12-21-2011 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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December 7, 2011 Rita Mills 2979 Payne Ave. Little Canada, MN 55117 651 - 717 -5105 (mobile) 651 -484 -0820 rlcomills@hotm.ril.con! I am expressing interest in a position on the Little Canada Parks and Recreation Planning Commission as listed in the most recent issue of Le Petit Canadien, I have been a resident of Payne Avenue in Little Canada for 31 years. My husband and I raised two daughters who attended Little Canada Elementary, graduating from Roseville High School. During their younger years, both daughters participated in the numerous t -ball, skating, softball, and soccer activities and teams sponsored by the Little Canada Recreation Association. During those years 1 volunteered at various Rec Association activities and fundraisers. In June, I retired from 41 years of teaching in both private and public schools, working with students from kindergarten through high school. My professional passion has been guiding young people through the hurdles of learning and becoming good, functional, global citizens. Early in my career, I realized that while academics are important, physical activity and fitness are crucial to a young person's development and learning. I believe that Little Canada's parks and recreational activities were extremely important to the growth, development, and success of our daughters. Both my husband and I are avid park and trail users - walking and biking daily along local and regional trails. More recently when walking the trails, I am realize that in addition to the physical exercise, these trails are very important in connecting our increasingly diverse neighborhoods. My walks are sometimes the only opportunity for me to get to know our neighbors and the people who live in our area. Those daily "Hi! How are you ?" comments made to strangers are building blocks for neighborhoods, and the walking trails are providing these opportunities. I would like the opportunity to "give back" and to continue building the parks and recreation part of a community that has provided much enjoyment and the needed physical activity to my family and me. Thank you for your consideration of this request. Education: • BS St. Cloud State University in English, Library Science, Education • MS St. Cloud State University in Information Media Technology Work: • 19 years teaching Kindergarten - 6th grade Media Specialist at Edgerton School, ISD 623 • 16 years teaching Reading and Media Specialist at Hill - Murray I-Iigh School Current Volunteer Activities: • English Language tutoring - Edgerton Elementary • Recent immigrant (Karen) assistance • Fitzgerald Theater, St. Paul • Ramsey County Library 5