Huge Raffle and Time to Talk About Race: This Weekend

Rusty Taco Opens

Rusty Taco opens at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 17 for the first time in Maple Grove. The fast-casual restaurant is located at I-494 and Bass Lake Road (6346 Vinewood Lane North).

Catholic Schools Raffle

Your chance at $50,000 in fabulous prizes will be only $5 away beginning this Friday, Jan. 17, when students of St. Vincent de Paul School in Brooklyn Park, join 84 other Catholic schools to kick off ticket sales for what everyone hopes will be the first million-dollar Catholic Schools Raffle, and the biggest one yet.

St. Vincent de Paul School’s students will sell tickets for a three-state raffle offering prizes like a 2014 Honda CR-V or $25,000 cash, $5,000 vacation packages, cool technology gear and more, hoping to raise $30000 to support its programs and students.

St. Vincent de Paul School will keep 100 percent of the money it brings in because St. Paul-based Catholic United Financial covers the entire cost of the prizes and materials. 

Even if you don’t win, the school still does. Along with the revenue it receives, St. Vincent de Paul School is also in the running to win a $3,500 grant from Catholic United if it is one of the top-three performing schools (based on tickets sold per student). The top-selling student at each of the 85 schools will also win a Kindle Fire HD and the top classroom, a pizza party. 

You can watch the official drawing live at 11. a.m. on March 13. 

It's Time to Talk About Race

The inaugural It’s Time to Talk About Race Community Forum is Saturday, Jan. 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Brooklyn Park Community Activity Center (5600 85th Avenue North, Brooklyn Park)

You are invited to join a group of diverse community members – from parents, residents, churches, education, community organizations, and more – in guided conversations about the impact of race in the northwest suburban metro area.

As community members, we know that the strength of our future depends on our ability to examine the reality of demographic shifts in Minnesota, to discuss solutions for improving interracial relations, and to commit ourselves to action in creating an inclusive community for all.

This event will feature keynote speaker Bo Powell and students from Osseo Area Schools performing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream.” The event will also include music and entertainment from a Hmong dance group and an American Indian Drum & Dance Exhibition.Lunch will be provided with dietary options.

Register Online You may also register by phone by calling Jan at 763-391-7114.

This event is free and open to the public for adults and children ages 14+, but you must pre-register as space is limited.

Sponsored by Osseo Area School District 279, St. Joseph of the Worker Catholic Church, City of Brooklyn Park, Hennepin Technical College, and EPU Consultants.

Other options for this weekend:

• Weekend Brunch Recipes That Will Help Keep Your Resolutions
• Maple Grove: What's Playing at the Movies?
• 5 Great Valentine’s Day Crafts to Do with Kids This Weekend
• 5 Ways to Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with Kids