Boozhoo! Hello District 7 residents, businesses, and friends!
Welcoming the Spring Equinox
As we transition into spring, we recognize the Spring Equinox as a time of renewal, balance, and gratitude for the gifts of the environment. Many Indigenous traditions honor this shift in seasons with ceremonies and gatherings that celebrate the return of growth and change in the natural world.
For the Anishinaabe, this time is marked by Ziissbaakdoke Giizas—the Sugar Moon—signifying balance, healing, and the beginning of the maple sugar harvest, often regarded as the Anishinaabe new year. This is a time to give thanks for the gifts of nature, especially water, which nourishes new life. One tradition involves pouring maple syrup over snow, a simple yet meaningful way to honor the season’s renewal.
For the Dakota, this season is known as Waníyetu Iyáwapi Wi, the Spring Renewal Moon. As the snow melted, Dakota communities would move to higher ground in preparation for seasonal changes. It was a time of transition, growth, and renewed connection to the land.
As we welcome longer days and the promise of new beginnings, may we take a moment to reflect on the deep connection between the changing seasons and our communities.
Miigwech, or thank you, for this opportunity to serve you.
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P.S. We hope you will share newsworthy items with us. Please feel free to send event invitations, updates or photos you would like us to share to my Principal Assistant, Kathleen at kathleen.murphy@co.ramsey.mn.us.
AND if you ever need assistance with a county issue or service, my door is always open. Please reach out if we can be of help in any way. I look forward to serving all the residents of Maplewood, North Saint Paul, and White Bear Lake to the best of my ability.
 Garrison McMurtrey was sworn in on February 24th as the first Black man to serve on the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners. McMurtrey won the special election in district 3 following the resignation of Commissioner Trista Martinson.
 Meet the full 2025 Ramsey County Board
From left: District 6 Commissioner Mai Chong Xiong, District 1 Commissioner Tara Jebens-Singh, District 2 Commissioner MaryJo McGuire, District 5 Commissioner Rafael Ortega, District 3 Commissioner Garrison McMurtrey, District 4 Commissioner Rena Moran, and District 7 Commissioner Kelly Miller.
 From the National Women’s History Alliance (NWHA):
We proudly established March as National Women’s History Month, ensuring diverse women’s voices and contributions are recognized and celebrated. Since 1980, when NWHA (then the National Women’s History Project) successfully advocated for the recognition of Women’s History Week, we have been amplifying the stories of all women who shaped history. In 1981, Congress passed a resolution officially establishing the week, with President Jimmy Carter issuing a proclamation. By 1987, NWHA’s continued efforts led Congress to expand the recognition to the entire month of March, creating the National Women’s History Month we honor today.
As we reflect on our roots, we invite you to join us in supporting, protecting, and amplifying diverse voices in history – ensuring that women’s history remains visible, valued, and celebrated for all generations.
For 2025, the National Women’s History Alliance (NWHA) proudly presents the theme “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.”
This theme celebrates the collective strength and influence of women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship, and leadership. Through their efforts, they have served as an inspiration for all generations — both past and present.
IMPORTANCE & RELEVANCE
Throughout history, the process of information sharing has been a powerful catalyst for change. An honest, open examination of new insights and knowledge can create a framework for collaboration. This, in turn, promotes the well-being of groups, businesses, communities, and society as a whole.
From classrooms to boardrooms, and from grassroots movements to global initiatives, women educators and leaders have played a pivotal role in nurturing minds and inspiring transformative action.
Our 2025 theme spotlights the contributions women have made to the American educational system, the free marketplace of ideas, and the very fabric of our democracy.
CLICK HERE for more information
 Kelly with her kids at the Kindergarten Library Card Party in Maplewood on February 8.
 At the Missing & Murdered Indigenous Relatives March on February 14.
 Along with Commissioner Tara Jebens-Singh, toured the Parks & Rec facilities with Director Mark McCabe.
 Above: Commissioner Miller asking Senator Amy Klobuchar about the federal funding for the R&E Center's anaerobic digester during the National Association of Counties' (NACo) Legislative Conference earlier this week.
Below: Six of the Ramsey Commissioners met with Congresswoman Betty McCollum about many federal issues that affect Ramsey County residents.
Here's something we should all know about...
Before 2020, around 14,000 mattresses were disposed of at the R&E Center annually. At the R&E Center, mattresses are shredded to recover metals, with the remaining material either processed into refuse-derived fuel or landfilled.
R&E began developing strategies in 2020 to collect mattresses BEFORE they arrive at the R&E Center to get them to reuse or recycling outlets. The aim of these efforts is to create a cost-effective and convenient solution for residents in Ramsey and Washington counties to reuse or recycle mattresses instead of throwing them away.
In 2021, R&E started working with Second Chance Recycling to offer mattress recycling options. Second Chance’s process can capture up to 96% of mattress materials to be recycled. Since the inception of the partnership, Second Chance has recycled over 10,000 mattresses from residents in the two counties. To date, R&E has invested over $270,000 to assist municipalities and multi-unit residential properties in making mattress recycling services available to their residents.
Above: Kelly touring the R&E Center with Executive Director Trista Martinson.
 Many Faces of the White Bear Lake Area are excited to invite you to participate in our upcoming Native American Celebration, a vibrant event that celebrates and honors Indigenous culture, art, and community.
Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Mariner Middle School, White Bear Lake, Minnesota
This Celebration aims to honor and highlight the rich traditions of Native communities through art, crafts, performances, storytelling, and more. We are seeking talented vendors and performers to share their skills and creativity with our attendees.
The Celebration will feature Native American artists, educators, and vendors and will culminate in a ceremony honoring Native American students in the school districts of Mahtomedi, White Bear Lake, and surrounding communities, particularly those who will be graduating in 2025.
This event is hosted by Many Faces of the White Bear Area in partnership with the White Bear Lake School District American Indian Education Program and the Mahtomedi School District Native American Parent Advisory Committee, with funding from the Minnesota Humanities Council.
 Bring household goods and clothing in need of repair (three item limit). Please bring any tools and supplies you think might help. Events are first come, first serve.
Saturday, March 22, 2025 (10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.)
Last items accepted at 1 p.m.
Saint Paul Public Library - Saint Anthony Park
2245 Como Ave., Saint Paul
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If you know of events happening in Maplewood, North Saint Paul or White Bear Lake, please let us help you share the information! Send details and any graphics to Kathleen HERE.
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