BACP/BLUE Meeting Minutes, May 5, 2025, 7:00 PM 1. Report on the Saturday, April 12 th Vigil against the war in Ukraine, held at the N.E. quadrant of the MN #210/371 intersection. Five in attendance. We were accosted by a man in a Burger King hat who told us we couldn't be here because it was private land. He claimed he was going to 'call it in' but there were no repercussions. 2. Report on the 1 p.m. Saturday, April 19 th showing of the movie “Bad River: A Story of Defiance” in observance of Earth Day 2025 at the Brainerd Public Library. All agreed it was a good documentary. Larry made a correction to the film pointing out that a woman stated her people had been there for thousands of years when, actually, it should have been hundreds of years. 3. Report on the 10 a.m. Saturday, May 3 rd BLA-DSL Brainerd event and other local events held in observance of May Day. Maximum of 20 people in attendance on Saturday, May 3rd. An invitation to Congressman Stauber to have a local town hall was delivered, followed by vigiling on 6th and Washington and a potluck and discussion at the library. The Thursday, May 1st event sponsored by Indivisible, attendance was a couple of hundred even in terrible, rainy weather. 4. Report on the 1 p.m. Saturday, May 3 rd peacue vigil held at the N.E. quadrant of the MN #210/371 intersection. There was no vigil on May 3rd. It was postponed to May 10th due to the May Day event on the 3rd. 5. Discuss the 11 a.m. Saturday, May 17 th highway cleanup project. Assemble in the parking lot of the former “Knotty’s” restaurant in the southwest quadrant of the Morrison County #46/MN #371 interchange. Doug and Larry have vests and garbage bags. Some grabbers are also available but feel free to bring your own. In case of inclement weather, cleanup will be Sunday, May 18th at 1 p.m. After the cleanup (on whatever day it is) Gayle and Larry will host a pot-luck and social time at their home at 23597 165th Avenue in Fort Ripley, about four miles north of the cleanup site. You are invited to come to the potluck even if you don't participate in the cleanup. Non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. 6. Discuss interest in participating in the 10 a.m. Sunday, June 29 th Brainerd “Arts in the Park” event. The cost is $100. It was decided by those in attendance that we will not participate. 7. Discuss participating in the Brainerd 4 th of July parade at 6 p.m. on a Friday, The float was refurbished last year and has been covered during the winter. The applications have not been sent out yet but Doug believes it will be any day now. The cost of entry is $50 which Doug will donate. 8. Update on the hosting of the BACP/BLUE booth at the Crow Wing County Fair (July 29 th through August 2 nd ). Application, fee, and damage deposit has been sent in. Trish volunteered to work on buttons. Booth needs to be attended from 10 a.m to 10 p.m. 9. Discuss interest in participating in the Brainerd “Pride Festival” on Saturday, September 13th. We wish to participate in this and are waiting for an application. Cost will be $50. 10. Discuss interest in participating in a Brainerd area “Sun Day” event over the weekend of September 20 – 21. Event is to focus on Solar Energy. We would like to participate and will table discussion until a later date. 11. Treasure’s Report ($80 was collected at the April 19 th showing of “Bad River”). No further report. ADDITIONS TO AGENDA Trish is concerned about the plight of the homeless in Brainerd especially since the shelter has been shut down. With climate change causing hotter summer temperatures, homeless people are vulnerable to heat stroke and dehydration. The Brainerd city council seems to think that homelessness is a crime. Governor Walz is coming to Crosslake for fishing opener. There will be a contingent of far right conservatives to greet him with a protest at the roundabout.. Counter protests are planned. There will be a campout at the Core of Engineers campground the night before which will rally in the morning in support of the governor.Trish is encouraging people with kayaks and canoes to meet at the SW Crosslake Access on West Shore Drive early in the morning to support him and counter conservative protesters. The Minneapolis Anti War Committee is working on the BDS movement in order to isolate Israel and end the occupation. They are doing teach-ins on the subject of BDS (Boycott, Divest, Sanction) and are willing to present outside of the city. Larry suggested a $100 donation to Palestine Action, a British group that has been very active in their support for Palestine. Several members are in jail for destroying weapons and several are pending trial. Dean suggested we put it out to the list serve for reaction. The website for this courageous group is http://www.palestineaction.org.