Hi Friends,
I’m checking in after a meaningful Thanksgiving with family and friends and taking a moment to reflect with gratitude on the trust you’ve placed in me to represent you in Washington. This is the most gratifying job I have ever had, and I could not be more hopeful about our future. In the spirit of gratitude, I spent my week connecting with Minnesotans who inspire me…
LISTENING AND LEARNING
On Saturday, nearly 300 Minnesotans came out for my fifth town hall meeting. Many of you shared perspectives and actionable ideas, and Brooklyn Park Mayor Jeff Lunde delivered welcoming introductory words. The willingness of this community to invest time and energy into thoughtful policy conversations makes this job a joyful one.
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| If you weren’t able to join us in Brooklyn Park on Saturday, click here to watch a video of my fifth town hall. |
COMING TOGETHER WITH GRATITUDE
On Monday in Chanhassen, I was honored to stand with Mayor Ryan, Carver County Commissioner Workman, State Representative Boe, State Representative Morrison, State Senator Osmek, and community members as we kicked off Thanksgiving week by celebrating our appreciation for our first responders. I’m so thankful for fellow Americans of all colors, religions, beliefs and backgrounds who risk their lives everyday to keep us safe.
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| These Chanhassen Elementary School students helped kick off an evening of thanks and appreciation for our first responders |
INSPIRING EDUCATORS
I also had the opportunity to get outside with Jen Heyer’s Wilderness Wednesday class at Cedar Ridge Elementary School in Eden Prairie. Jen is the deserving recipient of a 2019 EPA Presidential Award for Innovation in Environmental Education. By bringing her classroom into nature and designing a curriculum with a sense of adventure, she creates new opportunities for students to thrive and learn. Our teachers are tasked with inspiring the next generation of leaders, and our entire community owes them a debt of gratitude.
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| Click here to see more photos from my visit to Wilderness Wednesday in Eden Prairie |
HOT MEALS, WARM HEARTS
As the first snow of the Minnesota winter hit on Wednesday, I joined some hearty Meals on Wheels volunteers to deliver warm Thanksgiving dinners to seniors in Plymouth. If you’ve never experienced the joy of sharing compassion and companionship with members of community through Meals on Wheels, I can’t recommend it enough – grab a route, meet your neighbors, and spread some cheer.
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| I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Dorothy and Suzanne’s places as I helped kick off the holiday season with Meals on Wheels |
My offices in Minnesota and Washington will reopen for regular hours on Monday, December, 2nd and my team will be hosting mobile office hours in Maple Grove on Wednesday, December 4th. During the holiday season and all year round, let’s work together to make gratitude an American attitude.
Keep the faith and keep in touch,
Dean Phillips
Member of Congress