Jay Pfaender introduced the program: John O. Anfinson (who was rescheduled at least once due to the recent government shut down – apparently the National Park Service does not equal essential services).
John Anfinson, is Superintendent of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area and long-time Mississippi River historian, he remarked about the history and potential futures of the unique reach or the Mississippi River in the Twin Cities known at the Gorge. His program is entitled, “From Rapids to Resources and Back Again?”
With the closure of the lock and dam at Upper St Anthony Falls – authorized in 2014 – there is a lot of discussion/contention about the future of the Mississippi waterway in the twin cities region. Commercial navigation is all but dead, according to Mr. Anfinson. With the potential of removing the three main locks and dams on the river in the twin cities region, different interest groups are beginning to make their arguments for and against the issue. What might be good for fish, birds and other wildlife, such as kayakers, is unlikely to be welcomed news for pleasure and tour boaters or hydroelectric companies.
Mr. Anfinson’s key message: Change is happening fast on the Mississippi in our region. We have the opportunity to forge a new relationship with the river.
Jerry Faletti presented the “Get to Know Your Rotarian” segment, where he reported this will be his last tax season, after 45 years with the Lethert company of CPAs. We also learned that Jerry found grave digging to be a decent, certainly not the worst, form of employment. He also happens to be the husband of Kathy, and father of 6 kids, grandfather to 16 – all of whom live in the Cottage Grove area.
Rotarian and a guy that gets paid to spectate at Wild games, Jeff Baidoo, reported on a most successful, “Rotary Night at the Wild game.” The positive energy helped push the home team to victory over Ed Coleman’s beloved St Louis Blues (he’ll have to explain why he loves them) with a score of 2 – 1. It was a gratifying overtime win for the loyal fan base and Rotarians on hand, excepting Ed, of course.
Upcoming events to add to your calendars:
- Next week’s meeting will feature new Paul Harris award recipients as well as a new member introduction
- March 12 – Women of Rotary Celebration
- March 19 – Rotary Days
- March 26 – Rotation Day
Be sure to retrieve the latest copy of The Rotarian magazine from the bottom of your recycling bin. Inside there is a nice piece on the Mano a Mono organization and their excellent work in Bolivia. I would also add, this month’s crossword was particularly challenging.
After some good-natured bragging about our way-above-average children and grandchildren during Happy Dollars, President John adjourned the meeting. It felt like we ended the meeting on time.
Respectfully submitted,
Bo Aylin
(Scribe-in-training)
