The large red and white striped tents guaranteed a festive day. Almost. In Minnesota, weather is the perennial wild card, and on August 3rd, prior to the start of the quarterly Community Relations Council (CRC) meeting at the Hubert H. Humphrey Job Corps Center, the skies were threatening. “Looking outside this morning I was thinking 'Oh boy-is it going to work?',” Center Director Ralph DiBattista told the crowd gathered, “I wasn't sure until right about now when the sun came out…”
The son did come out. State Attorney General Hubert H. Humphrey III (Skip), whose late father the center is named after, was a special guest at the luncheon. Acting more the gracious and tireless host, he gave his attention to each person who wished to meet him - offering strong words of encouragement to the students.
Norm Coleman, Mayor of St. Paul, was the meeting's main speaker, and his message was bout a brighter future for the city. Stating that “St. Paul's best days are close at hand,” the Mayor reminded everyone that our focus needs to be on the next generation:
“The challenge for all of us is to tap into the potential-the great power-of our young people, to do everything we can to mobilize their energies and their talents.”
Towards this end, he reminded guests that Job Corps is essential. He also acknowledged the Humphrey center's help in furthering his vision of building community through river events.
“I am very proud of the city's partnership with Job Corps - proud of the opportunity that happens both ways, as well as simply having fun,” he said, adding: “You can have fun in this business. Today is fun. That's a good thing.”
