Lakeside FUNdraiser
Jul 29, 2008 Event
Fundraiser at the home of Mike Thorsteinson 20110 Geneva Ct. Faribault, MN
Dennison Days Pancake Breakfast
Jul 25, 2008 Event
All you can eat pancake breakfast under the Main Street Tent in Dennison.
“FIRST” Grants
Jul 19, 2008 News
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is soliciting proposals from public, private, or non-profit entities engaged in workforce development, economic development, or education for a second round of FIRST (Framework for Integrated Regional Strategies) grants. Applications are due by August 27. DEED will award four FIRST grants in the amount of $50,000 each. This announcement is posted on their website.
The purpose of FIRST grants is to support new or existing collaborative networks of economic development, workforce development, education, and private business leaders who set and achieve strategies that grow the region’s economy. DEED will award four grants by September 12, 2008 for a time period of up to 18 months from the grant start date of October 1, 2008. The agency contact for more questions is Shelley Landgraf at Shelley.landgraf@state.mn.us , or by phone 651-259-7580.
Immaculate Conception church festival
Jul 19, 2008 Event
Community and conversation in Lonsdale at the Immaculate Conception Church Festival at 116 Alabama St SE
Kick-Off Event for Re-election
Jul 18, 2008 News
On Sunday, July 13th, I launched my bid for re-election as representative of the people in Minnesota House district 25B. About 50 people attended my kick-off event hosted by Bob and Suzannah Ciernia of Northfield in their beautiful, backyard garden. Supporters were treated to lemonade and root beer, cheese and crackers, an assortment of olives, and of course my signature trademark – freshly baked pies.
The highlight of the three-hour event was the appearance of Senator Amy Klobuchar. After just arriving from Washington, she treated us with amusing stories of her early days in Washington. Sen. Klobuchar, who voted for the passage of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act, told how exciting it was when Ted Kennedy returned to the Senate for the first time since being diagnosed with a brain tumor, to vote in favor of the Act. Once again his booming voice echoed within the halls of the chamber and his presence caused nine Republican Senators to switch their vote in favor of passage.
Representatives Patti Fritz (26B), Carolyn Laine (50A), Shelley Madore (37A) and Paul Thissen (63A) were some of the invitees that attended along with our own Senator Kevin Dahle. Later in the evening, after several people had left unfortunately, Franni Franken, wife of DFL candidate Al Franken, dropped
by and offered her support. She is an engaging woman who reminisced about her and Al’s days in New York writing for SNL and confirming what we already know, Al’s commitment to all Minnesotans.
As I start my campaign for re-election I continue to meet more and more people who are concerned about the state of our environment. They see their way of life slipping through their hands because of the rising costs of gas and health care. These two factors have a devastating effect on our farmers and small business owners as well as all Minnesotans. We in the Legislature will address these problems, along with a host of other issues, in the upcoming 2009 Legislative session. As Bob Ciernia reiterated, “Paul Wellstone said that we all do better when we all do better. That means a great deal to me and it means a great deal to David. That’s why I support David Bly.”
My sincere appreciation goes to Bob and Suzannah for their warmth and hospitality in hosting this event. I offer my gratitude to Sen. Klobuchar and Franni Franken and all the other representatives that attended for their support and I look forward to working with them in the future. And finally, I extend my appreciation to my campaign staff who are working so hard in organizing my bid for re-election.
Lonsdale Grande Parade
Jul 15, 2008 Event
Help Lonsdale celebrate Community Days at the Grande Parade.
Webster Harvest Days Parade
Jul 15, 2008 Event
One of Minnesota’s ONLY Parades with an airplane fly-over!
Asset Based Community Development
Jul 15, 2008 News
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is seeking up to eight communities (a geographical community, a neighborhood, a county, groups of organizations, or any combination) to engage in asset based community development (ABCD) efforts leading to economic growth and prosperity.
As part of the grant, SMIF will provide up to $15,000 for community projects along with training and coaching. SMIF’s asset-affirming approach, called the Town Meeting Initiative (TMI), puts a strong spotlight on collaboration, local assets, and creativity that generates long-term change. “Through TMI, we encourage communities and organizations to draw on their own assets to create change rather than looking to ‘outside experts’ for answers and assistance,” states Tim Penny, SMIF President & CEO.
TMI uses asset mapping as a tool for understanding community resources and engaging residents in developing a shared vision. Currently 23 communities within southern Minnesota are TMI partners. These communities are identifying and achieving goals, learning about and leveraging their assets, developing volunteer leaders, and experiencing increased citizen involvement.
SMIF believes that communities have many existing assets that can and should be recognized and aligned to support growth and vitality. SMIF is looking for TMI applications focused on one or more of the following key areas:
· Engaging Elders – Engaging older citizens in paid employment or volunteerism related to SMIF’s business and workforce interest areas
· Experiential Career Education for Youth – Providing opportunities for non-college bound students to succeed in the workplace
· New Immigrants – Capitalizing on the assets of new immigrants in the workplace and/or as entrepreneurs
· BioBusiness – Growing bio-medical, bio-agriculture and renewable energy business
· Entrepreneurs – Growing local entrepreneurs
Communities are invited to send a letter of intent (email preferred) to Elise Davis (elised@smifoundation.org) by July 15, 2008 noting the focus area(s) and reason for their interest in TMI . TMI applications are due by August 15, 2008 ; selected communities will be notified by September 15, 2008. For more information or to obtain a Town Meeting Initiative (TMI) application, contact Elise Davis and 507-455-3215 or visit our website.
