Sunday, February 21, 2021

3 Ways to Get Involved in The Rice County DFL


I first got involved in the Rice County DFL back in 2004. I attended my first precinct caucus, conventions, and meetings. At each event I learned how to get more involved and I did.

The Rice County DFL (Democratic Farmer Labor) Party is the organizing party unit within Rice County for the Minnesota Democratic Farmer Labor Party.

Our party unit is organized and ran by all volunteers. We work year round to organize, engage DFLers and support DFL candidates in Rice County. Our activities range the gambit from fundraising to registering voters. 

There are numerous ways to get involved in the Rice County DFL and we welcome all involvement.

Here are 3 ways to get involved:

1. Attend our monthly meeting.
    - Meetings take place normally on the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 PM and are held online 
       via Zoom.
    - E-mail us if you'd like to attend:  ricecountydfl@outlook.com 

2. Help organize your precinct.
    - We have precinct leaders who are working on building teams and community in precincts.
    - Help organize your precinct by joining a team!
    - E-mail us for more information:  ricecountydfl@outlook.com 

3. Sign up to receive our ACTION Newsletter.
    - We send out our newsletter throughout the month with various opportunities to get involved.
    - To sign up send us an e-mail:  ricecountydfl@outlook.com


We welcome all to be involved. Feel free to contact us with any thoughts, questions, or concerns. We'd love to hear from you. E-mail:  ricecountydfl@outlook.com 

Shawn Groth
Chair, Rice County DFL


Saturday, February 20, 2021

The Week That Was

 


As I reflect on "The Week That Was", the words and feelings that come to mind are:  Community, Neighborly, Unity, Helpers, etc.

The above quote from Mr. Rogers is so fitting for "The Week That Was". 

Texas

Our thoughts are with our friends and neighbors in Texas. Lives have been lost, people are struggling for bare necessities - it's truly a disaster. And the quote above came to life with what's happening in Texas.

It's easy to say "It's not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem." This part of Mr. Rogers' quote was given life by Texas Senator Ted Cruz who fled the snowstorm and devastation with his family and literally left the country. Then when pressure was put on him - he came back early and blamed his children for his total disregard for those in his state who were struggling and dying.

And then there were "...those who see the need to respond." The "heroes".

There was Beto O'Rourke who organized volunteers to make more than 784,000 wellness calls to senior citizens and others around the state of Texas.

There was Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez who raised over $3 millions for Texans who are suffering.

"We hit $3.2 million in assistance for Texans across the state just last night," Ocasio-Cortez said at the Houston Food Bank Saturday morning. "I think this shows that New York stands with you, but the whole country stands with you."

But besides the "big names", there are regular folks who are stepping up to help as well.

Jim McIngvale, who goes by "Mattress Mack" is known to open his furniture stores to those in need. So when the snowstorm hit and many were left in the cold, hungry and needing water - he opened some of his showrooms and invited hundreds in for warmth, food, drink and a place where they could rest.

Locally

Locally, this past week - we've seen Mr. Rogers quote in action too.

Faribault Senator John Jasinski lived up to the "It's not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem." part of Rogers' quote as he continued his campaign to divide Minnesotans by declaring that tax payers dollars shouldn't go to help Minneapolis and St. Paul recover from the riots of last Summer. He continued to pit rural Minnesotans vs. metro Minnesotans. And his supporters are joining him - here's a sampling of Facebook comments on Senator Jasinski's posts:

"They made the mess they need to clean it up! They elected to inept people that run the city."

"Oh hell no. They made their bed and now they have to sleep in it!"

"No bail out!!! They allowed it to go on, they can live with it"

Senator Jasinski is the definition of a total hypocrite.

When a tornado hit Faribault the State of Minnesota - all Minnesotans came to the aid of Faribault. And Senator Jasinski wasn't shy about asking for state funds to help in the recovery effort of Faribault and surrounding areas, as he should've.

I was in Faribault that night with our Central Committee holding our monthly meeting. We were less than a mile from where the tornado touched down. It was hard to see a community I love, support, and grew up in and around be savaged by the tornado.

It was great to see the outpouring from all Minnesotans and the State Government to help Faribault recover.

Now some will argue it was different because it was a natural disaster. Well, I would argue that the folks who were affected whether by the tornado or by the rioting - the innocent business owners, families and residents who were affected would see no different in their damage. They were all hurt by something that was out of their personal control.

As Minnesotans we take care of each other. We take care of our neighbors - no matter what. That is the true spirit of the North. The true spirit of our state that we love. 

There is no place for those who want to divide us for political reasons. There's no place for the mind set of "It's not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem."

We're in this together. No matter your political beliefs - when we see our neighbors needing help, we help them. Period.


- Shawn G.


Friday, January 15, 2021

Minnesota DFL supply drive



With Martin Luther King Jr. Day just around the corner, the Minnesota DFL is hosting a supply drive to help those in need! Dr. King’s work on economic justice had one main idea: that all people should have what they need to live. 

Join us for a day of service and help contribute to Dr. King’s mission! All materials collected will go to St. Stephen’s Human Services and Simpson’s Housing Services. Both organizations work to house and support people experiencing homelessness. They all need our help to support participants in their programs and guests in their shelters! 

Here’s what you need to know: 
Time & Date: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, January 18, 2021 
Location: MN DFL at 255 Plato Blvd., St. Paul, MN 

 To help protect folks from COVID-19, please wear a mask and practice social distancing when dropping off donations. We ask that you please stay home if you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19. 


 We can’t wait to see you there as we all support Dr. King’s vision, St. Stephen's Human Services and Simpson’s Housing Services!

Saturday, June 20, 2020

Rice County DFL - July 2020 Meeting



Join the Rice County DFL at our monthly meeting (Central Committee). 
All DFLers are welcome to attend.

When: 
Thursday, July 9, 2020
6:30 p.m. - Meeting Starts

Where: 
The meeting will be held virtually via Zoom (online).
Please e-mail us at:  ricecountydfl@outlook.com
To participate in the meeting.


Lawn Signs





Hello Everyone,

Well it's that time of the year. Lawn signs have begun popping up.

If you'd like any of the DFL (Democratic Party) Endorsed candidates' lawn signs - please fill out this request form:  https://forms.gle/igwmtkd9Q7Y3cPrq5

Lawn signs will be delivered as they become available.

Thank you in advance for supporting our local candidates!

Friday, January 3, 2020

2020 Rice County DFL Precinct Caucus Locations



WHEN:

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Registration Opens:  6:30 p.m.
Precinct Caucuses Start:  7:00 p.m.


WHERE:

Not sure what precinct you live in?
Click here and follow instructions to find out:
https://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us


Faribault Middle School
(Cafeteria)
704 - 17th Street West
Faribault, MN 55021

 Precincts meeting at this
location:

Cannon City Township
Faribault P-1
Faribault P-2
Faribault P-3
Faribault P-4
Morristown City
Morristown Township
Nerstrand City
Richland Township
Wallcott Township
Warsaw Township
Wells Township

Wheeling Township

***

Northfield Middle School
(Multiple Rooms - See Below)
2200 Division Street South
Northfield, MN 55057

Precincts meeting at this
location:

Bridgewater Township (room 162)
Dennison City (cafeteria)
Dundas City (cafeteria)
Northfield W-2 P-1 (room 160)
Northfield W-2 P-2 (room 161)
Northfield W-3 P-1 (room 163)
Northfield Township (room 171)

***

* NEW LOCATION *
St. John’s Lutheran Church
(St. John’s Hall and Commons)
500 3rd Street West
Northfield, MN 55057

 Precincts meeting at this
location:

Northfield W-1 P-2
Northfield W-4 P-1

***

St. Olaf College
Buntrock Commons
(Black & Gold Ballrooms)
1520 St. Olaf Avenue
Northfield, MN 55057

Precinct meeting at this location:

Northfield W-4 P-2

***

* NEW ROOM *
Carleton College
Weitz Center
(Cinema)
320 3rd Street East
Northfield, MN 55057

Precincts meeting at this
location:

Northfield W-1 P-1

***

* NEW LOCATION *
Trondhjem Lutheran Church
7525 Garfield Avenue
Lonsdale, MN 55046

Precincts meeting at this
location:

Erin Township
Forest Township
Lonsdale City
Shieldsville Township
Webster Township Precinct 1
Webster Township Precinct 2
Wheatland Township

Sunday, September 29, 2019

8th Annual Hotdish Dinner, Cook-off and Dessert Contest Fundraiser



WHEN:
Sunday, October 6th, 2019

4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Social Hour with Music by Bonnie and the Clydes

5:00 p.m.
Dinner, Hotdish/Dessert Judging, Program, Speeches & More!

WHERE:
Northfield Ballroom
1055 Highway 3
Northfield, MN  55057

SUGGESTED DONATION:
$15.00 per person
$25.00 per couple
FREE - kids 12 and under
Everyone is welcome regardless of ability to pay.

JOIN US FOR:
Guest Speakers including:
candidates, elected officials, and other dignitaries.
Music by Bonnie & The Clydes
Hotdish & Dessert Campaigning
You're the Judge - Hotdish and Dessert!
Live & Silent Auctions
And much more!!!
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY EVENT:
Biodegradable Plates and Utensils (forks, spoons, etc.)
Composting by Northfield Curbside Composting