joanne berkenkamp

Sometimes I forget how cool it is to live in the Twin Cities. Oh, I'm proud of our lakes, trails, trees, farmers, restaurants, and all. But sometimes I take it all for granted, forgetting just how special this place really is. That's why sometimes it fun to get out of here and experience things from someone else's point of view.

I had the great pleasure to meet with Amanda Simpson, Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty’s Residence Manager, and Brian McClung, Governor Pawlenty’s Director of Communications, last week. Over the course of an hour, our far-reaching conversation centered on the role of local food at the Residence, also (briefly) touching on Minnesota food policy and what’s to come. (I even got a tour of the garden.) Amanda and Brian were refreshingly candid, and I was glad to meet them and see their work first-hand.

Spring in the Twin Cities, and the events keep on coming. This one looks especially simple, good and tasty. Eat Yourself Healthy is a workshop that comes just in time to enjoy spring's first fresh, local (Minnesota) produce. Its focus will be on not just purchasing, preparing, and eating local foods, but also on what these foods can do for our health, our environment, and our community. The events featured speakers are: