Today, January 18, 2021, is Martin Luther King Day.  Twin Cities PBS invites you to listen to a speech given by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the University of Minnesota in 1967, followed by an interview hosted by Minnesota’s first African-American judge, L. Howard Bennett, during which they discuss ideas, methods and words of wisdom on how to achieve the goal of a free society for all https://www.tptoriginals.org/martin-luther-king-in-minnesota-full-episode/ Discover the “hidden history” of African Americans who helped shape the North Star state of Minnesota. From fur trader George Bonga to the state’s first black woman lawyer, Lena Smith. Tune in to “North Star: Making Change” Monday, Jan. 18 at 8pm on TPT 2.  Also on TPT 2 discover icons Lena Horne, Abbey Lincoln, Nina Simone, Diahann Carroll, Cicely Tyson and Pam Grier.  “How It Feels To Be Free” premieres Monday, Jan. 18 at 9pm on TPT 2.

The arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine has provided hope that this pandemic can come to an end. The Minneapolis VAMC has a limited amount of COVID-19 vaccines at this time.  They have already started vaccinating Veterans who are at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 in select populations. We will be gradually opening it up to more Veterans as we follow national guidance of phased priority groups.  If you are eligible to get a vaccine during a specific phase of vaccination, our VA COVID-19 Vaccine Team will mail you a letter to your address on record with the VA, with instructions of how you can set up your vaccine appointment. For select groups, we will call you to schedule your vaccine appointment and mail you a letter. Please do not come to or contact a VA facility to receive a vaccine until your appointment is scheduled. Our staff cannot provide vaccines to anyone who is not eligible based on national guidance for the current stage of vaccination that we are in. What you can do now:  Express interest in getting the vaccine and subscribe for information updates about the vaccine. Visit www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine/ and select the button “sign up to stay informed.” By signing up and expressing your interest in receiving the vaccine, you can help the VA better prepare as they work to offer vaccines to more Veterans.

MN DAV Chapter 39 and MN DAV Auxilary Unit 39 have scheduled their monthly meetings for Thursday, January 14, 6:30 PM at the VFW, 1919 Coon Rapids Blvd., Coon Rapids, MN 55433. Attendance requires wear of mask THROUGHOUT the meeting, maintain social distancing, and no more than three people per table. More volunteers are needed for the clothing program. The Unit will be accepting nominations for officers with elections scheduled for the Feb. 11th meeting.