News & Views of Phillips Since 1976
Sunday December 21st 2025
MAIC nears modernization
by Lee Egerstrom
Editor”'s note: Reprinted courtesy of The Circle.Â
The Minneapolis American Indian Center (MAIC) launched a major fundraising drive in January for new roofing, other repairs, and to make improvements to help the center provide services for the community.
Mary LaGarde, the MAIC”'s executive director, said in late December she was still assembling a committee of civic officials, American Indian leaders and other backers to conduct the drive.
The center has secured $5.5 million of the $15.2 million project, LaGarde said.
That includes $5 million provided by the Minnesota Legislature in the past year”'s State Bonding Bill and a $500,000 grant from the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation.
Most of the project involves modernizing equipment, such as electrical, heating and air conditioning, and repair or replacement of the leaking roof. The center, at 1530 E. Franklin Ave., was built in 1975 and shows the impact of more than 40 years of constant use.
Improvements, however, involve adding space to the 47,000-square-foot building and moving entrances closer to Franklin Ave. and its American Indian Cultural Corridor. This was designed to encourage more foot traffic for visitors to the center”'s restaurant, art gallery, gift shop and the programs that use center meeting rooms, gymnasium and other facilities.… Read the rest “MAIC nears modernization”
INSTRUMENT OF CHANGE
Outgoing Hennepin County Commissioner Peter McLaughlin reflects on public service
Tesha M. Christensen
“I feel good looking around at all the things I helped do,” observed Hennepin County District 4 Commissioner Peter McLaughlin, who left office in December 2018 after 28 years of service. “The county is a pretty amazing instrument and I”'ve put energy into making it an instrument of change.”
by TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN
EDITOR”'S NOTE: This is part one of a two-part series that originally appeared in the Longfellow/Nokomis Messenger.Â
When outgoing Hennepin County Commissioner Peter McLaughlin drives through the district he”'s served for 28 years, he”'s proud of the work he”'s accomplished.
“I feel good looking around at all the things I helped do,” observed McLaughlin, who lives in Standish-Ericsson a few blocks from the train station at 46th and Hiawatha.Â
“The county is a pretty amazing instrument and I”'ve put energy into making it an instrument of change.”
COURTESY OF peter mclaughlin
Commissioner Peter McLaughlin led the protection of the Upper Post buildings at Fort Snelling using Sentence-to-Service Crews to stabilize the buildings. The buildings will now be redeveloped by Dominium to create affordable housing for veterans and families.
From the start, he took his charge to be making things better for those who had elected him, and he worked to show up even when the heat was on.… Read the rest “INSTRUMENT OF CHANGE”
What”'s Up at the Franklin Community Library | February 2019
Harvey Winje
Anyone 18 or under can get a free meal at the Franklin Library on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Snack offered from 4 to 5 p.m. This program is offered through the CACFP Afterschool Meal Program and sponsored by youthprise.
By ERIN THOMASSON
Family Storytime
Fridays, 10:30-11 am
For children of all ages and their caregivers. Talk, sing, read, write and play together in a format appropriate for young children. Share books, stories, rhymes, music and movement.
Chinese New Year
Sunday, Feb. 24, 3-4 pm
Start the Year of the Pig with Hong De Lion Dance Association and Hong De Choy Li Fut by watching a Lion Dance performance, a Traditional Chinese Kungfu demonstration and paper cutting demonstrations. Learn Lion Dance moves, drumming, Kungfu and paper cutting! Feel free to attend in traditional clothing.
Teen Programs
Crafting for Good: Card-Making
Saturday, Feb. 2, 2:30-4:30 pm Brighten a friend”'s day by sending a handmade card! Use local, historical images from Hennepin County Library”'s Digital Collections and other provided embellishments to make your card one-of-a-kind. Materials provided.
Urban 4-H Club
Tuesdays, 5”“7pm
We do everything from urban gardening to digital photo/video to theater. Partner: University of Minnesota.
Teen Tech Workshop
Wednesdays, 5-6:30pm
Get creative and make music, videos, animation and other projects using both high- and low-tech tools, everything from iPads and 3D printers to synthesizers and sewing machines.… Read the rest “What”'s Up at the Franklin Community Library | February 2019”
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