Dear Reader, our last Online left you hanging in mid-air.
We promised a summer reading issue before the State Fair.
Then sage counsel was offered by a philosopher named Brandt.
“Hold your publishing, enjoy the Fall.” Resist a break? You think we can’t?

Holiday Gathering Opportunity

We can all agree that our spirits need an extra bit of “joyful” to get lift-off into the holiday mood this year. The Moving Company, a theater group that has its roots in the storied Jeune Lune, is staging “Liberty Falls” at the Lab Theater through December 20. Featuring the talents of Nathan Keepers, Steven Epps, Christina Baldwin and Jennifer Baldwin, directed by legendary Dominique Serrand, “Liberty Falls” is irreverent, raucous and guaranteed to bring laughter when we could all use a large dose. Word of mouth is working its magic. This is the hottest production in town. That said, the Lab Theater’s big boss lady, Mary Leer, tells us that there is still room to book blocks of tickets for business or family group outings. If you are interested call the Lab Theater Box Office at 612-333-7977.

Keep it Sharp

We are long-time fans of the crew at Eversharp, the Twin Cities’ foremost cutlery emporium, located at 344 Taft Street Northeast in Minneapolis. If you haven’t brought your knives in for a tune-up you procrastinated to the right moment. Through Saturday, November 28, if you bring in a bag of nonperishable food items or donate $15, Eversharp will sharpen five straight-edged knives for free. While you are waiting we bet you find a couple of perfect gifts for the chefs on your list in Eversharp’s showroom.

A Good Fight, Over

Sometimes these little blurbs are more difficult to write than others. Such is the case as we note the passing of Francis M. “Frank” Kenney who slipped from this vale of tears Monday last

[November 23]. The entire South Minneapolis Kenney clan was a force of nature as a group and they have proven forces for good as individuals. Those close to Frank always weave in the word “stubborn” in describing him. We acknowledge this but prefer “passion” as an appropriate substitute.

Frank first made his mark on the Twin cities as a Catholic priest as a pastor at Ascension in North Minneapolis and later at St. Stephen’s in South Minneapolis, where he served both his parish and the community as if scripted by St. Matthew himself. Frank’s compassion for the poor and disenfranchised led him to the emerging American Indian Movement, a group he served as counsel and official chaplain for several years. After soul-searching Frank made an agonizing decision to turn in his collar but never his back on the poor among us. He found happiness in the form of Bobbi Wilson, the belle of Humboldt Avenue North, and started a family.

Frank and Bobbi raised their three kids in Oregon but returned to the Twin Cities to attend to unfinished business serving the Indian community along Franklin Avenue. Frank charmed his way into a simple assembly project and put a dozen people to work around his dining room table. He reached out to his close friend from Nazareth Hall days, Joe Selvaggio, who teamed with Frank to launch Project for Pride in Living Industries. The endeavor put hundreds of our community’s hardest to employ individuals to work, offering both paychecks and training. With support from a variety of customers ranging from ADC Telecommunications to Hennepin County Environmental Management, PPL Industries proudly boasted $5 million in billings.

Frank’s contributions, while largely unsung, will long be felt. His inspiration will not soon be forgotten. We like to think that Frank has passed to a just reward. God already knows he has a livewire in the palm of his hand. Be at Peace, Frank. The next ladder dance is for you.

Bright Blue Lights

For those commuting along I-394 you may have noticed a new, rather handsome, sign just west of Penn Avenue. It belongs to the venerable account firm formerly known as Lurie, Besikof and Lapidus which has been a fixture since the days of Wayzata Boulevard. This year in recognition of its seventh-fifth anniversary, the firm brightened its look and shortened its name to Lurie, LLP. They certainly have not shortened their bench. Now 120 professionals and support staff serve clients locally and nationally, with widely recognized accounting services. Congratulations! (Closed circuit to PR pro Jeanne Carpenter: Thanks for the tip!)

Politics

We want to remind you that Online is available to promote your candidates’ or party’s events, regardless of the stripes or spots they wear. We have four to report this issue:

  • Rich Stanek, our favorite Sheriff of all Hennepin County, is the host and guest of honor at a holiday-themed fundraiser December 3 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Elsie’s Restaurant, 729 Marshall Street Northeast in Minneapolis. FFI sheriffstanek.com.
  • On Monday, December 14, supporters of the Sheriff’s colleague, Hennepin County Commissioner Peter McLaughlin, are holding a reception at the Riverview Wine Bar, 3747 42nd Avenue South, Minneapolis, from 5:30-7:30 pm. FFI Peter McLaughlin’s Facebook page.
  • Minneapolis City Council Member Linea Palmisano’s committee will be hosting an event on Wednesday, December 16, from 5:00 to 6:30 in the beautiful reception area of HGA Architects in Ford Center (just across from Target Field Station). Free parking is available on the north side of the building.

Finally, this is one event that should hit home for many because it ties persons, places and things together in the spirit of peace and community unity. “Music for the Holidays with Senator Bobby Joe Champion” will be held at the Capri Theater, 2027 West Broadway, on Thursday, December 17. The event begins with a reception at 6:00 pm and at 7:30 the performance kicks off with a bevy of talent that includes American Idol veteran Paris Bennett and Ashley DuBose of The Voice. In addition to the music there will be an opportunity to donate to Threads for Teens Clothing Drive. FFI Bobby Joe Champion Facebook page or [email protected].

Spotlight on North Loop

This issue features Roe Wolfe, a wonderful boutique featuring affordable fashion-forward stylings located at 113 Washington Avenue North. We could rave on about the selection, service and the glam makeup artists on hand but we would rather salute Roe Wolfe’s proprietor, Ashley Kilcher, who is stepping forward as a community leader. Putting time and money where her mouth is, Ms. Kilcher is organizing two self-defense classes geared toward women at the store on December 10 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm or December 12 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. Ashley, inspired by some assault experiences of her own, has worked with law enforcement to organize this event. FFI call the boutique: 612-294-6583.

Thanksgiving Wishes

Your Online staff is rocked by the events unfolding in our beloved hometown, a feeling shared by our clients and loved ones. We like to think things will be okay when it’s over and if it’s not okay it’s not over. Please follow this link as proof that love will triumph and accept that notion as our wish for peace and love to you and yours.