Downtown volunteer is an ambassador for Cape Girardeau

Anita Meinz is a top-notch ambassador for Cape Girar-deau.

Over the past 17 years in her capacity as a Cape Girardeau Paddlewheeler, Meinz has guided thousands of camera-snapping visitors on tours of the city. She has also put in thousands of hours as a Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) office volunteer.

Meinz became a volunteer Paddlewheeler in 1985, combining paddlewheeler duties with her full-time duties as secretary at Franklin School. She retired from the Cape Girardeau School District in 1990. But there was no rocking chair waiting for Meinz.

"I wake up every day happy," said Meinz. "I don't even want to think about not volunteering."

In addition to her Paddlewheeler duties (Paddlewheelers receive payment now), Meinz typically volunteers another 20 hours a week at the CVB's downtown office.

Meinz is no stranger to the volunteer world. She's also a volunteer with Vision 2020 and has earned volunteer awards for her assistance with Vision 2000. Over the past decade, she has given time and talent to the United Way, American Red Cross and the Glenn House.

"Volunteering is the only way to go," Meinz emphasized. "I love working with people."

She does it for self-satisfaction, she added. "I like Cape Girardeau, and it makes me feel good to hear people say good things about Cape Girardeau."

As a Paddlewheeler, she serves as a greeter to the city and takes people on tours. "We also serve as guides for motor coaches which visit the city," said Meinz.

She says Cape Girardeau has a number of selling points, including its location on the Mississippi River and the nearby Trail of Tears State Park.

"People often remark about our friendly people and the cleanliness of the city," said Meinz. "Add to that historic buildings and attractive murals, and Cape Girardeau is a big draw."

Meinz remembers one St. Louis group which was viewing the Wall of Fame mural downtown. One youngster excitedly pointed out that a figure on the wall was his uncle.

"I thought, yeah, sure," said Meinz. Later she discovered he really was a cousin of baseballer Joe Garagiola.