Union of Youth

The Northfield Union of Youth held its final mayoral open house at the Key on Sunday August 24th. Paul Hager, Lee Lansing, and Jim Schlichting attended the event and each took turns speaking to the audience and answering questions. A large array of topics were covered including issues specific to The Key, transportation issues, property taxes, noise pollution, and the future of Northfield. There were some great questions asked and some equally wonderful discussions generated as well. Many youth helped set up and attend the event.

The Key’s August 17th Mayoral Open House went on without a hitch. About 15 adults and 7 youth were present for the event. Jon Denison, Mary Rossing, Dave Hvistendahl, and Eduardo Wolle all spoke for about 5-10 minutes each on why they should be elected as mayor. Youth issues were included in all of the candidates’ platforms and a slew of other topics were brought up as well. Candidates and “spectators” then mingled for about 45 minutes and ate and drank a wide variety of refreshments present at the event. Those cherry tomatoes were pretty darn good and they came from the Key’s plot at the Northfield Community Garden by Greenvale School. Heirloom tomatoes were given to all the candidates at the event. I must be hungry. Voter registration forms and info were are also present at the event along with info on the NUY’s Youth Platform. The photo shown was taken by Susan Hvistendahl (Dave’s sister) and the Northfield Union of Youth wishes to make clear that we do not endorse or wish to promote any candidate. I forgot my camera and Susan was kind enough to send me some shots. My guess is that Susan will be voting for her brother in the primary (:

The Northfield Union of Youth through much hard work and effort pulled off the Mayoral Speed Candidating event at The Grand from 2:00-4:30pm on Sunday August 10th. Youth from the community were in more abundance than adults at the event, although everyone was invited. Candidates and “daters” talked about youth issues (Key building space, skatepark, drug rehab for youth, programming, etc.), urban sprawl, future projects, the economy, and a slew of other topics. The forum was excellent for talking to candidates and getting a feel for their positions, and The Key would highly recommend this approach in future races with a large amount of candidates. Mayor Lee Lansing, Mary Rossing, Eduardo Rolle, David Hvistendahl, and James Schlichting showed up to the event and seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves. Paul Hager had a prior commitment and Jon Dennison was too ill to attend. A big thanks to Amy Merritt for taking such a commitment to the event and of course to all the youth that organized, staffed, and attended the event. WOW! The Key also tabled their VOTE YOUTH platform and had a table for registering to vote and signing up to be an election judge.

Adults (and youth) have another chance to show they care about their future mayor by attending one of the future Sunday mayoral open houses at The Key. THIS SUNDAY the 17th at 3:00PM the KEY will be hosting a “meet n’ greet” open house mayoral shindig with snacks, beverages, and the following candidates: Dave Hvistendahl, Mary Rossing, Eduardo Wolle, and (probably) Jon Denison. We will do it up again on the 24th (3:00pm) with Paul Hager, Lee Lansing, and James Schlichting. Just show up and listen to the candidates talk for 5-10 minutes and when the candidates are done you can go and talk to them one-on-one. Do you care about the environment, highway sprawl, future projects, the liquor store, energy sustainability, city taxes, youth issues, etc.? Well show up and ask/talk to them about your issues. Also - The Contented Cow will be hosting events as well on Thursday nights. Click here for information.

You can email northfieldunionofyouth@gmail.com for any additional questions.

We’re kicking off the beginning of a long series of summer concerts with a CD release concert from Paul Johnson (of Autophobia fame) from West Fargo. Paul will be playing at the Key starting on July 11th at 7:00pm, with a few of his good friends. Only $2 entry, and only $1 if you bring a canned good, and Paul’s CD ‘Sleepless’ will be sold. Chuckles and giggles will be plentiful, as will fanastic music by our good friend Paul Johnson.

Youth Board President Marie Fischer and Youth Board extraordinaire Kellen Kirchberg held their first art gallery showing on Friday January 4th and Saturday January 5th at Grezzo Gallery. Both artists were mentored by local artist Nick Sinclair and utilized Grezzo Gallery throughout this ongoing mentorship (a big thanks to Steve Delwiche for the use of Grezzo). A big shout out to the wonderful people of Women in Northfield Giving Support (WINGS), a major grantor of Main Street Mentors.

 Another success story! As part of Mainstreet Mentors, Kellen Kirchberg and Marie Fischer have been mentoring under Nick Sinclair for half a year. To celebrate their work, Grezzo is holding an art show and reception for Kellen and Marie. The recpetion will be held at Grezzo Gallery (located on Bridge Square), January 4th from 6-9pm, with the show continuing only until Saturday. Bring your posh, artsy self and be prepared to have your right brain blown out your ear by the creativity you shall soon behold. Hors d’oeuvres will be served.

Have fun in Bolivia, you will be missed.

If you’ve ever considered running for a position on the coveted Youth Board of the Key, now is your chance! We’ll have many positions for the board, plus a spot for President and Vice President. Plan for speeches and bring your lucky ‘voting sweatband’; June 6th will be a day of paramount significant in Key history.

Scotty Barvir(Prez)
Jena Fredrick(VP)
Ruth Amerman
Addy Payne
Will Oney
Zane Anway
Andy Hartin
Madelyn Hartke
Mike Kleve
Joey McGowan
Schuyler Huber
Kellen Kirchberg
Marie Fisher
Gerrit Duys
Andi (Asia)