There is a lot of data available that indicates people are healthier when they are engaged in their community and that the community collectively is healthier when its people are engaged within the community. In Minnesota, we are in the upper tier of volunteerism, but as lives get busier and more demanding, this seems to be a growing issue that needs time and attention.

Some communities find that it is becoming more challenging to fill service organizations and other service-related group memberships. In many cases, the same people are responding across many groups and they are also aging.

One exception is in our schools; we see a lot of volunteerism because our children are precious and parents will often respond to service needs, but broader community services and needs are a bigger challenge to fill.

So how do you fill that growing need? Well, many cities are putting a position in place that have that responsibility—to be a point person providing leadership to build volunteerism within their communities. 

So, what should citizens expect of their communities related to this issue of volunteerism and engagement? 

They should expect that information regarding volunteer needs is shared, including the details that help people decide if the opportunity fits their interests and skills. They should expect a description of the impact the work will make in the community. 

Engagement does not have to involve enormous commitments of time and effort. It could mean taking the time to vote, attending a community meeting or engaging in a conversation or survey about a community issue. 

What guides this priority is that the most engaged communities are usually the healthiest communities and the most engaged individual is often the healthiest individual. There is a direct correlation. 

Suburban Transit

Once again, we see an effort to consolidate suburban transit into Metro Transit, managed by the Metropolitan Council. This approach, in the past, has shown us it doesn’t and hasn’t responded to the needs of our local communities. Our communities opted out of the Metro Transit system in the mid ‘80s because we were paying into the central system far more in property taxes than the service we were receiving in our communities. In fact, we saw one bus a day—hardly justifying what we were paying for transit service.

Suburban transit understands local transit needs, and has shown the ability to respond more quickly. It is much more flexible and responsive to local needs.

Since its inception, Southwest Transit has shown its ability to meet customer needs and innovate to bring new thinking and approaches to the delivery of transit to its citizens. Time and time again, Southwest Transit has been recognized for its transit innovation, which has been an advantage of opting out of Metro Transit.

The current legislation dealing with consolidation of suburban transit is driven by cost concerns. I believe cost management is best placed through local control. At the same time, I’m aware of the cost concerns surrounding micro transit, which includes Southwest Prime, and possibly some of the charter type of services. These are expectations of any delivery system and it is appropriate to expect these will be addressed.

 In addition, given the over-budget light rail line being brought into service to Eden Prairie, I’m not sure it’s fair to ask whether expanding the Met Council’s responsibilities is a good idea. It should also be noted that a previous legislative review and a blue ribbon panel looked at this issue and concluded local management makes sense as it is related to the provision of suburban transit.

Amateur Baseball Starts for the Season

A plug here for the upcoming seasons of high school baseball and Town Team Amateur Baseball. Chaska Cubs baseball is entering its 98^th year of play this year with games played at historic Chaska Athletic Park. The Cubs’ first home game will be on May 10 at 2 p.m. High school games have already begun.

 The schedule of Chaska Cubs games will come out as part of the April Chaska Today Newsletter. The mission of Chaska Cubs baseball is to put a good, competitive team on the field, continue to invest in improving historic Chaska Athletic Park and to celebrate community. In support of that mission, we will be hosting and celebrating many community groups and organizations, recognizing and celebrating their contributions to building a healthier, stronger Chaska. In doing that, our crowds are growing and more and more fans are attending games.

Come to your local park to watch your high school or town team play ball and enjoy America’s pastime! We’ll see you this spring and summer at the park.

Congratulations to the Chaska Boys Basketball Team

As a former Hawks cager, Congrats to the Chaska Hawks Boys Basketball State Champions and their coaching staff on an outstanding achievement that makes all of us Chakans proud. Hats off to the fan following and the demonstration of what team sport and activities can do to build a community’s sense of community even stronger. The team played so well and represented their community even better!