Photo: Courtesy of Marne Zafar

Fall Quarterly 2014

Crafts Arts Dance Music Food Theatre Services Community

Harvest Days

Its vivid colors, golden days,

raking leaves, savory eats,
inviting walks, Indian summer,
and back-to-school. Its indoor
projects, fundraisers and great
sights to experience.
Its Seward in Fall and theres
no place like home!

Seward Longfellow
Restorative Justice
Partnership
A 10th Anniversary!

Seward Montessori

Ready to Grow Up!

Bee Friendly in Seward

All the news, All the time:

Twin Cities Daily Planet delivers!

SPOKES Biking

Keep on moving!

Read why Seward

is the place folks
talk about, visit &
want to live in!

lucida sans typewriter

Volume 3, Issue 11 2014

Published by
The Seward Neighborhood Group
Minneapolis, MN 55406

Coming Soon - SNG Annual Meeting

The Seward Profile, a quarterly publication

of the Seward Neighborhood Group (SNG),
strives to keep neighborhood residents,
businesses, property owners and organizations
informed of what's happening in Seward
and assist SNG in building and sustaining
a strong, diverse, and vibrant community.
As a typical Seward endeavor, the Profile
relies on volunteers to plan each issue,
create copy, sell ads, and prepare the
printed edition for mailing. We welcome
your suggestions and would welcome your
time and energy even more.

To get involved, contact us at

profile@sng.org or Seward Profile, 2323
E. Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis, 55406.

Upcoming Issue and Deadline

Winter Issue 2014
Copy and ad deadline:
November 7, 2014
In homes and businesses:
November 28-29

If you or someone you know would like a

written translation of the Profile Quarterly,
please contact profile@sng.org or call
612-338-6205.
Editors & Staff Writers, and Volunteers:

Diann A., Bruce J., Michael P.

Design: Marne Z.
e-mail:profile@SNG.org
Printer: Print Craft

For information on everything Seward,

find us at www.sng.org

Seward Neighborhood Group will hold its Annual Meeting on Wednesday evening, November
5th at Matthews Community Center. In addition to the traditional community potluck supper,
silent auction, and time to socialize,
SNG will report on the highlights of its
2014 program year. Elections for the
SNGs Board of Directors will also be held.
Mark your calendars now to save the date.
Everyone who lives, works, or owns property in Seward can become a member of
SNG simply by signing up at the Annual
Meeting. Although the organization always
welcomes financial support, membership
in SNG is free. For more information
about SNG, the Annual Meeting, or serving on the Board of Directors, contact Kerry Cashman, SNGs Community Coordinator, at 612-338-6205 or e-mail kerry@sng.org.

15th Annual Seward Winter Frolic:

Art in the hood

Save time on December 5th through 7th! Join all at the

15th annual Seward Winter Frolic: Art in the hood. This early winter
festival of Seward Arts and Culture features galley openings, live performances,
holiday sales and specials at neighborhood businesses and more. The event
is sponsored by Seward Neighborhood Group and the Seward Civic and
Commerce Association. Check out the plans and schedule or register as an
artist at sewardarts.org . (Early registration deadline is September 15th.)
Contact Kerry Cashman at 612-338-6205 or kerry@sng.org
for more information.
Discover all
that is Seward at
www.sng.org

Write on!

Are you delighted by the quirky

nature of the Seward neighborhood?
Or looking for a way to contribute to the
community without signing up for a slew of boring meetings or
hours of door-knocking? Consider becoming a Seward Profile
volunteer. The Profile needs folks willing to research and write
short stories of all sorts, to lend a hand with publication design
or to assist with cultivating our advertisers or helping with
preparing the publication for mailing. If youre ready to take
pen to paper, please contact the Profile at profile@sng.org
(612-338-6205). Or stop by the SNG Office, 2323 East
Franklin Avenue and talk to Kate or Kerry.

10 Years Strong!

by Michele Braley

Seward Longfellow
Restorative Justice Partnership

This Fall marks 10 years since Seward Longfellow Restorative Justice Partnership hired its
first paid staff. SLRJP was created out of the vision of Seward and Longfellow residents with
the support of Longfellow Community Council and Seward Neighborhood Group. After hearing about the concept of restorative justice in various ways residents wanted to bring these
ideas to Seward and Longfellow to support neighborhood youth who had begun to go down
the wrong path..

Criminal justice asks,

What law was broken and what

punishment is deserved?

Restorative justice asks,

What harm was caused and how

can that harm be repaired?

SLRJP receives referrals from the Minneapolis Police Department and Hennepin County
Attorneys office of juveniles arrested for shoplifting, theft, property damage and other
low-level offenses. Using a restorative conference process, the youth, parents, those directly
impacted, and community members engage in a conversation to explore the harm caused and to develop an agreement with the youth to
repair the harm. Rebecca Miller, Longfellow resident and one of the founders of the program, shared this reflection about her involvement
as a conference facilitator:
Restorative conferences are a place for healing, a place for transformation.
Facilitators guide the conversation - asking questions & keeping everyone focused on the issue; everyone else
does the real work. Some people think this is easy for the person who harmed someone. It is not!
Connections are made that are not part of our everyday life. Nearly every time it feels a little bit like magic.
It's good for all of us, but especially good for kids. That is the kind of neighborhood I want to live in.

Through the restorative process, teens make plans to repair the harm in meaningful ways. A teen who damaged property with graffiti
returned to the building to repair the damage. Teens who were involved in thefts or damage to bicycles gave some of their time to SPOKES,
Sewards bike and walk center. After stealing from their classmates or teachers, students participated in restorative conferences with those
harmed and contemplated the impact of their actions to the classroom, the school environment and to themselves. This learning helps
young people grow into caring adults, as reflected by this teen on an evaluation,
This experience has made me look at the actions that I do.
And they impact many more people than you think when you did it or afterwards.

Since our first referral for an incident of graffiti, 163 youth have completed the program, giving almost 200 apologies to those harmed,
contributing over 900 hours of volunteer service to the community and returning$6,600 in financial restitution to victims. Forty adult
volunteers give over 500 hours to the program each year .Joey Brochin, Seward resident and one of the founders of SLRJP says about
restorative justice,
It is more than crime and punishment; it is an opportunity for redemption and healing. People change. Thats powerful.

SLRJP is funded by a combination of fee-for-service contracts with the Hennepin

County and Minneapolis City Attorneys offices, and the MN Office of Justice Programs;
foundation grants; and support from local businesses, churches and individuals.

Want to get involved?

Become a community voice Anyone who has a stake in 55406 can participate in
restorative conferences. This is your opportunity to speak about how crime impacts our
community, and help decide how the youth will repair the harm.

Become a conference facilitator After a fun and powerful 2 day training you are
paired with a more experienced facilitator as you learn the conference process. Facilitator
training is offered in the Spring and Fall.

Help us get connected We are available to speak to any interested groups or individuals.

For more information or to discuss ways to get involved, contact Michele Braley,
Program Manager at michele@sng.org or 612-338-6205 x108.

Seward Montessori Grows Up!

by Diann Anders

Beginning later this fall, Seward residents will notice increased activity at
the already bustling Seward Montessori school as the school update and
expansion project begins.

The plan to expand/update Seward Montessori School includes

New classrooms
Large group project spaces that are conducive to the Montessori principles
A two-story cafeteria and upgraded kitchen to prepare meals on site
New secure entry and administrative offices
Three new and two renovated kindergarten classrooms
(The Childrens House will house pre-K and kindergarten classrooms)
New middle school level (11 new classrooms including two science labs)
New media center
Multi-purpose spaces that was previously used for the cafeteria

Completion of this extensive project is slated for the 2016-2017 school

year. The expansion is needed to right-size the school to accommodate
the students currently enrolled at Seward Montessori.

A number of details in the design are specific to the Montessori program

such as large group work spaces, alcoves/niches built in for students to
work in the hallways and more spaces for students to break out and work
in small teams. In addition, the new, larger lunch room will allow the school
to have fewer lunch periods. Additional bike racks will also be installed in
front of the school as part of the Safe Routes to School program, which
promotes students biking and walking to school.

Even the buildings mechanicals will be a part of the educational experience

for students at Seward. The duct work and mechanical components will be
visible so that students can see how the building works.

Introducing Kate:

A new addition to SNG!

Hello! My name is Kate Sheldon, the new Administrative

Assistant at the Seward Neighborhood Group. Im excited
about working for a neighborhood Ive always loved. In these
past few weeks I have learned a lot about how SNG and its
Board of Directors function, and about the planning it takes
to get neighborhood events off the ground.

In addition to working in Seward (both at the Seward Co-op

and for SNG), I am also part of an artist collective in South
Minneapolis called The White Page. Founded and maintained
by four Minneapolis artists, we host an artist residency program,
regular exhibitions in our gallery and other art events.
Another fact about me: I have very recently moved to 27th
Avenue! It feels good to call Seward my home, and I look
forward to enjoying the fall season here.

Discover all
that is Seward at
www.sng.org

You Can Be the Media,

with Seward-Based Twin Cities Daily Planet

by Bruce Johansen*

Even if youre a regular reader of the Twin Cities Daily Planet, you might not realize that the local online news source is headquartered
at 26th & Franklin Avenue in Seward, OR that it offers affordable classes on a range of subjects reporting, blogging, social media,
photography, videoopen to anyone, OR that you can easily become a
contributor.

The Daily Planet, along with its parent nonprofit, the Twin Cities Media
Alliance, was founded in 2005 by a group of media activists, including
executive director, Jeremy Iggers, who recognized that the digital revolution
was creating unprecedented opportunities for new brands of peoplepowered journalism that would showcase voices, stories and perspectives mostly absent in traditional, mainstream media.

Since that time, the Daily Planet has received recognition for covering stories that no one else covers, including
breaking the story of the reasons behind the University of Minnesotas cancelation of the screening of the film
Troubled Waters. Its also become a leading source of affordable media and communications classes and trainings
for area residents, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations. Currently the Media Alliance is working with a
group of Phillips Family Foundation grantees, and staff of the Midwest Independent Booksellers Association, and Praxis
International.

This summer the Planet entered a new chapter, as editor Mary Turck stepped down after seven years in the job. Kristoffer Tigue, who had
been reporting and serving as an editorial assistant since 2011, took over in July, leading a team comprised of community engagement
editor, Cirien Saadeh, and editorial assistants Paige Elliott, Luce Guillen-Givins, Andrea Parrott and Morgan Halaska.

Another big change: the Daily Planet, which subleases from Triangle Park Creative in the Wells Fargo Bank, moved into a new and improved
office space in the same building. Editor Tigue plans to make himself readily available to writers at the new office.

As all of these changes were underway, the Media Alliances slate of classes and trainingsmany held at its office and The Common Table
in the former St. Martins Table space in Cedar-Riversidewas growing as well.
This fall, look for several series of workshops, including one aimed at community organizers, another, an intro to popular social media
platforms, and a third, tentatively titled, Lifting Your Voice: The Power to Tell Your Story on Your Terms. The latter is being planned by a
group that includes: Lissa Jones, of KMOJs Urban Agenda and the Minnesota African American History Museum and Cultural Center,
photographer Wing Young Huie, Kyle Tran Myhre, the award-winning hip hop and spoken word artist better known as Guante, and
Youthprise artist-in-residence, Nancy Musinguzi, among others.

Also coming this fall: monthly Social Media Clinics, drop-ins where you can get answers
to all of your questions from social media whiz, Marcos Lopez-Carlson; regularly scheduled
Newsroom Cafes, an opportunity to meet with editors, share story ideas and maybe take on
an assignment or two; classes being co-organized with the Twin Cities Photography Group
and St. Paul Neighborhood Network.
*Full disclosure: Bruce Johansen is programs manager for the Twin Cities Media Alliance,overseeing
classes, trainings, and community engagement activities.

Learn more about the Twin Cities Daily Planet and Twin Cities Media Alliance at
http://www.tcdailyplanet.net and http://tcmediaalliance.org, or stop by the office
at 2600 E. Franklin Avenue.

From left:
Jeremy Iggers,
Kristoffer Tigue,
Luce Guillen-Givins,
Andrea Parrott,
Paige Elliott.
Not pictured:
Cirien Saadeh,
Morgan Halaska,
Bruce Johansen.

Seward Neighborhood Group

Home Improvement Assistance

Are you thinking about making improvements to your home,

but not sure how to proceed? The Seward Neighborhood
Group's Housing Coordinator can help with project planning,
hiring contractors, obtaining financing and advice during
construction.
To schedule an appointment, contact
Doug Wise, SNG's Housing Coordinator, at
(612) 338-6205, ext. 102 or doug@sng.org.

Saving Milwaukee Avenue

New Book Details the Fight to Save The Avenue

The Milwaukee Avenue Homeowners Association describes the
street's inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places, as an
historic district, a rarity. Most historic districts spotlight residences
of the rich and famousthe lumber barons of Minneapolis and railroad
tycoons of St. Paul, for instanceand overlook those of immigrant
laborers who contributed so much to the growth of urban Minneapolis.
Architect Robert Roscoe, owner of Design for Preservation, tells the
story of the Seward neighborhoods fight to save those late 19th
century structures, in Milwaukee Avenue: Community Building in
Minneapolis, published by The History Press. Roscoe was a central
figure in the Seward West Project Area Committee, widely credited with
stopping a proposed plan to demolish all of the houses on Milwaukee
Avenue, along with much of the housing stock on Sewards west side,
after it was labeled urban blight.
Stores where Milwaukee Avenue is sold include: Boneshaker Books,
Magers & Quinn Booksellers, SubText: A Bookstore, and Schneider
Drug.

All for SNG & SPOKES

Somethings brewing on Tuesday, October 7, 4:30 to 6:30 pm.

Plan on partaking in great appetizers and beer at Town Hall Brewery on the
West Bank (1430 Washington Avenue). Sample the five beers brewed at Town
Hall. $25 in advance, $35 at the door. For tickets or additional information,
contact kerry@sng.org or info@spokesconnect.org.

Fun(d)Raiser
Are Seward Yards:

Bee Friendly
by Khiara Foss and Carol Greenwood

How are your bees? has become

a common greeting around Seward
Neighborhood when walkers bump
into friends and neighbors. Some
folks say they have a good population of bees and native pollinators. But
other neighbors express concern about seeing so few bees compared to
previous years. Beekeepers and researchers around the state are finding
reduced numbers of native pollinators as well as fewer honey bees. So why
are people concerned?
Bees and other pollinators are an essential part of our food system and
significantly contribute to ecosystem maintenance and balance. Because
of this, investigators are trying to find out why bee populations are declining. What have we found out so far? What can we do as individuals, and
what have Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the US government done to help
maintain and increase our pollinator populations? What non-profit groups
are developing and executing strategies to maintain and increase bee
populations? What can the Seward Environment Committee do to help
our pollinators?

Check out the Spring edition of the Profile to find out more information
about impacts on bees, who's helping bees, and ways to make your yard
more Bee Friendly.

FALL RIDES

For more details,

check www.SpokesConnect.org

bike-walk-connect

SPOKES

Follow SPOKES on Facebook

(www.fb.com/SpokesConnect) or check our website
(www.SpokesConnect.org) for updates.

EVERY WEEK

Open Shop - Use our tools to fix your bike!

Wednesdays from 5 to 9 PM Saturdays from 1 to 5 PM

Volunteer Night
bike-walk-connect
No experience needed; a variety of volunteer jobs to
do
Thursdays. Come any time between 5 PM and 9 PM

SPOKES

Hub Store - Great used bikes for sale, plus accessories and parts
Wednesdays, 5 PM to 9 PM Saturdays, 10 AM to 5 PM

EVERY MONTH

Grease Rag - Women, Transgender and Femme only

Open Shop: 2nd and 4th Monday of every month,
7 to 9 PM (with greaserag.org)

Volunteer Training - Learn some more about bike mechanics

2nd Thursday of every month, 6 to 7 PM
Open Shops and Volunteer Nights need no reservation.
For classes, please register by emailing
info@SpokesConnect.org or calling 612-787-7433

BIKE MAINTENANCE

Wheel Truing
Tuesday August 26th, 6-7:30pm

Back to School Bike Tune-Up Class

(for all ages) Tuesday Sept 2nd, 6-7:30pm

Rollin-Faster Class - How to overhaul hugs & bearings

Tuesday, Sept. 30, 6 PM to 7:30pm

Bike Overhaul Class

6 weeks, Saturday mornings,
Oct 4, 11, 18, 25, Nov 1, 8. 9:30 AM to 12 PM

Bike Tune-Up Class

Tuesday, Nov 4, 6 PM to 8:30 PM

Earn-A-Bike
October 7, 14, 21, 28 Tuesday evenings
6 PM to 9 PM
November 15, 22 / December 6, 13
Saturday mornings
9 AM -12 NOON

BIKE EVENTS!!

Ice Cream Ride - Saturday September 20th, 3 PM

SPOKES End of Summer Party! - Thursday Oct 2nd, 5 to 8 PM
SPOKES & SNG Fundraiser at Town Hall Brewery - Oct 7th, 4:30-6:30 PM
Fall Colors Ride - Saturday October 11th, 3 PM

In the know

When it comes to knowing whats up in

Seward, the people to call are the staff at SNG.
KERRY CASHMAN, Community Coordinator
kerry@sng.org 612-338-6205, x119

NASRA NOOR, Seward Towers Community Organizer

nasra@sng.org
DOUG WISE, Housing Coordinator
doug@sng.org 612-338-6205, x102

MICHELE BRALEY
Seward Longfellow Restorative Justice Program Manager
michele@sng.org 612-338-6205, x108
KATE SHELDON, Administrative Assistant
kate@sng.org

SHELDON MAINS, Director, SPOKES Bike-Walk-Connect

sheldon@spokesconnect.org

ANDREW MAGILL, Lead Educator & Mechanic, SPOKES

info@spokesconnect.org
ANA BEGEJ, Educator & Mechanic, SPOKES
info@spokesconnect.org

For SPOKES general class ,

events and hours information:
info@spokesconnect.org

Check out Seward's other "virtual" properties at: http://goo.gl/Xa6AR

Join today at: http://bit.ly/sewardforum

Keep up with neighborhood events, meetings, and issues at The Forum.

Seward Welcome Kits Now Available

SNG has updated welcome kits to pass out to new neighbors. If you have
new neighbors on your block stop by SNG at 2323 East Franklin Avenue and
pick up a kit. This is an easy way to stop by and meet your new neighbors.

Discover all
that is Seward at
www.sng.org

SEWARD LONGFELLOW RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PARTNERSHIP

celebrates 10th anniversary

SLRJP is funded by a combination of fee-for-service contracts

with the Hennepin County and Minneapolis City Attorneys offices,
and the MN Office of Justice Programs; foundation grants; and
support from local businesses, churches and individuals.

Help us get connected!

We are available to speak to any interested groups or individuals.

Stay connected!

Friend us on Facebook to keep in touch with news and events.

http://www.facebook.com/SLRJP

Seward Neighborhood Group

2323 E. Franklin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55406

Donate!

At SLRJP, we do a lot with a little

our annual budget is only $45,000. Our program is possible
because of our volunteers and community financial support.
Donations can be sent to our address below, or
contributed online at https://givemn.org/fundraiser/SewardLongfellow-Restorative-Justice-Partnership.

ewriter

at the Seward Neighborhood Online Forum!

Join your Neighbors Online

Welcome to the Neighborhood!

For more information or to discuss ways to get involved,

contact Michele Braley, Program Manager
at michele@sng.org or 612-338-6205 x108.