Welcome to a #columbiaheights #frontstepproject brought to you by MarKei Photo & Video. I began this initiative to facilitate connecting the humans in my city, to celebrate our diversity, and share our challenges during this pandemic and beyond. If you’re enjoying this series, please share. To support my photography, like & follow MarKei Photo & Video (on FB, IG, Twitter, &/or YouTube). We are still offering socially distant photography in MN, so feel free to reach out!
This week, I’m excited to introduce you to Becki and Peter. This week, I’m excited to introduce you to Becki and Peter.
This married couple moved to Columbia Heights from St. Paul in May of 2019 with their cat, aptly named “Kitty”. They are still getting to know the area and their neighbors but they definitely know that their favorite restaurant is Ariya Thai Restaurant on Central Avenue. Before the pandemic shut down in-restaurant eating, they ate at Ariya weekly (Becki recommends the rad na dish with homemade noodles). Unfortunately for Becki, Ariya is closed during the pandemic so she and Peter have been trying out other amazing CH restaurants like Miller's Corner Bar and Grill which offers drive-by pick-up!
Both Becki and Peter are working from home right now. Peter is a Learning Coordinator in Minneapolis and Becki just started a new job last month as a Communications Director which she really enjoys, though, finds it challenging to connect with her new coworkers purely in a virtual setting. Becki and Peter negotiated so that only one of them goes out shopping in order to reduce risk. Becki admits that shopping has always been anxiety provoking, but even more so now, so they try to stay home as much as possible. Becki and Peter have enjoyed using this time to develop their solo hobbies; Peter enjoys being a musician and Becki has been looking into painting since she can’t volunteer and socialize as she has in the past.
Becki and Peter’s church has been doing outreach for their homebound members, making sure they have their needs met, though, there hasn’t been much need so they’re looking into other ways to help those in their community. In our phone interview, we shared a concern that those who are underprivileged and have needs during this time, might not have the access to get connected to those of us who are ready and able to help.
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#FRONTSTEPPROJECT: If YOU want to be featured, message me! It is free for Columbia Heights residents. Donations to SACA Food Shelf & Thrift Store are encouraged. Special priority for residents who are members of a disenfranchised community, essential workers (particularly healthcare) or local businesses. Please share this opportunity with your neighbor who may not be on social media.
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#COVIDHIGHLIGHT: If you know an essential worker, immunocompromised individual, or otherwise marginalized/impacted individual whose story you want to elevate (with their consent), consider hiring MarKei for a #COVIDHighlight photoshoot & interview for $175. For example, purchase for your next door neighbor who is a doctor and has had to live in the family garage for the last 2 months. Or for the teenager next door who is missing out on prom and graduation. I will interview them on the phone and do a socially distant photo shoot with them (even through glass, if extra precautions are necessary!) Reach out for more details! Available to any metro resident.
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¡Se habla español!
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