Join the ‘Conversation’
There will always be those who insist that their city leaders, elected or otherwise, will do whatever they want whenever they want, no matter how much their constituents protest. There is no pleasing this group of cynics. So the series of “Community Conversations” in all six wards that begins tonight, in Ward 1, will be dismissed by this group as being more lip service, the city putting on a dog and pony show to show its people that it truly cares what they have to say. But these conversations appear to be more than that. They’re born out of the “Social Capital” survey, and city officials see the potential to raise the interest level and engagement level of the community, especially its younger citizens. So, check out a “Conversation” or two, in your ward or elsewhere, for two reasons: One, it’ll be worth your time and, two, something legitimate might actually result.
Attend the ever-growing National Night Out
If you put on a big event year after year after year, it’s easy, tempting even, to fall into a rut after a while. Good crowds keep coming out each year, you might figure, so why mess with success? You know what they say about trying to fix something that isn’t broken. Which brings us to National Night Out. The event that seeks to rally families and communities together with law enforcement against neighborhood crime will fill Central Park once again on Tuesday. It’s always a good event, and, yes, some activities at the big event take place every year. But each year, and with this Night Out, especially, there are changes, and significant new events and activities. It’s educational, it’s fun, and it’s a chance to get out and be a part of your community.
No Purple pain
Vikings fans got a big scare this weekend when it was reported that Percy Harvin was carted off of the field during Training Camp practice. It turned out to be a minor injury and the speedy second-year player was back for the next session. In other camps around the NFL, however, players are dropping like flies. At Denver Broncos camp this weekend, runningbacks Knowshon Moreno and Correll Buckhalter were both injured on the first day of practice. Philadelphia Eagles star receiver DeSean Jackson suffered a lower back strain Saturday. Also, Dallas Cowboys wonderboy Tony Romo is experiencing arm soreness in his throwing arm. This is exactly why Brett Favre is staying away from training camp. Let's hope the Vikings can avoid the injury bug and go into the season at full strength.
