Agenda - Council - 09/11/2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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SERVING: Andover Anoka Bethel Blaine Burns Centerville Circle Pines Columbia Heights Columbus Coon Rapids East Bethel Fridley Ham Lake Hilltop Lexington Lino Lakes Linwood Oak Grove Ramsey St. Francis Spring Lake Park -132- 24 May 2006 The Honorable Torn Gamec 15153 Nowthen Boulevard NW Ramsey, MN 55303 Anoka County Sesquicentennial Dear Mayor Gamec: In the nearly 150 years since Anoka County was founded we have seen remarkable growth and development. We have much to be proud of and the 2007 sesquicentennial year is an opportunity for all of Anoka County to celebrate and join in on the festivities. The sesquicentennial is an occasion to foster a sense of community, educate Anoka County citizens about their communities' histories and our shared heritage, and to have fun! At the April 13 meeting of the Sesquicentennial Executive Board, Anoka County Commissioner Dick Lang indicated that Anoka County has committed to donating $20,000,. with plans to issue the first half in the coming weeks. In the near future the SEB and the Anoka County Historical Society Fundraising and Development Committee will approach private founders with a sponsorship package. At this time, we are seeking a modest financial commitment from all 21 Anoka County communities in an effort to have the cities and townships match the county's commitment of $20,000. We recognize that each community has limited resources. In an effort to be fair, we developed a formula, based on a city's or town's population, in determining the amount to ask for. Ramsey's population of 19,208 places it between 15,000 and 25,000. We are asking cities and townships of this size to donate $1,000 to support the sesquicentennial celebration. For the last several months the Sesquicentennial Executive Board, led by the Anoka County Historical Society, has developed events and programs to celebrate the county and each of the 21 communities that make it up. Within the last several months your council was visited by ACHS Board Member Paul Pierce and me to inform your city about the coming celebration and ask you to think about how it would like to participate. In the mean time we have created an ambitious plan that includes fundraising, promotions, projects, and community events. More information can be found at www.ac- hs.org, but a short list of these includes: • A four day wagon train tour through the county in May 2007; • A community celebration at the Anoka County Fairgrounds on May 10 featuring fireworks, a barn dance, historical reenactments, and other family activities; • A commemorative photograph book; • An exhibition of 150 historic photographs, hosted at the Anoka County History Center, and segments of the exhibit to travel to each of the 21 communities; and • Much more! We appreciate your consideration of our request for funds. We hope that every single community will provide some financial support. Donations to the sesquicentennial activities should be made to the Anoka County Historical Society. If you need additional information or would like to request someone to address your council please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to your response. Sincerely, o- yLci S, L Todd S. Mahon Executive Director, ACHS Member, SEB Anoka County History Center and Library - 2135 3rd Avenue N, Anoka, MN 55303 Phone: 763 -421 -0600 Fax: 763-323-0218