Mary Jo Schifsky has 40+ years of work experience, with leadership roles in for- and non-profit organizations. Most recently, she served as the visionary Executive Director for Store to Door for Seniors. Now she has returned the focus of her career to a long-time passion: workforce development. Mary Jo graduated from the University of Minnesota and earned her MBA at the Carlson School of Management. She has also engaged in HR management coursework and completed leadership training certification. She’s currently pursuing a doctorate in organizational leadership/policy development. 

There will a Thursday Fellowship meeting his week with a program TBA. 

Jay Pfaender announced the next two meetings: Mary Jo Schifsky, GenSync, will talk about Maximizing the Generational Dividend and Thomas Fisher, Professor at the University of Minnesota, will discuss Driverless Cars in a Sharing Economy.

Scott Van promoted the Rose Sale. Orders need to be placed by Friday, September 30 and will be delivered on October 6. Information and order forms were passed out.

Kristin Monpetit reminded everyone of the holiday party on December 8, 6-9 pm at the University Club. She asked for volunteers and auction items.

Mindee Kastelic collected for Happy Dollars from a number of Rotarians. Debbie Lee promoted the Opus and Olives event on October 16 and announced she is selling raffle tickets for a Delta airline flight for $20. Proceeds will go to Friends of the Saint Paul Library.

Jerry Faletti introduced the speaker, Jim Kosmo, Padelford Packet Boat Company. Capt. Jim told stories about the importance of the riverboats to the history of St. Paul and about the Padelford Packet Boat Co. His wife Shelly’s father, Capt. William D. Bowell, Sr., founded the company in 1979. Originally he owned a cruise boat that traveled down the Mississippi River. Later he sold it and bought smaller boats for local entertainment cruises in St. Paul. Since then, the cruises have adapted to the changing times. The company has always stayed true to the focus on the river, which is a flyway for birds and home to other wildlife.

The first small riverboat, the Virginia, arrived at Ft. Snelling in 1823. During the 1850s more than 1,000 boats landed in St. Paul each year. From 1850-1860, the Minnesota territory grew from 6,000 to 172,000, thanks to the riverboats. The river was the only highway at that time. The life of these boats was only about 3 years due to fires, snags, and boiler explosions. The worst maritime disaster in US history was the Sultana in 1865. Approximately 2,000 people, some soldiers returning from the Civil War, died in the fire near Memphis.  Government regulations, channel maintenance, and better boats have made river travel safer today.

The Padelford Packet Boat Company brings about 5,000 4-6^th grade students aboard riverboats each year to learn about boats, the environment, etc. They also hold a Big River Clean-up with volunteers to pick up trash along the river banks.

Jim Kosmo drew names from raffle tickets and gave out prizes, including free cruises and books.

Vice President Jerry thanked the speaker for his presentation. Rotary members recited the Four Way Test and the meeting was adjourned at 1:10 p.m.

Lynne Beck

Scribe