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The Chinese delegation visit to FF
Published Tuesday, June 3, 2008
What a wonderful experience my wife and I had last Wednesday while at the Regional Treatment Center. We were there during the afternoon to help with the tours for the public as advertised in the Fergus Falls Daily Journal.
While there, we were told that the Chinese delegation was arriving early and would tour the RTC on Wednesday rather than Thursday as originally planned.
When they stepped off the bus, they were welcomed by many as they admired “the Old Main, the Tower Building, the Kirkbride Complex.”
As they toured many areas in the buildings, I believe they were most impressed by the “3 Dorm Rooms” the Friends of the Kirkbride had set up with all the furnishings of a typical dorm room (they had even painted 2 of the rooms in a bright yellow which they were told was typical Chinese room color). But when they saw the large gathering area for study, free time, with a Ping Pong table their eyes lit up. (Ping Pong is a favorite sport in China) Nearly 300 guests attended the dinner in their honor at the Bigwood Center that evening.
Now the “wet blanket” on this great event – Monday night at the City Council Meeting, where I was present – Rick Wilson (Council Member) asked for a report from Kent Mattson (Fergus’ attorney for the RTC) on the plans or schedule for the RTC. Rick attended the Bigwood dinner meeting where many details were shared with all. There have been articles in the Fergus Falls Daily Journal, Fargo Forum and even Grand Forks Herald, as well as radio and television coverage.
Why is demolition still being discussed? It shouldn’t even be a concern as a project of this magnitude requires time to put together.
Who suggested December 31, 2008 as deadline for final plans or the demolition monies would be withdrawn? To my recollection it was NOT the State of Minnesota! I believe this money will be available for several years.
This is the biggest economic opportunity for Fergus Falls that I recall in my 74 years living here!!
Let’s all get together, cheer on and back the Minnesota Institute for Cross-Cultural Studies in Fergus Falls.
It is a very positive reuse of the RTC!!
Gene Schmidt
Fergus Falls
Comments
The Daily Journal is happy to host community conversations about news and life in Fergus Falls and the surrounding area. As hosts, we expect guests will show respect for each other. That means we don't threaten or defame each other, and we keep conversations free of personal attacks. Witty is great. Abusive is not. If you think a post violates these standards, don't escalate the situation. Instead, flag the comment to alert us. We'll take action if necessary. It's not hard. This should be a place where people want to read and contribute -- a place for spirited exchanges of opinion. So those who persist with racist, defamatory or abusive postings risk losing the privilege to post at all.Posted by cheif (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 12:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Amen! I agree 101% with this.
Posted by FergusFamily (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 1:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ditto. Save this great facility and don't rush to tear it down. These kinds of deals take time. Each of 1,000 students could add $13,000 annually to our economy. We can't afford to rush or snub this opportunity.
Posted by onlyme (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 4 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with Gene on this. We no longer have a need for negative comments by city leaders as this is getting closer to be a reality.
I would think all the city leaders would be well aware of what is going on after the Chinese Delegation visited and met with them last week.
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