I write with two pieces of neighborhood news. Stop me if you've heard this already – but pass it on if you care about the vibrancy and well-being of one of the city's most unique neighborhoods.

I am a proud Cedar-Riverside resident, so perhaps I'm partial, but cultural landmarks are closing all around me. While it's too late to save some, there's still plenty of time to support the organizations that remain.

Read on. Help out two organizations who make the West Bank what it is. And then head to Palmer's for a drink with the books you bought at May Day...after eating dinner at The Wienery...or Kilimanjaro Cafe...you get the point.

1. North Country Co-Op closes Sunday, November 4

The North Country Co-Op is closing on Sunday after 37 years of operation. Sadly, Minnesota's oldest co-op is closing its doors because it can't afford to stay open.

Stop by the co-op before Sunday. Make one last visit, stock up and say goodbye to an important piece of neighborhood history.


2. Hard Times Café, closed since August, still needs your support!

While they were planning to re-open in September, Hard Times Café is still closed for renovations. The collective is experiencing a much longer timeline and series of delays in order to comply with the Minneapolis Department of Environmental Health's mandate for renovations.

For a small business like Hard Times, each day the café is closed is more than just money lost. The cafe is closed during their busiest time of year. Worker-owners have been out of work for too long. One worker, Brian Monroe, is undergoing treatments for cancer without health insurance.

When Hard Times re-opens (likely by November 17), we need to make sure they can afford to stay open. I will spread the word when I hear news of their re-opening and subsequent benefits for the café and for Brian Monroe.

In the meantime, visit their MySpace page and donate what you can.

ALSO, old City Page article for those interested in Hard Times history.


Support local business. Keep our neighborhoods alive. The world does not need another Starbucks or Jimmy John's. Please.

Peace,

Nikki