Mayor Rybak Visits St. Joan’s Kids Sunday, April 28th, 2002

"What a great place this Parish is!" Mayor R.T. Rybak remarked. "I received numerous letters about affordable housing, of course, but St. Joan’s kids’ letters and drawings were so special, I had to come and acknowledge them in person." The Mayor’s visit was Sunday morning at 10:15, and he greeted several of the letter-writers, calling them "points of light" because of their concern about housing. Julie Madden introduced the Mayor to the large gathering of children and St. Joan’s members, supplemented by a few neighbors and visitors.

One writer, Nick Gorman, thanked the Mayor for coming, and re-asked about City actions creating more affordable housing. R.T. said that it was a very big problem, but some progress was being made. "The crisis isn’t limited to Minneapolis," he said "but is a State and National problem. In Minneapolis, many families are seeking housing because they were displaced somehow. Perhaps a building was demolished for re-development, or various family problems required a move. When demand is high, landlords can be picky; so often people with the greatest need are given the least consideration."

Sara Strzok and daughter, Mike McMillen, Mayor Rybak, Peace and Justice Coordinator Julie Madden

Mayor Rybak said that he is looking everywhere for help. He met with University of Minnesota President Mark Yudof, for example, to encourage more student housing on

Jim Spensley has been a St. Joan's regular since 1980. He is an electrical engineer and product management consultant. He took up digital photography in 2001, preparing for a trip to Yunnan Province, China, where his daughter Alys is a Fulbright Research Fellow. Jim and Marilyn have 3 children, now 23, 22, and 17, who joined their parents in various volunteer activities at St. Joan of Arc. Jim is a political activist and sometime DFL candidate. He volunteers in public service, including President of the Minneshaha Creek Watershed District (1986-93) and a Member of the Hennepin County Capital Budget Task Force (1993-2004). Jim is also a Board Member of SMAAC.

campus, to free up rooms and apartments for young people elsewhere in the City. "In small town Minnesota", Mayor Rybak remarked, "the Churches are taking the lead." The Mayor also thanked St. Joan’s for working with his Church in Linden Hills on housing issues. "It is a good change from worship to worship plus ‘spreading the light’-- doing something about affordable housing and community needs."