News & Views of Phillips Since 1976
Tuesday December 23rd 2025
Backyard Initiative TEENS Project
Carl Lobley, member of the Teens Project
We are honored to have this opportunity to formally introduce ourselves to the general public on the BYI Back Page as the official youth organization known as the TEENS Project of the Allina Backyard Initiative. This is the first of many accomplishments we have achieved as we progress into the New Year.
Our mission is simply this: “The persistent pursuit of positive progression through the growth/development of youth leaders who can effectively represent the new demeanor and mindset affiliated with healthy living”. We believe this swagger will promote a healthy state of physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being while also instilling a sense of financial independence, balance, harmony, and connectedness within and amongst many systems.
We are currently in the process of developing effective strategic partnerships and business models with the wisdom, guidance and support of our incubator organization, the Cultural Wellness Center. We are assisting the Cultural Wellness Center in the revitalization of one of its many traditions by attempting to create a safe and welcoming training system that would aid in developing a teamwork environment that we believe to be a good way to demonstrate dedication to the mission.
Another accomplishment we are extremely proud to announce is that we have begun conversations with two other BYI CHAT teams: Communications and Growing the Backyard.… Read the rest “Backyard Initiative TEENS Project”
“Together We Grow” Mural enhances Bloom-Lake
Alley Collaborated News
“Together We Grow” is a vibrant view and a soulful experience made of ceramic and glass mosaic enhanced with painted interludes on an oft graffiti-“marked” but nondescript stucco wall at Bloomington Avenue and Lake Street”'s northwest corner.
In any language”““Together We Grow” (Eng.), “Ensemble Nous Grandissons” (Fr.), “Wir Gemeinsam Wachsen” (Ger.), “Sammen Vi Vokser” (Nor.); “Wadajir Baan Ku Kornaa” (So.), “Juntos Crecemos” (Sp.)”“it encompasses the creative energy of 300 people making their “mark” ”“each knowing “your footprints are the path and nothing else,” and creating a new reality for the most neighborhood in the state while clearly stating to all others the that dynamic power of art emboldens the steps of individuals and to unifies the steps of a community.
It is a highlight of the four year-old Semilla (seed) Project of St. Paul”'s Lutheran Church (15th Av and 28th St.) and the inauguration of “Phillips Avenue of the Arts” which is a rebranding-of-the-community initiative and expose”' of arts linking community groups, business and residents together visually.
The mural was dedicated Saturday, October 26th, heralding the work of many school children”“including from the Autism Spectrum Program at Andersen Community School”“senior citizens, families and block clubs who learned mosaic techniques and created the 1400 square foot mural on the La Mexicana building.… Read the rest ““Together We Grow” Mural enhances Bloom-Lake”
Keep citizen journalism alive!
