, allowing it to go back to its Vetaw, Jono Cowgill, Chris Meyer, property will continue to be operat- natural state, is a good idea—es- Brad Bourn; voting against were ed as it is today until a master plan pecially, when you are now taking Londel French and Kale Severson; is adopted by the board and ready away a floodplain (Hiawatha Golf AK Hassan was absent. to be implemented. The park’s Course) that has historically pro- The golf course is currently planning division estimates the tected the area,” stated CAC mem- pumping 242 million gallons of process, including procuring funds, ber Joan Soholt, who resides near water each year in a circular fash- will take at least five years. Lake Nokomis. ion to keep water from flooding the Ryan Seibold of Friends of “The concern that was ex- course, which sits two feet below Lake Hiawatha is pleased with the pressed at the meeting is that we the lake, although it only has a park board decision. do not understand the hydrology permit through the Minnesota “I think it is wonderful that in the neighborhood adequately to DNR for 36.5 million for irriga- plans will prioritize cleaning up understand with high enough cer- tion. Commissioners directed CAC the water, adding more habitat for tainty to assure that pumping at the members to reduce pumping by wildlife, and restoring ecosystems golf course will impact that water 70% to 94 million gallons. in our city and neighborhood,” said levels in the neighborhood,” point- ed out Dana Lonn, an engineer who lives between Nokomis and Mother lakes and supports keeping the 18-hole golf course. “There is a significant concern that reduced pumping will result in a further raising of the water table which put some homes at risk. Some of the park commissioners see the issue as a very narrow de- cision as whether we are pumping only to save the golf course. The de- cision may be that narrow. Howev- er, a number of the commissioners and many in the neighborhood see the decision to be much more com- plex than that,” said Lonn. “We are advocating for a more comprehen- sive study to understand the impli- cations of reduced pumping at the golf course.” Residents associated with the Nokomis/Hiawatha Water Sustain- ability group are asking for an un- biased study from United States Geological Society (USGS) to more fully understand the interre- lated issues of water management in the area. This issue is being eval- uated by the Lake Nokomis Groundwater and Surface Water technical team, which is composed of representatives Continued on page 7 www.LongfellowNokomisMessenger.com • Messenger • September 2018 Page 5 Photos by MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN

Dowling Community Garden celebrated its 75th anniversary on Aug. 18. Dr. Lloyd Winfield (center) is principal of Dowling Elementary School. He The three-acre garden space is located on the grounds of Dowling Envi- said, “This garden is about community with a capital ‘C’. We’ve been grate- ronmental School, at 46th Ave. and 39th St. S. Dowling gardeners live in ful for longstanding partnership between the garden and our school.” Minneapolis and surrounding communities, are culturally diverse, of all ages Jerry Foley (right) was the opening and abilities, and come together to share their love of gardening. speaker. “Our garden is the grand- daddy of the growing movement of community gardens,” he said. “We contribute about 4,000 lbs. of fresh, organic produce each year to food shelves and meal programs.” Pic- tured at left is State Senator Patricia Torres Ray, a neighborhood resident and longtime garden supporter.

Activities included heirloom tomato tasting and a display of vegetables Photo right: The day of celebration grown on-site. Dowling Community Garden is committed to organic grow- included kids' activities, a proclama- ing. The low annual membership fee includes access to water, compost, and tion delivered by Rep. Jim Davnie a variety of garden tools. from Governor Mark Dayton, and a speech by Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey.

Photo above: Dowling Community Garden was started in 1943, as part of the Victory Garden movement. Home gardening was a way to sup- A dozen bakers contributed cupcakes for the birthday celebration. port the troops in World War II. It freed up canned food to be shipped Photo left: Gardener Terry Barnes in overseas. The garden today has 190 the pollinator plot she created as part plots and about 250 gardeners. It’s of her volunteer service hours at the one of only two remaining Victory garden. Every gardener contributes Gardens in the country. four hours of service each summer.

Page 6 September 2018 • Messenger • www.LongfellowNokomisMessenger.com Local Art Studio focuses on resilience against oppression through art By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN made art about what’s import- surfaces of a struggle—and get The storefront at 3260 ant to me. When I was five, I to what can heal them. “The art Minnehaha Ave. has been home drew chickens. When I was I make is meant to stimulate to artist Ricardo Levins Morales eight, it was pirates. For all the people’s emotional immune and his four-person staff since years that have followed, it’s systems, to help them deal with January. Sandwiched neatly be- been about art as a process of the toxicity of our culture,” he tween Peace Coffee and Two truth-telling. It only becomes said. “The process of working Betty’s Cleaning Service, the art political when you’re in an en- with groups doesn’t vary all that studio and shop welcomes visi- vironment that’s full of lies.” much. People come into the tors to the neighborhood. While Levins Morales never studio; they talk, and I listen. Levins Morales said, got a traditional art education, Together we try to find what’s “Somebody stopping in for the he said, ”Growing up in Chica- encouraging in a difficult situ- first time might be surprised go, I was surrounded by art in ation, what’s hopeful. A lot of to see posters, cards, buttons, the form of posters, murals, and what I do with my art is to re- bumper stickers, and calendars newspaper cartoons. When I saw frame narratives for communi- for sale that address a lot of a style that I loved, I would try ties that have been traumatized. different political issues. I’ve to figure out how to do it, and to It doesn’t mean that the art it- been asked, ‘How can I delve absorb the artist’s techniques.” self is telling horrific stories. into so many issues in my art?’ He started out working Even in times of struggle, peo- I say, ‘For me, there is only one in linoleum and woodblock ple need to laugh, and to look issue that runs through every- printing, eventually teach- at beautiful things.” thing I do: building resilience ing himself silk screen print- The new space on in the face of oppression.’” ing and, about 25 years ago, Minnehaha Ave. has room for The artist experienced op- got interested in a medium art making, sales, and commu- pression first-hand in Puerto Artist Ricardo Levins Morales said, “I was born into a farming family called scratchboard. To make nity gatherings. “We feel more Rico, the country of his birth. on a mountain in Puerto Rico. Nothing in my life blinked, beeped, his images, Morales scratches visible here,” Levins Morales He lived there with his activist or had a pause button. From that, I learned a certain kind of pa- through an ink coated surface said. “We’re easier to find, and parents until he was 11. When tience—and to speak of the world through a narrative of abundance. to reveal a contrasting layer of it’s a good place for us to dis- they left the island in 1967, the When people are behaving in ways that are harmful to others, it al- white clay underneath. To com- seminate the art. We’ve had anti-colonial movement was most always comes down to a perception of scarcity.” (Photo by Margie plete the colorful, vibrant pro- several high school and college very strong. His parents chose O’Loughlin) cess that is his signature style, art classes come to visit, youth to re-settle in Chicago. Their Levins Morales colorizes the groups, seminary students, stu- family life was tough though, scratchboard with watercolor, dents of Latin American his- and Levins Morales ended up movements of the time. Levins Morales reflected. “My and can digitize his images for tory and culture, and student living on his own from the age “The movements I got first published piece of art was in-studio printing. organizations. This shop is in- of 15. He didn’t finish high drawn into were about restor- a flyer I drew for the Chica- In much the same way, tended to be a reservoir of re- school and began immersing ing power to people whose go Black Panthers when I was Levins Morales helps commu- silience in times of trouble. Ev- himself in the mass political power had been taken away,” just a teenager. I have always nities to scratch through the eryone is welcome.” Hiawatha Golf Course What’s being done about the trash on Lake Hiawatha? Continued from page 5 By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN Photo left: Since 2015, Standish resi- the creek was straightened, the lake Sean Connaughty, Standish dent Sean Connaughty has picked up dredged and the wetlands filled in to make Hiawatha Golf Course. Re- from the city, the park board, resident and Minneapolis Park and 4,500 pounds of trash from the lake. storing wetlands to portions of the the Minnesota Department of Recreation Board (MPRB) volun- That doesn’t include the amount oth- property will also reduce the impact Natural Resources (DNR), and teer steward of Lake Hiawatha, con- ers have picked up. Connaughty, who of future floods on nearby homes the Minnehaha Creek Water- tinues to push for a solution to the also serves on the MPRB Hiawatha (as shown in recent flood models shed District. large amount of trash that drains Golf Course Community Advisory created by Barr engineering). Lonn worked for Toro Com- into the lake. Committee, plans to continue work- “The result of all this work will pany in Bloomington for 48 Since 2015, he’s picked up ing with the community and various be a massive improvement in water years and was connected to the 4,500 pounds of trash from the agencies to help design and develop a quality for Lake Hiawatha,” Con- golf industry. “The MPRB has lake. That doesn’t include the new wetland complex and mitigation naughty said. not done their homework on the amount others have picked up. system for the north pipe storm sewer He continued, “No longer will impact of a golf property,” Lonn Connaughty, who also serves which drains 920 acres of Minneap- 920 acres of South Minneapolis maintained. “Properly managed on the MPRB Hiawatha Golf olis storm sewers into the lake without dump its pollution directly into golf is an environmental asset Course Community Advisory Com- trash mitigation. (Photo submitted) Lake Hiawatha. The newly inun- to the community. The view by mittee, plans to continue working mitigation system for the north dated wetland spaces that aren’t many is that it is a toxic waste with the community and various pipe storm sewer. trash. It will also slow stormwater usable for golf will provide new dump. That is just not true.” agencies to help design and devel- Here’s how he envisions an ef- flow out of the pipe by using mean- op a new wetland complex and fective mitigation system. ders, stream branching, and pond habitat and areas of public access “It must deal with the fol- dilution to reduce velocity and for nongolfers.” lowing pollutants: trash, sediment drop sediment. Wetlands capture, Connaughty also plans to and waterborne pollutants includ- absorb and transform pollutants. work with the community to de- ing chemicals and phosphorous,” “Restoring wetlands on the sign a public art space that is in- Family Dentistry Connaughty said. “An effective property will also return some of the tegrated into the natural spaces mitigation system will use limited flood storage capacity to the land that are created in these new wet- Joan Jakubas, D.D.S. mechanical intervention to capture that was removed in 1929 when land areas. Jenna Swenson, D.D.S. • General Dentisty • Cosmetic Bonding • Whitening • Crown and Bridge Work New Patients Welcome! Our name has changed, our providers have not. 612-721-3012 Comprehensive, Gentle Dentistry with Above and Beyond Service www.MinnehahaFallsFamilyDental.com Formerly Jakubas Dental Serving you since 1988 4554 Minnehaha Ave. S. Mpls., MN 55406

Most Insurance Accepted • Ample Parking www.LongfellowNokomisMessenger.com • Messenger • September 2018 Page 7 Photos by MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN This year’s Share the Gorge began under parting storm clouds on July 25. The annual ice cream social and community gathering celebrates the Mississippi River Gorge, with its easy access to the urban wilderness in the heart of the city. Share the Gorge is hosted by the River Gorge Committee of the Longfellow Community Council.

Michaela Neu (right) is the Youth and Community Outreach Specialist Hennepin County Forestry staff Jen for the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization. Among other Kullgren (left) and Shane De Groy resource materials, she passed out copies of the newly published “Good had three words of advice for home- Neighbor Guide” which addresses responsible water stewardship practices for owners, “Don’t plant maples!” Kull- homeowners. At left is Marya Macintosh, River Gorge Committee member. gren said, “The Asian Longhorn Bee- The committee always welcomes new members and meets the first Wednes- tle isn’t knocking on our door yet, but day of each month from 7:30-9pm at the Longfellow Recreation Center. it’s likely coming—and its preferred food source is maples. The best thing we can do for our urban forest is to diversify our tree planting choices.”

Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) was on hand with resource informa- tion. The organization is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, and the 10th anniversary of its popular Gorge Stewards volunteer program. For more information about volunteering, contact Amy Kilgore at [email protected].

Once again, the East Lake Dairy Lyndon Torstenson of the National Park Service steadied a boat as it pre- Queen donated boxes of Dilly pared to launch. Bars to the Share the Gorge event. Thanks to owner Jim Lee for his generosity. Photo right: Paddlers of all ages and experience levels were welcome to pad- dle the Voyageur canoes provided by Wilderness Inquiry. Extend the Greenway Partnership commissions bridge study By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN Jensen provides the answer, and an operator, and to use the The Midtown Greenway is a “Apparently, when the final stage expertise of Kimley-Horn and As- 5-1/2 mile long bicycle and pe- of the Greenway was completed sociates, Inc. to conduct the engi- destrian trail through the heart of ten years ago (the section that neering study. Thanks to the reach South Minneapolis. The trail be- runs through Seward and Long- of our partner organizations, we gins near Lake Calhoun at Chow- fellow), Hennepin County com- exceeded our goal and raised en Ave., and travels east across the missioned an engineering study $47,000. Some of our partners in city. It currently ends at W. River of the bridge. They determined (or very near) Longfellow include Pkwy. near 27th St. in the north that it had structural flaws, but The Birchwood Café, Brackett Longfellow neighborhood. More they didn’t estimate what it would Neighbors, Hiawatha Acade- than 35 organizations from both cost to make the bridge safe for mies, the Longfellow Community Minneapolis and St. Paul are public use. There are many of us Council, Seward Re-Design, and working together in the newly who thought it warranted anoth- Nice Ride Minnesota.” formed Extend the Greenway Part- er look. We believe this extension All organizations who share nership. Their goal is to extend the The Short Line Railroad Bridge as seen from the beach near 27th St. would benefit a lot of people be- this vision are welcome to join Midtown Greenway over the Mis- and W. River Pkwy. The question being asked in the engineering study cause the Greenway is a major the Extend the Greenway Partner- sissippi River and through St. Paul. currently underway is, “What would it take to make this bridge safe for commuter corridor. It would be a ship. The partnership seeks to in- The extension of the public use, as an extension of the Midtown Greenway into St. Paul?” tremendous addition to the Twin clude elected officials, government Greenway would convert the Short (Photo by Margie O’Loughlin) Cities biking infrastructure.” agencies, neighborhood groups, Line Railroad Bridge (just north of Jensen concluded, “We didn’t non-profits, and businesses from 27th St.) into a bicycle and pedes- want this to be just an effort of both Minneapolis and St. Paul. trian bridge. Up for consideration alition, said, “We’re pleased to re- efforts needed to make the bridge the Midtown Greenway Coalition, For more information or is whether or not the train would port that a drone we hired to begin safe for biking and walking. We so we built a solid partnership of to join the partnership, email continue to use the railroad tracks. our engineering study of the Short anticipate that the study will be organizations across both sides Soren Jensen at soren@mid- CP Rail owns and operates the Line Railroad Bridge was launched finished in late summer.” of the river. Our partners reached towngreenway.org. Check the bridge; it runs one train per day in late July. Information captured “I’ve been with the Midtown out to all of their members and website at www.midtowngreen- there, on average, and serves three by the drone will be used to create Greenway Coalition for seven supporters on social media with way.org to learn the date and remaining customers along the Hi- a 3-D map of the bridge. Engineers years,” Jensen continued, “and the details of this project. We ran location of the next public awatha Ave. corridor. from the local firm Kimley-Horn the question I get asked most a crowd-funding campaign for meeting in September. The re- Soren Jensen, executive direc- and Associates, Inc. will complete frequently is, ‘Why doesn’t the one month, with a goal of rais- sults of the engineering study tor of the Midtown Greenway Co- the study, estimating the cost and Greenway cross over into St. Paul?’ ing $45,000 to hire two drones will be discussed at that time.

Page 8 September 2018 • Messenger • www.LongfellowNokomisMessenger.com In Our Community

Send us your news! When you submit your press release it will be considered for both the newspaper as well as the Messenger Facebook page Messenger (Facebook.com/LongfellowNokomisMessenger). You can also go to our website, LongfellowNokomisMessenger.com and enter the information in the online Event Calendar.

planting a community of edi- Mondays, Oct. 3, Nov. 7 and Rummage sale ble plants, from fruiting trees to Dec. 5 at Trinity Apartments, shrubs to perennials to annuals, 2800 E. 31st St. Classes cost $4 planned Sept. 21-22 scaled to the size and resources each, and all supplies are in- The annual Epworth United Meth­ in the yard. He will talk about cluded. Registration for the Oct. odist Women Rummage Sale is how he uses what he finds to 3 class is due Sept. 27 by calling planned for Fri.-Sat., Sept. 21-22, produce wines and ciders, and 612-729-5799 or email info@ 9am to 3pm, in the Epworth UMC the kind of changes we can make LShealthyseniors.org. Gym, 3207 37th Ave. S. Find new in our yards to enable them to be LS Healthy Seniors is always uses for gently-used items donat- more productive. looking for “Friendly Visitor” vol- ed by the congregation at a price You can stay connected unteers and volunteer drivers to you’ll love. Proceeds from the sale with the Longfellow Garden help seniors live independently. provide the funds for the mission Club at www.facebook.com/ Call Longfellow/Seward Healthy programs sponsored by Epworth LongfellowGardenClub. Seniors at 612-729-5799 or email United Methodist Women. There [email protected] for will be treats for sale in the kitch- more information on activities, en during this event. AA and NA meets services, and volunteer opportun- ities. Every Monday night there is an Minnehaha Commons breaks ground

Faith Book Club AA meeting at 7pm at Minnehaha On Thurs., Sept. 13, 4pm, community leaders, public officials, neigh- Communion Lutheran Church Telling Our Stories borhood residents and others will gather at 3001 E. Lake St. to cele- meets Sept. 1 (4101 37th Ave. S.), and every brate the groundbreaking of new housing development by Alliance Tuesday and Wednesday night to meet Sept. 28 Housing. The Faith Ev. Lutheran Book Club there is an AA meeting at 7:30pm. By fall 2019, 44 adults, 55 years old or older, will call meets the first Saturday of every On Thursday night, there is an “Elder Voices Telling Our Stories” Minnehaha Commons home. All residents will be very low in- month from 10-11:30am at the NA meeting at 7:30pm. All are will meet 10-11:30am on Fri., come; most will have experienced homelessness and may have been church, 3430 E. 51st St. The book welcome to attend. Sept. 28 at Turtle Bread Compa- screened out by other landlords due to their housing, credit or crim- for Sept. 1 is “The Book of Jonah” ny (4205 34th Ave.). People will inal history. Alliance Housing owns and/or manages similar proper- by Joshua Max. Join the group for have an opportunity to describe ties in South and North Minneapolis. coffee, treats, and conversation in September events at their retirement journeys includ- “According to the Wilder Foundation’s homeless survey, seniors the basement fellowship room. ing what is challenging and en- are the fastest growing segment of homeless people locally,” said The planned book for October LS Healthy Seniors ergizing. Alliance Housing Inc. Executive Director, Barbara Jeanetta. “Alliance Topics will include a brief is “The Shadow of the Wind” by Join Longfellow/Seward Healthy Housing was ahead of the curve when we conceived this project update on a Senior Dialogues Carlos Ruiz Zafón. Seniors and Minneapolis Com- more than ten years ago. Our organization is uniquely positioned project introduced two months munity Education for a month- to successfully house this population because of our previous expe- ago. There will also be an intro- ly Senior Social/Health Talk on rience serving seniors in rooming houses.” Jeanetta continued, “Our duction to the Minneapolis LGBTQ support group Tues., Sept.18 at 10:30am at Holy tenant service coordinators and property managers build trusting Ad­visory Commission on Aging Trinity Lutheran Church, 2730 relationships with tenants, discuss problems, identify options for and the Minneapolis for a meets Saturdays E. 31st St. The presentation is maintaining housing stability and increasing self-sufficiency, and Lifetime Strategy. A support group for LGBTQ adults entitled “Know the 10 Signs of assist tenants to choose their community services. It is a proven living with mental illness meets Alzheimer’s.” If you or someone program, and we look forward to bringing this exciting new devel- weekly on Saturdays, 1-2:30pm, you know is experiencing mem- opment and its related support services to serve seniors in south at Living Table United Church ory loss or behavioral changes, Bagels and Bible Minneapolis.” of Christ, 3805 E. 40th St. This it’s time to learn the facts about scheduled Sept. 23 Alliance’s partner, Touchstone Mental Health, will provide free support group is sponsored Alzheimer’s. a range of support services to ensure tenants can remain stably by NAMI Minnesota (National “Coloring Jam” is an open You’re invited to join the Bagels housed. Cermak Rhoades Architects managed the project design. Alliance on Mental Illness) and coloring session for older adults and Bible group once a month in General Contractors are Watson Forsberg in partnership with TRI led by trained facilitators who are that is planned for Wed., Sept. the Sonshine Room at Epworth Construction. Broen Housing provided financial packaging and also in recovery. For information 26 from 1:30-3:30pm at Trini- United Methodist Church, 3207 preparation. The Longfellow Community Council, Councilmember call David at 612-920-3925 or call ty Apartments, 2800 E. 31st St. 37th Ave. S. This month on Cam Gordon, and Representative Jim Davnie welcomed the project 651-645-2948. Spend time coloring and relax- Sun., Sept. 23, 9-10am, they will to the neighborhood by providing letters of support. ing. Healthy Seniors will pro- cover a synopsis of Genesis and The groundbreaking guests expected to provide brief re- vide a variety of coloring books, a launch into Exodus. All walks marks include Commissioner of DHS Emily Piper, Minneapolis Garden club meets markers, crayons and colored of life and faith welcome. Come Councilmember Cam Gordon, Alliance’s board chair Ben Olk III, pencils. A class fee of $4 cov- and enjoy great discussion and Longfellow Community Council board member Lisa Boyd, and a to discuss foraging ers all supplies. Registration is fellowship with a light breakfast! current Alliance Housing tenant. Ingrid C. Arneson Rasmussen, Pas- tor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, will provide a blessing honor- Join the Longfellow Garden required by Sept. 20. To regis- Future meetings will occur on the ter, call 612-729-5799 or email fourth Sunday of each month. ing the homeless family that lost their lives when the McMahon Bar, Club on Wed., Sept. 12, 7pm, the site of the new building, burned. The development is expected to at Epworth United Methodist [email protected]. This event follows the same Tai Chi Easy exercise classes curriculum as Beer & Bible on the be completed by September 2019. Church, 3207 37th Ave S., for $10.8 million in funding was provided by a variety of sources their monthly meeting. are held on Mondays from 10:30- second Wednesday each month. 11:30am starting Sept. 10 and including a State of Minnesota Department of Human Services Live As you pass through Long- Well at Home grant, Minnesota Housing’s Housing Infrastructure fellow neighborhoods, you may going through Dec. 17 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. Class- NA group meets Bonds and 4% tax credits. The City of Minneapolis’ Affordable have noticed yards bright with Housing Trust Fund, Hennepin County’s Affordable Housing Incen- yellow dandelions, walks blocked es cost $5 and discounts may be available for lower-income twice weekly tive Fund, the Metropolitan Council’s Livable Communities Local by gigantic rhubarb clumps, or Housing Incentives Account, and the Federal Home Loan Bank of seniors. Tai Chi is a low-im- A Narcotics Anonymous group heard bees buzzing as they dive Des Moines’s Affordable Housing Program also provided financial pact, slow-motion exercise that’s meets every Wednesday at bomb apples or pears beneath a support. Twin Cities Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Thrivent, adaptable to individual abilities. 7:30pm, and every Friday even- small tree bent with fruit. and the Sisters of Carondelet provided early support. These and other fruit, flow- Movements vary between sitting ing at 7pm at Faith Evangelical ers, and hops from neighbor- and standing and help improve Lutheran, 3430 E. 51st St. hood yards are scouted and breathing, coordination, flexibil- Everyone is welcome to attend. picked—foraged—by Jeff Zeitler ity, and strength. Registration is to go into the production line at not required. his Urban Forage Winery and Ci- A free monthly Diabetes Float Fridays at derhouse, 3016 E. Lake St. Out Support Group for adults will come bottles of dry apple wine, be held on Wed., Sept. 12 from Rick’s this fall 1-2:30pm at Trinity Apartments cherry apple hard cider, pear Rick’s Place, 4307 E. 54th St., will cider, and even some dandelion (in the dining room), 2800 E. 31st St. Anyone with diabetes is sponsor Float Fridays through wine and honey mead. early Oct. Get $2 ice cream floats As an experienced land- invited to attend. Call Healthy Seniors at 612-729-5799 for (root beer, coke, cherry coke) every scape architect, Zeitler under- Friday, 5-9pm, with all proceeds stands how food-productive a more information. A three-class series on going to Every Third Saturday and yard can be. Using ideas from help support veterans and their permaculture, he talks about “Rock Art” (acrylic painting on small stones), will be held on Continued on page 10 www.LongfellowNokomisMessenger.com • Messenger • September 2018 Page 9 Nokomis Square Co-op, 5015 RSVPs needed. Held at Nokomis announcements yet to come. Minnehaha Communion Luther- In Our Community 35th Ave. S. Healthy Seniors, inside Bethel. “We see unmet demand with- an Church. Continued from page 9 NHS will host a Health and in online creative/maker and zero Please register by Sept. 12 at Enrichment program on “Transi- waste communities, and we’re Fairview.org/mhfaclasses, by call- families. Everyone is invited to tional Care Options: The Choice Gamblers Anonymous motivated to help drive not only ing 651-326-0088, or by emailing come and enjoy a sweet treat to Is Yours!” presented by Leslie a change in offerings but more [email protected]. celebrate fall. For more informa- Williams, Patient Care Liaison, meets Wednesdays importantly, to drive new expect- tion about Every Third Saturday on Wed., Sept. 12 at 1:30pm. It Gamblers Anonymous meets ations for what’s possible,” says and what they do, visit www. will be held at Nokomis Square Wednesdays from 6-7pm in founder Julie Kearns. Projects underway everythirdsaturday.com. Co-op. the Hope Room at Living Table Join Nokomis Healthy Se- Church, 3805 E. 40th St. Anyone at Longfellow Park niors for “Lunch and a Movie” with a desire to stop gambling is First Aid Course Two improvement projects got Nokomis seniors plan on Thur., Sept. 13. The meal will welcome. underway at Longfellow Park and start at 11:15am; then everyone planned Sept. 15 Recreation Center in August: in- upcoming events will watch the movie “Quartet” Minnehaha Communion Luther- stallation of new equipment at in NHS's own theatre inside Nokomis Healthy Seniors (NHS) Junket closes; now an Church, 4101 37th Ave. S., will the playground and replacement Bethel Church. The 2012 movie be hosting a free Youth Mental of the recreation center roof. Con- would like to invite the public is about a home for retired musi- to the following programs and explores online ops Health First Aid course on Sat., struction on both projects will cians and stars Maggie Smith and Sept. 15, from 8am-5pm. take place through September. events. Unless otherwise noted, Billy Connolly. All are welcome, Junket, the social enterprise events are held at Nokomis which had operated from Participants will learn what The roof replacement at but reservations are required by to do in a mental health crisis by Longfellow Recreation Center Healthy Seniors, 4120 17th Ave. S., calling 612-729-5499. the corner of 41st St. E. and in the Bethel Evangelical Church Minnehaha Ave. since 2012, reviewing risk factors and warn- is funded by NPP20, a histor- Nokomis Healthy Seniors ing signs and learning common ic agreement between the Min­ building. All events are free, open Book Club will discuss “The Glass closed its doors the beginning of to all, and no reservations are re- August. support options. The course is neapolis Park and Recreation Castle” by Jeannette Walls, on designed for adults who regularly Board (MPRB) and the City quired unless noted otherwise. Thur., Sept. 20, 11am. It will be Junket sold vintage and Join Nokomis Healthy Se- secondhand goods out of the interact with adolescents, includ- of Minneapolis. NPP20 helps held at Bethel Evangelical Church, ing teachers, school staff, coach- address racial and economic niors on Fri., Sept. 7, from 1-3pm and all are welcome to this free storefront with a mission of re- for a free Diabetes Support Group ducing waste, encouraging reuse, es, youth group leaders, and par- equity across 160 neighborhood book club. (Watch the movie ents. (Please note, this class may parks and provides $11 million at Nokomis Library, 5100 34th based on the book on Oct. 11.) and inspiring mindfulness Ave. S. Call NHS at 612-729-5499 about the life cycle of material be too basic for those who work annually to maintain, repair and A free Caregiver Support in mental health services.) replace facilities. for more information. Group meets Thur., Sept. 27 at objects. Now, they’re preparing On Tues., Sept. 11 at 1pm for what’s next: online shopping This free class, valued at 1pm, and is designed for those $170, is sponsored by Fair- there will be a free Low Vi- caring for an older adult. No options, pop-ups, and partner- sion Support Group meeting at ships around town, with more view Community Health and Continued on page 11 Classifieds Want ads must be received by the Messenger by September 17 for the September 27 issue. Call 651-645-7045 for more information. Messenger Your classified ad will also be automatically placed on the Messenger’s website at www.LongfellowNokomisMessenger.com Messenger Want Ads are $1 per Inc. Ph: 612-940-7591. Email: trg- word with a $10 minimum. Send LAWN SERVICE STORAGE WINDOW CLEANING [email protected] 2-19 your remittance along with your A Greener Lawn service provides MPLS Storage located in the Larry’s Window Washing - You ad to Messenger Classifieds, PO Box weekly mowing, spring clean-up, Longfellow neighborhood has will see the difference. Inside and 168, Osseo, MN 55369. Want ads and complete lawn care. Owner units for rent at low rates. Locally out. 651-635-9228. 9-18 NEXT DEADLINE: must be mailed to the Messenger operator, 20 years in South owned and family operated. 1/2 SEPTEMBER 17 before Sept. 17 for the Sept. 27 Minneapolis. 612-554-4124. 9-18 block from Lake and Hiawatha. WOODWORKING issue. Ad copy can be e-mailed 612-333-7525. B-18 Old house parts replicated + new to [email protected]. PAINTING design: Balusters, spindles, col- Call 651-917-4183 for more infor- Bill’s Painting. 38 years experi- TILING umns, column bases, newel posts, STUMP mation. Your classified ad will ence. Painting, wallpaper, staining Tiling by James, quality work, porch posts, finials, table legs and also be automatically placed on and texturing. Fully insured. Free reasonable rates, free estimates all other turned items. Can do one GRINDING the Messenger’s website at www. estimates. Attention to details. and references. Contact James or 1000. Other woodworking too. LongfellowNokomisMessenger Call Bill 612-790-1266. 9-18 at [email protected] The Turning Point Woodworks 612-724-6045 .com Painter Jim since 1982. Small or [email protected]. painting jobs, wallpaper removal. Telephone 612-799-8265. B-18 HANDYMAN 612-202-5514. 9-18 Dr. House does it all: From a leaky faucet to a new addition. I PETS can save you money on electrical John’s Dog Walking - Daily dog and plumbing. Call John at 651- walks, boarding and in home pet 231-5652. B-18 visits. 15 years experience, Insured Handy Man Dan. Small jobs are and Bonded. 612-825-9019. www. my specialty. I do those small facebook.com/johnpetservice. 9-18 jobs that other guys don’t want to do. Fix it - install it - repair SERVICES it - window cleaning. Looking Concrete work: Steps, sidewalks, forward to serving you. Call 612- patios, driveways. Licensed, bond- 517-6089. 9-18 ed, insured. Call Tom Seemon, 612-721-2530. 11-18

Page 10 September 2018 • Messenger • www.LongfellowNokomisMessenger.com In Our Community Feb. 17 (Valentine’s Day Brunch), could create “make and take” art, Mar. 17, Apr. 14, and May 12 play with Legos and bubbles, get DanceCo plans October performance Continued from page 10 (Mother’s Day Brunch). ice cream, and more. Art and per- Cost for regular “all you can formances continued at Vine Arts eat and drink” breakfasts is $10 Center until Midnight. Beer and Bible with per adult and $5 for children ages The night ended with the 5-12. Younger children are free. The After-Glow Party at the Midtown Epworth set Sept. 12 menu includes aebleskiver, scram- Global Market, featuring Taco Cat Whether you’re new to the Bible, bled eggs, sausage, juice, and coffee. tacos and craft beer from Eastlake new to beer, or well-versed in both, (Brunches have a different cost and Craft Brewery. you’re invited to join the Beer menu.) Every breakfast runs from and Bible group once a month at 9:30am-12:30pm, and no reserva- Merlin’s Rest, 2601 E. Lake St. The tions are required. For more infor- Rummage Sale next event is Wed., Sept. 12, 6:30- mation, call 612-729-3800. 8:30pm. This month, we continue scheduled Oct. 6 our conversation about the Book Minnehaha Communion Lutheran of Exodus. All walks of life and Torres Ray on her Church, 4101 37th Ave. S., will faith welcome. Come and enjoy hold their Annual Rummage Sale great discussion and fellowship— protest arrest on Sat., Oct. 6. The sale runs from beer is optional. Patricia Torres Ray, Minnesota 9am–1pm with bag time starting at Senator and Congressional can- 12 noon. Lunch is served with the didate, commented on her July best sloppy joes and homemade Fall Kick-Off event 31 court appearance following bars available for purchase. her June 29 arrest. scheduled Sept. 9 “The federal government’s Minnehaha Communion Luth­ zero-tolerance immigration pol- Blood Drive planned Following the success of its first self-produced performance last eran Church, 4101 37th Ave. S., icy is inhumane and insidious,” at Faith Sept. 9 October, DanceCo is premiering “Which Witch is Which??” to will sponsor their Fall Kick-Off said Torres Ray. “We must hold Minnesota audiences in October. event on Sun., Sept. 9 after the those in charge accountable and Faith Ev. Lutheran, 3430 E. 51st DanceCo, a dance-theater company in the Twin Cities, was 11am worship service. The entire we must hold those who profit St., will host a blood drive from built on the creative vision and collective experience of Longfellow community is invited for pulled from the government’s policies 9:30am-3:30pm on Sun. Sept. 9, residents, husband-and-wife team Brittany and Matthew Keefe. pork sandwiches and a salad and accountable.” in conjunction with the NEBA DanceCo’s creative focus is to produce original dance for young dessert potluck. The event will be Torres Ray’s comments refer Block Party. The Blood Drive will audiences and their families. outside weather permitting. Bring to her arrest at the protest of a be held in the lower level of “Which Witch is Which?? is an interactive whodunit-style your favorite salad, side dish, or Bloomington, MN business that the church. You can sign up by dance-theater piece with wizards, witches, muggles and a lot of fun. dessert to share. There will be fun profits from the separation of going to the American Red Cross Can you help solve the case of the missing key? ” —Matthew Keefe activities for the kids along with families at the US border. Torres web site or call the church office Featured performers include Heather Cadigan-Brockman, Sunday School registration. Ray appeared in court alongside at 612-729-5463. At this time Nicky Coelho, Benjamin Johnson, Stephanie Fellner, Brittany fellow protesters. Charges were you can also stop in and take a Keefe, Hannah Benditt and Rebecca Surmont. pleaded down to a petty misde- walking tour of the inside of the There will be pre-show workshops (20 minutes before cur- Squirrel Haus opens meanor with a fine. church. tain) teaching the audience dance moves to become part of the “As an immigrant myself, show and, new this year, a craft to help transform the kids into new exhibit in Oct. I understand the yearning for a magicians. better life for yourself and your Twenty established and emerg- Dog & Art Festival The Keefe’s are seasoned dance professionals with roots in the family,” said Torres Ray. “I am dis- Twin Cities. Their collective work ranges from performing with nu- ing artists and their topic expert gusted that our nation of immi- team members are creating social slated Sept. 15-16 merous professional dance companies to teaching, choreography, grants would callously turn its stage management, administration and leadership roles. Complete and environmental justice works, back on those that come in search Off-Leash Area, 3540 34th Ave. transforming the cutting-edge S., will sponsor their inaugural bios can be found online at DanceCoMN.com. of the same opportunities. I am “Which Witch is Which??” will premiere at the Avalon The- art space Squirrel Haus Arts into proud to have exercised my First BARK!ART Dog & Art Festival, an inviting and magical universe Sat., Sept. 15, 12-8pm and Sun., ater, 1500 E. Lake St., Oct. 16-21, 2018. Amendment rights and I am proud Tickets $10 for kids, $12 for adults, with free lap passes for 2 which draws the visitor into a to stand in solidarity with the fam- Sept. 16, 12pm-5pm at the Off- thought-provoking, interactive Leash Art Box. The festival is a years and under. You can purchase tickets online at www.artful.ly/ ilies that have been treated repre- store/events/14530, or at DanceCoMN.com. journey with the intent of inspir- hensibly by our government.” two-day event for dogs and their ing action in our community. art-loving families and friends in The “See. Say. Do.” exhibit the Nokomis neighborhood. compete for a best-in-show “Lily has two opening events at Squir- Greenway Glow BARK!ART brings togeth- Award.” BARK!ART will round Redinger receives rel Haus Arts, 3450 Snelling Ave.: er two communities beloved by out its festival activities with —Fri., Oct. 5, 5:30-7:30pm - raised $22,000+ Off-Leash Area—dogs and art— booths featuring businesses and Cultivator Grant Friends of ACW Fundraiser, fol- together in a fall festival featur- Despite an unwelcome thunder- artisans specializing in goods and Heather Redinger, from Friend- lowed by a dance performance of ing all-ages outdoor talent shows, services for dogs, dog families, ship Academy of the Arts (2600 Borealis Dance Company (tick- storm early on, the skies cleared dog-related business and artist and Greenway Glow Arts Festi- and dog-lovers. Community part- E 38th St.), has been awarded a ets: $75, reservations required). booths, and a new production by ner Canine Coach will be on site $1000 Cultivator Grant from the —Sat., Oct. 6, 7-10pm - Public val and Bike Ride ended up with Off-Leash Area that features a live a perfect evening July 28 for the conducting interactive dog train- Affinity Plus Foundation. Opening Night, with the artists dog. BARK!ART will be hosted by ing and agility demonstrations. Through unique program- and their expert/authentic voices Greenway Glow! Thanks to the Off-Leash Area along with com- participants in the VIP Bike Rides BARK!ART Dog & Art Festival ming at the Academy that incor- in attendance. munity partner Canine Coach. will take place indoors and out- porates projects, community art and event sponsors, over $22,000 Headlining BARK!ART will was raised for programs for the doors at the Off-Leash Art Box, events, and local artists, Redinger be the new mainstage produc- the Twin Cities newest alternative will demonstrate the importance Danish Center sets Greenway! tion by Off-Leash Area called It was one of our best Glows performing arts space. The Art Box of being an impactful member “Paws and Effect,” starring a real is an intimate and fully equipped of society. Students will have the breakfast schedule ever, with close to 40 artists and dog! “Paws and Effect” is a fam- installations and thousands of dance & theater space located in opportunity to work with local The Danish American Center, ily-friendly production explor- the Nokomis neighborhood, less artists to learn, share life expe- cyclists riding glowing bikes in ing the journey of a girl who 3030 W. River Pkwy., has an- the Greenway. than a mile from the Minnehaha riences, explore art and become nounced their new season sched- doesn’t fit in and a stray dog she Regional Dog Park. contributing members of society. The VIP BIKE RIDES kicked befriends who teaches her how ule of Æbleskiver Breakfasts. off with a ride to the Fami- The foundation awarded Upcoming breakfasts are sched- to show love and acceptance to ten $1,000 grants to elementary, ly Glow at the Ivy Building and others. Featuring OLA’s signature uled for Sept. 16, Oct. 21, Nov. Vine Arts Center, where kids Pellinger to perform middle- and high-school teachers 18 (with the Art Fair), Jan. 20, award-winning interdisciplinary across Minnesota to support their style, the performance will blend at Riverview Cafe unique educational opportun- company choreographer, Jennifer ities focused on making positive Ilse’s highly theatrical movement Minneapolis singer-songwriter 㘀㔀㘀㄀㄀⸀㈀㘀⸀㤀㜀㠀㈀㤀⸀㔀⸀㜀㘀㘀㄀ 㠀㠀 ∠ 眀眀眀眀眀⸀⸀戀戀甀甀挀挀欀欀ⴀ戀ⴀ戀爀漀爀漀猀⸀猀挀⸀漀挀洀漀洀 Jim Pellinger plays a solo acoustic impacts on Minnesota commun- with Paul Herwig’s elaborate ities. Cultivator Grants support visual set design using live pro- show at the Riverview Café, 3753 42nd Ave. S., on Fri., Sept. 14, programming that emphasizes jected animation. It’s a show for citizenship; community involve- 圀攀 搀攀猀椀最渀 ☀ 戀甀椀氀搀 audiences comprised of adults, 8-10:30pm. The concert is appro- priate for all ages, with no cover. ment; financial education; volun- kids, and their dogs. “Paws and teerism; ethics; and respect. 椀渀 礀漀甀爀 渀攀椀最栀戀漀爀栀漀漀搀 Effect” will feature dog-friendly Jim Pellinger has performed seating, along with opportunities at colleges, clubs, coffeehous- 䬀椀琀挀栀攀渀猀Ⰰ 䈀愀琀栀猀Ⰰ 䄀搀搀椀琀椀漀渀猀 for audience participation (or es, and festivals throughout the Submit your news should we say ‘pawticipation!’). upper Midwest as well as Central 刀攀猀琀漀爀愀琀椀漀渀猀 America. He has released sever- 䴀一 氀椀挀攀渀猀攀 ⌀㐀㔀㤀㌀ The BARK!ART Talent Show If you are an organization locat- will offer folks from throughout al albums and singles, on his ed in the Longfellow Nokomis the community an opportunity own label, Door To Door Music, Messenger delivery area, you can to share their talents with perfor- and has a song in the Baseball submit your event, special pro- mances featuring their own dogs. Hall of Fame. His latest release, gram, or noteworthy news to us BARK!ART’s Talent Show will “Procrastination,” is available on for consideration. Submit your invite participants to create an Apple Music, Spotify, and many item by email to editorial@der- original performance with them- other fine digital music vendors. uyternelson.com. The deadline selves and their dog. Finalists will Learn more about Pellinger at for the next issue is Mon., Sept. www.jimpellinger.com. 17 for the Sept. 27 issue. www.LongfellowNokomisMessenger.com • Messenger • September 2018 Page 11 Local author earns national Pinckley Prize for debut novel By JILL BOOGREN Standish resident Marcie R. Rendon won the 2018 Pinck- ley Prize for Crime Fiction for her debut novel “Murder on the Red River” (Cinco Puntos Press). Her book was also a finalist in the West- ern Writers of America 2018 Spur Awards in the Best Western Con- temporary Novel category. On being recognized in two distinct genres, Rendon said sim- ply: “Wow. Wow! I’m happy, you know?” An enrolled member of the White Earth Nation who has lived in the Twin Cities for more than 30 years, Rendon also notes what the awards aren’t: Native American. “Often our work gets catego- rized into a Native American cate- gory, and neither of these awards is a Native American award.” Not that she wouldn’t also welcome that. But she’s glad her novel “moves outside of a certain box.” The story follows Renee (“Cash”) Blackbear, a Native Amer- ican woman entering adulthood after a traumatic childhood, and her longtime friend Sheriff Wheaton, as they work together to solve a mur- der that takes place along the Red River. More a refined character por- trait than a bracing whodunnit, the story moves quietly and deliberately across the Red River Valley—in Min- nesota and North Dakota, on and off the Red Lake Indian Reservation. Rendon paints a landscape Author Marcie R. Rendon. (Photo by Rebecca McDonald) Murder on the Red River book cover. (Photo by Joseph J. Allen) both raw and familiar and sketches a protagonist to match. You can see the fields of wheat stubble and dirt from their families and placed in Participants write poetry and read they don’t have bail money, so their brain doesn’t drift over into the caked on the soles of boots, smell non-Indian homes or institutions it aloud to each other. Their work children are either with family or in noncreative things you can be the inside of the bar and hear the (the percentages were higher on the is published in a book, and the foster care. The writing becomes a doing with your time.” crack of pool balls on the break. White Earth and Red Lake reserva- writers do spoken word reading positive outlet. You can hear more from Ren- Cash, in turn, is tough as nails, re- tions) before the 1978 Indian Child to other women in jail. It builds “Diego and myself, we’re don as she joins other panelists at sourceful, edgy and funny. Welfare Act mandated that welfare confidence and gives them an op- using this writing so that women PEN America’s “BreakOut: Voices She’s also a different character agencies work to place Indian chil- portunity to get up and say, “What have some idea that there’s some From the Inside” at the Weisman altogether than the one Rendon dren with their biological family I have to say is important.” other thing that they do, that Art Museum on Sun., Sept. 9, 12- started writing about. first, or an extended family of the Rendon sees injustice within art as itself—whether as writing 4pm. The program is free and Rendon has been writing her tribe. the criminal justice system, where or visual art or dance or creating open to the public. whole life, deciding in 1990-91 to “When you meet native peo- for some of the women the only videos, hair styling, sewing—all Rendon is also bringing make her living as a writer doing ple, everybody has a story about so- reason they’re in jail is that they those things are healing,” said Cash and Wheaton back in a “anything that pays.” This has in- cial workers and foster care,” said haven’t been able to make bail. Rendon. “The more you can put second crime book by the same cluded journalism, children’s books Rendon, who lived in the Red River They’re in for minor offenses, but your energy into creating, your publisher in April 2019. (she wrote “Powwow Summer: Valley and White Earth area until A Family Celebrates the Circle of she was 24 or 25 years old. “I was Life”), plays, and poetry. just writing a part of life... much in A fan of Stephen King, Rendon the same way that someone who enjoys reading crime fiction. She grew up in the Bayou in Louisiana started writing a couple of crime would write about it.” novels herself but shelved them and Representation is important to instead set about writing the story Rendon. An avid reader when she of a woman who writes poetry, goes was growing up, she could never to Nashville and writes country find any books about Native Ameri- music. can people like her. It was all Plains But instead, in came Cash, this Indians and Edward S. Curtis pho- no-nonsense character who de- tographs and cowboys and Indians. manded her story be told. “I wanted pictures and stories “Cash appeared, and it was like about who we are now,” said Ren- ‘No, no no no, that’s not the story don. “As an artist, writer, who does we’re doing,’” said Rendon. It was a plays, poetry, now novels, I wanted struggle at first, but once she started other Native people to see them- writing it just flowed. “This was the selves.” story that was there to be told.” Her children’s book “Powwow Cash is a product of the foster Summer” shows a contemporary care system, a part of her life the family going to a contemporary author presents as not something powwow: people in cars, a mom extraordinary, just blunt fact. In in shorts putting her child in dance writing her story, Rendon didn’t set regalia, and going to the powwow. out to educate people (“I intended “I want to be able to do that to write a murder mystery that any- for us. I think it’s important not just one could enjoy”), but here it was: for Native people but for everybody Cash’s experience, so commonplace in this diverse world,” she said. “It’s for Native Americans but foreign to hard to know the value of your ex- most Minnesotans. istence when you have no picture “So many people don’t know of yourself. I want to be able to give this history of the taking of native people that, [the sense that] they do children,” she said, referring to matter, they do exist, that their pic- the government practice early last tures and lives are just as important century of sending Native children and valuable as anyone else’s.” away to boarding schools and then Rendon also gives voice to during the 1950s and ‘60s of adopt- others through the Women’s Writ- ing kids out to white families. ing Project, a COMPAS program As described in her Author's in which she and fellow writer/ Note in the novel's end pages, one poet Diego Vázquez Jr. teach in four Native children were taken women in county jails to write.

Page 12 September 2018 • Messenger • www.LongfellowNokomisMessenger.com