8.h Mayors reportDate of Meeting October 15, 2019
To: City Council
From: Christine Maefsky, Mayor
• Everybody Belongs Inclusion Project
o this project is a joint effort of the Forest Lake Area Schools, surrounding cities,
and the YMCA to help ensure that our communities are inclusive for all
individuals and families. The project is offering a series of learning events
focused on bridging cultural differences, understanding dimensions of diversity,
creating awareness of cultural uniqueness, and recognizing opportunities for
inclusion. It is hoped that city officials and community leaders will attend. –
October 29th, November 12th, and November 19th, all 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. at the
Forest Lake High School
• Vinterlights!
o Plans are proceeding for the Vinterlights! celebration on Sunday, December 1st
with the agreement of the Lions to purchase lights for the community center
complex and pay for electricity to the center islands of the parking lot.
• Cinnamon Bun Day
o 500 cinnamon buns were given out to motorists driving through the Scandia
Village Center in honor of National Cinnamon Bun Day in Sweden and Cinnamon
Bun Day in Scandia. This was a joint effort of the City of Scandia, Gammelgarden
and the Lions Club.
• Lions
o the Lions passed a resolution for up to $2000 for purchase of holiday lights for
the city for Vinterlights!.
o the Lions passed a resolution for up to $475 for electricity to parking lot island
for lighting the lights.
• Lilleskogen Story Trail
o Wednesday, October 9th saw a very successful launch of the Story Trail at
Lilleskogen with a ribbon cutting and the excited participation of Scandia
Elementary first grade classes
o Thanks to Council member Ray and our Public Works staff for creating a
wonderful opportunity for youth engagement with the park
• Gateway Trail Bonding Request
The PURPOSE of the inclusion project is to ensure
that the Forest Lake Area is inclusive for all
individuals and families.
A JOINT PROJECT with the Forest Lake Area
School District, the YMCA Equity Innovation Center,
and surrounding communities.
OUTCOMES
Bridge cultural differences
Understand dimensions of diversity
Create awareness of cultural uniqueness
Recognize opportunities for inclusion
LEARNING SERIES
(all sessions held at Forest Lake Area High School Cafeteria)
October 29th, 6:00-8:30 p.m.- Unconscious Bias
November 12th, 6:00-8:30 p.m. - Dimensions of Diversity
November 19th, 6:00-8:30 p.m. - Cultural Lens
Child care will be provided for all sessions.
An Inclusion Project of the Forest Lake Area
Get involved.
For more information, contact:
Steve Massey, 651-982-8104
EVERYONE BELONGS