Cardmembers Vote 'Children's Safe Drinking Water' Project Idea the Winner of American Express' Members Project

GoodBiz113 ad partner American Express just announced that, after receiving the most Cardmember votes, "Children's Safe Drinking Water" is the winning project idea for The Members Project. American Express is awarding the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, the organization selected to fulfill the idea, $2 million dollars, which will be used to provide millions of children in the developing world with safe drinking water.

The Members Project [www.membersproject.com] launched on May 15 and brought thousands of American Express(R) Cardmembers together to submit, discuss, rate and, ultimately, vote on the one project idea they wanted American Express to bring to life. American Express contributed $1 toward the winning idea for every Cardmember that registered, with a minimum commitment of $1 million and up to $5 million in funding.

Throughout The Members Project initiative, 186,508 Cardmembers registered -- with more than 7,000 project ideas submitted and 162,087 votes cast. Additionally, there were over 1.5 million unique visitors to the website.

Therefore, American Express decided to double its minimum commitment of $1 million and award the winning project idea $2 million to help make a larger impact.

In addition, American Express announced a Recognition Award of $100,000 each to the organizations paired with the remaining four project ideas, and has designated the award money be used in the spirit of the Cardmember's project idea.

"Through The Members Project, we brought together our community of Cardmembers in a new, interactive way that tapped into ideas and causes they are most passionate about," said Jud Linville, President and CEO, Consumer Services at American Express. "Our Cardmembers truly rallied around project ideas, encouraging Cardmembers across the country to get involved. Now, they can feel great that a difference will be made, thanks to their votes and efforts."

The winning idea, "Children's Safe Drinking Water" paired with UNICEF, was submitted by American Express(R) Cardmember Gregory Allgood of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Other Four Finalists
* "Teachers ask. You choose. Students learn. -- This program aims to create a website where public school teachers can request specific educational projects for their classrooms, and individuals can log on to choose which projects to fund, in turn, providing educational tools for students from low-income families nationwide." Fulfilling organization: DonorsChoose.org.

* "Plant a Million Trees: Global Reforestation -- From forest fires to rainforest destruction, to natural water disasters to overdevelopment, trees are disappearing in vast numbers all over the globe. This plan suggests planting millions of trees where they are needed most." Fulfilling organization: American Forests.

* "Wind and Solar for Residential -- This project plans to create a small power-generating unit that is small and powerful enough to be placed into every residential home. The ultimate goal of the project is to create a community of homes to help generate power for the power companies to use." Fulfilling organization: American Solar Energy Society.

* "Restore our U.S. National Parks -- The United States' National Parks and Historic Sites are in disrepair, and funding is needed to repair and refurbish. This project aims to provide funding to the landmarks that define our nation." Fulfilling organization: National Park Foundation.

The Members Project, which is a part of American Express' new brand campaign, "Are You a Cardmember?[SM]," highlights the value of being part of the American Express Cardmember community.

American Express, Membership and Giving Back
American Express Company [http://www.americanexpress.com/] is a leading global payments, network and travel company founded in 1850. American Express has been synonymous with “Membership” since it introduced “Member Since” dates on its Cards in 1964, and has continued to develop a sense of membership through the special benefits and exceptional services offered to Cardmembers.

The Members Project -- which is a part of American Express’s new brand campaign, “Are You a Cardmember?[SM]” -- highlights the value of being part of the American Express Cardmember community. Giving back is a core value of the Company, and being a “good citizen” is a hallmark of the brand.

Over the years, American Express has supported causes that are important to Cardmembers, merchant partners and the general public -- from reopening the Statue of Liberty after 9/11, to fighting hunger and preserving historic sites around the world. Through these programs, including The Members Project, American Express is providing an outlet for consumers’ desire to “do good.”

Source: American Express
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June 17 Deadline Nears to Submit World-Changing Ideas for American Express® Initiative, The Members Project

As we reported on May 17 ["American Express Empowers Cardmembers to Make a Positive Impact in the World Via Unique Online Program"], GoodBiz113 ad partner American Express® has introduced The Members Project [SM], a unique and exciting new initiative that empowers Cardmembers to come together as a community and unite behind project ideas for making a positive impact on the world.

Cardmembers have till 11:59 p.m. EST on June 17 to dream up and submit their project ideas. After the select advisory panel -- including Geoff Canada, Ellen DeGeneres, Dr. Jane Goodall, Rosabeth Moss Kanter, Dr. Michael L. Lomax, Wynton Marsalis, and Gabrielle Reese -- pore over the applications and select the top 50 ideas, fellow Cardmembers can then rate and discuss the innovative projects on message boards.

Since the launch, thousands of project ideas have been submitted and rated, and Cardmembers from all over the country have begun rallying behind the ideas they like best. Highlights of projects currently posted on membersproject.com include:
* More than 900 community development projects -- including mentorship programs, after-school initiatives for kids, and homeless outreach
* More than 700 education projects, ranging from literacy programs to textbook exchanges, to life skills classes
* More than 600 projects concerning the environment -- such as land conservation, energy efficiency, and alternate transportation
* More than 125 arts and entertainment ideas -- including jazz preservation, music in schools, and film projects

Multiple project ideas center on themes. Three of the most popular themes are:
* Water purification
* Microfinance
* Environmental preservation

Ultimately, Cardmembers will vote and unite behind one incredible idea. On August 7, American Express will help bring that winning idea to life with up to $5 million -- i.e., $1 for each Cardmember who registers to be part of The Members Project. Registration is free and lasts throughout the entire Members Project selection and voting process. The more Cardmembers registered, the more dollars available for the winning project idea.

Will you send vital vaccines to India? Sponsor schools in the inner city? Or fund a next-generation hydrogen car? The possibilities are endless. The decision is yours. Visit membersproject.com.
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American Express Empowers Cardmembers to Make a Positive Impact in the World Via Unique Online Program

GoodBiz113 advertiser American Express just announced a unique, online initiative called The Members Project [www.membersproject.com], which enables American Express® Cardmembers to come together as a community by submitting and sharing their project ideas for making a positive impact in the world. Cardmembers can rate and discuss the project ideas on message boards, and will ultimately vote and choose one innovative, winning idea that American Express will help bring to life with up to $5 million.

The Members Project -- which is a part of American Express' new brand campaign, "Are You a Cardmember?" -- highlights the value of being a Cardmember and part of the American Express Cardmember community.

"Our Cardmembers make up a unique community -- one that is highly engaged and passionate -- and we know that they care about the world around them," said Jud Linville, president of American Express Consumer Card Services Group. "Through the unique experience of The Members Project, our community of Cardmembers is pulling together and collectively shaking up the world just a little bit to do some good."

How The Members Project Works
Through June 17, Cardmembers can go to http://www.membersproject.com/, register, and submit their project ideas for making a broad and positive impact in one of the following categories: Arts & Entertainment, Business & Finance, Education, Environment & Wildlife, Fun, Health & Fitness, and Community Development. Cardmembers can also participate by rating or posting comments about project ideas already submitted.

For every Cardmember that registers, regardless of whether they come up with a project idea or just add their input on project ideas already submitted, American Express will contribute $1 toward the winning idea. The more Cardmembers registered, the more dollars available. American Express will commit at least $1 million and up to $5 million for the winning idea.

Once the project idea submission and rating phase closes, starting June 18, American Express will work with a special Advisory Panel to review the top-rated projects and narrow the submissions to the top 50 ideas.

"In addition to our community of Cardmembers, we have enlisted a group of well-known and respected leaders across a number of fields to help us identify the ideas that are the most innovative, achievable and have a broad, positive impact on the world around us," added Linville.

Advisory Panelists include:
* Geoff Canada -- President and CEO of the Harlem Children's Zone
* Ellen DeGeneres -- Comedian and Talk Show Host
* Dr. Jane Goodall -- Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace
* Rosabeth Moss Kanter -- Harvard Business School Professor
* Dr. Michael Lomax -- President and CEO, United Negro College Fund
* Wynton Marsalis -- Artistic Director, Jazz at Lincoln Center
* Gabrielle Reece -- Professional Volleyball Player and Sports/Fitness Expert

The top 50 ideas will be announced on July 3, and Cardmembers can then log-on and cast their vote for their favorite idea. Based on popular vote, the top 50 ideas will be narrowed to the top 25 ideas and then the top five, with the final winning idea announced on August 7.

American Express and Giving Back
Giving back is a core value of American Express, and being a "good citizen" is a hallmark of the brand. American Express was the first company to launch a cause-related marketing campaign, which was a program benefiting the Statue of Liberty in 1983. The Company has continued to roll out successful initiatives around the world that have enhanced the communities where we live and work, and bring support to causes.

Over the years, American Express has supported causes that are important to Cardmembers, merchant partners and the general public -- from reopening the Statue of Liberty after 9/11, to fighting hunger and preserving historic sites around the world. Through these programs, including The Members Project, American Express is providing an outlet for consumers' desire to "do good."

About American Express
American Express Company [www.americanexpress.com] is a leading global payments, network and travel company founded in 1850.
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Minnesota Artisans Mobilize Community to Create 9/11 Stained-Glass Memorial Window: Part 2

Editor's note: This week, as we mark the fifth anniversary of 9/11, GoodBiz113 is privileged to recognize a far-reaching project spearheaded by two exemplary artists/citizens/small-business owners in 2002. This is the second in a two-part series.

The Upshot
The towering tribute that Stephanie and Mike Podulke coordinated catches rays of light as it annexes the west side of Mayo Civic Center and Rochester Art Center. It aptly reflects the heartfelt spirit of the 400-plus volunteers who donated time, energy and sentimental glass fragments to build the meditative and symbolic salute to 9/11's heroes and victims.

At the 9/11 Memorial Window's site is a small stand, on which a comment book rests. Inside the book are photos that chronicle the memorial's assembly, plus memories and observations recorded by 150 to 200 volunteers. Among them:
* Photo, labeled "Clear shards, crystals for Twin Towers...There is a special place in heaven for those who wrap little pieces!"
* Note from the Rochester Fire Department firefighter who took a copper panel back to the fire station, where he and other firefighters punched 343 star-holes to represent the number of New York City Fire Department comrades who died on 9/11.
* Note from John and Cheryl Coleman, who worked on panel No. 7. "We used leaded crystal wine glasses given to us by Cheryl's brother, Col. George White, U.S. Army [Ret.], as a wedding gift in 1969."
* Blessing delivered by Rev. Dillman Baker Sorrells [now retired from First UU] during dedication ceremony on Nov. 23, 2002
* Poem by Abbie Whitehead, DVM, after working on the window for the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester, Minnesota, on October 20, 2002:

Stained Glass Window

Our tears have become crystal

now that the mist has cleared.

Surrounded by their sisters

and soldered by their brothers

all soldiered in together

recruits for a war that was not theirs.

The rainbow was their lives,

all the colors were their faces.

These let the light come shining,

and let the angels fly.

For they are still among us now

we see them in the stars.

And through the crystal

we must see

the light in every one on earth;

help others to see, too --

That war and terror are not the way

to let the light shine through.

In October 2002, Dr. Abbie Whitehead, a veterinarian, was visiting from Fairfield, Cal., to have surgery at Rochester's Mayo Clinic. One day, she spied one of Podulkes' hand-painted signs and drove up to join their volunteer project.

"I thought it was neat they were doing it, and that they were letting other people get involved, too," reflected Whitehead. "I knew that talking to people while doing something physical and creative would help take my mind off why I was there. Plus, since I used to be a farrier, I was pretty adept at hammering onto a pritchel. That came in handy for punching stars on copper."

Whitehead grew up on Long Island, and had a 10-year military career in the Veterinary Corps. She was still in the military on 9/11 [stationed at Travis AFB], and knew two people who died that day: a distant cousin, and the wife of a Pentagon colonel.

"I think 9/11 affected all of us and opened a vulnerability on our own soil," said Whitehead. "I know every time I drive across the Golden Gate Bridge to visit my mother now, I think about it and recall exactly when it happened: 5:45 a.m. [PT]. It's akin to the day JFK was shot."

Thinking back to October 2002, Whitehead was poetic about her time working on the memorial. "While doing some soldering and punching star-holes one night, the Big Dipper was out," she said. "You know, the more you travel, the more aware you become that we all look up at the same sky and stars."

Within a year of completing the memorial, the Podulkes were publicly honored for their efforts. In November 2003, they won a prestigious CUDE award [creative initiative category], bestowed by the mayor-appointed Rochester Committee on Urban Design and the Environment [CUDE].

Sandi Goslee, senior planner for the Rochester/Olmsted Planning Department, said the competition is consistently keen for CUDE awards, currently marking their 20th year. "We've always had great nominees and even greater winners," she said. "Ever since the 9/11 Memorial Window was installed, everyone's raved about how wonderful it is -- both in terms of its aesthetics and the process that led to the end result."

"If you want to create something great, you've got to take risks," noted landscape architect Andy Masterpole and 2003-2005 CUDE chair. "The Podulkes did that. Physically, their memorial is great. Then, the way they managed to get so many people involved...Well, that's not easy to do these days. Their entire project was an artistic triumph of community spirit and Americanism at its best."

In December 2003, during the 20th Mayor's Medal of Honor ceremony, Stephanie and Mike Podulke received the distinguished Legacy Award for their involvement in neighborhood and civic affairs. That accolade was also well-deserved, said E. Christine Schultze, an architect who serves on CUDE, Rochester Planning and Zoning Commission, Design Review Committee for MnDOT work on Highways 52 and 14, and board of directors for 1000 Friends of Minnesota.

"To me, it's incredibly important to recognize urban initiatives such as the Podulkes' project," noted Schultze. "Artists who have that kind of collaborative and guiding spirit, thoughtful approach, and the power to inspire others and work through people, deserve all the support their communities can render."

OK, but why build a 9/11 memorial in Rochester, Minn. -- so far away from Ground Zero? "Essentially, Rochester is an agrarian town; there's a real undercurrent of agriculture here," Schultze explained. "It's important to remember that, in some sense, 9/11 was like a war. It's hard for people to talk about and simply isn't discussed. That kind of quiet absorption is very Midwestern and is always there.

"To me, it seems perfectly logical that this memorial would happen here. It's like six degrees of separation. 9/11 was part of the entire country. Yes, it happened in New York City, some 1,200-plus miles away. But it's something we all care about, and somehow need to connect with that and express that."

Phil Wheeler, director of the Rochester/Olmsted Planning Department, agrees. "Some of the closest parallels include Pearl Harbor, JFK and the Challenger disaster," he said. "Tragic events such as 9/11 remind us that we're part of the same community. Mike and Stephanie's project helped people deal with their sense of loss, and provided a sense of involvement and control."

Wheeler and his wife, Sue, donated some of Sue's late mother's glass to the memorial. He appreciates observing personal reactions to the community art -- especially, those of the thousands of international visitors who visit Rochester annually.

"Our 9/11 Memorial Window seems to have an effect on people -- not unlike the impact that the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall has," said Wheeler. "It reminds everyone that we're all part of the same community."

The Financials

Stephanie and Mike Podulke provided tools and equipment, and donated materials and supplies to construct the 9/11 Memorial Window; Olmsted County donated use of its fairgrounds for construction; the City of Rochester contributed $4,000 for supplies and framing; and Mayo Civic Center paid for the installation. Estimated market value: $40,000.

"The Podulkes never asked for supply money; I asked them what they needed," Hunziker noted. "Imagine using broken glass to make that kind of statement. Sheer genius."

Sutherland agreed. "No one could have watched video coverage of 9/11 events without being affected," he said. "What happened in this country could have happened anywhere in the world. The Podulkes helped us see and feel that. And what did we give up? Just a little public space. That's easy to do, and we -- meaning all cities -- need to do more of it in order to encourage more community art."

Donna Drews, executive director of Mayo Civic Center, frequently gets to note people's reactions to the memorial. "There's no doubt that, on both a local and international scale, the memorial creates a sense of awe in everyone who experiences it," she said. "We were very pleased that the Civic Center was chosen for its installation. It gives us the opportunity to diversify our role by sharing the 9/11 Memorial Window with visitors from all over the world."

The Takeaway
So, after incurring inestimable out-of-pocket expenses and devoting time -- time that could have otherwise been spent on actual paid projects -- would the Podulkes do their 9/11 project again? In a heartbeat.

"Why do we live?" Mike rhetorically asks. "Time comes out of the business. Sure, it's a sacrifice of sorts. But it's the right thing to do. Involving others in creating a tangible expression of our collective grief and sympathy was, for us, the right thing to do. So we did it."

What would the Podulkes tell other artists and small-business owners who endeavor to make a difference in their communities? "Have the courage to dream about it," Stephanie advised. "Don't wait for permission or approval. Just move forward with your vision."

It's no secret that entrepreneurs have, uh, control issues. How do they steer projects that require a certain degree of hands-off collaboration? "Be consumer-friendly and wary of over-controlling it," said Mike. "Just provide the supplies and tools needed, dream, and be willing to relinquish control. Organizers need to let go and give people the power to express themselves."

"We knew that we couldn't design the memorial by committee," Stephanie explained. "So, we spent a lot of time visualizing an approximate end result, then did a very basic design. People could act freely in our well-planned, experiential playgound...On the rainbow-colored ribbon, for instance, volunteers did a fantastic job of being sensitive and intuitive."

Then there's the responsibility of being accountable to stakeholders -- i.e., beyond any requisite financial reporting. "No doubt, we owe a note of gratitude to the city and county for giving this opportunity to the community," said Mike.

"Yes," Stephanie nodded. "Thanks go to the city, county and citizens for believing in us and having the courage to create and display this memorial."

Last question: What if -- perish the thought -- the community's 7-foot-by-33-foot 9/11 Memorial Window breaks? Without a beat, Mike responded, "We know about 500 people who can fix it."


For a thought-provoking take on the five-year anniversary of 9/11, check out Bloggermann.

Minnesota Artisans Mobilize Community to Create 9/11 Stained-Glass Memorial Window: Part 1

Editor's note: This week, as we mark the fifth anniversary of 9/11, GoodBiz113 is privileged to recognize a far-reaching project spearheaded by two exemplary artists/citizens/small-business owners in 2002. This is the first in a two-part series.

The Company
Rochester Stained Glass
1105 Center St. W.
Rochester, MN 55902
Phone: [507] 282-2752

Founded: 1976
Employees: 2

Contacts: Stephanie & Mike Podulke, Co-Owners

The Business
Since launching Rochester Stained Glass in 1976, Stephanie and Mike Podulke have been commissioned to create most of the community's stained glass. Among their most notable projects:
* 32 windows for Peace United Church of Christ
* Round window dedicated outside the Methodist Hospital chapel
* Window above the main entrance to John Marshall High School
* 20-foot-by-20-foot mural at St. Pius X Catholic School's east entrance, to memorialize a fifth-grade student's slain family members

The Podulkes' large-scale creations typically invite/require collaboration with the client's staff, members, students, etc., to design and build each project.

The Buzz
Besides owning and operating a small business, the Podulkes -- both of whom supposedly retired 30 years ago -- are exemplary citizens, too. Mike is a longtime Olmsted County commissioner who typically sweeps his elections. He and Stephanie consistently lend their time and talents to various community events and projects; e.g., neighborhood associations, annual Maypole dance and coming-of-age celebration at First Unitarian Universalist Church [AKA First UU].

The Catalyst
In spring of 2002, just months after thousands of men and women perished on Sept. 11, 2001, the Podulkes conceived the idea of building a stained-glass memorial window in Rochester, Minn. -- some 1,150 miles from Ground Zero, in New York City's Lower Manahattan financial district. Further, they'd involve some people from the community to help create it.

"This type of project is very healing for all the people involved," Mike explained. "With 9/11, we knew that the whole country is a victim and that our whole community needed to heal -- person by person, piece by piece. We wanted to make something positive and permanent out of a tragedy."

The Partners
* Olmsted County
* Rochester Park and Recreation Department
* 400-plus volunteers; e.g., firefighters, citizens, Girl Scouts, seniors, parents, kids, out-of-town Mayo Clinic patients

The Strategy
The Podulkes were prepared to donate their time, some glass, copper foil and other materials. Still, they'd still need space in which to build the memorial and, of course, for its installation. They knew just where to go.

"When Mike first called me, he said they'd need space for a two-foot-by-three-foot memorial," recalled John Hunziker, executive director of the Olmsted County Historical Society, and past president of the Rochester City Council. "Then, while scouting possible locations in the Mayo Civic Center, easy-going Roy [Sutherland, superintendent of Rochester Park and Recreation] simply said, 'Pick any spot, Mike.' Well, Mike saw that tall space and fell in love with it."

"In my mind, it was the perfect spot," said Sutherland. "There's not enough art in this community...I was familiar with their work, and knew Mike and Stephanie would fill it with something amazing."

The Process
After expanding their design to fit Mayo Civic Center's cathedral-like installation space -- measuring an impressive 33 feet high and seven feet wide -- the Podulkes focused on building the community's commemorative monument to 9/11.

In September 2002, the Podulkes did some grass-roots PR and advertising [e.g., word-of-mouth, hand-painted signs, blurb in Rochester's Post-Bulletin newspaper] to recruit volunteers to wash and cut hundreds of pieces of glass, wrap copper foil around each piece, solder, etc. Then, over three weeks in October, 11 tables in Industrial Building No. 2 at the Olmsted County Fairgrounds would serve as their "studio." For four nights per week, six hours per night, they collaborated with 400-plus people of all ages and backgrounds -- some of whom hadn't seen one another in 10-15 years.

"The stuff that people brought was incredible," Stephanie marveled. "Lots of people brought chairs. One woman supplied hot chocolate. And the glass! We received broken crystals, tops of percolators, camera prisms and lenses, and lots of assorted glass from wedding gifts -- expensive and ugly alike. A recovering alcoholic contributed the bottoms of six wine glasses."

Somehow, it all found a place in the Podulkes' keenly symbolic design. At the base is New York's Central Park, which rises to the World Trade Center's Twin Towers, hauntingly depicted in countless pieces of clear glass. Meanwhile, a rainbow-colored ribbon of glass floats from beneath the towers to the memorial's top, representing the spiritual connection between the community and the victims of 9/11. Bordering each of the memorial's 11 panels -- "none of which is true nor square," Mike notes -- is copper sheeting, into which more than 3,000 star-holes were punched; i.e., one to represent each person who died during 9/11's multiple attacks on our nation.

"In terms of size and scope, the memorial itself turned out to be four to five times larger than originally planned," said Stephanie. "Still, we wanted to involve people in this community blessing to those who died, and we wanted everyone to have ownership of it."

Evidently, it worked. Long after Ida Young and her family spent every possible hour working on their own panel, she still cherishes those weeks in October 2002. While off from her Mayo Clinic nursing job with a bad knee, Young, her three teenage daughters, plus some friends, created panel No. 9, which renders the tops of the Twin Towers.

"The Podulkes let me be there from beginning to end," Young enthused. "It became a really nice way to recuperate, and to connect with my family and friends. Plus, it provided significant time for reflection and remembering the events of 9/11. The entire process was almost spiritual."

Then there's the giveback aspect. "I've received a lot, and this was just one way to give something back," noted Young. "While putting myself though school, our family utilized a fair amount of community resources. What goes around, comes around. It's important to teach my children that, and to get involved in things that make a difference.

"Too often, I think, we take our freedoms for granted. What happened on 9/11 could have happened anywhere. This memorial will help us all to remember that. I'm very honored to have been a part of it."

Several years ago, Robin Taylor worked at the New York-based Population Council. Now a seasoned Prejudice Reduction Workshop facilitator for Rochester's Diversity Council, she, too, appreciated the opportunity to be a part of the Podulkes' project.

"9/11 really hit me hard," Taylor said. "For two years, I had the pleasure of viewing the Twin Towers' distinct place in the city's skyline. Moreover, to hear about friends who, for some reason, were late for work that day and somehow managed to avoid the chaos, destruction and death...It's overwhelming for adults to comprehend -- much less, to try and explain to kids. About all you can say is that, today, we're all citizens of New York, and we're all a part of the global community."

Taylor and her First UU walking group got involved in making the memorial happen. On several occasions, she also brought her two teenage daughters and her mother.

"The neat thing was having three generations of us there working it," she said. "Mostly, we wrapped glass in copper foil. It was fun to be creative, play with colors, and participate in something positive and constructive, not destructive... Now, it's just fun to walk by the memorial and see what we did. Everyone thinks it's spectacular."

Spectacular, indeed. Try framing all the panels. "It sounded like an enormous project," recalled Daryl Nigon, a Rochester native and president of Nigon Woodworks, which has framed stained-glass projects of all shapes and sizes for the Podulkes. "Once it was done, though, and installed, it just awed me...I'm so impressed that Mike and Stephanie would undertake a project of this scale -- to think of it, organize it, and then spend so much time to help Rochester remember 9/11. This is something that our kids and grandkids will have."

Peter Podulke, Mike's brother, is a 250-pound, self-employed brick and stonemason [and interpretive dancer] based in St. Paul, Minn. When he heard about the memorial, he was chomping at the bit to somehow participate in its development. Lo and behold, he was called down to install it -- with a little help.

"During the entire time the memorial was being assembled, I was just wishing for a chance to be involved," Peter gushed. "After all, 9/11 is such a difficult thing to bite off. It's hard to render such a horrible event. Mike and Stephanie managed to do it, though. The end result is thematically unified, with several social layers of involvement, craftsmanship, and complete wholeness and integrity of expression. I was delighted to break away to do it."

From the memorial's panel No. 1 on up, installation went well. Then, when the expandable floor crane carried Peter and panel No. 11 to the ceiling, that was it. He simply couldn't fit into the cramped, irregular space.

Fortunately, Stephanie and Mike knew just the diminutive, albeit strong, person for the job: Jean Hanson, a Rochester native, fellow First UU member and avid volunteer who had also spent time piecing together the memorial.

"Yes, I got to screw in the final panel," said the energetic Hanson. "It was such a small space...No one else could possibly fit up there."

Hanson then recalled the grave concern she had for her son and daughter-in-law, Chris, who lived in Midtown, just five miles from Ground Zero. "Of course, on the morning of 9/11, I called their house right away," she said. "Later, I learned that Chris' first cousin, who worked in the Twin Towers, had been told to stay at his desk. He chose to leave and survived...

"Whether or not you know someone directly impacted by 9/11, everyone is affected by it. It's a wonderful thing that Stephanie and Mike did to help our community remember that."