Opinion | Midway Como Frogtown Monitor

After many years, the historic Victoria Theater has been renovated and reopened. In late August, 825 Arts opened. (Photo courtesy of Facebook page)

As University Avenue and other main corridors in the Midway continue to transform, it felt like a good time to talk about a few of the recent and upcoming changes. Life Juices Super Food Bar opened … more

By Chad Kulas, Midway Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, chad@midwaychamber.com | 9/11/24

Building vibrant communities: The role of business inclusion

I am sharing exciting news about the release of Tisidra Jones’ new book, “A Guide to Business Inclusion Programs in Government Contracting.” It provides practical strategies for … more

By Dr. Artika Tyner, dr.artikatyner@gmail.com | 9/11/24

Letter - Sep 2024

JUDGE RUNNING FOR OFFICE My name is Tim Mulrooney. I am a lifelong St. Paul resident, serving and seeking re-election as your Ramsey County judge. I have been a licensed attorney since 1994. I have … more

9/11/24

Green screen, mini forest plant with help of students

“It meant that we were a part of what we considered a historical movement, so it was of great sense. Think of that; nothing had been done like that before.” Josie Johnson “We … more

By Melvin Giles, peacebubbles@q.com | 9/11/24

Growing your forest

At a recent Midway Chamber event, we were joined by Priya and Vikas Narula. They are a married couple who created Neighborhood Forest, a nonprofit organization who gives kids trees every Earth Day, … more

By Chad Kulas, Midway Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, chad@midwaychamber.com | 8/7/24

Dr. Jackie Bouvier Copeland and the Pan-African Women’s Philanthropic Network launched Black Philanthropy Month.

Black Philanthropy Month: Afro Futures of Giving

Black Philanthropy Month is celebrated during the month of August. This annual celebration focuses on uplifting the Black community and building a more just and inclusive society. The theme for Black … more

By Dr. Artika Tyner, dr.artikatyner@gmail.com | 8/7/24

Urban Farm and Garden Alliance workers this summer include: Respect Djunga, Preston Meyers, Caris Worsham, Dr. Claudia May, Megan Hayton, Sharí Cueto, and Megan Phinney. (Photo submitted)

Student gardeners reflect on reparations

“We now stand together on that mountain of which we never thought we would see.” - Sheila Jackson Lee. “Don’t take America and the values reflected in our form of … more

By Melvin Giles, peacebubbles@q.com | 8/7/24

Midway Chamber Board members and staff gather at the Neighborhood Development Center in June to set the organization’s priorities. (Photo submitted)

Our focus going forward

The Midway Chamber Board of Directors recently held its annual retreat. This is common practice for nonprofits and a great way to focus on priorities and the strategies to implement work for the … more

By Chad Kulas, Midway Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, chad@midwaychamber.com | 7/10/24

Elise Washington shared her advocacy journey as a mom of a special needs child through her book, “Tika Speaks.” (Photo submitted)

Read together, lead together

I interviewed Elise Washington to gain new insights into how families can inspire children to learn, grow, and lead. Elise Washington is known as Wonder Teacher Washington because for years she has … more

By Dr. Artika Tyner, dr.artikatyner@gmail.com | 7/10/24

Cultivating cooperation, community, and change

“The cause of freedom is not the cause of a race or a sect, a party or a class – it is the cause of human kind, the very birthright of humanity.” Anna Julia Cooper … more

By Melvin Giles, peacebubbles@q.com | 7/10/24

Midway Chamber joins forces (and office space) with our district councils

Since the ‘90s, the Midway Chamber of Commerce has had an office at the Spruce Tree Centre. Anyone who spends time in the Midway knows it as the “big green tile building at the corner of … more

By Chad Kulas, Midway Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, chad@midwaychamber.com | 6/12/24

Finding Moses Dickson: The untold story of Minnesota and the Underground Railroad

I am sharing exciting news about Karen Sieber, historian, educator, and leader in public humanities this month. She has discovered a missing chapter in Minnesota’s history about our … more

By Dr. Artika Tyner, dr.artikatyner@gmail.com | 6/12/24

28th Community Peace Celebration June 21

Happy beautiful June! This has been an exciting leap year, and it feels like we keep leaping through a Winkle in Time of historic and enchanting events, as well as sad and tragic events. For … more

By Melvin Giles, peacebubbles@q.com | 6/12/24

From a mother who lost a child

FROM PRINCESS TITUS I feared writing about this topic, but I wanted us to be seen, heard and cared for without judgment. The truth that I face every day gets hard around holidays, but … more

By Melvin Giles, peacebubbles@q.com | 5/8/24

Planting People Growing Justice book awards promote literacy and diversity in books

Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute (PPGJLI) is committed to building inclusive communities. This is a daily journey that begins with growing futures – one child at a time and … more

By Dr. Artika Tyner, dr.artikatyner@gmail.com | 5/8/24

TMC Publications CO is a small, family-run business. Here is owner Tesha M. Christensen with her two kiddos.

Bill will hurt small newspapers like us

A proposal to create a statewide recycling program financed by paper and packaging producers is included in the House & Senate Environment Omnibus bills ( HF 3911 / SF 3887 ). However, unless … more

5/7/24

Using the annual directory as a guide

With the April issue of the Monitor, many of you will also receive the annual Midway Chamber directory. At a minimum, I hope you will at least look through it to see what we want to emphasize from … more

By Chad Kulas, Midway Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, chad@midwaychamber.com | 4/10/24

Engaging the next generation of news consumers

Social media and the internet have fundamentally disrupted how news is consumed and how that news is monetized. News consumers are increasingly reading their news on social sites, enabling social … more

By Chuck Peters, Ambit founder | 4/10/24

Celebrating Rondo royalty: reflections on history and values

On March 9, 2024, history came alive as our community united to commemorate the release of “Rondo: History and Values” at the Rondo Community Library. The collaboration between local … more

By Dr. Artika Tyner, dr.artikatyner@gmail.com | 4/10/24

A tough message from a Jewish man

“Mistakes are a fact of life. It’s the response to the error that counts.” Nikki Giovanni “Undoubtedly, we become what we envisage.” Claude Bristol … more

By Melvin Giles, peacebubbles@q.com | 4/10/24