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“Trekking in Nepal” by Earl Thompson,

Mar. 16, Tues, 7 pm

Belgrade Methodist Church in North Mankato

Earl and Beverly Thompson are Minnesota farm kids (Bev's family hails from Osakis - Earl's home farm is close to Hayward.) They met and married while attending the University of Minnesota where Bev received a degree in Nursing and Earl became a Veterinarian. They moved to Clarks Grove and spent the next thirty years running a vet practice and raising their kids.

A retirement holiday through India and Nepal changed the direction of their lives.  Feeling their medical, veterinary and agricultural skills could improve the quality of life for the people of Nepal, Earl and Beverly created a non-profit organization - the Nepal Social Service Fund (NSSF) - which has been operating successfully for twenty four years in the country of Nepal.  Earl has also volunteered on nineteen different projects as an agricultural and veterinary consultant with the American based ACDI/VOCA Program working on such diverse initiatives as diagnosing diseases in milk sheep in Jordan - diagnosing water buffalo diseases in the Philippines and surveying herders in Mongolia.

Business Meeting, Mankato Paddling and Outings Club, 2 March 2010

The meeting was called to order at 7:03 pm by President Dean Peterson.

Present: Dean Peterson, Mark Bosacker, Jon Provost, Brand Frentz, Tom Marks, Brad Nawrocki, Gary Dingler, and Kevin Langton.

The minutes of the February meeting were approved.

Treasurer’s Report: The club has $1,319.25. Cita M food reimbursement -- $54.37. Mark B projector lamp cost -- $40. Jon proposes speakers be given honorary membership, but no one supports the idea.

Reports from the field: Winter visitors. Kevin spotted two golden eagles at the confluence of Minneopa Creek with the Minnesota.

Early Paddlers. Brand and Greg Hall spotted two fishermen in a canoe by the power plant on the Minnesota on Feb. 28. They had put in on the ice ledge at the Dog Park, and caught a nice walleye while we watched.

Past Events: Roger Swanson in the NW Passage -- one of the best ever. A good speaker with fine graphics and a fascinating trip story. Around 75 people attended and left $74 in the donation box for the church. Roger got an honorarium of $75 plus dinner with Gaynelle at Bonito Guadalajara.

CURE weekend. Mark, Dean, and Tom went, enjoyed it all. 250 people attended, speaker talked about removing Minnesota River dams. Tom liked the quaint, “touristy” look of Montevideo.

Future Events: For the March program, Earl Thompson will speak about trekking in Nepal. Mark recognizes the name as his family’s vet in Freeborn County. Fireside Room.

Clean-Up: Kevin reports that plans are in place. Pat B is asking Blue Earth County for support, Kevin will talk to Freedom School kids about helping again. Dean recalls unfortunate shuttle mess last year – it won’t be repeated. Some questions about dates of May 14-15, but agreed that they are the best choice.

River Event? Scott Sparlin (New Ulm, CCMR, Riverblast) contacted the MPOC about an event in Mankato this summer. Tom is enthusiastic, wants to put focus on local river trails; Mark wants music. Some discussion of other types of activities, location (Riverside Park, Sibley, Land of Memories). Exploratory committee led by Mark and Tom will talk to Scott S.

Paddling Season Schedule: Brand made up tentative list, now deletes August Canoe Race, list is okayed. List will be sent to members for comment, finalized at April meeting.

March mailing: A mailing to all members will include trip list and letter from the president. March is the deadline for dues, reminder will be sent to unpaid members. Brand will do it.

Blue Earth River: Mark wants to identify possible campsites (county land) on the Upper Blue Earth this season, maybe fix places up a little.

Church clean-up: We received a note from the church about cleaning up food and taking trash to the dumpster outside after eating in the Fireside Room.

April program: Tom will contact BWCA women featured in Free Press about an April program.

Equipment: We need a mike and amp. Brand has a guitar amp he will donate. Brad has a friend to talk to about mikes.

The meeting adjourned at 8:20.

Respectfully submitted,

Brand Frentz, secretary

Calendar:

Mar. 16, Tues, 7 pm “Trekking in Nepal” by Earl Thompson, program at the church

April 6, Tues, 7 pm business meeting at the church

April 23-25, Fri, Sat, Sun 50^th Annual Midwest Mountaineering Outdoor Expo, Minneapolis, canoe & kayak auction, many programs

April 24, Sat, evening Minnesota River Banquet, New Ulm, CCMR

May 1-2, Sat.-Sun. Paddlefest on the Kettle River; Key City Sportsmen’s Youth Outdoor Day

May 4, Tues, 7 pm Business meeting at the church

May 14-15, Fri-Sat Annual MPOC River Clean-Up, Pat Baskfield & Kevin Langton in charge

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