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Embracing the Beauty of October and Staying Safe this Halloween
Dear Residents,
As October unfolds we have seen the temperature changing and confirmation that autumn is upon us. Autumn brings a season of shorter daylight and cooler temperatures. It's a time of pulling out your sweaters and even a coat. With that I find myself inspired by the vibrant tapestry of colors that paint our streets and parks. This month, nature itself becomes an artist, and the canvas it uses is nothing short of breathtaking. The crisp air, falling leaves, and the aroma of pumpkin spice are unmistakable signs that autumn is in full swing.
However, as we embark on this season of festivities, it's essential to keep safety at the forefront of our minds. Halloween is a time for fun and togetherness, but it's also important that we ensure the well-being of our community, especially our children. Here are a few tips to make this Halloween as safe as it is enjoyable:
1. **Stay Visible**: Whether you're out trick-or-treating or driving, visibility is key. Add reflective elements to costumes and carry flashlights to be seen clearly.
2. **Be Mindful of Traffic**: Always use crosswalks, and be aware of your surroundings when crossing the street. Motorists, please drive cautiously and be on the lookout for pedestrians.
3. **Check Treats**: Before indulging in your Halloween treats, make sure they are from a reliable source. If something looks tampered with, err on the side of caution.
4. **Respect COVID-19 Guidelines**: Depending on the situation, please follow local health guidelines related to gatherings and mask-wearing. Let's ensure our festivities are both fun and safe.
5. **Respect Your Neighbors**: Be considerate of your neighbors' preferences. Not everyone may celebrate Halloween, so keep noise levels in check and avoid disrupting others.
I wish each of you a delightful October filled with laughter, joy, and the magic of the changing season.
Warm regards,
Rena
County Board Workshops
Most weeks, our County Board meets to discuss specific policy issues and receive updates from County Departments and Service Teams in our Board Workshops.
Workshops and discussions are held on Tuesdays and are open to the public. These take place at the Saint Paul City Hall and Ramsey County Courthouse in Suite 220 (2nd floor). You can find the schedule for all upcoming board meetings, workshops, and discussions sessions below.
Recent workshops include: look up all of workshops and place here:
You can access video recordings of the meetings as well as the materials shared by clicking here.
You can watch upcoming workshops live by clicking here.
Link To; https://30kft.art/about/
30,000 Feet is an afterschool support and arts program. I had the honor of attending their groundbreaking ceremony for their permanent location on the eastside of St. Paul.
30,000 Feet believes in learning through doing. They offer hands-on, project-based learning to engage and inspire students of all levels and backgrounds.
Collaborating has been the key to success for 30,000 Feet working with schools, public institutions, and businesses to secure resources that enhance students’ learning opportunities. 30,000 Feet's out of school program is an academic support extension that provides culturally appropriate assistance to K-5 students from over 20 schools.
They use various evaluation methods from students, parents, tutors, and Saint Paul public schools, to collect real -time data. 30,000 Feet's services generate an estimated return of $3.10 for each dollar invested.
The groundbreaking ceremony for 30,000 Feet's permanent location was a reminder that when we invest in our youth, we are investing in the future of our community. By providing students with the tools, support, and opportunities they need to succeed, we are building a brighter tomorrow for all.
Link To; https://ujamaaplace.org/
Recently, I had the privilege of visiting Ujamaa Place and engaging in a meaningful conversation with the remarkable young men in their program. Along, with connecting with the new CEO, Christopher Crutchfield.
Ujamaa Place provides holistic transformation opportunities for young Black men experiencing inequity at the intersection of race and poverty and helps them achieve brotherhood, stability and personal success. Located right here in District 4, Ujamaa Place is dedicated to helping young men facing significant life challenges to rebuild their lives, find purpose, and become productive members of society. Ujamaa Place has five pillars of support in education, housing, employment, justice advocacy and family restoration.
At Ujamaa Place there are several ways you can make a difference:
Mentorship: Consider becoming a mentor to a young man in the program. Your guidance and support can have a profound impact on their journey.
Volunteer: Ujamaa Place often seeks volunteers to assist with various initiatives and events. Your time and skills can contribute to their success.
Support: Whether through donations, job opportunities, or community advocacy, your support can help provide resources and opportunities for the young men at Ujamaa Place.
Spread the Word: Help raise awareness about the incredible work being done at Ujamaa Place. Share their story with friends, family, and colleagues.
Our community has a vital role to play in supporting the young men at Ujamaa Place. My visit to Ujamaa Place was a reminder that every individual has the potential for transformation and redemption.
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Indigenous Peoples Day is a federal holiday that is celebrated on the 2nd Monday in October. To recognize and acknowledge American Indians as this country’s original people. I had the honor of presenting the Indigenous community with a Ramsey County Proclamation at the American Indian Magnet School on the eastside of St Paul. Ramsey County recognizes Indigenous Peoples Day as an important time to celebrate the rich culture, tradition and history, and to acknowledge the harm of America to their ancestors and celebrate the important contributions of America’s original people. It is also an opportune time to educate the general public about the severe challenges American Indians have faced both historically and presently. They have worked to conquer these challenges, their history is recognized and we salute their culture and achievements. It was an awesome, festive evening!
The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners declared Oct. 10 Indigenous Peoples Day.
Link To; https://ramseynet.us/content/county-board-state-minnesota-proclaim-oct-10-indigenous-peoples-day
National Hispanic Heritage Month is annually celebrated from September 15 to October 15 in the United States for recognizing the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. Wikipedia
During my visit to the (CAT) Team Group meeting, I observed honest discussions about the far-reaching impact of lack of accountability, improving behavior and family support. By sharing experiences and feelings, parents and the youth gained a deeper understanding of real issues at hand and exploring proactive solutions. Emphasizing the importance of a family approach to healing, empathy and restoration.
Parents and the youth were offered guidance, accountability and support, recognizing the importance of building a nurturing environment for these youth to create better outcomes for them and our community. The efforts are centered on creating opportunities for justice-involved youth to move towards a path of positive change.
The group is partnered with Ramsey County Attorney's office. Also, it is being facilitated by Dr. Charles Morgan from an evidence-based, trauma informed perspective. The session allows justice-involved youth, parents, and (CAT) Team members, to come together to address the challenges of changing behavior and building a positive family environment. The intent of the group is to prevent the youth from being repeat offenders. Safety happens in many ways, the session is one example of an attempt at this.
I stopped by the Midway YMCA to attend a women's community support group led by Ramsey County officials and judges. This gathering exemplified the incredible strength that emerges when our community comes together to support and uplift one another.
The women's community support group, spearheaded by dedicated Ramsey County representatives and esteemed judges, is a testament to our district's commitment to fostering growth, resilience, and inclusivity. It's a space where women from diverse backgrounds come together to share experiences, wisdom, and strength.
The women in the group, regardless of their individual journeys, demonstrated unwavering resilience and a profound sense of sisterhood. It was evident that this support network had become a lifeline for many, offering a safe space to discuss challenges, celebrate achievements, and seek guidance.
The presence of our local judges in this community support group was particularly impactful. It showcased their dedication to not only upholding justice but also actively participating in our community's well-being. They took on roles not just as authorities but as mentors and allies, offering their expertise and wisdom to help these women navigate life's challenges.
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It is also National Disability Employment Awareness Month, commemorating the many and varied contributions of people with disabilities to America’s workplaces and economy. In recognition of the important role people with disabilities play in a diverse and inclusive workforce, the theme for 2023 is “Advancing Access and Equity.”
 October is Manufacturing Month
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The manufacturing industry is a critically important part of Minnesota’s diverse economy. The industry contributed $58.7 billion to Minnesota’s economy in 2022 and made a wide range of products to improve people's lives such as medical devices, food, recreational vehicles and more. Last year, workers took home $24.9 billion in wages from Minnesota manufacturing jobs making an average annual wage of $76,950. Minnesota has a high demand for job seekers to work in manufacturing positions, making it a strong career path choice. Minnesota is also expected to see more than 75,000 job openings for manufacturing production positions through 2030.
Check out the many manufacturing career exploration opportunities, job fairs and other events taking place around Minnesota.
Download and share these resources:
Read about up-to-date manufacturing labor market conditions in regions across Minnesota
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 Funds available for employers to provide reasonable accommodations
The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund (ERAF) creates a central fund where small to mid-sized Minnesota employers can request reimbursement for expenses related to providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants and employees with disabilities. The ERAF's purpose is to encourage employment of people with disabilities by reducing any perceived or real financial barriers.
Learn more.
A few things that may help.
1. Families with at least one minor child in need of emergency shelter should call the United Way’s Helpline and Crisis Line for a prescreen at 651-291-0211
2. If a family is currently unsheltered, they can also call Ramsey County’s Homeless Services Team directly during business hours at 651-266-7818
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