July 24 - Club Meeting

Today's meeting included a brief presentation by the two students involved in Rotary's short-term student exchange program through our Club this summer.  Sergio Valenciano Vico from Spain is staying with Mounds View High School's Morgan Matlock and family for the month of July.  After Sergio returns to Spain, Mason will travel there to live with Sergio's family for the month of August.  Mason's mom, Cindi Matlock was also in attendance.  Sergio reported that he is enjoying Minnesota's people, weather and food - hot dogs and all.  We also enjoyed a presentation today from John Anfinson, Superintendent of the National Park Service in St. Paul.  The Park Service, which is part of the U.S. Department of Interior, oversees national parks and monuments throughout the country.  Dr. Anfinson's St. Paul branch is dedicated to the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.  In the middle of a bustling urban setting, this 72 mile river park offers fishing, boating, canoeing, birdwatching, bicycling, and hiking. And there are plenty of visitor centers and trails that highlight the fascinating history of the Mississippi River.  We were reminded that the Mississippi is one of the grand rivers of the world, on a par with the Amazon and the Nile.  It was a great reminder to take advantage of the river's many sites and features, including the upper St. Anthony Lock & Damn tour and the newly created "Paddle Share" program which features a kayak/bike sharing service.