When I lived in Bismarck, I had an acquaintance who, knowing that I had lived in Minot, asked me why Minot called itself the “Magic City” and appears to think it is special.

My reply was that Minot doesn’t think it was special, it knows it is!

So when I decided to return to Minot after 20 years in Bismarck and six in Grand Forks, I asked myself why do I choose to live in Minot? Of course, having a daughter, grandkids and great grandkids helped my decision.

But that wasn’t all.

It isn’t from a lack of experience in moving as I have lived in nine states and 12 cities on the east and west coasts and in the Midwest.

So, over the past year I have pondered this question, Why Minot? Here are some of my reflections.

Minot has a special affinity for cooperative action. Maybe some of this stems from the ethnic value of cooperation in the Scandinavian countries. And some of this probably stems from having to pull together.

The flood in 1969, which damaged our home as well as many others, certainly honed this skill. I remember the role of the Air Force, Salvation Army, Red Cross, and every city agency you can imagine: all working together. So when the disastrous flood of 2011 occurred, the basic infrastructure was ready to be revitalized.

During the flood, I volunteered at the Red Cross Shelter in the Civic Center. CBS, NBC, CCN, BBC … every major news entity was here and they all asked the same question … “There are over 4,000 people out of their homes, and there are only about 300 here in the shelter. Where are the rest?

It was a simple answer, “They are living with me, with relatives and friends. We take care of our own people.” After experiencing Hurricane Katrina, they were astounded.

Another special thing about Minot is its gem, Minot State University.

As a student and faculty wife, I was immersed in MSU culture and it has been a great pleasure to return back to campus as a part of the 65-plus program where we “seniors” can audit a course with fees waived. This is my fourth year of taking a class and what a treat.

Minot State also has the best community opportunities of any city in the state for music, drama, visual arts and lectures on a variety of subjects. What a treasure.

Another aspect of returning to Minot that I thoroughly enjoy is being a part of the exciting changes that are occurring in our community. New businesses, more people from all over the world, fantastic shopping and eating opportunities and physical changes all over the city, from renovation of the downtown to a new middle school to myriad housing developments. Our parks and the Arts in the Park, the zoo, are all outstanding with exciting new offerings for all of us. What an exciting time.

As a volunteer, I am delighted with the opportunities to be involved in the community and contribute my small part.

All of this is not without challenges. I live in a 55-plus development and daily hear the desire for the “good old days.” Not having grown up in North Dakota, I have a difficult time relating to these “good old days.” I personally, love the good (and challenging) new days.

Yes, Minot is growing and changing … hurrah.

Why Not Minot?