We’ve got what you need right here in Camden
We see it every month in the Camden News: “Support local businesses.” But what are the benefits to you and our community? Camden offers a variety of businesses such as coffee houses, restaurants, auto repair stations, hardware stores, a pharmacy and veterinarian to serve your needs. You don’t need waste time and gas money to drive to the suburbs to get what you need. We also have three park recreation centers, a regional park, library, a strong art community and burgeoning theatre group.
The Camden Community was included in the Crossroad Resource Center’s (www.crcworks.org) Urban Economic Studies, which notes that “in these studies, covering 13 lower-income Twin City neighborhoods studied so far, a net total of $650 million EACH YEAR has been tracked flowing out of the neighborhoods as residents purchase daily essentials.” Camden residents are spending time and money to drive to other areas to buy products or services that you can get here in Camden. In effect this is money not spent strengthening our local economy.
In addition to the economic benefits to our community when we buy local, there are advantages to patrons with personalized service the moment you walk in the door, the savings in fuel as opposed to driving to a Lowe’s or CVS in the suburbs for a hammer or prescription, not to mention some originality on the menus of local eating establishments when compared with the typical fare at suburban chain restaurants. We have it here!
Recently when starting a painting project I realized how close I was to being brainwashed by the “big box” mentality. Discovering there were several items I was missing when preparing to start my project, I was irritated at the idea of driving out to a suburban Home Depot, hiking through a large warehouse and trying to locate help, when it occurred to me that Camden Hardware Hank is only blocks from my home. I was provided assistance as I barely crossed the store’s threshold and was home painting within a half hour. A savings of time and gas, and it made me feel good to support a local vendor.
Of course we’ll continue to patronize services outside our community. But it’s worthwhile to look in our own backyard as we may not be aware how convenient, unique, or personalized the service is that local businesses offer. Let’s reacquaint ourselves with some of our business neighbors and amenities.
We have two great hardware stores on both ends of Camden. North End Hardware (Penn and Lowry, 612-529-9151). In business over 60 years, owner Darryl Weivoda says what makes them unique from the large chain hardware stores is that they stock items for older homes (i.e., Camden homes) that are harder to find. Or if all you need is a washer for your faucet, they have that too and will help assemble it if you bring it in.
Camden Hardware Hank (48th and Lyndale, 612-529-1579) if that’s closer to home for you — has been in our community over 40 years, Andy Lang is the third owner. They repair screens, so if Rover tears through the screen door when greeting the mailman, bring it in!
If you were to ask a neighbor where to take your adorable pet for its healthcare, Camden Pet Hospital (44th and Girard, 612-522-4374) is the #1 choice for many. A member of the community for almost 30 years they continue to provide a caring and safe environment for our furry and not-so-furry friends!
Need a prescription filled? Go to Carlson-Camden Drug (42nd and Fremont, 612-522-3634). In business for over 90 years, pharmacist Tom Johnson says they still provide free prescription delivery. In addition to what you might expect at a typical drug store, this one also has a small post office, so if you forgot to mail your sister that birthday card, you can buy the card there as well as the stamp and mail it too!
Don’t feel like cooking? Try Papa’s Pizza and Pasta (42nd and Thomas, 612-521-PAPA). Owners Mick (Papa) and Kris Brogan have added outdoor seating to the delight of customers at a restaurant where the décor is attractive and tasteful, and the food fresh and delicious! With a menu that includes many house specialties, Kris informs me that the East Coast Tomato Pie (I tried it and love it!) and cheesecake are very popular.
Or there’s Rix Bar & Grill (44th and Penn, 612-588-2228) owned by Camden residents Chris and Karen Massoglia. Recently remodeled with more windows and an outdoor terrace, Rix’s menu offers an eclectic mix from appetizers and great burgers to pan-seared salmon depending on the mood you’re in.
The place to go where everyone knows everyone’s name is Emily’s Café (44th & Oliver, 612-522-4146). Catch up on all the news while enjoying a hearty home cooked meal. And don’t forget Tootie’s world recognized hamburgers at Lowry and Upton, or the best home cooking at Top Diner, 4330 Lyndale. Don’t drive to the burbs to get ‘fast’ food when you can get great food fast right here in Camden. And for that cup-o-joe we’ve got great coffee houses — check out Camden Coffee at 44th and Humboldt, (they also have entertainment) or Steamworks Coffee and Tea at 44th and Penn.
Does your child have a summer reading list? Then don’t forget Webber Library (612-630-6640). Call to ask about programs or for assistance in locating a particular book.
Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Centers – in addition to summer programs, each center hosts family events (free or for a small fee, call the individual center for more information):
Creekview (50th and Humboldt, 612-370-4965) has an ice cream social on July 19, 6-8:30 pm and a Halloween Haunted House on October 31, 6-8:30 p.m.
Folwell (on Dowling between Humboldt and James 612-370-4917) hosts a hip hop dance and poetry party for all ages on July 12, 3-4 p.m., Cleveland Park Festival August 26, 5-7 p.m., the annual Dog Days September 23 (call 612-521-2100 for info), and a safe alternative to trick or treating on Halloween October 31.
Webber (44th and Dupont 612-370-4916) don’t miss the really big Summer Celebration on August 10, 6:30-9 p.m. or the Halloween event on October 31.
Concerts at the Victory Flagpole include the Big Band Concert on July 20, 7-9 p.m. and Cool Music on a Hot Night on August 8, 6:30-9 pm.
Kroening Interpretive Center (49th and Mississippi Court 763-694-7693) offers a multitude of programs and special events like Tram Rides Along the River September 10, various times, the Heritage Day Event on September 30, 3-7 p.m., Kids’ Camping Day October 14, 1-3 p.m., and Pumpkin Patch Possibilities on October 28, 10-11:30 a.m. and 1-2:30 p.m.
Many Camden’s businesses have served us for a very long time and in ways you may not be aware of. They participate in the planning of and/or sponsor community events. They also support other local businesses by using their services, buying their products, or simply having lunch at a neighborhood restaurant. They create job opportunities and improve our community with increased activity that helps curb crime, making our community an attractive and viable part of the city as a whole. If we fail to support our local businesses we run the risk of losing them (like Kowalski’s Market).
So the next time you want entertainment — check out Camden Civic Theatre and make an evening of it with dinner at Papa’s Pizza, Rix or one of Camden’s other great eating establishments. Perhaps take the family to one of the park events or concerts. Or if you need a key made, a bottle of aspirin, or your kitty’s feeling blue consider a visit to one of the businesses listed above. At the current high cost of fuel think of the money and time you’ll save by sticking close to home. And if you have a good experience, don’t keep it a secret – tell 10 people!
Editor’s note: more Camden amenities coming up in future issues.