Community Involvement

**Current Vice-Chair of The Hopkins Planning & Zoning Commission.**

Hopkins Planning & Zoning Commission Vice Chair

In 2022, Ben was honored to be appointed as a commissioner to the City of Hopkins Planning & Zoning Commission by the Hopkins City Council. In 2023, his fellow commissioners nominated and voted for him to serve as vice-chair of the commission. Ben also serves on the P&Z Public Engagement Subcommittee that directly addresses concerns and issues from the public, and creates awareness of this commission. This advisory commission works with developers, Hopkins residents, city staff, and The City Council, and holds monthly meetings at City Hall on the fourth Tuesday of each month. The Planning and Zoning Commission providess an essential platform for good decisions to be made within the city level of government.

**Hopkins Raspberry Festival Merchandise Coordinator selling swag at The Marketplace Arts & Crafts Fair.**

Hopkins Raspberry Festival Board of Directors & Merchandise Coordinator

Ben’s ties to the Hopkins Raspberry Festival extend back over 30 years ago, when he was crowned the 1993-1994 Hopkins Jr. Raspberry Festival King. In July 2020, he had the great fortune of finding the elusive “Golden Raspberry Medallion!” Ben officially joined The Hopkins Raspberry Festival Board of Directors back in October 2020. He currently serves on the Festival’s Finance and Marketing Committees, and is also the button and merchandise coordinator. The Hopkins Raspberry Festival is one of the oldest festivals in the state of Minnesota, and will be celebrating its 90th Anniversary next year! The Festival is entirely run by volunteers, and is one of the biggest economic drivers for the city.

**Having a *Berry* good time with Berry Berry on Parade Day!**

**Directing traffic and helping with Parade lineup.**

**Selling Beer to Fundraise for the Hopkins Jaycees during the Inaugural “Raspberry Jam” Music in the Park.**

Hopkins Jaycees (JCI) Member, Community Development Vice-President

JCI Hopkins is a volunteer group of young professionals aged 18-40 committed to creating positive changes in Hopkins, Minnesota. Community outreach is one of the main goals of this non-profit organization. Ben proudly joined JCI Hopkins in 2022, and continues volunteering with this organization at numerous events and meetings throughout the state. He was delighted to be nominated and confirmed as the current Community Development Vice-President for the Hopkins Chapter as of 2023. JCI Hopkins hosts and sponsors several events throughout the year. Some of Ben’s favorite events that he has participated in during this past year include: “Rolling With The Easter Bunny,” “Mainstreet Days,” “Raspberry Jam,” “National Night Out,” “Halloween in Hopkins,” and “Cops ‘N Kids Holiday Shopping Night.” General membership meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at the Hopkins Elks Lodge. The Hopkins Jaycees provides a great way for young people to be involved in their community and strengthen Hopkins.

**Loved being a part of the annual “Cops ‘N Kids Holiday Shopping Night!” It was very fun getting to help local kids pick out and wrap holiday gifts for their families.**

**“Mainstreet Days'“ is one of the signature events sponsored and hosted by The Hopkins Jaycees. This event is always a blast to volunteer at!**

**Volunteering to help organize the toy donations for the ResourceWest Annual Children’s Toy Chest Drive.**

ResourceWest Volunteer

ResourceWest is a non-profit community agency that supports individuals and families in the West Metro through collaborative programs and connections to resources as they move toward greater stability. At the heart of ResourceWest, is the belief that everyone in our community deserves access to the resources that they need to live, and that no one should have to make a choice between buying groceries or paying rent. All needs deserve to be met. Ben began volunteering for ResourceWest in 2022. He participated in their Annual Toy Chest drive, both organizing the donations, and helping residents select holiday gifts for their families. He was also an integral part of the inaugural “Gathering to Grow” Spring Gala Fundraiser, which raised over $25,000 to help local families in need, and enrich our community. Hopkins is fortunate to have Non-profit organizations such as ResourceWest within the city help make living in Hopkins and the surrounding western suburbs more accessible. ResourceWest’s outreach extends to residents from all walks of life regardless of age, socio-economic backgrounds, or other obstacles our residents commonly face.

**Volunteering at the Inaugural ResourceWest “Gathering To Grow” Spring Gala Fundraiser. This event generated over $25,000 to help out local families in need!**

**Helping local parent to select holiday gifts and toys for their children during the ResourceWest Annual Toy Chest Drive!**

Hopkins Historical Society Museum Volunteer

Since its founding in 1972, the Hopkins Historical Society has been dedicated to preserving the history of the Hopkins community, acting as a resource center for over 8000 photographs depicting historical Hopkins, including county fairs, the annual Hopkins Raspberry Festival, local schools and economic development. Ben Began volunteering for The Museum in 2021 first as a museum host, and currently as a archival assistant, helping to scan, photocopy, and file historical documents and photos so they can eventually be digitized and uploaded to the Historical Society Website. The Hopkins Historical Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to collecting, maintaining, exhibiting and educating museum researchers and guests concerning the history of Hopkins, Minnesota, and is located just off Mainstreet in The Hopkins Activity Center. Given the rich and extensive history of Hopkins, HHS is vital to preserving our city’s history for generations to come, and will soon enjoy a new home on Mainstreet when it moves to the former Albert Pike Masonic Lodge Building!

**The former Albert Pike Masonic Lodge Building will be the future home of the Hopkins History Center at 907 Mainstreet!**

**The Hopkins Historical Society Museum currently operates within The Hopkins Activity Center across from Maetzold Field.**

“Hopkins Academy“ Graduating Class of 2022!

“Hopkins Academy” 2022 Graduate

“Hopkins Academy” is an interactive and educational four-session course that’s designed to give an in-depth look into City departments and programs such as The City Council, The Hopkins Public Works Department, The Hopkins Water Treatment facility and Sewage Plant, and The Hopkins Police and Fire Departments. Ben was selected to participate in the Spring 2022 Class, alongside 19 other residents, and successfully completed the course that May. Hopkins residents are fortunate that the City Staff offers this biennial series of free workshops and classes which are available to the public, per an application and selection process. Community Outreach Programs such as “Hopkins Academy” are vital to bettering Hopkins for all!

Guest Lecture from Hopkins Fire Chief: Dale Specken.

Scenic view of Hopkins from atop the Hook & Ladder Fire Truck!

Community Involvement

Good For Hopkins