JAN 27, 2015 ROTARY IN REVIEW:
Saint Paul Winter Carnival
Judge John Guthmann gaveled the gathering to order at 12:17 sharp, despite the distractions of two dozen adults in costume at the head table and long lines of Rotarians still at the buffet.
When Bob Jones sat down at the piano and Jerry Faletti took the podium, Klondike Kate rushed the stage - presumably to help with the singing – but Jerry kept an eye on her.
Following God Bless America, Bob Cardinal offered a blessing, and Corey Edmunds facilitated the introduction of one visiting Rotarian and five guests, as well as an outgoing exchange student and our incoming/current exchange student.
Greeters were Jimmy Francis and Jon Cieslak – announcements included news that not ONE, but TWO Zamboni rides will be offered to two lucky Rotarians at the March 24 Wild game. Everyone was reminded to sign up for the March 5 “SherryBration”, celebrating Sherry Howe’s 27 years of service to Club Ten and her pending retirement.
About ten of the twenty Rotarians celebrating a January birthday were present, and were serenaded in harmony by all assembled. The St. Paul Winter Carnival Royalty looked impressed, but then, it is only Day Three of the Festival.
Linda Mulhern (mother of our outgoing exchange student) introduced Ricardo Martinez, the young hero who pulled two men from a burning house a few months ago and whom we sent to Camp Enterprise more recently. Ricardo spoke about his experiences at the camp, learning about business principles and practices, and hopefully shaping his personal aspirations.
Happy Dollars were shared, in celebration of business, health, community, and matching plaid blazers. It might have been more impressive if not for the turbans, boas, and crowns in the room.
As the program unfolded, beginning with the tradition and joy of a 129 year old Winter Carnival come to visit a 105 year old gathering of community leaders, everyone appreciated the long record of Rotarians who have served as Kings, Queens, Princes, Princesses, Prime Ministers and board members of the St. Paul Winter Carnival.
Our own Christian Weinhagen, currently serving as Prince of the West Wind, was lauded for his enthusiasm and gusto – which he demonstrated by firing his pistol for the third time in five minutes. Or was it a cannon? The judge was unperturbed.
King Boreas and the Queen of the Snows knighted our esteemed President Guthmann, exchange student Nanako Nagaishi, and young Ricardo Martinez. The young women from the royal court then provided a lovely song.
Past King Boreas Keith LeBlanc, now a board member of the festival foundation, and Rosanne Bump, the president and CEO (and president elect of the River Falls Rotary Club) spoke for a few minutes about both distinguished heritage, and a bright future. Part of this year’s ten day festival is a 1,000 ice block courtyard in Rice Park – which is a practice run that will grow over the next two years, culminating in a 30,000 block Ice Palace in 2018!
That Winter Carnival and return of the Ice Palace will coincide with the Super Bowl to be held in the Twin Cities that year, and will anchor St. Paul’s contribution to the world stage that is a Super Bowl event.
A big project, born of a big dream. King Boreas and his four brothers were dreamers – they sought a winter wonderland in which they could be happy and celebrate, and they found it in St. Paul.
A reminder to always dream, and to dream big!
John Andrews, Scribe