3rd Ward News with Council Member Michael Rainville: Week of June 27

Weekly Update from Julianna

Hello Ward 3,

This week has revolved around going in and out of meetings; in a way it’s been my introduction to the aspect of professional communication. Living in a society that is so reliant on secondhand sources of the media it’s easy to get lost in perspectives and take for granted the impact of meeting the source head on through proper conversation. This week I’ve gotten the pleasure to join a Sheridan Neighborhood meeting, a meeting with Claudia Kittock the Chair of Be that Neighbor Charity, and a meeting with Unidos MN.

With the Neighborhood Board Meetings I’ve gotten to witness how no board is quite alike, similar to how no community is quite alike. Although the boards themselves follow a similar structure to one another they alter their topics of interest, motives, & goals based on the needs of their specific neighborhood. Although it may seem like a statement of the obvious it’s certainly a refreshing sight to see, as people of all different occupations, lifestyles, & orientations come together to collaborate for the benefit of the neighborhood. Some topics that were noted ranged from assigning funding to areas of need, to coming up with creative events to unify the neighborhood in a fun matter.

Following a track of neighborhood engagement was a meeting with Claudia Kittock who is the Chair of Be that Neighbor Charity. The charity is an organization dedicated to creating a stronger more inclusive community through utilizing programs of music, arts, wellness, and education while defying social and economic divides. Claudia herself has proven to live out this mission in more ways than one as aside from being a board member she has proven to be a mentor to first generation kids who haven’t been granted the necessary education and opportunity to make ends meet. She has taken it upon herself to grant them with access to the resources necessary to achieve a stable future. With the collaboration of Council Member Rainville, they are working to find jobs suited for these kids with goals to provide them with all the training needed, currently they’re looking into utilizing the Building Strong Communities apprenticeship program which offers training and access to well-paying careers for adolescents entering adulthood.

In alignment with community build-up comes the aspects of environmental build-up and to address these matters we had a meeting with Unidos MN. This organization focuses on the matters of advancing social, racial, & economic justice to all while also strengthening immigration, education, & environmental justice. In this meeting the topic of discussion was on the environment, and what needs to change in Minneapolis in order to live with clean air. The goal is to weatherize every home and transition to clean energy, rather than the current fossil fuels that are one of the main causes of pollution we are experiencing. So far, 888 homes have been weatherized with the organization. However, the hope is to achieve this throughout all of Minneapolis which will take time and greater funding. If a cleaner and more environmental friendly Minneapolis is something you would like to see, make sure to check out the organization and see where you can help. Overall, through witnessing all these amazing people, organizations, and boards at work, I can safely concur that things in Ward 3 & Minneapolis are moving in the right direction for the future generations, and as an adolescent myself that is one of the best things to hear.

Message from Council Member Rainville

Hello to all my 3rd Ward neighbors,

It was a very exciting week in the 3rd Ward as our dynamic communities continue to build social connections and discussions thrive. What does that statement mean? Let me explain:

On Saturday, Siwek Lumber, located on Marshall St. NE and Lowry Ave., celebrated the opening of their newly remodeled retail hardware store. Third generation owner Tom Siwek proudly gave me a tour of the new selection of power tools and hardware. Tom also introduced me to his children who, as fourth generation business owners, are already bringing fresh ideas and energy into the family business.

Other activities this week included meeting with the leader of the Minnesota Trade Unions to understand how I can help recruit young adults into its apprenticeship program. I am working with Claudia Kittock from the Mill District who is helping youth from the West Bank find careers.

At the Sheridan Neighborhood board meeting we continued planning for the rebuild of 13th Ave NE into a pedestrian-friendly street that showcases the Ritz Theater, amazing restaurants, and gateway to the river.

At the St. Anthony East Neighborhood ice cream social I marveled at how the board has increased resident participation, especially the many new families with young children. We had a beautiful night at Webster Elementary.

I want to give a big thank you to Unidos volunteers for their participation in continuing the City’s effort to weatherize homes in low-income communities via the new utility franchise fee and their thoughtful ideas on addressing industrial polluters in Minneapolis.

As we go to press on Friday, it’s not too late to bring your dog to the annual Northeast Dog Parade this evening. This fun event, hosted by the East Bank Neighborhoods Partnership, starts at the corner of Main St. and E Hennepin at 5:30pm.

Next week has no committee meeting as the Council is moving back to City Hall from our temporary offices. Therefore, there will not be a newsletter next week. I hope you all have a wonderful 4th of July and are able to enjoy the fireworks show along the riverfront in the 3rd Ward.

Your neighbor,

Michael