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1201 WORDS | 9.2 MINUTE READ
Hi John,
I’m enjoying another beautiful – and busy – week at home in Minnesota. From going “On the Job” to giving back as a volunteer, and celebrating diversity to hearing from you, I was left feeling even more hopeful for our future and honored to represent our remarkable community. Read on to see what I was up to last week:
Appreciating our Healthcare Heroes
I kicked off my week going On the Job at Fairview Southdale Hospital, where I helped the Nutrition Services team deliver meals to new moms on the Labor and Delivery floor, met our youngest (and tiniest) constituents, and dropped off books for newly minted big siblings. After a memorable shift and a tour of the facility, I met with the rest of their team to learn more about the important work they do and left feeling inspired by their passion for serving others.
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| It was a joy to work alongside Joy and the rest of the team at Fairview Southdale! |
After my shift, I headed up to Fairview Southdale’s rooftop helipad to learn more about lifesaving EMS transport from Alec, Ashley, Dave, and the team at Life Link III. Based in Bloomington, they serve a five-state area and can cut transit time in half with their helicopter and medical aircraft services - crucial minutes saved during a medical emergency. Their empathy and camaraderie were evident during our visit, and their commitment to being “the best part of the worst days” makes them heroes in my book.
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| Thank you to the team at Life Link III for the lifesaving work you do every day. |
On the Job with Dean
The best way to understand the challenges of owning and operating a business is to put in a hard day's work. That’s why I’ve been picking up shifts at small businesses across our community as part of my “On the Job with Dean” project. Last week, I worked at four incredible business, beginning with Mainstreet Bar & Grill in Hopkins. Between taking orders, bussing tables, and serving food, I learned more from their team about their 20-year history and the challenges and opportunities that come with running their business.
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| Starting off my workday strong serving up food and talking with customers at Mainstreet Bar & Grill. |
Did you know that our community once had vibrant streetcar infrastructure? For a few cents, Minnesotans could hop on a trolley in Stillwater, St. Paul, or Minneapolis and ride all the way to Excelsior to enjoy the shores of Lake Minnetonka. As a history buff, I was thrilled to work a shift at the Minnesota Streetcar Museum, where I learned from the extraordinary group of retirees who volunteer their skills to restore these historic trolleys - and even tried my hand at being co-conductor of a chartered tour. Today, the Motormen and Motorwomen of the Minnesota Streetcar Museum in Excelsior operate the oldest streetcars in the country, so stop by for a ride and a history lesson next time you're in their neck of the woods!
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| The Minnesota Streetcar Museum in Excelsior is fueled by love for community (and a little motor oil), and without a doubt, was a highlight of my week. |
Nothing beats the summer heat like an afternoon dishing scoops and smiles! After hopping off the trolley, I picked up my next shift at Licks Unlimited, a third generation, family-owned Excelsior ice cream shop that survived the pandemic with a winning combination of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) assistance, community support, and grit. Their team’s entrepreneurial spirit, dedication, and passion for mentorship is almost as amazing as their ice cream.
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| Serving up scoops with the incredible team at Licks was the perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day. |
It has been a few decades since I was a summer camper myself, so when the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities offered me a shift “On the Job” as a counselor, I jumped at the chance! Last Congress, my team worked with the amazing folks at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities to secure federal community project funding for Camp Voyageur in Mound. Their crew is full of amazing mentors who are making an impact in our community. I enjoyed learning from them and am looking forward to the work we'll continue to do together to support young people in Minnesota.
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| I'm always looking for more opportunities to learn about the small businesses and organizations in our community! Offer me a job at yours here: phillips.house.gov/HireDean. |
Supporting our Servicemembers
As a Gold Star Son, I’m on a mission to ensure everyone who serves gets the benefits to which they are entitled, especially when it comes to mental health care. That’s why I was so excited to visit the Anoka County Veteran Services Center this week to learn more about their remarkable work helping veterans and their families receive no-cost counseling in a comfortable setting. I ended my visit the best way I know how - jamming with a couple of outstanding veterans.
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| Music therapy is the best therapy, and I commend these veterans for their service and sacrifice. |
Celebrating Indian and Igbo Culture
On Saturday, I celebrated the 50th anniversary of IndiaFest with the India Association of Minnesota (IAM), an organization working to preserve the culture and heritage of people of Indian origin. It was a wonderful gathering spent celebrating the culture of India through food and performances, and it ended with a flag hoisting ceremony.
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| An energizing afternoon spent with the India Association of Minnesota - thanks for having me! |
Afterwards, I attended the 29th annual IgboFest with the Umunne Cultural Association, an organization which strives to educate Minnesotans on Nigerian and African culture. It is one of the largest events in the Midwest region, with people coming to join in on the festivities from all over the United States and Canada.
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| Celebrating the culture of the Igbo-speaking people of Nigeria through food, crafts, and dance was an unforgettable experience. |
Connecting with Seniors
I was thrilled to be invited by the Men and Women’s Coffee group at St. Therese in Brooklyn Park to speak to their incredibly engaged group of residents on Saturday. During our town hall conversation, I gave an overview of my work in Congress and answered their insightful questions about long term care staffing and reimbursement, gun violence and the safety of their grandchildren, national debt, and more. Seniors are the stewards of our community’s history, which is why meeting with them, answering their questions, and listening to their perspectives is important.
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| If you or someone you know lives in a senior living community, I'd love to visit, so drop me a line! |
Giving Back
I'm so proud of the way my team serves our community every day, but this week, we decided to give back in a different way. Between our normal constituent services work, we picked up volunteer shifts at Habitat for Humanity Twin Cities and Second Harvest Heartland. There's nothing like neighbors and coworkers coming together to support one another, and I can't imagine a better group of public servants to do it alongside.
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| There's no better way to spend an afternoon than with my team packing meals at Second Harvest Heartland! |
Keep the faith, and keep in touch,
Dean Phillips
Member of Congress
 Resources For You
My team and I are here to serve every person and every corner of our community. I want to make sure you have the resources you need to succeed:
- Donuts with Dean: Welcoming Minnesotans to Washington is one of my favorite parts of this job. We'd love the opportunity share some conversation, and donuts, next time you’re in town! To reserve your spot at an upcoming event, please complete this form, including all attendee information and the date of your preferred session.
- Energy Savings Hub: The U.S. Department of Energy has launched a one-stop shop for American families and consumers to access tools to cut energy costs through rebates and energy efficient upgrades. Click here for a list of green tax credits and other rebates.
- Look before you book: Do you have international travel plans on the horizon? Make sure you are prepared before you book! Visit https://travel.state.gov/ to check your passport expiration date, apply for a passport, and much more.
- The Congressional App Challenge is back: Calling all middle and high school coders - are you innovative, creative, and driven to solve problems? Then the Congressional App Challenge is for you! Registration is open, so head to my website to learn more.
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