GaryOsberg.com

I do believe that the first non-profit board of directors that I was asked to join was the St. Cloud Community Arts Council.  Susan Dean was the person that asked me to join.  At the very first meeting, there was a suggestion by the Executive Director to change the name of the 30-year-old organization.  One of the suggestions was “Visual Arts Minnesota” which sounded pretty good to me.  I offered to pay a small prize towards the solicitation of a logo design.  The St. Cloud Community Arts Council was instrumental in the selection of Anthony Caponi to sculpt the “The Granite Trio” on the mall in downtown St. Cloud.  Arlene Helgeson was the chair of the committee that selected Anthony.  The dedication took place on August 30, 1973.  Senator Hubert Humphrey was there.  A grand 40-year anniversary celebration took place on August 30, 2013.  The late Jim McAlister created a wonderful video that is available on YouTube.  If you would like to have the link, just ask. 

Sadly, a few years back, the board of directors of Visual Arts of Minnesota simply ran out of energy and they folded up their tent.  Now there is a real danger that the Lake Wobegon Trail Association is going to go the same way.  Cliff Borgerding has been the force behind the Caramel Roll Ride, the Lady Slipper Ride, and the Caramel Apple Ride.  Cliff is simply unable to continue.  Some individual or a group of folks need to step up and take the reins.   I have attached a letter from Cliff with his contact information.   Please pass the word along to whomever you think might be interested in saving these marvelous recreational opportunities.

“If you can do more, you should.”  Robert Redford