President Bob called our meeting to order by the ringing of our Rotary Bell. On cue, all Rotarians rose for the Pledge and reciting of the 4-Way test. Ralph Decker provided the invocation while Richard Losciale led us all in singing.
Announcements:
- Dan Conway informed the group that our meeting on August 22 will be at the National Blues Museum. Like always we will park at the MAC garage and walk the to the Museum which is just a block West on Washington Ave. Lunch will be provided by Sugar Fire.
- Member Cris Conner is recovery from back surgery. A get-well card was passed around during the meeting. You can send your get well wishes to him at cconner@utilityservice.net
- The Social Committee has planned a Rotary-after-Hours at Scarlett’s Wine Bar in the Central West End for Monday August 12th at 5pm. Come join the fun!
- Bowling begins on September 9th at Olivette Lanes. If you are interested in bowling let Ralph Decker or Matt Weiss know. There will be a Bowling Happy Hour on August 29th at Olivette. Come join the fun!
- Next week is the last week to bring School Supplies for Kid Smart. If shopping for supplies is not your thing, the community service committee will shop for you. Drop a few dollars in the envelope at the sign-in table or send you check to the Rotary office. Make sure to note Kid Smart on the memo line.
- Jim Conway is organizing tennis outings at MAC West on Wednesdays from 4:30 to 6:00pm. If you are interested in playing let Jim know at 314-495-3811
Before introducing visiting Rotarians and Guests, Sergeant-at-Arms Dan Conway recounted an interesting story about trying to buy Cam Newton brand sport slacks at a Belk store in Tuscaloosa, Al. Well Tuscaloosa is the home of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide, and Cam Newton was the star quarterback from Auburn. These schools are archrivals, so no one in Tuscaloosa would be caught dead wearing Cam Newton branded pants. Fortunately Dan had another pair to wear.
Kent Steinbrueck introduced our speaker, Ryan McClure who is the executive Director of the Gateway Arch Park Foundation. The Foundation was established in 2009 to support and coordinate the CityArchRiver project. The Foundation now acts as a conservancy acting in collaboration with the National Park service to promote and maintain the expanded Arch Grounds. Ryan explained how the Arch defines and represents St. Louis to the rest of the world and through the connectivity to Kiener Plaza, the CityArchRiver project has brought a renewed energy to Downtown. The North end of the park, where the old parking structure stood now support a music stage for summer concerts. The museum has been upgraded to better illustrate St. Louis’ roll in westward expansion and provides a live view experience for those unable or unwilling to take a tram ride to the top of the Arch. Kiener Plaza has been redone and includes paths, green space and seating areas.
Bob adjourned the meeting at 1pm with the reminder to connect with someone and share Rotary in the next week.