Lavender Magazine 760

Pride In Pets Issue

Volume 30, Issue 760 • July 11-24, 2024

EDITORIAL

Managing Editor Randy Stern 612-461-8723

Editorial Assistant Linda Raines 612-436-4660

Editor Emeritus Ethan Boatner

Contributors Lakey Bridge, Buer Carlie, Natasha DeLion, Alyssa Homeier, Terrance Griep, Elise Maren, Jen PeeblesHampton, Linda Raines, Alexander Reed, Madison Roth, Jamez L. Smith, Susan Swavely, Carla Waldemar, Todd P. Walker, Emma Walytka, Spencer White

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Founders George Holdgrafer, Stephen Rocheford

Inspiration Steven W. Anderson (1954-1994), Timothy J. Lee (1968-2002), Russell Berg (1957-2005), Kathryn Rocheford (1914-2006), Jonathan Halverson (1974-2010), Adam Houghtaling (1984-2012), Walker Pearce (1946-2013), Tim Campbell (1939-2015), John Townsend (1959-2019), George Holdgrafer (1951-2024)

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Your Pets, Your Lives

BY RANDY STERN

Welcome to our Pride in Pets issue for 2024!

It is no secret that the key to a happy home life is having a pet around. A pet to love, cherish, feed, protect, make comfortable, and give it their best life while in your care. Plenty of surveys support this – including ones focused on LGBTQ+ households.

This is a fact worth repeating. This is also part of most of our lives, even to the point where we take them everywhere we go. That is, if they allow us to take them in when we reach our destination…

One thing we love doing is to take our pets out to brunch – or any mealtime. Inside is a guide to restaurant patios that welcome you and your pet. The challenge is to find one where everyone – wait staff, patrons, etc. – is comfortable having your beloved pet with you while you are soaking in the sun over a beverage and a delicious meal.

We also a few other good stories for you to read in this issue. I sincerely hope you enjoy taking the time and soaking in our articles and images.

What I really want to talk about is you.

As I look back at these past two-and-a-half years, my goal was to tell new stories in this mag-

azine, along with ones that you’ve seen over the past 29 years in these pages. Have other voices seen and their words printed in these pages –and online.

It has not been easy. A lot of waiting, explaining, negotiating, and patience went into each issue since early 2022. I received my fair share of praise and criticism for the articles that have appeared in these pages. For the most part, it has been very positive. You told me that we certainly got it right when we deliver our best.

Sometimes, we don’t always get it right. For that, please accept my apologies. As the top name on the masthead, I accept all responsibility for those instances. After all, any situation – good or bad – falls ultimately on me.

Why am I being reflective in this issue – on this page of the magazine? There has been a lot on my mind professionally. Granted, the job that we do in these pages has been to your satisfaction overall. Yet, there is so much happening around us that should be in these pages. How do we tell those stories that never make it these pages?

I have to remind some readers that we are a lifestyle magazine. Our pets are a part of that lifestyle. It is something we share across generations. 

Photo by Randy Stern

Cold Comfort Still Warms

BY E.B. BOATNER

Some folks draw the line at cherishing pets that can’t yip, purr, peck or cuddle, but I posit there are legions–at least scattered outliers like myself–that don’t mind if their pet never breathes; nor needs to go potty in downpours, be fed on demand–or fixed.

When my kindergarten teacher, Miss Parisse, asked if I’d like to borrow a book, I was thrilled. A book! Thrilled she’d noticed I read and proud she’d entrust a book into my keeping. Indeed, The Skin Horse affected me deeply. Written in 1927 by Margery Williams Bianco 1927, it was a sequel to her earlier, now iconic, The Velveteen Rabbit, a title that’s remained in print since its 1922 publication and whose subtitle is, “How Toys Become Real.”

“Skin Horse.” The title alarmed and intrigued–our G. Fox & Company’s downtown Hartford toy department didn’t–or certainly no longer–carried animal playfellows sporting their own hides. The cover art was an eerie Edwardian confection (though my vocabulary didn’t include “Edwardian” for several decades, post-Gorey), nor did I realize that the artist was the author’s 12-year-old daughter, Pamela, already an acknowledged art

prodigy whose numinous rendering of the horse and boy combined solace and unease. Such delicate creatures were, obviously, open to dangers from all quarters.

This terminally ill boy, confined in a children’s ward, grows to love and trust his protector, the old Skin Horse comforts and mentors, kindling a light the child’s eyes as he tells of his previous boy and how he came to be given away to this special boy in this particular ward. Scarlet fever struck the lad in Velveteen Rabbit, and something unnamed yet equally dire lurks here.

I was leading into a Pets and Pride theme, wasn’t I, and yet, here we are with my five-yearold’s memories, a broken horse and a dying child. But hear me out. And don’t shout that bits of wood and wishes can’t compare to your…whatever. I don’t intend to make that claim. But if the inanimate can fill the needy with hope, if both worlds can be made better through love, that’s not small potatoes…

Later I also read The Velveteen Rabbit, where an already well-worn Skin Horse explains “Real” to a downcast bunny:

“It doesn’t happen all at once. You become. It takes a long time. That’s why it doesn’t happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.”

And even better news:

“Once you are Real you can’t become unreal again. It lasts for always.”

My stuffed Polar Bear, Cold Comfort, saw me through many a dark night long ago; today, a small brown fellow has accompanied me to Paris, Amsterdam, Loch Ness and the far Pacific Ocean. In Medford, OR, he met the creator of Disney’s Uncle Scrooge, who in turn introduced his own teddy, Monty. (Mine travels incognito) He was waiting when I regained post-op consciousness at Abbott Northwestern, and I’ll take this moment to thank their staff who took an octogenarian in E3131 hugging his teddy as par for the course.

We all need to give–and take–comfort where we can. 

Misfit Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

BY LINDA RAINES

Business: Misfit Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Your Name: Will Wiedenhoeft

Job Title: Owner and Head Instructor

Give us a brief overview of your business and what services you provide the community:

Misfit BJJ is a trans-owned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym located in downtown Northfield, MN, and we’re committed to fostering empowerment, inclusivity, and community within the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world. Our gym serves as a welcoming sanctuary for individuals of diverse backgrounds, with a particular focus on supporting trans* and queer adults and other marginalized communities. We offer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes that cater to individuals of varying skill levels and abilities, providing a safe and supportive environment where everyone can thrive and grow. Our services extend beyond mere physical training; we prioritize holistic wellness, personal growth, and empowerment. Through our compassionate approach, tailored instruction, and emphasis on individual empowerment, we aim to help each student recognize their own strength and resilience. Additionally, we provide resources and support to help individuals navigate the Northfield community, fostering a sense of belonging and connection. At Misfit BJJ, we believe that martial arts are not just about self-defense or competition—they’re about empowerment, growth, and creating a space where everyone can take up space and be their authentic selves.

How many years have you been in business?

Misfit BJJ has been in business a little over two years—I started offering private lessons out of various locations in spring 2022, and opened a permanent location in August 2022.

What’s something unique we should know about your business?

One unique aspect of Misfit BJJ is our unwavering commitment to inclusivity and community building. As a trans-owned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym, we prioritize creating a space where everyone, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or background, feels welcome and empowered. Unlike traditional martial arts gyms, which may focus solely on competition or physical prowess, we emphasize personal growth, holistic wellness, and fostering a supportive environment where every individual can thrive. Additionally, our dedication to continually improving our environment—particularly for traditionally marginalized communities–sets us apart. In just a few months I’ll be taking

a course on how to better support students experiencing a trauma response during training, and I’m always on the lookout for how I can make Misfit BJJ more accessible to trans* and queer folks, neurodivergent folks, and anyone else who might be nervous to try martial arts for the first time. Through tailored instruction and a focus on empowerment, we strive to create more than just a gym—we aim to cultivate a vibrant community where individuals can find strength, resilience, and belonging.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

My favorite aspect of my role at Misfit BJJ is witnessing the transformative impact JiuJitsu training has on our members. Every day, I have the privilege of witnessing individuals step onto the mats and embark on a journey of selfdiscovery, empowerment, and growth. Whether it’s seeing a student gain confidence in their abilities, witnessing the camaraderie and support that flourishes within our community, or observing the positive changes in mindset and well-being that result from our holistic approach to martial arts, these moments are incredibly rewarding. As a trans-owned business, being able to provide a safe and inclusive space where queer individuals and allies feel valued and supported is immensely fulfilling. Seeing our students embrace their strength and grow in confidence is truly the highlight of my job.

What’s the best thing about working with the LGBTQ+ community?

The best thing about working with the LGBTQ community is witnessing the incredible growth and transformation that individuals experience. Trans* and queer folks have often spent a lifetime feeling—or being told—they don’t belong. We may also have a lifetime of traumatic experiences that reinforce negative beliefs about ourselves. When someone joins then gym, they begin a journey of both physical and personal growth. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness the development of confidence, resilience, and self-esteem that comes from training in Jiu-Jitsu. Beyond the physical techniques, JiuJitsu fosters a sense of empowerment and inner strength that transcends the mats, impacting all aspects of life. It is a true honor to get to witness my students’ hard work, and the transformation that follows.

Does your business have anything new, fun or unique happening on the horizon?

Every class is fun at Misfit BJJ! But we do have a couple events for students coming up, including bringing in a 3rd-degree black belt as a guest instructor!

If you weren’t doing your current job, what would you be doing?

I’ve been really excited about both knitting and mending clothing lately, so maybe something with that! 

Photo courtesy of Will Wiedenhoeft

It’s Cooler By The Lake

BY CARLA WALDEMAR

Yearning for a relaxing, Mayberry-style getaway? Think Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. The small town (pop. 900+) lies about 90 minutes north of Milwaukee—a place where classic, time-honored resorts welcome escapees from the daily grind. The lake itself, patrolled by kayaks and pontoons, is deep and clean and blissfully quiet, thanks to a no-wake policy before 10 A.M. and all day Sundays. Not even a mosquito dares buzz, thanks to larvae-eating minnows stocking the lakefront pond. (Oh, you do want some vroom-vroom? Nearby, Road America beckons; we’ll get to that in a minute.)

It wasn’t always like this. Back in the day, with visitors arriving by train from Milwaukee and Chicago, this was a legendary gambling town. Then, in the clean-living 1950s, its focus turned to racing. And today, that’s still its forte.

We stayed in the grande dame Osthoff, a 240-room resort anchoring the lakefront, sporting a recent renovation which celebrates a chooseyour-mood variety of bars and restaurants as well as cooking classes (Oh, there’s a complete kitchen within every suite, but hey: We’re on vacation). It’s also home to Aspira—a destination spa, offering services ranging from massages to mani-pedis, a salt room, meditation room, hamam and more— including a designated men’s program.

But we’re hungry. Breakfast at Otto’s—mimosas, Benedicts—followed dinner at Concourse (hurrah for the Caesar salad, the tender halibut). Then, off to Road America!

In the mid-Fifties, when the local economy needed a boost, this 640acre venue debut proved the answer, with a four-mile sports car racecourse designed in a 14-turn configuration, and since then has kept the pedal right on the metal on its oval track, whose borders visitors can circle at will, choosing where they’d like to watch (open mid-April to November)—or drive their own sports car ($375 fee; instructions offered). The site offers sunset cruises, a performance driving school (motorcycles too) and fourmile fitness runs several evenings per week—even geo-caching via golf carts. “There’s always an event on-track,” promised our guide. Off-road, too.

Our cart off-roaded its way, bumping up, down, over and around the lush forests and pretty meadows populating the vast property. Exhausted but exhilarated, we then headed to the Kettle Moraine State Forest’s Greenbush Rec Area for a spot of hiking along an Ice Age trail, spotting spring’s first trillium flowers abloom, peering for porcupines—and Bigfoot, as locals whisper.

Which means we were soon ravenous for dinner, and P.A.M.’s restaurant, at lakeside turn-of-the-century Siebkens Resort, went above-and beyond, via family-styled platters of salad (greens dusted with cubed butternut squash, chevre, onion, toasted almonds) followed by cheese curds (can’t go home without ’em ), a sweet-fleshed walleye piccata plus short ribs sided with polenta, building to a climax of fresh strawberries garbed in whipped cream.

Osthoff Resort, Two Fish Gallery, Henning’s Cheese, Shore Club Beach, Tenderloin Shiraz at Lake Street Café. Photos courtesy of Elkhart Lake

The Siebkens Hotel itself, originally built as a farmhouse, also boasts an uber-Wisconsin speakeasy called Stop-Inn Tavern, touted as the best bar on the racing circuit, as well as a tiny, ‘secret’ bar manned by a primo bartender who knows his way around Wisconsin’s iconic Brandy Old Fashioneds. Live music on the site’s bandstand is another bonus. (Not tonight, however. A tornado warning directed us to huddle in safety.)

The Shore Club—Elkhart Lake’s newest resort, built in 1872, destroyed by fire, rebuilt, and rebuilt again—this time in fresh, contemporary style—pampers guests with a hearty breakfast buffet in its comfy lakeview room. Dinner in its speakeasy, the Social, celebrates a 1930s-40s throwback menu, careening from an uber-traditional shrimp cocktail to entrees like Beef Wellington (how long since you’ve seen that on a menu?) to Cordon Blue (ditto) to an ultra-Wisconsin Friday night fish fry (yes!!!). Drinks? Prohibition-style Martinis, of course. Don’t miss the lakeside Tiki Bar, the lake’s most famous music venue.

The sweet hometown of Elkhart Lake itself boasts a primo dining spot called Lake Street Café, where its dedicated, longtime owner Lynn had garnered a Wine Spectator award for her stunning list and our personal award for fab, fun food. We lunched on a three-cheese grilled cheese sandwich boosted with a schmear of pesto; a roast beet and fennel salad spotlight-

ing cashews and Parmesan in lemon-Dijon vinaigrette; and focaccia topped with prosciutto and mozz sided with grilled veggies—not to mention a beyond-wicked brownie sundae. Patio seating, too. Evening best sellers, Lynn says, are her tenderloin Shiraz and sea bass.

Now that we’re in the heart of town, we find our way to Elkhart Outfitters (stocking everything, trust me, you’ll crave to burnish your image); Nordic Accents (Scando sweaters to clogs, candles to linens); STBF Shop, which stands for Small Town, Big Family: from local pottery to bill caps on which to create your own art, plus recycled skateboards fashioned into key rings.

Two Fish Gallery leads lucky voyeurs through a lush, jungle-like garden to an in-home showroom celebrating the owner’s handmade pottery plus finds from around the world. Vintage Elkhart Lake is the place to head for local wines, cheeses, chocolates and more. On the town’s outskirts, the hundred-year-old Quit Qui Oc, aside the golf course—27 holes gracing its rolling 250 acres– offers all things golfing in its pro shop plus slurpy fromscratch diner-style food at its adjoining café. As we were leaving, the mah jong ladies swooped in to claim their tables.

It’s a Wisconsin law that you cannot leave the state without cheese. OK, just kidding. But it’s excellent advice, and Henning’s is the place to make it happen. A 20-minute drive from the resorts, this enterprise today is run by fourth-generation owners, one of whom—Kert—serves as our tour guide. “At one time, Wisconsin boasted 2,800 cheese factories; today,” he says, “we’re down to 125. Here, we’re producing from 12,000 to 20,000 pounds. Per. Day. Our varieties, all from cows’ milk, are aged from 30 days for a mild cheese, up to 24 months for a nice, sharp cheddar.” Flavor variations range from strawberry to blueberry cobbler, plus one with a distinct chili hit. Cheese curds too, natch.

Trust me, the cheddar was worth the extra weight in the carry-on. To plan your own escape, visit www.elkhartlake.com and prepare for a preview of small-town heaven. 

Columbus, OH

BY JOEY AMATO

Columbus, Ohio, a city known for its friendly and diverse atmosphere, has emerged as a thriving hub for LGBTQ culture in the Midwest. This vibrant community has grown exponentially in recent years, drawing people from all walks of life to experience its inclusivity, acceptance, and celebration of diversity. In this article, we delve into the rich LGBTQ culture in Columbus, exploring its history, events, organizations, and the city’s ongoing efforts to create a welcoming environment for all.

Columbus has a long history of supporting LGBTQ rights and fostering an accepting environment. The city’s Pride Parade, established in 1981, is one of the oldest in the Midwest. This annual event brings together thousands of LGBTQ individuals, allies, and supporters to celebrate and advocate for equal rights, visibility, and social acceptance.

Additionally, Columbus has a thriving LGBTQ neighborhood, known as the Short North. This eclectic and artsy area is home to numerous LGBTQ-friendly bars, restaurants, galleries, and shops. The Short North is not only a place to socialize and enjoy nightlife, but also a symbol of the city’s commitment to LGBTQ inclusion and representation. From popular bars like Union Cafe and Axis Nightclub to LGBTQ-owned cafes and art galleries, this neighborhood offers a safe environment for community members to express themselves authentically. The Columbus LGBTQ Community Center, known as “The Center on High,” is a vital resource for the community. It serves as a gathering place for meetings, support groups, educational workshops, and social events, fostering connections and a sense of belonging.

Although the Short North is definitely the city’s most vibrant area, I urge you to check out the Franklinton neighborhood, just a short drive away. The area is home to new shops, restaurants, the Center of Science and Industry, or COSI for short, as well as The Junto, a new independent lifestyle hotel where I stayed for the weekend.

The Junto serves up a very trendy but comfortable vibe in a part of Columbus that is quickly emerging as one of the most sought-after addresses in the city. Aside from the hotel, new apartments and condos are popping up throughout the neighborhood.

The rooms at the hotel feature luxury linens, a separate living room space as well as a supersized bathroom with a soaking tub in the shower area. Yes, you read that correctly. It was a massive space large enough to fit about a dozen people.

One of the highlights of the hotel is Maudine’s, a lovely café named after a cow. Maudine wasn’t just any cow. She was named Ohio State Homecoming Queen back in 1926. Maudine’s makes its own syrups for their beverages, and you can clearly taste the difference. I ordered a vanilla latte, and it was probably one of the best I’ve ever had. You can clearly taste the difference between Maudine’s version verse the chain store version.

Another highlight of the pet-friendly property is the Gear Garage where guests can rent anything from bikes or kayaks to vintage Polaroid cameras.

After checking into the hotel, my boyfriend and I decided to explore the Franklinton neighborhood. A short walk away is The Bee Collective. The owner, Luke, was gracious enough to give us a tour of the property and show us the inner workings of the extensive hives, some of which contain thousands of bees. We even got a chance to taste some local honey, which beats out the store-bought variety any day.

A few blocks away from The Bee Collective is Makers Social, a gathering space where visitors can create a variety of leather products all while indulging in delicious cocktails, or in our case, mocktails. I made a beautiful leather-

(Clockwise) Columbus skyline, Center of Science and Industry, The Junto, Fungi pasta at Speck, The Bee Collective. Photos by Joey Amato

bound journal while my guest decided to create a wallet. And don’t worry, all of the projects come with detailed instructions and the friendly staff will also be more than happy to assist if you get stuck. The business was founded by Megan Pando in 2020 and serves as one of the key gathering spaces for the Franklinton community.

Next, check out a new fashion district called Common Thread, located in downtown Columbus, home to local designers and boutiques including Gerardo Encinas, Xantha, and Alex Vinash.

For dinner, head to Speck, a modern Italian eatery located downtown. We decided to start with an order of the Blistered Shishitos, which were served with parmesan, malden sea salt, and a lemon aioli as well as the Mussels special prepared in a delicious white wine broth. For our entrée, we shared the Fungi pasta, which consisted of a variety of sauteed mushrooms served over pasta in a delicate cream sauce.

Every time I visit Columbus, I have a good time, but if you happen to visit in June, check out the Stonewall Columbus Pride Festival and Parade. Held every June, in commemoration of the Stonewall Riots of 1969, this festival showcases the vibrancy, resilience, and unity of the LGBTQ community. Participants enjoy live performances, food vendors, workshops, and a powerful parade that brings together people from all backgrounds to march for equality and justice.

Numerous organizations in Columbus are dedicated to providing support, resources, and advocacy for LGBTQ individuals. Among these, Stonewall Columbus is a prominent nonprofit that offers a wide range of services, including support groups, counseling, health services, and youth programs. The Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Organization (BRAVO) is another crucial organization working to combat violence against LGBTQ individuals and provide assistance to survivors.

As Columbus continues to evolve and champion LGBTQ rights, it serves as a reminder to other communities around the world that embracing diversity is not only the right thing to do but also a catalyst for creating a richer, more harmonious society for all.

Enjoy the Journey! 

Powderhorn Art Fair Expresses The Need For Community Through The Arts

BY MADISON ROTH

For 33 years, the Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association has helped put on the annual Powderhorn Art Fair. Artists from all over the country enter for a chance to display their art to the South Minneapolis community.

The art shown at the fair consists of more than just your average idea of paintings, though. The Art Fair ranges from clay to glass to papermaking, with several different categories in between.

For the first 13 years, community members organized and ran the Art Fair. The Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association decided to step in to help run the fair with community members still being at the heart of the planning process, Tabitha Montgomery, the Executive Director of the Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association, said.

This year will display a record number of food trucks at the Fair with 26 food trucks serving up unique foods for all who attend, complimenting the artists displaying their work.

“It’s a precursor to where we’re heading in the future in terms of how we center food artistry and culinary art alongside visual artists as a way to create an event that creates more access and interest, broadening our

reach in terms of who participates in our community,” Montgomery said. Tabitha Montgomery also said that she has seen artists from each and every background support each other throughout the process of getting the Art Fair set up.

“It’s about being welcoming, inclusive and encouraging people to use however they identify and however they see themselves in their art,” Montgomery said. “We’ve been known for very inclusive, eclectic, and welcoming art shows. We have been fortunate that we attract voices from all over the spector.”

Ash Satorius, the events manager for the Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association, said the planning for the Art Fair takes over a year as it is the largest event the Association hosts every year.

To enter the Art Fair, a jury panel consisting of people chosen by some of the artists rate the artwork and decide who is invited. This year, over 190 artists will have the chance to show off their talents to the Powderhorn Park community.

The top three winners in each category will have their application fee for the next year paid for by the Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association as every artist is encouraged to apply for next year’s Art Fair. The top winner will also have their artists booth paid for the the Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association since they are automatically given the chance to appear at next year’s Art Fair.

Photo by Ren Koo

A new category that you can see this year is the recycled art category where artists produce their art with recycled materials. Satorius said she is excited for the group art exhibits the Art Fair is showcasing for this year.

Satorius said the Art Fair pushes to support BIPOC and women owned businesses when asking artists and group collectives to participate in the Art Fair. She added that she understands how difficult it can be for small businesses, and the Neighborhood Association wants to help out however they can.

One of the LGBTQ+ artists you can see at the Art Fair are Queer Haven Art, a group of rotating queer artists who produce many different forms of art. Satorius said they are just one out of the many LGBTQ+ artists being featured at the Art Fair.

The Uptown Art Fair typically runs the same weekend as the Powderhorn Art Fair but is unable to happen this year due to construction. Montgomery said the Powderhorn Art Fair is expected to see those who would usually attend the Uptown Art Fair this year.

Between 18,000 to 22,000 people are expected to attend the Art Fair this year over the two day period due to the Uptown Art Fair not happening. In years prior, Montgomery said the average attendance numbers ranged from 15,000 to 18,000 people.

The Art Fair would not be possible without the help from community volunteers, Montgomery said. The volunteers help out with directing parking for guests, making sure the artist lounge is fully stocked and much more.

One of Montgomery’s favorite parts of the Art Fair is getting to tell the artists who are selected that they won an award. She added she loves to see the support artists show each other throughout the “healthy competition.”

Satorius said their favorite part of the Art Fair is “getting to watch people from groups who often face oppression be able to express themselves and their struggles through their artwork.” She added she enjoys the social justice aspect of it all.

When asked what the word community means to her, Montgomery said one word: “neighbor.” To her, community means being to take care of and include those who surround you every day. She said this word plays a “major role in making sure people who attend the Art Fair feel a sense of community and all the other human emotions we go through on a given day.”

“Life requires the joy part, life requires the hard part, life requires the sad part, the unexpected part,” Montgomery said. “It is one of those facets that is required of existence is to have moments like these, and it’s important for whoever is producing an event to understand how it is woven into the tapestry of place and community.”

The Powderhorn Art Fair is happening Aug. 3 and 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Powderhorn Park. For more information, you can visit their website at www.powderhornartfair.com. 

Photo by Abby Anfinson

Arts’ Nest, Phoenix Theater, and Fledgling Where Artists Are Reborn

BY BUER CARLIE

Nestled somewhere in the mess of construction that is currently Uptown Minneapolis (just kidding, it’s on Hennepin and 26th so it’s not that bad) is a vibrant artistic haven where creativity, community, and passion converge. Three intertwined organizations—Arts’ Nest, Phoenix Theater, and Fledgling—form a dynamic artistic trifecta. Phoenix Theater was a favorite of mine back when I lived in Whittier, but after first becoming a St. Paul girlie and then a COVID-hermit, I lost touch with this gem of a theater.

After a few especially alluring programming emails hit my inbox, I took the bait and reached out to Project Manager, Eric Cohen, to chat through what is happening at Phoenix these days. They gave me a glimpse into how Phoenix Theater, Arts’ Nest, and Fledgling all work together. They also walked me through some of the theater’s upcoming and recent performances.

Arts’ Nest is the backbone of the trifecta. “Arts’ Nest is a non-profit, arts services organization that exists to nurture and support emerging art-

ists and arts professionals – through creating access and opportunities for learning, connections, and visibility,” says Cohen.

“In short, Arts’ Nest is the company, Phoenix Theater is the venue,” explains Cohen. Phoenix Theater is a black box theater with over one hundred seats. There are three rehearsal rooms in the building as well, which are all available for rental. The lobby, which doubles as an exhibit hall for local artists, is also available to rent. Keeping with the overarching phoenix theme, the art displayed here can be submitted through the “Plumage” program and is refreshed every three months or so.

These rental spaces are “all available for theater- and arts-related events at rates subsidized by our fundraising,” according to Cohen. The space serves as a launchpad for numerous performances, providing a platform for both established and emerging artists.

Fledgling is “a production assistance and coaching program designed for individuals new to producing or the Twin Cities theatre community,” says Cohen. This program, which accepts applications on a rolling basis, helps emerging artists or theater companies learn the ins and outs of producing with hands on experience.

Arts’ Nest sets aside three two-week periods for Fledgling performances at Phoenix each year. Aside from having a project in mind when applying, constraints are few – performances can be theatrical, performance or visual art, or music.

Photo by Kaley Ann

The past year has been a vibrant period for Phoenix Theater. In June, the venue closed Arms and the Man, Queered, the latest in its Queered Classics series produced by Glowing Ember, the theater’s in-house performance company. This series reimagines classic works through a modern, queer lens, adding depth and relevance to timeless stories.

The theater has also hosted three shows from NerdDoms, a company that performs burlesque interpretations of classic tales. Productions so far have included Nutcracker Noir, Wonderland, and Like, Totally Peter Pan.

Earlier this year, Phoenix Theater welcomed Phantom Chorus Theatre’s Jabberwock. “Phantom Chorus blends puppetry, physical theater, and practical effects to create a unique and haunting atmosphere,” says Cohen. “We’ll be partnering with them this coming winter, [too].” That show will be an adaptation of Dealing with Dragons, a fantasy novel by Patricia Wrede.

Beyond theater, Phoenix regularly hosts creative content of all kinds. “We also have regular improv and comedy shows, concerts and album release parties, as well as plays and musicals of all sorts,” says Cohen. There is always something new and exciting for audiences to experience.

Phoenix Theater’s calendar is a testament to its commitment to diversity and inclusivity – and often features favorites of theater nerds everywhere. From July 11th to 21st, the theater will host Jackdonkey Productions’ The Complete Works of Shakespeare (abridged), which Cohen describes as “an hysterical script”. First performed in the late 80s, this is a highly popular comedic retelling of Shakespeare’s repertoire.

“We always have a variety of programming at Phoenix Theater,” Cohen notes. “One of our regular companies is Transcendence Cabaret, a trans-cabaret performance.” Transcendence, which has been in the Twin Cities since 2016 has a primarily BIPOC cast of trans, non-binary, and two spirit artists. Transcendence has several upcoming performances at Phoenix on July 13th, 20th, and August 24th. Those performances will be at 8:00 PM and 10:30 PM.

The BE Experience will be at the Phoenix for the first time on July 28th and August 18th at 7:00 PM. “BE bills themself as a black, non-binary, alt-pop composer, producer, singer, songwriter, dancer, [and] entertainer,” says Cohen.

In addition to these performances, Phoenix Theater will once again be a venue for the Minnesota Fringe Festival, which runs from August 1st to 11th this year. The Fringe is, of course, known for its eclectic mix of performances, offering audiences a chance to experience a wide array of theatrical works. “We never know what’s going to be on our stage for Fringe, but it’s always fun to see,” says Cohen.

Phoenix Theater is more than just a venue: it’s a community for creatives. “It’s our goal to bring together all the people and resources needed to give everyone a chance to make their art,” Cohen says. Not only does it platform a diverse range of programming that reflects its mission to support and showcase artistic talent, it also provides invaluable resources to creatives behind the scenes.

This includes tangible things like renting space at Phoenix for rehearsals and performances. It also includes the more intangible: community building and information sharing both in person and through the Kindling section of their website. Arts’ Nest even offers tax services for artists.

Arts’ Nest is an amazing resource for creatives who are new to the city or the scene. Whether you are a performer looking for a supportive environment or an audience member seeking unique and engaging experiences, Phoenix Theater has something to offer. “Creatives, you’re always welcome here,” says Cohen. “Whatever you want to do, we’ll do our best to help you do it. Patrons, we don’t always know what you’ll see here, but it’s always a good time.” 

Phoenix Theater

2605 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis www.phoenixtheatermpls.org

Photo by Sparky Labs Photography

Stonewall Sports To Host National Tournament In Twin Cities

BY NOAH MITCHELL

It’s been a pretty good year for sports so far in the Twin Cities. The Minnesota Timberwolves had their best season in 20 years, the Minnesota Lynx are off to a hot start, the Minnesota Twins had a sausage-inspired 12-game winning streak, and 16-year-old phenom Lily Yohannes scored her debut goal for the United States Women’s National Soccer Team at Allianz Field.

But, so far, a national championship hasn’t been contested this year in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. That all changes in July. Or, if you don’t care about sports but don’t have enough parties and pageants in your life, that can change too.

Stonewall Sports will host its 10th annual National Tournament & Summit from July 18-21 in the Twin Cities.

Stonewall Sports was founded in Washington, D.C. in 2010, according to Stonewall Sports National Tournament Director and Minneapolis educator Suzanne Blum Grundyson. It expanded first across the East Coast, then across the country, including the Twin Cities chapter. There are now chapters in 26 cities.

While the national tournament has been around for 10 years, it has only been traveling for five, Blum Grundyson said. The first editions of the tournament were all in Washington, D.C., where Stonewall was founded.

Since then, representatives of local chapters have bid to host national tournaments, according to Blum Grundyson. Bids are approved based on a potential host city’s access to adequate venues, accommodations for participants and other relevant infrastructure.

In 2022, the Twin Cities and Philadelphia chapters both bid successfully to be hosts, Blum Grundyson said. Before becoming the national tournament director, Blum Grundyson represented the Twin Cities chapter at the national organization and led its bid to host the tournament. Philadelphia was granted the 2023 tournament, while the Twin Cities had to wait an extra year.

That wait will be rewarded with a three-day extravaganza featuring nine sports, affinity mixers, the Stonewall Summit and, of course, parties.

The sports featured at this year’s tournament will be kickball, dodgeball, bocce ball, tennis, cornhole, pickleball, volleyball, billiards and bowling, Blum Grundyson said. There has only been one change from the previous tournament in Philadelphia — beach volleyball has been abandoned in favor of a larger indoor volleyball tournament because they couldn’t find a suitable venue for beach volleyball close to the downtown hotels where

Photo by John Jack (Stonewall Sports). Photos provided by Joseph Pena (on behalf of Stonewall Sports, Inc.)

most of the participants will be staying.

Some of the venues that were selected are the University of Minnesota Recreation and Wellness Center for dodgeball and volleyball, the Northeast Athletic Fields for kickball and volleyball, more kickball at Lake Nokomis Park, Memory Lanes for bowling, Lucky Shots for pickleball and Jimmy’s Pro Billiards (yes, for billiards), according to Blum Grundyson.

The Twin Cities chapter has leagues for all of those sports except volleyball, billiards and bowling, Blum Grundyson said. Other chapters have some sports that won’t be included at the national tournament, including e-sports, running and yoga.

There will be a tournament for each sport starting on Saturday with championship matches on Sunday, according to Blum Grundyson.

Outside of the tournaments, there will be showcase events on Friday, Blum Grundyson said. Those events are the Cornhole Exhibition, Dodgeball Remix and Dodgeball Showcase. The Dodgeball Showcase event is for women, transgender and nonbinary players, and Blum Grundyson picked it out as one of the events she’s most excited about.

Prices per player range from $25 for sports like dodgeball and cornhole to $95 for billiards, bowling and tennis, according to Stonewall’s website. The minimum age to participate is 21.

Before the sports tournaments commence, there will be the Stonewall Summit. The summit is a place to organize activism and advocacy, Blum Grundyson said. It will feature local and national politicians and activists and highlight education and service opportunities.

Stonewall is partnering with Reclaim, a Minnesota organization that offers mental health support to LGBTQ+ youth, for the summit, according to Blum Grundyson.

Also on Friday are Stonewall’s affinity mixers. There will be events for women, Latinx people, Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders, Black and African American people, sober people and those in active recovery from addiction, transgender people, nonbinary people and people over the age of 50, Blum Grundyson said.

The affinity mixers will take place at different venues across the Cities, according to Blum Grundyson. Some venues will host multiple mixers — like Roxy’s, which has three floors and will host the transgender, nonbinary and over-50 mixers. Blum Grundyson said she expects many people to attend multiple mixers, reflecting their intersecting identities.

That’s not all for Friday, either. In addition to the affinity mixers and the summit, Stonewall’s pageant will also take place Friday at First Ave. The pageant started as mostly drag performances, but has evolved to become more like “Stonewall’s Got Talent,” Blum Grundyson said.

On Saturday night, Stonewall will host a decades-themed Rainbow Rewind party with dancing, games and burlesque, according to Blum Grundyson. On Sunday, after the tournaments have concluded, there will be an awards show at Sociable Cider Werks. The awards will honor community all-stars, Blum Grundyson said.

While the tournaments and other events are exciting, Stonewall means more than that to those who participate in it. Blum Grundyson said she had tried several other sports leagues in the Twin Cities but didn’t find the mix of community and competition she was looking for until she joined Stonewall as a kickball player in 2016. Since then, she has not only grown increasingly involved in the organization but has met friends and even her wife through Stonewall and the connections she made there.

“It became the hub of my social relationships,” Blum Grundyson said. James Chadwick, Blum Grundyson’s kickball teammate and a clinical social worker and therapist, said he has also found joy through Stonewall, even if he’s not too competitive about the sports.

“[My favorite part is] definitely the social stuff … hanging out, I don’t drink but grabbing some drinks, going out on the weekends,” Chadwick said. “It’s like a fraternity or sorority, but a lot cheaper!”

“I grew up as a kid who went to camp, and I worked at a women’s music festival for 10 years in my twenties and thirties,” Blum Grundyson said. “So I fully believe you can have a really beloved community of people who see each other once a year and look forward to seeing each other once a year. I call it queer sport camp. It’s a national tournament, but it’s kind of just like queer sport camp for adults.”

Unlike many summer camps, the Stonewall National tournament isn’t a day of long driving away — it’s right down the street. Whether you’re into pickleball or pageants, or even if you just want to meet some people, it has something for you. 

Stonewall Sports 10th Annual National Tournament & Summit July 18 – 21, 2024 • Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN www.stonewallsports.org/national-tournament

Who’s a Good Boy? Training All Dogs To Be Good Boys & Girls

BY SUSAN SWAVELY

It’s July. Prime summertime. School is probably the last thing on your mind right now…

But, what about school for your pups?

It’s always a great time to train your dogs, and if you’ve been looking for the perfect place to enroll your fur babies, well, there’s a new spot in town to check out: Paw & Order!

John Rossakis (he/him), opened a Twin Cities branch of the small, family-owned Paw & Order dog training franchise after completing CATCH Canine Academy and interning with the Animal Humane Society. With only ten franchises in the entire country, this local, accessible dog training service meets your dog right where they are and provides top-notch service for every pet!

Paw & Order will help you train your dog— whether it’s a new puppy and you want to catch bad behavior early, or it’s a rescue who needs a little help re-adjusting to a new life, or it’s an older dog with hard-to-break habits! Rossakis started the Twin Cities franchise after researching tons of other franchises and facilities, and falling in love with the mission of Paw & Order, that every dog is unique and requires individualized training styles.

Rossakis has a long history with dogs. He says, “My husband and I started fostering dogs in 2007… Pardon my pun, but that’s how we got ‘bit by the dog craze.’” From growing up with pups (and tons of other animals) around the house, to his work now, it’s safe to say Rossakis is a pet person! He shared that he’d had cats for many years as a young adult, until his boyfriend at the time got a dog and something pulled him, telling him that fostering and caring for rescue dogs was something he always needed to do. Now, after fostering and rehoming more than 60 dogs, the couple has two adorable dogs together: Otis, a mix of (probably) lab, pit and husky, and Patsy, a mix of (probably) black lab and retriever! They’re Rossaskis’ favorite breeds: all American mutts!

So, how does Rossakis train dogs to be wellbehaved, good dogs? Well, there’s isn’t a onesize-fits-all approach. Most of Rossakis’ work with his training dogs occurs at the dog’s house. He says that by working in the actual home of the dog and dog owner, ““You really get to see the environment that the dog operates in… how the person and family interact [with the dog].” This helps Rossakis meet each dog where they’re at, and foster a partnership with the dog owner. He puts something special and unique into each interaction with different dogs, and of course, the training is important for the dogs— but it’s equally important for the humans too. Giving tips and advice to dog owners can help them feel in control, and well-equipped to continue their lessons with their dogs around the clock, because, as Rossakis says, “Real training happens when I walk out the door.”

Rossakis shared a story of a client who graduated from Dog Rescue and hired him for basic obedience training. She started out very distressed, afraid there was nothing she could do to help her dog behave well. Her rescue dog was terrorizing her cat and nipping at her boyfriend’s child. But after just one lesson, giving the dog some structure and its owner some management techniques, “things turned around significantly.” Rossakis says he came back for their follow-up appointment, and his client was beaming. She told him after one lesson: “wow, this is WORKING!”

Surprisingly, Rossakis didn’t always work with dogs. His career actually began working as a pediatric occupational therapist, in which he

Photos courtesy of John Rossakis

worked with special needs children, age 3-21. He says about his work as an OT, “The work I do with dogs is informed by my work [as a therapist], in meeting someone where they’re at… I need to meet someone before ‘waving my therapy wand.’” In other words, Rossakis acknowledges that there’s no magical solution to training. Each individual dog is different, and requires a specialized, individual approach. That’s why his training is

so successful: he really knows how to break through with a dog, and help it be the best it can be.

Rossakis also talks about the deep connection that the queer community has with dogs, especially rescue dogs. He says, in his time working with animals, he’s noticed a disproportionate amount of rescue dogs belonging to queer people. Maybe that says something about how we accept and love the ‘outcasts’ of society. Or that our love is deeply steeped in found-family and in opening our homes and hearts to those who need it most. Rossakis mentions that he doesn’t have children, but “my four-legged are my children… maybe that has something to do with it.” And his husband, John Medeiros, supports him 100% in all of his endeavors. (And even helps Rossakis with the technology aspect of the business, which is not his ‘forte’!) He also says, “The Twin Cities is a very rescue-friendly kind of town,” and he adds, “and it’s getting better.”

From a life of working with children to his dream job of working with and training dogs, Rossakis is a true inspiration that we can be anything we want to be in this world. And that it’s never too late to teach any dog some new tricks if they’re given the right love and support!

Learn more about Paw & Order and all their wonderful services on their website. 

Paw & Order Dog Training (612) 518-0954

www.pawandorder.com/twin-cities

Pet-Friendly Patio Restaurants A Paw-sitively Good Meal With Furry Friends In The Cities

BY EMMA WALYTKA

You get your furry friend all ready for your date night out; fur is combed, bowtie attached to the new houndstooth collar, and teeth are brushed… until you arrive at the restaurant and a sign reads “Pets are not allowed.” Pets and pet owners, we have all been there. But, thankfully in Minneapolis there are a plethora of restaurants that welcome you and your paw-ish friends a seat at the dish… I mean table.

Burger Moe’s

Located in St. Paul, this burger joint not only allows dogs, but loves them so much that they curated a mini menu just for them. Bring in your canine friends, and they will get to dine on a doggy biscuit. To drink, a complimentary water dish for the utmost hydration on those hot Minnesota summer days! On colder days, the joint also has a fireplace located in the patio, so your pup can warm his paws by the fire. www.burgermoes.com

Utepils Brewing

Although the brewery loves dogs, they emphasize that they are a production facility first and strictly enforce a no-pet policy indoors. But.. There is one exception. Your pups are welcome on the patio when the weather allows, all they ask is that if you decide to get another round, you need a friend to watch your dog outside.

www.utepilsbrewing.com

The Freehouse

Located in Minneapolis, this casual brewery has outdoor tables that welcome you and your paw-some guest to relax outside together. Be careful though, they have a new Rotisserie prime rib that is sure to cue the begging, barking and whining.

www.freehousempls.com

Park Tavern

This St. Louis Park Tavern serves a variety of food from burgers, pizza and flatbreads! Dogs are welcome to join their owner on the patio for a chewy treat and a fresh bowl of water… delish!

www.parktavern.net

Photo courtesy of Bigstock/viewapart

Stanley’s Northeast Bar Room

Paw-yeah! This Minneapolis Bar room not only allows pets, but seriously treats them! Featuring a famous dog menu comprising three courses- it is sure to knock your pets paws off! They serve the following meals:

• Mutt Loaf: “Two slices of homemade turkey meatloaf with veggies” $8.00

• K-9 Chicken: “6 oz grilled chicken breast served on a bed of organic jasmine brown rice, veggies, and sweet potatoes.” $9.00

• Ne Pup Burger: “? pound burger served on a bed of organic jasmine brown rice, veggies, and sweet potatoes.” $9.00 www.stanleysbarroom.com

Aster Café

Located southeast of Main Street in Minneapolis, this Cafe allows dogs on their outdoor patio seating during the summer months. www.astercafe.com

Stray Dog restaurant and bar

CALL 612-378-2855

www.straydogmpls.com

Hola Arepa

Located on Nicollet Avenue, this restaurant serves Latin cuisine and welcomes pets to join owners on their patio with nearly one hundred outdoor seats and staff that is welcoming to dogs. www.holaarepa.com

Hai Hai

Serving Southeast Asian street food and located in Northeast Minneapolis, this restaurant and bar is dog friendly in its scenic outdoor seating space. www.haihaimpls.com

Fletcher’s Ice Cream and Cafe: GoPetFriendly

Here’s the scoop: pets are allowed at the outside patio area, but your furry friend must be leashed, behaved and watched carefully by the owner. Just make sure not to let your pet get a lick of any chocolate ice cream! www.fletchersicecream.com

Bread & Pickle

Located on beautiful Lake Harriet, this concession-style stand is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Dog-friendly, this shop also sells homemade dog treats for $3 per a baggie. www.breadandpickle.com

Fat Lorenzo’s

Although it’s a smaller, more intimate patio on the front sidewalk of this restaurant, Fat Lorenzo’s welcomes dogs and serves up pizza, pasta and subs. www.fatlorenzos.com

Icehouse

Located in Minneapolis, this lively music club offers an outdoor patio that is shaded and welcomes dogs. For humans, American foods, live music and cocktails are on the menu. www.icehousempls.com

Longfellow Grill

With reviews referencing the grill as more of a “dog hangout” with a few lingering humans, it is sure to be a bark for your pup. Staff bring out water bowls per a customer’s request. www.longfellowgrill.com

Northbound Brewpub

This pub has nine dog- friendly tables for those who bring their pet, and serve a mean brunch and lunch. Located in Minneapolis, this restaurant brings the pups together. www.northboundbrewpub.com

Pizzeria Lola

Located in Minneapolis, this pizzeria has got the sauce! Not only is it dog friendly for patio-goers, it also has treats provided upon request. www.pizzerialola.com

Sweeney’s Saloon

Dog friendly, this saloon welcomes well behaved dogs in the outdoor tiki area, the perfect tropical getaway for you and Fido! www.sweeneyssaloon.com

Keeping your pets happy while you bask in the sunshine and enjoy a bite to eat:

Whining and dining can be a real treat, but to keep both you and your dog happy, you should come into your dining experience prepared. My first tip is to bring a bowl for water, and to make it even easier- a collapsible dish that you can then put on a keyring or belt when arriving and leaving the restaurant so you can easily hold the leash! Secondly, bring with a canister full of yummy treats to keep your pup entertained, or even bring their dog food in a plastic baggie if you are going during your dog’s routine mealtime. Lastly, if you are on a patio or will be on hot pavement, always be mindful of the heat and choose to stay inside or order takeout if the temperature rises to unsafe levels. 

Meeting The Transportation Insecurity Challenge The Lift Garage

BY RANDY STERN

Eleven years ago, a former pastor and social worker took her newly acquired skills as an automobile mechanic and opened up a shop with a difference. Her mission is to help those under the poverty level who cannot afford repairs on their vehicles by offering lower shop rates.

The Lift Garage made it through so much to continue staying open and meeting their mission for their community. A major riot in 2020 did not deter Cathy Heying and her staff from getting their work done. After all, they were considered an essential service and continued to keep the shop open for business.

At the center of it all is The Lift Garage’s founder Heying. What she learned from the Dunwoody College of Technology was just a part of the larger picture. From a need to help low income people to get to work where there is no reliable public transportation available, Heying said that The Lift Garage started “subletting one bay one day a week, and we’ve grown considerably since then.”

That growth led to a location The Lift Garage bought on Lake Street in Minneapolis near the Metro Transit Green Line Light Rail station at Hiawatha Avenue. That building has five service bays and a backlog of customers needing their services.

To be eligible for having a vehicle worked on by The Lift Garage, Heying states that a customer’s income has to be “at 150% of federal poverty guideline or below. What that translates to is about $23,000 a year or less for a household of one, I think it’s about $28,000 or $29,000 a year or less for a household of two.”

Currently, The Lift Garage sees 120 cars per month. According to Heying, they are “currently booked out for about two months. It would be longer if we opened up our schedule, but our schedule’s currently closed because it doesn’t serve anybody well to have appointments five or six months out.”

While growth continues at The Lift garage, some things have not changed. Heying states that the shop rate has remained $15.00 an hour. Most repair shops charge much more than that rate.

“The other things that haven’t changed are our commitment to honoring the dignity of every person that walks in the door,” explained Heying. “Our commitment to hospitality and having quality coffee in the waiting room, our commitment to knowing people’s names and our commitment to honest advice. Those are hard conversations sometimes because people come to us in great hope that we’re going to magically make this thirty-year-old car, brand new. Instead, we tell them that it’s got a rusted subframe and isn’t safe to drive and they shouldn’t invest any money into it. But, we believe that’s part of our mission too, is making sure that people have all the information they can and need about making the right decisions about their investment.”

What about customer satisfaction? Skye Shrader, the Marketing and Communications Specialist for The Lift Garage said that “75% out of one through five say they’re extremely satisfied with [The Lift Garage’s service], which is great. It is great being able to help customers and most of them are able to get their car where they need to be, and it lasts long.”

Some of these vehicles they work on have well beyond 100,000 miles on the odometer, perhaps up into the 200,000-mile-plus range. Mileage and age – 20-plus year-old vehicles are not an uncommon sight at The Lift Garage – create a challenge to keep on the road. The mechanics on site see everything from worn down tires, rusted suspension components and frames, brakes that are beyond basic service, and so forth.

There is one thing to point out about The Lift Garage: Its commitment to being a part of our community. “I think the fact that the organization is headed by an out lesbian doesn’t hurt that, people know it’s a safe place,” explained Heying. “I feel like not intentionally, it wasn’t by design, but it has happened that many of

Cathy Heying. Photos by Randy Stern

our folks, I mean many of our techs, even folks who don’t identify themselves on that spectrum, they maybe have different leanings than what you typically find working in a garage. And so we’ve had techs who have a particular political perspective that hasn’t been welcomed in an ordinary garage, and they have found a place here that they can sort of be safe and be comfortable.”

In the 11 years they have been in existence, The Lift Garage remains a vital and essential service to the people who need transportation. As Heying explained, “the fact that we own our building, we’ve built an addition. We have some office space. We’ve expanded into St. Paul. We’re not just surviving, but we’re thriving by many measures. And that’s huge. That’s huge.”

As they continue to thrive, The Lift Garage still needs your help. Watch for fundraisers and give what you can to keep the lights on, the parts flowing, and to hopefully offset the wait list to get service from this great auto

If you are not following The Lift Garage on social media, you should! Their latest efforts have been engaging, informative, entertaining, and worth your follow on their channels.

Ultimately, The Lift Garage continues to stick to what matters: Their connection to its customer base. While sticking to its commitment to serve those who need transportation to get to their jobs wherever it may be. For the people at The Lift Garage, Shrader made it clear that “we’re not trying to sell anything. We’re being honest. We’re being people rather than salespeople.”

What we need in the world are people coming together for a common cause. In the case of The Lift Garage, it is to ease the pain of Transportation Insecurity. 

The Lift Garage

2401 E. Lake St., Minneapolis (612) 866-5840

motive repair shop that continues to fill a necessary and essential service to those who need it the most.

Oliver (they/them), Service Writer at The Lift Garage. Photo by Claire Hietpas

For 50 Years, All God’s Children MCC Is Still Here For You

BY ALYSSA HOMEIER

Finding a community that resonates with you is a heartwarming experience that everyone deserves. The members of All God’s Children Metropolitan Community Church (AGMCC) understand, and they are here to provide one. Since its conception over 50 years ago, AGCMCC has found ways to support the LGBTQ+ and other marginalized communities. Offering the community space to discover more about the divine, themselves, and people just like them.

Rev. Kenny Callaghan has been a pastor for 25 years and has been serving AGCMCC since being voted on in September of 2022. After living in southern California for most of his life, Rev. Callaghan came to Minnesota in 2016 for the purpose of seeing his chosen adoptive parents. He felt he needed to experience healing from the “realities” of coming out in his thirties. Since then, he has been enjoying his life being the pastor for AGCMCC and living with his spouse, Kirk, his two dogs, and his cat, Ginger.

“I went to seminary in my late twenties, early thirties, and the call to ministry, and what that meant for me was not to to be a bible-thumper, because I am not, but I wanted to help bring change through social justice and equity for all people. I spent many years working with people who live outside, people who are post-incarcerated, people who struggle with addiction to various chemicals, and also people that just need to be

loved up and just to experience life and community in different ways,” Rev. Callaghan said.

AGCMCC will be celebrating its 50th anniversary this July 21st. As the date approaches, the many challenges and victories that the church has been through come to mind. Beginning in 1974 by students from both St. Cloud and the Twin Cities, the church sought to collapse the divide that existed between organized religion and LGBTQ+ communities. During this time, they were met with backlash from the community in the form of slurs and vandalism, but through it all, AGCMCC never gave up.

Despite the lack of support, the church continued to fight for what it believed in, backing marginalized individuals and fighting for equality for everyone. AGCMCC openly spoke about the AIDS epidemic and addressed the rights to same sex marriage.

“Being a place known as a church of gay and lesbian bisexual, transgender people in the community that wasn’t always supportive but. All God’s Children never gave up. They’ve never given up. And they have continued to fight for equality for all people. They were in the forefront of marriage equality struggles, and bringing that to the forefront in Minnesota and especially here in the Twin Cities,” Rev. Callaghan said.

Today, the Church continues its mission to serve people. On Thursdays the church hosts an event called Thursday Tables. Here, people can come in for a hot lunch run by volunteers. In addition to Thursday Tables, the church also hosts AA meetings. Additionally, they offer a food shelf and clothing closet that supplies necessities such as clothes, hygiene products, and food to those in need, and of course, they offer a Sunday Worship Celebration that everyone is always welcome to join.

Even outside the church walls, Rev. Callaghan’s missions and values never waver. He speaks of the heartbreak he feels over the removal of encampments, and how he does what he can to help those in his community.

“I am regularly fighting with the Minneapolis Police Department for breaking up these homeless encampments. It’s just tragic to me the way that people who live outside are treated by our culture. And, you know, as long as I am here in the Twin Cities and serving here, I will constantly fight for those who, you know, are arrested and marginalized by being treated inhumanely,” Rev. Callaghan said.

When asked what a person who has never attended can expect, Rev. Callaghan enthusiastically answered. He prefaces with the reminder that the church gets it, the church gets you.

“We get it. We get it. The Christian Church has done a lot to wound and hurt people. We say here that it doesn’t matter who you are, where you’ve been, or what you’ve done, how you love or who you love, God welcomes and celebrates you, and so do we. You are welcome here…I don’t think anybody comes to All God’s Children MCC looking for God. I think what people come looking for is community. We don’t encourage people to believe in a God that is not personal, because we believe that the divine is personal,” Rev. Callaghan said.

True to their name, All God’s Children is a church that opens their arms to everyone. Rev. Callaghan and the other members of the church understand the pain that many have faced at the hands of the Christian Church, and they do what they can to dismantle and reverse it. On Sunday Worship, you can find yourself walking through the door alone and leaving with a coffee in hand and a new group of friends.

All God’s Children Metropolitan Community Church is a church here to celebrate everyone. Whether you are new to the Twin Cities, or someone who grew up in the area, whether you are part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, old or young, the church opens its arms and doors for all.

For those looking to attend a worship celebration or other event, learn more about the history of the church and the staff, or how to be involved, please visit the website: www.agcmcc.org. 

Photo courtesy of Rev. Kenny Callaghan

Welcoming Everyone For Your Love of Gardening

BY NATASHA DELION

The Garden Club of Minneapolis has a long history in Minnesota, beginning during the early years of World War II as a way for men who did not see combat to create community and personal gardens.

Becky DeLaCruz (she/her), chair of marketing and promotions, described the progression from the exclusive Men’s Garden Club of Minneapolis to the Garden Club of Minneapolis, a gender-neutral and inclusive place for those who love gardening, along with the club’s history, various programs, and legacy. While the club has a membership fee, there are many ways to get involved with the club through their events and various ways that they help communities.

History and recent name change

The club began as the Men’s Garden Club of Minneapolis in October of 1942 as a charter of the Men’s Garden Clubs of America, now named Gardeners of America. At that time, it was a refuge for men who were refused by local garden clubs that women wanted to keep reserved for women.

Membership began by invitation only and consisted of 20 wealthy men, who were mostly doctors and lawyers. Some early members included popular names in horticulture circles including Leon Snyder, Jerry “Mr. Rose” Olson, and members of the Bachman family of Bachman’s Garden Center. Snyder played a role in establishing the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in 1958 and, to date, all Arboretum directors have been and still are members of the club. Olson pioneered the “Minnesota Tip” method of protecting roses in the cold Minnesota weather.

As women began joining the club in 1989 and, after many years of trying, the club changed its name to the Men’s and Women’s Garden Club of Minneapolis in 2012. This year, they changed their

name to the Garden Club of Minneapolis to be gender-neutral and more accurately reflect who they are, according to DeLaCruz. Although many members are from the Twin Cities and beyond, they kept the Minneapolis portion to stay identifiable as they transition into the new name.

“If our tagline is ‘a garden club for everyone’, then let’s have our name reflect this and be more welcoming as it should be,” she said.

Meetings, fundraisers, and tours

While other clubs in the Twin Cities may focus on a specific plant, the Garden Club encompasses all topics within horticulture.

Photos courtesy of Andrew Marlow

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ANIMAL RESCUE

Second Chance Animal Rescue

Dedicated to rescuing, fostering, caring for, and adopting out dogs and cats into forever homes.

P.O. Box 10533 White Bear Lake, MN 55110 (651) 771-5662 www.secondchancerescue.org

BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS

Quorum

Minnesota's LGBTQ+ and Allied Chamber of Commerce working to build, connect, and strengthen for a diverse business community. 2446 University Ave. W., Ste 112 St. Paul, MN 55114 (612) 460-8153 www.twincitiesquorum.com

CASINOS

Mystic Lake Casino Hotel

Nonstop gaming excitement with slots, blackjack, bingo and more plus distinctive bars and restaurants. 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd. Prior Lake, MN 55372 (800) 262-7799 www.mysticlake.com

ENVIRONMENT

The Nature Conservancy

TNC is an environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature thrive. 1101 W. River Pkwy., Ste. 200 Minneapolis, MN 55415-1291 (612) 331-0700 minnesota@tnc.org www.nature.org/minnesota

EVENT VENUES

Landmark Center

A classic venue, with a grand cortile and beautiful courtrooms, accommodates celebrations of all sizes. 75 W. 5th St. St. Paul, MN 55102 (651) 292-3228 www.landmarkcenter.org

GRANTMAKERS/FUNDERS

PFund Foundation

PFund is the LGBTQ+ community foundation that provides grants to students and grants to non-profits. PO Box 3640 Minneapolis, MN 55403 612-870-1806 www.pfundfoundation.org

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Aliveness Project

Community Center for individuals living with HIV/AIDS – on-site meals, food shelf, and supportive service. 3808 Nicollet Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55102 (612) 824-LIFE (5433) www.aliveness.org

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Family Tree Clinic

We're a sliding fee sexual health clinic and education center, now in Minneapolis. 1919 Nicollet Ave. Minneapolis MN 55403 (612) 473-0800 www.familytreeclinic.org

Keane Sense of Rhythm

Celebrate your true self with Tap dance! 1st week free, Join us now! 2161 University Avenue W., Ste. 117 St. Paul, MN. 55114 (612) 251-4744 info@tapcompany.org www.tapcompany.org

NAMI Minnesota

(National Alliance on Mental Illness)

Providing free classes and peer support groups for people affected by mental illnesses.

1919 University Ave. W., Ste. 400 St. Paul, MN 55104 (651) 645-2948 www.namimn.org

Rainbow Health

Providing comprehensive health services for LGBTIA+ people, those living with HIV & folks from underserved communities facing healthcare barriers.

701 S. 4th Ave., #1500 Minneapolis, MN 55415

General: (612) 341-2060, MN AIDSLine: (612) 373-2437 info@rainbowhealth.org www.rainbowhealth.org

Red Door Clinic

HIV and STI screening, treatment, education, and referrals. Doxy PEP, nPEP, PrEP, and Reproductive Health. 525 Portland Ave., 4th Fl. Minneapolis, MN 55415 (612) 543-5555 reddoor@hennepin.us www.reddoorclinic.org

LIBRARIES

Quatrefoil Library

Your LGBTQ+ library and community center. Free membership, events, and e-books/audiobooks. Check us out!

1220 E. Lake St. Minneapolis, MN 55407 (612) 729-2543 www.qlibrary.org

MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS

Radio K

Radio K is the award-winning studentrun radio station of the University of Minnesota. 330 21st. Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55455 (612) 625-3500 www.radiok.org

MUSEUM

Minnesota Historical Society

Create your own adventure at MNHS historic sites and museums around Minnesota. mnhs.org

Walker Art Center

Showcasing the fresh, innovative art of today and tomorrow through exhibitions, performances, and film screenings. 725 Vineland Pl. Minneapolis, MN 55403 (612) 375-7600 www.walkerart.org

PERFORMING ARTS

Chanhassen Dinner Theaters

The nation's largest professional dinner theater and Minnesota's own entertainment destination. 501 W. 78th St. Chanhassen, MN 55317 (952) 934-1525 www.ChanhassenDT.com

Children’s Theatre Company

Children’s Theatre Company excites the imagination with world-class familyfriendly theatre for kids, teens, and adults. 2400 3rd Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55404 (612) 874-0400 www.childrenstheatre.org

Guthrie Theater

Open to the public year-round, the Guthrie produces classic and contemporary plays on three stages. 818 S. 2nd St. Minneapolis, MN 55415 (612) 377-2224 www.guthrietheater.org

Lyric Arts Main Street Stage

Theater with character. Comedies, musicals, & dramas in a professional, intimate setting where all are welcomed.

420 E. Main St. Anoka, MN 55303 (763) 422-1838 info@lyricarts.org www.lyricarts.org

Minnesota Opera

World-class opera draws you into a synthesis of beauty; breathtaking music, stunning costumes & extraordinary sets. Performances at the Ordway Music Theater - 345 Washington St., St. Paul, MN 55102 (612) 333-6669 www.mnopera.org

Minnesota Orchestra

Led by Music Director Designate Thomas Søndergård, the Minnesota Orchestra, one of America’s leading symphony orchestras. 1111 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis, MN 55403 (612) 371-5656, (800) 292-4141 www.minnesotaorchestra.org

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

Leading performing arts center with two stages presenting Broadway musicals, concerts & educational programs that enrich diverse audiences.

345 Washington St. St. Paul, MN 55102 (651) 224-4222 info@ordway.org www.ordway.org

Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus

An award-winning chorus building community through music and offers entertainment worth coming out for! 1430 W. 28th St., Ste. B Minneapolis, MN 55408 (612) 339-SONG (7664) chorus@tcgmc.org www.tcgmc.org

RELIGIOUS & SPIRITUAL

All God’s Children Metropolitan Community Church

A welcoming, inclusive, safe place to explore and discover God’s love for ALL God’s children. 3100 Park Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55407 (612) 824-2673 www.agcmcc.org

Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church

Everyone is welcome at Hennepin Church! Vibrant Worship. Authentic Community. Bold Outreach. 511 Groveland Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55403 (612) 871-5303 www.hennepinchurch.org

Plymouth Congregational Church

Many Hearts, One Song; Many Hands, One Church. Find us on Facebook and Twitter. 1900 Nicollet Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55403 (612) 871-7400 www.plymouth.org

St. Philip's Lutheran Church

We invite and welcome those of every spiritual background, ethnicity, gender orientation, or economic situation. 6180 Hwy 65 Fridley, MN 55432 (763) 571-1500 www.splcmn.org

University Baptist Church

Creating safe and inclusive spaces for 175 years, UBC stands proudly with our LGBTQ+ family. 1219 University Ave. SE Minneapolis, MN 55414 (612) 331-1768 www.ubcmn.org

Westminster Presbyterian Church

An open and affirming congregation, welcoming persons of all sexual orientations, gender expressions and identities. 1200 Marquette Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55403 (612) 332-3421 www.westminstermpls.org

SENIOR LIVING

Friends & Co

Fostering meaningful connections for older adults for 50+ years. Offering quick drop-in chat line, phone & visiting companionship services.

2550 University Ave. W., Ste. 260-S St. Paul, MN 55114 (612) 721-1400 www.friendsco.org

Senior Community Services

Providing non-medical services that meet the changing needs of older adults & support their caregivers. 10201 Wayzata Blvd., Ste. 335 Minnetonka, MN 55305 (952) 541-1019

www.seniorcommunity.org/lav

SOCIAL SERVICES

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota

Serving all Minnesotans with personcentered services that promote full and abundant lives.

lssmn.org | (651) 642-5990 | (800) 582-5260

Employment Opportunities | lssmn.org/careers PICS (Partners in Community Supports) | picsmn.org

Pooled Trust | (888) 806-6844

Supported Decision-Making | (888) 806-6844

TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

Discover St. Louis Park

Minnesota’s Sweet Spot! Visit us for exceptional dining, attractions, shopping, hotels and event space.

1660 Hwy 100 S., Ste. 501 St. Louis Park, MN 55416 (952) 426-4047

www.DiscoverStLouisPark.com

Estimates 7am-4:30pm

The Garden Club meets eight months out of the year on the second Tuesday of the month from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The remaining four months are for the various events they put on for their members and the community.

On the second Tuesday of May, the club hosts their main fundraiser, their plant sale. What started in 1946 as a members-only event in a parking lot has grown exponentially since opening up to the public in 2013 and is now hosted at St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church.

DeLaCruz said people get excited as soon as they begin advertising. People begin making their lists and lining up outside before the doors open.

“It’s like Black Friday at Walmart,” she said. “There are people waiting to bust down the doors.”

She said the plant sale sources several plants and vegetables from various growers for people to buy at affordable prices, including plants you won’t be able to find at your run-of-the-mill garden centers. DeLaCruz said the former chair of the sale would grow plants from seed in two temporary greenhouses in his backyard to sell at the sale. She said the plant sale may not be as robust since he retired, but it will remain a successful sale for community members to attend. The sale also has Hennepin County Master Gardeners present to help people pot plants or answer any gardening questions they may have.

Alongside their plant sale, the Garden Club hosts garden tours in July, which are open to the public on odd years. They have a normal garden tour along with a progressive garden tour the DeLaCruz said is similar to a potluck. They tour two of the members’ gardens that are near each other and enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres at the first one and coffee and dessert at the second. Although you won’t be able to catch one this year, mark your calendars for next year’s public garden tours; they truly are not your ordinary garden.

Legacy of the Garden Club

The club has been present in Lyndale Park for many years. Club members planted 200 crab apple trees in 1952 for their tenth anniversary and three of those trees are alive today.

Today, they have three gardens that they care for at Lyndale Park: The Mixed Border Garden, Native Garden, and Shade Garden. DeLaCruz said there are three committees within the club, each in charge of one of the gardens, who are often there at least once a week tending to them.

There are also self-guided walking tour audios on their website for the native and shade gardens where she said a recording from one of the club members describes to you the plants you walk by.

Involvement in these gardens is only one of the ways the Garden Club involved themselves with the community. She said that, from the begin-

ning, the club has tried to focus on their community involvement and that is what’s most important to them.

The club has awarded over $87,000 since 1992 in merit scholarships to Minnesota horticulture students enrolled in a four-year state school. DeLaCruz said it began as a way to celebrate their 50th anniversary and every year they usually give out four to six $1,000 scholarships.

They also have a fund specifically meant for community projects called The Dean Fund, which began in 2015. DeLaCruz said the family of two former members of the club donated a substantial amount of money following their passing, specifically meant to fund projects in the community, such as videos to teach younger generations and high school students how to care for roses to preserve the rose garden in the neighborhood.

Other community involvement includes Arbor Day planting, a booth at the state fair, and their annual Flowers, Food, and Fotos Show.

Flowers, Food, and Fotos Show at Minnesota Arboretum:

Formerly the Flower and Vegetable Show, the Flowers, Food, and Fotos Show at the Arboretum has been around since before 1980 and the photo portion was added in 2000. DeLaCruz said it began with the group of men wanting to show off what they’ve grown.

She said at the show, members bring samples from their garden, display them, and then they are judged. While the show is open to the public, it is mainly Garden Club members who are the ones participating.

“You’re trying to show the most perfect samples of whatever plants we’ve got listed,” she said. “Say you have five or six green beans, you want to have them be almost the exact same size and same curve.”

The show lasts two days and is open to the public to see all of the best plants on display in the Arboretum and vote for the people’s choice award. The plants are required to be displayed in a specific way, with no cuts or holes, upright flowers, and no leaves below the waterline, so they truly are prepared to be the most perfect you can see a plant be.

DeLaCruz said the club is open to everyone and is not an elite organization of any kind regardless of how it began, but is simply a shared knowledge and love of gardening amongst people.

“I love to cook, so I love to share that knowledge with my grandkids because I want them to love that as well,” she said. “It’s the same thing, I believe, with the Garden Club.” 