‘Cover Stories’ Archives
James J. Welna 1953-2025
By SUE WELNA Jim Welna, guided by a genuine interest in how he might make life better for those who shared his world, lived a life of servant leadership. He embodied Maya Angelou’s reflection, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” People lucky enough to cross paths with Jim knew they mattered more than anything else on his agenda. To our great loss, Jim died of recently diagnosed pancreatic cancer on May 26, 2025. James Jonathan Welna was born on August 17, 1953, in Minneapolis, MN, the first child of Patricia and Virgil Welna. He was soon joined by his sister, Virginia, and then brother, Mark. For the first nine years of his life, the family lived with his maternal grandmother. His foster sister, Pauline, joined the family later in their own home. Early on, Jim learned the value of economy and resourcefulness, and that lesson served him and his family well for his entire [...]
50 Years of the alley with 42 years of “Dave’s Dumpster” and “Spirit of Phillips” Cartoons
Dave Moore and Linnea Hadaway have enriched almost every issue of the alley for the last 42 years with two cartoon series, “Dave’s Dumpster” and “Spirit of Phillips.” Moore moved to Phillips in 1983. He and partner Linnea Hadaway have observed waves of change in the Phillips Community for over 40 years while working in medicine, literature, and education. Encouraged by former alley Editor Steve Compton, they began the "Spirit of Phillips” cartoon series in 1987. Dave was enthralled by the life and quotations of Wendell Phillips, heavily influenced by Ann Greene Phillips, which he read in the biography “Wendell Phillips: Prophet of Liberty” by Oscar Sherwin. “Our neighborhood is named after this freedom fighter. Linnea and I are proud to illustrate quotations from his speeches. I like sharing art with my neighbors. I wish some would say ‘I can do better than that’ and send in their own!” With their unique creativity and artistic abilities, Dave [...]
Welcome, Daemeah Karbeah
the NEW Alley Communications Community Connector! Alley Communications, nonprofit publisher of the alley, has created a new part-time staff position, the Community Connector. We sought someone who has a close relationship with the Phillips Community, and interests and skills that would support the growth of the alley and its publisher, Alley Communications. “Throughout my career, I’ve worked across various industries, from human rights advocacy to business consulting. My experience includes managing marketing for large-scale events, creating social campaigns, and utilizing data-driven insights to strengthen outreach efforts. I’m especially passionate about using communications to build authentic community relationships and create positive change. Outside of work, you’ll probably find me taking care of my plants, napping with my cat, or diving into a random research rabbit hole!” (Daemeah Karbeah) We are eager to announce that after interviewing, Daemeah [...]
