News & Views of Phillips Since 1976
Monday October 5th 2026
Vernon Arvid Wetternach
February 13 1950-August 19, 2026
Congeniality and Service Shaped His Life
Service Worker Extraordinaire
Vernon was dedicated to community service. His quick wit and gracious, mischievous smile endeared him to all who knew him. He made people feel valued and affected countless lives with kindness and generosity.
Vernon’s diverse interests and boundless enthusiasm made him a joyous traveler, explorer of new places, seeker of fresh perspectives and voracious reading broadened his understanding of the world. Those enjoyments were only exceeded by his love of being with family and friends; which he cherished most.
He lived in Phillips and Whittier neighborhoods all of his life and volunteered there and other communities of Minneapolis to improve the quality of life and strengthen the communities he loved. Education was a fervent passion capped by graduation honors at the old South High School, 1968; BA from Metro State and MPA from Hamline U.
Vernon staunchly supported the alley Newspaper from its beginning 50 years ago, was Editor for 13 issues 1979 to 1980 and continued contributing advice, writing and donations since.
His career was distinguished as Chief of Staff to Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton in her first term, in key roles on commissions and last professional role with the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority, where his dedication to improving community welfare left a lasting impact.… Read the rest “Vernon Arvid Wetternach”
Bradley John Pass
30 March 1941 – 22 August 2026
Gracious on Ground and in Air
Brad Pass was adept on the ground and in the air. His eyes and smile set a cordial atmosphere here in Phillips Community or 30,000 feet above.
Brad’s soft words and demeanor meant people were important in seeing and hearing everyone, even amidst disagreements. His community advocacy helped others focus on the common good. There was always a smile under that mustache.
His skill with tools built furniture, a potter’s wheel and ceramics, an exceptional tree house (for sons Gabriel and Daniel; foster boys Becelone and Leroy; and grandchildren), remodeled houses into their their home in Phillips fifty years ago and several houses to create affordable rentals; skills he also taught to others.
Brad piloted Northwest airplanes for 35 years, starting each flight saying “Welcome aboard, this is your captain….” Brad started scores of community gatherings saying or signaling to Carol, when she was presiding, “Welcome, let’s start.”
Brad was on the East Phillips Neighborhood Institute Board helping to repurpose the “crescent” shaped Sears warehouse into an Urban Farm diplomatically over formidable obstacles by outside forces. … Read the rest “Bradley John Pass”
Phillips Community Clean Sweep, An Annual Community Tradition
By JANA L METGE & NATHANIEL ANDERSON
Mark the Date! It’s that time of year again for the Annual Phillips Clean Sweep. Join your neighbors on Saturday, October 10th.
Start the morning at 9:00 am with breakfast provided by Allina at Welna Hardware. Pick up supplies, grab one of the coveted annual Phillips clean sweep tshirts, network, catch up on news from our neighbors who gather this time every fall. This year’s T-shirt design was created by a youth from Banyan Community. These T-Shirts have become a tradition and a treasure for those coming to Clean Sweep each year!
One huge feature of this Clean Sweep is that we raise funds to pay for the Garbage Trucks. Trucks go through the Alleys and pick up old furniture, electronics, household trash, appliances, and tires.
Household Hazardous Wastes are NOT picked up during this event. They need to be taken to a Hennepin County event for hazardous waste pick up.
Litter pick up happens in all 4 neighborhoods of the Phillips Community ~ Midtown Phillips, East Phillips, Ventura Village, and Phillips West. Reach out to your friends and neighbors and form teams to pick up litter on all of our blocks. Litter Pick Up is after Breakfast from 10-Noon.… Read the rest “Phillips Community Clean Sweep, An Annual Community Tradition”
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