Across Our Cities, Neighbors Are Showing Up

Reflections from the protests, vigils, and memorials across our communities

A Note From Judith:

Community Turnout & Vigil

This Saturday saw a wonderful turnout across our communities:

• Chanhassen welcomed over 140 people,

• Waconia over 90, and

• Chaska more than 850, plus llamas!

I hope they brought you as much joy as they brought me.

The vigil Saturday night at Lake Waconia was beautiful, filled with singing, love, and hope. We all need to continue to feel hope, and the Saturday protests do that for me every week.

Memorial Visits & Community Response

After the protest, I visited the memorial sites for both Alex and Renee. I’m not sharing photos, because none of them do justice to what I saw.

I drive to Minneapolis often, at all times of day, and I regularly see people standing alone or in small groups on bridges and overpasses holding flags or signs calling for ICE to leave. Posters with Renee’s and Alex’s faces are visible on buildings, and many neighborhoods have taken matters into their own hands, forming barricades so ICE cannot enter.

Fire pits, coffee, and camaraderie bring neighbors together to protect friends and family. Community is being built in real time.

The sites of the murders are close together. So close. Both are filled with flowers, teddy bears, photos, religious artifacts, handwritten notes, candles, and more. The mood is solemn and peaceful.

I urge you to visit, take a moment, and reflect on what is happening.

ICE may be trying to rip people apart, but what I see is people coming together.

After visiting the memorials, I encourage you to support local businesses; places like the Midtown Global Market and others in the area that are struggling.

Supply Drive This Saturday

We are planning a supply drive this Saturday for Latino Voices and Bountiful Baskets.

• Chaska will be hosting,

• Waconia is also participating,

• I’m still waiting to hear from the Chanhassen organizer and will update you as soon as I do.

I’ll share the most up-to-date needs list on Friday. Please place items for Latino Voices and Bountiful Baskets in separate bags, as they go to different locations.

Current Needs Lists

Latino Voices currently needs:

• Children’s ibuprofen (not Tylenol)

• Vitamin D gummies

• Adult Tylenol

• Conditioner

• Diaper cream

• Kleenex

• Toilet paper

• Lotion

• Toilet bowl cleaner

• Regular-absorbency menstrual pads

At this time, regular diapers and baby wipes are not needed, but adult diapers are, including those for adults and teens with special needs. Recommended options include FitRight Ultra (Amazon), which works for all genders.

Also needed:

• Disposable underpads

• Ninjamas nighttime underwear

• Adult wipes (e.g., NorthShore Supreme)

• Moisture barrier creams for incontinent adults and teens (e.g., Calmoseptine)

Bountiful Baskets is requesting:

• Spices

• Hearty soups

• Crackers

• Ready-to-eat meals

• Canned chicken, tuna, and salmon

• Canned pineapple and mandarin oranges

• Coffee

• Masa corn

• Flour and sugar

• Cereal, and similar staples

Upcoming Gatherings

• Tomorrow: Join us at The Bellows at 6:30 PM (details below) for a fun, relaxed get-together—good food, laughter, and connection. Please sign up so we know how many to expect.

• February 24: Trivia Night at Golden Kitchen, with prizes!

Moving Forward Together

We have another week ahead of us.

To those protecting our communities through rapid response teams; to those volunteering; to those emailing officials, calling government offices, and supporting neighbors and friends: Keep going.

Remind people that the Epstein files should have put many in handcuffs, yet those responsible continue living freely. Remind them that voting rights are under direct attack, that we are fighting for democracy, and that media suppression is happening where free speech once defined this country.

Minnesota is holding the line.
We are holding the line.

Chaska Protests

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]

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.