FEBRUARY 2, 2016 ROTARY IN REVIEW:
Bob Olsen
On a sparkling snow-bedecked Tuesday the Saint Paul Rotary Club was convened precisely at 12:15 by President Carla Hauge who introduced the acclaimed basso, Todd Nicholson, and his accompanist, Bill Given, for a stirring rendition of “My Country Tis of Thee”. Michael-jon Pease uplifted the audience with an inspirational reflection and Kristin Montpetit proceeded with the introduction of many guests of Rotarians.
Carla thanked our greeters, Doug Bruce and Michael–jon and promoted the forthcoming joint meeting with Club #9 in Minneapolis. Go to the web-site or call Jodi to make a reservation. Scott Van urged members to reserve seats at the February 23rd Minnesota Wild outing which is otherwise sold-out. This annual fundraiser for the Club, if fully subscribed, will generate a significant contribution to support our philanthropies. Jason DeKeuster (and former West Wind) rose to promote volunteer opportunities at the Winter Carnival Ice Palace, surrendering the podium to past Prime Minister and Past President of St. Paul Rotary, Jay Pfaender, who proceeded to outline the rich history of Rotary’s support for the Winter Carnival.
Over 25 current and former members have served the Carnival including 9 Boreas’s. Several past Royalty attended and were recognized by Jay: Roger Bonfe, Jason DeKeuster, and Christian Weinhagen, all West Winds. 2016 Prime Minister, Amy Mauzy, from the Royal House of Hammernick’s Decorating, introduced the Royal Family, led by Boreas Rex LXXX, Jim Flaherty, and Alyssa Sigafus, Aurora, Queen of the Snows. Assisted by a newly and handsomely costumed Royal Guard, Boreas and Aurora proceeded to “knight” President Carla and D5960 Youth Exchange student, Wina Ismuwardhana from Bali, Indonesia.;
Next we were treated to an entertaining and edifying presentation by Bob Olsen, the official historian of the Winter Carnival, on the early history of the Carnival, the rivalry with with Montreal over Ice Palaces, the many toboggan clubs and marching groups which laid the foundation for the pageantry we enjoy today. Bob related the symbiotic relationship between our transportation, lumbering and ice harvesting industries as underlaying Winter Carnival traditions. Carla concluded the meeting by thanking Bob, announcing that Tom Marek would be the Fellowship presenter on Thursday, February 4, and leading a recitation of the Four Way Test.
Respectfully submitted,
Jon Cieslak