Leroy Leftwich: Ward One Public Health Hero

As part of the City of Minneapolis' celebration of National Public Health Week in April, Council Member Reich had the opportunity to award Leroy Leftwich (pictured at right) with a Public Health Hero award for his work teaching young people how to bike and ski.

Mr. Leftwich works with low-income, minority and immigrant students at Pillsbury Elementary School. Every year through Pillsbury's celebrated Pedal Power program (which has also been a Public Health Hero award-winner), he teaches basic biking skills to 30 or so nine and ten-year-old kids who may never have previously been on a bicycle. He is also head ski coach and instructor for Pillsbury's 4th grade class and assistant ski coach for the 5th grade class. Several student members of Pillsbury Pedal Power biked down to City Hall with Mr. Leftwich for the Awards ceremony.

Mr. Leftwich truly embodies our City's health goal of "Thriving Youth and Young Adults" as he opens new worlds for these children.

Hitting the Road with Pillsbury Pedal Power

This past April Council Member Kevin Reich and Minneapolis School Board President Jenny Arneson had the opportunity to join Pillsbury Pedal Power leaders and students on one of their regular rides.

Pillsbury Pedal Power won a Public Health Hero Award in 2014. Pedal Power students learn how to ride and maintain their bicycles and how to maneuver safely on a variety of routes. Leaders and instructors Mark Trumper, Susan Tuck and Leroy Leftwich also offer important education about healthy eating, hydration and other aspects of an active lifestyle. The students in this program combine bicycling fun with a number of community service projects, including such events as a Boom Island clean up.

NE Showcase

Come take a closer look at the Public Schools in Northeast Minneapolis. If you are pondering your child’s school options or just want more information about what public education in our community has to offer, be sure to attend this fun event on Saturday, November 13, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Edison High School Community Gym, 700 22nd Avenue NE. There will be plenty of free activities for parents and kids. The following schools will be represented:

• Edison High School (9-12)
• NE Middle School (6-8)
• Marcy Open School Magnet (K-8)
• Pillsbury Community School (PK-5)
• Sheridan Arts Magnet (PK-8)
• Waite Park Community School (PK-5)

As an added bonus, the newly relocated Morris Park Players will be performing “Annie” on the Edison stage at 2 p.m. on November 13. Watch for Edison students and staff in the cast. For further information about tickets and reservations, call 612-724-8373 or reserve online: http://www.morrisparkplayers.org/tickets/ Come for the Showcase, stay for the show!