Veterans Appreciation Reception
Veterans Appreciation Reception
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The City of Bloomington in partnership with American Legion Post 550 honors and thanks all veterans, active-duty service members, and the families who support them.
Join us for a Veterans Appreciation Reception. A short program followed by appetizers and refreshments will be served.
Program
| 10:45am | Check-in |
| 11:15am | Welcome: Tim Busse, Bloomington Mayor |
| 11:20am | Guest Speaker: Mageen Caines, Army Veteran, Why I Started Standing Up. Join Mageen as she reflects on the pivotal decision to share her story more openly with the public. Drawing on her experiences as a veteran, a military spouse, and the child of veterans, she offers an honest look at the challenges and rewards of military life. |
| 11:35am | Enjoy refreshments, connect with conversations and visit resource tables from US Department of Veterans Affairs, Bloomington Remembers Veterans, Every Third Saturday, American Legion Post 550, Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans and City of Bloomington! |
All are welcome. Space is limited. Priority given to veterans. Register by October 24, 2025 online or by contacting: Community Outreach & Engagement Division: Outreach@BloomingtonMN.gov or 952-563-8733, MN Relay 711
BPD Hosts "Mothering Series" Event!
BPD Hosts "Mothering Series" Event!
Infant Health Parent Group - Success Academy
Infant Health Parent Group - Success Academy
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Infant Health Parent Group - Early Learning at Washburn
Infant Health Parent Group - Early Learning at Washburn
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Infant Health Parent Group - Richfield Family Literacy Center
Infant Health Parent Group - Richfield Family Literacy Center
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2025 Buckthorn Bust
2025 Buckthorn Bust
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Twenty volunteers are needed. Activities include identifying, cutting, pulling, and hauling buckthorn. No experience is necessary. Bring work gloves*, a water bottle, and wear shoes that you don't mind getting a little muddy. All other equipment will be provided.
In the event of inclement weather and cancelation, registered participants will be notified via the email address provided at registration.
Meeting Location: Home2 Suites Parking Lot, 2415 E Old Shakopee Rd Suite A, Bloomington, MN 55425. The event check in table will be located in the parking lot behind the WhirlyBall Twin Cities building and behind the Home2 Suites building.
Questions? Contact Emma Struss, Sustainability Coordinator at 612-247-9781 (text or call) or sustainability@BloomingtonMN.gov
*Work gloves will be available upon request.
Hatch Bloomington contest awards $100,000 to BookMother
Hatch Bloomington contest awards $100,000 to BookMother
Just announced: BookMother, an independent bookstore and community gathering space developed by Bloomington resident and entrepreneur Twila Dang, is the winner of the 2025 Hatch Bloomington business pitch competition. Dang will be awarded $100,000 to help her open her brick-and-mortar business.
The winning entry was selected based on two rounds of community voting and the work of a seven-judge panel that assessed contestants’ pitches at the Top 25, Top 10, and Top 3 stages.
BookMother will bring an independent bookstore to Bloomington. Designed as a modern third space, BookMother will offer curated books, light fare and rich programming. The space is built to center around what Dang calls the "Auntie" archetype: a tastemaker who shares books and ideas across generations while welcoming all who are curious, creative, and community-minded.
With the Hatch award, Dang plans to secure a Bloomington location, complete the buildout of the store, and launch with opening inventory and community programming. Her vision is for BookMother to become both a beloved neighborhood hub and a regional cultural anchor, blending retail, community, and connection.
"I’m passionate about this business because it’s more than a business to me. It’s a love letter to my hometown. It’s a space I wish had existed when I was younger, and a space I know my neighbors and community members are ready for now," Dang said in her contest application. "BookMother is about creating something enduring. It's a place where people can gather, grow, dream, and feel at home."
The Hatch Bloomington competition reflects the City’s commitment to fostering innovation and supporting local entrepreneurs whose ideas enhance the quality of life in Bloomington.
"Hatch Bloomington aligns with the City’s goal of cultivating an enduring and remarkable community where people want to be," said Mayor Tim Busse. "BookMother will add vibrancy to Bloomington and create a welcoming space for residents and visitors alike."
The 2025 Hatch Bloomington contest drew applicants from across the United States, each presenting innovative business ideas to strengthen Bloomington’s future. The contest is in its second year. The 2024 winner was Scramblin’ Egg, a breakfast-focused food cart that opened its restaurant at 7828 Portland Ave. S. this past spring.
Learn more: hatchbloomington.com
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Tretbaugh Bike Skills Park Grand Opening
Tretbaugh Bike Skills Park Grand Opening
Inspired by community input as part of the 2021 Park System Master Plan and further refined with community guidance, Tretbaugh Park has transformed into Bloomington’s first bike skills park.
The new facility features paved, all-wheel tot, beginner, intermediate and expert tracks, plus a gravel mountain bike course.
Celebrate the Grand Opening on Tuesday, October 7 with:
- Remarks from Mayor Tim Busse.
- Ribbon cutting.
- Free treats.
Be one of the first to experience this amazing new community amenity in person!
NOTE: Grass areas undergoing seeding may have restricted access.
For questions or additional information, contact:
Renae Clark
Deputy Director of Parks and Park Projects
952-563-8890
rclark@bloomingtonmn.gov
Bryant Park Grand Opening
Bryant Park Grand Opening
Inspired by community input as part of the 2021 Park System Master Plan and further refined with community guidance, Bryant Park has been reimagined!
The park now features Bloomington’s first fully inclusive playground, a new from-the-ground-up park shelter building, skatepark, baseball field, hockey rink, cricket pitch, new tennis and basketball courts, improved and more sustainable natural resource areas and more.
Celebrate the Grand Opening on Monday, October 6 with:
- Remarks from Mayor Tim Busse and Council Member Lona Dallessandro.
- Ribbon cutting.
- Free treats.
Be one of the first to experience the impressive amenities in person!
NOTE: Grass areas and fields undergoing seeding and restoration will have restricted access.
For questions or additional information, contact:
Renae Clark
Deputy Director of Parks and Park Projects
952-563-8890
rclark@bloomingtonmn.gov