CHAPTERS
DFL SENIOR CAUCUS CHAPTERS
The DFL Senior Caucus grew quickly as a state community caucus on behalf of seniors. To provide information to a widely dispersed membership, the Senior Caucus formed local chapters that represent a defined geographic area.
Chapters act locally within the framework of the DFL Senior Caucus. Our Constitution states that “the DFL Senior Caucus members residing within a particular Minnesota U.S. Congressional District, or smaller geographic area, may organize and operate a Chapter of the Senior Caucus in that district or area in order to further the purposes and activities of the Senior Caucus.”
When the local Chapters work collectively, it provides a formidable statewide force to work on behalf of senior causes, issues, and candidates who support senior issues.
Senior Caucus members can form a local chapter; here are guidelines to help: CHAPTER GUIDELINES
And a Good Time Was Had By All!!!
The Duluth chapter did a bang-up job hosting a cookout-style meal and relaxed get-together for Senior Caucus members on Saturday, July 12. Many thanks to Kathy Peterson and her crew for their hard work in planning, cooking, and welcoming all of us.
Our main speaker was Brian Rohrenbach, who presented facts about Social Security, including its purpose, history, and legal standing. We also heard from many local politicians about their issues and, of course, our Senior Caucus chair Kay Hendrikson.
While we were not able to picnic on the beach or sunbathe due to smoke from Canadian fires, we did get to explore the shore area around the community center and wish we had better weather. Does the lake ever warm up in the summer?
Some of us stayed over a night or two, and here are some of the things we did while in the Duluth metro:
- Saw Waitress at NorShor Theater
- Toured the Tall Ships in Duluth Harbor
- Played golf at Enger Park (a lovely 27-hole course off Skyline Drive)
- Drove north to Split Rock Lighthouse, past Betty's Pies and other attractions
- Admired the Rose Garden
- Enjoyed a hearty brunch at At Sarah's Table, the former meeting site of the Duluth chapter
We met friendly, helpful people everywhere. We also noticed an emphasis on sustainability in public places and local businesses. And the freeway construction is soon finished--we hope!!!
Join us and become an active member of our DFL Community Caucus to help us address the needs of seniors. You can join one or more of our local chapters and any of our committees leading us on vital issues that concern us all. Your membership allows us to reach more seniors and have a larger voice on issues. You become part of a mission and movement to address the needs of senior citizens across Minnesota.
Making a better world for our Children, our Grandchildren, and Ourselves!
Current Chapter List
Chapters can meet virtually using Zoom or in person, usually at a local restaurant. Check the calendar or check with the chapter chair for more information.
| Anoka County Chapter (meets in Coon Rapids) Chair: Mel Aanerud aanerud4@comcast.net Second Wednesday of every month at 1:00 p.m. Davannis Coon Rapids 3430 129 Avenue NW (Room will open for us at 12:30) |
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| East Central MN Chapter Note: This chapter is temporarily on hiatus. |
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| East Metro Chapter (meets in Woodbury) Team leader Eric Lampland (elampland@gmail.com) Second Thursday at 11:00 a.m. Jerry’s Foods, Woodbury, community room (grab lunch at the deli; elevator available to second floor meeting) |
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| Mankato Area Chapter Chair: Mary Bliesmer mary.bliesmer@mnsu.edu Fourth Monday of every month at 5:00 p.m. Wow Zone (2030 Adams St) |
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| Minneapolis Area Chapter Chair: Bibi Black Meets on zoom, usually the third Saturday of each month but check the calendar for specific dates. Visit Chapter Website |
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| North Metro Chapter (meets in Roseville) Chair: Linda Hopkins lin.hopkins@hotmail.com First Wednesday of every month at 11:30 a.m. Red Lobster (2330 Prior Avenue, Roseville) |
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| Northeast Metro Chapter (Vadnais Hts/White Bear Lake area) Chair: Gary Westorff (gwestorff@yahoo.com) Second Wednesday of every month at 4:30 p.m. |
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| Northeast MN Chapter (Duluth) Chair: Kathy Peterson (kpeteduluth@gmail.com) Second Wednesday of every month at 4:30 p.m. Because the location changes, email Kathleen for location or zoom link. |
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| St Paul Area Chapter Co-chairs: Carol Ball, Al Oertwig Fourth Tuesday of every month at 11:30-1:00p Mississippi Market Co-op (740 E 7th Street, St Paul) |
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| South Metro Chapter (meets in Burnsville) Chair: Gary Hansen Second Wednesday of every month at 12:00 noon Mediterranean Cruise Cafe (12500 Nicollet Avenue) (952-641-6222) |
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| Southeast MN Chapter (meets in Rochester) Chair: Patricia Mann (mannpa1@charter.net) Second Tuesday of every month at 1:00p Hybrid in-person/online from DFL Office (1500 1st Street NE, Rochester) |
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| West Metro Chapter (meets in Ridgedale library) Chair: Diane Solinger Fourth Friday of every month at 1:30p Ridgedale Library, Room 172. Parking is abundant. You can bring in food and a beverage. There is a coffee shop on the second floor. |
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Chapter Start-up Material
DFL Senior Caucus members residing within a particular Minnesota U.S. Congressional District, or smaller geographic area, may organize and operate a Chapter of the Senior Caucus in that district or area in order to further the purposes and activities of the Senior Caucus. Local interaction and political activism is being met through these local Chapters. The local Chapters operate within the framework of the DFL Senior Constituency Caucus.
Senior Caucus members seeking to form a local Chapter agree to operate under the Senior Caucus Charter and must apply to the Senior Caucus Board for recognition as an official Chapter. Chapters must report on their activities semiannually to the Senior Caucus Board.
The DFL Senior Caucus needs chapters in Greater Minnesota to bring attention and action to local issues and campaigns. Local chapters can focus on what is important locally, lobby and engage local officials and representatives, bring the voice of the local senior community to issues at large, and tell their story to all members of the Senior Caucus. Senior Caucus activities like the picnic, gala and candidate meetings center on the Twin Cities metro area. It’s time for Caucus members to enjoy these activities all over the state. Talk to us, we have plans and resources for setting up a chapter in your area. We will meet with you and other members in your area to discuss the steps to begin a chapter.