July Newsletter, 2020

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A newsletter of the District 1 Community Council. Battle Creek | Conway  | Eastview | Highwood It's been a busy couple months and we want to update you on what we're doing to serve our residents. In May and June, we: Hosted a Peace Vigil to bring community together and supported a Peace Celebration in the afternoon on the same day. Thanks to all who showed up and donated to the east side. Assisted The Sanneh Foundation in a large food distribution event on June 17 at Harding High School for approximately 400 families. Established a bi-weekly produce distribution through Sanneh for Afton View residents. Are working on hygiene and healthcare items collections and distribution for the Highwood area. Completing our first year of Youth Organizers where we help young people learn how to tackle community issues. Launched a weekly meeting of St. Paul organizers and outreach staff to share ideas and resources. Wrapping up our grant year of funding from CURA that allowed us to increase our renter outreach in the southeast community. Welcomed four new board members to our work; Sue Mitchell, Erika Taylor, Melissa Alexson and Francis McAfee. Resource Page   Find the resource page on our website with information about food, housing and more. Each day, we also share resources and information on our Facebook and other social media pages. Please call 651/578-7600 or email if you need assistance.   Southeast Farmers Market The new OWC Farmer's Market has a soft opening on Friday, July 3, and the "official" first day is Saturday, July 4 outside Seestedt's at 1891 Suburban Ave, St. Paul. The Market will run every weekend from 6:00 am-6:00 pm. Please plan to wear masks and follow proper COVID distancing practices. Visit Our Local Parks - Win a SECO T-Shirt In St. Paul, 99% of our residences are within a 10-minute walk of a park. Our city ranked third in the nation for park access. The city has 264 parks, and this doesn't include Battle Creek or Pig's Eye Regional Parks.  We're inviting you to visit each of our SECO Parks and Preserves this summer! Complete the worksheet, return it to us and qualify to win one of three new Southeast Community Organization t-shirts in your size.   The deadline to submit your completed worksheet is Friday, August 31! Want to buy a t-shirt or other Southeast gear? Find the link on our website. Census News If you haven't already, please complete your Census and remind your friends, families and neighbors to as well. The U.S. Census Bureau recently announced the winners of the first 2020 Census “Get Out the Count” Video Challenge. Click on the link to read more and see the other videos. Absentee Voting for the Primary Elections Ramsey County residents can now vote for the August 11 party primary elections. Residents  can request a ballot by mail or vote in person through August 7 here: Weekdays 8 am-4:30 pm at the county elections office, 90 W. Plato Blvd. Weekdays from 10 am -4 pm at the Ramsey County Library in Roseville, 2180 Hamline Ave. N; or at the New Brighton Community Center, 400 10th St. NW Find out who the candidates are where you live Nominations for the 2020 Facing Race Awards You may submit a nomination in recognition of an adult or youth who is working to promote racial equity and anti-racism efforts in Minnesota. Nominations are open until July 2 at 3:00 p.m. Up to six individuals will be selected and recognized on October 1 at the virtual Facing Race Awards ceremony. Met Council 2040 Transportation Plan The 2040 Transportation Policy Plan 2020 Update (TPP) presents the Metropolitan Council’s policies and plans to guide development of the region’s transportation system. The Met Council is receiving public comment on the draft update to the 2040 Transportation Policy Plan until 5 p.m. on Monday, August 10. To comment:   Fill out this online form Email public.info@metc.state.mn.us Record a comment on the Public Comment Line at 651.602.1500 (TTY 651.291.0904) Write to Met Council, Public Information at 390 Robert St. N., St. Paul, 55101. Check Facebook and Twitter for questions about the transportation system’s future. Ramsey County Economic Competitiveness & Inclusion Strategy Ramsey County is leading the development of a comprehensive economic development strategy, centered around equitable growth and strengthening economic competitiveness. Led by the County with the help of a suite of local and national consultants, the plan will consist of in-depth analysis of the County’s economy. Follow this link to read more and take a community survey. Upcoming Meetings Land Use Committee: July 6, 6:00-7:30 pm  (1st Mondays) Communications Cmte: July 13, 6:00-7:30 pm  (2nd Mondays) Board Meeting: On-line via Zoom, Monday, July 27, 6:00-7:30 pm Contact us if you would like to attend and we will send you the link. Submit information and events to betsy@southeastside.org.