Local 801 has a dino-mite time at the MN Zoo and Northern Minnesota members help spruce up Duluth nonprofit

Despite record-breaking heat last Saturday, more than 100 people representing MAPE participated in Local 801’s Member Day at the Minnesota Zoo. “The zoo is for everybody, and it was a successful, family-friendly event,” Elizabeth Arndt said.  

Arndt organized the event with Local 801 Membership Secretary Britta Anderson and Treasurer Matt Moldestad.      

Highlights included walking among realistic looking dinosaurs at the Dino Hideout, getting a bird's eye view of nature walking along the elevated Treetop Trail, watching the new Wings and Things! animal show and lunch at the Call of the Wild Café. Participants received zoo admission tickets and $10 Zoo Bucks for food or a souvenir. 

“Members were so excited and thanked us for organizing it. They were really

appreciative for the Zoo Bucks because food has gotten so expensive,” Arndt said. She added she enjoyed meeting members and “being able to put names with faces” at the event.     

Local 801 includes members from Capitol Military Affairs/Veterans Affairs, Transportation/MNIT and Minnesota Indian Affairs.  

Arndt also gave a shout out to Peter Wright, a MAPE Local 1201 member working at the Minnesota Zoo, for helping to make the event a success. 

MAPE volunteers assist Duluth nonprofit 

In Duluth, eight members rolled up their sleeves and grabbed shovels over the weekend to help a nonprofit beautify its new home. First Witness Child Advocacy Center is a child-focused nonprofit offering hope, healing and justice for alleged victims of child abuse and their families from Grand Portage to Moose Lake. After volunteers spent the day digging, de-potting, planting and mulching, 16 trees and 70 shrubs now stand ready to welcome children and families who will begin receiving services at the facility in a few months.    

“Helping First Witness get their new location looking beautiful was incredibly rewarding. I met so many wonderful people who are passionate about helping children in our community, and everyone was so friendly and kind despite the muddy conditions,” said Nathan Beckman, a new 1402 member and officer. 

“MAPE employees strive to serve the State of Minnesota and its communities not only in our career settings

but as local community members,” added Local 1402 President Ariel Johnson, who participated in the event with her young son. 

Local 1701 President David Clanaugh, who organized the event, agreed. “As unionized public servants, we place high value on building community among and beyond ourselves. Volunteering at First Witness provided a perfect opportunity to do both.”    

MAPE volunteers from the Departments of Natural Resources, Human Services and Labor and Industry and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities pitched in on the volunteer project.