Monitor launches new web site

Events calendar offers one-stop glimpse of community, advertisers can create synergy between print and online campaigns

by Tesha M. Christensen

Newspapers aren’t dying.

That’s the message Monitor Co-Publisher Tim Nelson wants to spread.

While the business has changed since the advent of the Internet and the nationwide recession, it is not dead but evolving, just like radio. Just like network television. Just like cable.

“It’s a very exciting time,” said Nelson.

To move forward in this digital age, the Monitor is launching a new web site. Along with an updated look, the site features a community events calendar, multimedia section, news, marketplace, classifieds, archives, and community information page.

With this update, Nelson knows things will change for the newspaper he co-owns with Calvin deRuyter. “We’re going to become a much more important resource to our community,” he said.

Monitor Editor Denis Woulfe acknowledges that this marks a whole new paradigm for the newspaper. “It’s about reinventing the business model for the industry,” said Woulfe.

A BALANCING ACT

Part of the reinvention is recognizing the myths that surround newspapers and the Internet. Senior citizens are not lost using the Internet, but regularly use it for email, shopping and more. Sure, young people might ignore the news now, but that changes when they buy a house, begin a family and start to see how it affects their lives. And while most people go online these days, not everyone has access even in urban areas. For these residents and others, the print editions continue to be their primary source of information about their community.

The new paradigm requires that newspapers find a balance between being community journalists and business people, something Nelson works to achieve every day. “We are business people first,” said Nelson. “We don’t do anyone any good if we go bankrupt.” Yet, it is the community journalism piece that marks the Monitor as a niche publication, one specifically focused on the Como, Midtown and North End neighborhoods of St. Paul.

CHALLENGES FOR UNIVERSITY AVE. AREA

As a community newspaper, the Monitor must weather the same economic forces as its advertisers. Like other small businesses along University, the Monitor has taken a hit during the four-year lightrail project, which is only halfway complete.

 “Hopefully when the lightrail is done and our area redefines itself, we will see an upsurge,” said Nelson. It may be easier for him to be hopeful than other local businesses. As the owner of another newspaper, the Longfellow/Nokomis Messenger, Nelson has experienced firsthand the good that came out of the Hiawatha lightrail line.

“It’s about economic redevelopment,” pointed out Woulfe.

The Monitor encourages the University Avenue business community to reach out to patrons to reinforce their continued presence on the Corridor, in part by continuing to support the Monitor.

SIMPLE TO ADVERTISE ONLINE

For advertisers, having an online presence on the Monitor web site is simple. Pick one of three sizes, and your ad will rotate with three others across the site. Advertisers may also opt to sponsor the events calendar. Or for higher visibility, buy the top banner ad spot or web site sponsor, and your ad will appear at the top of all the site pages.

Anyone who purchases a classified ad will continue to have double exposure for one price.

Businesses may pick from packages that include print and digital ads. “This is a great complement to the print ads they’re already doing,” said Woulfe. “The appeals and features of each are different.” With the online ad, businesses and nonprofits can do things a print ad can’t, such as provide a link directly to their own web site to boost traffic. Those who buy space in the What’s Cookin’ ad campaign get the best of both worlds: a print ad and a custom video.

FOR AND BY THE COMMUNITY

With the web site, Facebook and Twitter, “We can get more news out there in a more timely manner than before,” said Nelson.

Under the “multimedia” tab on the new web site, users can find video and photos created both by newspaper staff and readers.

One of the biggest features of the new site is its community events calendar. “It’s a one-shot glimpse of what’s going on in the area,” said Nelson.

On the calendar, readers can find detailed information on community events, from school concerts to organized bike rides. Anyone with an event can post the information using a straightforward form. After submitting an event, the online editor will review it. Events will be live within 72 hours. Nelson expects the calendar to start small and then grow as more people begin using it.

“Now getting your news in the Monitor is as easy as 1-2-3,” said Nelson.

Wolfe added, “We’re about building the community with both the print and online options.”

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE READER?

• More news via social media

The Monitor is promoting events daily on its Facebook page and Twitter. Be sure to subscribe in order to receive updates in your news feed. Readers can also sign up for occasional email blasts.

• More news more often

While the print edition will continue to hit the newsstands just once a month, the web site will always be available.

• More exposure for community events

The Monitor has unlimited space to list the many events occurring within the Como, Midtown and North End neighborhoods each day. Fill out a straightforward form under the “Event Calendar” tab to get your event included.

• More information on the community

Click on the “Community Information” tab for details on community organizations, schools, city offices, politicians, libraries and recreation.

• More photos and vidoes

Find videos and photo galleries on the “Multimedia” page. Content is created by not only newspaper staff, but also by you, the reader. Did you take video of a school spelling bee or church concert? Photos at a community festival? Send it to denis@deruyternelson.com.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE ADVERTISER?

• More synergy

It’s easier than ever to link your print ad campaign with your online ad campaign so you can benefit from both styles of advertising. Get a discount with a 12-month contract.

• More exposure

By advertising in the online Monitor Marketplace, even small businesses get regular and consistent exposure to customers who are searching for local businesses to shop at and local contractors to hire.

• More links

With your online ad, you can link readers directly to your own web site to increase your web site hits.

Keewaydin park plan still work in progress

Not all community members support moving the playground and pool to the
southeast corner of Keewaydin Park, as shown in this draft of the master plan. Park staff are working to incorporate comments from community members made during a July 31 meeting, and will then bring the revised master plan back to the neighborhood. That meeting date has not yet been set.

Master plan to be revised following neighborhood meeting

by Tesha M. Christensen

The master plan for Keewaydin Park is still a work in progress.

The Minneapolis parks department began modifying it earlier this year to accommodate the doubling of Keewaydin school.

The most recent draft of the master plan shows the playground moving to the southeast corner of the park, but its not something all neighbors support.

During a community meeting on July 31, park staff revisited the reasons for why they have recommended moving the playground equipment to the southeast corner of the park rather than north or directly east of the park building.

A move into the existing athletic field area would not only result in a loss of field space, but the poor soil there would increase the cost of construction, noted Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board architect Deborah Bartels.

If the playground was moved to the wooded area east of the park building, the established trees and the shade they create would be lost.

Another concern expressed by community members has been whether there is enough parking. Following an analysis of the street parking, park staff believe there is plenty. “The parking analysis indicates that only 20% of the on-street parking capacity is being used, even at peak times of park usage,” said Bartels.

The intersection of 53rd St. and 31st Ave. was studied closely due to its proximity to the proposed relocated playground and wading pool. According to the staff report, “Even though this area was observed to be the most popular parking location during peak events, only 18.8% of the parking spaces were used.” Park staff do not foresee a dramatic increase in new park users from beyond the Keewaydin neighborhood because so many arrive at the park by foot.

“Furthermore, some playground amenities may be reused in the new location, which will ease concerns of new amenities adding to the park’s allure,” according to the staff report.

At the July 31 meeting, attendees viewed concepts from three playground manufacturers and indicated which elements they liked best. This information will be incorporated into the master plan.

“The meeting did not result in a consensus about the proposed plan, so we will be redesigning the layout of the proposed wading pool and playgrounds in the southeast corner of the park and will be hosting another meeting,” said Bartels. The date for this fourth meeting has yet to be set.

CONSTRUCTION IMPACT ON PARK

The wading pool and playground for ages 5-12 was open during the summer construction, and both will remain in place for the foreseeable future, according to Bartels. At some point, the school district may expand again in that area.

The preliminary estimate for the playground and utilities for the wading pool is $373,000, with an additional $588,000 for the wading pool.

The southwest ball diamond will be used for construction staging until the spring of 2014 and then restored. The estimated cost to restore and improve the athletic fields is $205,000.

The Pre-K playground, the swings, the spinners, and the basketball court have been removed to make way for the building expansion, noted Bartels.  When the site work for the expansion is complete, the service delivery area on the south side of the school building will provide hard surfacing for informal outdoor games and play.

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SIDEBAR

SCHOOL PROJECT ON SCHEDULE AND ON BUDGET

The first phase of the school construction project was completed in August.  Phase one included all of the infrastructure for the new building and removing some of the existing building.  Once that occurred, the second phase began. The building will continue taking shape through next year. Students will begin attending classes there for the 2013-14 school year.

“The project is on track and close to budget,” said Keewaydin’s new principal Martha Spriggs. She added that key stakeholders, including parents, park board, teachers, neighbors, and architects, will continue to be involved throughout the year. 

“Checking the Keewaydin website is a good way to stay informed about the status of the project,” said Spriggs. “We welcome input from all!”

Keewaydin welcomes new principal

Keewaydin's new principal Martha Spriggs is excited to be part of the $16 million construction project that will double the size of the school. "I'm looking forward to watching the the beautiful student-centered space come to completion," she said. Ground broke on the project in June 2012. It will be ready for new students at the start of the 2013-14 school year. (Photo by Stefanie Berres)

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Martha Spriggs is a lifelong South Minneapolis student, teacher and administrator

by Tesha M. Christensen

Lifelong South Minneapolis resident Martha Spriggs is Keewaydin’s new principal.

Spriggs takes over the reins from Jane Ellis, who is now the principal at Earle Brown IB Elementary School in Brooklyn Center.

“Lake Nokomis Community School is fortunate to have her, and I think the support of the community will help her be successful,” stated Area B Community Liaison Kristin Berg Thompson.

“Having taught 4th grade through middle school, I have a lot of experience and enthusiasm for teaching intermediate and middle level students,” stated Spriggs. “Adolescents have so much energy and excitement about learning and it’s wonderful to be around their spirit and to support these students in their growth and development.”

MINNEAPOLIS STUDENT, TEACHER AND ADMINISTRATOR

Spriggs is deeply connected to Minneapolis.  “I’m a proud graduate of Washburn High School -- go Millers!” she stated.

She currently lives in South Minneapolis with her two grown children, John and Mary. “My parents and all but one of my five siblings live in the same zip code,” she noted. “My oldest brother, Ross, lives in the Keewaydin neighborhood.”

Her free time is spent biking and walking around the lakes in Minneapolis. “Recently I’ve been on a kick to discover more about this beautiful city and my first stop was Lock and Dam #1,” Spriggs said. She sings in her church choir, and this summer started to learn the ukulele.

Spriggs earned a bachelor of arts in English at Augsburg College and, after working at American Express for 10 years, she enrolled at the University of Minnesota and earned her teaching license and a master’s degree in education.  In 2010, she completed her administrative license through the U of M.  “I was honored to be in the same co-hort with Beth Ness, my new colleague and principal of Wenonah,” Spriggs stated.

She began her teaching career in a fourth-grade classroom at Kenny in 2000, followed by a year as a 6-8th grade math teacher at Northeast Middle School. She returned to fourth grade in a classroom at Sheridan for the 2003-2004 school year, and then taught 6-7th grade math at Webster Open.

Spriggs spent the next seven years at Anderson serving both as teacher and administrator. As a middle school math teacher there, she participated on the Transition Team, which planned the restructuring of Andersen, two schools within one building (K-5 and K-8). Spriggs led the restructuring of the middle school. Among the changes made were aligning a group of teachers and support staff to each grade level; implementing standards-based grading and structured professional development for teacher teams; and creating single gender advisories. “This was a great change and really helped build relationships with students and teachers. Our achievement in reading and math improved following the restructure,” said Spriggs.

From 2007-2008, Spriggs was a mentor and coach for the Teacher Advancement Program (TAP). Not only did she coach and evaluate teachers using the TAP instructional rubric, but she coordinated mathematics staff development.

While teaching math at Andersen almost all of her students made significant growth in their mathematics achievement. “As a middle school math teacher this was critical because we know that difficulty with mathematics is often the reason for students to drop out in high school,” said Spriggs. “As I implemented standards based grading with my students and across all of the middle school, all student and families had a clear picture of what was expected of them and how they were progressing toward their learning goals.”

For her efforts, she was awarded the National Milken Educator Award in 2009.

For the past two years, Spriggs worked as the Assistant Principal at Anderson United Community School, leading the middle school team of 25 teachers and support staff.

“I enjoy working with teachers and delivering professional development to help refine teacher practice,” Spriggs observed.

Anderson and Keewaydin are similar schools in that both are experience an increase in the English Learner population. “As we grow, we will look at how we structure teacher teams to best support every student. I’m looking for ways to build a strong intermediate school that supports middle school and leads to high achieving successful high school students,” she said.

GOALS AS AN EDUCATOR

Her first official day at Keewaydin was Aug. 6, 2012. “It is always a little daunting to start a new job,” observed Spriggs. “At Keewaydin, however, everyone has been extremely welcoming, supportive, and helpful.  Many parents and community leaders have come to meet me and lend their support.  I am grateful to the school community and I’m honored to be a part of it.”

During the 2012-13 school year, Spriggs plans to learn from teachers, parents, and students, and find ways to use her expertise. “For this first year I will count on the excellent Keewaydin staff and community to show me the ‘Keewaydin’ way,” Spriggs remarked.

Her overall goal as an educator is to do whatever it takes to ensure every student is learning at high levels. “Minneapolis Public Schools  is dedicated to the idea that every school has a strong leader and every classroom has a great teacher – by doing this we can ensure that every student is high school ready when they leave Keewaydin,” Spriggs said.

She added, “Over the next five years I hope to build a school community that is an interesting and engaging place for adults and students to learn and grow together.”

Spriggs will oversee the rest of the Keewaydin $16 million building project that is doubling the size of the school. While most of the big decisions have already been made and phase one is complete, she will help determine things like colors, furniture and finishes. “Key stakeholders including parents, park board, teachers, neighbors, and architects will continue to be involved throughout the year,” Spriggs observed.

“It’s exciting to be a part of a large construction project that will make a real difference for the students and the community,” Spriggs said. “I’m looking forward to watching the beautiful student-centered space come to completion.”

She encourages community members to stay informed by checking the school’s web site at http://lakenokomis.mpls.k12.mn.us/facilities.html.

Neighbors put ‘good vibes’ back into Longfellow Park

Over 50 people attended the vigil on Wednesday evening, Aug. 15. Community members made chalk drawings of cats on the sidewalks. Kids faces were decorated with cat whiskers and noses. One neighbor showed up to make cat balloon animals for the kids.

Vigil held following troubling cat burning incident; $1,000 reward offered

by Tesha M. Christensen

When she heard about the cat burning incident at Longfellow Park the morning of the 2012 Minnesota primary, Kristy Snyder was upset.

“It felt a bit unreal that it happened in our park, said Snyder, a four-year Longfellow resident. “While I hurt for the person that discovered it, I was so grateful it was not a kid that stumbled upon that scene.”

A Longfellow Park employee found a cat burnt to death on the south end of the park just before dawn on Tuesday, Aug. 13. It was impaled with an American flag. An Osama/Biden lawn sign was nearby. The incident is being treated as a Homeland Security offense, and both the Secret Service and the FBI are involved in the investigation.

Snyder and her husband, Dave, told their two kids, Spencer, age 5, and Nora, age 3, about what happened at the park they play at frequently. Snyder didn’t want them hearing about it from others.

“I felt a bit stuck about how to re-enter that park,” Snyder admitted. So she, together with her kids, neighbor Kathy Cassidy and her daughters Nora and Naomi Sojourner, decided to organize an vigil.

“We all thought marching around the perimeter of the park would be very symbolic,” said Snyder.

Over 50 people attended the vigil on Wednesday evening, Aug. 15. Community members made chalk drawings of cats on the sidewalks. Kids faces were decorated with cat whiskers and noses. One neighbor showed up to make cat balloon animals for the kids.

On behalf of the Longfellow Faith Forum, James Pennington from Spirit of the Lakes Church opened up the event’s program with a blessing. Minneapolis Council Member Gary Schiff spoke, bringing along his dog, Butters, who “stands in solidarity with all animals against animal cruelty.”

Five-year-old Spencer Snyder was pleased with the event. “It did go really well. I was happiest with the parade. There was so many people that I couldn’t even count! It was so lovely, it went so well!  I would just love to do it again!”

District 3 Park Commissioner Scott Vreeland was not able to attend the event that served as an antidote to a crime he calls “bizarre,” and “troubling,” but he agrees that it was important to do something to put “good vibes back in the park.”

He hopes that the perpetrator turns him/herself in and gets some help.

“It doesn’t make sense,” said Vreeland. “As humans we want to know why and it’s not always possible.”

A $1,000 reward has been offered by the Minnesota Federation Humane Society. Call 612-866-8663 or 1-877-8ANIMAL.

“It’s an unspeakable act and we want to make people aware this happened and we’re not going to put up with it,” said Minnesota Federated Humane Society Paralegal Kate Murray.

“Our goal is to get the word out and see if anyone comes forward.”