The mission of HeightsNEXT is to create a more welcoming, vibrant,
socially-connected, healthy, and sustainable Columbia Heights community for current residents and businesses and for future generations. HeightsNEXT held a pot luck April 28 to help volunteers in organizations meet and get to know each other, their first networking social. Several of the group leaders talked about their groups. There are more than 50 volunteer organizations in Columbia Heights including groups in arts, sports, scouts, churches, education, Sister City, and Library. Their goals include environmental sustainability, housing improvements and affordability, bike/walk safety, attracting new businesses and arts activities to the city, beautification, gardening, schools, social services and recreation. The group generally meets the last Saturday of the month. Because of the holiday the next meeting will be Saturday, May 21, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. at the Public Safety Building, 825 41st Ave. NE. For more information contact Connie Buesgens at bugsonice@yahoo.com, or 763-788-5072.