News & Views of Phillips Since 1976
Wednesday April 24th 2024
LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS
RETURNING CHAPTER 7Â
By PATRICK CABELLO HANSEL
“It”™s always darkest before the dawn.” That may be true, but it is of little solace to those who have no idea how far away the dawn is from coming, or even where to look for it.
Angel and Luz knew this: their beloved little daughter was missing; she was with some stranger, and all they had to go on was this cryptic note that had been taped to the door of the day care:
Don”™t worry.
We have your light blessing.
You will know where she is.
Luz”™ first words were, “Don”™t worry? Are you out of your mind?”
Angel”™s first words were: “You will know where she is? What kind of cruel joke is that?”
But it was little Angelito”™s first words that made for the turning toward the dawn:
“Papito, mamita, what is a light blessing?”
Luz and Angel looked at their first born with wonder. For the parents, everything had focused down to this one horrible fact: little Lupita was missing. If you had asked them what they had done ten minutes earlier, or what they would do ten minutes hence, they could not have told you. They couldn”™t remember if they had read the note out loud and Angelito had heard them.… Read the rest “LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS”
Library News
By CARZ NELSON
Things can change fast. For updated information on Hennepin County Library services during the coronavirus pandemic, visit www.hclib.org. All information is accurate as of February 12, 2021.
East Lake Library
East Lake Library, located at 2727 E. Lake St., is open for Grab and Go service Sunday 12-5 PM; Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9 AM to 5 PM; and Wednesday 12-8 PM.
Franklin LibraryÂ
Franklin Library, 1413 E Franklin Ave., is open for computer use only. Call (612) 543-6925 to make an appointment. The building will remain locked, but staff will let you in at your appointment time. Masks are required and will be provided if you do not bring one. Because of social distancing, staff will be unable to offer computer assistance. You will have access to a desktop computer, Internet, and printing. You will need to bring your own headphones. At this time, Franklin Library is open for computer use ONLY. Other areas and services, including book/DVD checkout, are not available. Returns are accepted during staffed service hours.
Franklin Library Computer Hours Â
Tuesday & Wednesday ”“ 9 AM to 5 PM
Thursday ”“ Noon to 8 PMÂ
Friday & Saturday ”“ 9 AM to 5 PM
Sunday & Monday ”“ ClosedÂ
Hosmer Library
Hosmer Library, 347 E 36th St.,… Read the rest “Library News”
Build Transit For Our Climate
METRO TRANSIT
 By JOHN CHARLES WILSON
At the time I am writing this, Minnesota is having its coldest weather of the season. Please keep that in mind if it is warmer by the time this column is actually in print. Everybody in Minnesota who goes outside knows we have
a challenging climate, to say the least. Extreme cold and snow in the winter, and heavy rainstorms in the summer. However, Metro Transit installs the flimsy “shelters” that often provide little to no protection from wind, rain, and snow, and the heaters are often broken or placed so high they don”™t give enough heat to help anyone.
Even worse than the bus shelters are the ones at Light Rail stations. Those are like wind tunnels when the wind blows parallel to the tracks. The best shelters Metro Transit has to offer are at Northstar stations.
It”™s not like more heat and better shelters are impossible: Winnipeg has fully enclosed shelters with doors, and Chicago provides decent heat at L stations. Some people worry that more comfortable shelters would end up getting taken over by the homeless. Personally, I think that finding homes, or at least decent shelter, for them would reduce the problem considerably.… Read the rest “Build Transit For Our Climate”
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