 Hello all,
Sending you New Year’s greetings! I hope you're all finding creative and safe ways to manage the virus and the cold. As we navigate this newest Omicron chapter, I continue to be amazed by the ways we have adapted to keep each other safe - from virtual meetings to embracing Minnesota winters by socializing outside. I’ve included some local outdoor opportunities below if you’re looking for ideas to stay active and safe in the weeks to come!
As the new year began, County Board members received their committee assignments. I am honored to serve on the:
- Legislative Committee of the Whole, Chair
- Active Living Ramsey Communities
- Community Action Partnership of Ramsey & Washington Counties, Alternative
- Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative
- Metro Library Services Agency (MELSA) Board of Trustees
- Metro Transportation Advisory Board (TAB), Alternative
- Ramsey County Extension Committee
- Ramsey County League of Local Governments
- Recycling & Energy Board
- Saint Paul Children's Collaborative
- Suburban Ramsey Family Collaborative - Joint Powers Board
Our office has also gained a new employee! I’m excited to announce that Cate Duin has joined the District 2 office as my Principal Assistant. Prior to joining Ramsey County, Cate served in Refugee Services at Lutheran Social Service and Intergovernmental Relations at the City of Minneapolis. Cate has a bachelor’s degree from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa and a master’s degree in Political Science from McGill University in Montreal. Cate enjoys cooking, local music and spending time with her partner Seth and beagle mix Lumi. Please feel free to say hi to Cate at Caitlyn.Duin@ramseycounty.us.
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My physical office remains closed for in person meetings, but my office will continue to serve constituent needs that come up, and will be available via phone (651-266-8359) or email (district2@ramseycounty.us) to answer any inquiries you may have.
I wish you the very best as we start 2022! Please stay safe and take care of yourselves,
Mary Jo
 Health Care in Ramsey County
Our County Board designated January as Health Care Month to honor the crucial work of our health frontline workers. Did you know that there are over 35,000 health care professionals working in our County? Thank you to all of you who work to keep us healthy and have saved countless lives.
We also hope to draw attention to the many employment opportunities in the health care field. If you’re looking for rewarding work with great advancement opportunities, please check out our online career fair.
You can learn more about health care job openings, schedule interviews, and receive job coaching through January 31 at our online job fair. You can login and get connected at any time.
 Get Vaccinated or Boosted for COVID-19
Keep yourself, your family, and your community safe by signing up for a COVID-19 shot. All those over 5 years old are now eligible. Bonus - kids ages 5-11 can receive a $200 Visa gift card when they get fully vaccinated. Learn more about how to get a free vaccine at Ramsey County Community Sites.
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Exposed to COVID-19? Get Tested and Stop the Spread
With the surge of cases created by the Omicron variant, testing has become even more important.
New Test Site in Ramsey County
A new testing site is now open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2-6 PM at the Frogtown Community Center in St. Paul.
Free tests through the State
Did you know that the State of Minnesota has free, walk-up or appointment testing available at locations across the metro? Find a location here. This month, Governor Tim Walz also announced he plans to provide $40 million in new funding to expand COVID-19 testing.
Free tests through the Federal Government
As of January 19, every household in the United States can also order four free tests from the federal government by visiting COVIDtests.gov.
Other ways to access testing
There are other options, too. Find out more about where you can go for testing here.
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 Public Hearing for Proposed Revised Park Ordinance on February 8
Ramsey County is in the process of updating our park ordinance. So far, in-person and virtual community engagement has been completed. The Board of Commissioners has reviewed those results and given policy direction.
Read the proposed revised ordinance here.
There is another opportunity to make your voice heard! The Board has set a public hearing date for the proposed revisions on February 8 at 9 AM. If you would like to share feedback, please join us by completing the comment registration form or by contacting the Chief Clerk’s Office at 651-266-8014.
 Get Outside in Ramsey County!
Cabin fever happens to the best of us this time of year! Join us in embracing winter by putting on your winter gear and getting outside in Ramsey County.
Any day you like (30 min before sunrise, 30 min past sunset): Take a hike! Strap on your boots and take yourself, your family, or your dog on a walk and soak up nature by accessing our County's six regional trails and more. FREE!
Anytime until late Feb/early March: Explore the Ice Castles at Long Lake Regional Park. Visit and explore tunnels, caverns, towers, fountains, slides and crawl spaces built entirely from icicles that are grown on site, harvested, and hand-placed by professional ice artisans. Tickets may be purchased.
Feb 5-6: Winter Recreation Sampler at Keller Regional Park - Golfview. Experience kick-sledding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sledding and more. FREE!
Have more ideas for getting outside this winter that you'd like to share? Email us at District2@ramseycounty.us.
 Cuddle Up with a Good Book and Ramsey County Libraries' Winter Reads
It is that time of year! Ramsey County Libraries invite you to enroll in the Winter Reads program. What's the goal? Winter Reads is meant to help busy adults remember the magic of reading during our cozy winter months.
Even more, if you read four books, you will be signed up for a chance at a grand prize! Enroll now, brew some tea, grab a blanket, and get reading.
Upcoming Events in the District
Jan 28 - Candlelight Snowshoeing in Roseville at Cedarholm Community Building
Jan 28 - Community Bonfire and Luminary Walk in New Brighton at Hansen Park
Feb 1 - All About Seeds: Master Gardener Class through Little Canada
Feb 13 - Harriet Alexander Nature Center Open House - Year of the Tiger Celebration |
