I-35E still generates almost as much controversy today as it did 40 years ago when it was first proposed. The gently winding route it takes is a contrast to the twists and turns that have made it more interesting as a story than as a road.
 

Double Tree served, again, as an alternative location.  After President Jim Kosmo called the April 22 meeting to order, Past DG, Joe Kovarik – accompanied by Past President, Doug Hartford – led us in song. Jean Vukas Roberts provided inspiration and Al Zdrazil introduced our guests and visitors. 

 

There is no Fellowship Breakfast on Thursday, and Club members are encouraged to attend the Saint Paul Sunrise Form on Health Care Affordability. 

 

Next week – April 29 – we will return to the newly remodeled Crowne Plaza for a colorful lunch featuring Camp RYLA participants.  Steve Gerber invited anyone looking for a great way to end the weekend and kick start the week to visit Camp RYLA Sunday for dinner, and stay to lead small group ethical discussions.

 

Scott Van confirmed that “This is it!”  This is the time to register for Feed My Starving Children shifts this coming weekend.  This is the sunset year of our Centennial project and partnership – come help starving children gain nourishment enough to learn!

 

Kay Baker introduced the GSE Team from southern Sweden’s “midnight club,” nicknamed such from being District 2400.  The district has 60 Clubs and roughly 3000 members.  They summarized their visit as “totally awesome” – a saying that has been repeated daily and will be taken home with fond memories.  Enjoy the District Conference this weekend to learn more from this five person GSE Team ~  one of many reasons to go to the conference.

 

We celebrated April birthdays in song. 

 

Chad Roberts talked about the Ramsey County Historical Society’s 65 year success with finding and highlighting stories of Ramsey County.  Sharing one of the many stories of the County, Chad introduced John Watson Milton.  As John was dealing with technical challenges, he noted that his mentor Nick Coleman said that when faced with limited time, one should talk faster.  He quickly covered a lot of history.

 

John highlighted the development of our interstate highway system which was developed in the sixties through the early 80s.  One of the two East-West corridors, I-94, ripped through the Rondo Community coming through the Twin Cities as planned. Rondo was a community with little influence or power. 

 

The North-South highway, I-35, is true to the original plan with the exception of twelve miles; 8 miles in New Hampshire and 4 miles in our own Ramsey County.  The years of transition from the original Pleasant Avenue Corridor to the development of 35E was quite different than I-94 due to power, influence, and organization. A group of powerful and affluent residents created RIP – Residents In Protest.  Through coordinated efforts with newly create neighborhood associations and RIP, political clout and influence ultimately turned these four miles of “highway” into a 45 mile an hour parkway. 

 

Whether intending to or not, John also confirmed that there really is a division between Minneapolis and Saint Paul  - one still cannot connect to I-94 into Minneapolis from 35E in Saint Paul; likewise, coming from Minneapolis one cannot get directly onto 35E.

 

It leaves one wondering how this might apply to the four way test:  Is it the Turth? Is it Fair to all concerned?  Will it build Goodwill and Better Friendships?  Will it be Beneficial to all concerned?

 

ImageThere wasn’t time for questions, but John stayed to talk privately with members and guests and had his book available to purchase.  The meeting concluded at 1:09.

Shelly Rucks, Scribe