PROGRAM
21 members heard Jill Brown of Jill Brown Public Relations make the case for the Northern Lights Express, the proposed Amtrak train service between St. Paul and Duluth with a funding proposal presently before the Minnesota state legislature. Its route, funding, anticipated ridership, operations and startup costs, and benefits for tourism, jobs, and the environment were discussed.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Pollination Committee met on Tuesday, May 2, with members Amáda Márquez Simula, Mike Oakley, Kristen Stuenkel, and Bob Tholkes joined by Neil Granlund of HeightsNext Community Foundation and Wes Nugteren of the Blooming Heights gardening program at Columbia Heights High School. Nugteren reviewed plans for work over the summer by student interns recently hired. A shop distributing seeds and produce will also be established. Tholkes noted that the final cost of a bench at the Lomianki Park pollinator garden ($1500.00) exceeded the $550.00 donated by the club; Márquez Simula proposed different Rotary signage at the garden in its place. HeightsNEXT will shortly begin work for the season at the garden. Tholkes suggested repeating last year’s Rotary service activity. HeightsNEXT will propose a date. HeightsNEXT will also request that the club renew its financial contribution to the Mayor’s Monarch Festival event in Columbia Heights in August.
REMINDERS
Fridley’s awards to this year’s STRIVE students will be presented at the school’s awards program on May 18. Contact Steve Klaers at 612-599-8103 if you can attend.
The club board meets next on Wednesday, June 7, at 9 a.m. at Fridley Community Center. All members are welcome to attend.
Members Bob Olsen and Fred Bischke will head up the Rotary Fun Run at Fridley 49er Days, scheduled for Thursday, June 15.
Additional mentors for Fridley and Columbia Heights High Schools STRIVE students are sought for next year. Contact Steve Klaers at 612-599-8103.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS: May 10- Dave Van Wagner, Humana Corp.; May 17- Public Safety Update by member and City of Fridley Public Safety Director Brian Weierke; May 24- Kalia Xiong of the Citizens League of Minnesota on its Capitol Pathways Project, which the club supported.
