I was pleased at the turnout and the testimony last week for the conditional use permit for the Islamic Society to operate a mosque in northwest Willmar. As I said I would earlier, I spoke in favor the project. I feel it's a good use of the land, and I think it's better to have an operating church in your neighborhood than a derelict building, slowing accumulating broken windows, weeds, rats and graffiti. Yes, I am a Christian and wish everyone was one, but maybe by welcoming the Muslims into the neighborhood and showing them how tolerant we are of different faiths, maybe some will convert. But that wasn't my objective in speaking in favor of the mosque. Some people in the neighborhood were against the project, fearing more traffic, noise and night time disturbances during Ramadan. But I think Zack Mahboub, the Islamic Society spokesman, was sincere when he said they would do their best to be respectful and good neighbors.
The Twin's season begins this week. It's about time! We can put the painful promise of the Timberwolves season, shattered by Ricky Rubio's knee injury, and the Heaven-to-Hell plunge of the Wild season behind us. And don't get me started on the Vikings. The Twins lineup will be full of unfamiliar names, but I guess that's to be expected after a 99-loss season. I hope to be in the stands of Target Field often this year.
Just a reminder...I am riding my bike 500 miles for Habitat for Humanity this summer. I need to raise a minimum of 900 dollars. Any donations would be appreciated. Contact me at the station. So far I've put nearly 80 miles on the old recumbant, including a pleasant 13 mile jaunt north of Willmar yesterday evening. Thanks for the nice weather, Al Gore!
