News | Midway Como Frogtown Monitor

Ten Thousand Things Artistic director Marcela Lorca said, "This is a very difficult time, but it has required all of us to learn many new things." (Photo by Margie O’Loughlin)

Marcela Lorca is the artistic director of Ten Thousand Things (TTT), a theater company whose work has been grounded in practices of inclusion, equity, service and accessibility since in its founding … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 8/12/21

Alan Berks (left) and Leah Cooper (right) are co-artistic directors of Wonderlust Productions, located in Frogtown. Their 2016 play about the experience of adoption has been adapted into graphic novel form. (Photo by Margie O’Loughlin)

In my Heart: the Adoption Story Project

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN Seven years ago, Wonderlust Productions co-artistic directors Alan Berks of Merriam Park and Leah Cooper began inviting people from the adoption community to share their … more

8/12/21

Como resident and author William Kent Krueger focused on the various relationships in his main character’s early life in this newly released prequel. (Photo by Jan Willms)

Newest Cork O’Connor book coming Aug. 24

By JAN WILLMSFor his 18th novel in the Cork O’Connor series, Como author William Kent Krueger has written a prequel to the adult life of his Irish-Ojibwe private investigator. In … more

By JAN WILLMS | 8/12/21

Como Park Senior High School Pirncipal Kirk Morris is looking forward to a new school year.

Como Principal Kirk Morris looking forward to his second year

With a new academic year set to begin in September, Como Park Senior High School Principal Kirk Morris is planning and preparing for what everyone hopes is a more “normal” school … more

By Eric Erickson Social studies teacher | 8/12/21

Hamline University requires COVID-19 vaccination

In order to ensure a full educational experience in the fall 2021 semester, Hamline University will require all students and employees to complete a COVID-19 vaccination series by Aug. 15, 2021. … more

8/12/21

SPPS may require masks

Superintendent Joe Gothard was expected to introduce a resolution requiring masks for all children ages two and older, staff and visitors at the Committee of the Board meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 10, to … more

8/12/21

Diane Dodge was roasted and toasted by several dozen friends and admirers at a recent picnic at Newell Park. Best known for her relentless community activism and cheerful, flower-covered hats, Dodge is moving to rural Wisconsin to be closer to family. (Photo by John Pavlica)

Gardening activist moves on

After many years as a Hamline-Midway resident, longtime neighborhood activist Diane Dodge moved to rural Wisconsin at the end of July. Dodge was active in racial equity and social justice work … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 8/12/21

What’s good? What needs reconciling and healing? Let me know.

“Sometimes people don’t want to hear the truth because they don’t want their illusions destroyed.” -Friedrich Nietzsche “The butterfly does not look back at the … more

By Melvin Giles peacebubbles@q.com | 8/12/21

Louie Moore has been president of the Major Taylor Bicycling Club of Minnesota for 22 years. He is a tireless advocate for cycling: promoting the sport in communities of color, and improving biking conditions across the city for all. Club rides meet at his home near 48th Street and Columbus Avenue in South Minneapolis. Moore was the first Black person to buy a home on his block, and has lived there for 57 years. (Photo by Margie O’Loughlin)

Major Taylor Bicycling Club promotes cycling geared towards African American riders

The Major Taylor Bicycling Club of Minnesota has been bringing diversity to Twin Cities cycling since it started in 1999. Co-founded by Louie Moore and Walter Griffin, the nonprofit … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 8/12/21

Sarah O’Brien hired as new executive director of Hamline Midway Coalition

The Hamline Midway Coalition (HMC) Board of Directors is happy to announce that Sarah O’Brien has been hired to be the next executive director of Saint Paul District Council 11. O’Brien … more

8/12/21

Shavek McKee, District 10 Executive Director

New vice chair, sub-district 1 member on board

A special election to fill two District 10 board vacancies was held in July. Como community members elevated sitting Sub-District 4 board member Benjamin Kowalsky-Grahek to the Vice Chair seat and … more

8/12/21

Imam Mursal of Masjid alihsan leads the Eid prayer hosted by Al-Ihsan Islamic center. (Photo submitted)

Eid al-Adha explores theme of sacrifice in final month of Islamic calendar year

Eid al-Adha is one of the most important days for Muslims around the world. In July, Eid al Adha was celebrated by the Muslim community of Frogtown. The celebration is traditionally held on the 10th … more

By Ibrahim Hussein, Frogtown resident | 8/12/21

At Home moving into former Walmart

Two of the area’s largest empty “big box’ retailers are poised for change. Soon the former Midway Walmart will reopen as At Home, a home goods store. And, a mixed-use development of … more

By JANE McCLURE | 8/12/21

Development Roundup August 2021

Project receives fundingThe Metropolitan Council has awarded $2.8 million in polluted-site cleanup grants that promote redevelopment and economic opportunity in the region, including funding for a … more

By JANE McCLURE | 8/12/21

Social club for Muslim men coming to 1619 University

A building that has recently drawn neighborhood complaints is poised for a new life – 1619 University Ave. could become a social club for Muslim men. But the building needs some work before a … more

By JANE McCLURE | 8/12/21

Ribbon cut at Lloyd’s Pharmacy

Lloyd’s Pharmacy owner Jim Stage (back center) and his family officially cut the ribbon of their rebuilt pharmacy on Aug. 5, 2021. Celebrating with them were Mayor Melvin Carter (far left), … more

8/12/21

Mississippi Market staff with food donations. (Photo submitted)

BRIEFS August 2021

Mississippi Market increases food donations, food justice efforts Mississippi Market has launched a new food donation program to help meet the increase in hunger the community is facing, which is … more

8/12/21

PLAN IT August 2021

Como Relays Aug. 18 & 25 Every Wednesday in August Run Minnesota is hosting Como Park Relays at the intersection of Horton Ave. and Lexington Pkwy. Kids race (race 1/4 mile or 1/2 mile) start at … more

8/12/21

Ramsey County Commissioner Toni Carter (center), husband Melvin Carter Junior (left) and son St. Paul mayor Melvin Carter III (right) commemorated their family’s original Rondo home that was uprooted during the construction of I-94 by planting a tree during the Juneteenth Celebration at the Rondo Center of Diverse Expression at 315 Fisk St. (Photo by Margie O’Loughlin)

Rebirth, healing, reconciliation and hope

Saturday, June 19, 2021 was a day of healing, rebirth, reconciliation, and hope in St. Paul’s historically Black Rondo neighborhood. The Juneteenth Celebration showcased the creation of a new … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 7/23/21

The Stage family: (Back) Jim and Cally, (middle) Evelyn, Gracen, Elliot, (front) Lydia and Edmund. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)

Lloyd’s Pharmacy rebuilds

Lloyd’s Pharmacy has rebuilt at the corner of Snelling and Minnehaha and expects to reopen with free food, giveaways, and more on Monday, July 26 and Friday, July 30, 2021, providing they pass … more

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN | 7/23/21