What a reception!
(click on any of the photos for a larger image)

Here they are, the crew of the Mississippi Adventure 2001 Expedition. On May 2, we kicked off the Expedition with a reception in the Carousel Restaurant, overlooking the Mississippi River, and the flood of 2001.

Generously sponsored by Lee Nelson of Upper River Services, the reception gave us a chance to bring together all the people who have so generously supported the Rivers of Life program, and worked so tirelessly to make the Sister City relationship between St. Paul and Neuss, Germany so rich and active.

We had a large and diverse crowd in attendance. Members of the St. Paul business community, the Sister City Committee (including our wonderful partners from Minnesota Wire and Cable Co.), students, parents, teachers, and staff members from CGEE had a chance to meet the students who are so central to the Rivers of Life program, get to know each other, and celebrate the big river that brings us all together.

The Sister City relationship brings together the cultural, economic and educational opportunities in both Neuss and St. Paul. CGEE has been working with the Sister City Committee for nearly two years. We helped host Neuss' Mayor Napp on his first visit to St. Paul, at an event at the Crossroads Elementary School.

 

During the reception, we viewed several video pieces from the Mississippi Adventure Expedition 2000, including a student production by former crewmember Brooke LaLonde. Her video short includes the immortal ballad, written by the crew of the Expedition 2000, "The Mississppi Wide."

We want to thank all the guests who showed up in support. You make it possible for us to continue to roll on the Rivers of Life.