Tales from the Road
A recap of last Saturday's service project that was unique in so many ways.
Letty Van Ert (holding daughter Logan), Jeremiah Baker, Grant Fernelius, Mel Baker and Jeff Athmann pose for a photo Saturday morning before embarking on the East River Road clean-up project.
It was a smaller group than normal, but a dedicated collection of Coon Rapids Rotarians who gathered this past Saturday for the East River Road clean-up. While we didn’t cover as much ground as usual, the impact of our work was just as important. There were the usual car horns from passing motorists who “tooted” their acknowledgement of the lime green vests. There was also something just as valuable – time spent with my fellow Rotarians.
I talked to Mel Baker’s son, Jeremiah, and stood shoulder to shoulder with him as we walked the roadside clean-up. I conversed with Jeff Athmann and we shared stories about being dads of only-children (both daughters). I visited with Letty Van Ert and her daughter Logan, only to discover our mutual connections to the Dakotas, one North (Letty) and one South (Me). And then I poked my friend Mel Baker for the story about his Metro Transit “T” hat. Would it surprise you to learn that Mel was once a Metro Transit bus driver? A true story indeed. I asked him to tell us his best bus driving story and he shared the tale of driving a young boy who was dying and wanted to take a bus ride as part of Make-a-Wish. Mel took the young man on a tour of the Twin Cities, including a stop at a McDonald’s drive-thru in St. Paul. Let’s just say their were laughs and tears in both our eyes.
While it may have been an ordinary Saturday in late April for most, it was an extraordinary morning for a few Coon Rapids Rotarians on a small stretch of highway. We hope you can make it to the next one, to create a new story of your own. Thanks to Mel, Jeremiah, Letty, Logan and Jeff for your time!