Dear Friends,
I hope you had a chance to get out and exercise your right to vote in our local elections this past Tuesday. Here's a quick update on some events from the past week, and events coming up in our community.
PAST EVENTS:
Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies
Last week, I had the chance to attend ribbon cutting ceremonies for Salon Jubilee in Apple Valley, and Scott Sutherlin Fitness in Rosemount. It's always great to see small businesses opening up in our community. We need to continue to pursue policies at the legislature that encourage entrepreneurs and prospective small business owners to expand and set up shop in our state, rather than creating higher costs and more red tape.
I hope you'll check out these businesses if you're looking for a salon or gym to join! You can see additional information and photos on my Facebook Page.
Town Hall Forum with MN-CCD
On Tuesday, October 29th, I participated in a forum hosted by the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities, called "Breaking Through Poverty." The forum focused on poverty among people with disabilities and those that care for them, and how we can better serve these communities.
Fellow District 57 legislators Senator Clausen and Representative Mack, as well as our neighbors in Eagan Senator Jim Carlson, and Representatives Halverson and Masin participated in this bipartisan event. It was a great discussion, and I appreciated the invitation. For more information on MN-CCD, please visit http://mnccd.org/.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
I wanted to share with you a letter I sent to our local papers in honor of Veterans Day, which is coming up this Monday, November 11th.
Thank a Vet this Veterans Day
Rep. Anna Wills, District 57B
Veterans Day is held each year on November 11th, and is a day to remember the service and sacrifice of all Veterans who have served in defense of our great country. Veterans Day was first proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919 on the first anniversary of Armistice Day, when major hostilities came to an end for World War I on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
Veterans Day became a legal holiday in 1938, and was expanded to formally include all veterans -- not just those who served in World War I -- by World War II veteran Raymond Weeks from Alabama in 1945. Veterans Day was known as Armistice day until Congress amended the formal holiday declaration from Armistice Day to Veterans Day in 1954.
Their story and their sacrifices are ingrained in the very founding of our nation having secured our independence during the Revolutionary War. Our veterans helped rid our nation of slavery, have defeated murderous dictators, and brought freedom to millions around the world while defending our shores here at home.
Without our nation's veterans, our country would look quite different than it does today. We owe our veterans and their families our eternal gratitude for their defense of our freedom and values here in America, as well as their sacrifices both personal and physical, as many living veterans still hold with them the scars from their service.
Take a moment to stop and thank a veteran this weekend. If you have a friend or family member who is a veteran, pick up the phone and give them a call. Even something as simple as a handshake, smile, and a greeting of thanks to a veteran in public can mean a lot. And I would like to say thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to all of the amazing veterans in our community. It is truly an honor to represent you in the Minnesota House of Representatives.
Free Coffee for Veterans this Saturday
Three Rosemount coffee shops will have free coffee for veterans on Saturday, November 9th, from open-noon, courtesy of Rosemount Beyond the Yellow Ribbon. Morning Glory's, Caribou Coffee, and Starbucks will all be participating. Morning Glory's opens at 7AM, and Caribou and Starbucks open at 6AM.
Veterans Day Event at Apple Valley High School
Apple Valley High School is hosting their 4th annual Veterans Day event to honor veterans in our community. The event begins with a social hour at 8:15AM with coffee and breakfast pastries courtesy of the Apple Valley High School student government, with the recognition assembly starting at 9AM.
Those planning on attending the assembly, but not the social hour should plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of the 9AM program.
For more information, please click here.
Free Membership Opportunity for Veterans
The Minnesota Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America is offering a free PSRA membership to Veterans. The PSRA is a great resource for public relations professionals, and offers returning vets a career resource toolkit that can help public affairs professionals who are transitioning from the military back to the civilian work force. For more information, please visit http://www.prsa.org/jobcenter/military/#chapter.
IN CLOSING:
As always, let me know if you have questions or comments about issues of importance to you. If you have not done so already, please "Like" my legislative Facebook Page and follow me on Twitter to stay up to date on what I'm working on in St. Paul and in the community.
Have a wonderful Veterans Day weekend and don't forget to thank a vet!
Sincerely,
Representative Anna Wills