President Carter: "We've Never Worked in a Nicer Neighborhood" (part 2 of video footage)

Post and videos by Jeff Skrenes, Hawthorne Neighborhood Council Housing Director

There are two things that stand out about these press conference videos. First, President Carter described the view from Farview Park and lauded our historic housing stock, then stated, "We've never worked in a nicer neighborhood than this one." Granted, this could be like a proud parent who tells their child, "I love you all the same," or a rock singer who whispers to his bandmates, "Which city are we in?" before stepping to the mic and declaring Minneapolis to be awesome. Still, Jimmy Carter said that Hawthorne was the nicest neighborhood he's worked in, and we get to brag about that.

Secondly, Carter is not the bragging type. Knowing that the media (and even the community) tends to focus on the star power of an ex-President, he kept on deflecting and asking if there were questions about Habitat or bringing the focus back to our community or Habitat's work. Here's a man we can admire.

Oh, and he said Hawthorne was the best. Did I mention that?

Videos of Habitat Week in Hawthorne! (part 1)

Post and videos by Jeff Skrenes, Hawthorne Neighborhood Council Housing Director

This has been a tremendous week for the Hawthorne Neighborhood Council, as we've had the honor of President Jimmy Carter and Vice President Walter Mondale working together on a Habitat project for the very first time in 27 years of Habitat for Humanity housing work done by the President and his wife.  Plenty of other media have been doing an excellent job covering the success of the EcoVillage, Hawthorne community members, and the countless volunteers who have descended upon our neighborhood.

Here at the Hawthorne Neighborhood Council, we've been so busy that we haven't had a chance to sift through all the great photos, videos, and stories of the week.  As things settle down, we'll be sure to add more content on this blog.  In the meantime, here is the first of several video posts.  The footage above is from the opening ceremonies at the Mall of America.  Senator Franken spoke and we had excellent music from the angelic Ashleigh Still and the always racuous Belfast Cowboys.