By MATTHEW DAVISAn illness-riddled Min-

neapolis South Nordic ski teamput together their best racingwhen it counted the most.

“I thought we pulled a bigupset when we won the section

race,” Tigers coach Tony Aspho-lm said. “Our team wasn’t reallyskiing well until the end of theseason.”

A couple of their top skiershad been sick with a flu-like viralinfection during the season.

Both skiers missed practice timeand meets over about six weeks.

“They had to recover anddidn’t really ski well until thesection race,” Aspholm said. “Itwas our best race of the year.”

Despite their time away, JoJo Baldus and Tyler Thomegreenestepped up big by taking eighthand ninth respectively in the Sec-tion 3 meet at Theodore WirthPark on Feb. 4.

“It was quite thrilling to seehow well they skied,” Aspholmsaid.

Sam Coady had the highestfinish for the Tigers with fourth-place. The Tigers had four skiersin the top 15 with Sam Nelsoncoming in at 14th.

“They were good skiers whoencouraged each other and im-proved all year,” Aspholm said.

At the state meet on Feb. 13at Giants Ridge in Biwabik,Thomegreene had the top finishof all Tigers skiers at 56th. TheTigers senior had times of 18:25and 18:28.4 on the freestyle andclassic pursuit respectively. Hecame in at 36:52.2 overall.

Coady finished close behindat 58th. Also a senior, Coadyposted times of 18:24 in freestyleand 18:31.4 in classic for his finalvarsity meet.

“Sam has led us for a coupleyears,” Aspholm said.

Nelson came in at 95th withtimes of 20:01 in the freestyleand 18:53.5 in the classic pur-suit. The Tigers senior had anoverall time of 38:54.5.

“He skied well all year,” As-pholm said. “He didn’t race wellat the state meet, but he’s hadsome great races this year.”

Eamonn Casey also camewithin the top 100 at 99th. Hehit times of 19.53 in freestyleand 19:57.6 in classic. He had anoverall time of 39:19.3 in hisfinal meet as a senior.

Gunnar Rudrud took 109th

and Oliver Ellis 115th. They hadoverall times of 40:44.1 and43:30.4 respectively.

“There were 5-6 kids thatwere competitive with eachother, that really pushed eachother all year,” Aspholm said.

The Tigers have consistentlyfinished in the top three duringAspholm’s six years as coach.This year’s section title made ittwo championships and trips tostate as a team for the Tigersunder Aspholm.

Continued on page 5

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21,000 Circulationwww.LongfellowNokomisMessenger.comMarch 2014 • Vol. 30 No. 1

Desire for social change drives Minneapolis Mayor HodgesBetsy Hodges: ‘Think bigger and make it happen’

What you possibly missed by not being a Messenger Facebook friend:

Longfellow Photo Project now online • Longfellow Park Fire and IceFestival • Job Search Assistance program at East Lake Library • Weatherschool closure • Vice Arts Center opening reception • Program on“Winter Bird Feeding Tips” • Meeting to learn about buying into the com-munity solar garden • Pasty meat pies sale at Epworth • Faith hostsChristian Basics Class • Snow Emergency declarations • First precinctcaucuses of the election season • Family Storytime at Roosevelt • Yogaclasses at Holy Trinity • Colof Series at Patrick’s Cabaret • HibernationDreams • Diabetes support group • Get 10 trees for $10 • “Raising KidsWho Connect” presentation • Garden Club meets • LBA hosts “Tax Talk”• Lego Lab at library • Program on “Pond Life Through the Ice” •Program on acupuncture • DFL Spaghetti Dinner • St. Helena hosts “ASpiritual Night for Women” • Valentine Moon Walk at Coldwater • UsedBook Sale at Nokomis Library • Defensive Driving Seminars

Developer takes

aim at Lake

Street building

Page 5

American Rug

Laundry battling

leaky roof on

Lake St. location

Page 6

Local woman

opens non-profitlow-cost garage

Page 2

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSENQuestions drive the new

mayor of Minneapolis.Can we move the dial on eq-

uity? Can we move the dial ongrowing the city? Can we contin-ue to make the city run well?

Mayor Betsy Hodges is stillmoving into her office on the thirdfloor of city hall, and frames arepiled up along the wall. But thesequestions have been written on thewhite board in her office to focusher efforts.

“These are the questions I’ll beasking about everything we do inthis office,” said Hodges, Min-neapolis’ 47th mayor and the sec-ond woman to ever hold this posi-tion.

Hodges encourages othersand herself to “think bigger and

make it happen.”Along the way, she plans to

ask who needs to know and whenthey need to know it, in order topull all relevant parties on board.

“Minneapolis is a great city,and I’m proud to be its mayor,”said Hodges.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT WHEREINNOVATION HAPPENSMayor Hodges’ social changework began when she was inhigh school, and blossomed incollege. While attending graduateschool in the mid 1990s at theUniversity of Wisconsin - Madi-son, Hodges made a consciouschoice to focus on local politics.A professor pointed out that thecontact most citizens have with

politics occurs in the ballot box,and the majority of their votes gotowards small, local races.

“Local government is whereinnovation happens,” Hodgespointed out. “That’s been thefocus of my political work for thelast 20 years.”

IN PURSUIT OF SOCIAL CHANGEAs a little girl, Hodges’ dreamsdid not include politics. Shewanted to be a writer like hermother and grandmother or alawyer. Then she set her sights onpsychology.

“It was when I was in collegethat I realized I wanted to do so-cial change,” Hodges said. Andshe wanted to do more than

merely study it in the classroom. Upon returning to Minneso-

ta after college, Hodges becameinvolved in the Progressive Min-nesota movement, beginning byvolunteering for a phone bankin a school board race. Hodgesworked on various other cam-paigns, and served as chair ofher neighborhood organization.Her first elected position was to

the Minneapolis City Council in2005 representing Ward 13.

Her drive to become mayorwas a natural progression ofwanting to give something backto her community in a way thatwould help people, she ob-served.

Continued on page 3

“Minneapolis is a great city, and I’m proud to be its mayor,” said BetsyHodges. She is Minneapolis’ 47th mayor and the second woman to everhold this position. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)

Minneapolis South skiers pull together for late-season push to state

An illness-riddled Minneapolis South Nordic ski team put together theirbest racing when it counted the most. A couple of their top skiers had beensick with a flu-like viral infection during the season. Both skiers missedpractice time and meets over about six weeks. At the state meet on Feb. 13at Giants Ridge in Biwabik, Tyler Thomegreene had the top finish of allTigers skiers at 56th. The Tigers senior had times of 18:25 and 18:28.4 onthe freestyle and classic pursuit respectively.

By PAT KALUZALongfellow resident Cathy

Heying is not a bystander in life,she’s a doer.

Working as a human rightsadvocate with St. Stephen’sHuman Services, Heying saw thatwhere homelessness often beginsis when people can’t afford amajor car repair, can’t get towork, and then can’t make therent. She wanted to intervene inthat downward spiral. She’d hadthe idea for a low-cost garage fora long time and kept thinking,“Someone should do this.”Eventually she realized thatsomeone was her.

So she spent two years atDunwoody earning a degree inauto technology so she wouldknow what she was talking aboutin the world of auto mechanics(her associates degree from Dun-woody follows her degree in so-cial work and a masters in pas-toral ministry, both traditionallyfemale fields). And she wantedcredibility with funders andwanted to know there would be“one worker for sure.”

It was by no means an easydegree. She discovered that “Youhave to be really smart to be anauto technician.” She was 38years old in the midst of 18-year-old men. In the first quarter, shealmost quit three times, but shehad instructors who urged heron. One of them, now on thegarage’s board of directors,vowed he would see her walk

across the stage to get her diplo-ma.

Degree in hand, she thenfound volunteer help at WilliamMitchell Law School to create anon-profit organization, The LiftGarage, located at 5925 NicolletAve. The volunteer was so goodthat getting non-profit statushappened in just 41 days.

Asked how she found thecourage to enter a field she knewnothing about, she talks aboutwatching her mother care forHeying’s older brother withDown Syndrome. Rather thaninstitutionalizing him, Heying’smother fought for him and al-ways acted with great love andcompassion. “She’s my hero,”Heying says of her mother. “Shealways did what needed to bedone.”

Who knows, maybe birthorder helped too. As theyoungest of seven children, Hey-ing says, “There are no pictures ofyou when you’re the last one, butyou can do whatever you want.”

In addition to providinglow-cost auto repair for low-in-come people, The Lift Garage hasa goal of doing job-training.Teaching people the skills for adecent-paying job is another wayto intervene in homelessness.Heying grew up in a Iowa farm-ing town of 800 people, andknows that rural communities,where jobs are so spread out andscarce, need low-cost garages andjob-training too. She wants The

Lift Garage to be a model.She is adamant that the low-

income customers of the garagebe cordially welcomed and treat-ed with respect. She wants themto stay while their cars are beingworked on, wants them to seethe garage as a communityspace, and promises there willalways be good coffee. “Manynon-profits don’t want poorpeople around,” she says, butthat would not be true at TheLift Garage where the goal is to“be together differently.”

Speaking of good coffee, it’salways fair-trade coffee at thegarage. “Justice is justice is jus-tice,” she says. That also meansthey’ll fix emission systems oncars when it ’s not the majorproblem because reducing emis-sions is an environmental justiceissue. Right now they’re talkingto a state agency about helpingwith emission problems. Andshe knows it’s better for the earthto fix old cars than to keepadding new ones.

So many people have toldher they want to have their carsfixed at The Lift Garage andwould pay regular garage ratesthat she’s s thinking about a for-profit garage that could sustainThe Lift Garage. Fundraising, ofcourse, is always ongoing andthe garage is greatly helped byvolunteer grant writers. Last fallthe Otto Bremer Foundationgave them a $25,000 grant. Astory on CBS News brought in$10,000. Sometimes it’s just a$10 bill after a Sunday service,but it’s all needed and all appre-ciated.

The volunteer techniciansand other volunteers get theirown round of applause.

To qualify for the The LiftGarage services, a person needsto be referred from a social serv-ice agency. See their website atwww.theliftgarage.org for moreinformation about incomeguidelines, volunteering, etc.Better yet, stop by the garage andhave a cup of really good coffee.

Page 2 March 2014 • Messenger • www.LongfellowNokomisMessenger.com

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MESSENGERCOUPON CUT-OUTS

Local woman opens non-profit, low-cost garage

In addition to providing low-cost auto repair for low-income people, The LiftGarage has a goal of doing job-training. Owner Longfellow resident CathyHeying is not a bystander in life, she’s a doer. (Photo by Cindy Gentling)

Cathy Heying spent two years at Dunwoody earning a degree in auto technologyso she would know what she was talking about in the world of auto mechanics(her associates degree from Dunwoody follows her degree in social work and amasters in pastoral ministry, both traditionally female fields). (Photo by CindyGentling)

MayorContinued from page 1

MAYORAL AGENDAHodges was elected on a mes-sage of growing Minneapolis,continuing to run it well, andeliminating the many gaps — injobs, income, housing, healthand education, among others —that separate white people andpeople of color in Minneapolis.

She will be working with adiverse city council. There areseven new council members thatincludes three firsts: a Somaliimmigrant (Abdi Warsame, Ward9), a Hmong-American (BlongYang, Ward 6) and a member ofthe Latino community (AlondraCano, Ward 10).

“I think it is a great group ofpeople,” said Hodges. “Everyonebrings their own unique perspec-tive from their wards.”

Hodges has also worked topull together what may be themost diverse staff of any Min-neapolis mayor.

Hodges’ overarching goal is“One Minneapolis,” a c i tywhere every person and everycommunity is responsible for,and benefits from, each other’ssuccesses.

ON SCHOOLSEducation played a large role inthe election last year, and it’ssomething Hodges intends tofocus her efforts on. While thecity has no direct control overthe school board as it managesitself, Hodges has already startedmeeting with SuperintendentBernadeia Johnson and otherschool representatives to startthe conversation on education.

“Let’s see what we can makehappen when we bring partnerstogether,” Hodges said.

The city does control pro-

grams for early childhood educa-tion through its department ofpublic health, and it is here thatthe city can move the dial on ed-ucation, according to Hodges.

The first educational gapkids face is in the two to three-year age range, Hodges pointedout.

Key components of the Cra-dle to K initiative she unrolledduring her campaign include:

- Expansion, to cover all ofMinneapolis, of the HealthyStart program, which serves low-income and vulnerable familieswith the skills, care, and re-sources to care for pregnantmothers and infants;

- Expanded access to stable,high quality, child-centeredchildcare; and

- A Mayor’s Cabinet on Cra-

dle-To-K, which will serve as thehub for the community of dedi-cated stakeholders, ensure thereare no early childhood program-ming or coverage gaps, and facil-itate resource-sharing.

ON TRANSITOver the next 10 years, Hodgesenvisions the city moving for-ward on lightrail and streetcarprojects. “They will not onlymove people to jobs, but bringjobs to people,” she said.

Since the Hiawatha - BlueLine opened, the number of citi-zens from low income areas inMinneapolis working at the Mallof America has increased. Thelightrail has given people accessto jobs, Hodges said.

She pointed out that the

Central Corridor line isn’t openyet, but $7 million has been in-vested along the line. “It is ahuge opportunity for the city,”Hodges remarked.

“I think it will start to trans-form where people live and howthey live.”

According to Hodges, thereare three main lessons the city

has learned from the Hiawatha -Blue Line to apply to the GreenLine and others that come after.1) Make sure you get your lightstimed right. 2) Zone the areaproperly. 3) Be prepared formore riders than you think.

Hodges points to the AccessMinneapolis plan that the citycouncil approved as the blue-print for the future.

Although the SouthwestLightrail line has run into road-blocks, she remains hopeful fora good outcome. “We’re going tokeep forging ahead with theSouthwest Lightrail,” she said.

38TH ST. AND LAKE ST.During her inaugural address,Hodges highlighted two localareas.

“Imagine taking your out-of-town guest to the myriad oppor-tunities for recreation, diningand community along 38th St.,"she said.

Hodges also pointed to E.Lake St. It’s an area she believeskept the city vibrant during therecession. Latino entrepreneursmade important investments inthe area where they live andwork, and create a cosmopolitandestination for food, shoppingand culture.

Looking for a business op-portunity? As a woman whostays away from sugar, Hodgesoffers this suggestion: “I wouldlike a salty snacks food truck.”

Page 3www.LongfellowNokomisMessenger.com • Messenger • March 2014

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• Grew up in Minnetonka, but has spent the last16 years in Minneapolis. “It’s a cosmopolitancity and you can meet your neighbors,” Hodgesobserved. “It’s the perfect combination.”

• Married to Gary Cunningham, vice presidentand chief program officer of the Northwest AreaFoundation and a member of the MetropolitanCouncil. They have two children, four grandchil-dren, a dog and a slightly neurotic cat.

• Hobbies include writing and reading poetry

• Her favorite movie: “Die Hard”

• Occasional karaoke singer with a limitedrange

• Collects WonderWoman memorabilia

“Local government is where innovation

happens. That’s beenthe focus of my

political work for thelast 20 years.”

- Mayor Betsy Hodges

Meet Mayor Betsy Hodges

Hodges worked on various other campaigns, and served as chair of her neighborhood organization. Her first electedposition was to the Minneapolis City Council in 2005 representing Ward 13. (Photo by Tesha Christensen)

Learn about birds, bees and butterflies at the Minneapolis Home and Garden ShowNENA’s Naturescape gardeners areteaming up with the Twin CitiesWild Ones (a native plant group) tohave a booth at this year’s Min-neapolis Home and Garden Show,Thurs., Feb. 27 to Sun., Mar. 2. The booth will be in Room103 with the Minnesota State Horticultural Society. The Uni-versity of Minnesota Bee Squad will also be there, along withthe St. Paul Audubon Society, and the U of M HennepinCounty Master Gardeners. (Note, some of the booths will bestaffed Friday evening through Sunday only).

Among other things, you can learn about the Wild forMonarchs Campaign to save the monarch migration and theefforts of many organizations to preserve habitat that is criti-cal to the survival of butterflies and birds. You can also learnhow important bees are to our food supply, why they are indanger, and what you can do about it.

Energetic residents needed for NENA BoardNENA’s 2014 Annual Neighborhood Meeting will be Tues.,Apr. 22, 7-9pm. The meeting will include light refreshments,a report on 2013 and, most important, our annual Boardelections. Residents will be electing eight neighborhood rep-resentatives to the NENA Board. The positions up for elec-tion this year are two representatives from each of our fourneighborhoods: Wenonah, Morris Park, Minnehaha andKeewaydin.

The Board of Directors provides leadership and directionto the organization and is responsible for setting policy andensuring good governance. Board members should be will-ing to serve on at least one committee or working group, ex-pect to attend 2-3 meetings per month, work on specialevents, and represent the neighborhood’s interests. An aver-

age time commitment is 8-10 hours per month, with somemonths requiring less time, and others more.

If you are committed to improving the neighborhood,engaging and representing residents interests, and building abetter community, consider bringing your time, energy andtalents to the NENA Board. Your neighborhood needs you!

Please call the NENA office (612-724-5652) to requestan information packet or to ask any questions.

Community Connections:A free conference for Minneapolis residentsIf you are interested in neighborhood or other communitywork, the Minneapolis Community Connections Confer-ence on Sat., Mar. 22, will have great information and net-working opportunities for beginners and experienced vol-unteers alike.

The conference theme, Common Ground – Making theCity Work for You, is designed to help people who are in-volved in community organizations, or who thinking aboutbecoming involved, gain practical skills, see the many waysthat others have addressed common problems, and meetpeople who can help you, and learn from you.

Dr. Verna Price, an internationally known consultant,writer and teacher whose work is about personal power, ex-cellence and change, will give the opening address.

Thirty-five workshops will address four conferencetracks: Making the City Work for Me, Thinking Bigger, Find-ing Common Ground, and Running an Effective Organiza-

tion. They range from learningabout the business licensing processto strengthening your communitythrough block clubs. Want to knowwho in the City works on planningfor our area? There’s a workshopfor that. There’s even a workshopon how to prepare your family for adisaster (natural or otherwise).

Everyone is invited to attend the conference, which includes a light breakfast, lunch, and a so-cial hour at the end. The workshop will be held Sat., Mar. 22,8am – 4:30pm at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Theconference is free, but please register at: http://www.min-neapolismn.gov/ncr/conf/index.htm.

Upcoming Meetings and EventsMinneapolis Home and Garden Show: Wed., Feb. 26 -Sun., Mar. 2. Check out room 103 – the Minnesota StateHorticultural Society. Volunteers from Audubon, NENAand the Wild Ones will be staffing a booth on nativehabitat for butterflies. Stop by to say hello if you go to theshow over the weekend! Minneapolis Community Connections Conference: 8am-4:30pm, Sat., Mar. 22, at the Minneapolis ConventionCenter. Everyone is welcome at this free, neighborhood-oriented conference. NENA Board Meeting: 7pm, Thurs., Mar. 27 at the NENAoffice, 3000 East 50th St.South Minneapolis Housing Fair: 10am - 3pm, Sat., Apr.5, at the Minneapolis Sports Center next to the MidtownYWCA.NENA Neighborhood Annual Meeting: 7-9pm, Tues., Apr.22, at Crosstown Covenant Church.

Last-minute schedule changes are posted on our Calendar pageat www.nokomiseast.org or you may call (612) 724-5652.

Winning the Minneapolis CityConference has become an an-nual event for MinneapolisSouth wrestling.

The Tigers won their ninth-straight conference title in Febru-ary with a 6-0 record. In addition,the Tigers have not lost a confer-ence meet in the past four years.However, sections did not treatthe Tigers wrestling team as well in a 62-12 loss to Buffaloon Feb. 15 in the Section 6AAA tournament.

South’s basketball team had their conference raceright down to the wire in the final week of the season inFebruary. The Tigers entered the last week in a three-waytie with Southwest and Washburn at 9-3.

Payton Bowdry has been a big factor for the Tigers’success with 14.7 points per game and 11 reboundsthrough Feb. 14. Kenley Farrow has been second on theteam in scoring with 12.3 points per game.

Morgan Hill has led the South girls basketball teamin points with 14.7 per game through Feb. 14. Lexus

Hughes and Adria Stewart average 12.4 and 12.1 respec-tively. South has a 4-4 record in conference play throughFeb. 15 in the hunt for third place.

In Nordic skiing on Feb. 13, Tyler Radtke of Min-nehaha Academy took 48th overall with a time of 18:34in the freestyle and 17:57.3. Radtke is a sophomore at theAcademy.

Sam Myers took 62nd for the Minnehaha AcademyRedhawks with times of 18:58 in the freestyle and18:07.5 in the classic pursuit.

Elsa Ubel of the Redhawks girls Nordic ski team alsoraced at the state meet. She took 78th with an overall

time of 43:43.8.Minnehaha Academy’s girls

basketball team will look to make aanother run at the state tournamentthis month. The Redhawks havegone 15-5 through Feb. 15, andthey had a second-place tie in theTri-Metro Conference at 10-2 withConcordia Academy-Roseville.

Sarah Kaminski has been stellarfor the Redhawks with 17.3 points per game and 9.9 re-bounds along with 5.3 assists. Lilly Thomey averages 7.3rebounds per game and scores 8.1 points per game.

Minneapolis’ girls hockey season ended at 11-12-1overall with a first-round exit in the Section 5A Tourna-ment. Katy Fuller led the team in offense with 28 pointsthis past season, and Sadie Baker had 25 points. GoalieKellie Winchell had a 2.51 goals against average.

Roosevelt’s girls basketball team has an outside shotto finish third in the Minneapolis City Conference with a4-6 league record through Feb. 15. Makayla Lemieuxleads the Teddies in scoring with 8.9 points per game.

Page 4 March 2014 • Messenger • www.LongfellowNokomisMessenger.com

ViewpointsFor more information on submitting letters or news announcements to the Messenger call Denis Woulfe at 651-645-7045.Messenger

Tigers tame Minneapolis City Conference again

In The ZoneBy MATTHEW DAVIS

Spring Things to Do

NENA (Nokomis East Neighborhood Association)BY RITA ULRICH AND DOUG WALTER, NENA STAFF

Artist’s talk scheduled Mar. 1Vine Arts Center will hold anartist talk and closing receptionSat., Mar. 1, 6-9pm for the exhib-it “Pursuit of Happiness” byKeith Holmes. The talk begins at6pm. Holmes’ photographsreveal people staking a claim toAmerica based on values, cul-ture, and ethnicity. They speakabout the desire to belong, theneed to represent, and the colli-sion of aspirations in partisantimes. It is a vital portrait of anAmerica in-process, and anAmerican paradox—we allbelieve in the dream, eventhough we define it differently.

Vine Arts Center is in the Ivy ArtsBuilding, 2637 27th Ave. S.

Local resident getsnational recognitionLongfellow resident Michael J.Bjornberg, FAIA, NCARB, HGAArchitects for Engineers, has beenelected to the College of Fellowsof the American Institute ofArchitects (AIA). He was recog-nized for his “notable contribu-tions to the advancement of theprofession of architecture.”Bjornberg is a project managerwith more than 35 years’ experi-ence focused on historic preserva-tion and cultural work. His majorhistoric preservation projects

includes the Union Depot and theMinnesota State Capitol in St.Paul; the University of NotreDame Main AdministrationBuilding (Golden Dome) andFootball Stadium in South Bend,IN; Coffman Memorial Union atthe University of Minnesota-TwinCities; and the Nelson CulturalCenter addition and renovation atthe American Swedish Institute inMinneapolis. Bjornberg has wonnumerous design awards, includ-ing most recently the 2013 AIAMinnesota Honor Award for theUnion Depot. Bjornberg is anassistant adjunct professor ofpreservation at the U. of M. TheCollege of Fellows recognizesarchitects who have made a signif-icant contribution to architecture

and society and who haveachieved a standard of excellencein the profession. Less than 2% ofall registered architects are electedto the College of Fellows.

Book signing setat Nokomis YogaThere will be a guided meditationand new book presentation byDaniel Hertz at Nokomis Yoga onSat., Mar. 1. This new book byHertz, “We Are Only Visitors,” is afollow-up to his critically ac-claimed first book and the essaysand poems in this book are rootedin Daniel’s Yoga practice and areseen through the eyes of someonewho has practiced Yoga and Medi-

tation for more than 20 years. Thewords demonstrate a wonderfulbalance and grace and are offeredout of a place of peace and greatgratitude for the way things are.

You can purchase the book atthe event ($10). All proceeds go toSRIVERM, the school in the remoteHimalayas founded by SwamiHari. For more information seewww.DanielHertzBooks.word-press.com .

The scheduled events startfrom 5:30-6pm with a GuidedMeditation in the HimalayanStyle, followed with a presenta-tion on the new book from 6-6:45pm, and a book signing from6:45-7pm. The program is free(no need to RSVP) and tea andcookies will be provided.

By JAN WILLMSHamoudi Sabri, a long-time

Minneapolis developer, admitsthat the property at 2716 East LakeSt. currently looks like a missilehas gone through it.

But he has big plans for thebuilding, which at one timehoused the Minnehaha NationalBank and more recently, a church.

“I am planning a big restau-rant and catering,” Sabri said. “Itwill be international, for all com-munities and immigrants to enter-tain themselves with music.”

Sabri said plans are in theworks for a downtown high endrestaurant owner to become a ten-ant of the property, and he promis-es the business will have “the bestcook in the world.”

He said that while he is pro-viding the infrastructure, the tenantwill provide all the restaurantequipment.

“This will be one of the fewbusinesses like this in the UnitedStates of this size and design,”Sabri continued. “It’s going to befood, food, food and art, art, art.”

He plans a large restaurantwith a stage for musical perform-ances.

The building has an interest-ing history, based on informationcompiled by the Lake Street Coun-cil for the Museum in the Streetsproject. This project features threebilingual heritage-discovery walksfor the benefit of Lake Street com-munities and visitors. In putting ittogether, a great deal of data fromthe early days of businesses alongLake Street was gathered.

According to this history, fourmen decided to open a bank in the27th and Lake Street area in 1915.

Fred Ryder, J.B. Neil, HarryO’Hearn and W.R. O’Hearn locat-ed a lot that was ideal at 2716 EastLake and built a one-story buildingthat met their needs. By 1923, theLake Street State Bank needed togrow to accommodate the newcustomers and businesses movinginto the area.

A major remodeling projectwas started, with a second floorbeing added. In 1927, the bankmerged with Minnehaha StateBank.

Cara Letofsky, who was a co-ordinator of Museum in theStreets, said the history found forthe building showed that when thebank moved to another location in1979, the property was sold toBrown Institute (now Brown Col-lege.) It was one of half a dozen lo-cations Brown had along EastLake. Victory in the Truth Ministrypurchased the building fromBrown.

But through the years, theoriginal one-room brick bankbuilding has remained under thecurrent façade.

“I am renovating the build-ing, but I am saving it,” Sabri ex-plained. “I took the whole frontoff, and I will put a new roof on it.The front will be glass. I am notdestroying history.”

He said the building has beengutted 100 per cent inside.

“Gutting it was a nightmare,”Sabri acknowledged. He said hegot his first permit to start workingon the building last July.

As to when it will be complet-ed and open for business, he saidthat depends on the City of Min-neapolis.

There are currently threeBuilding Remodeling Permitsopen, and they’re for façade im-provements, the roof, and interiordemolition, according to MattLaible, City of Minneapolis Com-munications Department.

He said a public hearing isrequired for all on sale alcohol li-cense applications for those loca-tions where there has not beenan alcohol license issued in thepast. Notification of such a pub-lic hearing is made to residentsand property owners within 600feet of the proposed business, byU.S. Mail, and notification of thepublic is also given to localneighborhood groups and busi-ness associations. “We have noapplications pending for busi-ness licenses at this site,” saidLaible.

Followers of politics and de-velopment on Lake Street knowthat Sabri has had his run-ins withformer Ward 9 council memberGary Schiff and city officials whomay at times have opposed someof his developments.

“I’m optimistic that we havenew council members working for

the community based on needsand job improvements,” Sabrisaid.

He said he is looking forwardto working with Alondra Cano,the newly elected Ward 9 councilmember.

“The homeless, seniors, kidswith no homes, abused kids, po-lice and safety—that’s what I amhoping to see the new council is

about,” Sabri said. Sabri has several properties in

development. He said he startedout on Nicollet Ave. in the mid-90s, and during that period of timealso started developing on LakeStreet. He had property at Grandand Lake and has developed threecorners of Cedar and Lake.

Continued on page 7

Page 5www.LongfellowNokomisMessenger.com • Messenger • March 2014

Long-time developer takes aim at renovating historic Lake Street building

SkiersContinued from page 1

The Tigers also took secondin sections twice in Aspholm’stenure. They have never finishedbelow fourth during his time.

Eckstrom races to 59th for South girls at stateCarly Eckstsrom, a junior, took59th at the girls Nordic state skimeet at Giants Ridge on Feb. 13.

She skied for times of 21:57in the freestyle and 21:02.8 in theclassic for an overall time of42:59.8.

“She had an excellent race,”Aspholm said. “She was therelast year as a sophomore and fin-ished 91st. This year in the morn-ing race, she was 72nd, and shejumped to 59th place in the af-ternoon, so she passed quite afew people on a very difficultclassic course.”

Hamoudi Sabri, a long-time Minneapolis developer, has plans for a downtownhigh end restaurant owner to become a tenant of the property he is refurbishingat 2716 E. Lake St. (Photo by Jan Willms)

Page 6 March 2014 • Messenger • www.LongfellowNokomisMessenger.com

BUYLOCAL

American Rug Laundry approaches century mark,hoping to outlast leaky roof

By JAN WILLMSFor 97 years, American Rug

Laundry has been at its corner lo-cation at 4222 Lake St. The prob-lem is, while the business hassurvived the last 100 years, thebuilding may not survive longwithout major repairs that couldcost nearly $100,000.

“Unfortunately, our buildingis in need of some repair andrestoration,” said Sam Navab,who along with his brother,Faryan, has owned the businessfor the past 15 years.

The 8,000-square foot build-ing has a leaking ceiling, andwindows on the second floor arerotted and old, letting in the ele-ments. With priceless Orientalrugs housed inside, that is not aproblem to take lightly.

“We recently removed thevines covering the building,”Navab said, “and we discoveredthe concrete area around thebuilding is cracked.”

He said very little work isneeded inside the building,which houses the facilities fordrying and maintenance of Ori-ental rugs as well as a space forsales called the Rug Annex.

“We need a roof over ourheads, and the roof needs fix-ing,” Navab said. “We did talkabout tearing the building down,but financially that is not possi-ble. The cost of new constructionmakes it difficult to get a bankloan.”

“Besides,” he added, “wewant to keep the historic façade.And we want to stay on LakeStreet.”

Navab said the original own-ers picked a good spot, centrallylocated between Minneapolisand St. Paul. “We have a hugefollowing from St. Paul, and we

are close to the Interstate andpeople have always known us asa part of Lake Street.”

So, to assist in fixing up thebuilding, the brothers turned tothe Lake Street Council (LSC) forhelp with some arts and façadegrants. These grants could helpwith window repair and the hir-ing of a local artist to enhancethe looks of the building.

One avid supporter of Amer-ican Rug Laundry is Joyce Wis-dom, executive director of LakeStreet Council (LSC).

“As a Longfellow resident,I’ve always been taken by the wayAmerican Rug Laundry uses theirhistoric photos in their advertis-ing,” she said. “It might evenhave been part of my inspirationfor Museum in the Streets. I dothink it is important that com-munities value and keep thesekinds of businesses in theirneighborhoods. American RugLaundry is a Lake Street land-mark, and I hope they stay put

for another generation.”Navab said the LSC grants,

which are available to local busi-nesses, will help with the façade.But the main cost of roof repairis the building’s most urgentneed—and the most expensive,with costs that could reach ashigh as $96,000.

“We are gathering informa-tion and getting estimates rightnow,” he said. “Once the weatherbreaks, we are hoping to startwork on the roof as quickly aspossible.”

He said the business is hop-ing to raise the money for theroof repair by having major salesin March of their handmade rugs.

“To the best of our knowl-edge, some sorts of rug sales havealways been associated with thisbusiness,” he explained. An olderphoto from the 1930s shows asign for rug sales in one of thewindows.

Continued on page 7

Sam Navab stands by a centrifuge machine, used to thoroughly dry the cleaned rugs. American Rug Laundry hasbeen at its corner location at 4222 Lake St. for 97 years. (Photo by Jan Willms)

The 8,000-square foot building has a leaking ceiling, and windows on thesecond floor are rotted and old, letting in the elements. With priceless Ori-ental rugs housed inside, that is not a problem to take lightly. (Photo by JanWillms)

DeveloperContinued from page 5

He developed the old Oddfel-lows building at 27th and Lake, al-though he no longer owns thatbuilding. One of its tenants, MayaLopez Santa-Maria, purchased it in2012.

“I have a 38,000 square footbuilding off Louisiana Blvd., and Iam in the process of building highend senior citizen living there,”Sabri said. He has over two acres inthe North Loop, with a towingbusiness at 816 N. 5th.

And he is also in the processof working on mixed developmentat 19th and Lake.

“I’m a lot smarter than I was20 or 30 years ago,” Sabri reflected.“I don’t just jump into things any-more.”

He said that as a business-man, Ted Turner, who foundedCNN, has been a hero to him. “Hesaid something like, to reach thesky, you have to go down. I haven’t

been all the way down, but that’strue,” Sabri recalled.

“I have always stayed awayfrom politics,” he added, althoughnot everyone may agree with thisassessment.

“I’m a community developer,”Sabri said. He said he is hopingthat politicians will stay away fromsome of the regulating services.“We only need four or five councilmembers to be meeting and work-ing with the regulating services.”

“I am hoping the system willchange to open the door to otherdevelopment on Lake St.," Sabrisaid. He said he thinks Lake St. isin a depression and merchants arestruggling.

“We should put our effortsinto business,” he said. “Findingjobs is the key of life.”

But even more than business,Sabri said that raising kids is themost important thing he has done,as he describes his three daughters.

“Concrete comes and goes.Money comes and goes. But bring-ing kids like this into society, that’swhat lasts. I’m proud of that.”

American Rug LaundryContinued from page 6

When the brothers bought thebusiness, they decided to upgrade.

“We brought in tools neededto properly clean and dry loose,Oriental rugs,” Navab said. “We in-vested heavily in machinery andequipment.” Although specializingin the treatment of Oriental rugs,the business cleans other rugs aswell.

Navab said working with rugshas been in the family’s roots. Thebrothers came from Iran as stu-dents, and they have been involvedin the sale of rugs since the 1980s.

“We had a familiarity with theproduct, and connections,” Navabsaid. “It made it natural for us toget involved with the cleaning andmaintenance of rugs.”

“We thoroughly and natural-ly clean the rugs,” he added.“Long before it became fashion-

able to go green, we were goinggreen. We take out whatever weput into the rug, so it is free ofany chemicals. We often usevinegar as a detergent.”

Navab said stains that havechemical dyes and stains that are setare the most difficult to deal with.

“When a rug is here, whether

it is brought in or delivered, weaddress any issues that are visibleand explain to the clients the bestway to approach cleaning,” Navabsaid. The rug is also carefullymeasured.

An automatic duster then re-moves dry soil or dirt, and beatersare in operation to beat the back

of the rug. Depending on what the rug

needs, a variety of washes are of-fered. There is a submerged, deepwash or surface cleaned standardwash.

“The rug is hand-scrubbed,rinsed and spun in a centrifugemachine,” Navab continued. Hesaid that at every stage of the clean-ing process, a tag with a bar codegets scanned so it is known exactlywhere the rug is in the system.After a rug is put in the centrifugefor seven minutes to rinse out allthe water, it is loaded onto a con-veyor belt and sent to the secondfloor of the building to a tempera-ture-controlled drying room.

After a rug is washed anddried, the rug is carefully ap-praised and any needed repair isdone. The final step in the processis to finish and wrap the rug.

“The economy has affectedour business, of course,” Navabadmitted. But although rug saleshave been down, the cleaning re-mains steady. “People need toclean their rugs,” he said.

Navab said people come into

the shop who are in their 70s and80s, and they recall when theycame in with their grandmother.

“The store is a part of the his-tory of this town,” Navab said. “Wewant to continue that. It’s a differ-ent world now, and you can getwhat you need with the Internet.But we are a service business. Wecome to your home, roll up yourrug and clean it. We can also ex-plain to customers where their rugoriginated from, its value andwhen it was made, all at no addedcharge.”

Currently the business has astaff of 15. “We are international,”Navab said. “We have Hmong,Hispanic and African Americanemployees, from cleaning to cus-tomer service to driving trucks, re-pair and sales. We are a real micro-cosm of America on Lake St.”

“We would like to continue,to not just survive, but to flourishand provide the best service wecan for our clients,” Navab de-clared. And they would like to doit on the same spot that the clean-ing and sale of rugs has been of-fered for at least 97 years.

Page 7www.LongfellowNokomisMessenger.com • Messenger • March 2014

Sam Navab looks at a photo of his father, who was a lyricist, poet and politi-cian. His father's books line the walls of Navab's office. Navab said that work-ing with rugs has been in the family's roots. Navab and his brother, Faryan,have been involved in the sale of rugs since the 1980s. (Photo by Jan Willms)

Hamoudi Sabri, a long-time Minneapolis developer, admits that the property at 2716 East Lake St. currently lookslike a missile has gone through it. But he has big plans for the building, which at one time housed the MinnehahaNational Bank and more recently, a church. (Photo at left by Jan Willms. Above, inset depicts photo illustration offuture building.)

Annual BoardElections: LCC hasopen board seats –join us!Spring is on the way (no really….itis!) and in about 8 weeks LCC willbe electing its Board of Directorsfor the 2014-2015 term. Electionswill be held during the April 22ndGeneral Membership meeting (seedetails on this page). If you haveever considered participating inthe neighborhood as a boardmember, now is the time.

Open seats:

Longfellow Neighborhood – 1 seat (2-year term)

Cooper Neighborhood – 1 seat (2-year term)

Hiawatha Neighborhood – 1 seat (2-year term)

Howe Neighborhood – 1 seat (2-year term)

Community Representative – 3 seats (1-year term)

Business Representative – 1 seat (1-year term)

At-Large Representative – 1 seat (3-year term)

Its easy to run for a LCC boardseat. Simply show up to the Gen-eral Membership meeting andhave someone nominate you ornominate yourself. Board mem-bership is a great way to get toknow your neighbors and yourcommunity! For additional de-tails or if you have questions,please contact Melanie at 612-722-4529 ext. 14 or via emailat melanie@longfellow.org

Longfellow Marketcoming soon!The nearly 15,000 squareLongfellow Market is inspired bythe full service neighborhoodgrocers of the pre-WWII genera-tion. Project updates can befound at www.facebook.com/LongfellowMarket

Community Crimemeeting Monday,March 24Many of you are likely aware ofthe increase in crime throughoutGreater Longfellow. As a re-sponse, Longfellow CommunityCouncil and Ward 12 Coun-cilmember Andrew Johnson areco-sponsoring a communitymeeting on Monday, March 24from 6:00 - 8:00pm at BrackettPark, 2728 39th Avenue S.

Representatives from the3rd Precinct Police Departmentwill discuss crime statistics andtrends, and offer crime preven-tion tips that residents can use tosecure their home and belong-ings. We look forward to seeingyou there.

2nd AnnualCommunityConnectionsConference onSaturday March 22The City of Minneapolis Neigh-borhood and Community Rela-tions Department invites you toattend the 2nd Annual Commu-nity Connections Conference onSaturday March 22nd from 8am-4:30pm at the Minneapolis Con-vention Center. The Conference isfree to all participants. This year'stheme is Common Ground: A CityThat Works for All, which aims toexplore how the City can hone itsorganizational and communica-tion skills, ways everyone canwork with and influence city gov-ernment and opportunities tobuild broad based efforts that in-volve all segments of Minneapo-lis' increasingly diverse neighbor-hoods and community-at-large.Learn more about the conferenceand the range of topics that willbe covered at www.min-neapolismn.gov/nc/Community-ConnectionsConference.

Longfellow Community Council2727 26th Avenue S., Minneapolis, MN 55406

612.722.4529 • www.longfellow.org

Melanie Majors, Executive Director

Ruth Romano, Office Staff

JoAnna Lund, Community Engagement Coordinator

Jessica Buchberger, Communication & Event Manager

Joe Sturm, Housing & Environment Coordinator

melanie@longfellow.org

ruth@longfellow.org

joannalund@longfellow.org

jessica@longfellow.org

joe@longfellow.org

Calendar of Meetings and Events

MARCH 2014Meetings are free and open to the public, and are accessible.

Check the calendar on our website www.longfellow.org

ADVANCEMENT COMMITTEEWednesday, March 57:00 - 8:00 pmFireroast Café3800 37th AveFFI: jessica@longfellow.org

NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEEMonday, March 106:30 - 8:00 pmLCC Office, 2727 26th Ave SFFI: joe@longfellow.org

LONGFELLOW FAITH FORUMTuesday, March 11St Albert the Great, 2836 33rd Ave SFFI: joannalund@longfellow.org

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONSTuesday, March 116:30 - 8:00 pmLCC Office, 2727 26th Ave SFFI: joannalund@longfellow.org

RIVER GORGE COMMITTEETuesday, March 187:00 – 8:30 pmHiawatha School Park4305 42nd St. EFFI: joannalund@longfellow.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORSThursday, March 206:30 – 8:30 pmBrackett Park2728 39th Ave SFFI: melanie@longfellow.org

ENVIRONMENT AND TRANSPORTATIONTuesday, March 256:30 - 8:00 pmLCC Office, 2727 26th Ave SFFI: joe@longfellow.org

No Pie Charts! Only Pies! Tuesday, April 22Please join the LongfellowCommunity Council onTuesday, April 22 for our An-nual No Pie Charts! OnlyPies! Meeting and piepotluck! The resource fairwill be from 6-6:30pm andthe meeting and boardelections will run from 6:30-8pm. Bring a pie to shareand join your neighbors inthis once-a-year event! Ifyou have questions aboutthe event please contactJessica (jessica@longfel-low.org). If you are interest-ed in running for a boardposition please contactMelanie (melanie@longfel-low.org).

Longfellow Neighborhood Garage SaleOrganizers Wanted!We are seeking a couple of skilled volunteers to help with organizing thesummer garage sale. The sale will be Friday June 20th and Saturday June21st. If you are interested please ContactJoe Sturm email: Joe@longfellow.org or612.722.4529 ext. 13

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LOLA calls artistsfor August crawlCall for Artists! L.O.L.A. (Leagueof Longfellow Artists) is seekingartists residing in greaterLongfellow to register for the2014 LOLA Art Crawl to be heldon Aug. 23-24. For further infor-mation visit their website:h t t p : / / l o l a a r t c r a w l . c o m .Registration begins Mar. 15 andcloses on May 1.

Annual codfish and meatball dinnerSt. Peder’s Lutheran Church willbe holding their annual Codfishand Meatball Dinner on Fri.,Mar. 7. There will be seatings at5pm and 6:30pm. The dinneralso includes boiled potatoeswith their famous mustard gravy,peas and carrots, Havarti cheeseon pumpernickel, cupcakes andbeverages. The cost is $12 foradults and $5 for children 12and under. St. Peder’s Church islocated at 4600 E. 42nd St. Callthe church office at 612-722-8000 or email Sarah atoffice@stpeders for reservations.Please state how many meatballor cod dinners, seating time pref-erence, and phone number ifleaving a message.

Events planned atNokomis LibraryNokomis Library, 5100 S 34thAve., has the following eventsplanned in March:—There will be an Author TalkSat., Mar. 22 at 3pm. Meet localauthor Kevin Fenton, whosememoir, “Leaving Rollingstone,”revisits his small-town boyhoodin Rollingstone MN in a time ofmajor social change. Books willbe available for purchase andsigning.— “Game On! Gaming Thurs-days” takes place on Thursdays,4:30-6pm. This event is for teens.Play Xbox 360 or Magic: TheGathering games at the library. —The Graphic Novel Adult BookClub will meet Thurs., Mar. 20,6:30pm. Lending copies may bepicked up at the informationdesk prior to the meeting.—K-12 Homework Help isscheduled every Mon. and Thurs.in March, 3:30-7:30pm. Free in-person tutoring is available for K-12 students. No advance sign-upneeded.—The Mystery/Thriller AdultBook Club meets on Mon., Mar.10, 6:30pm, this month to dis-cuss “ Book of Killowen” by ErinHart.—The 55+ Book Club meetsWed., Mar. 5 at 3pm to discussnew and interesting titles. Bringalong your recommendations forfuture meetings. Lending copiesfor this month’s selection may bepicked up at the information

desk prior to the meeting.—The Adult Book Club meetsThurs., Mar. 27 at 6:30pm. Lend-ing copies for this month’s selec-tion may be picked up at the in-formation desk prior to meeting. —The Sci-Fi Adult Book Clubmeets Thurs., Mar. 6 at 6:30pm.Join our discussion of new andinteresting sci-fi titles. Bringalong your recommendations forfuture meetings. Lending copiesfor this month’s selection maybe picked up at the informationdesk prior to meeting.—The First Friday Diabetes Sup-port Group meets Fri., Mar. 7,1pm. Share experiences withothers living with diabetes andget tips and advice from a healthcare professional on blood sugarmanagement, diet and exercise.Please call Nokomis HealthySeniors, 612-729-5499, to makearrangements for free transporta-tion to the program if needed.—Family Storytime for childrenof all ages and their parents,meets every Friday starting Mar.14, at 10:30am and every Satur-day starting Mar. 22 at 11am.This is for children of all agesand their parent or caregiver.Talk, sing, read, write and playtogether in a format appropriatefor young children. Share books,stories, rhymes, music andmovement.—Baby Storytime, for childrenfrom birth to 24 months (andtheir parent or caregiver) meetsTues., Mar. 11, 18 and 25 at9:30am and Saturdays, staringMar. 22 at 9:30am.—LEGO Lab meets Sat., Mar. 1,from 2-4pm. This event is forfamilies. Calling all future engi-neers and architects! We’ve gotthe bricks, but we need you tobring your imagination. Noexperience necessary. We’ll haveLEGOS and DUPLOS®, so allages are welcome.

Minnehaha Methodistholds auction Mar. 1Minnehaha United MethodistChurch. 3701 E. 50th St., will

hold an auction Sat., Mar. 1.Preview: 10:30am. Lunch: Noon-1:30pm. Sale starts: 12:01pm.Car, Metrodome seats, bedroomfurniture, household goods,kitchen sink, collectibles, housewares, furniture, antiques, gift cer-tificates, themed baskets, andmore will be auctioned.

Program plannedon Creative ActivismUpset about issues facing ourcommunities and world? In orderto create a better world, we trymany things to combat persistentproblems. And yet those issues

persist. Come learn a few simpletechniques that will help you findcreative solutions that help thecauses, help ourselves, and keepour lives in balance in the processwith “Creative Activism.” The freeprogram is planned Tues., Mar.25, from 6-7:30pm at MinnehahaFree Space, 3747 Minnehaha Ave.

Spaghetti Dinnerscheduled Mar. 8Fat Lorenzos All You Can EatSpaghetti Dinner will be heldSat., Mar. 8, 5-7:30pm at St.Helena Church – Rowan Hall,3204 E 43rd St. Tickets at thedoor are $11 for adults, $35 forfamily, and $9 for kids under 12and for seniors. Discounted pre-sale tickets are available by call-ing 612-729-9301. All proceedsgo directly to St. Helena’s sportsprograms.

Create Your Own Hydroponic Salad If you are tired of battling grittylettuce and slug slime on theprettiest lettuce leaves, the Uni-versity’s Dr. Tom Martin willshow you how to make an inex-pensive hydroponic table inwhich you can grow lettuce andother greens from April to No-vember. The Longfellow GardenClub will host Martin at theirnext meeting Mar. 12, 7-9pm atEpworth United Methodist

Church, 3207 37th Ave. S. Themeeting is open to the public.

This is Dr. Martin’s researchproject, and has already provento be a successful method. TwoGarden Club members tried itlast summer and had very goodresults. A hydroponic table is apractical way for a patio or bal-cony gardener, anyone with a 2’x 4’ outdoor space, to grow a mixof lettuces and greens such asmustard, arugula, cress, endive,sorrel, kale, Swiss chard, pakchoi, collards and nasturtium.Many greens continue to growuntil night-time temperaturesreach 20 degrees.

Diabetes groupmeets monthlyThe Longfellow Diabetes SupportGroup meets monthly for adultsof all ages with type 1 and type 2diabetes. The group is facilitatedby a Certified Diabetes Educatorand meets on the secondWednesday from 6:30-8pm atHiawatha School Park RecreationCenter, 4305 E. 42nd St. Meetingsinclude education, support, dis-cussion and occasional guestspeakers. Upcoming datesinclude Mar. 12, Apr. 9 and May14. For more information, callLongfellow/Seward HealthySeniors at 612-729-5799.

Continued on page 10

Page 9www.LongfellowNokomisMessenger.com • Messenger • March 2014

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 (Facebook.com/LongfellowNokomisMessenger). You can also go to our website, LongfellowNokomisMessenger.com and enter the information in the online Event Calendar.

In Our CommunityMessenger

Neighborhood Churches Welcome You!Bethany Lutheran3901 36th Ave S - 612-729-9376www.bethanyon36th.comPastor Jo BaumanMarch Schedule:Sundays Worship with Communion 10:30 amEducation for all ages 9:15 amMarch 5 - Ash Wednesday -

11 am and 7 pm ServicesWednesdays - 11 am Lenten Service followed

by lunchSat March 8 - Creativity & Conversation,

10 am - noonMarch 9 - Contemporary Music Service 10:30 amAll are welcome!

Bethlehem Covenant3141 43rd Ave. S. • 612-721-5768www.bethlehemcov.orgPastor Ryan Eikenbary-Barber(Handicapped accessible)Children especially welcome Ash Wednesday, March 6 - Worship at 7pmContemporary Worship Sundays 8:30am Sunday School for all ages 9:30amTraditional Worship Sundays 11am, Wednesdays at 5:45Meal and activities for the family

Christ Church Lutheran3244 34th Ave. • 612-721-6611www.christchurchluth.orgPastor: Kristine Carlson(Children welcome, Childcare available)Sunday Worship at 9:30 am11:15 am EducationPastor: Kristine CarlsonThe Friends of CCL offers free tours of

our National Historic Landmark building2nd Sunday of each month, 11 am.

Epworth United Methodist3207 37th Ave. • 612-722-0232www.epworthumcmpls.orgRev. Pam ArmstrongSunday Worship 10:30 amEducation: Adults at 9:45 am; Children and Youth, 10:45 am(Childcare Provided)(Wheelchair Accessible)

Minnehaha United Methodist3701 E. 50th St. • 612-721-6231www.minnehaha.orgTraditional Service 9:00 amContemporary Worship 11:00 am

(Sept.-May) 10:30 am (June-Aug.)Education for all ages 10:15 (Sept.-May)(Childcare; fully accessible)

St. Albert the Great CatholicE. 29th St. at 32nd Ave. S. • 612-724-3643www.saintalbertthegreat.orgFr. Joe Gillespie, O.P.Sunday Mass 9:30 am (Childcare available)Saturday Mass 5:00 pmM,T, Th, F: Rosary at 8 am, Daily Mass 8:15 am(Handicapped accessible)

St. Peder's Evangelical Lutheran4600 E. 42nd St. • 612-722-8000www.stpeders.netJulie A. Ebbesen, PastorWorship 9:00 and 10:30 am,Summer - 9:00 onlyEducation for all at 9:00 am(Childcare; Wheelchair Acc., Braille)Coffee 10 am

Trinity Lutheran Churchof Minnehaha Falls5212 41st Ave. S. • 612-724-3691www.trinityfalls.orgPastor Derek JohnsonSunday Worship 8:30 & 10 amChildren’s Church at 10 am ServiceAsh Wed Service March 5 - 6:45 pmWednesday meals 5:30 pmAA Meetings Tuesdays/Sundays 7 pm

Projects of theNeighborhood

Churches Include:Minnehaha Food Shelf, Serving People Tuesday 10:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Call us at 612-721-6231Minnehaha United Methodist,

3701 E. 50th St.

Nokomis resident to perform in playNokomis resident HelenDonnay plays Evie, wife ofGramps, in “Buzzard Ball,”Mar. 7-16 at First UnitedMethodist Church, 1530Oakdale Ave. in West St.Paul. Passport Stages, a sen-ior theatre company present-ing plays for seniors andtheir families, presents thissenior softball comedyabout a team that has neverwon a game. The play hasbeen called “a cross betweenThe Golden Girls andGrumpy Old Men.”Information about the showcan be found at www.pass-portstages.com or by calling612-244-6420.

In OurCommunityContinued from page 9

Crime preventionsubject of meetingJoin Longfellow/Seward HealthySeniors and MinneapolisCommunity Education for a pres-entation about reducing your riskof being a victim of crime onTues., Mar. 18 at 10:30am at HolyTrinity Lutheran Church, 2730 E.31st St. Topics covered willinclude safety at home, out andabout in the community, safetywhile driving, con artists, ‘GetRich Quick’ scams, and when tocall 911. The program will be pre-sented by Shun Tillman, CrimePrevention Specialist with theMinneapolis Police Department.

InVocation performstwo local concertsA cappella vocal ensemble InVoca-tion, with the assistance of TonyaAnderson, piano, and ValerieKahler, cello, presents “Darknessand Day.” Whatever understand-ing and experience you bring tothose two words as an individual,together they encompass the en-tire human experience. The musicin this program is stuffed with im-agery...some concrete (fireflies,sunrise, northern lights) and someabstract (hope, humility, resurrec-tion). The melodies of this musiccelebrate our common humanityin these moments of shadow andlight; despair and hope; solitude,romance and the joy of being partof a larger, mysterious whole.

March concerts include:— Sat., Mar. 15, 7pm at CalvaryLutheran Church, 3901 ChicagoAve. S.; and

— Fri., Mar. 21, 7:30pm at LakeNokomis Lutheran Church, 501131st Ave S.

InVocation’s mission is topresent inspiring music in order toraise funds for hunger-related char-ities. Concerts are free and open tothe public, but proceeds from free-will offerings will benefit this sea-son’s charity partners, MinnehahaFood Shelf, and the food shelf ofCommunity Emergency Service.For more information, visitwww.InVocationSingers.org.

Program planned on exporting goodsEver thought about exportingyour product? Learn more aboutthe process at A World of Oppor-tunity: Exporting your Producton Wed., Mar. 19, 11:45am-1pmat Touchstone Headquarters,2312 Snelling Ave., Minneapolis.The program is hosted by SewardCivic and Commerce Associa-tion, and co-sponsored by theLongfellow Business Association.

Deputy Director of the MNTrade Office, Ed Dieter, will dis-cuss the state resources availableto companies interested in ex-porting their products. While aninitial look at exporting mightmake the prospects seem toocomplex to be worthwhile, theMN Trade Office has the experi-ence to help guide you throughthe process and the benefits canbe tremendous. Companies thatexport tended to weather the eco-nomic downturn more easily, asthe recession did not hit all mar-kets at the same time. Diversify-ing the markets you serve canalso ease seasonal ups anddowns for some businesses.

Whether you’ve done someexporting and want to learnmore, or are looking into thepossibility for the first time, thismay help you take the next stepin the process.

If you wish to take the lunch

option (catered by HimalayanRestaurant) you must RSVPahead of time to Ruth 612-722-4529 x10. If you just want toattend the meeting withoutlunch, no RSVP is necessary.

Vet Connection Groupmeets MondaysTalk to someone who under-stands...someone who’s beenthere. NAMI Vet Connection is aprogram that gives veterans theopportunity to talk with other vet-erans and share their experiences,as well as the successes and hard-ships of the reintegration process.A NAMI Vet Connection groupmeets every Monday from 2:15-3:45, at the Minneapolis VA, 1Veterans Dr., in Room 1B-102 (1stfloor). If you have questions, con-tact Rebecca at 612-801-7415 orBrian Jost at 651-645-2948 x116.

Events scheduled atEast Lake LibraryEast Lake Library, 2727 E. LakeSt., has numerous scheduledevents during March. Amongthem:—Family Storytime is held onFridays, starting Mar. 7, 10:15am.This event is for children of allages and their parent or caregiver.Talk, sing, read, write and playtogether in a format appropriatefor young children. Share books,stories, rhymes, music and move-ment. —Baby Storytime is scheduledevery Friday starting Mar. 7,11:15am. This event is for chil-dren from birth to 24 months andtheir parent or caregiver. Talk,sing, read, write and play togetherin a format designed especially forbabies. Share books, stories,rhymes, music and movement. —“Game On”, Sat., Mar., 1 and15, from 2-4pm. Join up to learnthe basics – or some new tips

and tricks – to the popular“Magic: The Gathering” tradingcard game. This is event is forteens. Use our free cards anddecks, or bring your own. — Conversation Circles will meetevery Sunday from 1-3pm. Non-native English speakers: practiceyour English and make newfriends in an informal, volunteer-led setting, and learn about thelibrary, too. Call 612-543-5669for more information in Englishor, in Hmong, 612-543-8845; inSomali, 612-543-8756; in Span-ish, 612-543-8510.— Job Search Assistance isplanned for every Tuesday inMarch, from 3-5pm. Are youseeking new employment or re-entering the workforce? Do youneed help looking for a job, fill-ing out applications or writingyour résumé? Stop in for freeone-to-one assistance with a jobsearch representative.—K-12 Homework Help isscheduled on Mon., Tues. andThurs., 3:30-7:30pm through theentire month. Free in-person tu-toring is available for K-12 stu-dents. No advance sign-up need-ed.—Childcare Group Storytime,Wed., Mar. 5, 10:30am. Talk,sing, read, write and play togeth-er in a format appropriate for thechildren in your care. Sharebooks, stories, rhymes, musicand movement.—Teen Anime Club (for teens)meets Thurs., Mar. 6, at 6pm.Watch anime, discuss manga andshare artwork. Something differ-ent every time!—The Adult Book Club will meetFri., Mar. 14, 10:30-11:30amwhen they will be discussing “Turtle Catcher” by Nicole Helget.

Divorce supportgroup meets MondaysA support group for people expe-riencing divorce meets on

Mondays, from 6:30-8pm atTrinity of Minnehaha Falls, 521241st Avenue S. The group pro-vides an opportunity to receivecare and encouragement in arespectful environment. For moredetails, contact Judy Green,parish nurse, at 612-724-3691.

Applications open for Farmers MarketInterested in vending at theMidtown Farmers Market? Mar. 7is the deadline for all vendorsexcept arts and crafts vendors,whose deadline is Apr. 4. Qualityvendors are the heart of theMidtown Farmers Market and theystrive to create a balanced anddiverse vendor mix each season.Applications from Minnesota andWisconsin farmers, artisans andproducers are welcome. Visit ourwebsite, www.midtownfarmers-market.org, for more informationand to access the 2014 vendorapplication.

Yoga for seniors set at Holy TrinityTwo different styles of yoga class-es are offered each week from 10-11am at Holy Trinity LutheranChurch, 2730 E. 31st St. Mondayyoga classes focus on healthy,strong bones and participantswill learn safe movements to sus-tain and improve skeletal health.Friday classes focus on gentleyoga, and participants will learnbreathing techniques, balanceposes and relaxation methods.No pre-registration is required –just show up. Call Longfellow/Seward Healthy Seniors at 612-729-5799 for more information.The cost is only $3/class!

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Page 10 March 2014 • Messenger • www.LongfellowNokomisMessenger.com

Messenger Want Ads are $1 perword with a $10 minimum. Sendyour remittance along with yourad to Messenger Classifieds, 1885University Avenue, Ste. #110, St.Paul, MN 55104. Want ads mustbe mailed to the Messengerbefore March 17 for the March 27issue. Ad copy can be e-mailed to denis@deruyternelson.com.Call 651-645-7045 for moreinformation. Your classified adwill also be automatically placedon the Messenger's website atwww.LongfellowNokomisMessenger.com

ADDITIONSMartin Dynneson & Son. KustomBuilding and Remodeling -Kustom additions. Roofing, sid-ing, exterior/interior painting.Metal roofs, guaranteed for 100years. Marty 612-724-8819. B-14

BATHROOMSBathroom/kitchen!! Basementfinishing. Bad water pressure?Sinks, Toilets and tub/surrounds.etc. Ceramic tile. Basement bath-rooms installed Call 612-275-9815. 5-14

COMPUTERREPAIR/SERVICE

Harmony PC computer repair, serv-ice, instruction. Service in yourhome. 20 years exp. State Courts,Microsoft. Woman-owned. 651-605-5804. www.harmonypc.us 8-14

EMPLOYMENTThe Longfellow/Nokomis Mess -enger is looking for local reporters towrite news and feature stories on afree-lance basis. Pay is based onsmall stipend per story.Journalism students or graduatesare preferred, but not required.Prior newspaper experience amust. Send resume, cover letterand clips to: Longfellow/Nokomis Messenger, 1885University Av. S., St. Paul, MN 55104.

EMPLOYMENTAttention Teachers and TeacherAides - Visitation ChildcareCenter, a NAEYC accredited cen-ter in Mendota Heights has bothfull and part time teaching posi-tions available in the toddler andinfant rooms. Full benefits avail-able (medical, dental and retire-ment / sick, holiday and vacationpay / professional development).

Competitive Salary. Come andjoin a team where the childrenare always first! Excellent ratiosand a great working environ-ment. For further information oran appointment call: Anne at651-683-1739, fax resume to 651-454-7144 or email at acherri-er@vischool.org. 3-14

FOR RENTCozy, 1 bedroom, McDonalds,Walgreens, Lake St. bus, off-streetparking, large fenced yard, laun-dry, nicely redecorated. 612-242-8167 or 612-242-5475 - $675 permonth. 3-14

FOR SALEFor Sale: Vintage 1900-1949lights, house hardware, doors,tubs, radiators, etc. Also furniturehardware. 651-644-9270. 20% offwith ad. B-14

HALL FOR RENTSpacious, clean and refurbishedhall for rent. Parties, Birthdays,Weddings, Anniversaries, etc. callthe Post @ 612-724-9909 or 612-724-8611. B-14

HANDYMANCarpentry handyman services.Rotten wood repair, door replace-ments, trim projects, shelving andmore. Licensed, bonded andinsured. 30+ years experience.Call Mike 612-382-4322. 3-14

HANDYMANDr. House does it all: From aleaky faucet to a new addition. Ican save you money on electricaland plumbing. Call John at 651-231-5652. B-14

HAULINGJust Call, We Haul, for free esti-mates for garage, attic, and base-ment clean-ups. Call 612-724-9733. 3-14

HOUSE CLEANINGAmanda's Cleaning, once orongoing, long term references651-206-3339. 3-14

HOUSECLEANINGHousecleaning - Honest, reliable,reasonable, 26 years, excellentquality. Robin. 612-724-0817. 3-14

MASSAGE THERAPYWell Being Massage Studio atLongfellow Offices, 3011 36th Ave Shas 3 trained therapists offeringbodywork: Sports, Thai Yoga,Shiatsu, Deep Tissue, Rehabilitative,Neuromuscular and Chair Massage.Starting at $35 per hour.* 612-584-0949. 14-3

PAINTINGPainter Jim. 25 years experience.Small jobs wanted. 651-698-0840. 3-14

REAL ESTATEFlourish Realty LLC. Full Service RealEstate/Property Management Ser -vices. Local Realtor®, Ecobroker®, &Resident, Daniel Schultz: 612-408-0233, dan@flourishrealty.net 7-14

RENTALSOffice or therapy space for rent: Onbus route. Easy access to light rail.Located at Minnehaha Ave S. and42nd St. Open to build out. 2ndfloor office space available. Call Jimbetween 8 a.m. 2 p.m. 612-729-2316 or email: KRZ@NELSON-ELECTRICINC.COM. B-1

Continued on page 12

Page 11www.LongfellowNokomisMessenger.com • Messenger • March 2014

Want ads must be in the Messenger before Mar. 17 for the Mar. 27 issue. Call 651-645-7045 for more information. Your classified ad will also be automatically placed on the Messenger’s website at www.LongfellowNokomisMessenger.com

ClassifiedsMessenger

EAST LAKE ELECTRONICSTV REPAIR

612-722-80853543 East Lake St. • Mpls

Reasonable Rates • Free EstimatesIn-Home

Service

• Trimming • Removal • Storm Damage Clean-Up • Stump Grinding

Check out our website www.bratttree.comfor an easy way to get a free estimate

Stan, Jon and Wally • 612-721-4153

SERVICES • SERVICES • SERVICES

Next deadline: March 17Next issue:March 27

In OurCommunityContinued from page 10

Mardi Gras plannedat Epworth March 1 The second annual Mardi Grasdance and festival will be at EpworthUnited Methodist Church, 320737th Ave. S., Sat., Mar. 1, from 7-10pm. Food, dancing, fun—all arefree, but donations for theMinnehaha food shelf of nonper-ishable food items or financial con-tributions are accepted. You areinvited to come in a Mardi Gras cos-tume; there will be a costume con-test and prizes. Whether in costumeor not, come for dancing to record-ed music. Children of all ages arewelcome when accompanied byadults; child care will not be provid-ed. For more information call theEpworth office: 612-722-0232 orMary Ellen Reetz-Pegues at 763-560-6196.

Events slated atRoosevelt LibraryRoosevelt Library, 4026 28th Ave.S., will sponsor a number of eventsin March:—Used Book Sale on Sat., Mar. 1,10am-3pm. Bargain hunters andbook lovers take note: the Friendsof the Library will hold a sale ofhundreds of adult and children’sfiction and nonfiction books inhardcover and paperback. Mostbooks are withdrawn from theHennepin County Library systemor donated by the public. Fundsraised will benefit the library. —“Remember When? A SocialClub for Adults 55+” meets onThursdays from 1-3pm. Gatherwith others from the communityto share stories, memories andgood company. —On Sat., Mar. 29, head on down

to the LEGO Lab, from 2-4pm.This event is for families. Callingall future engineers and architects!We’ve got the bricks, but we needyou to bring your imagination. Noexperience necessary. —The Mystery/Thriller Adult BookClub meets on Sat., Mar. 1, 1pm.This month they will discuss “TheLand of Dreams,” by Vidar Sund-stol.— “Paws to Read with an Animal”will take place Sat., Mar. 8, 3-5pm.This event is for families Volun-teers will help put young readersat ease so they can cuddle up witha certified therapy animal andpractice reading aloud. Most li-braries host dogs and you can callahead to see if other animals willbe visiting. —Baby Storytime meets at the li-brary on Saturdays Mar. 8 throughMay 17 at 9:30am. This programis for children from birth to 24months and their parent or care-giver. Talk, sing, read, write andplay together in a format designedespecially for babies. Share books,stories, rhymes, music and move-ment. —K-12 Homework Help is sched-uled on Tuesdays, 3-6pm; throughMay 30. Free in-person tutoring isavailable for K-12 students. No ad-

vance sign-up needed.—Starting Tuesday, Mar. 11, andevery Tuesday after, at 6:30pm, isFamily Storytime. This event is forchildren of all ages and their par-ent or caregiver. Talk, sing, read,write and play together in a formatappropriate for young children.Share books, stories, rhymes,music and movement.

Bjornberg winsnational recognitionMarais H. Bjornberg, 2008 SouthHigh School Grad, was one of fivenational winners of the AdvocacyScholars Program. She has re-ceived a scholarship to attend theNational Conference of State His-toric Preservation Officers as partof the National Historic Preserva-tion Advocacy Week in Washing-ton, D.C. She is invited to break-fast on Capitol Hill where she willbe recognized in the presence ofMembers of Congress. The Preser-vation Action judges were im-pressed with her topic on theLegacy Amendment. Bjornberg iscurrently a Graduate student inthe Heritage Conservation andPreservation Program at the Uni-versity of Minnesota.

Page 12 March 2014 • Messenger • www.LongfellowNokomisMessenger.com

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ClassifiedsContinued from page 11

SERVICESConcrete work: Steps, sidewalks,patios, driveways. Licensed,bonded, insured. Call TomSeemon, 612-721-2530. 11-14

SERVICESSheetrock, tape, texture, paint,free estimates. Dick Evans, 612-889-9228. 5-14

SUPPORT GROUPHolistic Diabetes Support Groupat Dancing Dragon Acupuncture& Wellness, www.holisticdiabetes-support.com, 612-437-0707. 6-14

WANTED**WANTED** - Old Stereo,HiFi Equipment, HAM, andCameras. Andy 651-329-0515. 4-

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WANTED TO BUYPaying the most for your furni-ture, dishes, glassware, knick-knacks, costume jewelry,antiques, pictures, lamps,household items, etc., I makehousecalls. Call Mary. 612-729-3110. 5-14

Classifieds$1 per word