Earthquake Relief Efforts

Ecuador suffered a significant earthquake on April 16, with devastating loss of life and property damage, and the country is currently in a state of emergency. This event is of particular concern to the many Ecuadorians who live and work in Ward One. To learn more about fundraising efforts, visit https://www.gofundme.com/minnesotaporecuado.

1st Ward Community Meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 8: Shoreham Yards

You’re Invited to a 1^st Ward Community Meeting To discuss a development proposal for Shoreham Yards

Tuesday, October 8, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.Columbia Manor, 3300 Central Avenue NE

The MN Cycling Center has expressed serious interest in making Shoreham Yards the home of their proposed multi-purpose velodrome, sports facility and event center. They are exploring the site where the Roundhouse is located, adjacent to Central Avenue. We hope you will plan to attend and meet with representatives from MN Cycling Center to learn more about their plans and their organization’s mission. All are welcome to this family-friendly event and a light meal will be served. Please RSVP to 612-673-2201 or kevin.reich@minneapolismn.gov.

Meet the First Ward Interns

The First Ward office welcomed two student interns this summer: Najma Omar and Lanee Johnson. Najma, who will be an Edison High School senior this fall, had the opportunity to work with the City’s Intergovernmental Relations department, assisting with the visit of a delegation from our Sister City Ibaraki, Japan. This experience will be a good complement to her plans to pursue a degree in International Relations.

Lanee was a senior at Edison this past year and an active member of their Voyager program, working with the Chamber of Commerce. During her Ward One internship, she and Najma developed a public safety brochure for National Night Out. She also had the opportunity to sit in on a variety of City Council and Committee meetings. Lanee will be attending North Dakota State University this fall, with plans to pursue a Political Science degree.

Save the Date:

“Little Shop of Horrors” Thursday, March 7 – Friday, March 8, 7 p.m., & Saturday, March 9, 2 p.m., Edison High School, 700 22nd Ave NE.  Edison theater production of a comedy/horror rock musical about an alien plant that tries to take over the world. A benefit for the upcoming Senior Lock-In Party, sponsored by the Tommie Boosters/Edison Parent Group, will follow the Saturday matinee. Gardening Matters 9th Annual Community Garden Resource Fair Saturday, March 9, noon – 5 p.m., Metropolitan State University, St. Paul. The Gardening Matters Resource Fair offers opportunities to learn about the many resources available to home and community gardeners. For further information and to register for the resource fair, go to www.gardeningmatters.org. NE Mpls Royalty Sock Hop Saturday, March 9, 6 – 9 p.m., East Side Neighborhood Services, 1700 2nd St. NE.  Come dressed in 50’s wear for food, music and games. $5 admission includes dinner and dancing. New socks are being collected for Sharing and Caring Hands. NE Network Thursday, March 14, 7:30 – 8:45 a.m., Eastside Food Co-op’s Community Room, 2551 Central Ave NE. This month’s topic is “Affording Healthcare”. RSVP to nenetwork@eastsidefood.coop. Waite Park Spring Gala Saturday, March 16, 7 – 11 p.m., Cedars Hall at St. Maron Church, 602 University Ave NE. This PTA-sponsored event benefits Waite Park School and includes local food, beverages and a silent auction.  Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Visit Waiteparkpta.blogspot.com for tickets and information. 9th Annual Hotdish Revolution Sunday, April 21, 4 – 7 p.m., Cedars Hall at St. Maron Church, 602 University Ave NE. www.facebook.com/HotdishRevolution Metro Blooms Raingarden Workshop Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.,  Audubon Park Recreation Center, 1320 29th Ave NE. This City of Minneapolis sponsored workshop will explore the latest in healthy yard care practices and raingarden design. Cost is $15. To register, visit www.metroblooms.org or call 612-699-2426. Spring WingDing Saturday, April 27, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Audubon Park Recreation Center, 1320 29th Ave NE. This annual Audubon Park neighborhood celebration will include games, activities, food, arts-and-crafts demonstrations and more. Art-A-Whirl Friday, May 17 – Sunday, May 19. http://nemaa.org/art-a-whirl