Stories

On the evening of Tuesday April 16th, 106 Rotarians and guests gathered in person (plus an extra 16 online!) to discuss how we can maintain relationships and focus on our shared humanity in these very divisive times we are living in.  The evening included a presentation as well as break-out groups where individuals were able to discuss and share their thoughts.  All participants can look forward to receiving a recording of the evening in the near future!

501 Minutes

President Heidi Fisher called our 501 meeting to order and thanked our meeting volunteers for their excellent support.

Past President Michael-jon Pease provided an inspirational minute centered around peace.  Susan Rostkoski welcomed visiting Rotarians and guests.

Past District Governor Ken Crabb introduced our program speakers St. Paul Rotarian Tony Conn and Northfield Rotarian Yogi Reppman.  The program was titled “the Peace Pipe Letters”, an informative and inspiring presentation about Rotary letters sent out in 1931 by WJ Fulton.  Over 500 letters were type written by him to Rotary Clubs around the world.  There was a 40% response rate with letters coming from Rotary Founder Paul Harris.

In 2016, Tony Conn discovered the Peace Pipe Letters in a vault where they were stored.  With this discovery, Tony and Yogi published a book in 2019; created a 501c3 organization; presented their Peace Pipe Letters program at the Rotary International Convention in Hamburg Germany.  Their story has been published in three Rotary magazines in Germany, South Africa and Austria/New Zealand.  They have organized a Peace Conference as well.  An incredible historical Rotary story was shared to our Club.

Following the program, President Heidi shared ROTARY FAST FACTS.  Which three US Presidents were Rotarians.  Three mentioned included President George Bush, President Jimmy Carter, and President Harry S. Truman.  Brianna Vujovich was the winner of the contest.

There was plenty of Happy Dollars flowing through the group celebrating our program speakers, a Rotarian’s son getting engaged and Rotarians having an enjoyable Easter.

Upcoming Events included Rotation Day on April 9 at Regions; Rotary Community Forum on April 16^th; RYLA being held from April 19-23; RYLA Luncheon with members on April 23 and our Club Foundation Celebration being organized for June 4^th at Camp Bar.

It was a great night to be a St. Paul Rotarian.

Dave Dominick, Scribe.

Rotary Club of St. Paul

March 19, 2024

President Heidi Fisher called the hybrid meeting to order at 5:15 pm. Heather Britt was scribe. The greeter was Michael-Jon Pease. Inspirational minute was Shelly Rucks. Guests, visitors, and happy dollars was Susan Rostkoski. The A/V Tech Team was Matt Magers and Ken Crabb.

Pledge of Allegiance

Inspirational Minutes & Four Way Test with Shelly Rucks

Introduction of Visiting Rotarians & Guests with Susan Rostkoski.

Ken Crabb introducing speaker of the day, Mike Spellman, Rotary International & The Institute for Economics & Peace

Presenter started at 5:24pm --

· Giving this presentation to all 60 clubs.

· Peace is a new theme in Rotary this year – make peace visible is the initiative. Based upon a partnership between Rotary International and the Institute for Economics and Peace.

· IEP = global nonprofit, think tank, headquartered in Sydney, offices all over globe

· Relationship to change way we think about, plan, execute projects all over the world

· What is peace? What is peace made of? What sustains peace? Can peace be measured and quantified?

• 24,700 data sets; from UN, World Bank, World Health Organization and so on
• Two concepts: positive peace versus negative peace

· Negative peace = absence of violence or the fear of violence

• Start by measuring presence of violence or fear of violence
• Highest scores = most violent (least peaceful) in the scoring (from June 2023 report)
  • Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria, South Sudan, D. Rep. Congo, Russia, Ukraine, Somalia, Sudan, Iraq, Mali, Cent. Afr. Rep.
• Lowest scores = least violent
  • Iceland, Denmark, Ireland, New Zealand, Austria, Singapore, Portugal, Slovenia, Japan, Switzerland, Canada, Czechia
• Global peace index map
  • US is 131 of 160something

· Positive peace = intentional creation and maintenance of conditions supportive of sustainably peaceful societies

• What are those conditions?
  • Well-functioning government, equitable distribution of resources, free flow of information, good relations with neighbors, high levels of human capital, acceptance of the rights of others, low levels of corruption, sound business environment
  • Definitions of each of these, 3 indicators for each of the 8 pillars
• Dynamic and interconnected system of pillars of peace
  • Own effect and interdependent effect on the others

· Comparison of 7 areas of focus of Rotary with the 8 pillars of peace

• Peace & conflict resolution, providing clean water, saving mothers & children, supporting education, fighting disease, growing local economics, protecting the environment

· Rotary projects can be designed to affect ONE pillar primarily, SOME pillars more and others less so, or ALL of the pillars

· We benefit from added CONTEXT (customs, practices, institutions, attitudes), AWARENESS (of the broader impact of our actions), INSIGHT (into the factors which might help or hurt the outcome of the project), FRAMEWORK (for sound decision-making)

• These yield safe, effective, long-term projects · Attend free IEP course at: www.positivepeace.academy/rotary

· Lots of additional reports available

• There is a state by state report for the US
  • Where is MN? Maine = #1, Vermont = #2, New Hampshire = #3, Massachusetts = #4, Minnesota = #5
• Ecological Threat Registry

Q & A

· US index – 2.448 (we’re in the bottom fifth)

Certificate for Mike.

Happy Dollars: Susan Rostkoski

· Doug – 4 grandkids and their groovy stuff!

· Jim – Centennial scholar update, forum

· Michael-Jon – Ellen Kennedy recognition

· Aaron – kids & wife

· Shelly – owe everyone for banner, notebook

Rotary Fast Facts with Heidi

· What are 3 of the 4 roles for Rotary in promoting peace?

• Picture frame with clock and Rotary symbol is the prize
• 1 = advocacy/advocates
• 2 = teachers/education
• 3 = take action -- practitioners
• 4 = mediators

· Doug wins!

Upcoming events, meetings, service opportunities with Heidi

Saturday, March 23rd

Service Opportunity

Science Museum

10 to 12 or 12 to 2

Tuesday, March 26th

Meeting – noon

Signature Luncheon @ InterContinental

Dave Beal – Mairs & Powers at 90

Tuesday, April 2nd

Meeting @ University Club

Tony Conn & Yogi Reppman – Peace Pipe Project

Tuesday, April 9th

MEETING Rotation Day

Regions Hospital – Sim Lab

Tuesday, April 16th

18th Annual Forum/Meeting 5 to 7pm

Basecamp, Speaker is Bill Doherty, Topic: Polarization – Minding the Gap, Constructive Conversations in a Polarized World

April 19-23

Service: RYLA

Friday, May 10

Service @ 10 to noon or noon to 2

Science Museum

Thank you! Ended at 6:12 pm.

Rotary Club of Saint Paul

March 12, 2024

Jason DeKeuster called the hybrid meeting to order at 12:17 pm. Lynne Beck was scribe. The greeters were John Kupris and Scott Van. The A/V Teach Team was Joel Theisen.

Jason DeKeuster led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance.

For the Inspirational Minute, Anne Rodenberg read the inspiring poem The Human Family by Dr. Maya Angelou. She mentioned that people are celebrating Dr. Angelou’s 95th Anniversary this year. Anne then led the club in the 4-Way Test.

John Kupris introduced guests and visiting Rotarians. Shelly Rucks invited her friend and colleague Joanne Pauley.

What You Don’t Know About Me - John Kupris told about the time he was traveling from Israel to England and stopped in Rome where he attended the audience with Pope John Paul II.

Shelly introduced the speaker, Mick White, a former member of the Saint Paul Rotary Club. Mick is the founder of 100 Year Manifesto. He is an international speaker, teacher, and coach who is empathic and deeply authentic. He talked about how being intentional about living your purpose will change your life – for the good. His 100 Year Manifesto framework provides a compass to live life with purpose.

He said that 12 years ago, his life changed. He left the corporate world to commit to a purpose-driven mission. He is elevated by relationships, family, faith and commitment. One thing he committed himself to was call his mother every day. This meant a lot to her as well as to him. His mother loved the color orange and wore it every day. Now Mick is a single parent to his 8-year-old son.

When counseling, Mick asks some of the following questions:

· What do you have control over?

· What commitments do you need to make?

· If you made decisions based on what is really important 100 years from now, how different would your decisions be?

John Kupris asked for Happy Dollars. John is pleased to have the opportunity to be a member of the Air Force Auxiliary. Dayle Quigley is enjoying a year of adventures: a week in France with her son and a week with her daughter. Scott is so nice to put up with it. Shelly Rucks is happy she doesn’t need to give the pie plate back to Mick.

Jerry Faletti won Rotary Fast Facts – What are the 3 purposes of Rotary?

Jason DeKeuster made the following club announcements:

501: March 19

University Club or online via zoom

5:01 – 6:15 pm

March 21, 2024

5:00 pm – Camp Bar

7:30 pm – “A Unique Assignment,” Minnesota History Theatre

March 23, 2024

Science Museum Service Project

Science Museum of Minnesota

10:00 am- 2:00 pm

Signature Lunch: March 26, 2024

12:15–1:15 pm

InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront or online via zoom

April 9, 2024

Rotation Day

Regions Hospital

New Clinical Simulation Center to train professionals

April 16, 2024

18th Annual Rotary Community Forum

Fort Snelling Basecamp - $30/person

5:00–7:00 pm

April 19-23, 2024

Camp RYLA

Volunteer counselors needed

May 10, 2024

Science Museum Service Project

Science Museum of Minnesota

10:00 am- 2:00 pm

The meeting was adjourned at 1:10 pm.

Lynne Beck

Scribe

Rotary Club of Saint Paul

March 5, 2024

President Heidi Fisher called the hybrid meeting to order at 5:12 pm. Lynne Beck was scribe. The greeter was Shelly Rucks. The A/V Teach Team was Matt Magers.

Heidi Fischer led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance.

For the Inspirational Minute, Jim Hart read a devotion about forgiveness and led the club in the 4-Way Test.

Dana Bruce introduced Ian Wiitanen, spouse of Tricia Wiitanen.

Heidi introduced the speaker, Tricia Wiitanen, a member of the club. She and her husband Ian founded and manage Universal Design. Her topic for the program was Universal Design, Aging in Your Home. Universal Design makes environments accessible, useable and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of age, ability, and mobility. They make residential homes and other living spaces ADA compliant. She said it is less expensive to remodel a home and make it accessible than to go into an assisted living facility. Plus, you own the property. If you remodel your home, you gain it back and more when you sell.

The two rooms Tricia talked about are the bathroom and kitchen. Some accessible bathroom improvements are grab bars, hand-held shower, lights under the vanity, toilet at a comfortable height, bidet, shower seat, non-slip floor, and rocker style light switches. Some kitchen improvements are raised sink, under cabinet lighting, pull-out drawers, USB pug-ins, and counter tops next to appliances. Tricia meets with clients and works with them to create a design plan that makes their house more accessible.

Dana Bruce asked for Happy Dollars. Dana is happy that her good friends moved across the street. Linda Mulhern’s daughter’s friend, a singer from the Netherlands, is competing in the Voice of Finland. Jim Hart is celebrating Caitlin Clark’s basketball accomplishments. Matt is happy that the Mahtomedi girls’ basketball team will play De la Salle in the high school tournament on Thursday.

Jim Hart won Rotary Fast Facts – how many people received a ShelterBox in 2023.

Heidi Fisher made the following club announcements:

Signature Lunch: March 12, 2024

12:15–1:15 pm

InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront or online via zoom

Mick White

March 19, 2024

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Alary’s Bar

Volunteers raise funds for Rotary – tips and % of sales

March 23, 2024

Science Museum Service Project

Science Museum of Minnesota

10:00 am- 2:00 pm

April 9, 2024

Rotation Day

Regions Hospital

New Clinical Simulation Center to train professionals

April 16, 2024

18th Annual Rotary Community Forum

Fort Snelling Basecamp - $30/person

5:00–7:00 pm

April 19-23, 2024

Camp RYLA

Volunteer counselors needed

May 10, 2024

Science Museum Service Project

Science Museum of Minnesota

10:00 am- 2:00 pm

The meeting was adjourned at 6:10 pm.

Lynne Beck

Scribe

At the noon hour on Feb 27, Past President David Dominick opened the meeting. He began by thanking the meeting volunteers: Greeters Melissa Musliner and Michael-jon Pease, scribe Valdi Stefanson, and visiting Rotarians/guests/happy dollars Bo Aylin. Also, a special Thank-You to the technical team of Andrew Vincelli, and Ken Crabb.

Susan Schuster provided the inspirational minute, which referenced current conflicts in the Ukraine and Gaza. How can this be reconciled with Rotary’s Positive Peace mission? She started with a reference to Mother Teresa, who always began with a smile as an empowerment tool to participate and find peace through personal inspiration. Also, quoting John Lennon --- “We can all be dreamers”.

Next up were introductions of three new members:

Andrew Webster is the owner of Master Framers in Lowertown (Recall that Roger Nielsen was the previous owner.) Andrew continues the tradition of framing, restoration and guilding.

Heather Britt is Executive Director of Wilder Research at the Wilder Foundation. Heather’s role is to better understand community and community change over time in order to steward program evaluation of Wilder Foundation activities, and impact ongoing Wilder programming.

Ann Rodenberg is the Director of Individual Giving at Wilder Foundation. She leads efforts to engage individual donors whose charitable support enhances the well-being of families, children and seniors.

Michael-jon Pease introduced today’s speaker, our own member Dr. Ellen Kennedy. She recognized that February is Rotary’s Peace-building and Conflict Prevention Month. Her Pathways to Peace message was punctuated by the presence of a Minnesotan Rotary Peace Scholar.

Ellen’s message spoke of the long tradition of peace missioned by Rotary International, starting back in 1921. Then partnering with UNESCO peace programs, and all the way to a pivotal role in the formation of the United Nations. There’s a ROTARY DAY at the United Nations. Rotary is committed to Positive Peace – to create and sustain peaceful societies. One way is through Global Grants that include the seven Areas of Focus. The Rotary Foundation states “Everything we do promotes peace”.

But today we learn more about Rotary Peace Fellowships and Peace Fellows. Going all in, Rotary has established five Master’s programs and two Certificate Programs in universities in continents throughout the globe.

Rotary provides a full ride to these recipients who are young adults and non-Rotarian. A rigorous vetting protocol brings some 50 candidates forward each year. We can be proud to recognize seven recent Minnesota Peace Fellows.

Ellen then introduced Guled Ibrahim. Guled enthusiastically described the value of his Rotary Peace Fellowship at University of Queensland in Australia. His thesis project was a stint at the United Nations in New York. He got a full-access and in-depth experience there – a lifelong dream come true. Today, Guled is an attorney at the Minneapolis Dept of Civil Rights. He is also on the board of World Without Genocide.

NEXT UP: Details at our website: https://www.stpaulrotary.org/

· 5:01 Meeting: March 5th 5:01 PM - 6:15 PM

Universal Design, Aging in your Home

· Lunch Meeting: March 12 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM

Purpose Elevates with Mick White

· Mar. 21, 2024

Rotary Night Out at the History Theatre: A Unique Assignment

· March 23, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

· May 10, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Volunteer Opportunities at the Science Museum of MN

Respectfully submitted,

Valdi Stefanson

Rotary Club of Saint Paul

February 20, 2024

President Heidi Fisher called the hybrid meeting to order at 5:15 pm. Lynne Beck was scribe. The greeter was Joy McElroy. The A/V Teach Team was Matt Magers.

Heidi Fischer led the Club in the Pledge of Allegiance.

For the Inspirational Minute, Shelly Rucks talked about the upcoming 2024 Rotary International Convention in Singapore and the 8 colors of peace and led the Club in the 4-Way Test.

Ken Crabb introduced two new members, Tony Conn and Mark Howlett. Tony has a distinguished history of work and non-profit involvement. Mark is the Global Portfolio Director at 3M and Board Chair of Park Square Theatre.

Ellen Kennedy introduced Michael Olesen, one of our newest members. His topic was A Love Story and a Dream in Northern Guatemala. Michael is a retired registered nurse, spanning many decades of work in critical care and the healthcare industry. He has spent time in third world economies and providing education to healthcare professionals, primarily in the field of organ transplantation.

Hearts in Action is a non-profit organization founded by Mario and Suzanne Babarczy in 1993. Located in northern Guatemala, the organization’s goal is to interrupt the cycle of poverty through education and job creation. Residents of this part of the country have an illiteracy rate of 90% and an average income of $4,500 per year. With funds from grants and other sources, the couple bought 300 acres of land in the Peten, the poorest department of Guatemala, and built a school in 1996. Over 5,000 students have attended the Jungle School and the literacy rate has been reduced by 90%. Also, youth crime has decreased, 57,000 trees planted to replace those cut down, and one million meals provided. The school provides values-based education and vocational training for youth of all ages.

Hearts in Action has transitioned into developing enterprises and created 105 jobs in 2023. A recent enterprise is Itza Wood, a woodworking company. Local workers are trained to create quality wood products to sell. The company has 30 employees who are able to stay in the area and support their families. They currently need to raise $20,000 to upgrade the woodshop. St. Paul Rotary awarded them a $2,500 grant and they raised another $2,500 through a GoFundMe campaign.

Shelly Rucks asked for Happy Dollars. Amanda Mai, a local actor, is sad that the Old Log Theater is closing after 84 years. Joy McElroy is going on a mission trip to Guatemala in April.

Heidi Fisher made the following Club announcements:

February 21, 2024

Celebrating Students of the Month

Gordon Parks - 8:30 am

February 21, 2024

Feed My Starving Children

Eagan - 7:00–8:45 pm

Signature Lunch: February 27, 2024

Ellen Kennedy and Guled Ibrahim - Peace Fellowship

InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront or online via zoom - 12:15–1:15 pm

April 9, 2024

Rotation Day - Regions Hospital

April 16, 2024

Annual Rotary Community Forum

Fort Snelling Basecamp - 5:00–7:00 pm

April 19-23, 2024

Camp RYLA

May 10, 2024

Science Museum Service Project

Science Museum of Minnesota - 10:00 am–2:00 pm

The meeting was adjourned at 6:22 pm.

Lynne Beck

Scribe

• Board was thanked for support of Winter Spark and Polar Plunge.
• As of February 4, the Polar Plunge raised $2,530, not bad for a first attempt. 70% of these contributions will go directly to our club’s youth serving programs with Hudson Rotary Club retaining 30% for organizing the event. Had we raised more, the percentages would have favored us more. We had three registered Dunkers (John Chandler, Karin Ciano, Victoria Cammack) with John and Karin jumping in.
• Amanda did not have enough hours in January to distribute acknowledgement letters and annual tax statements so those are in progress.
• Treasurer’s Report:
  • The investment team met after the last foundation board meeting. Doug was not in attendance to provide a report but Jerry indicated we are maintaining a healthy balance. Doug recommended this is a good time with market performance to withdraw cash if necessary. We decided to transfer $20,000.
  • Since our last meeting we requested payments for these approved service projects: BSA Event, Hearts in Action, Guatemala Clean Water, Youth Exchange and the outstanding 2022-2023 Camp RYLA Feed My Starving Children invoice.
  • An action item is looking into Winter Spark revenue to ensure it has all been accounted for.
• Board leads provided updates about the Camp RYLA Task Force, Centennial Scholars, Coffee fundraiser, and Education Day Task Force.
• An update was shared about the great work Deb Katzmark is doing for Second Century Society. Plans are coming together to attempt to contact everyone who has been listed as a SCS member to reconfirm commitments as well promote to prospective members.
• Amanda and John continue to work with a vendor to order more Elmer L. Andersen Fellowship recognition pins.
• Discussion continued about the next campaign to help rebuild the endowment. Only five of our members were present again so we plan to have another discussion. Leading ideas are to focus on Camp RYLA and Rotary Youth Exchange restricted funds. Emerging ideas are Education Day and administrative costs. We will seek club input through a survey in coordination with the club board. Please reach out to any foundation board member to share your thoughts.
• Initial plans were made for the June 4 foundation social at Camp Bar in place of a Club 501 meeting. Mark your calendars.
• No Past President report was provided for a club update.
• Our next board meeting is May 21.

Incoming President Shelly Rucks called St. Paul Rotary’s 501 on January 2^nd to order.  Tech Team support was handled by Matt Magers and Ken Crabb.  Our meeting began with the pledge of allegiance.  Ken Schaefer introduced our newest club member Khadija Zeigi, a social studies teacher for St. Paul Public Schools.  Susan Rostkoski read a blessing as her inspirational moment and then led our Club with the Four-Way Test.  There were no guests at the meeting so Bo Aylin’s duties were easy.

Our meeting speakers Joan Bibelhausen and our very own Karin Ciano shared what the purpose of Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers Organization does and Lawyer Regulation in Minnesota.  Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers is an independent not for profit organization in Minnesota.  They are a support system for lawyers, judges, law students and legal professionals.  They supported over 411 cases in 2023.

Lawyer Regulation was provided by Karin.  There are over 26,260 lawyers in Minnesota and they receive 1000 complaints per year.  They give advisory opinions, provide a client security fund and also have service opportunities for non-lawyers to get involved.

Rotary’s Fast Facts Question of the Day was “What is the name of the Rotary Group for Lawyers?”  Answer:  Rotarian Lawyers Fellowship.  Karin was awarded a Rotary coffee mug.

Bo Aylin collected happy dollars from many of our Rotarians.

As club announcements winded down our meeting, announcements included the 2024 St. Croix River Dunk; an upcoming service project with DECA and a preview of upcoming speakers for our January meetings.  Twenty-five Rotarians had a great evening and it was a great way to kick off 2024.

Dave Dominick, Scribe.

Rotary Club of Saint Paul

December 19, 2023

President Heidi Fisher called the hybrid meeting to order at 5:16 pm. Lynne Beck was scribe. The greeter was Susan Rostkoski. The A/V Teach Team was Noble Orji and Matt Magers.

Heidi Fischer led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance and the 4-Way Test.

For the Inspirational Minute, Shelly Rucks read poignant quotes from Dolly Parton and Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Michael-jon Pease introduced two friends of Shelly Rucks.

Jay Pfaender introduced the speaker, Dennis Van Norman, author of the book Treading a Kayak Down the Mississippi – A Journey Through the River’s Cultures and Characters.

Dennis was born and raised in St. Paul where he enjoyed playing in Indian Mounds, climbing on the limestone bluffs and cliffs overlooking the Mississippi River, and exploring the caves along the riverbank. He graduated from the University of Minnesota and the College of St. Thomas. His writing includes work for the corporate world, a column for a small-town Wisconsin newspaper and a book of poetry. His book Treading a Kayak Down the Mississippi – A Journey Through the River’s Cultures and Characters, is part history, nature, travel and memoir. The forward was written by Don Shelby, an avid fan of the Mississippi.

Dennis gave a very interesting talk about his experiences kayaking down the Mississippi, from the headwaters in Minnesota to New Orleans. This journey took 13 years since he took short day trips. He met many fascinating people on his travels and became known as Dangerous Eddie. Dennis related stories of some of the people he met along the way. He used 2 cue cards when he met new people that said: “What is your name?” and “Where are you from?” This opened up many opportunities to get to know people and learn about their lives. This was the highlight of his journey. When asked about the wild life he observed, Dennis mentioned bears, alligators, flying fish and armadillos, among others.

Michael-jon Pease asked for Happy Dollars. They included dollars for Shelly Rucks who will see both her daughters soon and Doug Hartford for his visit to the Praxis Gallery where his photo is exhibited.

Doug Hartford won Rotary Fast Facts.

Heidi Fisher made the following club announcements:

December 29, 2023

Science Museum Service Project

Science Museum of Minnesota

10:00 am- 2:00 pm

501: January 2, 2024

University Club or online via zoom

5:01 – 6:15 pm

Karin Ciano: When the Helpers Need Help: Well Being for Lawyers and Other Professionals.

January 5, 2024

Judge DECA

Intercontinental, St. Paul

7:00 am- 2:00 pm

February 2024

St. Croix River Dunk: Fundraising and Fun

Lynne Beck reported that long-time St. Paul Rotarian and past president Blake Davis has died.

The meeting closed at 6:19 pm.

Lynne Beck

Scribe

Agenda, December 12, 2023

12:15 Welcome/Call to Order Heidi Fisher, President

12:16 Pledge of Allegiance All

Thank you to today’s meeting support team: Jason Dekeuster & Shelly Rucks (greeters); Melissa Musliner (introducing Visiting Rotarians/Guests/Happy Dollars); Joy McElroy (Inspirational Minute & Four Way Test); Michael-jon Pease (Scribe); Ken Crabb, Matt Magers, & Andrew Vinicelli (Technology Team); Amanda Mai (Club Coordinator)

Joy McElroy shared the poem All the Way by Joy Rev Sarah Speed for inspiration.

Susan Rostkoski introduced new member Susan Schuster – a 35-year resident of Saint Paul and enthusiastic PhD candidate at Hamline University. Career highlights include Securian, Travelers, executive compensation consulting, as well as board service for dozens of nonprofit organizations.

Featured Speaker

Heidi Fisher introduced Rachel Hickok of People Incorporated to address Community Mental Health

· We have a saying at People Incorporated that “mental health is community health.”

· People Incorporated was founded in 1969. The name refers to the founding belief that people with mental illness should not be isolated by instead be “incorporated” back into the community.

· More than 11,000 people annually at a cost of $1.5M in annual unreimbursed care/services

· More than 300 calls into the care center every day

· 95% of clients say their health has been improved after working with the organization

Collaborative Partnership with the St. Paul Police Dept. This partnership started in 2018, prior to the recent increase in similar programs across the country.

· One social worker embedded in the department

· One licensed alcohol and drug counselor on call

· Connecting people in crisis directly to help significantly reduces crisis related arrests and repeat calls for service

The partnership has gone so well that there is now a similar partnership with Roseville Police Dept. The combination of People Incorporated resources and community networks, combined with Police resources are leading to better outcomes.

In fall 2023, this collaborative partnership grew to include an embedded social worker in Saint Paul Public Libraries to help triage the rise in unsheltered individuals using libraries for shelter.

Training Institute trains community members to better de-escalate crisis situations (from grocery store clerks managing the COVID mask mandates to librarians and other front-line workers.)

Street outreach team based in Saint Paul. The team addresses immediate needs and develops relationships that might take as long as two years to get some unsheltered community members ready to use the full suite of services.

Nominations Ballot

· President: Shelly Rucks

· President Elect Nominee: Jason DeKeuster

· Immediate Past President: Heidi Fisher

· Treasurer: Bo Aylin (year two)

· Secretary: Dr. Ellen Kennedy

· Sargeant at Arms: Ken Schaefer

· Director Emeritus: Carla Hauge

· First term directors: Dana Bruce, Beth Naughten, Noble Orji, Christopher Taykalo, Kinumo Usuda

Dana Bruce offered the What You Don’t Know About Me segment. Inspired by the featured speaker, Dana shared that her uncle who fought in Vietnam. Despite a successful career at Control Data, he suffered from PTSD so Dana felt very moved by today's presentation.

Rotary Fast Facts: What are the three priority areas around mental health that RI President Gordon McInally announced this year? 1) Erase stigma; 2) Raise awareness; and 3) Improve access to mental health services.

Happy Dollars: Doug Hartford (thanks to the WinterSpark planning committee and blatant plug for the opening this Sat at Praxis Photo Gallery, which features one of his photos); Shelly Rucks (thanks to the nominating committee and those candidates who said “yes”); Ken Crabb (wore his Rotary pin at a medical convention and two drug reps mentioned they were interested in Rotary!); Matt Magers (thanks to the Tech Team!); Karin Ciano (missed WinterSpark, but happy that it went well); Susan Schuster (shout out to Dana Bruce for sharing the story of her uncle – sharing our stories helps erase stigma around mental illness); Heidi Fisher (shout out to Shelly Rucks for stepping in at WinterSpark).

Winter Spark Recap

Thanks to the committee: Scott Arndt, Melissa Musliner, Susan Rostkoski, Doug and Pat Hartford, Deb Katzmark, Michael-jon Pease. Net of just under $39,000 for the foundation!

St. Croix River Dunk: Feb 3, 2024 from 1-2:30 (day before the Super Bowl for those who play). Hosted by Hudson Rotary (80% of our funds raised come back to our foundation for youth serving programs). See Victoria Cammack to be involved.

Dunkers (to date) that you can support with your pledge:

· Victoria Cammack

· John Chandler

· Karin Ciano

Upcoming Programs (thank you Susan Rostkoski and Jay Pfaender!)

· Dec 19: Seth Fine, Be the Match

· Jan 9: John Marshall, Xcel Energy

· Scott Burns, venture capitalist, owner of the Osborn Building

· Sen John Marty re: handgun safety

· Dirk DeYoung, Business Journal

· Dean Phillips

· Laurie Studevant

· Mike Klingsworth

· Pat Myles, former WCCO broadcaster and author

Sincere thanks for joining us today.

Create peace and hope in yourself, in each other, and in our world!

Rotary Club of Saint Paul

November 14, 2023

President Heidi Fisher called the hybrid meeting to order at 12:15 pm. The greeters were Scott Arndt and Scott Van. The A/V Tech Team was Matt Magers and Ken Crabb. Lynne Beck was scribe.

Heidi led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance and in a minute of silence for the passing of Rotary Past President Charles Field.

For the Inspirational Minute Steve Young read Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and his Proclamation for the Day of Thanksgiving, the last Thursday of November, and led members in the 4-Way Test.

Heidi recognized veterans by asking them to come forward and state their branch of service and the number of years served. We celebrated Veteran’s Day on November 11. It was originally called Armistice Day to commemorate the signing of the armistice that ended WWI on November 11, 1918. The name was changed to Veteran’s Day in 1954.

Ken Schaefer announced the new membership initiative. The call to action is to: invite a prospect to a meeting, join an ad hoc committee through June 30th, serve as a mentor, and provide names to KMSSchsefre2014@gmail.com or 651-363-1268.

Ken Schaefer introduced the speaker, Rachel Hammer, Director of the VA Center for Development and Civic Engagement. Rachel, who assumed her present position in 2021, said that there are three veteran centers in Minnesota: Minneapolis, St. Paul and Duluth. She works at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center.

There are a wide range of volunteer positions within the health care system. They include: Greeter/Wayfinders, Coffee Cart, Inpatient Pharmacy, Escorting, Patient Satisfaction Survey, Palliative Unit Care, Front Desk, Social Work Office, and Food Pantry. There are also volunteer opportunities at Fisher House across from the VA, a home for families to stay when a veteran is receiving care.

Rachel talked about the VA Center’s recent achievements.

· Winter Holiday Gift Project – served 100 families

· First Women’s Veteran Retreat in the Spring of 2023

· Phase one of the Food Pantry

· National Sock Day – give socks to veterans

· Chemotherapy Kit Project

· Distributed patriotic hats, pins and hygiene kits

On the Horizon

· 200 turkeys donated by the Vikings to families of veterans

· National Volunteer Recognition Week

· Initiation of Food Pantry Project – Building a space for the food pantry

Rachel said they are looking for volunteers and developing a relationship with the Rotary Club.

Youth can also volunteer for most of the positions or can shadow a clinician to learn about a positive career.

Heidi asked if anyone knows the name of the Rotary Fellowship Group for Veterans. Todd Nicholson received a Rotary cap for guessing International Fellowship of Rotarian Military Veterans.

Dave Dominick asked for Happy Dollars. Linda Mulhern accompanied 23 exchange students to River Falls to participate in wall climbing and skating. Doug Hartford is visiting his grandchildren next week and has a photo in the Minneapolis Praxis Gallery exhibit. Jason Bradshaw’s daughter and son are in music and theatre activities. Matt Magers’ son just got an exciting new job.

Heidi Fisher made the following club announcements:

501: November 21

University Club or online via zoom

5:01 – 6:15 pm

Patti Isaacs: The Second Long March: China’s Economic Transformation

Signature Lunch: November 28

12:15 – 1:15 pm

InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront or online via zoom

Nagasaki Sister City Visit

Winter Spark 2023: December 7

6:30-9:30 pm

Metro State University

Heidi announced she and her husband Andy will donate $50 to the St. Paul Rotary Foundation for anyone who registers by November 24.

What You Don’t Know About Me

Bo Aylin said he has been in a band since he was 13 and shook the hand of President Jimmy Carter.

The meeting adjourned at 1:17 pm.

Lynne Beck

Scribe

St. Paul’s 501 Meeting held on November 7th featured “Exploring Rotary International Conventions” and the hopes of hosting the 2029 International Convention in the Twin Cities.

President Heidi tapped her wine glass at 5:20 pm calling the meeting to order.

President Heidi shared that our Club will honor at Tuesday’s Signature Luncheon on November 14 veterans from our Club for their service to our country.

Paul Meekin provided the inspirational minute, a poem “Guest House” and lead thirty-two Rotarians in the 4-Way Test.

Guests and visiting Rotarians were introduced by Sherry Howe.

With the theme of International Conventions, President Heidi reflected on the two conventions that she attended which was Houston and Australia. Past President Jay Pfaender reflected on the 1974 International Convention held in the Twin Cities. 10,353 attendees from 71 countries represented. Jay highlighted events from the 65th Convention.

PDG Ken Crabb shared his convention experience as well. Ken attended his first convention in 1993 and has attended 11 international conventions. Ken liked the international flag presentation, house of friendship and the scope of service projects presented.

Ken indicated that the 2029 bid is between Minneapolis and San Francisco. The International Board will choose a site by January 2024.

There were plenty of happy dollars flowing through the crowd. Trivia Fun Fact was where and when was the first international convention held? Dave Dominick and Jim Delamater were in a contested race to win the prize. Dave was the winner but graciously gave his winnings to fellow Rotarian Jim. First convention was held in 1910 in the windy city Chicago.

President Heidi reviewed upcoming events.

It was a great evening with a room full of enthusiastic Rotarians hoping to host a 2029 Convention in the Twin Cities.

Meeting Notes – Rotary Club 10

Tuesday, October 31, 2023

St. Paul Rotary Club 10’s latest Signature Luncheon was held on Tuesday, October 31 at the InterContinental Hotel. Seating was handled differently this week in pursuit of the Rotary principle of building better friendships. Everyone drew a random seating assignment based on a Halloween theme. Thanks to Brianna Haglin for her creativity and unbound artistic talent in implementing this “spooky” surprise.

President Heidi Fischer noted that the St. Paul Rotary Foundation and Rotary International Foundation were being presented side by side, identifying programs that are in parallel and our impact locally and internationally. “However you choose to contribute makes a difference.”

President Heidi recognized our volunteers for the day, including greeters Dion Powers and Tamara Sparrow. The inspirational minute, five minute, seven minutes was a fascinating biography lesson focused on Paul Harris and his impact on the world brought to us by Bob Cardinal, thanks Bob! The Tech Team of Matt Magers, Andrew Vincelli, and Al Zdrazil kept us online successfully; Chad Roberts was the Scribe; Dave Dominick introduced guests and visiting Rotarians, a light lift this week as there were no guests or visiting Rotarians, but we could tell Dave was well prepared, which he demonstrated later when he deftly handled ten(!) Happy Dollar’s donors! As always, Amanda Mai provided excellent staff support for the meeting.

John Chandler presented on the activities and goals of the Saint Paul Rotary Foundation. Nine Rotarians serve on the board, mostly previous presidents. Over the course of the past year, the foundation board reviewed the scholarship program, began publishing board meeting summaries in the HUB, continued the coffee fundraiser, held a joint board meeting with club board, and hosted a year-end club social at Camp bar. In the coming year the foundation is launching a polar plunge fundraiser, will publish a 2022-2023 annual report, prepare for leadership succession, promote the Second Century Society more, and will study ideas for the next big campaign in partnership with the club board.

Jason Bradshaw MC’d the next part of the report, identified that the foundation report format has been updated, improvements made in accuracy, and the board’s intention to develop more diverse funding for the Foundation.

Jerry Falletti reported on the Foundation finances, gross revenue was about $147,000, expenses and grants totaled about $92,000; net assets increased this year and total about $900,000.

Michael-jon Pease presented on the Elmer L. Andersen Fellows program. New fellows who have given $1,000 or more to Saint Paul Rotary Foundation this past year include: Amy and Pete Grayson, Robert Mairs, Elisa Rasmussen, Susan Rostkoski, and Carolyn Will. Thank you all for your support!

Linda Mulhern presented on the Centennial Scholarships program. There are five current recipients and eight graduates. The most recent awardee is Annabelle Gifford, who is attending South Dakota State University, Go Jackrabbit’s!

Dave Dominick presented on projects supported by the foundation last year. These included grants for the administration of the club, Camp RYLA, Cherish All Children, Neighborhood House, Nyamuswa Water Project, and Rondo Center of Diverse Expression. See the foundation annual report for a complete list.

Dion Powers shared an updated on the coffee fundraiser originally started by the Sunrise Club in partnership with Velasquez Coffee. All club members are encouraged to get their orders in soon for the holidays, 29% of purchase price goes to foundation.

John Chandler shared updates on several foundation funding plans, including a little background on the Second Century Society, Club 10’s planned giving society. The Foundation will be more actively asking people to participate in the Second Century program over the coming year. He also provided an update on Winter Spark (December 7), early bird registration closes on November 16, register now! Winter Spark is held the first Thursday in December, this year at the Great Hall at Metro State University. John also shared more details on the 2024 St. Croix River Dunk that will be held on Saturday, February 2, 2024 in Hudson. This is a new fundraiser for the club, and 80% of the donations secured by Club 10 will come back to the foundation and 20% will be retained by the Hudson Rotary Club that is hosting the event and handling all the logistics.

Valdi Stefanson presented on the Rotary International Foundation. Contributions by Rotarians to the RI Foundation are held for three years to generate operating revenue for the foundation and then are returned to Rotary programs in two large silos – 50% to the World Fund that supports global grants and programs; and 50% to district designated grant funds that support local and international projects.

Current projects funded by Rotary Club 10 include providing 650 ONIL Water purifiers in Guatemala, serving 6,500 people. Also in Guatemala, the club is supporting the acquisition of woodworking equipment for a Uitza wood production shop that provides jobs and training for local artisans. In the future, a greenhouse project in Bolivia is expected to recommended for funding.

Brianna Haglin identified the following awards and recognitions – well done to everyone involved!

- John Guthmann accepted a Paul Harris award on behalf of his mother Betsy Guthmann.

- New Paul Harris awards to Eddie Coblentz, Andrew Vincelli, Paul Kotz, and Peter Rosendale

- Polio Plus Sustaining Pin recipients: Carla Hauge, Ken Crabb, Karen Ciano, and Paul Kotz

Rotary Fast (and Fun) Facts for the day featured the Rotary International Foundation. John Chandler was closest in guessing the date the foundation was founded (1917). We all learned the Foundation was started by Arch Klumph, it’s first gift was $26.50 to the Easter Seals organization.

In closing the meeting, president Heidi reminded everyone to sign up and attend the Club’s upcoming events.

Submitted by Chad Roberts, Scribe

St. Paul Rotary’s Signature Luncheon held on Tuesday, October 24 was delightful with District Governor Patricia McCleese visiting our Club for her official visit as DG.  President Heidi Fisher called the meeting to order and welcomed our Governor.

Past President Michael-jon Pease shared highlights of World Polio Day which is celebrated on October 24 and led the Club with the Four Way Test.

Past District Governor Joe Kovarik did a superb job with introducing our District Governor.

District Governor Patricia shared three parts of her presentation.  Part 1 featured her husband and their two cats; one named Trouble and one named GW.

Part 2 featured highlights from the recent Zone Meeting.  4 goals include increase impact; expand our reach; increase our ability to adapt; and enhance participant engagement.  As she discussed Create Hope in the World, she asked club members to describe in their own thoughts what this means.  Her final portion of the presentation was Part 3 which was the Value of Being a Rotarian.  Our Club participated in table discussion sharing our Rotary moment and why we were Rotarians.

As the meeting wrapped up, upcoming events were shared and plenty of happy Rotarians had happy dollars to share.  The meeting’s Rotary FUN Fact was what year did the campaign Fight Against Polio begin?  It was the year 1979!

It was a great day to be a St. Paul Rotarian and a great day to have our District Governor inspire Club 10!

David Dominick, Scribe

Rotary Minutes Oct.17 , 2023.

5:20 Heidi opened the meeting.

Heidi passed out Tom Farnham’s obit and said she was also going to do a club-wide email. Heidi passed out a card to be signed be all to be sent to Tom’s family.

Heidi thanked the Meeting Support Team:

· Greeter

o Michael-jon Pease

· Happy Dollars & Introduction of Guest & Visiting Rotarians

o Dana Bruce

· Inspirational Minute and Four Way Test

o Susan Schuster

· Scribe

o Paul Meekin

· Technology Team

o Ken Crabb, Noble Orji, & Al Zdrazil

· Club Coordinator

o Amanda Mai

Heidi led pledge of allegiance.

Susan Schuster gave the inspirational minute and 4-way test.

Dana Bruce led the introduction of visiting Rotarians guests.

· Dr. Ken Crabbe introduced Mark Howlett who is from 3M and is Chair of the Board of Park Square Theater

Dana Introduction the speaker: Joy McElroy, Director, Cherish All Children

· Joy has 30 years of business and non-profit experience.

· Joined LSS in 2017 as ED of Cherish All Children.

· Joy is passionate about supporting children and youth.

Joy’s talk:

· Cherish all Children is a part of Metro Youth Services at Lutheran Social Services

· Cherish All Children: Raising Healthy Generations Free from Sexual Exploitation

· Cherish All Children’s mission is to educate, equip and engage churches & communities to prevent child sexual exploitation & trafficking.

· Work on prevention is critical

· Cherish works with kids in groups over a series of 4 sessions.

o Learn what sexual exploitation and trafficking is

o What are the red flags

o Learn about online safety

o In the 4th session the children do a safety plan

· Partner with other organizations like MNCASA

o They train Law enforcement how to do investigations without causing extra trauma to the victims.

· This is an issue in all communities.

· It is critical to be there for the children, to protect then, and to educate them.

· Prevention is possible.

· What are some youth vulnerabilities: Poverty, racism, homelessness.

· How do we teach young people to be safe?

· Gave examples of how law enforcement work to catch perpetrators.

· We can’t get out of this issue just by arresting people, we must take a wholistic approach.

· Ramsey County Attorney John Choi is a huge advocate for child safety. Choi says, “How we raise our boys matters. Trafficking is about demand.”

· Law enforcement has a task force across jurisdictions to do sting operations. It is a community-wide problem.

· Online exploitation & Sextortion:

o This is not just girls’ issue; sextortion often targets teen boys.

o It’s up to us to help kids “get out” of these situations to explain to them that they aren’t the bad guy, the perpetrator is. The perps will continue to go after kids until they are caught by law enforcement.

· Some definitions:

o Sexual exploitation happens when anything of value or a promise of value (like money, drugs, food, a place to stay, rent, or higher status in a gang or group) is given to you or another person in exchange for any type of sex.

§ This includes involving minors in pornography, threatening to or sharing sexually explicit photos or videos, strip clubs and exotic dancing.

o Trafficking may involve a third party, not the sex buyer or the victim, who facilitates and profits from the exploitation. However, any child under 18 who is involved in a commercial sex act is legally a victim of trafficking regardless of whether there is a third party involved.

· Safe Harbor Youth Resources: as of 2011 a victim of trafficking or sexual exploitation cannot be charged with prostitution.

· Ways that Rotary can get involved:

· 1) Rotary Human Trafficking Initiative – Club Engagement Toolkit

o Designate a Club Champion(s); form a committee of 3-5 members

o Partner with local experts to identify areas of greatest impact based on community needs

o Decide on a focus area: AWARENESS, PREVENTION, EDUCATION, VICTIM SUPPORT

· 2) Join our District conversation – Let’s Talk About Ending Human Trafficking

o Thursday, October 26, 4:00-4:30pm, Zoom

· 3) Continued Partnership with Cherish All Children

o Ongoing support for our work and partnership together

· 4) Holiday Gifts for Youth Experiencing Homelessness

· Your participation in Youth Holiday Gifts provides hope & community connection to young people at risk of exploitation and trafficking

· Question: If a young person gets involved with sextortion online, how do they report it?

o “Take it down” a website that will help take down an image.

o There is a way to remove the images from a phone in an encrypted manner.

o Al Z. said that law enforcement does need a copy of the picture and has a way to retrieve it from a phone.

o National Center for missing and exploited children: They scan the web for known pictures to get them taken down.

· Question: What are the statistics for African Americans and Native Americans?

o Joy: I don’t have statistics but know that both groups are at a higher risk?

· Ken C.: “What do you know?”: What are the 5 avenues of service:

o Club service

o International service

o Vocational service

o Community service

o Youth service

Dana: Happy Dollars

Announcements: GET FROM DECK

· Oct 24 Signature Meeting

· Oct 25 Board Meeting

· Dec 7 Winter Spark

· Nov 11: RI Foundation Dinner for the District

Heidi adjourned at 6:22

Paul Meekin, Scribe

Rotary Minutes Oct.10 , 2023.

President Heidi opened the meeting. Bob Cardinal gave the Inspirational minute. Bo Aylin did happy dollars and introductions. Ken Schaffer had two guests from the History Theatre: Terry Mueller and Rob Thomas. They are perspective members. Brianna introduced our speaker who was member Segundo Velázquez who spoke about Mano a Mano. He came here from Bolivia in 1969. By 1994 he had established the service group of Mano y Mano, hand in hands. Bolivia is a very poor country. They have items to ship all over their house, to this day. They will do 3, 40 foot containers of medical supplies etc and ship them to Bolivia. The Water Project that you have all heard about was begun in 1994. This was a hugely important project for Bolivia. It was completed in 2008. It brought water up to Bolivia for at least 35,000 people. Farmers had to learn how to grow things with the water. They learned quickly! Mano began as a medical supply, all volunteer organization. By 2022 they have shipped 110 tons of medical supplies from surgery tables, to X-ray machines and medications. In 1997 the Mayor of the town had not paid the nurse her salary. This nurse bought many medical supplies with her own money. So the people of the town went to the mayor and said they wouldn’t leave until her paid the nurse! Which he did. Infant mortality is down 90%. There are 187 clinics today. They have built many green houses in Bolivia. The climate while being very dry, is often cold and windy. By having the green houses they can plant crops all year long. They were taught how to mulch, fertilize, composting skills, crop rotation and other important farm skills. In 2023 there was no rain in Bolivia so their water project paid off really well. Man y Mano is the only agency that is building infrastructure in Bolivia. Teacher sin the schools are supplied by the government. The Ministry of Health sends the doctors to the clinics.

Our Rotarian that we didn’t know much about was Jay Phaender. We didn’t know that he was involved with Capital Airlines that flew out of our downtown airport. Then he was involved with Sun Country, when he was at Drake bank!

Laurie Murphy, scribe

One brilliant night to make lasting change

• Games and prizes
• Enjoy wine and a meal with your friends
• Celebrate the Impact created by D5960 clubs
• Raise even more money for the Foundation

At the noon hour on Sept 26, President Heidi Fisher opened the meeting.  She began by thanking the meeting volunteers: Greeters Deb Katzmark and Dayle Quigley, scribe Valdi Stefanson, and visiting Rotarians/guests/happy dollars Todd Nicholson.  Also, a special Thank-You to Beth Naughton for pinch-hitting for the absent Amanda Mai.

Tamara Sparrow provided the inspirational minute, which referenced yesterday’s Memorial Day.  She quoted from the Dare to Lead book, which emphasizes that leadership involves vulnerability.  Be forceful in making points, yes --- but then listen to other opinions with equal passion.  Thereafter, we all joined her in reciting the 4-way test. 

Next up was a thank you for two recent community service projects – Science Museum and an “all-female: crew that assisted with a Habitat For Humanity build.  Noteworthy were some first-time experiences with power tools, and no blood spilled!

Jin Hart introduced the featured speaker Dr. MayKao Y. Hang.  She is Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, and Founding Dean, of Morrison Family College of Health at the University of St. Thomas.  And no stranger to club 10.  A few years ago, she spoke with us about the dream and the challenge of the newest college at St. Thomas.  This discussion, then, will provide a postscript and update.  The college has grown to 809 students, and all are on a mission to change the model to advance health equity.

And speaking of cultural, racial, and gender disparity, Dr. Hang speaks from the heart.  You see, as a four-year-old,  MayKao was part of the 1^st wave of Hmong immigrants that arrived in Minnesota.  And here some productive years later, she is a leading academician addressing an issue that impacted her community.  What an inspiration to us Rotarians! 

In short, healthcare delivery is not equal.  The College is dedicated to advancing health equity through whole-person care and re-imaging protocols to teach and train the next generation of leaders differently to address health disparities.  Its goal is to teach healing, hope, and social change.  To have its graduates serve with compassion and diversity.  This involves a family-based collective model. 

Noting that US spending on healthcare is the highest of any country (18% of GDP), we don’t have a money problem --- we have an allocation problem.  Uneven allocation by gender and race.   The College Goals: 

-          30% of students from underrepresented populations

-          adding scholarships for male nurses

-          first-generation college students

-          rural students who graduate and return home  

Next, President Heidi Fisher made a large announcement.  After a year of hard work by the club’s Venue Team, and ratified by the Board, the decision has been made to remain at the Intercontinental Hotel for our noon signature meetings.  A game changer was that we have now secured parking in the Victory Ramp for $3 per two hours. Valet at the Intercontinental remains an option for those who choose.  The Board realizes that there is work to be done to improve the membership experience at the hotel (e.g. food).

The venue team was asked to look into over 30 venues. This list was winnowed down into three, and meetings were held at CHS Field, Intercontinental Hotel, and Como Park. Surveys seeking feedback were sent to members following each meeting.  More recently, a final survey was sent asking all members to rank the venues. The results were very close, almost evenly split, and there was no definitive choice from our members.  However, an overarching theme was that a large majority of the club wanted to stay downtown.

NEXT UP:

• 5:01 Meeting:               October 3rd     5:01 PM - 6:15 PM
• Lunch Meeting:            October 10       12:00 PM - 1:15 PM

Respectfully submitted,

Valdi Stefanson

• Scribe - Ken Schaefer
• Greeter - Bill Collins
• Technology Team - Matt Majors, Dave Wolfgram and Al Zdrazil
• Visiting Rotarians, Guests, and Happy Dollars - Brianna Haglin

• Ron Peluso, the recently retired Artistic Director of History Theatre.  Ron will speak at our Signature luncheon on March 28th.
• Shelly Rucks will lead a discussion of club venues at the April 4 “501”.
• Robb Hiller, CEO and author from Performance Solutions is our speaker for the Signature luncheon on April 11.
• There is no Tuesday meeting on April 19 with members encouraged to attend the 17th annual Sunrise Forum on Wednesday, April 19. The forum will run from 7:15 to 9:15 AM and with the topic “The Crisis is Ours - Kids Schools and Mental Health”. The forum will be held at the Woman’s Club of Minneapolis located at 10 Oak Grove Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota.   President Dominick will donate $500 to RCSP Foundation if 20 members attend.   Register at  https://givebutter.com/sunrise23
• The club has a social event scheduled for Thursday, March 4, 2023, at a performance of The Defeat of Jesse James at the History Theatre. The play starts at 7:30 and there is a social hour scheduled for 5:30 PM at the nearby Camp Bar. 
• Members were encouraged to invite guests and perspective members to the forum and the play.