Press Release: Spirit of Lowertown Week
Lowertown Neighborhood Association
lowertownrochester.org
lowertown.rchmn@gmail.com
Instagram: @lowertownrochester
FB: @LowertownNA
Press Release Date: 08/17/22
MAYOR NORTON PROCLAIMS WEEK OF AUGUST 21st SPIRIT OF LOWERTOWN WEEK
[Rochester, MN, August 17th] – The Lowertown Neighborhood Association (LNA) is glad to announce Mayor Kim Norton proclaimed the week of August 21st, 2022, as Spirit of Lowertown Week, in remembrance of August 21st, 1883, when a mile-wide F5 tornado destroyed old Lower Town.
LNA president Benjamin Zastrow and the LNA Board of Officers and Directors are delighted with the news that Mayor Kim Norton approved the submitted proclamation draft. He notes that Mayor Norton was prompt in proclaiming Spirit of Lowertown Week within the city of Rochester.
LNA plans a potluck celebration at Goose Egg Park on Sunday, August 21, from 4-6 pm. All are invited to attend the potluck, including a plant and harvest share. Neighbors will view the Mayor’s reading of the proclamation on video and the official proclamation document. Attendees should bring a dish to share, plates & utensils, a personal beverage, and any house plants or harvest items from their garden to share or trade.
Mr. Zastrow says, “This proclamation honors every one of our neighbors that have lived here, worked here, or contributed to the community as we know it today. I’m proud of this neighborhood and its historical significance.”
The Lowertown neighborhood was founded in 1857 by Mayor Charles Lindsley and sits directly north of downtown. It was destroyed by a large tornado in 1883, killing and wounding many. Lowertown has also been known as Lower Town, The Northern Addition, and Northrop.
On August 20, 2018, neighbors released a plan to rebuild and revive the neighborhood as the Lowertown Neighborhood Association. Since then, many have joined in to embrace the past while building a sustainable future.
Rochester, Minnesota Mayor Kim Norton reads the Spirit of Lowertown Proclamation 2022
2022 Lowertown Neighbor Survey
We want your help!
If you live, work, or own a business in Lowertown, Rochester, MN,
we want to hear from you!
It will take anywhere from 1-5 minutes total completing one or both sections.
We value your opinion!
Photo by our friends AB-Photography.us.
Lowertown Event Recap: Arbor Day Giveaway 2022
Thanks to all who joined in the Lowertown Arbor Day Giveaway and Litter Bit Better pickups!
Special thanks to our event sponsors Samaritan Bethany and Zastrow & Zastrow!
Arbor Day Giveaway Event
Lowertown Neighborhood association is hosting an
Arbor Day Giveaway Event!
May 7th, 2022
At Arbor Terrace (700 2nd Ave NW, Rochester, MN 55901)
11AM - 1PM open to Lowertown residents
1PM - 2PM open to all Rochester, Minnesota Residents
Rain or shine, come pick out up to two FREE seedlings to plant in your yard!
(Donations to LNA are welcome and appreciated.)
Choose two FREE:
- Tree Seedlings (American Plum, Black Cherry, Paper Birch, White Oak)
- Plantings (Black Chokeberry Shrub)
- Pollinator Garden Seed Pack
Enter raffles to Win ($5 per raffle ticket or $20 for 5 tickets):
- MN Rusty Patched Bumble Bee Garden Kit Raffle - $60 value!
- Lowertown Experience gift and deals basket - up to $300 value!
…plus join Lowertown neighbors for
Litter Bit Better neighborhood cleanup!
The fine print:
- Items available as long as supplies last.
- Limit two free seedlings per household or one seedling plus one seed pack per household.
- Must sign up or already be on file with LNA.
- Proof of address required if not on file already.
- Additional tree and shrub seedlings available two for $10.
- Pollinator seed packs and kit raffle available for pickup May 21st.
- All plants and seeds purchased by Zastrow & Zastrow from Olmsted County Soil & Water Conservation District
Call for Officer, Directors
Lowertown Neighborhood Association
Call for Officer, Directors
The Lowertown Neighborhood Association is seeking 3 people to run for the following positions:
Director – appointed by the Board until October, 2022, then elected for a 1 or 2 year term
This person must be a resident of Lowertown, or the owner or operator of a business within Lowertown. This Director will become a member of the Board of Directors and Officers, helping the President to set policy and promote the Lowertown community, and representing the interests of the members of the Lowertown community.
Representative Director – appointed by the President to serve until October, 2022, then may be reappointed.
This person need not be a resident of Lowertown, but must have some connection to the business community within Lowertown. This Director will become a member of the Board of Directors and Officers, with the same duties as other Directors, but in addition, this Director shall serve as liaison to the business community in Lowertown, and help to promote their interests.
Parliamentarian – appointed by the Board until October, 2022, then elected for a 1 year term.
This person must be a resident of Lowertown, or the owner or operator of a business within Lowertown. The Parliamentarian shall serve as the authority on the rules of order and the conduct of meetings of the LNA. The duties of the Parliamentarian include, but are not limited to: assisting the President in managing meetings, and advising on parliamentary procedures; reviewing the Bylaws, suggesting any changes and chairing the ByLaws Committee, if any; and resolving disputes on questions of parliamentary procedure.
A candidate for one of these positions must complete this Interest Questionnaire (linked), and may also submit a resume or other materials. The candidate should submit these materials to laurazastrow@gmail.com . Candidates should be available to attend the next LNA meeting on April 14, 2022 at 6:30 pm at the Northrop Community Center 201 8TH St, NW.