From Pup Cups to Purpose

A joyful gathering rooted in justice, support, and community care.

A Note From Judith:

It was cold again Saturday. Brrrrr!

Chanhassen had 34 people standing side by side, Waconia had over 40, and in Chaska 382 of us gathered to enjoy donut holes, hot cocoa, pup cups, and, for the first time, the Resistance Singers.

The signs many of you bring are inspired, and I always look forward to seeing the new ones each week. Our volunteers love our pup protestors, and we always try to have pup cups ready as a special treat. When we ran out of whipped cream last Saturday, Winston (a big yellow lab) had to be gently dragged away from the refreshment table and back to his car.

Gratitude for Our Volunteers

I’m especially thankful to those of you who spoke with Yaz yesterday and showed your support.

Thank you as well to our security officer, Dan, who purchased supplies to create additional handicapped parking spaces when he saw the need. If you have a handicapped sticker, please connect with Dan so he can direct you. Let him know if we need more spaces.

Our newest blue-vest volunteer, Joe, makes sure the orange cones are placed at the end of the path so no one slips on ice, and he rings the cowbell! None of this would be possible without our volunteers showing up week after week.

Support Minority-Owned Restaurants

Many minority-owned restaurants in our area are hurting. Visiting them is one more way to build community and show support. (Did we miss any? Let us know in the comments.)

• Chaska:

  • La Hermosa,

  • The Golden Kitchen,

  • Edible India,

  • India Bar & Grill,

  • Chaska Thai,

  • Sake Sushi,

  • Chaska My Love

• Chanhassen:

  • Med Box Grill,

  • Jungle Kitchen,

  • Na’s Thai Café,

  • El Loro,

  • Thaliwala Indian Kitchen,

  • Kai’s Sushi,

  • Bonsai Korean

• Waconia:

  • El Loro,

  • Sizzle Street,

  • Taco’s Catrina

• Victoria:

  • Janie’s Tacos

• Mayer:

  • El Jimador

• Watertown:

  • La Catrina

• Shakopee:

  • Don Ramons Restaurante Mexicano

  • The Donut Hole,

  • Skylight Restaurant (Somali/Ethiopian)

Charlie shared this article about organizing “cash mobs,” and I love the idea. Is anyone interested in helping set something like this up?

Accountability and Advocacy

This past week, European countries took action regarding the Epstein files. Meanwhile, we still have over 1,200 known child victims and no meaningful accountability in the U.S. This is an issue people across the political spectrum should care about.

We need transparency and justice for every victim, and accountability for every person involved, regardless of party or position. Consider focusing your signs on this call for justice and protection of children.

ICE Activity & Community Support

ICE remains active in the area. There were 12 ICE vehicles reported in Shakopee yesterday, and at least one individual was detained. Many families are afraid to leave their homes to work.

Latino Voices is helping with hygiene and cleaning supplies, and I’ve updated the Amazon list. Toilet paper, paper towels, and floss are especially needed this week. You don’t have to use Amazon; Aldi’s and dollar stores often have great deals.

Donations can be dropped off at Sweet Salon in Chanhassen, at the protest, or at my house.

Chaska Protests

Every Friday from 3:00–4:00 p.m. at the corner of Chaska Blvd. and Chestnut Street (Highway 41) [Map]

Every Saturday from 1-2 pm at the corner of Hazeltine Boulevard and Highway 41 (Chestnut) [Map]

Chanhassen Protests

Every Saturday from 10-11 am at 7700 Market Boulevard [Map] Public parking is available behind City Hall.

Waconia

Every Saturday from 11:30-12:30 pm at Highway 5 and County Road 10 in front of the Starbucks and Jersey Mike’s. [Map]

Norwood Young America

Every Sunday, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. (Line up at the bike path south of 212 by Reform Street.)

SW Protectors

Every first and third Tuesday from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. It’s no cost and come and go as you like.

Please do buy something to eat or drink, though, to support our venue, which is The Bellows restaurant and it’s located at 232 Pioneer Trail in Chaska.