April 16, 2020 Do you have a friend who's stuck inside? Email them this link so they can get their city and community news through City Beat. It's great for staying connected, and it only takes a minute to share. Thank you! ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Bring Out Your Brush

New Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturdays, 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. 1873 Bench Street

Even with spring weather being elusive this week, many of us are ready to get outside and clean up our yards. After careful consideration, the City Council approved a limited re-opening of the Waste Campus to residents for yard waste and brush drop-off. Please note that ONLY yard waste and brush are accepted; all other materials including garbage, recycling, and electronics will not be accepted. Read up on the temporary changes by giving this press release a quick read or call 651-385-3658 before you head out.

What You Can Do Here's how to help now during COVID-19

--PROVIDE FOOD: Donate to the Red Wing Area Food Shelf. They're in special need of cereal, pasta, canned fruit, sloppy joe sauce, stew, chili, and diced tomatoes. Income requirements have been dropped so anyone is welcome who needs the service. --DONATE FUNDS: Donate to the local United Way COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund before May 1 and the WINGS Foundation will double your donation up to $10,000. Funds go to non-profits that directly assist our neighbors who've been most affected by COVID-19. Donate online here, use the drive-through at Merchant's Bank, or write a check to the United Way Covid-19 Fund, 413 West 3rd Street, Red Wing. --MAKE MASKS: Mayo Clinic Health System now requires everyone to wear masks on their property, and they're taking your homemade donations for visitors, patients, and staff not involved with direct patient care. Find all the details here on how and what to make. --HELP LOCAL BUSINESSES: Buy gift cards or order take-out and curbside delivery--these services are still available at many restaurants and retail stores. To see the most up-to-date list on what's open, go to the Chamber of Commerce website. When you want a dose of community spirit and see the friendly faces of the shop owners you miss, visit Downtown Main Street's Facebook page, the Chamber's Facebook page, or go to your favorite spot's individual site.

Virtual Earth Week Celebrating 50 Years of Earth Day

Keep an eye on the City's website for the full Virtual Earth Week schedule coming soon!

This year, April 22 marks 50 years of Earth Day! The Red Wing Sustainability Commission has teamed up with local organizations to host Virtual Earth Week 2020, from April 22-28. Each day will celebrate a different theme and fun ways to get involved, including bingo with the Red Wing Park Naturalist, movies from the Wild & Scenic Film Festival, and virtual hikes with Friends of the Bluffs. You'll find new ways to appreciate and protect our planet and get involved with the click of a mouse. Schedule coming out soon.

No Detail Overlooked A Memorial Park Update

After feedback received from residents during a 2019 open house on Memorial Park's new overlook design, City Council approved the design of "Concept 4," a new model which features unobstructed views, more seating and green space, and a new parking area connected by a trail. During the April 13 City Council meeting, Council members voted unanimously to approve the newest design with the addition of one more parking space.  Get a sneak peek  and see what you think of Memorial's new overlook spot.

Red Wing Will "Be the Light" for Students

Wingers of every age are missing their extracurricular events. To show support for all our students in whatever activity they participate in, the Red Wing School District and City of Red Wing are lighting up the high school's Russ "Cougar" Marshall Field and the Red Wing Athletic Field for 20 minutes and 20 seconds every Monday night at 8:20 p.m. until graduation day. As part of the statewide "Be the Light" movement, the lighting shows support for our students, especially our seniors, and reminds us better days are ahead when we can cheer, support, and high-five again.

Red Wing's HeART

In response to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, art organizations all around Red Wing have teamed up to form the Artistic Response Team (ART). ART works to provide the Red Wing community with art in all its forms, from art projects to education , as well as share resources with the many artists who call Red Wing home. Keep up with ART as it continues to develop more programs and see how you can get involved.

Listen in as Mayor Dowse discusses ART with local organizations.

Virtual Magic School

Calling all apprentice magicians! The Magic of Isaiah returns (virtually!) to the Red Wing Public Library for two magical Saturday livestreams on April 25 and May 2 at 10 a.m. Here's how to watch: Search for Red Wing Public Library Virtual Magic School on Facebook and request to join the group. Check the page for updates and tune in on both Saturdays (or watch later) to learn some magic!

Jefferson Plan on Pause

This uncertain time has brought a lot of changes--and that includes the Jefferson School project. For now, the applicant proposing to renovate the school has withdrawn his zoning application from the Advisory Planning Commission review process. The original proposal aimed to transform the 1917 school into rental units for mid-range income levels. While its future is a bit unclear right now, Jefferson's sturdy foundation will keep it standing strong until the next step comes along. We'll keep you posted.

A New Kind of Donation at the Library

Next week, the Red Wing Public Library is hosting a new kind of donation drive--a Red Cross blood drive. Due to COVID-19, the need for all blood types has risen dramatically, and those who are able to donate blood are encouraged to do so. Donating is safe and social distancing is observed throughout the donation process. If you have questions, please contact the Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS (733-2767).

Thursday, April 23 & Friday, April 24 Public Library: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

City Meetings Go Virtual

Never miss another meeting! Watch the video to see how.

For a while, meetings are going to look a little different ( watch this week's City Council meeting to see just how different). But getting involved is easier than ever. If you have something you'd like to share during the Public Comment period of a meeting, you can contact the board or commission's Staff Liaison by email or telephone. How? Head over to the calendar on the City's website and click on the meeting where you want to submit a comment. Questions? Call 651-212-3812.

We'll Save You a Seat (at home)

Advisory Planning Commission Virtual Meeting using Webex Tuesday, April 21 at 7 p.m. Agenda

City Council Meeting Virtual Meeting using Webex Monday, April 27 at 6 p.m.

Sustainability Commission Special Meeting Virtual Meeting using Webex Tuesday, April 28 at 5:30 p.m.

Public Library Blood Drive Red Wing Public Library - Foot Room Thursday, April 23 & Friday, April 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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